Inspired by the relational and convening role of churches during the pandemic—such as St George’s and the Shadwell Responds and St Andrew’s and Stamford Hill Unite—and using the asset-based methodology of the Near Neighbours programme, this new workstream emerged, focusing on:
...within our churches
(“roots down”)
about how to follow Jesus Christ in these times, acting for mercy, justice and peace
...with our neighbours
(“walls down”)
We’re excited to be a delivery partner in a national pilot project which will be harnessing the potential of organising to challenge division and cultivate hope. Led by Together Liverpool, and funded by the Church of England’s Racial Justice Unit, the Countering Hate, Cultivating Hope pilot will run in Liverpool and Chelmsford Diocese until March 2029, with CTC delivering the work in the Diocese of Chelmsford.
The aim of the project is to develop a model that can be shared more widely across the Church of England. CTC’s work will begin in the Barking Episcopal Area (with TELCO), and in time develop in the Bradwell Episcopal Area (with Essex Citizens), and will build on our wider work with congregations. We want to develop a way of doing this work that flows out of our wider work with Church of England congregations through Organising for Growth.
You can find out more about the national project here. And you can read Pope Francis’ address to a CTC conference for Catholics in community organising here.
We are also Organising for Hope in a range of other contexts, with opportunities for mutual learning
- We are working with Tyne & Wear Citizens Christian Leaders’ Caucus (which includes Roman Catholic, URC, Salvation Army and Church of England leaders) on a process of listening, theological reflection and action for Effective Ministry in the North East in a Time of National Polarisation and Fragmentation. Read Fr Richard’s blog here.
- We are supporting Christians in Tower Hamlets Citizens to reflect together on how to walk with Jesus in these times – and to deepen conversation and action with neighbours of other faiths. This includes a “Cable Street Conversations” project, 90 years after the Battle of Cable Street, and an ongoing campaign for affordable homes on that street and others near it today.
- We are working with Christian leaders in Hackney Citizens to build relationships with their Jewish and Muslim neighbours, creating spaces for honest conversation on identity and belonging, and moving towards shared local action that strengthens trust and builds community resilience.
