In November 2025, grassroots leaders, community organisers and researchers gathered to explore the idea that in fact we need more populism, not less…

Drawing on the teaching of Pope Francis – including his address to a CTC conference in 2021 – we explored the idea of an “inclusive populism” in which local people are the agents of change. This was contrasted with “fake populisms” of both right and left in which “working people” are talked about but are not in the driving seat of change.

This was a conference with a difference, in which local leaders took the floor – and learning began with their experience, which was brought into dialogue with academic research. It was an exciting step for CTC, as we develop ways of doing research as well as action in which (in Francis’ words) “the people are the protagonists”.

This was achieved by creating intentional spaces throughout the conference for people to learn from one another, exchange practical insights, and build relationships grounded in shared values and challenges. Participants took part in structured presentations, facilitated discussions, and small-group exchange. These sessions allowed guests to explore how faith communities across Europe are responding to rising social and political polarisation.

The next Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop Sarah Mullaly, sent a message of encouragement to those gathering (see below) which said this work “is needed today, perhaps more than ever” – and praised CTC’s work with churches on the Organising for Growth programme, as it “develops the confidence and leadership of those who are furthest from political and economic power.”

Stories shared at the event included the work of Keisha Nembhard-Andrade with Christian and Jewish communities in Stamford Hill, action by Christians and Muslims in Berlin and in Tower Hamlets, work to develop young leaders in Newham, and a parish using organising for its “Synodal journey” in Rome.

These experiences were brought into dialogue with the framework of “contending populisms” developed by CTC Director Angus Ritchie in his 2019 book Inclusive Populism, and the wider team at the Centre in a growing body of reflection and participatory research. In his 2021 address, Pope Francis hailed this approach as embodying his vision of “a politics of fraternity, rooted in the life of the people”.

The conference demonstrated a growing appetite across Europe for deeper collaboration, shared reflection, and collective action rooted in faith and community organising. It brought together leaders and thinkers who are navigating increasingly complex social and political landscapes yet remain committed to building trust, strengthening relationships, and fostering resilient communities. The outcomes of the event – new international partnerships, a strengthened understanding of faith-filled community organising, and a forthcoming publication – mark an important step in developing a more connected and confident field of practice.

As Europe continues to face polarisation, populism, and social fragmentation, the lessons from this gathering underscore the importance of investing in faith-based civic leadership and in the community organising tools that help communities act together for the common good. The work begun at this conference will continue to grow through ongoing collaboration, future projects, and the publication that will carry these insights forward.

We are grateful to the Future 500 Programme at Dialogue Perspectives (DP) for funding this event.

Bishop Sarah’s message to the conference

I am delighted to extend my greetings to you as you gather for this conference on “Faith-filled Community Organising across Europe: Reweaving Trust in an Era of Populism.”

It is a timely subject. There are those who want to turn neighbours against each other – so that people seek scapegoats instead of building solidarity.

I believe that the core community organising principles—listening, building deep relationships across differences, and acting together for the common good—are profound spiritual practices that encourage us to walk in Jesus’s ways a little more.

Our local churches are called to be communities of hope. As the Bishop of London, I have seen community organising help more and more parishes live out their calling.

I have seen how the “Organising for Growth” programme is helping them grow in number and in depth, developing the confidence and leadership of those who are furthest from political and economic power.

I have seen how those churches are able to live out the Gospel in the public square, organising with their neighbours for affordable housing and a Living Wage.

And I have seen how that work builds solidarity and trust – so that hope is not just a word, but a reality people can experience.

This work is needed today, perhaps more than ever. As you gather, I want to assure you of my prayers, gratitude, and support.