Catalyst Issue 5 - Spring 2013

Issue 5

Spring ‘13

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Spring issue includes: A tap on the shoulder: Nola Leach interviews Caroline Spelman MP Culture shapers: Greg Downes shares his passion The Euro-diaries: A busy week for Care for Europe

www.care.org.uk

‘I’m debt-free!’: Feature on Christians Against Poverty Marriage – the main issues And more …

Gentle Giant: Behind the scenes at The Entertainer

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Holding society together

By Nola Leach

Lord for it because if it prospers you too will prosper.’ John Stott, expounding on this idea, talked about Christian involvement in the culture ‘holding society together’ but over recent years as our Judeo-Christian heritage has been unpicked we have seen our society starting to unravel.

agenda at present. Last summer Tony and I had the joy of witnessing the wedding of our younger son. We were struck again by the solemn vows a husband and wife make to one another.

Meanwhile, there is the alarming increase in the sexualisation of childhood hroughout the Bible we are through some aspects of youth culture. exhorted to be God’s representatives Many young people are bombarded in our families, neighbourhoods and with online pornography and finding compromising images national life. Where the One of the most of themselves posted Christian church acts as effective light and salt, fundamental elements on social networking sites. How will such as Jesus said, we see of holding society disintegration of moral a real difference. For together is marriage standards affect this instance, those in need generation in the long in our communities and the family. term? are strengthened and blessed by initiatives such as Christians Against Poverty, Street and School Pastors, Food Banks, Prospects and A Healthy marriages Way Out. We remember how Jeremiah One of the most fundamental elements urged the exiles to engage in the alien of holding society together is marriage culture of Babylon – ‘seek the peace and the family, both of which are facing and prosperity of the city... pray to the challenges that are very much on CARE’s

more people committing to faithful, lifelong marriage and couples helped to come through difficult times.

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Chief Executive and Head of Public Affairs, Nola Leach

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CARE has been thrilled to chair Marriage Week UK which, for one week a year, helps us to focus on the importance of healthy marriages. However, we are Moral standards aware that many relationships are in A society may be judged by how it cares grave trouble. The stark truth is that for its most vulnerable citizens and, family breakdown costs the country £44 billion every year and in many ways, Britain causes unimaginable pain We are grateful does well on this front. to the men, women and However, there are some to all of you who children affected by it. trends that are undoing support us to help Another sad example of traditional values and make that Christian unravelling. undermining the welfare of some people. Proposals difference.

I recently attended the to legalise physicianfirst Annual Conference assisted suicide may cause frail elderly of the Marriage Foundation. CARE individuals to feel that the right to die is privileged to play a part in this might become a duty to die. Those with important initiative which wants to disabilities could feel similar pressures. see fewer relationships breaking down,

Prayer and action We continue to campaign against the Government’s plans to legally redefine marriage. Although the Commons voted in February in favour of same sex couples being allowed to marry, the Bill has a long way to go. Thank you to everyone who has actively supported us by praying and contacting their MPs on this important issue.

Indeed, we are grateful to all of you who support us to help make that Christian difference. Let’s encourage each other to do all we can, with God’s help and strength, to ‘hold society together’.

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AFFAIRS

Fairness for families?

CARE hopes for a fair outcome for all families

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fter twenty years of campaigning on recognising marriage in the tax system, we have been very encouraged that this issue is gaining increased support both in the media and in Parliament.

In November, Stewart Jackson MP was granted time for a Westminster Hall debate in Parliament on transferable tax allowances for married couples.

All of the MPs present spoke strongly in favour of introducing the policy and questioned the Government delay in implementing it.

‘Supporting marriage in the tax system, certainly where children are involved, is a social justice issue’, noted MP Fiona Bruce.

‘It is about supporting children to flourish,

helping them to get the best start in life and fulfil their potential.’

Transferring allowances Guto Bebb MP pointed out in the debate that introducing transferable allowances would primarily benefit those who are less well-off: ‘Research being done by organisations such as CARE,’ he said, ‘shows quite clearly that if we target a transferable allowance, most of the benefits would go to those in the bottom half of the income distribution scale.’

The Government has re-stated its commitment to recognising marriage in the tax and benefits system.

Out of Line CARE’s latest research, The Taxation of Families – International Comparisons 2011, attracted significant press attention at its launch. It shows that the tax burden for married couples on an average wage with two children, where one parent stays at home whilst the other goes to work, is 42 per cent greater than the average for the developed world.

The launch event was attended by MPs, Bishops and journalists as well as the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Nigel Lawson, who is now a Peer in the House of Lords.

Please keep up with the latest information and background research at: care.org.uk/marriagetaxpolicy 3

Strange new world?

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here is growing interest in whether society is heading towards a ‘new eugenics’ - strategies and techniques that help to select certain humans for death on the basis of genetic, racial or health characteristics.

Continued concern in Wales

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ARE supports the great work carried out by the organ donation and transplantation service across the UK which helps more than 10,000 people currently in need of a transplant.

However we are deeply concerned about the Human Transplantation (Wales) Bill. This says that unless someone has expressly stated that they don’t want their organs taken after death, the State will presume consent. It also fails to specify which organs would be available for transplant, so, according to the Human Tissue Act, nearly all human tissues would qualify under the Welsh law.

These plans fail to show proper respect for the wishes of families. CARE put forward these views to the Health and Social Care Committee’s consultation, and will continue to fight against these moves as the Bill passes through the Welsh Assembly.

Although exciting, positive opportunities are opening up to heal and to care for people with long term genetic conditions, we must also realise the possibility that techniques such as prenatal genetic selection, and pre-implanting embryonic selection, could lead to the engineering of future generations through human germline, or inheritable, genetic modification. This involves making genetic changes in eggs, sperm or early embryos that would appear in both the person who developed from the embryo, and succeeding generations.

Debate over abortion continues and reports are emerging of abortions taking place for Down’s Syndrome in IVF pregnancies. The implications of this are far reaching and could affect people with the same disorder who already exist, and also parents of children and society as a whole.

For background information and latest bioethics updates please go to www.bioethics.ac.uk

‘I’m debt-free ... it’s like a new beginning’ 4

What’s behind the phenomenon of Christians Against Poverty? Clive Price asked founder John Kirkby to unpack this headline-making, award-winning initiative.

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ormerly ‘broken and falling apart’ himself, John Kirkby now helps put people back together again. With the princely sum of ten pounds, he launched a modest initiative that’s boomed to more than 200 UK centres, enabling thousands to become debt-free.

Backed by ‘a world class team’, he heads the nationwide advice and support network Christians Against Poverty (CAP). They win awards and scoop headlines. ‘A movement of God’ is how others have described it. ‘A machine of goodness’ is what John calls it.

Yorkshire born and bred, John worked in the finance industry for 13 years. But he lost everything. ‘My marriage was over,’ he recalled. ‘I ended up destitute with two small children aged seven and four, all living in one room.’

Dark days He described those dark days, ‘I felt so guilty and incredibly ashamed that I’d had so much and blown the lot. The

stresses took their toll on my marriage; over the next year I gradually fell apart. I was a completely broken man.’

Hounded by debt collectors, John celebrated Christmas with bacon sandwiches. However, he fought his way out of his financial pit, and met some Christians. ‘There was something about them, something I didn’t have,’ he said.

empowered people to look after their own finances. He represented clients and told companies to stop harassing them. He not only offered people help, but also the Christian message of hope.

John knew he could extend his service by developing partnerships with local churches. He opened his first three centres in the first two years of operation and it escalated from there.

‘They give you a

That led to John finding faith himself. Then, sitting in his office, he decided he wasn’t chance to take hold The CAP effect is seen going to pursue a career in of your life again.’ in some of the stories. finance. ‘I wanted to help Katrina fell into debt the poor - but had no idea after her relationship how, or the price we’d have to pay,’ he broke down and she borrowed money remembered. from loan sharks. ‘I had just £10 a fortnight to live on,’ she said. ‘Many a Now with fresh vision, John set out to time I had to skip a meal.’ assist people who were just how he had been. Starting off with a ten pound note Then CAP stepped in. ‘The doorstep in 1996, he met his first client, who was lender immediately stopped harassing suicidal. John realised he could relate to me,’ said Katrina. ‘I started to breathe this despair. again. I’m debt free now – and it’s like a new beginning.’

Creating budgets for food and essentials, John did deals with creditors and

Photos: courtesy CAP

Celebrating stories

had to group the testimonies and go through them once each day!

Of course, recession has produced more needy people. Mark got into debt after struggling to find work in a tough economic climate. ‘I had my own business, it was doing quite well. But then work dried up and I had problems paying the bills.’ he said.

Overwhelming response CAP has been expanding into Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In the UK they have recently launched Job Clubs to help the ‘generational and marginalised’ unemployed, equipping people to ‘I started to seek out work. CAP breathe again. I’m is ‘overwhelmed’ by debt free now.’ the response.

‘Things got worse and I had to close the business. After four months, I was in a pit of despair with thoughts of suicide,’ Mark explained. But support from CAP proved to be ‘phenomenal’, as he put it.

‘They give you a chance to take hold of your life again.’

John is a gifted entrepreneur, but of course he doesn’t work alone. More than 200 paid staff and 10,000 volunteers push the initiative forward – with more than a little help from above. ‘We’ve got to give God all the glory and the honour,’ said John.

Sue’s husband, Steve, had to leave work because of long-term illness. They struggled; their debts spiralled out of control after Steve took out an unsecured loan on the house. Sue felt it was all his fault, as he hadn’t told her about the loan.

‘When we lost our house, I was the end of the world,’ she recalled. But it’s different now. ‘The best thing about CAP was that it brought Steve and me back together. We have no debt worries. It has all gone, with the help of CAP.’

This support is free, as the work is funded thought it by individuals and churches. CAP also helps people steer clear ‘The best thing of debt with their Money about CAP was Course. The network has attracted controversy by that it brought offering to pray with clients, and for using money advice to Steve and me back together.’ convey a Christian message, but CAP is unashamed.

Lyndon Bowring and Nola Leach visited CAP’s Bradford quarters to see this unique and effective ministry. As Lyndon said afterwards, ‘CAP is one of the most exciting Christian social action initiatives I have ever seen.’

‘Everyone should be given the opportunity to find Jesus,’ said John, now 51. ‘If people aren’t interested in faith, they still get the world-class, high quality poverty relief work. We help anybody. But our duty is to share the gospel in a responsible way.’

People do become Christians through CAP, and staff members celebrate their stories. They used to do that individually, ringing a bell to mark the occasion.

But so many were finding God, they

How to help Pray for CAP by signing up for their prayer diary.

Visit www.capuk.org for information on how to give and how to help in your church and community.

Offering help: John Kirkby

Churches who would like a CAP speaker can email speakers@capuk.org or phone 01274 760814

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A tap on the shoulder Caroline Spelman has been MP for the West Midlands seat of Meriden since 1997. Nola Leach caught up with her over coffee in her Portcullis House office one chilly Wednesday in January.

Did you grow up in a political household?

I didn’t wake up as a girl reading Hansard!

My upbringing was Christian; my father was rather political and my mother was quite a militant activist involved in charity work, so perhaps I imbibed political thinking without realising it.

AN MP FOR COFFEE

I was the first in my family to go to university, and I was really aware of the question, what does God want me to do?

I studied languages, but it was difficult to find a job using my skills and so I found myself working in agriculture!

doesn’t really go away; you’re called until you are uncalled.

Was it easy to become an MP?

It can be a long process – in my case nearly 12 years. And when my husband proposed, I admitted that perI worked in Paris for several years in the haps God was calling me into politics! sugar beet industry, and discovered In fact he has always has that Europe was been incredibly supsubsidising exports of ‘Vocation is like a tap portive, but demands sugar, making it more on the shoulder… on married and family difficult for farmers in life are immense. you’re called until poor countries to make you are uncalled.’

To become an MP a living. The realisation means fighting seats that effective change can only be brought about through you have no hope of winning. For me, legislation, made me see that politics this was among a Nottingham mining community, but even though I knew was the way forward for me. they wouldn’t vote for me they were Vocation is like a tap on the shoulder – so hospitable and kind, especially God might be calling you to something as I had a young family. It was an which seems strange at the time. It invaluable experience.

I was eventually elected in 1997 after 26 rejections – a real test of my faith.

Had I got the calling wrong? Was it too soon for a woman MP with a young family?

I have to be focused on what I have to do and why I have to do it.

view, I realised that the call had not gone away.

The best way would be to continue the Leadership Programme! The bright young graduates I took on as CARE Leadership Programme placements when I was in Opposition were extremely helpful. I also remember the assistance I had in preparing a Private Members’ Bill on adoption. As a result of the Bill, the Government introduced reforms to adoption and fostering, although of course more needs to be done.

CARE represents some 60,000 Christians. How can they But when invited to Meriden for inter- support you and their MP?

You’ve had a variety of posts since you were elected – is there a particular one that stands out?

I had 12 years in Opposition, which taught me to be resourceful – there’s no civil service to help; you have to think for yourself. During that time I really enjoyed the Department for International Development brief, beAnd what do you do to cause I’m an internationswitch off?

‘I have to be alist, and care passionIn Opposition, I joined the focused on what I ately about trade justice, gym and the Parliament fair trade and tackling have to do and why Choir but as a Cabinet poverty. I was able to I have to do it.’

Minister that all had to go. make a small difference There’s less time for family when we were giving aid too, especially with a seat far from for famine in Malawi. Instead of providWestminster; I relied so much on my ing money or food, which didn’t work husband.

Now I’ve left the Cabinet I at all, I helped to instigate a system of enjoy some of those things again. vouchers for farming equipment. It was very satisfying.

Church for All L

yndon Bowring and Nola Leach are thrilled to play a part in support of the work of Prospects, the charity which supports adults with learning disabilities. They are both official ‘Ambassadors’ for the ministry.

Tony Phelps-Jones is the Director of Ministry and his recent book focuses on the issue of church accessibility and welcome for adults with learning disabilities. As Lyndon says in his back-page commendation, ‘…Biblical, practical and compassionate, the book will inspire and guide anyone who has a heart for people with disabilities.’

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You went into a Government position after the 2010 election?

I found going straight to a top job without any preparation as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary was a challenge! But the civil servants knew what I had to do and were so professional.

How would you sum up the frustrations of being an MP? I think the most difficult thing to deal with is the corrosive cynicism of some of the press, who sometimes only seem interested in the bad news. That can be incredibly wearing, particularly as a Christian - when you are trying to live a life of integrity.

Making Church Accessible to All,

by Tony Phelps-Jones and other contributors, is published by the Bible Reading Fellowship, priced £7.99, and is available direct from Prospects www.prospects.org.uk/resources - or from your local Christian bookshop.

How does being a Christian affect the work you do?

The Bible teaches us to please God, not people. This means taking decisions, especially as a government minister, that some don’t like. Faith gives me the courage to withstand slings and arrows.

Photos: mattcrew.com

A REFUGE IN STOCKTON

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Help is at hand for women, children and families in trouble. Award-winning charity A Way Out thanks God for ten years’ work, but realises there is much to do.

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t should have been one of the most fulfilling nights of her life. Volunteering, for the first time since becoming a Christian, at a worship event for hundreds of young people, Jessie Jacobs was keen to help the youth of her home town.

But what began as a night of praise ended with a challenge that would change her life.

She explains to Catalyst: ‘I had never seen anything like it. All these young people, safe and having a good time. For a minute I thought, “This is amazing, this is church!” But then my heart started aching for two other kids I had met the week before.’

he became addicted to heroin at primary school, and then a 15-year-old girl selling her body to buy drugs for herself and her boyfriend, you can’t help but be impacted.

Reaching out

‘That night, in church, the reality hit me. My town was full of inequality. In one place, hundreds of young people ‘We have story were secure and happy, but just outside there were after story of teenagers at risk, trapped and broken.’

miraculous provision.’

Returning to Stockton-on-Tees ten years ago, after studying pharmacology at Leeds University, Jessie was confronted with the grim reality of a growing drug problem, unemployment, and issues of sexual exploitation gripping her community.

‘When you meet a 12-year-old boy on methadone because

This led Jessie and a team of local Christians to begin reaching out to help those caught in poverty, abuse, addiction and exploitation. What began as a ‘drop-in’ and a shoulder to cry on is now an award-winning charity.

A Way Out - ‘At Risk Women and Youth Outreach’ - impacts over 1,000 lives a year through intervention, recovery, therapy, youth and families work, drop-in sessions and health

finally failed in her struggle with drugs. Another life lost.

‘John 10:10 is true. There is an enemy who’s out to kill hope, steal the future and destroy lives. But Jesus comes to bring life - not just any old existence, but life to the full.’

Celebrate and challenge Making a difference: Jesse Jacobs, CEO of A Way Out

checks. In 2013, community wellbeing hubs will also provide food and family support.

Jessie, 34, now the CEO of A Way Out, said: ‘I’d love to say that in the last ten years we have managed to stamp out this injustice, but there’s a long way to go. However, God has been so faithful!

To celebrate the charity’s tenth anniversary and to carry the message of that scripture, the team has launched the 10:10 campaign. Jessie explained: ‘Someone said, “I can’t do everything but I can do something, and just because I can’t do everything, it won’t stop me doing the one thing I can do”.’

‘Our work is so needed, but we can’t do this on our own. We need Jesus - and we need hundreds of people to come alongside A Way Out this year.

‘What began as a drop-in and a shoulder to cry on is now an award- ‘That’s what we are praying for – more people to pray, give and to join us to make a real difference winning charity.’ in the lives of these desperately needy young people.’

Hope for life ‘We have story after story of miraculous provision, like the building we have now. We went from a tiny, run-down place in the red-light district to a beautiful facility on Stockton’s riverside.

‘I could talk about addicted women meeting Jesus, of working girls leaving the streets and getting their children back, of trafficked girls accessing help, and young guys being supported by our youth workers now loving God and working alongside us.

‘Unfortunately, I could also tell you how we returned from our Christmas break to discover one of our beautiful girls had

Visit www.awayout.co.uk to find out more, and follow on twitter @awayoutcharity To join the 10:10 campaign, just email: lindsay.bruce@awayout.co.uk

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The biggest independent toy chain in Britain is enjoying success in a recession. Yet they’re closed on Sundays.

Freelance writer Clive Price went went behind the scenes of The Entertainer.

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losing on Sundays, refusing to stock Halloween merchandise, and giving away money sounds like a recipe for disaster for a toy store – especially in a bleak economic climate. However, it’s resulted in success for trail-blazing businessman Gary Grant.

were overshadowed by giants like Woolworths and Toys R Us, but now The Entertainer has nearly 80 stores and 1,000 employees. Last year 14 more stores opened and a further dozen are planned for 2013.

This 54-year-old father of four runs The Entertainer – which is fast becoming Britain’s biggest independent retail toy chain, winning, among many other awards, Online Toy Retailer of the Year in both 2011 and 2012!

Turning point

And he’s done it not only with value for money, but also with values.

Gary and his wife Catherine opened a shop in Amersham in 1981. They

On visiting a store, the first thing you see is bright light and colour. Wide aisles allow room for baby buggies.

It’s a safe and fun environment to bring the kids, do some shopping and participate in the many activities. The company cares about the ‘There are certain environment and is doing its best to recycle and cut things where I hear down on unnecessary God really clearly – waste.

Gary hasn’t always been such a promoter of goodness. Ask him how like Sunday trading’. Sunday closing makes the bad he used to be, he’ll store stand out. Yet staff say ‘very bad’ – and leave it at that. and customers actually respect the ‘The turning point was 1991,’ he added, company for it. ‘There are certain things ‘when I became a Christian.’ He told The where I hear God really clearly – like Guardian that his business dealings Sunday trading,’ said Gary. ‘Sunday is became more honest and transparent. being with your family.’

Photos of the Horsham store, Clive Price.

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e l t n e G f the o t n t a i e g e r t s h g i h

You won’t find Hallowe’en or Harry Potter merchandise, because Gary feels such materials present the occult to children. When a range of trolls were offered, he felt ‘extremely uncomfortable’. So they went, too. The Entertainer only sells toys they believe are suitable with real play value and represent good value for money.

a charity from his approved list, Gary matches their donations. The payrollgiving scheme attracted nearly a third of the workforce in its first year. ‘My staff

Assistant Manager Natasha Lees said, ‘I’m not of any religion really, but it does make me think about it’. She enjoys the activities for children, such as treasure hunts and toy demonstrations.

Christians may debate his decisions.

However, while Gary is prepared to admit he could be wrong, he’s trying to be faithful to his own values, and this approach appears to be working.

Employees work together well, and enjoy the company conferences and training programmes. Last year, Gary took everyone to Alton Towers to celebrate The Entertainer’s 30th anniversary.

Personal reponse Journalists often ask about this, but he stresses this is not a public crusade. ‘I’m not a spiritual policeman or ‘I like how campaigning to regular have anything customers ask banned,’ he said. for us by name!’ ‘I’m not on a soapbox saying Christians shouldn’t work on a Sunday or buy Harry Potter or trolls.

‘God has challenged me. This is a response to Him and I’m sticking to that decision.’

Over the past year Gary, his staff and customers have given over £600,000 to children’s hospitals, community work and family events, through the Grant Foundation. If staff members give to

‘I was brought up as a Christian,’ said Lucy. ‘But Sunday closing benefits all employees, giving them a guaranteed day off with family,’ Lucy explained.

‘Over half my staff have children.’

Winning values: Head of the Entertainer Gary Grant see it as a perk,’ he said. Customers can also donate to charity by rounding up their payments at the till.

Guaranteed day So what do the staff say? Clive Price visited the Horsham store to find out.

‘Not everyone in the company is a Christian, but they know what the values are,’ said Manager Lucy Robinson. She’s been with the company seven years, and finds that the job links in with her own faith.

Working well: Sales Assistant Jake Hanson with supervisor Donna White, showing off the latest toys.

‘There are challenges in every store,’ Lucy admitted. But the way the company is run makes her feel secure in her job, adding, ‘I like how regular customers ask for us by name!’

Visit www.thetoyshop.com for online purchases. You can also read about their take on Sunday trading, ethics and recycling, and about the Grant Foundation, which supports children’s charities.

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Culture Shapers

‘We all have opportunities wherever God places us!’

Greg Downes spoke to Catalyst about culture, leadership and equipping Christians to be missionaries in the workplace.

How can Christians engage with culture?

Each generation needs to communicate God’s unchanging word to an everchanging world. I believe the Church is increasingly adapting to make a paradigm shift: seeing the workplace as a primary sphere of ministry and mission, holistic mission that includes evangelism, apologetics and social action.

Our calling is to be missional – to go into the world to make a difference for Christ, engaging ever more fully with our culture. In the past, some Christians have felt that we shouldn’t get involved in spheres such as politics, media, arts and entertainment - regarding culture as being intrinsically worldly, so the Church should not be involved with it.

Actually, all cultures have their good aspects, so it’s good to find whatever kingdom resonances we can connect with, wherever we work and live.

Postmodernity, which has shaped our culture over the last fifty years or so, comes up with concepts like relativism (there’s no such thing as absolute truth) and syncretism (blending of different beliefs) that can make proclaiming the gospel more difficult. But other aspects really resonate with a Christian worldview, like the hunger for community and an increasing disillusionment with materialism.

How do you see evangelism in the workplace?

A key verse for me here is 1 Peter 3:15 – ‘Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have ... with gentleness and respect.‘

Much church training focuses on personal evangelism making conversions for Christ - but we also need a more longterm, person-sensitive approach that meets them where they are. Maybe not so many people ask questions, but there are more opportunities to speak if they see the radical difference that Christ makes in our lives.

There is growing interest in a theology of the workplace, such as ethics and learning, and leading like Christ. Traditionally, Christian leadership has mainly meant ‘being a vicar’, but we all have opportunities wherever God places us! More thinking and teaching is needed to equip Christians to lead in a countercultural way that expresses servant leadership.

Pragmatist - recognising which battles to fight, when to speak out or to be silent, in order to be light and salt in a given situation.

These principles can apply to many spheres of life, including our work.

What do you feel are important challenges to today’s Church?

One is the transition in our society and culture to postChristendom. The Church’s prominence and privilege in the nation is rapidly diminishing. My mum sent me to Sunday school because she felt the church offered a moral compass.

That’s not the case now!

I remember a teenager from a nonchurch background attending youth evenings who became a Christian.

The father thought this terrible, the brainwashing of a young person, and said he should be ‘out doing what other young people were doing’.

‘Followership of Christ always precedes leadership’.

As the Church’s influence lessens, one thing we don’t need is to cling on to the vestiges of power. The early Church knew how this worked, a different, spiritual and prophetic power at work on the margins of society; Christ’s power made perfect in weakness. We see many new expressions of Church, and servant-hearted Christians making a difference in our culture, responding to people’s needs with understanding and grace.

Another big challenge is conformity. In Romans 12:1, Paul appeals to his readers: ‘Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.’

He warns not to ‘conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.’

Connecting with culture: Greg Downes How would you encourage Christians aspiring to leadership?

‘Followership’ of Christ always precedes leadership. Bill Hybels describes leadership as influence, so in one sense all Christians are leaders. But some grow into transformational individuals who are not shaped by culture but who are culture-shapers.

I recently talked with a Christian MP about challenges he faces in Parliament, trying not to compromise but still retain influence. We summed up three ‘types’ of approach: Prophet – going in all guns blazing, compromising on nothing. Unfortunately they may never be elected and, if they were, they would be in serious trouble!

Party person – keen for preferment, perhaps making too great a compromise, going against their conscience.

Living in the midst of seismic change, I pray we will be true to our biblical DNA as Christ’s prophetic and countercultural community – resisting the temptation to compromise and capitulate to the spirit of the age, but be a confessing Church strong in biblical truth and in touch with our culture at every level.

Revd Greg Downes is Principal of the Centre for Missional Leadership and lectures in evangelism and apologetics.

He is passionate about communicating in ways that are culturally relevant.

Before ordination into the Church of England, Greg was a Head of RE. Since then, he has been a Curate, a senior prison chaplain, tutor at London School of Theology and chaplain to an Oxford college. Greg is theologian in residence at Christianity magazine and has recently agreed to be a theological consultant for us at CARE. He is married to Tamie, a GP and they have a young daughter.

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AFFAIRS

Tackling problem gambling

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here are an estimated 450,000 problem gamblers in the UK, with a further 900,000 people at ‘moderate risk’ of becoming addicted.

Prioritising human trafficking?

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ast November, 41 Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) were elected across England and Wales. So far, the public has not particularly engaged with this new system of police accountability.

However, many people visited CARE’s PCC election website, which suggested challenging candidates to include the problem of human trafficking in their policing plan.

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PCCs have now been in place for almost four months and many are now publishing their policing plans. Why not write to your local Commissioner, asking them whether they are prioritising the issue of human trafficking in your local area?

Find out more at www.makethecrosscount-pcc.org.uk

Lauri Moyle in Westminster

CARE’s Gambling Policy Consultant, Lauri Moyle, was recently invited to appear before the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee in Westminster. He expressed CARE’s concerns about the growing problem of online gambling – which affects individuals, their families and wider society too.

CARE advocates a simple ‘one-stop-shop’ system for people who struggle with this issue and want to restrict their own access to gambling websites. We hope the Committee will take this on board when they publish their recommendations later this year.

Assisted suicide C ARE is actively engaged in this issue, both in Westminster and Edinburgh.

In Scotland, Margo MacDonald MSP is making a further attempt to legalise assisted suicide; her Bill may be debated as soon as the summer.

In Westminster, Lord Falconer is likely to introduce a new Bill in the House of Lords this summer. This will call for doctors to be allowed to help mentally competent adults with less than one year to live, to kill themselves.

Please pray that any attempt to change the law on assisted suicide in Britain will fail, also for increased funding and resources to be available to provide palliative care, and that pain and suffering can be dealt with effectively and with dignity.

Supporting victims F

or some time, Lord McColl has been campaigning to tackle human trafficking. The UK Government must comply with the EU Directive on human trafficking by 6 April. Lord McColl’s Private Members Bill would ensure that the Directive is fully implemented in the UK. In February CARE assisted Lord McColl with a seminar on his Bill in the House of Lords. We were delighted with the attendance and response, both by Peers and non-governmental organisations, all expressing considerable support.

Representations at the Westminster seminar [left CARE’s Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Dan Boucher, spoke about to right]: Phillipa Roberts, Legal Director at Hope the Bill’s provision of proper assistance and support for victims. for Justice, Dan Boucher, Lord McColl and Mike Presentations were also given by Lord Wei and representatives from the Emberson, Project Director at The Medaille Trust.

Medaille Trust and Hope for Justice.

‘It is our privilege to work on your behalf to bring a Christian influence to bear in the parliaments and assemblies’ Nola Leach, Head of Public Affairs.

Please pray for the Public Affairs Team members in their work.

Opting in OR Opting out

PU B LIC

AFFAIRS

Lady Howe’s Online Safety Bill puts the Government under pressure

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his important Bill would introduce an opt-in system for pornography: the provision of a porn-free internet, with the option of accessing pornography, subject to an over-18 age verification procedure. CARE considers it a privilege to support Baroness Howe on this Bill.

The Second Reading debate last November was a great occasion which saw 13 out of 15 speakers strongly in support.

Prior to the debate, CARE assisted Lady Howe to present a seminar for Peers, which was addressed by John Carr, Secretary to the Children’s Societies Coalition for Online Safety, Dr Richard Graham, psychiatrist and expert on adolescent pornography addiction and Claire Perry MP, who chaired a recent review on online safety.

Influencing policy The debate provided an opportunity for important points to be made and for the Government to be brought under considerable pressure.

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Summer submissions

Speaker after speaker expressed grave concerns about the The Government eventually responded to the submissions Government’s own parental internet controls consultation, made to their parental internet controls consultation, to which makes no reference to age verification. Without this, which many CARE supporters had responded last summer. It any mechanism for protecting children online would be of is disappointing that they rejected the provision of the opt-in very limited value. Encouragingly, when the Government solution promoted by CARE and Lady Howe’s Bill. subsequently published their response to Starbucks should However, this response did not go down at the consultation, they acknowledged the all well. The following week saw much media importance of age verification and committed to ‘wake up and protest, saying that the Government had suffered taking action in this area. smell the coffee!’ a failure of nerve, not taking the opportunity to The Reading also provided an opportunity for a bizarre anomaly to be highlighted. Baroness Massey drew attention to a particular London street. A pub and a Starbucks coffee shop stand opposite each other. Children, Lady Massey pointed out, are not allowed in the pub. The Wi-Fi in the pub is filtered, and you cannot access porn. Children, however, are allowed in Starbucks. Here, the Wi-Fi is not filtered and it is possible to download hardcore pornography!

Lady Massey suggested that Starbucks should ‘wake up and smell the coffee!’ This generated significant media interest. resulting in a joint statement from Starbucks and the internet service provider, BT, committing to change their policy.

make the change parents really wanted. A week later, David Cameron personally intervened, writing in the Daily Mail that the Government would go further.

Next stage At the time of writing there is still some confusion about precisely what the Government is proposing, although it is apparent that it falls short of the opt-in system. Mindful of this, Peers, including Lady Howe, submitted a series of enhancing amendments to her Bill, coinciding with Safer Internet Day on 5 February. CARE will carry on supporting Lady Howe as she continues her efforts following the Queen’s Speech in May.

Make sure you sign up to the essential weekly email Impact Direct to keep you up to speed with news and prayer points: www.care.org.uk/impactdirect For the latest news on current issues: www.care.org.uk/news

Trade and commercial interests sometimes supersede human rights.

A thought-provoking seminar and exhibition becomes a highlight of Care for Europe’s very busy week.

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are for Europe and the World Youth Alliance co-hosted a striking photographic exhibition on human trafficking in Brussels in January. Members of the European Parliament and representatives from other organisations attended the event.

Seminar speaker: Anca Bulica of Care for Europe Alongside the exhibition a seminar was held, which not only highlighted the demand for trafficking in human beings for labour and sexual exploitation, but pointed out links with other items and services we might buy in all innocence.

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Think before you buy!

Gerard Oonk, Director of the India Commission of the Netherlands, highlighted how trade and commercial interests sometimes supersede human rights. He suggested that consumers who want to make a difference could contact retailers and ask about the origin of raw materials in their products - cotton for example.

Philip Hyldgaard of the A21 Campaign spoke about sexual exploitation. He identified the ascendancy of pornography as a root cause in increasing demand for sexual exploitation, suggesting that men who pay for sex, cultures that tolerate exploitation and countries that enable demand to flourish, should be put into the spotlight.

Strong images Adrian Cot’s thought-provoking photographs portrayed Uzbekistani cotton pickers, fashion models, women enslaved in sexual exploitation and viewers of pornography and visitors to brothels.

‘This is my interpretation of the living connections between supply and demand,’ he explained, ‘and the subsequent impact for the exploited and for the consumer - right across Europe.’

‘We want to try to prevent the obscenity of human trafficking from being “out of sight, out of mind”,’ reflected David Fieldsend, Care for Europe manager. ‘The recent EU Directive on combating human trafficking is one ray of hope on the horizon, but it needs to be effectively implemented at the national level throughout Europe.’

The

Euro diaries

Catalyst asked Care for Europe’s David Fieldsend and Anca Bulica to keep a diary during a busy week in January.

Calendar January 2013 Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

David:

David:

David:

David:

David:

‘...transported display boards for anti-trafficking exhibition. At the European Parliament (EP) building we were redirected to a different entrance over 100 metres away (boards wouldn’t fit in the security scanner). The photographer and I carried the boards between us, but when we finally got there, the luggage trolley we’d ordered was nowhere to be seen!’

‘Breakfast prayer meeting with Christian Assembly Members ... lobbying for an amendment to a resolution on organ trafficking to try to remove a reference supporting presumed consent ... took the CLC team to meet the Russian Orthodox representative to the Council of Europe and a group of British Assembly Members.’

‘Networking Breakfast with Catholic Assembly Members ... more meetings … fast train back to Brussels for reception CARE was holding with the World Youth Alliance at the EP, highlighting our anti-trafficking exhibition ... arrived just in time to welcome Sir Graham Watson MEP, who was hosting our event. Phew! ... overnight dash back to Strasbourg...’

‘...met with Assembly Members in Strasbourg who have been appointed as rapporteurs on two resolution proposals we had submitted nine months’ previously – one calling for the criminalising of paying for sex , the other highlighting intolerance and discrimination against Christians linked to anti-discrimination laws...’

‘...train as far as Luxembourg. From the comfort of the station buffet, participated in the weekly CARE Public Affairs team conference call! ...then on to Brussels. Afternoon in the office recovering. What a week that was!’

‘...attended Committee meeting at which their rapporteurship was confirmed and a budget approved for fact-finding visits, which we’ll help to organise...’

...met with Serve the City representative, with our intern, to help organise an event focusing on victims of abuse ... on to EP building to take down the exhibition...’

Anca:

So ends a busy week for Care for Europe.

‘...train to Strasbourg for quarterly plenary session of the Council of EP Assembly. Met team from the Christian Legal Centre (CLC) who wanted to follow up about the European Court of Human Rights decisions on their UK Christian conscience cases of the previous week...’

Anca:

‘...setting up exhibition with our intern Kimberley, sorting out last minute travel details of speakers for Wednesday’s event ... evening in European Parliament...’

Anca: ‘Early start in the EP working on photo displays ... Afternoon and late evening: committee meetings and hearings on trafficking and bioethics issues...’

Anca: ‘...final preparations, meeting speakers participating in the antitrafficking event ... dinner with them, volunteers from other organisations and CARE Public Affairs colleagues from London.

Tired by the end, but the event went really well...’

‘...follow-up discussions from the event and thanking participants. Evening: EP Industry and Research Committee meeting on Online Gambling...’

Anca:

Please pray for the team in Brussels as they juggle between meetings, contribute to serious policy discussions and papers and work very long hours. Visit: www.careforeurope.org - four languages available!

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Redefining Marriage

what now?

On Tuesday 5 February, MPs voted in favour of the redefinition of marriage.

However, this matter is far from over.

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he reality of the vote is that it constitutes only one rung on a lengthy ladder which must be scaled before the Bill can become law. The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill must negotiate further passage through the Commons, which will include votes on amendments, then a repeat of the process in the House of Lords, which is anticipated to be far more difficult for the Government.

In proposing that same-sex couples be allowed to marry, the Government has brought into and perpetuated the mantra that equality means uniformity. In fact, the Government is creating inequality as the Bill does not propose that same-sex couples be required to show the same level of faithfulness, commitment and fidelity as heterosexual couples. Adultery is not grounds for divorce under the Bill, nor is consummation a requirement.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Maria Miller has defined marriage as ‘an ability for two people to come together and stay together, and to pledge their commitment to stay together for life’. However, marriage is a covenant which reaches far beyond husband and wife. It is not simply a contract based on emotional connection or romantic attraction, the permanence of which may fade, but a fundamental societal building block for the benefit of all, as it creates families which sustain society.

Marriage is a fundamental societal building block.

With civil partnerships providing the same substantive legal rights as marriage, it is on shaky ground.

Marriage is worth fighting for

Marriage is public

CARE believes in marriage. We are glad to stand up and say that the voluntary union between one man and one woman for life is God’s model for marriage which should not be undermined. However, it is clear that if this Bill goes through there will be serious implications for freedom of conscience and belief.

Well-founded objections by religious individuals, organisations and denominations have led the Government to portray the redefinition of marriage as being a debate between a progressive government and an outdated Church.

Eminent QCs have drafted options, which both express contentment with and concern over the protection that the Bill aims to provide for those supporting marriage as currently defined.

At the very least this should compel the Government to refrain from legislating hastily, in order to fully consider the potential for harm that dismantling marriage will cause for individuals and organisations.

We have seen cases The debate brought before the courts such as that has, in some of Adrian Smith, a ways, only just housing manager begun. with Trafford Housing Trust, who was demoted and had his salary cut for expressing on his personal Facebook profile outside of working hours that same-sex marriage was ‘an equality too far’. This happened even before any change in the definition of marriage is in effect.

Ongoing debate The debate has, in some ways, only just begun, and it will not go away quickly.

Further opportunities will arise for us to speak truthfully and graciously into a debate which has often been devoid of such a tone.

Something to celebrate CARE is a key partner in Marriage Week, which happens every year around St Valentine’s Day. This year’s launch in February was well attended, especially by Members of Parliament.

M

arriage Week ‘celebrates healthy marriages’. Founded in 1996 in the UK, it has long attracted the support and attention of a host of political, religious and media figures.

This year is no exception. David Burrowes MP, an unashamed champion of marriage, hosted a special event in Westminster when an exciting initiative for February 2014 was announced.

Record to smash Marriage Week is preparing some ambitious plans for 2014.

The Big Promise ‘will seek to break the world record for the number of couples simultaneously re-affirming their vows’, announced Project Coordinator Dave Percival.

‘We could break that record in our diocese alone!’

‘We want to give them an opportunity to reaffirm the marriage promises they made which provide the foundations for their relationship and family’. The current record is 1087, but Marriage Week UK fully intends to smash that record!

The launch event was attended by a number of MPs including Sir Gerald Howarth, Tim Loughton and Andrew Selous, as well as church representatives including the Bishops of Chester and Lichfield. There is no doubt that those present enthusiastically caught the vision for 2014. ‘We could break that record in our diocese alone!’ commented one Bishop on departure.

Marriage champion: David Burrows MP Nola Leach, CARE’s Chief Executive, added, ‘we are one hundred per cent behind this challenge for 2014. What a great opportunity for celebration and the strengthening of marriage relationships!’

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Will you join this celebration?

Find out more at www.marriage-week.org.uk

Reinforcing relationships Following a packed conference organised by the Marriage Foundation, Catalyst profiles its work.

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he Marriage Foundation aims to combat family breakdown and reinforce relationships, in view of the sad realities of family life in the UK, and has CARE’s full support.

five percent of all couples for nearly 400 years until about 1980. As a society we have only just begun to confront its implications and costs.

The Foundation was launched last May by Sir Paul Coleridge, out of a sense of pain and frustration. He has observed that at least half a million children and adults get caught up in the family justice system every year. ‘Behind every single hearing lies terrible, palpable, and usually unresolved human pain and distress’.

Three initial projects:

Sir Paul’s vision is to encourage more couples to marry and see divorces rates reduced.

Two paramount concerns: Decreasing trends in marriage rates. There were only 241,000 marriages in 2010, a near 100-year low. The Foundation hopes to re-educate the public about the benefits of marriage.

Surge in cohabitation. This alternative option to marriage is a modern phenomenon. Cohabitation remained at a constant

Become the ‘go to’ destination for advice and support. This will happen through an interactive portal on the website, along with conferences with nationwide marriage agencies and courses.

‘Making the case for marriage’. The project will gather data and present evidence to highlight the issue.

‘Mind the Marriage Gap’. This will challenge the belief that cohabitation provides a safer alternative to marriage and is an indefinitely sustainable option. The Foundation is committed to educating young people through publications and social media. www.marriagefoundation.org.uk

Redefining marriage

the Scottish story 20 20

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arriage is also on the agenda in Scotland. The Government conducted a consultation in 2012 on redefining marriage and, despite an overwhelming response of over 50,000 opposing its plans, the SNP Government is pressing ahead.

A second consultation on the details of how to implement its plans has just taken place.

At the moment the SNP Government is proposing only to give legal protection to religious celebrants who have a conscientious objection to ‘marrying’ a same-sex couple, in cases where their denomination has decided to allow such ‘marriages’ to occur. No new legislative safeguards are being proposed to protect those working in the public sector who may lose their jobs as a result of opposition to same-sex marriage.

Workplace principles In the future, it is possible that anyone with a conscientious objection to same-sex marriage will be unlikely to be able to work as a civil registrar. Teachers, social workers and even prison or hospital chaplains could also be affected. If a church refuses to allow a same-sex marriage to take place on its premises, it might find itself unable to receive government grants, or even lose its charitable status. Some people may find it difficult to foster or adopt children because of their views on this issue.

It is expected that a Bill will be introduced as early as June.

Visit care.org.uk/Scotland for prayer points and information.

Alternatively, email cfs@care.org.uk or telephone the CARE for Scotland office on 0141 332 7212

Opportunity to serve As Scotland approaches the local council elections on 3 May, Cameron Rose, who chairs CARE for Scotland‘s Advisory Board, writes for Catalyst about being a Christian in local politics.

A

mixture of opportunity and concern led me into local politics.

Retiring after 30 years as a policeman I had more time available. My wife was happy to support me, so I started delivering leaflets for my chosen political party and was soon involved with a local community council. They needed a chairman and I took up the opportunity!

Like many others, I had questions about the economic and legislative direction of policy in Scotland, and a concern about the ethical and moral shaping of our culture – especially through some of the legislation being introduced at Holyrood, Westminster and Brussels.

There is a real opportunity and need for Christians to be involved in the political arena.

Local election As the 2007 council elections approached, I had a growing profile both through my council work and my family’s longstanding involvement in local schools and churches. No political party is perfect, but I had joined the one nearest to my ideals. They were looking for a local candidate, so in due time I found myself turning up for a selection interview.

Although I was initially unsuccessful, another candidate pulled out and I took his place.

Three months of hard work, writing letters and knocking on doors, resulted in success. I served for five years as one of four local councillors representing over 30,000 people, and was reelected in 2012.

Being a local councillor is a people-centred role.

In Opposition, particularly more recently as the leader of my party’s group, it has involved much listening, relationship building - trying to persuade people. I don’t have the pressures which come with being in the governing party, but my leadership position brings additional management responsibilities, with strategies to set for influence and change.

Deeply fulfilling It may feel like a drop in the ocean, but I’ve had some influence in my small corner. Christians are not called to change people but to obey and serve a King - who uses people like me and you. There is a real opportunity and need for Christians to be involved in the political arena.

Getting involved in politics can be messy but, so far, it is deeply fulfilling.

Up to speed

in Northern Ireland

Mark Baillie, our Public Affairs Officer in the Province, reports on the last few months.

The Morrow Bill CARE continues to support Lord Morrow with his Human Trafficking Bill.

This Bill seeks to introduce effective legislation to ensure that vulnerable individuals are protected and perpetrators of crimes are held to account.

With significant press and media coverage, CARE helped Lord Morrow with an event at Stormont last October, at which he was able to outline the Bill’s contents. We were delighted that so many attended, including Northern Ireland Assembly Members (MLAs), representatives of churches and organisations. Contributions came from two Swedish MEPs, Anna Hedh and Michael Gustafson, about the Swedish approach of criminalising paying for sex, and how effective it has been so far.

CARE in NI also gave evidence to the Justice Committee in October, in their consideration of the Criminal Justice Bill. We were able to outline why we believed that the Ministry of Justice’s approach to tackling human trafficking has not gone far enough.

In addition, as part of the Ministry of Justice’s engagement group on the subject of human trafficking, we continue to provide briefings to MLAs and churches, and provide useful research to members contributing to Assembly debates.

Committee evidence: Dan Boucher [right] and Mark Baillie in Stormont.

Online safety, abortion and presumed consent CARE in NI was very pleased to see a number of MLAs speak in favour of Baroness Howe’s Online Safety Bill, when the subject was debated on Safer Internet Day in February this year.

Cameron Rose is a councillor in Edinburgh.

Find out more about him at: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/councillors/56/ cameron_rose Local news blog: cameronrose.blogspot.co.uk

We have been keeping a close eye on events arising from the opening of the Marie Stopes clinic in Belfast and we will be vigilant to ensure that the law on abortion is upheld in Northern Ireland. We have also produced briefing material and will be meeting with MLAs to discuss the issue of presumed consent and organ donation.

Please pray for CARE in Northern Ireland and support us as we continue our work. www.care.org.uk/northernireland

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Gospel Proclamation

by Lyndon Bowring, Executive Chairman, CARE

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ilberforce is famous for the abolition of slavery. But not many people realise that he had an even greater passion: to see a radical change in eighteenth-century society, especially among the upper classes. A year or so after his spiritual awakening he declared, ‘God Almighty has placed before me two great objectives: the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners.’

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ever be achieved by people who had been transformed by the gospel.

So in 1797, Wilberforce published his personal manifesto which had taken him four years to write, plainly stating his evangelical beliefs and saying, in no uncertain terms, that he thought the majority of the middle and upper classes were not real Christians at all.

To everyone’s surprise the book was an immediate Perhaps if he success; these days it would In the early years following lived today Wilberforce’s conversion be hailed as a best-seller! By he felt that if he came out Wilberforce 1826, the circulation of its 25 publicly as an evangelical editions was unprecedented might have he’d lose the respect and - reprinted in North America joined us. friendship of many important and India, and translated into people and feared he would five European languages. John be far less effective. At that time Newton deemed it ‘the most valuable evangelical Christians were considered and important publication of the present to be fanatics. In 1787, he persuaded age.’ Wilberforce felt hugely relieved that his close friend Prime Minister William everyone knew exactly where he stood – Pitt, and the God-fearing King George especially in Parliament.

III, to make a Royal Proclamation ‘to discountenance and punish all manner Major impact of vice, profaneness and immorality’.

Very few Anglican clergy at that time Proclamation Societies started to spring were evangelical: in general they didn’t up all over the country and anyone was want faith interfering in public life, welcome to join them. and evangelicals were looked down on for their ‘enthusiasm’. While the Transforming society evangelical preaching of Whitfield and This all did some good, but Wilberforce Wesley had a considerable influence was frustrated by the lack of progress. He on the poorer people, the upper classes listened to his minister and mentor John - Wilberforece’s primary target - were Newton preach and spent much time virtually untouched. talking with him about the biblical doctrines of sin, judgement and salvation by Wilberforce never lived to see the true grace through faith in Christ alone. This fruit of his labours but, after his death helped Wilberforce to realise that the in 1832, his writing had a major imjob of transforming society could only pact on politics and society. Following

Wilberforce were Lord Shaftesbury and a host of other Victorian evangelical Christians, who dedicated their lives to protecting the most vulnerable and encouraging people to act according

Reforming manners: William Wilberforce

to biblical principles. In 1885 The Times claimed that the income of all the charities in London alone was greater than that of the governments of Sweden, Denmark and Portugal, and double that of the Swiss Confederation. About seventy-five per cent of these thousands of philanthropic societies set up to help needy people were evangelical!

Just as Wilberforce did, we long for long-lasting spiritual transformation in the lives of individuals so that whole communities can be changed. Two and a half centuries on there is the same need.

CARE 53 Romney Street London SW1P 3RF | 020 7233 0455 | For enquires, comments and to join our regular mailing list: mail@care.org.uk To further CARE’s ministry: www.care.org.uk/giving | Charity number: 1066963 Scottish Charity SC038911

S ER RT O PP PAGE SU

Good news for Church Leaders

Rev Andrew McCausland of Minehead Baptist Church shares his feedback.

Gareth Davies brings you up to date with new developments.

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ince the launch of the Church Leaders’ Resources project, we’ve added many new items!

CARE events, are prompted to view the clips. They are becoming increasingly popular with leaders sharing them and adding comments. We would ask all our supporters to encourage their leaders to get involved.

The most significant innovation has been the short weekly video update with CARE’s Head of Public Affairs, We would ask all Nola Leach. This came about our supporters to in direct response to dozens of requests from church encourage their leaders around the country, leaders to get so thank you for your suginvolved. gestions and feedback.

Subjects already addressed, with a brief summary, action and prayer points, include online safety, human trafficking and support for marriage in the tax system.

Followers of @careleader on Twitter and church leaders we have met at

Another helpful resource is a downloadable briefing on the Government’s proposals to redefine marriage.

It has also been encouraging to receive so many requests for CARE staff to speak at churches. On a recent Sunday at Minehead Baptist Church I highlighted issues of key concern. My thanks to Rev Andrew McCausland for his comments!

“CARE is one of the most important organisations of our time. I think every follower of Jesus should be able to benefit from their research and knowledge. That is why, as a longterm supporter, I invited Gareth Davies to spend a whole Sunday with us.

His talks and presentations, on political and social justice, marriage and human trafficking, were presented with humility and grace but also with authority.

We have a better understanding of the issues and a more effective prayer life.”

Church speaking events give us a great opportunity for meeting supporters face-to-face and making new friends for CARE. Please contact Gareth if you’d like someone to speak at your church. gareth.davies@care.org.uk

www.care.org.uk/churchleader

Keeping you informed

Moving house?

CARE is working closely with three other charities: The Christian Institute, Christian Concern and The Christian Medical Fellowship, under the banner of the Coalition for Marriage.

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ou may therefore have received very similar mailings over a short period from different organisations, as each Coalition organisation is very keen to keep supporters fully informed of issues relating to the redefinition of marriage proposals. If this has been an inconvenience to you, please accept our apologies. At CARE we never share supporter information with others, due to data confidentiality issues.

Some of our updates are via e-mail only due to timing constraints, so if we do not have your email address you may have missed out on the latest information about redefining marriage, or other important issues.

To receive these email updates, please email us at supporter.relations@care. org.uk or telephone Hannah Mills or Russell Hornzee on 020 7223 0455.

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f you are moving in the near future we would be very grateful if you would remember to let us know, so that we can amend our database!

An email to supporter.relations@ care.org.uk or a telephone call on 020 7233 0455, giving your old and new addresses, would be very helpful.

Thank you for your understanding as we work together to make a difference for the sake of the future.

Catalyst To further design: CARE’swww.david-potter.co.uk ministry: www.care.org.uk/giving | Generic images, except where indicated: istockphoto.com & shutterstock.com Catalyst Catalystprint: design: www.optichrome.com www.david-potter.co.uk | Writing: | Generic CARE,photos: outsideiStockphoto contributors and freelance writer Clive Price [office@cliveprice.com]

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C ATA LYS T

n: a person or thing that causes an important change to take place

Stay informed - Stay in touch www.care.org.uk | www.twitter.com/careorguk | www.twitter.com/careprayerdiary | www.facebook.com/careorguk Cover photo of spiral galaxy M74: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration. Acknowledgment: R. Chandar (University of Toledo) and J. Miller (University of Michigan). Public Domain. Back cover photo of bar galaxy NGC1300: NASA, ESA, and The Hubble Heritage Team STScI/AURA). Public Domain.