WE’VE GOT POLITICAL! Black churches to publish Manifesto

The NCLF, a Black Christian voice, is getting ready to release a manifesto for action. Find out why...

There was a time when leaders in the Black Church were extremely reluctant to mention the word ‘politics’ inside the church building. Politics was viewed as one of those unspeakable words. It was almost like uttering an expletive and was often spoken of in disparaging terms. There were those who would venture to admit they didn’t even understand what it meant! But here we are, on the verge of delivering the second edition of the Black Church Political Mobilisation and, to top it all, the subtitle says it’s a manifesto for action!

A manifesto is defined as ‘a written statement declaring publicly the intentions, motives or views of its issuer’ (Merriam Webster). The issuer, NCLF (the National Church Leaders Forum) is a Black Christian voice, supported by Black Church leaders and members, also by civic, cultural and enterprising organisations, which are unequivocal about utilising their godly intelligence and values of practical Christian theology. Their belief is that engaging instead of ignoring; transforming instead of conforming; and empowering instead of complaining is the best way we can effectively demonstrate what it means to be a people of faith, living, surviving and thriving in a broken and fallen world in which we engage in God’s mission to our neighbour.

WHAT DID THE FIRST EDITION ACHIEVE?

The first-ever edition of the Manifesto was released in 2015 during the time of the General Election, which was won by the Conservatives led by David Cameron MP. Over 15,000 copies were printed and distributed to all members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, as well as to community, cultural and business leaders, and key individuals. Hard copies and a free download were made accessible on the NCLF website (https://nclf.org.uk).

Verbal feedback and written responses affirmed support. One Conservative MP exclaimed it demonstrated in a clear and precise way how the churches, through their members and associates, were bringing change in multiple ways to hundreds and thousands of lives. Another MP expressed how it demonstrated that the Black Church, for many years, through projects (large and small), had delivered innovative initiatives all over the British Isles; for example, the Ascension Trust’s Street Pastors, influencing exemplary community practices internationally. villages to the benefit of all. Scripture says: ‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might’ (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

The often-used phrase describing the UK Black Church as ‘a sleeping giant’ is becoming less applicable, even though there is so much more to be done. In the relatively short eight years since the first edition, the intensity of social, economic and political challenges serves to reinforce the need for this forthcoming revised version, which once again positions NCLF as a distinctive voice in the nation.

Each section is written by wellpositioned individuals, including Elaine Bowes, Marketing Communications for the Pentecostal Credit Union, as one of Britain’s top 10 credit unions delivering a focus on Economics, Enterprise and Investment; and Music, Media, Arts and Culture, written by Richard Reddie, author, cultural and religious commentator and Director of Justice and Inclusion for Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.

The impact of headlines - such as the Windrush Scandal (2017); Grenfell (2017); the Refugee Small Boats Crisis (2018); the COVID-19 epidemic, with excess ethnic minority deaths (2019-2021); Black Lives Matter protests (2020); Energy Cost of Living Crisis (2021); and the recent revulsions over the damning Metropolitan Police Report (2023) - demands our attention and response, and these are mainly highlighted or provide signposts for addressing.

WHAT’S IN THE MANIFESTO FOR YOU?

Increasingly, Black churches are seen as places that welcome and serve everyone who needs help. The Black Church Political Mobilisation Manifesto represents you. It explores, in eleven sections, major issues occurring in our everyday lives. You will probably find there are one or more issues that affect you, your family, your neighbour or church. More importantly, the Manifesto provides focus upon how we can all contribute to improving the quality of people’s lives in our cities, towns and

As before, each section in the Manifesto has three parts: The Current Picture, The Biblical Picture, and Where Do We Go From Here? with a list of recommendations for churches, groups and individuals to take action and get involved.

Make Plans To Attend The Launch

Saturday 20th May 2023 is our day to show solidarity. NCLF believes ‘Black Lives Matter’ and together we are a Black Church movement that engages in what really matters, both earthly things and heavenly things.

Over 700 people attended the first edition launch event. Let’s push the boat out and reach many more this time.

The launch event is FREE and takes place at Christ Faith Tabernacle, 175 Powis Street, Woolwich, London SE18 6NL at 1pm. (Doors open at 12pm.)