LDCF magazine 2015/16 by Liberal Democrat Christian Forum

2015-2016

ENDING

Exploitation NEW LEADER LDCF membership survey - the results south sudan

Note from

the Editor Elizabth Jewkes, Vice Chair LDCF

elcome to the 2015/16 edition of the Liberal Democrat Christian Forum’s newsletter.

At the time of writing our director is about to move on and we will shortly have a new director, Sarah Dickson in place. I’m sure you will join me in thanking Claire for the immense As a party, we’re bouncing contribution she has made to LDCF back from the devastation over the past four years. The book, that May 7th brought. The ‘Liberal Democrats Do God’, the surge in party membership new website, the hustings guide has benefited LDCF too. I’m for General Election candidates, really pleased that several the ‘Why vote Liberal Democrat’ of the new members are cards. The list is endless. I certainly keen to take an active role in appreciate the way she keeps the LDCF and have expressed website constantly updated with interest in standing for fresh content. Claire will certainly be election to our Exec. a hard act to follow but we wish her well in her new role with the party.

Please note that the opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessariliy represent the views of the Executive Committee of LDCF or the Magazine Editor

Contents A reflection from the Director

LDCF: About us

New leader

I do hope you will show up

7 day prayer guide

Reflections after the election

Our 2015/16 theme: Exploitation

The Mediterranean crisis

LDCF Membership Survey â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the results

Profile of Exec member Jackie Beckford

Finger on the Pulse

St Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at the Cross, Chester

Taxation of families

Beauty and Brutality: The confounding contradictions of South Sudan

The Liberal Democrats and the Church

A Reflection from the Director Claire Mathys

t’s been an interesting time for the party and for the LDCF over the past year, to say the least. After five years in government, in which we achieved many incredible things that simply would not have happened without us – such as tripling the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources – we were far from rewarded at the ballot box. Seemingly, we weren’t able to communicate the positive difference we had made. And yet shortly after the dramatic results of the election were laid bare, something rather extraordinary occurred: our membership soared, increasing by over a third in the space of just a few weeks. Why did this happen? New members have given various reasons. Many realised that if they wanted to see the things the party stands for actually happen – a more just society, minorities protected, climate change and inequality tackled – then they would need to get stuck in and be involved themselves. They could no longer sit back and leave it to others. Many of these new members are Christians. They’ve recognised that if we care about people, we should care about politics. They’ve caught a vision of what it means to be salt and light in the world; a vision that includes serving our communities through social and political action. LDCF is now buzzing with new members who are excited about making a difference.

Liberal Democrat Christian Forum / 2015-2016

Politics is fragile. The ups and downs of party politics remind us that while we must try our best to fight for what we believe in, there is ultimately only one constant, one source of stability and firm foundation. We cannot put our hope and security in anyone or anything but God – only he has true power, strength and love. Yet he calls us to be involved in this fragile world, and to reflect his love, peace and justice to those around us. He chooses to use us – if we let him – to bring about transformation, giving a glimpse of the Kingdom which is to come. If we fix our eyes on Jesus and seek to love and serve others, in our personal lives and in our politics, then we will see him be glorified.

LDCF: ABOUT US LDCF is a Christian voice in the Party and a voice of liberal democracy amongst Christians. We do this by: Speaking out about issues of injustice to impact policy and create change. Acting as a bridge between the Christian community and the Party through relationship-building and encouraging both communities to connect and work together. Inspiring Christians to become more politically engaged, to see politics as mission and a way of seeking justice for their community and nation. Underpinning all that we do with prayer, and praying regularly for our government and nation.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

You can join us in this vision, by attending our prayer meetings, becoming a member or making a donation - www.ldcf.org

NEW leader Elizabeth Jewkes, Vice chair LDCF

ne autumn, I arrived at party conference and went straight into the auditorium. It was Sunday afternoon and we were debating membership fees. The proposal being debated was that the minimum membership fee should be raised from ÂŁ3 to ÂŁ5. On the platform was a young man whose passion for the subject was very evident. He spoke against the proposed rise. He insisted that having a low membership fee encouraged people to join, even if they were on a low income such as students, the jobless or the retired. These were the people, he insisted, who had time to deliver leaflets and to campaign for the party. If we almost doubled the minimum fee, there was a risk that many of them would be unable to remain members. We certainly would have difficulty persuading other low income people to join. What was more important? He asked. Those two pound coins or party members? I can promise you, he said, those two pound coins will never deliver a single leaflet. He gained the backing of the membership who duly voted down the proposed rise.

Liberal Democrat Christian Forum / 2015-2016

That was 24 years ago and the young man was a student. His name? Tim Farron. He impressed me then and has continued to impress me since. Tim has never lost his passion for inclusivity. Tim has set out his priorities and appointed a Parliamentary Campaigns Team. Chaired by Greg Mulholland MP, the Parliamentary Campaigns Team will consist of: • Rural Communities and Vice Chair Mark Williams MP • EU referendum - Catherine Bearder MEP and Lord Jim Wallace (Deputy) • Mental Health - Norman Lamb MP • Immigration - Shas Sheehan • Civil Liberties - Alistair Carmichael MP • Green Economy - Baroness Susan Kramer • Housing - Tim Farron MP Tim says: “These are the core issues I want the Liberal Democrats to stand out on and take a lead on.

“Sensible, liberal and evidence-based views are already being woefully ignored by the Tory government - so it’s up to Liberal Democrats to make this case. Whether it’s helping young people in rural areas find work, or ensuring those with mental health difficulties have effective support, our liberal voice is needed now more than ever. Whether it’s investing in green energy, building the homes we need; understanding the plight of refugees, or ensuring the state can’t snoop on our emails, my party will offer that liberal alternative.

Sensible, liberal and evidence-based views are already being woefully ignored by the Tory government - so it’s up to Liberal Democrats to make this case And with David Cameron’s hokey-cokey diplomacy on Europe, the Liberal Democrats will stand up for our country and make the passionate case for Britain to lead, not leave the EU. This team will work alongside Lib Dems in all chambers, Parliaments and offices to drive forward strong and signature campaigns. I can’t wait to get started.” I can’t wait to see what Tim will achieve. I knew 24 years ago, that this man had what it takes to lead this party and I just know he’s going to deliver. For more information about Tim: timfarron.co.uk @timfarron tim@timfarron.co.uk

The column

“I do hope that you will show up”

t’s the morning of the 7th of May 2015, the date the UK once again went to the polls to elect a new government. As she left the polling booth, British Bake Off star Martha Collison tweeted, “I voted to show that young people do care about the future of our country #ShowUp”. Months before, Archbishop Justin Welby stated that “the ‘Show Up’ campaign in the run up to the General Election, is challenging and encouraging in equal measure.” And perhaps one of the few times we saw opposing MPs unite behind a message in those politically charged days before the election was when Labour MP Rob Flello and Conservative MP Gary Streeter, both added their support to the Show Up campaign.

Mark Scott writes about the Show Up campaign launched by Christians in Politics earlier this year So what was the Show Up campaign all about and how did it capture the attention of the Christian community from the ecclesial to the culinary? The campaign started as a simple idea: to encourage Christians to get on the pitch of political life and not just commentate from the side-lines. It was about calling upon people of faith to ‘show up’ in the system rather than simply criticising it from the outside. This was an idea that seemed to resonate as around 40 other Christian organisations and church networks added their support to making it a reality. In January the campaign officially launched with a video and a website. The video - which stated the vision of the campaign in animated form quickly rose to over twenty thousand

Liberal Democrat Christian Forum / 2015-2016

views on YouTube and was seen in churches up and down the country. A book – Those Who Show Up – soon followed as well as numerous events and debates. What started as an idea was quickly becoming a movement. Christians were feeling inspired to engage with politics: to take up the challenge of being salt and light in the political world. Helen is one of many who - after attending a Show Up event decided to join a political party. She has started going along to meetings and is finding opportunities to serve her local community. Then there’s Peter, Jonny, Rob and others who having come into contact with the campaign may be appearing on your ballot paper in the near future as they seek to become candidates themselves. Less dramatic but equally encouraging were the countless stories of people committing to pray for their leaders as well as getting to know their local representatives in order to build relationships. The campaign is far from over. As anyone involved in politics knows, political engagement isn’t just about one day in every 1,825. Now is when the hard graft really begins and in that spirit the Show Up campaign continues. There’s still ways to get involved, be inspired, be equipped, and be sent out. Just one of those ways is through the Show Up Weekend, taking place in November, which will be an

Show Up Weekend 6-8 Nov 2015 An exclusive opportunity to hear from Christian MPs, theologians and church leaders about political engagement and to meet others equally passionate about showing up. For more info, please go to the Christians in Politics website: christiansinpolitics.org.uk exclusive opportunity to hear from Christian MPs, theologians and church leaders about political engagement and to meet others equally passionate about showing up. Details of the weekend and more about the Show Up campaign can be found at Christians in Politics website (www.christiansinpolitics.org.uk). We’d love to see you there! Whatever we may feel about the election and the future of politics in the UK, the call on Christians to serve others remains the same. So I’ll leave you with this simple challenge to the church and the wider Christian community from Archbishop Justin Welby: “I do hope that you will show up”. 07

7 Day

Prayer Guide Day 1 - Pray for your local MP “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority...” (1 Timothy 2: 1-2) MPs are our elected representatives in national government, but they are also human beings in high pressure jobs, with families, hopes, dreams and concerns. Pray for your MP (and their family) that God would bless them and use them to be a blessing, both locally and through their work in Parliament. (Find who your MP is at findyourmp.parliament.uk)

Day 2 - Pray for Parliament “By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and nobles - all who rule on earth.” (Proverbs 8: 15-6) We live in an age where Parliament is held in contempt by many in our country. Pray for wisdom and justice for all those working in Parliament, that they would have integrity in their work, praying especially for Christians working in Parliament to be salt and light.

Day 3 - Pray for Christians working in government “...and who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4: 14) Christians working in the political parties and the civil service can have a strong positive influence on policies and public services. Pray that God will strengthen them to be faithful servants and witnesses in their workplace, willing to speak up at the right time.

Day 4 - Pray for political leaders “For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good...” (Romans 13: 4) Political leaders matter, both for the power they exercise and

Liberal Democrat Christian Forum / 2015-2016

the moral direction that they bring to the nation (for better or worse). Pray for our Prime Minister and the cabinet, that they would show wisdom, character and integrity, serving and leading in a godly way.

Day 5 - Pray for your local Councillors “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city... Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29: 7) Many local councillors serve their communities faithfully with little thanks! For some this is also a ‘route in’ to other political roles. Give thanks for the work of your local council and ask that God would use them to help bring peace, prosperity, righteousness and hope to your ‘city’.

Day 6 - Pray for political issues “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5: 2) Political decisions affect key biblical issues like justice for the poor, the moral character of the nation and freedom to proclaim the Gospel message. Pray for effective Christian presence and influence in political debate, and for laws and policies which reflect God’s word and wisdom.

Day 7 - Pray for the local church “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? ... You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5: 13-4). Local churches make up by far the largest voluntary and community organisation in Britain, so we have a responsibility to use the voice this gives us wisely and effectively. Pray that churches in your area would recognise the political realm as a ‘mission field’ and rise up together in prayer and action.

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Reflections after

the Election

Simon Hughes was a Liberal and then Lib Dem MP from 1983 until 2015, when he lost his seat of Bermondsey and Old Southwark at the General Election

ur election result, as for many colleagues, was sad, disappointing, frustrating - and for many of us, a shock as well. We hoped that, in spite of the polls, we would be able to pull through. But democratic politics often results in sudden endings to careers and periods of office. And when the decision is made in a democratic vote, whatever our complaints about the voting system, it has the authority of the general public.

Liberal Democrat Christian Forum / 2015-2016

The public sometimes do not realise that paid team members also suffer hugely from a defeat. Nine other colleagues have lost their jobs and life has not been easy for them, local party officers, our brilliant local councillors, and many loyal volunteers either. But after the initial shock, there was the most wonderful stream of messages by text, voicemail, email and letter from near and far with solidarity, thanks and appreciation. In fact, I am still working through my replies! Many of them, whether from people of Christian or other faiths or no faith had one common theme: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;When one door closes, another will open.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I have never doubted this. My church arranged a lovely period of thanksgiving and recommitment on 17th May. I have felt inwardly very calm. Above all, I am hugely grateful for the opportunity of more than 32 years as local MP as well as senior party officer and government minister. I have always absolutely trusted in the Lord to provide - and know this will happen in the days ahead, just as in the past. It was in many ways providential that I was elected to parliament in the first place. I now look forward with hope and in prayer to whatever the next period of my life will bring.

OUR 2015/16 theme:

Exploitation

Elizabeth Jewkes, Vice Chair LDCF

e have chosen ‘Exploitation’ as our theme for the coming year and based it on Isaiah 58:1-7

“For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways. .... seem eager for God to come near them. “Why have we fasted,” they say“. And you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves and you have not noticed?” ‘Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers...You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high... ‘Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe them and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” In the weeks following May 7th, an unprecedented number of people joined our party. Claire, our then Director, asked Simon Hughes to send out an email to the new members who identified themselves as Christian and ask them to join LDCF. As new members continued to join, Claire then asked me to send a further email to the newbies. Quite a

swathe of them joined – around 80 in response to Simon’s and over 30 in response to mine. But among the responses were a couple of sharply worded emails including this one:

‘Please do take note.Religion and politics should not be mixed’. I could not disagree more. I am not interested in a religion that gives people ‘pie in the sky when you die’. Surely, Christianity also offers ‘Cake on your plate while you wait’? Or, if not cake, at least food on everyone’s plate. Or as James put it:

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-17) Our faith should not just be inward looking but should inspire us to improve the lives of everyone we can. From buying fairly traded goods, whether made abroad or in the UK to speaking up against exploitation whenever and wherever we find it. We have a responsibility to speak up for the voiceless and act on behalf of the helpless. If (when!) you think of an area in which we could make a difference, please contact the office and let us know. 11

Mediterranean

crisis

Suzanne Fletcher is a member of LDCF and is campaigning to raise awareness of the refugee crisis

n the first 6 months of this year 137,000 refugees and migrants crossed the Mediterranean, in terrible conditions on unsafe boats and dinghies. Many more tried but didn’t make it and nearly 2,000 died in the first 5 months of this year, highlighting a staggering increase in refugees and migrants dying or missing at sea. This led to much debate, with Government Ministers saying the migrants were just looking for a better life. However the majority of those taking the sea route to Europe are refugees fleeing from war, conflict or persecution in their home countries as well as deteriorating conditions in adjoining refugee-hosting countries.

There is no organised way of the EU accepting these people though. Reception capacity and conditions for those surviving the journey are seriously inadequate and there is worse impact on people with special needs, including unaccompanied and separated children increasing their vulnerability and risk of exploitation. It is important to put the situation into a world wide context though. The situation in the Mediterranean is minor compared with a rise in forced displacement, 60 million last year, including a sharp increase in those seeking safety across seas. Also not to forget that the vast majority of refugees, 86% are hosted in developing countries. We can be proud that whilst we were part of Government, the UK was the only EU country to meet its “Fair share” to the severely underfunded Syrian crisis appeal. Lord Roger Roberts and former MP Sarah Teather have persistently raised the issue in Parliament, and Liberal Democrats for Seekers of Sanctuary have not only continued to highlight the crisis, but have a motion “Creating Safe and Legal Routes for Refugees”, (www.ld4sos.org.uk/archives/424) that is to be debated at the Bournemouth Conference on the Saturday at 2.20pm, so please turn up to that to support it. The protection of refugees has been a core human value for as long as civilisation has existed and the Old Testament has examples going back 3,500 years.

Liberal Democrat Christian Forum / 2015-2016

The protection of refugees has been a core human value for as long as civilisation has existed and the Old Testament has examples going back 3,500 years

As the flames of xenophobia are fanned, we are turning our backs on what has been a human response from time immemorial. There is a Liberal Democrat response to this crisis, and that is a Christian one too. To create more and safer legal routes for refugees to seek safety in the UK; to continue to advocate for and contribute to the European search and rescue operation in the Mediterranean; and to tackle the root causes of the issues causing people to flee their homes.

Septembers demonstration in London

Photo: flickr.com/borntosleep

In the EU instead of building fences, blocking family reunions and putting every possible barrier in the way is only forcing people into the hands of smugglers who profit from putting people into danger, We need to cooperate to deal with this growing humanitarian crisis, to tackle the root causes and provide the support we ourselves would expect to have if we were in their shoes.

Coffins containing the bodies of refugees and migrants who perished when their boat sank off the coast of Lampedusa (UNHCR/Francesco Maltavolta) 13

LDCF Membership Survey - the results Summary by Jo Latham

e received an impressive 195 responses to our recent membership survey, which represents about half of all LDCF members. Thank you to all who responded! Who are our members? Many of our members are very long standing, having been committed to the Liberal Democrats, and before that the Liberals or SDP, for up to fifty or sixty years. By contrast, more than a third of respondents joined the Party (and LDCF) during or after the 2015 General Election. Just 3 per cent of those responding are members of LDCF but not the Liberal Democrats. We have a politically active membership, with a quarter (26 per cent) of members who responded saying they were heavily involved in the General Election campaign, for example as a candidate, organiser, staff member or critical member of a 14

Liberal Democrat Christian Forum / 2015-2016

local campaign. One in seven (14 per cent) were actively involved through regular delivery, campaigning or canvassing, and a further third (35 per cent) were not involved in a particular campaign but followed the media coverage and discussed the election with others. The rest were involved to some degree or not at all. In terms of church membership, we are reasonably diverse, with almost half (45 per cent) of respondents identifying themselves as Anglican, and a further 11 per cent Baptist, 10 per cent Catholic and 10 per cent Free Church (e.g. Methodist, URC or Salvation Army). Another 8 per cent described themselves as charismatic, independent or non-denominational, and 5 per cent are Church of Scotland or other Presbyterian. 3 per cent identified themselves as attending another evangelical or Pentecostal church, and a further 3 per cent are uncommitted to any church at present. Why do our members vote Lib Dem? As might be expected, people gave a number of consistent reasons for voting Lib Dem at the Election. Many cited the importance of liberal policies, principles and values. Those of social justice, fairness, civil liberties and support for Europe arose most frequently.

IT was a revelation that the two driving forces in my life came together in this organisation There was a sprinkling of negative comments about the Party’s role in government, the leadership and the election campaign. However, more people were supportive of our MPs and the decisions that were taken in Coalition, where they were seen to mitigate the policies of the Tories and act as a balancing influence in the political centre ground. A number of people said that they voted tactically, for example for Labour against the SNP or Conservatives in a local seat; or that they had voted for another party and only joined the Lib Dems after the Election results were announced. Election results When asked why the Lib Dems did so badly in the General Election, the largest number of respondents suggested this was due to collateral damage from being in Coalition. Other causes

were widely believed to be a ‘politics of fear’, the Party’s u-turn on tuition fees and a lack of clear message (or the wrong message) from the Party during the campaign. Other suggested reasons were a lack of knowledge among the public of Lib Dem achievements in Coalition; the media coverage; fear of the SNP; and disconnection with the public. A few people cited the amount of money spent by the Conservatives on their campaigning, and the presence of Nick Clegg as Leader. Which issues are most important to our members? The top five political issues that LDCF members told us are important to them are: 1. Health (including mental health, public health and disability); 2. Education; 3. Social Justice (including welfare, poverty, social care and the elderly);

4. Immigration/Asylum Seekers; 5. The Environment. Civil liberties and human rights issues followed closely behind, as did Europe, the economy, electoral/political reform and housing. Why LDCF? We asked our members why they had joined LDCF. Several strong themes emerged from the responses. Many respondents spoke of the natural expression of their faith in their politics; both in terms of the policies and values they championed, and the general imperative for Christians to be engaged in politics. One person said that “it was a revelation that the two driving forces in my life came together in this organisation.” Many members expressed the desire to meet, discuss and pray with other Christians in the party, and to find and 15

offer support in a politically tough environment. There was a wish to ensure that the Party speaks up for the disadvantaged in society – “the poor, the widowed, the orphan and the foreigner” – particularly under the current Government; and people also wanted to demonstrate that Christianity and Liberalism were not incompatible; a view held by some in Christian circles. A number of members said that they wished to combat the opinion held by some Lib Dems and others that faith was dangerous and undesirable in politics. One member stated: “New atheists are very aggressive and would like to see religion driven out of the public arena. I want to hear many voices in the public arena.” A number of respondents said that they had joined the Party because they were so upset at the Lib Dem performance in the General Election, and that they had then been invited to join LDCF. Others mentioned personal approaches from our Director Claire or existing LDCF members, or from Parliamentarians such as Simon Hughes. At least one new member was inspired to look further into Christianity and politics by Archbishop Vincent Nichols’ election letter to Catholic parishes. They discovered and joined LDCF through the Christians in Politics website, and then joined the Lib Dems as well!

Liberal Democrat Christian Forum / 2015-2016

New atheists are very aggressive and would like to see religion driven out of the public arena. I want to hear many voices in the public arena What should LDCF priorities be? LDCF achieves a great deal with limited resources, and members were asked to rank their views on what its priorities should be in the coming year. The strongest responses were in favour of: 1. Raising awareness inside and outside the party about issues of injustice or concern; 2. Shaping party policy – through policy motions, engaging with Parliamentarians and holding debates; 3. Supporting Christians within the Liberal Democrats through prayer, fellowship and practical resources; 4. Inspiring and equipping Christians to become more politically engaged by working with the non-party group Christians in Politics. Finally, 85 per cent of respondents would like opportunities to get to know other LDCF members, and almost half are interested in volunteering for LDCF, so we should expect exciting things from our Forum community in the months ahead!

Jackie Beckford

ackie Beckford joined the LDCF Exec at our AGM last year and we’ve interviewed her for the magazine.

In 2011, Jackie was well known for her community work in East Grinstead when she was approached by a Lib Dem councillor and asked if she was interested in standing as a council candidate. Jackie was considering the idea when she had an identical offer - from the Conservatives. She joined us and stood as a candidate and was successfully elected. Jackie managed to juggle her work-life balance but when work took her to Uckfield she had no plans to stand in the 2015 local elections. Clearly, God has a divine plan. Jackie agreed to stand for the local party and was once again successfully elected to the Town Council with 650 votes. Quite remarkable considering she was new to the area and did not knock on a single door.

Jackie is also an Exec member of Liberal Democrat Women and joined LDCF last year. She is a member of New Life Church. Our Exec has responsibility for the strategy, vision and accountability of LDCF. All members are eligible to stand for election to our Exec. The Exec comprises 12 people who are elected annually at our AGM. If you think you have something to contribute, please consider putting yourself forward. We need people who will take an active role in the running of LDCF – recruiting new members, organising events, promoting LDCF on social media, there’s lots to do.

Finger on the Pulse

Helping you stay up-to-date in the ever-changing world of politics

The political landscape is constantly changing, making it a challenge to stay informed about what’s going on, let alone get your head round things from a Christian perspective. Here are some places you can turn to, to help you navigate the political world.

Recommended Blogs #1 God & Politics UK godandpoliticsuk.org

Recommended Websites #1 Christians in Politics christiansinpolitics.org.uk @CiPolitics #2 Politics.co.uk www.politics.co.uk @Politics_co_uk #3 Premier Christianity premierchristianity.com @Christianitymag

@GodandPolitics Up-to-date, well-written and relevant pieces giving a Christian perspective on ‘all things politics.’ #2 Resistance & Renewal resistanceandrenewal.net A blog that is passionate about faith, transformation & social justice. Provides a social justice perspective on politics and popular culture. #3 Liberal Democrat Voice libdemvoice.org @LibDemVoice Ranked among the top 5 most influential blogs in the UK. Written by a variety of Lib Dem activists and bloggers, providing commentary and opinion on latest political happenings. 18

Liberal Democrat Christian Forum / 2015-2016

Recommended reads #1 Liberal Democrats Do God Eds. Jo Latham & Claire Mathys A collection of articles by Christian Lib Dem MPs and Peers which demonstrate the positive contribution that the Christian faith brings to politics. #2 God and Caesar By Baroness Shirley Williams Personal reflections on politics and religion. #3 On God’s Side By Jim Wallis Explores how Jesus’ agenda can serve the common good and what it takes to sustain a lifelong commitment to social justice.

St Peter’s at the cross

a new chapter

n 400 AD, a wooden church was built on the site of the Roman praetorium in the centre of the city of Chester. In 907, King Alfred’s daughter Aethelflaed, had the wooden structure replaced with stone and the square church of St Peter’s at the Cross was built. Altered many times over the centuries, it served as the parish church until 1972 when the parish was merged with the adjoining parish of St John’s. Since then, St Peter’s has been an Ecumenical Centre. Situated in the pedestrianised shopping area of one of the most popular tourist destinations in England, St Peter’s now has few local residents. But the church’s doors have been open daily as an Internet cafe, a meeting place, an art space, a prayer place and a shop. It’s also open until 2am twice a month on a Saturday evening as Nightchurch, a place where those on a night out can light a candle, say a prayer, join in with worship or come in for a chat or a coffee.

Elizabeth Jewkes leads the team of intercessors at Nightchurch and is now a member of St Peter’s at the Cross

The team of intercessors who support Nightchurch were asked to pray for a congregation for St Peter’s. Sometime later, a church who had been meeting in a local school, explained to the Bishop that they would really like to meet in a church and asked if he could suggest somewhere. He could. So they began meeting in St Peter’s every Sunday. Then in January this year, a vicar agreed to oversee the parish and a curate was allocated to the church. Now, the two parishes of St Peter’s and St John’s have again been separated and from 1st July, St Peter’s is once again a parish church covering everything and everyone inside the city walls. There are exciting times ahead for Chester’s oldest church.

taxation of families

ardworking families – it’s a mantra much beloved of politicians, especially Conservative ones. Yet recent changes in taxation have failed to be of much benefit to working families, however hard they work. The rise in the income tax threshold did help families of course, but for single earner households, it has highlighted the unfairness in the tax and benefits system.

Taxes are based on an individual’s income. Benefits are based on household income. So single earner households, including those where one parent choses to stay at home with small children, pay more tax than households where both parents work, when the take home pay in both households is identical. The Conservative policy of allowing a non-earner to transfer 10% of their tax allowance makes a negligible difference. Even worse, in this year’s budget, the Chancellor announced sweeping cuts to Child Tax Credits. From next April, for couples with 1, 3, 4 or more children, Tax Credits will be cut by £212 a month. The cuts are even sharper for couples with 2 children, their Tax Credits will be cut by £256 a month. The Chancellor’s rationale is that employers should be paying higher wages rather than the government paying benefits. But how will it work in practice? A couple, who both work fulltime and earn the minimum wage will see their wages rise by £168 a month in total but the cut in Tax Credits will mean they will be a total of £44/£88 a month worse off. If that seems wrong, look at a couple where they already 20

Liberal Democrat Christian Forum / 2015-2016

Elizabeth Jewkes is the author of the policy to raise the income tax threshold and a member of Mothers At Home Matter. She is also the vice chair of LDCF Annual Family income £15,000 £20,000 £25,000 Current entitlement per week 1 child

£87.74

£53.85

£-

2 children

£141.15 £102.20

£63.25

3 children

£194.47 £155.72 £116.77

4 children

£247.78 £209.24 £170.29

2016/2017 entitlement 1 child

£52.56

£6.00

£-

2 children

£106.08

£60.00

£14.40

3 children

£159.60 £113.52

£67.92

4 children

£213.12 £167.04 £121.44

Figures from the Treasury

both earn at least £7.20 an hour, but work fewer hours than the first income and so have a similar income. The only increase in their income will be that they will pay £7 a month less tax, making the family £205/£249 worse off. And if that seems bad, look at a family where both parents work full time but are under the age of 25. No increase in the minimum wage for them. They won’t benefit from the increase in the tax allowance as they don’t earn enough to pay tax, their income will be cut by the full amount of £212/£256. Even worse, the Chancellor has frozen working age benefits for 4 years so no change in these policies seems likely in this parliament. Looks like the Lib Dems are needed more than ever.

Beauty and brutality:

the confounding contradictions of South Sudan

arkness falls early in South Sudan. When the unspeakably bright sun sleeps, there isn’t much to illuminate the hot air. Just fireflies, the headlights of occasional military trucks, and the night stars. Mind you, sitting out in the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) compound in Maban, in the remote far north of this troubled new country, I realise I have never before seen so many stars – great crops of them – too bright and too abundant to sketch an outline of any constellation familiar to my eyes. South Sudan is a confounding place. Certainly, it is captivatingly beautiful. In the rainy season it is lusciously green – the flat landscape punctuated by the smallest of mountains and the tallest of trees, with vast wide trunks and tiny birds painted in brilliant chalky blue or tomato-red. The people are tall too. And they stand up straight. The bright cloths of women’s clothes up close against the intense darkness of South Sudanese skin is striking to see. Then there is the coffee: rich, thick, sweet, aromatic, laced with ginger, almost medicinal. And the singing which breaks into spontaneous parts, the beat slow. The dancing is free. The welcome is warm.

Sarah Teather is an International Advocacy Adviser for the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) – an international Catholic organisation active in 50 countries, with a mission to accompany, serve and advocate on behalf of refugees and other people who are forcibly displaced. She spent a month this summer in East Africa, travelling with JRS, seeing projects serving refugees in and around South Sudan. Sarah was previously Liberal Democrat MP for Brent Central (2003-2015) and Minister of State for Children and Families in the Coalition Government (2010-2012) There is a South Sudan that overflows with beauty and natural glory; the slowness of pace somehow scripted to encourage the savouring of each sensory surprise. But there is another South Sudan too that jostles harshly for attention: poverty, filth, hunger, disease, exploitation, corruption and self-perpetuating cycles of extreme violence. The people of South Sudan have endured war on and off for 60 years. The signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the South and the North in 2005 and declaration of Independence in 2011 heralded a brief period of optimism. Investors came. Refugees who had been scattered to Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya returned to rebuild their lives. But in December 2013, a dispute between two men, formerly colleagues at the top of the 21

same government, sparked a civil and ethnic war that has since displaced 1.6million people inside and flung 600k outside to its neighbours once again. 18 months on, it is now more complex and chaotic than a fight between two tribes. Others have been drawn in, clan within clan, even in previously peaceful areas: a JRS project in Western Equatoria had to be evacuated briefly just a few weeks ago. International donors are beginning to tire of a conflict that never wanes. The regional UN appeal for South Sudan is only 13% funded, leaving many development programmes out of reach, particularly for education, both in South Sudan and for refugees in Uganda and Ethiopia. The World Food Programme is reducing food rations everywhere as it struggles to respond to competing global crises. Last month, the Presidents of South Sudanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neighbours converged on Juba to hail the signing of the latest IGAD peace deal, after weeks of stalemate and intense US-led pressure. But there is real caution on the ground about whether this will be followed through. At least seven ceasefires have previously been agreed and were shattered within days. Officials who follow the peace talks speak of a whole nation, from its leadership down, too 22

traumatised by violence to make decisions. Too wrapped up in pain to forgive. In the meantime, towns change hands between fighting groups. People flee their homes. Stories of rape and mass atrocity go uninvestigated. Almost half the population struggles to get enough to eat as crops remain unplanted, famine now a real and present risk. There are long queues at petrol stations. Prices are rising. Business is collapsing. Indeed, the only industry obviously flourishing is international aid and businesses that serve it. The roads are full of white 4x4s with international logos. In Juba, there are smart restaurants on the Nile to cater for westerners who work in NGOs; NGOs who advertise their good works on placards outside slum settlements just the other side of the river. Other westerners come for business that supplies the aid industry. In a hotel lobbies, young local women can be seen being traded for the night between foreign workers, in full view. Schools that were built in hopeful times now lie abandoned or overtaken by militias. The country is awash with weapons but their government goes on diverting money from its children into arms.

Liberal Democrat Christian Forum / 2015-2016

Teachers go unpaid or else paid so poorly that they take work as doormen for NGOs. Illiteracy in South Sudan stood at 70% before this latest conflict spiralled. One million children were then out of school. A further 400k have since been added to their number â&#x20AC;&#x201C; leaving boys easy prey for rebel groups to recruit, and young girls with no option but early marriage. What hope for this country without education? How can a people hold its feckless leaders to account and demand the peace they deserve when they cannot even read or write? The night we sat under the stars in Maban I was thinking about the contradictions of South Sudan. The ugliness of its poverty. The brutality of its suffering. And yet the resilience of its hope. I thought of the enthusiasm I had witnessed from the children living in Hoffra camp for the internally displaced as they crowded into the makeshift classroom JRS built with their parents: children visibly malnourished, but hungry to learn. Of the poise and warmth of the women from the community who cooked the meagre rations of sorghum we provided for their children to eat. The hilarity at the JRS youth

club as the youngsters posed for photos – all dusty knees, gangly limbs and teenage hand gestures. The teachers being trained to serve their community – many of whom must start from scratch, having been themselves unable to finish school. The dignified determination of the elderly man, attending adult literacy classes so he could write his name for the first time. But it was to Doro Refugee Camp that my mind kept returning – to the few hours I spent with our home visits team. Here were refugees from Sudan, caught between two wars – one they fled when Khartoum bombed its own out of Blue Nile state, and one they met in the South after they thought they had found safe exile. The JRS team of volunteers visits the most vulnerable in this camp regularly – volunteers who were themselves refugees, accompanying others in their journey just as they were accompanied before. We came to see two women, neighbours now, thrown together by circumstance, both struggling to keep life going for their children, heading their household alone. We crossed the dust of the camp and stopped in a clearing between the huts. There was an easy

familiarity to the encounter that followed; a routine to the way the home-made wooden benches and broken plastic chairs were brought out for us, arranged under the shelter of the tree, a jug of water sploshed down in the middle of our circle in costly hospitality. There were smiles and greetings. But conversation was slow. Not much was said and the pauses were long. In the heavy heat and extended silences, my eyes began to wander. A young boy was spin-wheeling a plastic lid with a stick across the entire length of the dirt road in front of the huts. A cheap toy; his clothes torn and soiled, his feet bare. It picked up speed and then he ran! Quick light speed! He returned beaming but breathless, adopting nonchalant indifference once his eyes caught my gaze. My eyes returned to the women, the circle motionless and quiet for some time. “What did she say?” I whispered finally to the young man who was translating for me. He wearily ran his hands across his face. Another extended pause.

Is it possible to get a photo for this article?

My eyes wandered again – distracted now by the goats outside a neighbour’s hut, bleating noisily as the kid nudged its mother for milk. “She says they are hungry. They don’t have enough to eat.” It was polite, sparse and matter of fact. But the words were raw, a blow to the gut that lingered heavily in the heat. I felt a smart of shame. Hers and mine. And then a rush of helplessness before I inwardly turned my anger on the Lord: “Do you hear the cry of the poor?” She took her sleepy daughter out of the sling on her back and stood the little girl down in the dust in front of us. Then waddling unsteadily in our direction, she smiled the broadest of smiles. A smile as wide as the boughs of the South Sudanese trees. A smile that gloriously and abundantly answered, “Yes. Do you?” 23

Liberal Democrats and the church The potential for working together to end violence against women

ast year 1.2 million women in the UK suffered domestic abuse. This is unacceptable and Liberal Democrats are working to tackle violence against women. (Protecting Women, Liberal Democrat Website: www.libdems.org.uk/protecting_women)

These figures should shock us. As Lynne Featherstone said on her blog in November 2014: “These abhorrent crimes are not a women’s issue – they are everyone’s issue”. What would it mean for the Liberal Democrats to make ending violence against women a top priority and to mobilise a broad-based movement to achieve this? The list of current suggestions on the Lib Dem website to address violence against women is practical and useful. Areas such as legal reform, increased police powers and additional funding are indeed needed. Whilst this is good, it feels as though the level of ambition is too low. Restored is a Christian alliance working to end violence against women. We were set up because we identified gaps in the response to violence against women in terms of mobilising churches and men for both prevention and response. More recently we have been working to promote these approaches in a multi-faith environment. Restored trains churches to become safe place for survivors of violence, to speak out 24

Liberal Democrat Christian Forum / 2015-2016

Peter Grant, Co-director, Restored on these issues at local and national level and to support local services. Men also want to be part of the solution and not just seen as the problem. Restored’s men campaign, “First Man Standing’, asks men to respect all women, to challenge each other and to sign up to a pledge never to commit condone or remain silent about violence against women. There are many other partners in this work, notably the survivor-led women’s organisations that have been leading the response for many decades. But now is surely the time to bring together the many different stakeholders to build a more powerful movement for change. The combination of a strong political lead from the Liberal Democrats and a grassroots movement of churches and men could be a major part in this movement.

www.restoredrelationships.org

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