General Synod, Poverty and the Church: 40 Years after Faith in the City
Date Posted: Jul 15, 2025.
Together with Faith in Public Life we presented a debate on the state of poverty 40 years on from the Faith in the City report at this summer’s General Synod.
Called as contingency business, time did not allow for the full debate to take place and was adjourned until February 2026, but you can watch the presentations from CUF CEO Bishop Rob Wickham, and Chair of the Mission and Public Affairs Council, Mark Sheard, here (from 3:32:28).
Executive Summary
As we mark the 40th anniversary of the Archbishop’s Commission on Urban Priority Areas (“Faith in the City”) report, the causes and consequences of poverty continue to hinder the health, wellbeing and life chances of millions of people. Churches respond to these challenges in many ways, all rooted in a deep love of neighbour and desire for transformation. This paper sets out:
i) the state of poverty in the UK;
ii) the Church’s sense of calling and mission to address poverty;
iii) approaches which draw on our Anglican marks of mission (to respond to human need by loving service and to transform unjust structures of society) and in doing so highlight the importance of lived experience;
iv) how the CofE – nationally and locally – can play a practical and prophetic role in ending poverty.
Read the full paper
Our Group Church Executive, Bishop Rob Wickham, spoke, saying:
"Poverty is a matter of life and death.
Yet, into such poverty, vulnerability and inequality, Jesus shows up and gently brings hope, meeting with His beloved in their deepest needs, making the poorest communities rich in creative learning, not communities to be done to."
Mark Sheard, Chair of the Mission and Public Affairs Council spoke, saying:
"Are we seeing clearly what is staring us in the face?
Are we growing less attentive to the call of God?
Are we tiring in our efforts to build a just, fair and peaceful kingdom for all in England?
How does the mission of the Church intersect with and complement wider efforts to address poverty across society? What is ours to do, and where might we call on others – including political, business and thought leaders – to step up with us?"
Read Mark's full comments.
