Events
Here are some quality events (online and in-person) about faith and justice to connect with and learn from people and organisations who are experts in their fields. Watch this space for upcoming national events and conferences, gatherings, courses, and workshops across the UK.
Changemaker Activism Training | Christian Aid and Activism
Interested in learning how we can put our faith into action around the General Election? With a general election soon approaching, this is a great time to start thinking about direct engagement with candidates and power holders, amplifying the voice of the church. Christian Aid is offering free training to anyone interested in hosting a workshop on faith and politics to equip you to step up your political engagement and tackle the structural causes of injustice. We have a booklet full of tips on how to write an engaging letter to you MP, demystifying some of British politics and offering a theological reflection too. This training is flexible, so if you’re keen to hear about Christian Aid’s campaign successes, or our policy asks for political parties, or if you want to dive right into ‘how’ part of political engagement, we can make space for that. Get in touch with Bella, Christian Aid’s Young Adults Activism Officer, or speak to your staff worker about what this could look like in your group to set this up!
The Hopeful Activist | Praxis Centre for Hope and Activism
Release date: May 16th 2024
'An invaluable guide. . . I wish I had been able to read this book twenty years ago!' - Ruth Valerio
All around us there are signs of a broken world, situations that are just not right. Where do we begin? Sometimes we simply don't know what to do. Or maybe you are busy 'doing' and it's tough, even bringing you close to burn out.
Whether you are new to activism or already on the road, this book will (re)kindle your hope and illuminate the way ahead.
Featuring contributions from Shane Claiborne, Lisa Sharon Harper, Krish Kandiah, Sam Wells and many more, The Hopeful Activist is full of fresh wisdom and practical advice to help you play your part in bringing God's justice and restoration to the world around you.
Would recommend this for some summer reading! Why not gather with others in your group to discuss and reflect on the chapters together and think about hopeful action you can take in your cities?!
#FreeRevSamson campaign | CSW
Will you join CSW in calling on the UK government to do more to help free Rev Samson?
Launched at the Big Church Festival, this campaign calls for the freedom of a pastor, Rev Samson, who has been imprisoned for 6 years on trumped-up charges. As well as spreading general and much-needed awareness of the situation unfolding in Myanmar/Burma.
For more info and to sign the petition
Secret Church | Open Doors UK & Ireland
Gather and host an evening of prayer, worship and testimonies from the persecuted church.
Secret Church gives a taste of what it is like to worship with the world’s hidden Christians, from whisper worship to hidden word. Take time to stand with those who share our faith but not our freedom.
Get in touch with Open Doors and invite a speaker to lead Secret Church!
Dare to Journey Fundraiser | We Are Tearfund
‘We Are Tearfund challenges you to take a daring journey to raise support and awareness of the distance refugees travel to flee their contexts.
Violence, persecution and the climate crisis force people worldwide to flee their homes. We believe a better world is possible for everyone and that we can end extreme poverty together.’
Check out We Are Tearfund’s latest fundraising challenge. This one focuses on the experiences of refugees while raising money for Tearfund’s fantastic work. Tearfund tackle poverty through sustainable development, responding to disasters, and challenging injustice.
Check out their website to find out more about how your Just Love group can run this fundraiser.
Live Justly Resource | Tearfund
Check out this excellent resource from Tearfund. You could work through it as a Just Love group, or adapt it into events.
Live Justly is series of in-depth scriptural and practical studies to help people live justly in six key areas of life: advocacy, prayer, consumption, generosity, relationships and creation care.
These studies are designed to help you and those in your community in your pursuit of biblical justice both in understanding and in practice. Each study includes an in-depth but easy-to-read exploration of the theology related to a certain issue, encouragement to pray and a suggestion for group and individual work in response.
Careers Panel Speakers | Resurgo
If your group is planning on holding a Careers Panel this term - thinking about what pursuing justice in our careers look like - then staff from Resurgo would be keen to come along! Resurgo are a charity that work with churches to support people who face barriers to employment. Their organisation does important ‘justice work,’ and their staff are also well-versed in supporting people through conversations around careers. They could be perfect for your event!
Check out their website to find out more about Resurgo, and if you’re keen to have them speak at one of your events, get in touch with your staff worker.
This is a Rubbish Campaign | Tearfund
‘We’re facing mountains of plastic pollution. 2 billion people have no safe way to dispose of rubbish, and it’s people in poverty who are suffering the worst impacts of this rubbish problem. They are forced to live and work among piles of waste, which is making them sick, releasing toxic fumes, flooding communities and causing up to a million deaths each year.
But Jesus told his followers that even the smallest amount of faith can move mountains.’
Tearfund are currently running their Rubbish Campaign, focusing on the effects of waste products on people in poverty. They have loads of brilliant resources you can get creative with to plan an event with your groups, or even run a longer-term campaign.
Peace Workshops | CCND
CCND is the Christian Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. They are offering free, flexible workshops tailored to groups. They consider peace and nuclear disarmament issues, such as:
• UK, worldwide, and historical context of nuclear weapons
• What does the Bible say about peace and warfare?
• What can we do – how can we respond both individually and collectively?
• Discussion and prayerful response
Chat to your staff worker, then go to their website book a workshop. Email liddy@christiancnd.org.uk if you have any questions.
Fashion for Freedom | IJM
Run a clothes swap for IJM! Fashion for Freedom events are a platform to celebrate fashion, acknowledging fashion’s darker secrets, whilst still inspiring each other through the work of ethical brands and the consumer power we have.
Stand for Freedom | IJM
Take a stand for 24 hours against slavery, publicly standing up for the millions around the world who are denied freedom.
For more information, check out IJM’s website, and get in touch with your staff worker.
Justice x Together | We Are Tearfund
Justice X Together is a four-part series designed to help youth groups explore injustice, equipping them to be part of the solution. The programme provides opportunities to practically take action and discuss what it means to live a just life.
Although the target audience is younger than your Just Love group, check out the videos and see whether they would be helpful ‘awakening’ content at any of your events.
People and Planet | Divest Borders Campaign
If your Just Love group is interested in refugee rights, check out People and Planet’s ‘Divest Borders’ Campaign, which calls on universities to stop funding the border industry through their investments
Freedom Night | IJM
In “I Am Brave,” a new 20-minute film, Joy shares her story of being exploited online, and invites us all to be part of stopping slavery for good. Hold a screening in your JL group and engage people with the hard-hitting reality of slavery and provide your community with a way to join the fight to end it.