28 April 2006

LOCAL ELECTIONS

Churches are asked to encourage people to bear in mind established URC principles, in local elections during May. A resolution passed by the Church's Mission Council before elections in 2004 noted with concern the rise of extreme right wing and racist political parties in many European countries. While accepting their right to operate within the democratic process, the Church believed it was vital that they should not become accepted as part of normal political life. It took the view that support for organisations such as the British National Party was incompatible with Christian discipleship.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

It is an awful irony, that as Britain prepares to celebrate the two hundredth anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in the British colonies, there are people being transported, and held in the UK today, in a form of enslavement. That is the reality of human trafficking - in which women and girls are often trafficked for the purposes of prostitution. Church and Society, with assistance from Racial Justice and MultiCultural Ministry, has responded on behalf of the URC to a Home Office consultation designed to help formulate a UK action plan to tackle trafficking. The response urges a compassionate approach to victims, and advocates a vigorous campaign to encourage those who use the services of prostitutes to make a connection between the women and girls they use, and women they know - their own wives, daughters, granddaughters and sisters. Read the response at Latest News For details of the Churches Together in England project to mark the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade in the British colonies in March 2007 see www.setallfree.net

REMINDER:

‘PLACE OF DANGER, PLACE OF SAFETY’ - Churches’ Refugee Network Conference

Saturday 20 May, 11.00 am - 4.45 pm at the Church of the Holy Apostles, Cumberland Street, London SW1V 4LY (near Victoria and Pimlico stations). Keynote speakers: Anne Owers (HM Chief Inspector of Prisons), Jane Aspden (formerly of UNCHR Quality Initiative) and Nicholas Sagovsky (Canon Theologian, Westminster Abbey); contributions from asylum applicants, projects and campaigns; workshops; worship. Contact Church and Society for a booking form/further information.

HOPE FOR THE PLANET

is the theme for Environment Sunday, which this year is Sunday 4 June. A pack available from A Rocha UK is described as the most ambitious yet. It contains a CD-Rom with service orders, OHP masters, specially written songs and drama sketches. PowerPoint presentations, a 5 week bible-study course and specially recorded music and visuals www.arocha.org.uk

YOU ADD. WE MULTIPLY

is the theme for Christian Aid Week 14-20 May. Resources available from www.christianaid.org.uk feature inspiring stories from the work of Christian Aid partners in Ethiopia, Bolivia and Nicaragua, and news of the trade justice campaign from Bangladesh.

THE LOCAL NETWORK FUND FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

provides grants and capacity building support for small voluntary organisations. The object of the Fund is to enable communities to develop projects and activities for children and young people with limited opportunities or access to services that many take for granted. See http://www.governmentfunding.org.uk?VCSlaunch.aspx?scheme_ID=17

BUILDING BETTER CREDIT UNIONS

is a study that identifies factors that make credit unions successful. Published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation www.jrf.org.uk

TRY SID

Oxfam has developed a free online information bank call the Social Inclusion Directory (SID) containing resources on social inclusion and anti-poverty work in the UK www.oxfamgb.org/ukpp/sid/ .

KAIROS OUTSIDE

is running a free weekend course for women whose lives have been affected by the imprisonment of a relative or friend. Dates are 6-8 October. Write to Kairos Outside UK, PO Box 6022, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 9AE or e-mail di.chris@surefish.co.uk

WORKING WITH OFFENDERS

An ecumenical child protection conference is being held at Guildford, Surrey, for churches wanting to work with offenders - particularly those who may pose a risk to children. Saturday 10 June, 10am - 3pm Millmead Baptist Church. Details from janet.hind@lineone.net

HOUSING MERGER

Housing Justice, the national voice of Christian action in the field of housing, is merging with Unleash, the umbrella organisation for Christian projects involved in tackling homelessness in homelessness in London. A launch conference is being held to celebrate the work done by both agencies, for all those concerned with housing action in London. Tuesday 23 May, 10am - 4pm at St. Paul’s, Robert Adam Street, London W1. Details from e.clifton@housingjustice.org.uk

WINNERS AND LOSERS

is the title of a day looking at the impact of urban regeneration on local communities. Saturday 3 June,10am - 4pm at St. Mary of Eton, Hackney Wick, London E9. Details from jack.maple@london.anglican.org .