Photo by Heru Dharma on Pexels.com In the last 20 years there has been a significant rise in Christian social action projects and initiatives to combat poverty. Foodbanks, night shelters and debt-relief such as Christians Against Poverty, have grown at a remarkable rate. But in the enthusiasm for social activism, we cannot deny a central… Continue reading Authentic change does not come easily – a weekend retreat
Author: Jon Kuhrt
Jon Kuhrt has worked with people affected by homelessness for over 30 years. He is a former government adviser on how faith groups address rough sleeping and is now CEO of Hope into Action. He lives with his wife in Streatham, south London and they have 3 children. He likes football....but loves cricket.
I’m not surprised at The President’s Club scandal – it’s just like my University Rugby Club
Photo by Julius Holstein on Pexels.com The waves created by the Harvey Weinstein eruptions in Hollywood are being felt all over the world. But you can imagine the organisers of The President's Club, an all-male, exclusive fundraising event, felt pretty safe. After all, they had been running it for 30 years, high rollers from major City… Continue reading I’m not surprised at The President’s Club scandal – it’s just like my University Rugby Club
My cousin and the bitter cost of drug addiction
This weekend, I was on the BBC1 programme Sunday Morning Live discussing homelessness and begging. I was on the programme because I disagree with the view of journalist Matt Broomfield who believes people should give 'directly and unconditionally' to people who are begging. Experience My views on this issue have been shaped by 20 years of working… Continue reading My cousin and the bitter cost of drug addiction
Justice, mercy and humility: a weekend retreat in the Yorkshire Dales
From the 10th-12th November, I am facilitating a weekend away at the beautiful Scargill House in the Yorkshire Dales. Today, the richest 1% of people own more than the rest of the world combined. We see refugee crises across the globe and growing homelessness, poverty and debt in the UK. How do we confront inequality… Continue reading Justice, mercy and humility: a weekend retreat in the Yorkshire Dales
No one can take steps for others on the hard road of recovery
Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels.com My daughter and I have just got back from WLM's Sleep Out held last night in the grounds of St James’ Church, Piccadilly. It was an uplifting evening. 82 supporters gave up their bed for the night to sleep out and (so far) we have raised £35,000 for our work… Continue reading No one can take steps for others on the hard road of recovery
Hope in action (even if you’re little you can do a lot)
'Pollen' by Hope. Inspired by a trip to Kew Gardens, London Recently I was contacted by a Mum whose 5 year old daughter wanted to do something to help homeless people. What struck me was that their family situation is not at all easy - the daughter has additional needs and the family don't have a… Continue reading Hope in action (even if you’re little you can do a lot)
Guns in America: religion is part of the problem but faith will be part of the answer
Photo by Connor McManus on Pexels.com As a Christian, I think its vital that we are honest about the way religion can often uphold and underpin injustice. Whilst its good to be inspired by the great faith-inspired social movements - like the battles against the slave trade, the civil rights movement or the fight against apartheid… Continue reading Guns in America: religion is part of the problem but faith will be part of the answer
Refugees – a poem by Brian Bilston
Photo by Ahmed akacha on Pexels.com They have no need of our helpSo do not tell meThese haggard faces could belong to you or meShould life have dealt a different handWe need to see them for who they really areChancers and scroungersLayabouts and loungersWith bombs up their sleevesCut-throats and thievesThey are notWelcome hereWe should make… Continue reading Refugees – a poem by Brian Bilston
Doing To or Being With? Re-thinking Christian social engagement
This year marks 130 years since the founding of the West London Mission. It was in October 1887 that WLM began its work to bring spiritual and practical hope to people affected by poverty. Back then in Victorian London we ran food depots, clothing stores, soup kitchens and even a job service for unemployed servants.… Continue reading Doing To or Being With? Re-thinking Christian social engagement
‘This is for Allah’: overcoming denial about the deadly power of religion
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Last night I was with a group of volunteers who have been running a night shelter for homeless people over the last eight months. They come from 13 different churches and a local synagogue in central London. As well as Christians and Jews, a significant number of volunteers are also… Continue reading ‘This is for Allah’: overcoming denial about the deadly power of religion
Grace + Truth 