Turn your passion for social justice into action with your local church. 
Whether you’re a keen activist, or disillusioned and uncertain, I hope that by reading this, you will be encouraged about how local churches can engage with politics and find some useful advice.
Young Christians overwhelmingly believe that the Church is central to God’s vision of justice, yet many of us feel disillusioned and frustrated by the churches inability to tackle systemic injustices.
The vision for the Constituency Action Network (CAN)
The Joint Public Issues Team’s dream is to see at least one church in every Westminster constituency (England, Scotland and Wales) proactively building a meaningful and purposeful relationship with their MP.
Churches already have in depth knowledge of local issues, often providing vital services such as warm spaces, foodbank provision and places of welcome for refugees to people in their communities. What if we went beyond immediate acts of care and moved upstream to address the systemic causes of poverty and other related issues? Beyond writing emails and signing letters, this means the church developing deep relationships, listening intently and embracing difficult conversations.
We believe seeing system change starts by building positive relationships with those in positions of influence. JPIT seeks to equip churches to amplify marginalised voices and support them to work alongside their MPs for peace and justice, both locally and nationally.
Advice for approaching CAN as a student or young adult
This vision is a huge one and to do this we need you and your local church! Here are some top tips, this is all invitational, please take what is helpful for you:
1. Find others and work together
- It is likely that there are others in your congregation who would be keen for the church to get to know your MP. Consider your allies and work together, this can help if approaching senior church leaders alone feels intimidating, but also practically it's going to be easier if you share the load and have diverse opinions.
- As a student or a young adult you may not know how long you can commit to a church, having a group means the work you have done can continue if you need to move on.
2. Approach Church Leaders with positivity and commitment
- Church Leaders are really encouraged to find people who are enthusiastic and have ideas they want to put in place, so I want to encourage you if you are nervous, go for it!
- Churches have lots on, if CAN sounds like one more thing that the church needs to juggle, they may be less willing. But if you are keen and willing to take on responsibility then you will likely receive a good response.
3. Avoid party politics and polarisation
- Aim to create spaces of mutual respect and common ground, we don't want to recreate the echo chambers and polarisation we see in politics today but want to tell a different story, a better story, of people coming together to call for peace and justice.
- Focus on issues that unite your church as if your church is divided on an issue your advocacy will not be effective! “A city divided against itself cannot stand” Matthew 12:25
4. Be bold!
- You don't need to be an expert in politics to get involved and make a difference. Sometimes all that is needed is for someone to take a lead by facilitating spaces, organising meetings and being creative. Don't be afraid to take on leadership. Look for areas where politics directly impacts your church community and start there.
5. Ask for help
- JPIT are here to provide one on one support for churches involved with CAN
- Also, if there is an older member of your church with experience in advocacy ask them to mentor you, this could form part of your discipleship as you journey through justice and politics being expressions of your faith.
Interested? Find out more about the Constituency Action Network and how to sign up by clicking here.
Florence Wright is an intern at the Joint Public Issues Team with experience in student organising and activism. She loves sewing and is passionate about Christians engaging with politics. She is responsible for coordinating the Constituency Action Network (CAN), a new network of churches developing positive relationships with their MPs.