'Manifesto for Hope' launched by Churches Together in the Merseyside Region 

Forty years after the Church of England’s landmark Faith in the City report called attention to the moral duty to tackle poverty, inequality and urban deprivation across the Liverpool City Region, Churches Together in Merseyside and Region has launched a new manifesto renewing the call for justice, compassion and unity in our time

The Manifesto for Hope also serves as a reminder of what can be achieved through a common endeavour to overcome these stark realities and build a more compassionate, resilient and prosperous society. 

Rooted in the same spirit that inspired the 1985 Faith in the City report, the manifesto draws on a range of voices from across the Liverpool City Region and is endorsed by such names as Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool; the Very Revd Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool; the Revd Phil Jump, Chair of Churches Together and Regional Minister for the North Western Baptist Association; Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, and Cllr. Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council. 

It recognises the progress made, while confronting the enduring social and economic divides that continue to shape communities today. 

Despite decades of commitment and reform, structural poverty and inequality remain deeply entrenched, with the gap between prosperity and hardship continuing to intensify. 

In response, Churches Together in Merseyside and Region’s manifesto sets out a series of key prioritises for civic and church leaders to address with integrity and transparency. 

These include a commitment to equality, the building of cohesive and compassionate communities, tackling loneliness, encouraging fair employment practices and demonstrating the courage to act with honesty and openness.

In partnership with Together Liverpool, a charity that helps faith and community groups tackle poverty and injustice, the Faith in the City project delivered the manifesto, 

Faith in the City marked a watershed moment in 1985, giving the church a prophetic voice in confronting the injustices that plagued their communities. 

The launch of the Manifesto for Hope – funded by the Josephine Butler Memorial Trust – seeks to build on that legacy, calling for renewed action to lift people out of social and economic poverty.     
 
Phil is the Regional Minister, co Team Leader for the North Western Baptist Association.

He said, ‘No one can doubt that our city region and our nations face significant challenges at the present time. 
‘It is easy in such circumstances to be overcome by despair and be swept along by narratives of blame. 

‘We hope this manifesto will inspire everyone across our city region, irrespective of their faith background, to recognise what can be accomplished when communities work together and to see those things that are wrong in society as opportunities to strive for better.’ 
 
The Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool, said, ‘Love, hope and solidarity form the foundation of our shared response, as outlined in the Manifesto for Hope. 

‘Together, we can build a society where everyone is valued and no one is left behind. Supporting those in need is not merely an act of kindness, but is central to our shared humanity. 

‘This manifesto stands as a reminder of what can be achieved when we unite around a common goal, echoing Jesus’ words: ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these you did for me… whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me’ (Matt 25:40,45).” 
 
The Very Revd Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool, said, ‘Everyone has a role to play in realising the objectives outlined in the Manifesto for Hope. By coming together, we can drive meaningful change. 

‘Liverpool Cathedral’s essence of being built by the people for the people, also reflects the very ethos of this manifesto and what it represents. United side by side, our combined strength can therefore unite communities and create opportunities for a better life for thousands of people.’ 
 
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said, ‘Forty years ago, Faith in the City exposed the deep social and economic inequalities facing areas like ours that were written off for ‘managed decline’. Fortunately, those days are far behind us, and we now have something that we didn’t have back then: devolution. 

‘From helping hundreds of people into safe, secure homes through Housing First to supporting disadvantaged young people through Cradle to Career, we’re investing in people-focused, compassion-driven projects that are transforming people’s lives. 

‘Because the measure of any decent society should be how it treats its most vulnerable citizens – and at a time when the threads that bind our communities are under strain, how we choose to respond matters more than ever. That’s why I welcome this Manifesto for Hope – it’s a powerful reaffirmation of our shared commitment to compassion, dignity and justice.’


Image | Rob Battersby | Liverpool Cathedral