Cross party support for Manifesto for Hope welcomed 

An ecumenical manifesto renewing a call for justice, compassion and unity in Liverpool has received cross party support in a city council resolution

The Manifesto for Hope in our City Region was launched by Churches Together in Merseyside in partnership with Together Liverpool at the end of 2025. 

The document sets out shared priorities for a fairer and more compassionate society, and came 40 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. 

Now city councillors have officially supported the document. A motion proposed by Councillor Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council, and presented to the Council on 29 July, welcomed the nine priorities set out in the Manifesto for Hope.

The motion also asked for the establishment of an internal Council working group to meet at least twice before the end of the municipal year to consider each of the nine challenges and commitments; and for an interfaith forum event in 2027 where the findings are discussed and recommendations for future actions based on the Manifesto and networking are considered. The cross-party motion was supported by all councillors. 

Church Leaders behind the Manifesto for Hope welcomed the council's support, describing it as 'an important step in strengthening the city's long tradition of partnership, social justice and commitment to the common good.'

The leaders expressed appreciation for Liverpool City Council's willingness not only to support the vision, but also to examine its own activities through the lens of the Manifesto's principles.

Baptist minister the Revd Phil Jump, Chair of Churches Together in Merseyside, said, ‘We are delighted and humbled that our City Council is leading the way, not simply in supporting this vision, but evaluating its own activities in the light of it. 

'This offers a tangible and influential example to stakeholders across our city.’

The Revd Dr Philip Anderson, Rector of Liverpool Parish Church and Chair of Liverpool's Interfaith Network, addressed councillors and highlighted three of the Manifesto's nine priorities: true equality, faith in business and renewed hope. He welcomed the practical opportunities created by the motion, particularly through the establishment of a working group and wider interfaith dialogue.

The Manifesto builds on decades of collaboration between church leaders, community organisations and civic partners. Its development was also inspired by a challenge from Liverpool's Members of Parliament for the Christian community to speak more boldly on issues of social justice and community wellbeing.

Responding to that challenge, church and community leaders came together to create a vision that seeks to engage people from all backgrounds, faiths and sectors. At its heart is the belief that building a cohesive, healthy and thriving society requires participation and responsibility from everyone who is part of it.

The motion comes at a significant moment, with the Manifesto challenging individuals and organisations in positions of influence to place the common good at the centre of decision making. Steve Rotheram, the strategic authority mayor for the Liverpool City Region, was an early signatory. 



James Green, CEO of Together Liverpool, a charity supporting faith and community groups across the Diocese of Liverpool,  said, ‘This cross party support is a significant moment for the Manifesto for Hope. It shows a shared commitment to putting the common good, social justice and the wellbeing of communities at the heart of decision-making. 

'We look forward to working with the Council, churches and partners across the city to turn these priorities into practical action.’ 


Image | (from left) Fran D’Arcy (Churches Together in Merseyside Region/Together Liverpool – Faith in the City Lead Development Officer), Rev Canon Seán Riley (Chancellor & Judicial Vicar at The Archdiocese of Liverpool), Revd Dr Ellen Loudon (Director of Social Justice at The Diocese of Liverpool), Cllr Jane Corbett (Everton West/Chair, Fairer Healthier Liverpool Partnership Group/Deputy Chair, Liverpool Health & Wellbeing Board), Cllr Rahima Farah (Toxteth/Assistant Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing & Culture [Health]), Lucy Rauer (Catholic Social Action Coordinator at The Archdiocese of Liverpool), Revd Dr Philip Anderson (Rector at Liverpool Parish Church of Our Lady and St Nicholas), and James Green (CEO of Together Liverpool).