Dear John

Challenging times call for radical action. So it is today, and so it was when
Church Action on Poverty was launched - 40 years ago this week. This is the
first in a series of messages to mark that special anniversary.

“Many people simply do not believe that poverty exists in this country,” Sister
Mary McAleese from Liverpool announced at the inaugural public event in 1982.
“We are out to make them aware, and at the same time actually do something about
the problem. It must concern everyone, regardless of politics.”

This drive to open people’s eyes and to bring about change remains central today
to so much work in the anti-poverty movement.

40 YEARS OF TACKLING THE ROOT CAUSES, WITH PEOPLE WHO KNOW THE ISSUES FIRST-HAND

From the start, Church Action on Poverty’s approach was radical and bold. It was
not enough to help people who had fallen into poverty, nor to just hope or pray
for change. We knew that as a society we should address poverty at its root, and
we should do it in partnership with people who have direct experience of
poverty, who can bring unmatched insight and wisdom.

John Battle, the first convenor of Church Action on Poverty, has said:

"The church is sometimes present more as Church Action on Poverty than in other
things. It’s a form of witness. I think the key transformation that Church
Action on Poverty will help bring about is an understanding that change comes
from people at community level."

As we celebrate this anniversary, we've interviewed John and gathered lots of
stories from the past 40 years – from the landmark declaration 'Hearing the Cry
of the Poor' to the UK's first Poverty Hearings, the Pilgrimage Against Poverty,
and the Tax Justice Bus Tour. Take a moment today to reflect and look back with
us:

Read the full story on our blog, 'A radical idea that mobilised the UK's
churches': [[link removed]]

And here's a reminder that tomorrow evening (Tuesday 5 July), we're celebrating
those 40 years – and looking forward to the future – with a special service,
streamed live from Iona Abbey. Please join us if you can:

Book your place at our anniversary service at [[link removed]]

The digital revolution and new technologies have changed the way supporters and
activists can engage with one another, and helped to bring new issues into the
spotlight.

But our core principles remain steadfast: working together with people in
poverty to build a better future, driven by people’s experiences and insights.
That’s how we will build a society in which everyone can live a full life, free
from poverty.

If you can, please make a donation to our 40th anniversary appeal. We have
already raised over £30,000. Help us reach our target of £40,000 to grow a
movement that can reclaim dignity, agency and power.

Donate now at [[link removed]]

Best wishes

Liam Purcell
Church Action on Poverty

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0161 872 9294
Registered charity number 1079986. Company limited by guarantee, registered in
England and Wales, number 3780243.

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