Q&A: Faith in the City 40th anniversary

A: The Faith in the City report holds significant meaning for me. Although I wasn’t around when it was first written, my family has shared stories about the many challenges people faced in the 1980s. The report’s emphasis on social justice resonates deeply, highlighting how inequalities manifest in many forms.

It’s a hard read in parts because some of the issues it addresses still affect communities today, albeit in different ways. What stands out to me is the combination of demographic data and personal stories, which bring the report to life. It doesn’t just focus on statistics; it highlights the barriers people faced and celebrates achievements, even in seemingly small victories. For example, the story of a man from Kirkby feeling proud to secure a place on a training course—something that might seem minor but was a huge step for him.

The report is stark in its honesty, but despite that, it’s also a beacon of hope. It reminds us of the importance of the people and organisations who continue to work tirelessly to address these imbalances and build fairer, more supportive communities.

For me, the Faith in the City report is both a sobering reflection on the past and a powerful call to action. It’s a reminder of what’s been achieved and what we must keep striving for.

A: Marking the 40-year legacy of the Faith in the City report is a vital opportunity for both reflection and celebration. It’s important to look back at the recommendations it proposed and recognise how these were transformed into meaningful action by individuals and communities. Many initiatives that began in response to the report have had a generational impact, breaking down barriers and fostering trust within communities.

For instance, when a parent or grandparent has received support from a church or charity, it can create a legacy of trust that means their children and grandchildren can also turn to those same places for help. That continuity of care is a powerful testament to the resilience and commitment of faith-led groups.

While it’s inspiring to celebrate these long-term impacts, this anniversary is also a call to action. The needs in our communities remain significant, and this moment allows us to shine a light on the incredible stories of faith groups and community leaders who continue to bridge gaps and provide vital support.

It’s also a chance to advocate for stronger partnerships with local government and other agencies to ensure this essential work is sustained. By celebrating the legacy of Faith in the City, we can honour the past while actively working towards a more just and supportive future.

A: The 40th anniversary of Faith in the City will be all about three main themes:

Charity to Solidarity
This theme looks at how social action has evolved—from charity, where help is given to those in need, to solidarity, where we work alongside communities to empower them. It’s about breaking down old hierarchies and making sure that support is collaborative and dignified. Think of food pantries, where people get to participate and make choices, versus food banks that can sometimes feel a bit transactional. The aim here is to build relationships that are based on respect, mutual support, and a true sense of community.

What Difference Does Faith Make?
Faith is at the heart of this project—after all, the original report was all about how faith groups were addressing social justice. But now, in a much more diverse world, we’re inviting people from all faith backgrounds to reflect on shared values like love, kindness, and respect. How does faith inspire us to take action? It’s an opportunity to engage with other faith communities, whether that’s Jewish, Muslim, or others, and celebrate the incredible work they’re doing in our communities. We’re also really keen to explore how we can collaborate more and strengthen those relationships.

How can faith communities engage with civic leaders?
Over the years, we’ve seen charities step up to fill gaps left by government services, especially with funding cuts. This theme is about having a conversation on how the church and state can better balance their roles. We’re all about partnerships here—recognising that we all have a responsibility to work together. Our goal is to make sure the support needed in communities is sustainable and long-lasting.

A: To mark the 40th anniversary of Faith in the City, we’ll be sharing stories from across the Liverpool City Region, featuring voices from those involved in the original report and the people who’ve carried that work forward.

This anniversary is about reflecting on the past while looking ahead. We’ll celebrate Canon John Stanley’s incredible contribution to social action—he helped establish the Church Urban Fund, which later led to the creation of Together Liverpool and the Network of Kindness.

But it’s also about addressing the voices missing in 1985. Back then, women and people of Global Majority Heritage weren’t well represented. This year, we want to share the stories of women, diverse communities, and young people – making sure a diversity of voices from across our communities are heard today.

Exploring Your Stories:

Reflections from 1985 – We’ll hear from those who were involved in the original Faith in the City report and over the last 40 years, reflecting on the ongoing issues that were highlighted. While some challenges have evolved, others remain – such as the need for children’s centres and community support services to help families thrive.

Everyday Acts of Kindness – We’ll showcase the everyday acts of kindness and solidarity that form the backbone of social action across our region. These may seem small, like volunteering at a food pantry or offering a friendly face at a drop-in, but they have a profound ripple effect in transforming people’s lives and supporting communities.

Bridging Past and Future – We’ll celebrate how far we’ve come but also ask, “What more needs to change?” This is not just a time for looking back; it’s about what’s next and how we can work together to create a more just, generous and inclusive society where everybody can thrive.

A: This anniversary is not just about looking back, it’s about moving forward. One of the key ways we’ll do that is by creating the Vision for the City manifesto. The stories and reflections we gather will help shape this manifesto and highlight both progress and the gaps that remain.

The Vision for the City manifesto will present a clear picture to civic leaders and faith communities, calling for meaningful, lasting change. We’ll build on the legacy of Faith in the City by asking questions like: “What more can be done?”, “What can be done differently?”, and “How can we make sure no one is left behind?”

By sharing the stories of those still fighting for justice today, the manifesto will honour the past while addressing the challenges we continue to face.

A: We want to share the untold stories of everyday acts of kindness and solidarity. Many people underestimate the impact of their contributions—whether it’s volunteering at a food pantry, making tea at a drop-in, or simply being a friendly face. These small acts can create a profound ripple effect, opening doors to support that transforms lives.

Faith-based social action projects, charities, community centres, and volunteer groups are at the heart of much of the social action in our region. We recognise the vital role they play in supporting communities and changing lives.

Our aim is to engage with a broad range of groups and individuals through workshops, talks, and one-to-one conversations. We’ll be connecting with faith leaders, civic leaders, educators, and younger generations. By involving these diverse groups, we hope to raise awareness, inspire future change-makers, and encourage collaborative efforts to address social justice issues.

A: The stories we’ll share on-line and the Vision for the City manifesto will be at the heart of the Faith in the City 40th anniversary project. We’re keen to gather input from those engaged in faith-based social action across the region.

There will also be a few key events over the year:

Micah Lecture – This year’s Micah Lecture held at Liverpool Cathedral will focus on the themes from the Faith in the City report, providing an opportunity for reflection and discussion about how its legacy connects to what’s happening in our communities today.

Annual Social Action Network Conference –The annual Social Action Network Conference organised by the Archdiocese of Liverpool is a great chance for people and organisations involved in social action to come together. This year we’ll be reflecting on the ongoing impact of Faith in the City, and thinking about how we can keep strengthening collaboration.

Faith in the City 40th Anniversary Event -We will be hosting this in the autumn, bringing together everything we’ve collaborated on throughout the year. We’ll be engaging an invited audience of stakeholders and civic leaders to showcase the stories we’ve gathered, raise local voices, and highlight the Vision for the City manifesto. The aim is to build relationships and encourage momentum for future collaboration.

A: Our hope is that the Vision for the City manifesto will serve as a clear call for collective action. This vision, shaped by the lived experiences of communities, faith groups, and local organisations, will outline the ongoing needs in our city and provide clarity on what’s required to address them.

We hope this will encourage more people—whether from faith communities, businesses, or civic organisations—to take an active role in tackling social injustice across Liverpool City Region. It’s about fostering collaboration and amplifying voices that are often overlooked, ensuring that grassroots organisations feel supported and empowered to lead change.

Ultimately, the manifesto is about driving commitment from leaders and decision-makers. We’ll be asking them to not only listen but also pledge their support and commit to long-term partnership with communities. Whether that’s through tangible resources or simply ensuring that faith groups and community organisations have a place at the table, this document will help build momentum for lasting, systemic change.

This year is not just about looking back but about looking ahead with hope and a shared vision for a more just, compassionate, and equitable future.

A: We want to hear from as many people and organisations as possible! The heart of this project is the stories we’ll share, and we’re particularly keen to hear from faith groups about the impact they’re making in their communities. Whether it’s a small act of kindness, a community initiative, or a long-standing social action project, your story matters.

By sharing these stories, you’ll help us highlight the incredible work happening on the ground and contribute to shaping the Vision for the City manifesto. Your experiences will help shine a light on the issues that need attention, and show how communities of faith are leading change.

If you’re a faith group or organisation, we encourage you to get in touch with us and share your story. Together, we can ensure that the voices of those making a real difference are heard, and inspire others to join the movement for social justice. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone.