Countering Hate, Cultivating Hope responds to the growth of divisive narratives and social fragmentation in communities where people may feel disconnected or left behind.
This three-year national pilot project is delivered by Together Liverpool, in partnership with the Diocese of Liverpool and the Diocese of Chelmsford.
Commissioned by the Church of England’s Racial Justice Unit, it aims to strengthen the Church’s role as a credible and hopeful presence in public life, rooted in listening well, building trust, and supporting stronger connections across difference.
Working with churches and communities
We’re bringing together churches, community organisations and local partners to develop practical approaches that help communities resist division, build resilience and cultivate hope.
Through training, resources, partnerships and opportunities for reflection, the Countering hate, Cultivating Hope project equips local groups to engage confidently in public life, build trust, and respond constructively to challenges facing their communities.
Initially delivered across the Liverpool and Chelmsford dioceses, the project will test and share what works, creating a model that can be adapted for use across the Church of England.
Together Liverpool CEO, Rev James Green said: “At a time when division and mistrust can so easily take root, this project is about helping churches and communities choose a different path — one rooted in hope, dignity and belonging. By listening well and working together, we believe real change is possible in places that have too often been overlooked.”
The Countering Hate, Cultivating Hope team is led by Together Liverpool staff Merab Gill, Project Lead, and Natalie Rodil, Project Co-ordinator.
Read a Q+A with Merab about the project. You can also explore our FAQs below for more information.
FAQs Explore the sections below to find out more
What is Countering Hate, Cultivating Hope delivering?
The project involves leading careful listening in local communities, paying attention both to the pressures people are facing and to the strengths and resources already present.
Together with two local delivery partners, the project is supporting churches and local partners to build trust, deepen relationships across difference, and encourage practical action that strengthens community cohesion.
They are delivering two connected strands:
Working with communities – working in high-deprivation contexts to listen well, respond to practical need, and co-design pathways into inclusion, opportunity and wellbeing.
Speaking Out – equipping clergy and lay leaders with training, resources and theological reflection to challenge divisive narratives, strengthen interfaith and civic relationships, and support confident public voice.
How is this project being delivered?
The project uses a hub and spoke model with Together Liverpool providing central leadership and learning and evaluation. Together Liverpool has partnered with the Dioceses of Liverpool and Chelmsford who are delivering the project in their local contexts.
The project is also supported by an external Project Advisory Group. Chaired by Raj Jain, this group offers both knowledge and challenge into the project.
The advisory group consists of members who are experts in the area of social cohesion and interfaith dialogue. The group meets quarterly and members draw on their experience, insight and networks/key contacts.
Raj says: “I chose to volunteer my time to the Countering Hate, Cultivating Hope Programme because I believe deeply in the power of communities to shape a more compassionate future. Supporting the programme matters to me because hate is never abstract — it affects real people, real lives, and the fabric of our society. By giving my energy to this programme, I want to help create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued, and where hope is not just spoken about but actively cultivated through understanding, dialogue, and shared purpose.”
Who are Together Liverpool’s delivery partners?
- Diocese of Liverpool – Local delivery is being led by Danielle Azanuwha, Project Co-ordinator. Danielle has 20 years direct experience within the youth and community field, and holds a DIP HE in Youth and Community Studies. Learn more about the Liverpool Diocese’s delivery of the project here: Countering Hate Cultivating Hope – Diocese of Liverpool.
- Chelmsford Diocese – Local delivery is being led by the Centre for Theology and Community. Based in East London, Director Angus Ritchie and Deputy Director Marzena Chichon-Balcerowicz bring experience in community organising using a “roots down” “walls down” method. To find out more about CTC and their work, click here: Home – The Centre for Theology & Community
How will this help church and faith groups?
Many church, faith groups and communities are experiencing fragmentation and a growth in divisive narratives. Over the course of this project, Together Liverpool will be sharing learning, resources and practical ways so that you can strengthen community cohesion and build relationships across difference.
Who is this project funded by?
This project is funded by the Church of England’s Racial Justice Unit. To learn more about their work click here: https://www.churchofengland.org/about/racial-justice.
How can I get involved?
Together Liverpool and its delivery partners are working directly with specific deaneries and stakeholders.
If you want to find out more about the work being delivered across Liverpool Diocese, you can contact Danielle here: Danielle.azanuwha@liverpool.org.uk
If you want to find out more about the work being delivered across Chelmsford Diocese, you can contact Angus and Marzena here angus.ritchie@ctclondon.org, marzena.cb@ctclondon.org.
For general enquiries about the project, please contact Merab Gill Merab.gill@togetherliverpool.org.uk.
“The Diocese of Liverpool welcomes the opportunity to develop the pilot social cohesion project Countering Hate, Cultivating Hope. This is important project that will support our church communities to engage in complex conversations about how we live together in our diversity and talk kindly about our differences. We are pleased to be working in partnership with Together Liverpool to share our learning with Chelmsford Diocese. Our hope is that what we develop locally can be shared nationally so together we can build a generous, kind, and diverse church that is brave enough to have tough conversations.”
Ellen Loudon, Director of Social Justice for the Diocese of Liverpool and Together Liverpool Chair of Trustees