Faith in the City social justice pioneers honoured
A special Founders Celebration was held at Liverpool Cathedral to honour the social justice pioneers whose work shaped the influential 1985 Faith in the City report.
The event paid tribute to key individuals who contributed to the landmark report 40 years ago, and have since dedicated their lives to social justice - advocating for the most vulnerable and championing community transformation for decades.
Guests included people who have tirelessly campaigned for better housing, fair wages, and inclusion, helping keep the spirit of justice at the heart of the Liverpool City Region’s story.
Many were instrumental in putting the report’s call to action into practice across Merseyside and beyond - including Canon John Stanley OBE, who helped found the Church Urban Fund in response to the 1985 report. The Fund later established the Together Network, of which Together Liverpool is a part.
Also in attendance were Canon Neville Black, MBE, Monsignor John Devine, Canon Professor Hilary Russell, Canon Cynthia Dowdle OBE, Trustee at the Josephine Butler Memorial Trust, and others whose lifelong commitment to justice has shaped the region.
The Faith in the City report explored the deep impact of urban poverty and the vital role of the Church in addressing social injustice. It sparked new energy and investment into church-led community work and helped shape national conversations around justice and inequality.
Now, 40 years on, Together Liverpool and Churches Together in the Merseyside Region have partnered to mark this anniversary year by celebrating the legacy of Faith in the City, sharing stories of faith-led social action, and inspiring a new generation to continue the work of justice, compassion and community transformation.
As Liverpool City Region continues to build on this legacy, the event served as a tribute to past achievements and a call to action for the future.
Rev Canon Dr Ellen Loudon, Director of Social Justice and Canon Chancellor at the Diocese of Liverpool, and Chair of Together Liverpool addressed those gathered for the event, in May.
Also speaking were The Very Reverend Dean Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool, Revd Phil Jump, Regional Minister for the North Western Baptist Association, and Fran Darcy, Together Liverpool and CTMR’s Faith in the City Lead Development Officer.
Reflecting on the day, Canon Ellen said: “As this is a special anniversary year, we wanted to recognise and celebrate the phenomenal contribution of these key individuals over the last four decades. Their commitment to justice, compassion and community has left a lasting legacy not only here in the Liverpool City Region but nationally too. Many of them were part of the original conversations that shaped Faith in the City – and they have continued to live out that vision through their tireless work. It felt important to honour their faithfulness, their courage, and the example they’ve set for the next generation of change-makers.”
The themes of Faith in the City continue to shape Together Liverpool’s work today — equipping churches and community groups to respond to local needs with kindness, creativity, and practical action. This anniversary year will feature storytelling, learning events, and space to reflect on how the Church can continue to play a vital role in building a more just and equal society.
Fran Darcy, Together Liverpool and CTMR’s Faith in the City Lead Development Officer said: “It was incredibly moving to gather and honour those whose faithful witness has shaped our region’s response to poverty and injustice. Their work helped breathe life into the vision of Faith in the City, not just as a report, but as a movement rooted in hope and action. As we mark 40 years, we also look forward – listening to new voices, and continuing the journey towards a fairer, more compassionate society for all.”
Together Liverpool and CTMR will continue marking the 40th anniversary throughout 2025, gathering stories and reflections from across the region.
The year of activity will culminate in a special stakeholder event in November, bringing together civic and community leaders to explore the lasting legacy of the report — and its relevance for the challenges we face today.
Find out more here about this year’s Faith in the City 40th anniversary, and how you can get involved.
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Pictures by David Stanley
