Gordon Brown agreed to work with the Black Christian Leaders Forum during a meeting in Downing Street on Thursday 25 October.
26 October 2007
The Prime Minister pledged support for a group of Christian leaders and urged them to continue helping build stronger communities, in a meeting at Downing Street yesterday.
Gordon Brown agreed to work with the Black Christian Leaders Forum during a meeting in Downing Street on Thursday 25 October.
There he said that he and his Government would meet with the church leaders on a regular basis and would continue to take their concerns seriously.
Issues discussed included a commemoration of the abolition of slave trade, crime, youth services and raising aspirations of black youth. Other matters to be raised in future meetings with the Government include youth and education, abortion and teenage pregnancy and the charities act 2006.
The Prime Minister told the leaders: ”Let’s get the message across that together we can build a stronger society. What you do is not just recognised in your own communities – it’s appreciated throughout the whole country.”
David Lammy MP, who was also present, said “All sides see this as a successful meeting. This is not the beginning but a continuation of real partnership to deal with issues that exist not just within the black community but nationally.”
Joel Edwards, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance said: “This was a historic meeting of senior church leaders with a Prime Minister in the early stages of his administration. He has a track record of valuing the place of faith in building cohesive communities, where people’s well being and development are taken seriously.”
“It was great to meet with the Prime Minister but just as significant that we have an opportunity to be equal partners in getting things done. We are all excited about the potential of these meetings.“
Notes to editors:
The Black Christian Leaders Forum (BCLF) exists to bring together the diversity of hearts and minds of Black Christian leaders who share a common vision for social transformation.
Core group members of the BCLF that were present:
Bishop Rev Dr Joe Aldred –Churches Together in England
Rev Esme Beswick - Joint Council for Anglo-Caribbean Churches
Rev Dr Joel Edwards – General Director of the Evangelical Alliance Bishop John Francis – Founder and Senior Pastor of Ruach Ministries Rev Katei Kirby – Chief Executive Officer of the African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance
Dr R David Muir – Public Policy Director of the Evangelical Alliance
Rev Nims Obunge – Chief Executive Officer of the Peace Alliance
Rev Dr Albert Odulele – Senior Pastor, Glory House Church
Pastor Ade Omooba – Coherent and Cohesive Voice campaigns
Related Link: http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page13632.asp?GalleryID=220&ImageID=7557&Start=0
