Foodbanks, social supermarkets, cost of living – these phrases have become part of our everyday vocabulary in recent years. When I joined the Evangelical Alliance NI team as public policy officer this August, I knew that it was important that we continue to engage with poverty as a key issue. Not just because it is prominent in public policy discussions, but because for many, poverty is a daily reality of difficult choices about food, housing and heating.
We have been calling for the formation and publication of an anti-poverty strategy for the past number of years, along with many others in the Coalition of Christian Voices against poverty, which we co-founded.
The recent public consultation on the Northern Ireland Executive’s draft Anti-Poverty Strategy – the government’s plan for tackling poverty over the next decade – sparked a mixed response. Some groups were encouraging others not to respond to the consultation, as in their view it was not fit for purpose. We thought it was important to respond, to commend what was good and to seek to strengthen what was inadequate or missing entirely.
In early September, experts from the anti-poverty sector, campaigners, those with lived experience, and representatives from local government and the community, voluntary and faith sectors gathered to discuss the proposals. United in their desire for action that delivers real change, the call for a stronger, more effective strategy was loud and clear.
"United in their desire for action that delivers real change, the call for a stronger, more effective strategy was loud and clear."
For the Evangelical Alliance and our members, an important question arises: why should the church in particular care about efforts to address poverty? The answer lies not only in social responsibility, but in biblical conviction. We believe every person is made in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity, value and worth. In Isaiah 1:17, we are directed to: “Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.” Through His life, teaching, death and resurrection, Jesus also calls His followers to love God, love their neighbours and seek justice for those who are oppressed. The gospel calls us to demonstrate truth through both evangelism and social action.
Of course, the church is already deeply involved in poverty relief efforts and has been throughout history. According to the 2023 Good News People report, 67% of churches in Northern Ireland are actively engaged in initiatives that promote well-being, such as food banks, homeless support, and mental health care. Nine in ten churches offer pastoral care across all socio-economic groups and 21% are actively involved in campaigns for social justice, including anti-poverty work. These activities aim to address both material needs and wider wellbeing, flowing from the conviction that every person deserves to flourish.
"The gospel calls us to demonstrate truth through both evangelism and social action."
I would suggest that the church must press further into political and public engagement on poverty, for three key reasons:
- Faith in action: Our faith compels us to act not only through compassion but also through advocacy. We are invited to partner with God in the work of redemption and restoration, seeking the welfare of the city, as Jeremiah 29:7 instructs. This call means not only meeting immediate needs, but also speaking into the systems and policies that have the power to affect change. Jesus comforted, fed, welcomed, and blessed people wherever He went, while also challenging and confronting injustice. As His image bearers, we are called to imitate His example in both word, deed and public witness.
- A credible public witness: Evangelicals make up a significant part of the population in Northern Ireland, and our voices carry weight in how our nation is governed. As good news people, we are called to engage in policy design, using our influence to see this people and place flourish. The church’s impact in alleviating poverty is already significant, and it must be recognised in the political processes that shape long-term change. The Executive and the Department for Communities, who take responsibility for anti-poverty work, need to hear from and integrate the contribution of faith-based organisations and institutions in their policy plans.
- Hope that transforms: The church brings a distinct perspective to conversations about eradicating poverty. We are called to be people of hope – not blind optimism, but a hope rooted in Christ, which sees reality clearly and points to what is good, true, and beautiful. Political engagement is one way we can share that hope. Nearly half of people in Northern Ireland (47%) believe faith has a role to play in delivering social justice. That should embolden us to speak up in places of power with clarity and courage.
"As good news people, we are called to engage in policy design, using our influence to see this people and place flourish."
We recently submitted a response to the Anti-Poverty Strategy consultation on behalf of our members. In it, we commended the good work present in the draft while highlighting areas that we thought could be strengthened to ensure the strategy deliver lasting impact in our communities.
We encourage you to engage in this vital conversation, and to add your voice to shaping a society where no one is left behind. The Department for Communities will now analyse responses and publish its report on the consultation. We will continue to follow the next steps closely and keep you updated.
If you want to connect further on this policy issue, please contact me at: a.scott@eauk.org
Read our full consultation response:
