A recent conference hosted by the Evangelical Alliance UK (EAUK) Church Life team, gathered the leading Christian social action groups in Britain, including the Salvation Army, the Message Trust, Housing Justice, Faithworks and CARE. In the midst of the intense competition for government funding, EAUK urges the leaders to unite together to share their resources and strategies so as to provide the greatest benefit to the community.

The conference entitled 'United We Stand' was held in Birmingham, England. This is the first time such a conference is being held after a review of Christian social action in the UK was undertaken by the EAUK’s Social Responsibility Team over a 12 month period from September 2003.

The team has contacted over 1700 people across the country from all the major denominations, new church streams, national organisations involved in social action, individual projects and project workers.

It is revealed that the greatest challenge faced by Christian social action projects in the UK is the lack of collaboration. As a result, some social services are duplicated while some needs being left unmet. Some Christian social groups experience feelings of isolation.

Based on the result of this review, the conference aims to foster greater cooperation between leaders of Christian social action projects.

The report of the review named United We Stand, identified competition as a major roadblock for unity between Christian social organisations. Most of the organisations are not very flexible on their individual agendas, therefore they are called to be willing to lay down the idea that "what they are doing is more vital to the kingdom than what others are involved in". Very often, they are also very reluctant in sharing information, resources and skills with one another.

Theologian and writer, Ann Morisy, told delegates on the conference, "We are tempted into a state-induced competition with each other, as we compete for grants and money to do up premises and for seats on community forums."

"Can we be united in proclaiming and demonstrating that there can be no genuine solution to our social distresses apart from the gospel?"

Particularly, she called on the Church of England to abandon its traditional role as broker and gatekeeper in relation to state resources for community initiatives.

"The challenge for the Church of England is whether it can recognise that its power and influence is decaying and that the action has moved elsewhere," she said. "The challenge is to move from being first among equals to being one amongst many."

Sharing strategy and making informed strategic planning are emphasised in the report. Christian social action groups are encouraged to approach the Government with one voice and a clear strategy for some specific issues. In fact, the UK Government has recognised more about the impact of faith-based community work today and has made a central commitment to developing and supporting this work.

A report in April revealed that the Government's National Voluntary Youth Organisation funding scheme is £21m in total this year, among which £1.3m are used to support the youth work of evangelical Christian groups.

Evangelist Andy Hawthorne, from Manchester-based The Message Trust, made a strong plea to delegates to make the gospel a central plank for social action.

Quoted from the report, Revd Peter Southcombe, Regeneration and Community Development Officer for Southern Synod United Reformed Church said, "Partnerships and working together should be a natural process for Christians who long to see the Kingdom of God built. At one level, partnership is about asking God to bless a neighbouring church in its work and mission."

"Partnerships are important as a witness. John 17 reminds us to be one so that the world may believe."

In response to the conference, Rev Joel Edwards, General Director of the EAUK said, "The Alliance is committed to providing opportunities for individuals and organisations to meet and find ways to work together more effectively. I hope this is just the start of a new spirit of cooperation between Christians working at the sharp-end of our communities."

The report is available free from the EAUK head office or from the EAUK website under Publications and Online Resources.