Love Mercy, Do Justice and Walk Humbly with God

May 2024  

by Jessica Foster

Earlier this month, the Trussell Trust – where I work – released their End of Year stats. There was a flurry of press interest but the rising figures are probably no surprise to those of us who work among communities.

More than 3.1 million emergency food parcels were provided by food banks in the Trussell Trust network to people facing hardship across the UK in the past 12 months – this is the most parcels the network has ever distributed in a single year and nearly double the number compared to five years ago.

We know what needs to change to help people who can’t afford the essentials – we need a social security system that is fit for purpose. And alongside supporting food banks, the Trussell Trust is calling politicians and decision makers to build a more just system.

We also believe that churches have a vital role to play in building communities and a society which mean people do not have to rely on emergency food aid. We are inviting churches to adopt a Micah 6:8 approach based on the call of the prophet to Love Mercy, Do Justice and Walk Humbly with God.

Churches and Christians have shown great kindness, alongside people of all faiths and none, working as volunteers in food banks, donating time, money, expertise and food up and down the country. We need this to carry on for as long as we need food banks and as the demand goes up – we really need more donations than ever. You can find your local food bank here and see what they need most urgently. If you need the support of a food bank – it is this link too Find a Food Bank – The Trussell Trust

We are also urging churches to do justice work, especially with an imminent general election. Please think about hosting a hustings or reaching out to your local candidates to ask them what they will do to end the need for food banks. The Trussell Trust is working with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to call for reform to social security – see how your church can get involved here Guarantee our Essentials – The Trussell Trust

Walking humbly with God might not seem to have such a practical application but we have taken this as a call to explore how we humbly find God in the face of our neighbour facing financial hardship. We are urging churches to think how they can make sure someone who is struggling against poverty can belong fully in their community. There are many questions for us in churches about our attitude to money, our understanding of class and our foregrounding of certain voices. We have resources to help you think about this on our website Church resources – The Trussell Trust  and are recommending a book called Invisible Divides by Natalie Williams and Paul Brown.

If you are interested in championing a Micah 6:8 approach in your church please do drop me an email at Jessica.foster@trusselltrust.org or there is a sign-up page on our website. Become a Trussell Trust Church Ambassador – The Trussell Trust

====================

The Revd Jessica Foster is an Anglican deacon and works as Head of Church Engagement at The Trussell Trust.

Photo credits

Main photo ©-Chris-Lacey-Photography

Photo of Jess Foster by Anastasia Jobson