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Poverty and inequality

The diocese is committed to addressing poverty and inequality through Christ-centred action.

Much is already being done to respond to the injustices of poverty and inequality.

God is at work through more than a thousand churches, chaplaincies, and schools in this diocese, and also through each of us as individual disciples. But it is clear that people continue to struggle in myriad ways, and opportunities are not equally available to all. The Covid-19 pandemic, the national economic impact and rise in the cost of living have only exacerbated this.

Poverty is more than just a lack of money, it’s a web of interconnected challenges which compound to affect a individual’s ability to flourish. Have a look at CUF’s ‘Web of Poverty’ to start exploring how poverty is also about identity, resources, and relationships.

Jump to: New toolkits | Church social action & justice map | Resources for you & your church

New toolkits

Use these new toolkits to find straightforward guidance to enable your church to support your community:

Cool Spaces Toolkit – learn what a ‘Cool Space’ is and how your church can actively welcome the wider community to use your naturally cool building as a respite during heatwaves.

Asylum Seekers & Refugee Pathways Toolkit – learn about key terms, migration pathways, and consider your church’s role in welcome and how you can offer practical support.

Gypsy, Roma, & Traveller Communities Toolkit – learn who these communities are, the discrimination they face, and how your church can become more welcoming and inclusive.

Church Social Action and Justice Map

This map showcases some of parish-led social action and justice work across the diocese (as of July 2026). We know there is even more happening than is currently mapped! If your church’s project is not yet included or needs to be updated, or you’d like support with a social action or justice project, get in touch with the diocesan Social Justice Adviser, Hannah Ling.

Resources for you and your church

Here are three steps that churches can and should be taking to address poverty and inequality. Click each title to see more information. You might also like to browse through this section of the site thematically – you’ll find links on the left-hand side (desktop) and below (mobile).

Our diocese covers a huge area with huge amounts of variety in affluence, environments, and ways of living. That means poverty and inequality are experienced differently in each context.

To help discern you and your church’s role in addressing poverty and inequality, get to know your context better and explore the issues facing your community.  

Get to know your area better:
 

Already know what the issues are in your area?

Find out more about what they actually mean.

See our themed pages to learn more about types of inequality.

You might also be interested in exploring more widely:


What next?

Know your stuff? Time to engage. Click the Engage box below to move on.

So you’re aware of some of the issues of poverty and inequality in your area, or globally, and you want to start doing something to make a difference.

Here are some ways you and your church can engage:
 
What next?

Want to do more? Think about your next steps and let’s act. Click the Act box below to read on.

So you know the issues of poverty and inequality people in your area, you may have engaged with prayer and campaigns, but now you want to take action.

Great resources to guide your first steps
 

Don’t underestimate the power of partnering with others (charities, other churches, community groups) or of starting small.

What next?

Put your vision and learning into action! Get in touch with the diocesean Social Justice Adviser Hannah Ling to talk plans over or seek advice, or scroll down to the bottom of this page for ideas and inspiration from other parishes.

Our common vision

We have listened with God to the big questions, the challenges, and opportunities we have as a diocese. Addressing Poverty and Inequality is one of our five areas of focus.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

Zechariah 4:10