A church response to social disorder linked to gangs, drugs, guns and knives is published and launched
This report is an expression of our churches’ deep concern about negative gang-related social disorder and violent crimes; their effects upon society at large, particularly the young; and the perspectives of the churches on and contributions to finding solutions. The main tools of negative gang activity are drugs, guns, and knives; the use of which has resulted in the maiming and tragic loss of many young lives, long jail sentences for the convicted perpetrators and the destabilisation of urban communities. But this phenomenon does not occur in a vacuum, its causes are complex and are linked to wider social issues. Therefore, this report is interested in the social, economic, political and environmental issues that provide the context within which gang-related social disorder and violent crimes occur. Addressing such complex context requires a holistic approach that considers both causes and effects if we are to uncover a message of faith, hope, and love of neighbour.
The report aims to quantify and value the contribution of the churches in addressing gang-related social disorder, reveal gaps in thinking and provision and provide churches with guidelines of good practice.
It also aims to identify partnership opportunities to better address the issue.
It was commissioned by the Enabling Group of Churches Together in England
Bishop of Liverpool, James Jones, says in the forward,
"I commend this report into social disorder to you and ask you to pray with me. The image that has constantly accompanied me during my ministry both in Hull and Liverpool is that of Jesus standing outside the city weeping and through his tears pleading, “If only you knew the things that make for peace”.
There is no doubt in my mind that through the prayers of faithful people living and believing in areas abandoned by others, people will find that there is a God who loves them, who has not forsaken them. The cruel fact of deprivation is that most people suffer from low self-esteem. The only antidote is to know that someone believes in you. Those who stay do, by their very presence, signal belief in the ones who remain."
Printed copies of the report are available from CTE. Order on the website here.
PDF copy can be downloaded here. |
