New resource spotlights difference Christians making at grassroots

A new ecumenical resource has been launched by the Diocese of Westminster to help church groups promote justice, peace and the integrity of creation in London and Hertfordshire.

"No Hands But Ours" features specially filmed "Beacons of Hope" video stories of volunteers making a real difference at the grassroots level through their engagement with homelessness, refugees, fair trade and peace.

Also featured in the multi-media resource are interviews with a number of London church leaders.

The pack has been put together by the Diocese of Westminster's Justice and Peace Commission, the Diocese of London and the London Church Group for Social Action.

Resource authors Barbara Kentish, Fr Joe Ryan and Liz Steward of the Diocese of Westminster's Justice and Peace Commission, and the Rev Chris Brice, Adviser for Social Justice for the Diocese of London, explained the motivation behind No Hands But Ours.

"We know we live in a global village, and that some of the issues we face in our society are linked to those in other parts of the world," they said.

"Many Christians feel strongly that they should be working to address issues of Justice and Peace both here and in the wider world. Often we do not know where to start, and imagine that we are isolated voices.

"No Hands But Ours has been produced to address precisely this sense of powerlessness."

The authors went on to express their admiration for churches running community projects for the local community, including the homeless, refugees and recovering addicts, all with very limited resources and relying principally on volunteers.

"All began small, but have achieved miracles of change with very few resources. The message is, Christ has no face but ours, no hands but ours."

The resource also includes a 28-page booklet packed with information, ideas and spiritual inspiration and details of other resources. No Hands But Ours will also be available later in the year on the websites of the Diocese of Westminster and the Diocese of London.