ChurchWorks Commissioners Meet New Minister of Faith

On the 13th of November, the ChurchWorks Commission gathered for its second meeting of 2025. The room was filled with a wide range of senior church and denominational leaders, representing a broad expression of the Christian community, united by a shared conviction that cross-denominational collaboration and close partnership with the Government are essential to addressing the most pressing social challenges of our day.

At this meeting, Commissioners had the opportunity to meet Miatta Fahnbulleh, the new Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities,  alongside Joy Johnston, the Prime Minister’s Special Adviser for Faith, Communities and Civil Society. 

The new Minister spoke with genuine admiration for the work of churches across the country - the unseen acts of service, the daily presence in local neighbourhoods, and the unwavering commitment to supporting those who are struggling. She praised churches and faith leaders for their “ability to bring communities together,” their “rootedness in place,” and the way they reflect the “richness of our diversity.” Her words landed with weight, acknowledging what so many congregations quietly offer to their communities: stability, compassion, and a sense of belonging.

The Minister spoke powerfully about the importance of partnership at this moment in our national life, setting out her hope for a relationship between government and faith leaders rooted in shared responsibility. She described her vision as one of “building bonds and bridging our communities,” a reminder that repairing the fractures in society requires the very strengths that churches live out each day. ChurchWorks looks forward to working closely with the Faith Minister in the coming months to think strategically about how the Church and Government can work in partnership to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable individuals in this country are being met. 

We are excited to continue the conversation on Church and Government collaboration at the ChurchWorks Summit on 27 February 2025, and we would love for you to join us.

‍