Quakers back faith leaders’ response to new Child Poverty Strategy
Quakers in Britain have joined UK faith leaders in welcoming the government's new Child Poverty Strategy, while warning that further action will be needed to deliver lasting change.
The statement, coordinated by Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches, has been signed by faith leaders from across the UK including Bishops representing the Church of England and Roman Catholic Church and Senior Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg.
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No child should have their future limited by poverty
- Paul Parker
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Faith leaders welcomed publication of the strategy as a step in the right direction at a time when many communities feel “forgotten and overlooked".
Earlier this year, they wrote to the Prime Minister and Chancellor calling for ambitious and decisive action to reduce child poverty.
The statement says it is “simply wrong" that millions of children across the UK have their health, wellbeing and life chances blighted by poverty.
Signatories welcomed the government's “bold" decision to remove the two-child limit on benefit payments.
Faith communities have long opposed the policy, the statement says, because of a shared belief in the equal and immeasurable value of every child.
However, faith leaders expressed concern that the household benefit cap will remain in place, warning that it will continue to trap many families in poverty.
They said support through the social security system should be based on need rather than family size.
Paul Parker, recording clerk for Quakers in Britain, said Quakers were proud to stand with other faith traditions in calling for greater action.
“Working to make the world a more equal place is at the heart of the Quaker faith," he said.
“No child should have their future limited by poverty, and we welcome steps that recognise the dignity and worth of every child. But this is only the beginning, much more remains to be done."
The statement cautions that government action alone will not be enough.
“Sustained political focus, sufficient resources and the ongoing involvement of those with lived experience of poverty" will all be needed to achieve long-term change, it says.