Organizers have announced the speaker lineup for the ChurchWorks Summit, a one-day event exploring how faith and policy can work together for the social good. The summit takes place Feb. 27 at Central Hall in Westminster, London.
Justin Brierley, author of The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God and host of the Re-enchanting podcast, will co-host the event with radio and television broadcaster Swarzy Shire, a ChurchWorks press release stated Feb. 11.
“Delighted to be co-hosting the ChurchWorks Summit on Feb. 27 in London! Senior church leaders, government ministers, public sector representatives, and charity leaders come together to explore how faith and policy can work together for the social good,” Brierley said on social media. “This one-day event showcases successful church-government partnerships, highlights practical solutions to social challenges, and creates opportunities for deeper collaboration.”
Other confirmed speakers include Bishop Mike Royal, general secretary of Churches Together in England and ChurchWorks commissioner; Miatta Fanbulleh, U.K. minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities; and Stephen Timms, U.K. minister of state for Social Security and Disability.
Three panels will explore the themes of wellbeing, children and families, and tackling poverty—all priorities for the ChurchWorks Commission. The summit also includes workshops and an exhibitors’ marketplace featuring groups such as Christians Against Poverty, the National Churches Trust, and Home For Good/Safe Families.
Shire, known for her high-energy broadcasting style, said she felt “very honored to be hosting this year’s ChurchWorks Summit alongside the brilliant Justin Brierley.”
“We want to fill the room with senior church leaders, government ministers, public sector representatives, and charity leaders to explore how faith and policy can work together for the social good,” Shire said.
“Key topics on the day include tackling the mental health crisis, poverty, supporting vulnerable children, and more. My prayer—and excitement—is that we come away with opportunities to collaborate and make a real difference in society. People matter, and social good matters—I’m there.”
The ChurchWorks Commission brings together mainline church denominations, umbrella organizations, and Christian charities to collaborate with the government. It equips local congregations to transform the lives of vulnerable people in communities across the country. The commission specifically focuses on addressing the mental health and wellbeing crisis, supporting vulnerable children and families, and tackling poverty.
“The upcoming ChurchWorks Summit is about celebrating the incredible and transformative work God is doing in and through his church in this country,” a ChurchWorks press release stated.
“Whether it is a church running a parent-and-toddler group to help new parents get their children school-ready, a weekly drop-in supporting people struggling with their mental health, a Warm Welcome Space creating strong local communities, or a Debt Centre helping people out of poverty, the work and faith of those who run and volunteer in these ministries is a wonderful example of whole-life discipleship—of people putting their faith into action, serving their communities, and serving God.
“ChurchWorks’ mission is to help churches make connections across the church and public sector to increase the impact of these ministries and create positive change for even more people. By bringing together the local church, national denominations, charities, public servants, and senior politicians, we can broaden perspectives and see how working together intentionally creates opportunities for God to work powerfully.”
