Since 2004, the Bishop of London’s Mission Fund (BLMF) has supported mission work throughout the Diocese, aimed at reaching ‘beyond the walls of the church’ to increase its mission work in areas of social need as well as keeping pace with the needs of the growing church in London. Over one hundred projects have received support with grants totalling 3.8M.
Throughout the Diocese of London there is a growing need to support social projects in deprived areas owing to the withdrawal of council and government funding.
The withdrawal of council and government funding in the last few years has impacted on the communities in deprived areas throughout the Diocese and the riots in London in the summer of 2011, particularly in Tottenham and Hackney, highlighted the need to try to heal these broken communities. The BLMF is therefore facing increased demands to support parishes in expanding partnerships with local communities, offering a focus to children andn young people and promoting community cohesion in areas of deprivation.
The Diocese through the BLMF is uniquely equipped for this role. Through its 450 parishes, the Diocese of London is present in every community, and BLMF support for projects can really make a difference to communities in areas of need.
As the recipient of funding from the BLMF said after this summer’s riots in London, the Revd Michael Learmouth, Team Rector, Barnsbury Parish said:
“There is a real need for community and for people to get to know those they are living beside. Many secular bodies do great projects working with particular groups of people but few attempt to bring all types of people together. I have seen that the church has been able to take a lead on this task.”
Core funding for BLMF comes from the Church Commissioners but the increasing number of projects applying for funding from the BLMF means that additional funds are needed to enable the Diocese to respond to the needs of communities north of the Thames. Please help us to help those in need by donating to the BLMF.
Taken from the website of the Bishop of London’s Mission Fund
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