Discussion with Black Majority Church Leaders, David Cameron and Iain Duncan Smith

On 19th October the CCF held a discussion forum with David Cameron, Iain Duncan Smith and 110 leaders from the Black Majority Churches in Britain. The event marked the beginning of an ongoing process of engagement between the Black church community and the Conservative Party.

In two separate sessions David Cameron and Iain Duncan Smith addressed the gathering briefly before opening the floor to an extensive question and answer session, giving the attendees an opportunity to raise many issues of importance.

The event also had the important aim of being a step towards involving more members of the Black Christian community, and the Christian community generally, in politics at every level. It will be followed up by further such meetings and a seminar on Engaging in Public Life in February next year. This seminar will be open to anyone interested in equipping themselves with the skills and know-how to pursue becoming an MP, a local councillor, a Parliamentary researcher, a magistrate, or a range of other public roles.

The feedback from the forum has been excellent:

“An eye opener”

“I was inspired and encouraged that the Conservatives are giving churches a voice. Well overdue and most welcomed.”

“Today was an excellent opportunity to share thoughts, ideas and concerns.”

“Challenging, insightful and rewarding. I am impressed by the beliefs of the CCF.”

“Keep it up! I hope this will be a continuous programme.”

Party Conference 2006

What an exciting Conference this was for the CCF! We were so incredibly blessed in numbers and speakers and were very grateful to the many volunteers and friends who helped make it all happen.

Party Conference Church service

The morning of the service, the CCF staff nervously prayed for God to fill the building that day, honestly having no idea how many people would come through the doors – particularly as our advertisement had accidentally been left out of the main conference programme! However, having posted out 3000 flyers to all conference attendees the week before, we just hoped that they would decide to leave the security pass queues to join us. And join us they did! We found ourselves in the final minutes before the service began hauling extra chairs to the main halls to accommodate the more than 550 people who came along. We worshiped with the superb Tribe of Judah Gospel Choir and appreciated the words of preacher, Rev. Nims Obunge, whose left us with the memorable statement, that “Politicians are concerned with the next election but statesmen are concerned with the next generation.” We were delighted to be joined by so many MPs, Peers, members of the Party staff, people from the local community, and, of course, CCF members.

Slavery: Do we need a 21st Century Wilberforce?

On Sunday evening William Hague MP and Rev. Steve Chalke from Stop the Traffik spoke to an audience of over 180 at the CCF’s joint event with Premier Christian Radio. Mr Hague reminded the audience that slavery is well and truly a modern-day concern, highlighting the continuing trade in people, often into situations of sexual slavery and harsh exploitation. He outlined the steps that governments are taking to try and bring an end to the trade, but also emphasised the work that has yet to be done. Rev. Steve Chalke echoed Mr. Hague’s words, but raised the important steps being taken by charities such as Stop the Traffik. He answered the question “Do we need a 21st Century Wilberforce” by reminding us that the burden of responsibility to end injustices lies firmly on the shoulders of each and every one of us and that we all have the potential to make a difference by getting informed and involved.

CCF Prayer Breakfasts

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings of the conference we were joined at our prayer breakfasts by Nadine Dorries MP, Alistair Burt MP, the Free Churches Group, and Shadow Attorney General Dominic Grieve. On each day the speakers discussed their experiences carrying their faith through politics and our responsibility as Christians to ensure that we show the love of Jesus Christ wherever we are engaged. We had between sixty and one hundred people at each of the breakfasts and it was a great time of fellowship and of meeting many new people.

CCF Birmingham Bonfire Night

CCF members in Birmingham celebrated bonfire night on October 30th with a barbeque and fireworks at the home of member Guy Hordern. With some new people along, we hope this regional group will continue to grow.

October Prayer Evening

This month CCF members gathered in Westminster once again to pray for the Conservative Party, Parliament and the CCF. We recognize the priority that prayer should play in the life of the Fellowship.  We are grateful to our many members who we know pray for the CCF and for Parliament regularly.

David Cameron with Black Majority Church leaders