✝️ Churches Urged to Act: UK Welfare Cuts Could Push 250,000 Disabled People into Poverty
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“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” – Proverbs 31:8 (NIV)
On 25 June 2025, a powerful warning echoed from the UK’s Christian community. Leading debt charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has raised the alarm over proposed welfare reforms that could push a quarter of a million disabled people deeper into poverty. As Parliament prepares to debate new changes to the welfare system, CAP and other faith-led organisations are calling on the Church to respond with compassion, advocacy, and action.
📉 What’s Happening?
The UK Government’s controversial proposals seek to reform the welfare system by altering eligibility criteria for those receiving disability-related support. Critics say these changes are being fast-tracked without a sufficient plan to protect the vulnerable.
CAP’s latest findings show that disabled individuals are already 50% more likely to live in poverty than the general population. The proposed cuts, if implemented, could result in an estimated 250,000 more disabled people falling below the poverty line.
In response, 108 Members of Parliament have supported an amendment to pause the bill until at least £1 billion is invested in job creation and retraining programmes.
🕊️ Why the Church Must Respond
Christians Against Poverty is urging churches across the UK to take a bold stand—not just in prayer but in practical outreach. CEO Paula Stringer stated:
“Poverty isn’t a lifestyle choice. It’s a trap, and right now our disabled brothers and sisters are being pushed further into it. The Church must be a voice in the wilderness.”
CAP is calling on church leaders to:
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Raise awareness within their congregations
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Contact their local MPs in support of the amendment
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Offer support through church-based food banks, debt counselling, and mental health services
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Pray intentionally for justice, mercy, and change in government decision-making
🙏 A Call to Biblical Justice
The Bible is clear in its command to care for the poor, the marginalised, and the oppressed. In Isaiah 1:17 (NIV), we are told:
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.”
This is more than a political issue—it’s a deeply spiritual one. Jesus consistently centred the needs of the poor in His ministry. Today, His Church must do the same.
✉️ What Can You Do?
Here’s how your church or Christian community can take action today:
1. Pray Together
Organise a church-wide prayer meeting focused on justice for the poor and wisdom for political leaders.
2. Write to Your MP
Make your voice heard. Politely request that they support the amendment to delay welfare cuts until safeguards are in place.
3. Partner with CAP or Similar Charities
Offer your church as a local hub for CAP services or similar initiatives that provide debt relief, financial coaching, or community meals.
4. Speak from the Pulpit
Pastors and preachers—this is a timely message to incorporate into your sermons. God cares deeply about how we treat the vulnerable.
💬 Final Reflection
Welfare reform may seem like a political debate, but for thousands of families, it is a matter of survival. As Christians, we are called to stand in the gap, to be a voice for the voiceless, and to reflect Christ’s compassion in both word and deed.
In the words of Micah 6:8 (NIV):
“What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Let us rise to this moment—not with fear, but with faith, courage, and conviction.
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