Rising ‘poverty of relationships’ as churches respond with practical hope
Church Urban Fund report highlights rising ‘poverty of relationships’ as churches respond with practical hope
Church Urban Fund (CUF) has released its 2025 Impact Report, revealing a year of gospel-rooted justice and community transformation across England’s most challenged neighbourhoods.
In a year marked by social division, deepening poverty, and rising inequality, CUF’s work tells a different story, one shaped by the Good News of Jesus Christ, where love motivates action and justice restores hope.
The Right Reverend Rob Wickham, CEO of Church Urban Fund, writes in the report:
We’ve seen polarised political debate. A nation that seems to be becoming more divided. We’ve witnessed protests with angry voices raised in different views. All this, rooted in a reality of deepening poverty – not just material poverty, but poverty of relationships and identity.’
In a divided nation, CUF is helping churches and local groups become the venues where hope becomes practical.
Throughout 2025, CUF strengthened its mission to equip churches and communities to respond faithfully and practically to local need.
- 2,427 people have now signed up for Growing Good, CUF’s course helping churches grow in confidence, confidence and connections.
- The new Knowledge Bank was launched, providing free tools, data and training resources to help churches move from intention to action.
- The CUF Academy pilot supported 15 clergy and lay leaders serving in deprived communities, building confidence for pioneering ministry in challenging contexts.
From Walthamstow to Bradford, churches are being transformed through listening, relationship-building and courageous advocacy. At St Barnabas Church in East London, a simple listening exercise led to creating a welcoming community space, supporting asylum seekers, and successfully campaigning to keep displaced families connected to local schools and support networks.
CUF’s programmes continued to foster resilience and cohesion:
- 925 Places of Welcome now operate across England, including a growing number of public libraries.
- Through Near Neighbours, 106 new partnerships were formed, and 3,089 grassroots leaders were equipped to strengthen community relationships.
- Windrush Day grants supported projects honouring overlooked histories, including a powerful community theatre production celebrating Caribbean servicemen and women.
Forty years after the landmark Faith in the City report inspired CUF’s founding, the Together Network, now 48 members strong, continues to amplify grassroots voices and advocate for long-term investment in deprived communities. In Coventry and Warwickshire alone, one project demonstrated a calculated social value benefit of £8.7 million.
Churches and individual supporters continue to invest in long-term transformation. As CUF trustee Alison Grieve, who is leaving a gift in her will to CUF shared:
It’s a gift that reflects the depth of my commitment and care. A way for my faith to keep impacting future generations.
As John’s Gospel declares, “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighbourhood.” CUF continues to embody that calling — enabling churches to be present, prayerful and prophetic in the communities they serve.
To read the full 2025 Impact Report, visit here.
