What are credit unions? How can churches support them? Why are they important for churches? Tom Newbold explains all…

The Church Credit Champions Network, which we have been running here at CTC since 2014, has been helping churches answer these questions through a mixture of theological reflection, practical resources, and expert training events. The Network was set-up in response to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s famous ‘War on Wonga’ comments, and has so far engaged with over 200 churches in London alone, helping sign-up 2,000 new credit union members in the process!

With significant progress being made in growing credit unions and challenging the payday lending sector, we are now providing an exciting opportunity for all London’s churches to get involved through the inaugural ‘Credit Union Month’ taking place this June.

Throughout the month of June, churches across London will be running pop-up stalls at their Sunday services over tea and coffee, offering churchgoers the chance to find out more about credit unions and to join them. This movement will see the Church take a clear stand against exploitative lending and unethical financial institutions, as well as creating growth in London’s credit unions.

We are running interactive training sessions across the Diocese of London to equip you and your church to run stalls, but also to find out more about credit unions generally and how best to support them. Each training session will be free, well-catered and open to anybody, whatever your knowledge.

This is a simple and low-effort way to join in with a movement for change and a fairer financial system. It is an effective and no-strings-attached way to be part of winning the ‘War on Wonga’. Could your church join in?

Details of each training event and how to register (for free) can be found on the following links:

12^th May

14^th May

19^th May