Sally Mann from Red Letter Christians UK explains:
We wrote a book!
It could be just the encouragement you are looking for. And not long to wait: it’s being released at the start of Lent (Feb 2024). You may even want to plan to use it as a Lent resource!
Here’s why:
We bring together 26 authors from across the UK, writing about their lived experience of seeking Jesus and justice in their communities. Some you will know; we have new stories from Steve Chalke, Anthony Reddie & Anji Barker…and others you should know. They speak honestly, from the heart, in accessible stories. This is not a heavy theological book trying to have the last word. It’s a moving collection of ‘first word’ stories to encourage you.
We have grouped our authors’ stories around verses from the beautiful vision of Shalom in Isaiah 65:17-23. We’ll explore eco-justice, poverty and placemaking, housing, migration, economics, youth deprivation and criminal justice.
We’ve added 5 dialogues from leading British theologians and experienced activists. These appear in summary at the end of every section. We’ll be releasing longer 20 min recordings of these dialogues FREE on our website in the New Year. So, whichever theme you start with, you can listen to our musings and use them to spark conversations in your own church or community.
Our book will inspire you with what is possible when a Jesus-centred faith is at the heart of activism.
Buy directly from us at a reduced price (email redletterchristiansuk@gmail.com), or order online in paperback or Kindle versions through Amazon…you know which option we hope you’ll choose!
We’ll follow up with a Jesus & Justice UK tour in 2024 inviting our local authors to join the stage with RLC speakers (Shane Claiborne will be zooming in). These will be places where YOU can join in, sharing your story, which we can publish on our website.
Looking forward to getting your hands on a copy? Here’s a 15 min dialogue with our editor to whet your appetite
Our latest Temple Urban Tract is a great read.
Download it from Here
Dereliction, redemption and identity: Challenging injustice and encountering God in dereliction and green space. (2023)
Reuben Aspden
Reuben Aspden opens up the experiences of living and working in a community that is perceived as derelict and neglected. Aspden takes the reader on a journey through Possilpark, a community on the edge of Glasgow, from the perspective of someone serving as part of an intentional Christian community. Aspden reflects on different spaces across the community and the ways in which prophetic presence and eco mission can open up experience and encounter with God. Aspden uses local symbols of continuity, such as the Doocots (pigeon huts) to explore resistance and hope for the community and to reflect on their own community.
Accountant Sam Ward chose the path of downward mobility in moving onto Openshaw, one of the toughest estates in the land. With a heroin addict living on one side, and a brothel on the other, an extraordinary adventure began, which continues 23 years later. What a story and what a challenge!
Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3R0J3oE
Spotify: https://bit.ly/3T5eMHZ
Check out www.joineden.org if you want to consider joining an Eden team or supporting the work.
The Message do superb work, check out www.message.org.uk Message Trust