London Citizens: why St James's is a partner
St James's is a member institution of London Citizens, the community organising body whose constitution commits it to 'build the capacity of our member institutions and groups to participate more effectively in London's public life.'
For us this means meeting with other local member institutions, listening to issues and concerns which affect our neighbourhoods, family and friends and taking part in activities to bring about the change that is needed, in the light of the Gospel and our understanding of its demands.
As a result of this engagement with other groups, St James's has participated in the Living Wage Campaign which seeks to persuade employers to pay a Living Wage to lift Londoners out of poverty. We have also supported the Strangers into Citizens campaign, which has championed the cause of long term irregular migrants to persuade the government to agree a one off regularisation which would lead to citizenship for those who have put their roots down in London.
Issues specific to the Westminster area are addressed such as the problem of gambling addiction within the Chinese community, and the reckless granting of betting shop licences. Members of the St James's community are kept up to date with activities by notices after the Sunday 11am Eucharist, and by email.
From Brixton to Barnet to Balham to Brent, from Clapham to Camden to Canning Town to Croydon, Manor House to Manor Park and Tottenham to Tooting and Westminster to West Ealing and the many neighbourhoods in between LONDON CITIZENS is bringing communities together so that they are powerful enough to shape their own destiny. In the process strangers become friends and citizens.
It is our experience that without this deliberate and determined organising strategy future generations and neighbourhoods will be shaped only by the values and priorities of the market. This same market and rampant consumerism are already threatening the human ties and public relationships which are so vital to bind us together.
It is no accident that LONDON CITIZENS core campaigns are focused on strengthening our families and community life - higher wages, jobs with dignity and security, respect for stranger and neighbour, action for safer streets and more affordable family homes - as well as our core activity which is to give our members a positive experience of democracy and a place at the negotiating table of life on those issues which are our business.
