Church Action on Poverty recently received this very encouraging message from the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu:
Archbishop John Sentamu with young people
Thank you for taking the time to send me your report ‘Dear Prime Minister’.
Recently, at a Forum entitled ‘Make a Difference’ held here at Bishopthorpe Palace, young people from across the North of England were encouraged to apply their Christian beliefs to political issues and draw up their own Manifesto.
The event was organised by my Youth Trust, in conjunction with Theos, the Public Theology think-tank, and the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity.
The young people came up with their own Manifesto with their priorities for the future of Britain. This consisted of nine key points, as follows:
- A commitment to broaden education opportunities for young people through apprenticeships and work experience.
- A commitment to provide more opportunities for young people outside of education such as transport, sport and, support centres.
- A commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, introducing minimum wages for fairtrade workers.
- A commitment not to increase university fees, and to make university more accessible for young people.
- A commitment to provide training and support for those who are unemployed and to create jobs to help serve the local area and local government.
- A promise to keep life sacred as a gift from God and review current legislation on abortion and euthanasia and to offer support to all affected.
- A commitment to have one CRB form every five years, to prevent Government legislation from becoming an obstacle to adults working with young people.
- A commitment to regulating businesses to ensure ethical trading.
- A commitment to reform asylum policies and change attitudes, affirming the importance of offering protection where it is needed.
I am sure you will be encouraged, as I am, that young people want to make a positive difference in our nation. I have sent the Youth Manifesto to the Prime Minister and I await his comments.
With every blessing,
John Sentamu, Archbishop of York
What three things would be in your Manifesto? Send your message to the Prime Minister now!
