annual review 2008/2009 ideaseptember/october2009

Building unityThe Evangelical Alliance’sobjectives and activities allcentre around a vision of“uniting to change society”.There are four key approaches:being a voice in the publicsquare; mobilising evangelicalsto engage in spiritual andsocial transformation;encouraging Christians to workalltogether; and servicing thestrategic needs of Alliancemembers...

PUBLIC BENEFITS. An audit of the voluntary sector in Wales showed a value to theeconomy of £102m, with churches providing 97 per cent of volunteer hours fromfaith communities. Throughout the UK, the Alliance is working to unite evangelicalchurches, organisations and individuals to effectively transform society.

IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE. Much of the Alliance’sactivity in public policy takes place behind closeddoors, building relationships with Governmentofficials in Westminster, Edinburgh, Belfast,Cardiff and Brussels. More public events includedNovember’s Temple Address by the Archbishop ofYork, Rt Rev John Sentamu.

The faith sector’s contributionto the benefit of society isnot confined to the past

– Julian Richards

‘ ‘ADDRESSING THE CRUNCH. The Alliance’sLife Beyond Debt campaign is offering helpfor those facing financial difficulties dueto the recession. At a special event inFebruary, then-Communities SecretaryHazel Blears addressed church leaders andChristian debt experts. And the policyadvisory group is reimagining the economyin light of Christian principles.

Churches can makea great difference totheir neighbourhoods

– Hazel Blears

‘ ‘

The opportunity before us isto use this time of crisis to

create a renewed shared vision– John Sentamu

‘ ‘JUSTICE FOR ALL. Over the past year, theAlliance has spoken out for immigrants andrefugees, help for suffering Zimbabweans, thereduction of poverty and other major issues.Constructive engagement with governmentis the primary focus along with grass rootsaction from churches and individuals.

The church was agodsend. Theycame and gaveus clothes

and whateverwe needed ’

– Phuoc Tan Diep

‘

‘1 April 2008 – 31 March 2009

idea september/oc tober 2009 annual review 2008/2009

COUNCIL MEMBERS: Robert Amess, David Banting, Fran Beckett, Carl Beech,Steve Blaber, Colin Bones, Lyndon Bowring, David Bruce, Jon Burns, Derek Burnside,Alistair Burt, John Butcher, Fiona Castle, Tim Cawston, Keith Civval, Graeme Clark,Kate Coleman, Louise Coningsby, Eldin Corsie, Tracy Cotterell, Derek Crookes,Paul Dicken, Elaine Duncan, John Dunnett, JonathanEdwards, Roger Forster,Rachel Gardner, Jean Gibson, Ram Gidoomal, Sheena Gillies, Ruth Gilson, John Glass,Richard Gough, Peter Grant, Sharon Hanson, Jenny Hill, Jennifer Hogg, Jane Holloway,Ann Holt, Nigel James, Rob James, David Jones, Nola Leach, Martin Lee,Tricia Marnham, Howard Marshall, Alex McIlhinney, Stephen McQuoid, Ken Morgan,John Mumford, Dermot O’Callaghan, Olu Ojedokun, Pedro Okoro, Jonathan Oleyede,Tani Omideyi, Siew Huat Ong, Norman Ord, Mike Pilavachi, Kenneth Prior, Lee Rayfield,Andy Reed, Julian Richards, Mark Russell, Keith Short, Carolyn Skinner, Arlene Small,Pat Storey, Chris Summerton, Neil Summerton, Mike Talbot, Jonathan Thornton,Derek Tidball, Paul Weaver, Paul Woolley.

This is a summary of financial activities for the year ended 31 March 2009. Figures includeunrestricted and restricted funds of the charity and the trading activities of EA DevelopmentsLtd. They are taken from the full audited Annual Report & Financial Statements, which areavailable from the Evangelical Alliance, 186 Kennington Park Road, London SE11 4BT.

Financial reviewGod continues to meet the needs of the Alliance through the prayers anddonations of people, churches and organisations who are united in themission to change society.

Over the financial year, donations provided 84 per cent of the totalincome of £2,423,805. And nearly half (49%) of these donations were fromindividuals. Additional income came through tax claimed on Gift Aiddeclarations (9%), member churches (16%) and organisations (7%),charitable trusts (2%) and trading income (8%). In addition, a number oflegacies were received.

These funds were almost entirely spent on charitable activities (91%),with the remaining amount relating to publicity and fundraising. More thanhalf of the total expenditure of £2,647,928 went to ministries for change,while another 35 per cent went to uniting and resourcing members. Just 3per cent was spent on governance costs.

RESOURCING THE CHURCH. In addition to such initiatives as Don’t Be a Stranger, SquareMile, Life Beyond Debt and Slipstream, the Alliance’s communications team keeps intouch with members through publications and websites, highlighting programmes andevents while sharing good news stories. The Alliance press office is helping churches runmedia hubs to share good news in their communities.

I believe it’svery importantto be part of thepolitical arena– Patsy McKie

‘ ‘

The things that unite us are far greater thanthe things we might have differences about

– Steve Clifford‘ ‘

This is one ofthe greatest

publicdemonstrationsof faith thatthis great cityhas ever seen– Gordon Brown

‘

‘

This has been an amazingjourney for all of us– Lauren Tomlinson

‘ ‘

WORKING ALLTOGETHER. TheAlliance-facilitated Forum for Changenetworks expertise in key disciplines,while Square Mile mobilises churchesto reach local communities. TheAlliance supported the nationwideHope08 initiative and participated inmajor events such as the celebrationin Belfast, attended by more than30,000 people.

LOOKING AHEAD. The year 2009-10 started withthe arrival of the Alliance’s new General DirectorSteve Clifford, and planned activities include:• the continuing promotion of unity• an emphasis on faith in the public square• further implementation of Square Mileresources, including Simplify

• strengthening relationships withmember churches

• a focus on the 20-30 generation• growth of the Alliance’s web-based resources• continued Forum for Change activities• a major Micah Challenge campaign in 2010• development of the 2011 Bible Fresh initiative.

ACTIVE CITIZENS. In July 2008, the Micah Challenge UK team facilitated a walk by670 Anglican bishops attending the Lambeth Conference, who were joined by 1,500faith leaders and diplomats to demand that governments hit targets to help thepoor have better nutrition, education and health care.