27th May 2025
Local churches – particularly those where the congregation is predominantly local too – can be a force for good because it builds the strength of the local community and has a building that is available as a community centre. Tearfund identifies local churches as having ten key strengths that can enable them to tackle the risk of disaster.
- respond immediately
- Provide compassion and care
- Have resources available locally
- Influence and shale values
- Act as community peace builders
- Facilitate community action
- Raise awareness of risks and advocate for change
- Communicate hope and promote healing
- Pray to bring change
- Raise issues and draw support from their denomination as a regional or national level (1)
However Tearfund also point out that some churches “may not see strengthening the resilience of communities as part of the church’s role.”
Churches need to consciously and proactively engage with the challenge of being a key part of community resilience.
The Green Tau 