Looking back on three decades of impact, we reflect on a historic, Latin-infused service of thanksgiving held at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey.
Last Thursday, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) celebrated three decades of debt help and community support with a historic service at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey, followed by a Parliamentary reception. The milestone event brought together 120 supporters, Parliamentarians and church leaders to reflect on 30 years of action against poverty across the United Kingdom. The service also highlighted the launch of the CAP Group in partnership with Community Money Advice (CMA), strengthening the UK Church’s collective reach to tackle deepening debt and poverty through localised money advice and holistic care.
Setting a formal and historic tone, the service opened with a performance of the Latin hymn ‘Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est’ (‘Where charity and love are, God is there’) – a traditional first for a CAP service.
Photography: The Dean and Chapter of Westminster
The service featured contributions from prominent political and charity figures. The Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister of State for Equalities, Social Security and Disability, delivered a reading from Isaiah 61, while CAP Trustee Sandie Keene CBE read from Luke 5. Prayers of thanksgiving were led by CAP founder John Kirkby, Trustee Femi Ishola, South Regional Director Alison Berry, and East Grinstead Centre Manager Fiona Straszynski.
Pictured: Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister of State for Equalities, Social Security and Disability. Photography: The Dean and Chapter of Westminster
Attendees called the evening a powerful reminder of the UK Church’s core mission: being a beacon of hope, offering practical help and bringing restoration to local communities.
The service for me was such a validation of the work we do. CAP equips the Church with the tool of debt advice, benefitting communities with face-to-face care and support. It was so affirming seeing the Reverend Lord Rook OBE and Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms affirming our work and congratulating us on 30 years. I found it so encouraging to meet our incredibly generous supporters, trusts and corporate partners who have made this all possible.
Strategic Initiatives Manager at CAP
Delivering the keynote address, Rev. Lord Russell Rook OBE reflected on CAP’s history by recalling an early home visit conducted by two local church workers. Upon arrival, the client lifted a mattress to reveal a massive pile of unmanageable ‘Final Demand’ letters hidden underneath, hiding them as a way to cope. Lord Rook noted that receiving practical, non-judgmental church support lifted a crushing burden from the client, describing it as an encounter that has been replicated for thousands of families across three decades of service.
Pictured: Rev. Lord Russell Rook OBE. Photography: The Dean and Chapter of Westminster
Following the church service, guests gathered at the House of Commons for a celebratory reception. The attendee list reflected a broad cross-section of society–bringing together bishops, farmers, IT consultants, investment bankers and energy sector workers united by their commitment to CAP’s mission through prayer, financial support and partnership.
Attendees heard addresses from CAP Chair of Trustees David Nussbaum, CAP Group CEO Stewart McCulloch, and Sir Stephen Timms. However, the focal point of the evening was a personal account from former CAP client Angela.
Angela described how her household fell into debt after she lost her sight and her husband was made redundant. After overcoming her debts with CAP’s support and finding faith, Angela has now come full circle, volunteering as a befriender to help others navigating similar situations. Angela shared her debt free journey at the event:
We became debt free! I cannot even begin to tell you what that feels like. But what meant even more to me was that these people had shown such patience and kindness. They also went the extra mile to celebrate with us. It was the best feeling in the world.
Angela, former CAP client and now debt free.
Stories like Angela’s highlight why CAP’s work remains as vital today as it was 30 years ago. By combining practical debt help with compassionate, community-led care, the CAP Group continues to demonstrate the power of the local Church in action, turning debt and poverty into long-term hope for thousands of families across the UK.
Together our aim is to replicate the achievements of the past thirty years within the next six. We undertake this ambitious goal relying not on our own strength but with our eyes fixed on Jesus.
CAP Group CEO, Stewart McCulloch
