Seven Christian denominations have written an open letter to Boris Johnson, the new Prime Minister, expressing concern that a no-deal Brexit will hit those living in poverty hard.

The Church leaders say they have been “compelled” to write to the new Prime Minister because of his position that leaving the European Union without a deal is acceptable.

The letter states that “at a time when increasing numbers of families have difficulties putting enough food on the table, we believe it is irresponsible to consider a course of action that is expected to make that situation worse”.

The Revd Nicola Furley-Smith, who currently serves as Moderator of United Reformed Church’s Southern Synod, has been appointed as the church’s new Secretary for Ministries.

Nicola brings a great breadth and depth of experience of the United Reformed Church (URC) to the role.

After being selected for ministry and training in Manchester in the 1980s, Nicola served as a minister to churches in Mersey, Yorkshire and the south of England before becoming Synod Moderator in 2011.

Jo Patterson, a newly qualified United Reformed Church Related Community Worker (CRCW) based at Copleston Church and Community Centre in Peckham, explores what it takes to make changes, not only within her local church but also within the wider community.

Jo’s parish is in an area that has become an attractive location for both professional and highly skilled people. Yet Peckham is listed as one of the worst-affected areas in the country for personal debt and, within areas of local authority housing, there continues to be a high number of people suffering deprivation.

Within this context, the church seeks to find ways of establishing meaningful connections and engagement across all sections of the area. Jo explains: