Are handouts really the answer? How do we find time while pulling people out of the river, to go upstream and find out who is pushing them in? Jon Kuhrt is the Chief Executive of Hope into Action, a national Christian charity partnering with churches to provide homes for people who have been homeless. He has worked with people affected by homelessness for 30 years, and has written a blog for the last 14 years on faith, transformation, and social justice called Grace + Truth. He is particularly interested in how practical social action links to social justice, how it empowers authentic change, and how it maintains a confident Christian distinctiveness. The Hook Lecture is an annual public lecture on the ways faith interacts with public life. It is jointly organised by Leeds Church Institute, Leeds Minster, and the Centre for Religion and Public Life at the University of Leeds. This talk is free of charge and open to everyone. This event has been organised by Leeds Church Institute. This is how they describe this event Join us for United Against Poverty in Leeds, a dynamic half-day event designed to spark systemic change through collective action. Rather than focusing on funding or lobbying, this event explores how we can harness the shared resources already present in our communities to tackle poverty more effectively. Through engaging panels, interactive workshops, and honest conversations, participants will build a shared understanding of poverty’s impact, challenge existing narratives, and identify practical roles and responsibilities across sectors. From faith and sport to community organisations and social justice advocates, this event welcomes a diverse audience committed to creating a more equitable Leeds. Together, we’ll explore: What can we do—right now, with what we have—to reduce poverty and inequality in our city? We will meet in the Executive Suite at Leeds Rhinos Stadium. Lunch will be provided. If you have any dietary requirements please let us know by emailing events@leedschurchinstitute.org This event takes about an hour and includes a brief address by the Lord Mayor, some prayers said together, candle lighting and short readings from ten religious faiths, a presentation by young people from Harehills, and music by a group of Sikh musicians. It’s always a good occasion and well attended. All are welcome. It is also possible to join via Zoom. These are the Zoom details https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86588184394?pwd=hBhqjMYGWXXtXsJ1qTYs56XNEew5BG.1 In the face of climate breakdown, creation groans. The evening will feature a talk from Rev’d Jon Swales MBE, Church of England priest and prophetic theologian, exploring cruciform adaptation—what it looks like to follow Jesus in a world of climate breakdown and societal fracture. Creative prayer stations will also offer space for lament, intercession, and hope. Refreshments from 7 pm Talk begins 7:30 SPARK Social Justice are sponsoring one of the films to be shown as part of this year’s Leeds Palestinian Film Festival. This year it will be one of the first films of the festival. It is being organised with the help and support of the Leeds Diocese Pax Christi group. After the film there will be a panel discussion. A new venue for us this year! – St Chad’s parish centre on Otley Road in Far headingley. As last year tickets will be £5 (£3 unwaged). You can book your tickets now by using the button.
This event is being organised by Sabeel-Kairos 
Churches are increasingly being called upon to meet the urgent needs in our communities. But how do we balance this important work with the Christian call to be a prophetic voice for change?
Together as Christians from across traditions, we are invited to listen to this cry, to bring our lament before God, and to seek Christ’s call to faithful action.
The film is called “There is another Way”. It is about an organisation called ‘Combatants for Peace’. This organisation is made up of former members of the Israeli Defence Force and Palestinian fighters who have renounced violence as a way of achieving peace.
Events
Oct
19
Sun
Oct 19 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
An opportunity to meet Revd Ashraf Tannous. Hear about what it is like to be a Christian Pastor in Palestine.
Free lunch provided by Catering – Real Hope Leeds, but please book on the link below for catering numbers.
Oct
21
Tue
Nov
3
Mon
Nov
4
Tue
Nov
18
Tue
Nov
21
Fri
Nov 21 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm