Rosie Venner, Money Makes Change programme manager, introduces a new resource for Christians who want to connect their faith and their finances for a fairer, more sustainable world.
In our new Bridging the Gap quiz, we invite you to reflect on the values that guide your decisions with money.
When you chose your bank, did you look at its ethics?
In a series of 10 simple questions covering topics like ethical banking and consumerism, the quiz encourages you to reflect on the connections you make between your faith and your finances.
Have you ever contacted a company about something you want them to change?
It’s not always about choosing the most ethical provider or product. The quiz also looks at the ways we speak out for justice and hold businesses to account. If we know a company is behaving unethically, like treating its employees unfairly or failing to pay its taxes, what action do we take?
At the end of the quiz you’ll find out how connected your faith and finances are, and we hope you’ll then explore the Money Makes Change resources and take action.
Why Bridging the Gap?
It’s very easy for us to overlook the impact of our financial decisions, and for there to be a mismatch between our values and our actions. Dealing with our finances, whether that’s looking at the ethics of our pension or deciding which energy company to switch to, can fall down the to-do list.
But imagine the impact if every Christian chose to bank with an ethical bank, supported businesses that are working for positive change and played their part in shaping a fairer, more sustainable economy. Jesus said: “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). What does our use of money say about the things we truly value?
Linda and Mike Mead from Southend reflect on the changes they have made with their finances: “After much thought, we decided that God’s planet is too precious not to be looking at all areas of our expenditure. Over the last couple of years, we have chosen to buy more Fairtrade goods, ethical cleaning products and importantly, changing our energy provider to one that deals solely in renewable energy.”
Taking positive action to bridge the gap between our faith and our finances is one tool we can use in bridging the gap between the world ‘as it is now’ and the world ‘as it should be’. We can take action to tackle climate change, to end inequality and to work towards a society that values all of God’s creation.
Take action
- If you haven’t taken the quiz yet, give it a go. It takes most people about 2 minutes to complete.
- Help us promote the quiz by sharing it widely with friends and family. Please get in touch if you’d like some text and graphics to share in a church newsletter to promote the quiz.
- Have you taken action as a result of the quiz? We’d love to hear from you. Tag us on social media or send us an email.