Britons turn to religion over debt worries

The heading was found on the front page of the FT over the Easter weekend, which reported:

'Britons are turning from Mammon to religion as the downturn bites – for advice about debt and redundancy, not simply spiritual consolation.

The growing demand for financial and legal advice from places of worship is prompting many to launch a new type of service...

...Christian debt counselling charities, including Christians Against Poverty, met Anglican clergy last month for a workshop on supporting people in debt.

“We were alarmed by the number of referrals,” said Jack Maple, community ministry adviser for the Diocese of London. “Apparently Christians Against Poverty have 3,500 new referrals every day.”

The charities offer training to parishes and can provide advice and practical support, such as negotiating with creditors.

One Anglican project recently launched is the Money Advice Centre, a not-for-profit advisory service, at St Paul’s Church in Shadwell, London. Since October, eight volunteers have been trained to give financial advice.'