How do religious people view homelessness

We have published a cookies policy , which you should read to find out more about how we use cookies. By clicking 'Continue' you agree to allow us to collect information through cookies. Homelessness is not new, but it can be devastating. Jesus was very clear that we need to care for society's most vulnerable.

For centuries, Christians have been at the forefront of working for the poor, the marginalised and the rejected. In doing so, they are following the teaching and example of Jesus Christ 2, years ago.

He spent much of his time with people who were despised and rejected by society. He made a point of showing them love. Christians believe that the Bible sets out the best way for people to live. Many organisations, Christian and non-Christian, big and small, are working to tackle the terrible blight of homelessness. For example, in towns and cities around the world, the Salvation Army provides food and shelter to rough sleepers.

It often offers them access to showers and health checks, and advice on how to find a home or deal with the personal issues which may have led to them ending up on the streets. Many volunteers who work with homeless people testify that it can hit anyone, whatever their education, background or social status. The loss of a job, family breakdown or illness can lead to someone losing their home.

Christian housing campaigners In 19th century Britain, Christian philanthropists played a significant role in improving housing for some of the poorest in society.

It is focused on the relationships between labour and capital and discusses major issues such as the rights of the weak and the poor, the right to property, and rights to form labour unions. Pope John Paul II, Laborem Exercens — Encyclical. Discusses the principle of universal destination of goods — that private property is not an absolute right but has a social purpose for all.

Pope Pius XI, Quadragesimo Anno — Encyclical. Written for the 40 th anniversary of Rerum N ovarum. Also discusses the principle of solidarity and rejects unlimited free enterprise. Centesimus Annus — Encyclical. Written on the th anniversary of Rerum Novarum. Discusses the importance of the free market and democracy, but that it needs to stay within the framework of solidarity. Pope Francis, A recent report has found that faith and spirituality play a positive part in the lives of homeless people.

Lost and Found: Faith and spirituality in the lives of homeless people was published by research agency Lemos and Crane and written by self-professing atheist, Carwyn Gravell. More than 75 interviews with homeless people were conducted to research the report, in partnership with many agencies including the Connection at St Martin's and the West London Mission.

The Lost and Found report has brought new insight into the needs and aspirations of homeless and vulnerable people, and new guidance for service providers on how to work in more person-centred ways with clients.

In the report, Gravell states: "Despite the doubts and reservations of interviewers who feared that asking homeless people about faith and spirituality might be too personal or intrusive, the vast majority of those interviewed found the experience to be stimulating and thought-provoking — further, some felt that being asked about their lives in depth, about their past, their religious beliefs and spirituality validated their identity in the eyes of service providers as people in their own right not just service users with problems.

The report explores the benefits of religious belief for homeless people - the "fruits of faith". Gravell continues: "For homeless people, religious belief, practice and doctrine can help them come to terms with a past that is often characterised by profound emotional and material loss, enhance and give structure to the present where time hangs heavy for many, and create a purposeful future built on hope, fellowship and a sense of purpose. It goes on to cite evidence of the positive experience of those who attend worship which may not be the outcome secularists would assume: "Only one person attending a place of worship said they felt as if they were 'having their brain washed', the standard critique that anti-religionists would apply to religious communities.

The National Secular Society's Terry Sanderson said: "This report tries to convince us that it is not in the business of encouraging proselytising among the homeless and vulnerable, but you don't have to read too far between the lines to see that is exactly what it is about.

Jon Kuhrt director of the West London Mission , shares about a homeless day centre in Marylebone: "The chaplain helps to facilitate a spirituality group, where rough-sleepers reflect and discuss the 'deep things' of life. I love how it grapples with questions in an honest and raw way… As we discussed the courage of the early Church, one of the men declared bluntly: 'This is what we need — not this wishy-washy Christianity. The thing about Jesus was…he had balls.