News
Kneejerk response to Midlands gang culture 'confuses issues'
04 December 2007
NOTHING LESS than changes of a 'Damascus Road' magnitude will impact gang and gun culture in the Midlands and other cities facing similar problems.
That will be the message of Revs Carver Anderson and Robin Thompson to the Heart of England Resources Exhibition at the International Centre, Telford (February 21-23. 2008)
'The moral panics around guns, gangs and knives put pressure on political parties, faith communities, local authorities and other service providers to offer kneejerk responses that diffuse the panic, confuse the issues and please voters,’ maintain Anderson and Thompson, trustees of Bringing Hope, a combined church response to violent crime throughout the region.
'In our view, these panics define young black people as a threat to social values and interests. They are routinely presented by the mass media as “mad, bad and dangerous to know”, in need of greater control and incarceration. But we need to focus on healing and redemption, not retribution and punishment.’
Currently operating in some of the most deprived and challenging parts of Birmingham, Bringing Hope will introduce CRE visitors to its model for strong communities, drawing on the best of faith-based traditions, social enterprise and public service provision.
'In places like Lozells, Wolverhampton and Handsworth we have pioneered peer-led mentoring and training, where those who have renounced a life of violence are supported by those who have been in similar situations,’ explain Anderson and Thompson. ‘It takes time for relationships to develop and trust to grow – but it does work.’
Under the title ‘Your Church’ more than 30 seminars and workshops at Heart of England CRE, often dubbed the 'ideal church show', will target other key issues, including multi-media worship, debt counselling and child protection. Expert advice will be at hand from people engaged at the leading edge of local church ministry.
The purpose-built Telford International Centre is one of the UK’s premier exhibition venues, providing ideal facilities for both exhibitors and visitors. Up to 5000 people, representing most mainstream denominations, are expected to attend CRE, Europe’s leading series of Christian exhibitions.
More info:
www.creonline.co.uk
www.bringinghope.co.uk
