Campaign template letter for local and national churches

Claire24

Template Letter to Local or National Churches – Speak Out Now

Hi all,
As we head into the final weeks before Parliament votes on these devastating welfare reforms, I’ve drafted a respectful letter that can be sent to local church leaders, national faith organisations, or any group with a public voice on social justice.
You don’t need to be religious to use this—many churches already support disabled and vulnerable people in their communities, and have a tradition of speaking out when that support is under threat. Their voice could make a real difference, especially now.
Please feel free to copy, adapt, and personalise the letter below. You can also use it as the basis for an email or conversation with local clergy or community organisers.
Every voice counts.

---
Template Letter: Urgent Request to Speak Out on Disability Benefit Cuts
Subject: Urgent Request: Church Leadership to Speak Out Against Disability Benefit Cuts

Dear [Name or Title],
I’m writing to express deep concern about the UK Government’s proposed changes to disability benefits, which are set to harm hundreds of thousands of people living with chronic illness and disability—particularly those with invisible conditions who have already faced disbelief and systemic neglect.
These changes include:
New eligibility rules for PIP, requiring claimants to score 4 points in a single daily living activity. This could disqualify the majority of people with conditions such as chronic pain, mental health disorders, arthritis, and post viral conditions.
Linking PIP to Universal Credit, meaning those who lose PIP will also lose access to the UC health element, pushing many into serious financial hardship.
The planned removal of the Work Capability Assessment, which will make PIP the sole gateway to additional support within Universal Credit—despite PIP not being designed to assess fitness for work.
A reduction in the UC health element for new claimants, slashing it from £97 to £50 per week, with a freeze until 2030.

These are not minor adjustments. They represent a dramatic withdrawal of support from people whose lives are already marked by physical and emotional illness and exhaustion, social isolation, and the daily battle to survive.
The fallout, if these changes go ahead, will be widespread:
Overstretched NHS and mental health services
Food banks overwhelmed
Increases in homelessness, crisis admissions, and suicidality
Families and communities pushed beyond breaking point

Churches and faith-led organisations have long stood up for the vulnerable. I’m reaching out because I believe that, regardless of personal beliefs, church institutions hold a unique place in public life—capable of speaking with authority and compassion on matters of social justice.
As the parliamentary vote approaches, please consider making a public statement or writing to MPs to raise concerns. A collective voice from the country’s churches could make a real difference in these crucial final weeks.
With respect and thanks for all the support many churches already provide in the community,
[Your Full Name][Optional: Your Town or Region]

MW123

Welcome to Scope @Claire24

Thank you for sharing this powerful letter! You might want to post it in the New Green Paper Discussion. This thread is at the top of the page under recent discussions, this is where members are discussing their lobbying efforts, and views on the proposed benefit changes.

The points you have raised in your template letter about the devastating impact of the proposed welfare reforms are so clear, and reaching out to churches and faith leaders could help amplify our voices during these final weeks before the parliamentary vote.

Churches and faith leaders have a long tradition of supporting vulnerable communities and can be a powerful voice for social justice. Again, thank you for sharing and very warm welcome to the community.

Claire24

Thank you very much that's helpful I'm not quite sure how to use the site yet much appreciated 😊👍