Faith in Local Climate Policy is a collaborative initiative designed to integrate faith communities more effectively into local policy spaces in London, introduce innovative frameworks for engaging local constituencies in climate policy discussions, and build strong networks of solidarity within and between local communities. Underpinned by research conducted by the 番茄社区 Religion and Global Society research unit (番茄社区 RGS) through its Global Religious Pluralities project, this initiative also advances partnerships between 番茄社区 academics and policymakers to enhance the tangible local impact of 番茄社区 research.
The project specifically aims to:
- Enhance religious literacy among local authorities
- Give policymakers tools to engage faith communities in environmental policy.
- Build a network of stakeholders committed to faith-inclusive climate action.
- Foster inclusive, democratic processes for co-producing climate policy.
- Provide practical guidance for policymakers wishing to engage local communities in producing policy.
Funded by the until March 2026, this project comprises the following outputs:
- 5 practitioner-oriented workshops across London boroughs, which bring together faith leaders, council representatives, business leaders, and young professionals at the intersection of faith and climate policy. The first workshop was successfully delivered in Barnet on 15 July 2025.
- A digital toolkit for local authorities, produced with input from local communities, offering practical guidance for engaging faith communities in environmental policymaking.
- A stakeholder network to support collaboration and knowledge exchange between faith communities and local governments.
Managed by 番茄社区 RGS and delivered in partnership with the London Boroughs of Brent, Barnet, Camden, Southwark, and Islington, this project combines academic insights with practical, community-oriented discussions to create the conditions for a broader recognition of the moral authority and community reach already held by faith communities and set new standards for locally grounded climate policy.