Party Conference
This year the Conservative Party Conference was held in Birmingham from Sunday the 30th September to Wednesday 3rd October.
This year the CCF were honoured to host the Conservative Party Conference’s very first inter-faith reception. We were very pleased that we had two Cabinet Ministers in attendance at this event, David Lidington and James Brokenshire.
The CCF were delighted that the inspirational founder of Home for Good Krish Kandiah was our speaker at the Conference Service in the inspiring surroundings of Tim Hughes Gas Street Church. We were joined by Church leaders including the Bishop of Birmingham. Andrew Selous MP was interviewed as part of the service.
The Prime Minister Theresa May said: “I am delighted that once again the CCF is bringing together Christians from across Birmingham, and from across the country, as the Start of our Conference in order to reflect, celebrate and give thanks at this special service.”
The CCF are proud to highlight the inspiring work of Christian Charities whose delivery of services for those in need is an inspiration to compassionate Conservatives across the UK.
On Monday we focused on Prisons and International Development with fringe events in partnership with Langley House Trust and World Vision.
At our Prison fringe we heard from Prisons Minister Rory Stewart OBE MP and by Lord Farmer, author of the Farmer review. At our World Vision Fringe we listened to Africa Minister Harriet Baldwin and DFID PPS Michael Tomlinson MP.
Gareth Wallace CCF Director said “This year our line-up of events is more numerous and we had more Cabinet and Government Ministers present than ever before. We were delighted to be celebrating Tearfund’s Birthday as well as hosting the very first Conservative Party Conference Faith reception. Our regular line up of prayer breakfasts includes the new CEO of the Trussell Trust Emma Revie and Church Leaders from Methodist, Baptist, URC, Quaker and The Salvation Army. “
CCF closed conference with a Fringe event on Relgious Freedom with Sat-7 with Middle East Minister Alistair Burt MP.
The Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Revd David Urquhart said the event emphasised “the importance of the freedom of religion and belief that we enjoy and which the Government is committed to promote across the world. “
Campaign with the CCF on the Road:
Join London Mayoral Candidate Shaun Bailey and CCF Board member Cllr Clare De Silva for an Action Day in Enfield on Saturday 10th November.
Clare is currently campaigning for a by-election in her ward, Bush Hill Park in Enfield. This ward bucked the London trend earlier this year when it was gained from Labour. It’s all hands on deck to keep it blue.
The team are meeting at Bush Hill Park Station (Queen Anne’s Place side) at 10.30am on the 10th November. Contact clare4bhp@gmail.com for more info or if you are able to help at any other time.
More and more CCF members are being selected to fight as Conservative Party candidates at both local council and constituency level. If you are standing for office and would like the CCF to mobilise in support please do contact our team at ccf@conservatives.com
Christmas Carols and Christmas Party:
The CCF are delighted and honoured to welcome His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos of London for our Carol’s in the Crypt in Parliament from 6:30pm on Thursday 6th December.
His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos is the first Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, having served as General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom. He is widely recognised for his extensive advocacy work. The Queen has awarded him an OBE for ‘Services to International Religious Freedom’.
You can book your free individual ticket here: (link)
This is being followed by our first CCF Christmas Party from 8:00pm at Conservative Campaign Headquarters. Come along and round the year off with CCF friends and supporters as we share mince pies and mulled punch!
You can book your ticket with proceeds going towards CCF’s Christmas appeal here: (link)