I do get asked what it is like doing this job. It's amazing and unusual.
Theologian. There is plenty to notice and analyse. What to make of this neighbourhood, its complex world population, contrasts of poverty and wealth, extensive social housing and risks of lawlessness, pollution and precarious finances? How to support the reestablishment of a church secondary school committed to expanding the life chances of the young people, saving their lives? Who I have worked with goes beyond the familiar Baptist, Methodist and Catholic to include global black churches and above all a great friend at the mosque.
Liturgist. The excellent 10 year old church building is a flexible, warm, peaceful place of prayer and praise. There is regular public worship on Sundays at 10 and weekday mornings at 915am. It is very unusual to pray alone as the priest at these times; with deep commitment to prayer, bible study and singing. The school prays all the time. Year Groups meet each day at 0830 to start the day with a reflection and prayer as part of the Morning Meeting. One of the 5 year groups fills all of the seats in church and pass to and from school calmly and with purpose. There is weekly collective worship led by the Principal for each year group. The week ends on Friday afternoon at 3pm with a whole school Shout Out where God’s blessing sends them out to be safe over the weekend. Other special services celebrate: our annual commitment to each other (in Southwark Cathedral), Christmas, Holy Week and Easter and the end of the year. The neighbourhood comes looking for services to baptise, marry, and bury.
Community work St Francis recommended proclaiming good news only using words if necessary. There is plenty to be done. The life of the church is above all a partnership with autonomous related large groups and formal organisations. I enhance the partnership between the school (all of whose young people come from the neighbourhood) and the local community.
I support and enable the Parent Action projects that have developed out of Citizens’ work in the area. There is a network of Mum Spaces across Southwark and growing in number. The base at St Michael’s is well established with volunteers and workers from the wider neighbourhood who have found a home through the supportive group they have joined. On Tuesdays (c 60-70) adults and small children come to MumSpace which helps these infants’ development and the mental health of mothers. On Wednesday the church site is busy again as Rose Vouchers (for fruit and vegetables) are distributed particularly to families with no recourse to public funds, and there is housing advice. There are strong links to Guys and St Thomas’ Trust; and Kings College Hospital; and the South London and Maudsley Trust who are in regular discussion to improve services across language and cultural boundaries.
English For Action meets on Saturday mornings to provide developmental learning in the use of English to the many migrants who have their routes to better paid work blocked by being restricted to non-english fluency. EFA works in other parts of South London and uses liberating learning which Freire pointed out appeals to practically minded Christians.
Individual case work I am an articulate advocate for vulnerable people baffled by problems with public bodies. Housing The social housing that dominates the parish is mainly managed by Southwark Borough, who have problems because large blocks of housing lose their unity of management by the right to buy taking flats into private ownership and sub-letting. There was neglect of the buildings and heating and campaigning has improved matters. Nationality and migrant status: a deep source of problems. Passport applications, disputes with the Home Office, support for people in Appeal Courts, and visiting people locked up.
Private life We have been comfortable in the good modern house near to church and school. We have felt safe and comfortable with a lovely garden and effective insulation. It’s amazing to be so close to central London.
It has been a real blessing.
Jonathan Roberts April 2015 - July 2024