CHURCHES TO TACKLE CAUSES OF GUN CRIME

Councillor Alan Craig, leader of the Christian Peoples Alliance group on Newham Council, has spoken out against the government, but in praise of churches, in looking for solutions to tackle the causes of gun crime and gang culture. Cllr Craig said that the authorities have run out of ideas and solutions. “While the government buries its collective head in the sand and claims the recent spate of teenage killings is nothing more than isolated incidents, it is time for the churches to step back into the public arena to promote their distinctive people-centred approach to young people.and youth issues,” argued Cllr Craig. “Many churches are already bursting with people and activities that offer proven solutions to these intractable problems.” In Cllr Craig’s local area he highlighted the work of a Christian football academy, Saturday supplementary schools, a Street Pastor scheme, a young leaders academy, and the Peace Alliance.Although he is part of the political establishment, Cllr Craig said that, “The police and local authorities can now be declared officially bankrupt of any meaningful solutions to youth violence in our capital. It is time for the churches to ignore the authorities, to step into the breach and to take a lead in serving the community in their distinctive way in order to combat gang culture.”