It is not just the national party that has had a membership boost over the last year. Liberal Democrat Christian Forum has doubled its membership in 2015. We too (like the party) had the majority the of membership boost in the 3 months after May. However are membership has been growing steadily throughout 2015.
LDCF does many events throughout the year, both on this own (such as prayers in parliament and fringes at conference) and with other organisations, such as charities and Christians in Politics. It was great to see so many LDCF members at the Show Up Weekend (6th – 8th Nov), which were certainly representing, with over 100 Christians involved in politics (whether that be as a member, as an activist or working in politics) in Sunningdale, Surrey. We were hit with great talks, great company and a breaking down of political tribes.
Earlier this week I caught up with Amy Fortnam a new Lib Dem and LDCF member, to talk about her experiences of the Lib Dem Christian Forum.
William Dyer: Hi Amy, start off by telling us a little about yourself?
Amy Fortnam: I am 17, studying for my A levels at the moment, planning to take a gap year traveling to Thailand and South Africa before going to university to study Politics and International Relations.
WD: When and why did you join the Liberal Democrats?
AF: I joined the Liberal Democrats two days after the general election having been a supporter for over a year, I decided to formalise it. I was shocked by the result and having not been able to vote I was enthusiastic to do something proactive politically!
WD: What have been your first impressions of LDCF?
AF: My first impressions of the LDCF were very welcoming, each person I spoke to came across as genuinely interested in what I had to say and who I was. They are a lovely, opinionated and friendly group of people. I have been surprised at the sheer variety of views within the group even with us all having two big things in common. Overall I am encouraged by the passion members have for liberalism.
WD: Tell us about the Show Up Weekend?
AF: The Show Up Weekend was mind blowing! I had an incredible time having deep debates across parties, my stereo types of other parties were defiantly broken down as people explained the thought behind their beliefs. It was a hugely affirming experience for both my political views and faith having taken both far more seriously over the last year I came away hugely excited by the interaction they can have. It was also challenging with talks on kingdom before tribe, justice and integrity I was pushed to reevaluate the reality my beliefs play in my day to day life.
WD: What would you say to people that are thinking about joining LDCF?
AF: Go for it! Whatever your views, denomination or level of political understanding getting involved is crucial to learning more and a great way to meet new people who can support you in your political and church activity. Furthermore God calls us to engage in politics, standing up and speaking out on behalf of those in need. Jesus never walked past those who he could help because he was too busy, he made time because it was important, so should we.
You can sign up to update from LDCF or join LDCF here.
*Amy Fortnam is a LD and LDCF member in Solihull.
* Will Dyer is the PPC for Bethnal & Bow and a former London regional executive member
6 Comments
I would like to join LDCF. But can’t find where to join.
https://ldchristian.nationbuilder.com/join-ldcf
It is a shame the link isn’t working. https://ldchristian.nationbuilder.com/join-ldcf
The Liberal Party was the party of disestablishment of the Church of England.There are still many in the Liberal Democrats who retain this belief. What are the views of LDCF on this question?
“planning to take a gap year traveling to Thailand ”
Feel free to get in touch Amy.I even know some South Efricans living in Bangkok.
And I am on a church committee (even if it is those blighted Unitarians)
@Manfarang
Speaking as an ordinary member, I think the LDCF pretty much always avoids taking policy positions. We’re a broad church, and we want to stay that way. So in LDCF there is disestabishmentmentarianism and antidisestabishmentmentarianism. (Couldn’t resist using those words together in a sentence for the very first time.. lol)