We’re delighted that Pope Leo XIV’s representative in Great Britain has received a copy of the Manifesto for Hope, at a gathering of faith and civic leaders in Liverpool Cathedral.
The Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía was presented with a copy of the Manifesto, during a reception hosted by Archbishop of Liverpool John Sherrington, at Liverpool Cathedral on September 11.
Better Together in Hope
The “Better Together in Hope” reception brought together church, faith, civic and political leaders, to reflect on the challenges facing the region and to strengthen partnerships for the common good.
Among those attending was: Archbishop of Liverpool the Most Reverend John Sherrington; Leader of Liverpool City Council Cllr Liam Robinson; Merseyside Police Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrel; Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councillor William Shortall; and Chair of Churches Together In The Merseyside Region Chair Phil Jump.
The Manifesto for Hope In Our City Region was produced by Churches Together in the Merseyside Region (CTMR) in partnership with Together Liverpool. It sets out nine priorities centred on the common good, social justice and the wellbeing of communities. It was developed through conversations with churches, faith communities, civic leaders, voluntary organisations and local partners across the Liverpool City Region.
In an address to ‘all people of good will’ Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, told guests: “The Holy Father’s recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, speaks directly to our moment. It asks an urgent question: what does it mean to remain truly human at this time of rapid change?”
He said: “The common good cannot be built only by politics, economics or technology. It requires moral imagination, spiritual depth, and a shared concern for those who are too easily forgotten. Even for this reason, Christian faith has a vital role in public life. It offers a voice of conscience, reminding society that people are not merely consumers or economic units, but persons with eternal worth.”
He said: “Liverpool has often been shaped by communities of faith who entered into the struggles of its people, offering not only worship, but practical support. In this cathedral, it is right to recall with gratitude the ecumenical witness associated with Bishop David Sheppard and Archbishop Derek Worlock. In a city that had experienced deep religious and social divisions, their friendship and public cooperation became a sign of a different possibility. They taught Liverpool that Christians divided by history could nevertheless walk, speak and serve together.”
Important Community-led Conversations
Speaking at the event Together Liverpool CEO Rev James Green highlighted how Together Liverpool and CTMR are now hosting Community Conversations with local people to get involved.
Rev James said: “The Manifesto for Hope gives us a platform around which that partnership can grow. I want to echo Phil Jump’s words that this must not become another document that simply sits on a shelf gathering dust. It is intended to be a living document: something we engage with, test and apply within our own communities.
“Its nine priorities invite us to think together about some of the fundamental questions facing our society: what it means for people and communities genuinely to flourish; how we respond to loneliness and social isolation; how those in positions of influence build and sustain trust; and how our economic life can be shaped not simply by individual financial gain, but by a commitment to the common good and a shared sense of purpose.”
“The hope is not simply that people will endorse the Manifesto, but that together we can begin to put it into practice.”
Also in attendance were: The Deans of Liverpool’s Metropolitan and Anglican Cathedrals; Mumin Khan, CEO of the Abdullah Quilliam Society; and Dr Selwyn Goldthorpe, Chair of Southport Reform Synagogue; and Liverpool City Councillor Jane Corbett.
Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain and Pope Leo XIV’s Personal Representative
The Cathedral visit formed part of a five-day tour of the Liverpool City Region for the Nuncio, running from Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 September.
Earlier in the visit, he spent time visiting Catholic churches and projects across the region. The visit concluded on Sunday with Mass and Evening Prayer at the Metropolitan Cathedral.
As the visit concluded Archbishop John Sherrington, Archbishop of Liverpool, thanked Archbishop Buendía, adding: “His visit has involved a busy and varied programme, giving him the opportunity to meet a wide cross-section of people from across the archdiocese, including religious communities, hundreds of schoolchildren, parishioners and our civic, ecumenical and inter-faith partners. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to making his visit so memorable and who extended such a warm and generous welcome.”
It comes after Liverpool City Council gave unanimous, cross-party backing for the Manifesto for Hope. Councillors approved a motion on 29 July, welcoming the Manifesto’s nine priorities and committing the council to set up a working group and convene an interfaith forum in 2027.
Faith in the City 40th Anniversary
Both milestones fall following the 40th anniversary year of the Faith in the City report last year, marking the 1985 call on churches to speak boldly into public life.
Revd Phil Jump, Chair of Churches Together in the Merseyside Region, said: “This visit builds on the momentum we’ve seen since the Manifesto for Hope was launched last autumn. To present the Manifesto to the Pope’s representative in Britain is a significant moment for everyone who has helped shape it. It means so much to see the legacy of Faith in the City still shaping conversations among our faith and civic leaders. The Manifesto for Hope carries that same spirit forward.”
Ellen Louden, Diocese of Liverpool’s Director of Social Justice and Chair of Together Liverpool, said: “The Manifesto for Hope was written by and for our communities, so to see it received at this level means a great deal. It shows that the priorities we’ve set out – around equality, justice and hope – are being heard well beyond Liverpool City Region.”
James Green, CEO of Together Liverpool, said: “Following Liverpool City Council’s backing for the Manifesto for Hope in July, this is another significant step for the Manifesto for Hope. To have it received by the Pope’s own representative shows just how far this vision has travelled in a short time, and we hope it continues to open doors.”
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