Churches across London have united in a new film by the Diocese of London to champion the real Living Wage. Highlighting faith-led economic justice, it celebrates accredited churches and calls others to act during Living Wage Week.
A powerful new short film from the Diocese of London showcases how churches across the capital are standing together for the real Living Wage, the rate based on the true cost of living, devised to ensure that workers are able to meet their everyday needs and be protected from in-work poverty.
Commissioned by the Diocese’s Compassionate Communities team to coincide with Living Wage Week, the film brings together accredited Living Wage churches from across London. Through their voices, the stories shared give an insight into faith in action — showing why paying the real Living Wage matters for individuals, families, and communities, while reflecting some of the core Christian values of dignity, justice, and compassion.
Diocese of London churches mark Living Wage week
A Movement Rooted in Faith and Community
Each November, Living Wage Week celebrates the thousands of UK employers who have chosen to pay the real Living Wage — currently over 16,000 organisations nationwide. Supported by Citizens UK and the Living Wage Foundation, it’s a time to celebrate the difference this commitment makes to workers’ lives and to recognise the strength of a movement dedicated to economic fairness.
This movement was born in London, where East London churches were among its first champions. The call for a real Living Wage remains vital in one of the world’s most expensive cities. Today, faith communities, businesses, educational institutions, trade unions, and community groups continue to drive the campaign forward, building a coalition rooted in hope and solidarity.
Across the Diocese of London, many churches play their part — some by campaigning publicly, others through formal accreditation, and many more by ensuring all staff and contractors are paid the real Living Wage.
As Co-Chair of the “Making London a Living Wage City” campaign, which aims to tackle in-work poverty in the capital and put £635m of wages back into the pockets of low-paid workers, the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, commented:
“I’m so proud that London churches are gathering behind a movement for economic justice as part of making London a living wage city. I hope more churches and employers become accredited so they may ensure that the people of London are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve as people made in the image of God.”
The commitment to economic justice from these parishes has extended to supporting different parts of the local community, with St Mary’s Islington setting up a nursery school that pays the Living Wage. The Vicar of St Mary’s Islington, Revd James Hughesdon said:
“St Mary’s is deeply committed to the justice of paying a fair wage to our staff. We run St Mary’s Preschool and know that childcare sector workers in particular are often underpaid for the vital work they do.
“By paying the Real Living Wage we are putting our money where our theological mouth is and ensuring our staff have the dignity of being paid a fair and just wage. As we work with our community partners to make this a better world we believe this reveals the mercy and the justice of God.”
Together in Christ for a Fairer London
The Diocese of London extends heartfelt thanks to all the churches who took part in the film, to those who pay the real Living Wage, and to every parish that supports the campaign — even if they do not directly employ staff.
We hope this film will encourage more churches to get involved: to pray, to advocate, and to act. Together, we can build a fairer, more compassionate London where everyone can flourish.
How Your Church Can Take Action:
- Educate: Share the film with your clergy, leadership, and PCC (Parochial Church Council).
- Pay and Accredit: Visit the Living Wage Foundation to begin your accreditation journey. Accreditation not only ensures your staff and contractors are paid the London Living Wage (now £14.80 as of October 2024) but also strengthens the wider movement to make London a Living Wage city — a key diocesan priority. While we recognise that some churches may face financial challenges in meeting the new rate, formal accreditation is a powerful act of witness and solidarity that contributes to lasting change.