Wigan bishop visits Downing Street to meet Rishi Sunak

admin1 News 19th April 202319th April 2023Prime Minister, strategy

A Wigan bishop and councillor visited the PM at 10 Downing Street to discuss his work.

Steven Lyn Evans, 56, a bishop at Living Faith Church in Orrell and until recently a local Tory councillor said he was delighted to meet Rishi Sunak.

He was invited to Conservative campaign headquarters for a private briefing on election strategies prior to being escorted to No 10 where he met the Premier.

Here, Archbishop Steven informed Mr Sunak that he would not be standing in the local elections this time around as church work would not allow him the time to do both jobs.

The retiring councillor said: “More ministers are coming on board and continue to undergo training for the ministry, which I oversee.

“It was a tremendous experience, I was honest with them and expressed that I’m not 100 per cent happy with what the government have been doing recently.

“The PM himself is a very gracious man, who thanked me for being there and the work that I’m doing. He very sincerely appreciates all the hard work that is being done, it was excellent.”

The pair were able to discuss the churches that Archbishop Steven oversees as part of his role in which he has been able to work with many across the UK – the most famous being in Burnley, where Pastor Mick Fleming is based.

The archbishop’s role involves visiting various churches across the country to speak to ministers and represent the network of churches, which continues to expand.

He said: “An important part of our emphasis is on reaching some of the poorest of people. We have sought strategies to reach communities who are struggling by feeding people and offering practical hope and support for them to build on for the future. We believe in positive thinking, which develops positive attitudes, which then change the circumstances of life.

“Our aim is to model our success around the country and we need politicians to back us in this vital work. We have developed initiatives into local communities, prisons, NHS, and we’ve seen many lives transformed.”

Article from Wigan Today: https://www.wigantoday.net/news/people/former-wigan-bishop-visits-downing-street-to-meet-rishi-sunak-4096588

A Visit With The Right Honourable Rishi Sunak

admin1 News, Press Release 24th March 202324th March 2023Archbishop Steven Lyn Evans meets The Right Honourable Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister

This week I was invited to Conservative Campaign Head Quarters for a private briefing on election strategies. Following the briefing, I was then escorted to number 10 Downing Street and was privileged to meet with our Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Rishi Sunak. In our brief conversation, I was able to speak about the work of TICCN and highlight a couple of our particular areas of interest.

It’s clear to me that through the years TICCN members have enjoyed remarkable favour. As I reflected on this, these words of scripture from Proverbs 3 verses1-4 come to my mind: ‘My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.’

Visiting the Prime Minister was a great honour for me. However, some people are understandably negative regarding politics and politicians. I think President Ronald Reagan’s comical quote hits the mark very well when he said: “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the Government, and I’m here to help.” President Reagan had a tremendous humour and insight.

However, the great number of politicians are attempting to do a difficult job with the best of intentions. It’s little wonder that the Bible teaches us repeatedly how believers ought to respond to them. In Romans 13 we read from verses 1-4a: ‘Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good.’ 

Whoever happens to be in office, whether or not we voted for them, the Bible commands us to give them respect and honor (1 Peter 2:13-17). Further, we have been taught that we should also be praying for them. As I bring this letter to a close let me encourage you to pray from the book of 1 Timothy chapter 2 verses 1-4: ‘I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.’

As believers in Jesus Christ, we are all really members of the same political party. We are all monarchists who are waiting for their King to return (Revelation 19:11-16). That is the most important thing to remember, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, is the solution. Until His return, we have been elected (Colossians 3:12; 1 Timothy 5:21; Titus 1:1; 2 John 1, Romans 8:33) as His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20, Ephesians 6:20) to minister the Gospel of His Kingdom.

The work of TICCN supports ministers in both a strategic and practical manner. Into the wider world we offer a Biblical perspective founded on love and faith.

Please consider joining us as a member of TICCN. Remember us in your prayers and as we offer all our work without charge, we ask that you prayerfully consider giving us a monthly support or donation.