Ekklesia is an independent, not-for-profit thinktank which examines the role of religion in public life. It advocates transformative ideas and solutions rooted in theological thinking and dialogue with others. It also looks at the operation of beliefs and values in society and politics more widely. [See also our detailed Frequently Asked Questions and our values]

A widely-referenced source of authoritative comment, policy ideas and news briefing on a range of contemporary issues related to religion and politics, Ekklesia has been listed among the UK's top 20 think tanks by The Independent newspaper. It has been profiled by the BBC, in London's Evening Standard and Daily Telegraph, and has been described by The Times as 'influential'. Ekklesia now has one of the most widely read religious and current affairs websites in Britain according to Alexa/Amazon rankings. It is also cited and consulted regularly by media and researchers across the world. It receives more visitors to its website than several major political blogs.

The web is the hub of what we do. Ekklesia engages in original and cooperative research and analysis, provides a syndicated daily international and domestic news briefing service and e-bulletin; commissions opinion polls, cooperates with academic institutions, offers analysis of upcoming events to journalists and policy makers; distributes a weekly 'Thinking for a Change' e-journal; produces publications and papers on key policy questions; contributes distinctive opinion to print, broadcast and web media; sponsors conferences and events; has a team inputting into the blogosphere; and provides consultancy and workshops combining practical and theoretical knowledge. See our full list of services.

We have helped to found a number of other issue-based networks (see affiliations).

The work of Ekklesia is self-sustaining and receives no large-scale or corporate funding. It is structured on a co-operative basis through a range of voluntary associates and partners. Its briefing services are linked to a large number of churches and NGOs in Britain and worldwide. A full statement of values can be found here.

Ekklesia is a company limited by guarantee and works on a not-for-profits basis. It has several freelance staff and many voluntary associates, consultants and contributors. In addition to organisational partners it encourages individual supporters.

Ekklesia emerged in 2002 from Workshop, a long-standing independent theological training programme sponsored by the Anvil Trust. Its partners in the Anabaptist Network of Organisations include the the London Mennonite Centre and Christian Peacemaker Teams UK.

Ekklesia promotes post-Christendom approaches to social policy, nonviolence and conflict transformation, environmental action, the politics of forgiveness, economic sharing, support for migrants and displaced people, freedom of expression, restorative justice, a positive (relational) approach to sexuality, non-compulsion in religion and belief, the engagement of theology with science and culture, respectful engagement with those of other faith and non-religious convictions, and church as alternative community.

See also: Learning to think without tanks.