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Research


Below is a list of research papers, reports and other publications from Ekklesia dating back to 2004. Click on the title for more information on each publication, and a link through to the item itself where available. You might also like to sign up for our award winning weekly research bulletin which will ensure you are kept up-to-date with the very latest research from Ekklesia.

 

  • 20 Dec 2014
    Better understanding of international church conflicts over sexuality

    In various denominations, debates on sexual ethics and treatment of minorities have sparked heated international controversy. This is sometimes seen as a conflict between a ‘liberal’ west and ‘conservative’ south. But the reality is more complicated. This research essay by Ekklesia associate and noted commentator Savitri Hensman explores the issues and looks at ways forward in response and understanding.

  • 08 Dec 2014
    Tackling the 'poverty premium'

    Ekklesia is pleased to be able to endorse, support and make available the Food, Finance, Fuel report produced by church agencies in Scotland, but with UK-wide implications. Its aim is to urge government and civic action to tackle the 'poverty premium' – additional cost for essential goods and services that people living in poverty end up paying as a result of their low incomes.

  • 05 Dec 2014
    Economy of Life: An invitation to theological reflection and action

    Ekklesia is pleased to be able to share this document, produced by the World Council of Churches, which is addressed to churches, church communities, ecumenical organizations, theological faculties, seminaries and other partners -- including ourselves -- around the globe. It is an invitation to more intensive theological reflection and action on what an Economy of Life means and how it can be implemented.

  • 27 Nov 2014
    Submission to the Smith Commission on devolution to Scotland

    To coincide with publication of the cross-party agreement negotiated by the Smith Commission, Ekklesia is publishing its own submission to the Commission, made alongside contributions by around 300 civic organisations and 1,700 individuals. We highlighted to Lord Smith the need for widespread public engagement on the Heads of Agreement, and certain core principles related to subsidiarity, the localisation of power and a democratic and socially just future which needed to be at the core of an agreement on new powers which represents a truly substantial shift in the current settlement.

  • 24 Oct 2014
    The DWP's Fit for Work Service: Who benefits?

    The Department for Work and Pensions' Fit for Work Service (FFWS) programme is being rolled out across the country from November 2014. It is designed to intervene when a person has been off work, or is expected to be off work, for four weeks or more due to illness. GPs will be expected to refer patients to FFWS, which will then perform an assessment and draw up a plan to get them back to work as quickly as possible. If such a scheme was motivated by a genuine concern for a person’s wellbeing, implemented in an understanding and supportive manner, it could be beneficial. But the way it is being established, its underlying assumptions, contracting and economic model raises cause for concern. Ekklesia associate Bernadette Meaden offers an initial assessment and identifies key issues that need addressing.