Senior faith leaders support the World’s Big Sleep Out

In a highly unusual move, leaders from the 9 main faith communities (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Zoroastrian, Bahai), united by the moral injustice of homelessness, have lent their support to the World’s Big Sleep Out.

Through their leadership of faith communities, they represent millions of people in the UK, and in some cases, internationally too. The messages offer prayers and practical support, and encourage their communities to take part.

Inter-faith activist Zaki Cooper said:

“At this time of fracture and division, it’s really significant that faith leaders have come together to support the World’s Big Sleep Out. Homelessness is a shared challenge, and faith communities can help to tackle it through our collective efforts. We are delighted that faith leaders from different communities will be sleeping out.”

The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said:

“Homelessness is a tragedy that ought to belong in the past. Everyone deserves access to safe and stable housing; it is vital for human dignity, equality and justice.

“Through the work of the Commission on Housing, Church and Community, we are currently considering what else we could and should be doing, as a Church and as a nation, to build communities in which all members flourish. We support those across the world participating in the World’s Big Sleep Out to call for a global end to homelessness.”