Britain’s social welfare system is facing a long-term crisis in sustainability, particularly due to the size of the government’s unfunded pension liabilities. On the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, we look to Geneva as a case study in an approach to social welfare shaped by Christian principles.
We examine how Calvin and the city-state set up an integrated system for welfare provision through the General Hospital, and poverty prevention by strengthening families and education. Finally, we consider how marriage and extended families could be strengthened today, and how local churches and Christian organisations can become welfare advocates in their communities.
This talk is based on a Cambridge Paper available online here.