2026 Politics and Social Action Network
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The European Politics and Social Action Network is designed to teach key Christian political, legal, and social leaders how to be salt and light through effectively communicating Christ’s character in their respective contexts. Applicants should be those who are working in the areas of politics, law, campaigning, or community action. Both seasoned lawyers, activists, and campaigners and aspirants will benefit from the input of leading thinkers and practitioners.
Prior preparation will be set for all applicants.
Theme for 2026: How to Change a Nation
Our Network is for those who want to see God’s better story change our nations and can see how politics and social action as a way of living out our faith is a means of doing so. This year we want to learn from those who have started an initiative in response to a need in their community, those who are working in politics to make better laws and influence government action, and those who are influencing thinking in important areas being debated in our societies. Network participants will be inspired, informed and equipped to go back and make a difference across the networks God has placed them in, and to see how God’s word has the power to transform their community and nation.
With plenty of space and time to discuss issues and share good practise, the programme is designed to benefit those exploring doing more in politics or social action as well as those already involved in these areas.
What Network Participants Are Saying
- "I thoroughly enjoyed (am still enjoying) the Politics and Society Network. Listening to the professional lectures as well as interacting with the other students was extremely informative and enlightening and has undeniably equipped me to go back home and help the leadership of our organization navigate the challenging path that our current political society has put us on. There are so many aspects of politics that have an influence on the evangelical community that, without being equipped with knowledge and shared experiences, will leave the Christians without a voice."
- Nikolaos Niavradakis, Executive Assistant and Operations Manager of Hellenic Ministries, Greece - "I can’t express enough what a blessing the Forum has been and what a heaven it has been for my spiritual maturity and for networking. I am delighted to connect with Christians from all over the world, to learn from them, to make new friends, to pray, and to dream big dreams. I have made so many connections with people in the Politics and Society Network and have already made plans to train volunteers and organize camps."
- Khatuna Liluashvili, Youth for Christ Board Member, Georgia - "Being at the European Leadership Forum is so encouraging, helpful, and uplifting. Thanks to the Politics and Society Network I have gained knowledge and spoken with experienced people to have a better understanding of what my ministry is about. I am learning how to have courage, how to understand social issues, how to talk with others about very complex problems like war or abortion, and how to raise a voice in our countries and spread the name of the Lord."
- Marta Sobiech-Buzala, Social Scientist, Poland
Applicants should be those who are working in areas of politics, campaigning, or community action. Both seasoned campaigners and aspirant politicians will benefit from the input of leading thinkers and practitioners.
Network Leadership
Network Speakers
Per Ewert is the director of The Clapham Institute, Sweden’s leading Christian think tank and research institute. His PhD describes the political process which shaped Sweden into the world's arguably most secular-individualistic nation. Per is the author of several books on the Bible,… Read more
Ross Hendry serves as CEO of CARE since his appointment in November 2021. Prior to joining CARE, he was the CEO of Spurgeons', one of the UK’s largest children’s charities. He has also served as Deputy CEO at the office for the Children’s Commissioner in England and as Head of Public Policy… Read more
Nola Leach is a co-leader of the European Politics and Society Network and served as the Chief Executive of CARE (Christian Action Research & Education), one of Europe’s leading Christian charities, which provides resources and helps bring Christian insight and experience to matters of… Read more
Aneta Montano, after a successful corporate career for over 20 years in the USA and Poland, has served since 2022 as the President of the NOVUS Foundation—an organisation committed to Christian counselling and offering Christian college education. Aneta has led the development of a… Read more
Peter Saunders was born in New Zealand and originally trained as a General Surgeon, before serving with the Africa Inland Mission in Kenya and completing two years mission training at All Nations Christian College in the UK. Since 1992 he has worked in full-time Christian ministry first with… Read more
Roxana Stanciu is a co-leader of the European Politics and Society Network and serves as Director of Operations and Development at Christ Church Mayfair Trust London. Prior to this, she was the Chief Operating Officer of CARE (Christian Action, Research and Education) in London. CARE’s vision is… Read more
Network Programme
Sunday, 17 May
We are called to be involved in politics and the public square, but how should Christians do so in a way that is distinctive to the world? Our motivations, behaviours, and ambitions will be different to the world around us. Why is this important, and how do we get involved or stay in the game? Is there a difference between those called to front-line politics versus working as an official or advisor, and how do you decide what political party to get involved in?
In this session, more time will be given over to group discussion as we consider the role of Christians in politics and the intersection with social action. We will consider how our discussion can apply to the specific contexts of everyone in the Network.
Monday, 18 May
Aneta Montano will share about her experiences co-leading the NOVUS Foundation, which is committed to holistic kingdom work in Poland, Ukraine, and several countries in Africa, Asia, and South America. In this session, we will hear lessons drawn from running a social action project at a local and national level, including how other believers seeking to start similar initiatives in their own contexts might do so. We will also consider how social action and politics interact, the risks to Christian social action, and what success looks like.
In this session, more time will be given over to group discussion as we consider the distinctives, challenges, and risks of Christian social action.
Tuesday, 19 May
Our witness rests on the integrity and authenticity of our witness. Those who achieve lasting impact and change are careful to care for their own spiritual growth and health. Why is character and our spiritual health so important if we want to be a modern-day Daniel, Joseph, or Esther, or a Kuyper or Wilberforce? How do we grow virtue, character, and resilience for the long run? In this panel discussion, we will hear from leaders who have wrestled with these questions and have practical experience as resilient Christian leaders.
In this session, more time will be given over to group discussion as we consider areas in which we need to continue to grow as resilient and faithful Christian leaders.
Wednesday, 20 May
In the final session, we will draw together the key messages and themes from the week and provide some tips on how to discern what might be right for Network participants to do next–what spheres should we seek to influence or represent Christ in? How are politics and social action inextricably linked, and how might we need to do both? What issue(s) will we prioritise, and how do we choose? What resources and support do we need to make it happen?
In this session, more time will be given over to group discussion as we consider how to move forward from the week. This is a chance to make the learning from the week personal and create a plan to put our learning into practice.