What we stand for

CSM traces its origins back to 1848, though the movement has grown and developed since then through the contribution of people with a clear commitment to social justice born of their Christian faith.

FD Maurice, Ellen Wilkinson, George Lansbury, RH Tawney and Donald Soper may be among the better known Christian Socialists but it’s the endeavours of numerous Christians from all walks of life which have made the movement what it is today.

CSM members voted in a postal ballot to change the Movement's statement of values during November 2006. Approximately 80% of ballots recieved were in favour. The ballot followed the decision of the 2006 AGM to endorse the change. That decision came after an extensive consultation period.

Values, objects and aims

Our values

We believe that Christian teaching should be reflected in laws and institutions and that the Kingdom of God finds its political expression in democratic socialist policies.
We believe that all people are created in the image of God. We all have equal worth and deserve equal opportunities to fulfil our God-given potential whilst exercising personal responsibility.
We believe in personal freedom, exercised in community with others and embracing civil, social and economic freedom.
We believe in social justice and that the institutional causes of poverty in, and between, rich and poor countries should be abolished.
We believe all people are called to common stewardship of the Earth, including its natural resources.

Objects

Christian Socialist Movement members pledge themselves to work in prayer and through political action for the following objectives:

A greater understanding between people of different faiths
The unity of all Christian people
Peace and reconciliation between nations and peoples and cultures together with worldwide nuclear and general disarmament
Social justice, equality of opportunity and redistribution economically to close the gap between the rich and the poor, and between rich and poor nations
A classless society based on equal worth and without discrimination
The sustainable use of the Earth’s resources for the benefit of all people, both current and future generations
Co-operation, including the creation of cooperative organisations

The Christian Socialist Movement will:

Promote Christian Socialist values in politics
Encourage Christians to engage in political action to work for a society reflecting our values and objectives
Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and policies to develop Christian Socialism
Campaign vigorously against all forms of oppression, prejudice and abuse of power
In all our transactions seek to create and sustain a spirit of Christian fellowship and seek the Kingdom of God through deepening knowledge of God.