Strathclyde Inclusive Recovery Church
The Methodist Church in Strathclyde circuit is working to address the issue of addiction in the region. We understand that despair is largely contributing to addictions, and that a Christian holistic approach that addresses despair can help people recover. Why Strathclyde circuit? Statistics! and reality in the streets. There is an average of 10 persons per 100,000 dying of drug overdose in the UK. The lowest is London (4.8) and the highest in England and Wales is the North East (16.3). In Scotland, 27.1 persons per 100,000 die of overdose and the epicentre is central Glasgow with 45 persons per 100,000 (34 persons for Greater Glasgow). These figures can be duplicated for poisoning with alcohol.
We have been meeting with people from recovery groups and organisations to learn more about their needs. In the last 2 years, the circuit has also developed a number of pilots to test their assumptions about how to best help people.
One of the key stories that the church shares is about people who are rejected or ashamed to find support in traditional churches. Others feel preyed on by the church seeking to ‘fix’ them or free them from evil. We have developed a different approach of listening, compassion and love. We are not doctors, nurses, counsellors, social workers or 12-steps-mentors … we are just Christians wanting to share God’s love and helping people in need. There is a need revealed through drugs and alcohol consumption … we are here and there. Strathclyde Inclusive Recovery Church (SIRC) is committed to working with people from all walks of life, and they believe that everyone has the potential to recover from addiction. We want to be part of the Methodist Connexional Recovery Church network.
Our plans for the future include:
- Fostering a Christian community that is focused on recovery called SIRC,
- Offering a safe and brave platform/space where practical support can flourish,
- Sharing stories of hope in recovery and addressing stigma and injustice.
SIRC spiritual values are anchored in the Christian message and Methodist practices of bringing the Good News where needed within the recovery communities within Strathclyde Methodist circuit by:
- Pointing out God’s presence and actions in the world to those who have lost hope.
- Announcing through our deeds the coming of God’s Kingdom, manifested in Jesus Christ’s birth, ministry, death and resurrection.
- Loving, having mercy and compassion but first loving.
Contact us for more information or to support our work: https://www.comeunityscotland.online/addictionrecovery or laurent.vernet@methodist.org.uk