Who are we?

We are the Student Christian Movement - Manchester, affiliated with SCM (the Student Christian Movement ) and with strong links to St Peter's Church and Chaplaincy.

Hold on, I've never heard of the Student Christian Movement!

The Student Christian Movement came into being in 1889, and was responsible for founding the SCM Press (theology specialists), and for helping to establish the Students Union and the British and World Council of Churches. SCM was also instrumental in bringing about the Edinburgh conference in 1910 which gave birth to the modern ecumenical movement.

Differences of opinion about the importance of doctrine led to the breakaway of fourteen groups who went on to become what is now UCCF, the Christian Union Movement.

So, what is the Student Christian Movement - Manchester?

SCM-M is a group of Christians who, through friendship together, are exploring what it means to have faith in Jesus Christ today. We share the Student Christian Movement’s vision of bringing together students of all denominations to explore the Christian faith in an open-minded and non-judgemental environment. We support the equal opportunities policy of the students unions. We invite students of all faiths or none to come and join us.

In a nut shell:

We are prayerful – Because prayer is the place where the spiritual and the material meet and inform one another, and where transformation becomes possible.
We are inclusive - All people are welcome because diversity is a gift to be celebrated.
We are aware - We recognise the importance of respect for the faith of others.
We are practical – Faith and social justice cannot be separated – Christians must be equipped to engage with contemporary theological, political and social issues.
We are challenging – Thinking through and questioning our faith ensures that it remains alive and dynamic.

What are our aims and objectives?

1.To promote a Christianity which welcomes and affirms all believers, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation.

2.To support ethical activity in trade justice and overcoming poverty.

3.To promote Ecumenism by demonstrating the visible unity of the Christian denominations.

4.To actively engage with people of other faiths.

5.To equip students with the tools to lead lives of faith-in-action.

6.To be a safe space, offering fellowship and support.

7.To explore the relationship between contemporary theological, political and social issues and the Christian faith.

8.To support a vision of a world in which God’s name will be honoured, and in which all will be freed from debt, poverty, chauvinism, homophobia and prejudice.

We warmly invite you to come and join us. Come, have fun and relax!