At Scripture Union we believe that every person is made in the image of God and whilst there are many things that make us unique, this we have in common. We believe that a person’s value and worth to God is innate and unchangeable; it does not depend on their background, age, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or any other aspect of their identity. As an organisation we are committed to demonstrating the unconditional love of God for all people. We believe this is something we see shown time and time again through the ministry of Jesus.

As Scripture Union we want to follow Jesus' lead in this and welcome all children and young people to participate in our events. Our ministry is to children and young people, which is why we take seriously our responsibility to safeguard them and be biblical role models for them. So, we expect those who work and volunteer with Scripture Union to do so in alignment with the beliefs and ethos set out in this Ministry with Scripture Union document.

This next section, 'Ministry with Scripture Union' summarises what it means to be part of the Scripture Union SU family, our beliefs and our ethos:

Scripture Union England and Wales is a national mission movement which is part of the wider international family of Scripture Union movements. There are over 130 of these movements around the world working in around 120 countries, all of which are united by these aims, beliefs and working principles. Since 1960, each national movement is independent and seeks to work through local people in ways that are appropriate to the national culture.

The vision of Scripture Union England and Wales is to see a new generation of children and young people with a vibrant, personal faith in Jesus. Our priority is the 95% of that generation who are not currently engaged with church, creating opportunities for them to explore the Bible, respond to Jesus and grow in faith. Our activities include evangelism programmes, publishing of Christian literature, work in schools, residential holidays, training, Bible reading guides and resource materials for work with children and young people.

There are many different ways of getting actively involved. Some people become volunteers because they share our aims and want to find a way to contribute to the ministry in whatever way we can jointly identify to best suit their gifts and skills. Many join in as part of a specific activity or event team. Others come already carrying out a personal ministry with the same aims and affiliate with Scripture Union. A comparatively small number makes up the staff team.

Many workers are involved directly with children and young people. We have comprehensive policies and procedures for safe care of children which everyone is required to follow.

3.1 Statement of Belief

As the Scripture Union family throughout the world, we accept and proclaim the historic truths of the Christian faith, including the following statement which was adopted by the SU International Council in Zimbabwe in 1985.

God and the human race

We hold that the Lord our God is one: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and that he fulfils his sovereign purposes in creation, revelation, redemption, judgement, and the coming of his kingdom by calling out from the world a people united to himself and each other in love.

We acknowledge that though God made us in his own likeness and image, conferring on us dignity and worth and enabling us to respond to himself, we are now members of a fallen race; we have sinned and come short of his glory.

We believe that the Father has shown us his holy love in giving Jesus Christ, his only son, for us, while through our sinfulness and guilt, we were subject to his wrath and condemnation; and has shown his grace by putting sinners right with himself when they place their trust in his Son.

We confess Jesus Christ as Lord and God;
as truly human, born of the virgin Mary;
as Servant, sinless, full of grace and truth;
as only Mediator and Saviour, dying on the cross in our place, representing us to God,
redeeming us from the grip and punishment of sin;
as victor over Satan and all his forces rising from death with a glorious body,
being taken up to be with his Father, one day returning personally in glory and judgement to establish his kingdom.

We believe in the Holy Spirit who convicts the world of guilt in regard to sin, righteousness and judgement;
who makes the death of Christ effective to sinners, declaring that they must now turn to Christ in repentance, and directing their trust towards the Lord Jesus Christ;
who through the new birth makes us partake in the life of the risen Christ, and who is present within all believers, illuminating their minds to grasp the truth of Scripture, producing in them his fruit, granting to them his gifts, and empowering them for service in the world.

The Scriptures 

We believe that the Old and New Testament Scriptures are God-breathed, since their writers spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit;
hence are fully trustworthy in all that they affirm; and are our highest authority for faith and life.
 

The Church And Its Mission

We recognise the Church as the body of Christ held together and growing up in him; both as a total fellowship throughout the world, and as the local congregation in which believers gather. We acknowledge the commission of Christ to proclaim the Good News to all people, making them disciples, and teaching them to obey him; and We acknowledge the command of Christ to love our neighbours, resulting in service to the church and society, in seeking reconciliation for all with God and their fellows, in proclaiming liberty from every kind of oppression; and in spreading Christ’s justice in an unjust world ...until he comes again.”

3.2 Our lifestyle statement

At Scripture Union England and Wales, we believe that the Bible calls us to a distinctive lifestyle of discipleship.

Our ministry requires us to demonstrate that, especially as we are likely to influence others. Such a lifestyle includes regular Bible reading and prayer and active involvement in a local church. It is marked by a selfless attitude to money, possessions, time, work, leisure, social action and relationships. It demonstrates moral standards including living in a manner that identifies with one’s biological sex, and an acceptance that the only appropriate place for a sexual relationship is within a marriage between a man and a woman.

Whilst we recognise that as fallen people, we often fall short of this ideal, we believe that grace and forgiveness are always available. We nevertheless expect that all working with us will be committed to work towards achieving such a lifestyle with God’s help.

3.3 Our Safeguarding Policy Statement 

Scripture Union England and Wales is a movement made up of volunteers and paid staff. We believe that all human beings are of equal worth in the sight of God and aim to follow Biblical principles in all that we do. Therefore:

• We commit ourselves to the nurture, protection and safekeeping of all, especially children and young people.
• It is the responsibility of each one of us to protect children and young people from all forms of abuse, and to report any abuse suspected or discovered.
• In order to achieve this, we are committed to supporting, resourcing and training those who work with children and young people.
• We will provide appropriate training and supervision, and recognise mutual accountability.