Testimonials

"I would urge colleagues to acknowledge the phenomenal contribution of the Church to social initiatives when considering our aim to promote a Big Society. The Cinnamon Network consists of 100 CEO's of Christian Charities and denominations working together to develop community franchising that replicates tried and tested Christian-led community projects. My constituency, Wycombe, has benefitted from the help of one such charity, GB Job Clubs of which I am now a Trustee, in the setting up of a Job/Work Club. I wholeheartedly support The Cinnamon Network in its aim to accelerate the growth of these social action initiatives. Their success is inextricably linked to that of Localism and the growth of our Big Society."

Steve Baker MP, Wycombe

"The Met Police have a long and proud history of working with community groups and supporting volunteers across London; that pride continues in our association and partnership with The Cinnamon Network. Experience shows that true social change happens when everyone works together to take absolute ownership of the issues that effect our communities - The Cinnamon Network gives us a framework to bring together likeminded people from local communities, public service and business to help actively shape the society we live in. The role of faith groups and the church in helping to bring about that social change can often be underestimated - we are therefore proud to support, and be part of, The Cinnamon Network"

Assistant Commissioner Ian McPherson of Metropolitan Police Service

"As a Bishop of the Church of England I am aware of the positively disproportionate contribution that practising Christians make to the wellbeing of their communities, and to a wide rang of charitable institutions. As Archbishops' Missioner and leader of theFresh Expressions joint churches initiative to establish new congregations, to provide opportunities to serve even more sections of the community, I applaud and commend The Cinnamon Network's commitment to community franchising. Their work enables us all to develop best practice and to see excellent local initiatives have a national impact."

Rt Rev Graham Cray, Archbishops' Missioner & leader of the Fresh Expressions Initiative of the Church of England, Methodist Church and United Reformed Churches

"The Salvation Army supports community franchising as one way of encouraging local churches to engage in social action. We would see particular value in helping emerging community franchise organisations work nationally and in providing a portal for churches to locate appropriate franchise opportunities."

Commissioner John Matear, Territorial Commander of Salvation Army

"Empowering local churches for community mission is a priority for the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Community Franchising offers a highly efficient and economic approach to replicating successful local church led community projects. The work of The Cinnamon Network is integral in helping black majority churches and others in this process."

Pastor Agu Irukwu, Senior Pastor of Jesus House & Executive Chair of Redeemed Christian Church of God

"I am delighted to commend the exceptional contribution that The Cinnamon Network makes to the enhancement of the fabric of local community. Its consummate professionalism and financial integrity makes it an ideal conduit for the dispensing of valuable resources and expertise to those who need it most. It is a powerful and pertinent initiative which has my fullest support."

Rev. John Glass, General Superintendent of Elim Pentecostal Churches

"For black majority churches being part of our community, understanding it's social needs and making a transforming difference is fundamental to our of Christian belief. The Cinnamon Network provides us with a forum and partnership for engaging with best practice community franchising. Being at part of The Cinnamon Network is invaluable."

Pastor O, Senior Pastor of House on the Rock

"Applying the principles of business franchising to how we resource local churches to serve their communities - community franchising - is a powerful strategy. I am very thankful to The Cinnamon Network for their leadership and grateful to be a strategic partner."

Bishop Wayne Malcolm, Overseer of Christian Life City

"As the leader of Assemblies of God GB, with some oversight for 650 plus churches, I am delighted to support The Cinnamon Network having read their mission statement and values. AoG support this great initiative."

John Partington, National Leader of Assemblies of God GB

"Over the past 12 years we have seen how community franchising can empower a church to deliver professional, yet local, life transforming projects. By providing the specialist knowledge and a model that works, churches then get to focus on what they can do best - love their communities! Supporting and helping organisations to replicate their proven models can only be a good thing for society at large and thus we're delighted to support and be involved in The Cinnamon Network."

Matt Barlow, Chief Executive of CAP

"Having developed strategies and expertise that works in tackling educational failure, being part of The Cinnamon Network is making a huge difference to our ability to equip churches to engage in these needs in their own communities. Detailed research and the exchange of experiences, is clearly resulting in the development of robust models of replication. The breadth of The Cinnamon Network means that it is uniquely placed to harness the passion of the church to support local communities across the UK."

Tim Morfin, Chief Executive of The Lighthouse Group (TLG)

"The Cinnamon Network is an example of how the very best in the voluntary sector can be rolled out across the country. Frequently the Centre for Social Justice comes across outstanding projects being delivered that have the potential to transform the lives of even greater numbers of people if only the projects could be replicated. The work of The Cinnamon Network to enable programmes, aligned to the five pathways to poverty that we have previously identified to be scaled, will make a tangible difference to communities."

Gavin Poole, Executive Director of The Centre for Social Justice 

"I want to offer my wholehearted support to The Cinnamon Network and the vision for community franchising. They healthily combine faith and values with professionalism, integrity and a deep commitment to the renewal and amelioration of our communities in a number of important ways. I have deep confidence that, they will deliver value and generate authentic and durable outcomes. I commend them to you."

Revd Dr Canon Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Great Britain

"I am always encouraged to see Christians immersing themselves in projects which strengthen the fabric of our society. This is exactly what Jesus would want us to do. Impressive and imaginative work is already being done and I love the way in which The Cinnamon Network is seeking to encourage it. Community franchising is an exciting and important way of extending the reach of social action projects and I warmly support the initiative. The values of The Cinnamon Network are ones with which I immediately resonate and I am confident that nothing but good will flow from its work."

Rev Jonathan Edwards, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain