RE Today recognised for 'Understanding Christianity' at the Christian Funders Forum Showcase

London, 10/10/2024 – RE Today was honoured to be recognised at the prestigious 2024 Christian Funders Forum Showcase, held at the House of Lords. The event celebrated the impact of transformative Christian education initiatives. 'Understanding Christianity' was selected for the “School” category as a key resource making the difference in Religious Education.

The resource, which supports teachers in exploring complex Biblical texts and connecting them to everyday life, has been adopted by schools across the country, reaching over 2.8 million pupils in both primary and secondary education. This pioneering project, together with the support of the Church of England, was created to inspire a deeper understanding of Christianity through a 10-year teaching programme that serves as a powerful educational tool for pupils aged 4 to 14.

Speaking after the event, RE Today CEO, Zoë Keens, reflected on the significance of the recognition, stating:

"It was such a privilege to be invited to the Christian Funders Forum Showcase event at the House of Lords to be celebrated and recognised for the impact of the Understanding Christianity resource in schools, and to see many funders who have been involved in investing in this project to make it happen.

This unique project, with the 10-year teaching programme supporting teachers of 4–14-year-olds through exploring texts in the Bible, looking for connections in everyday life, and looking at the impacts, is based around the beautiful visual illustration of the Bible, enabling pupils to dig deeper through the spiral curriculum."

Zoë further highlighted the passion for innovation that underpins RE Today’s mission, emphasising the importance of research-driven resources designed to equip teachers and prepare students for their futures:

"This is a pioneering project in which we were commissioned to create change in Religious Education. Our passion is innovation, and with our team of Subject Experts we research complex concepts and break them down into teachable resources, giving teachers confidence and educating pupils. Our aim is to play a part in education to prepare our pupils for their future after school.

This award reflects the incredible team at RE Today, with Stephen Pett leading on the research, development and writing with our Adviser team and then a whole team effort to implement this with an incredible team of Diocesan and individual trainers, as well as the support team in the office who reach, and support, all the schools."

Zoë also paid tribute to the Expert Advisers who played an instrumental role in shaping the resource, noting the recent passing of one such champion, Jane Chipperton:

"We would also like to recognise the team of Expert Advisers who helped to discuss, advise and create the resource concept, one of whom was Jane Chipperton, who sadly passed away recently but was an incredible champion for Understanding Christianity. This is part of her legacy too."

RE Today is proud to have been recognised at the Christian Funders Forum Showcase and remains committed to its mission of advancing Religious Education in schools. The celebration of 'Understanding Christianity' marks a significant achievement in this journey, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of funders, educators, and RE Today’s expert team.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Mubina Khan-Daniels

Strategic Marketing Manager

Email: mubina@retoday.org.uk

Phone: 0121 458 3313

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RE Today is committed to the teaching of religious and non-religious worldviews in Religious Education, to an accurate and fair representation of their beliefs, values and

practices in all of our teaching materials.

It works in the UK and internationally to give children a broad and balanced education to support them in the world they live in, through the teaching of high-quality RE in schools.

We work with over 10,000 schools and reach over 3.5 million pupils.

For more information about RE Today and Understanding Christianity, visit www.retoday.org.uk and www.understandingchristianity.org.uk.

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The Christian Funders’ Forum (CFF) was formed in 2014 by a group of Christian Grantmakers who wanted to come together in order to learn and share best practices to enhance the collaborative impact of Christian funders. There are currently more than 50 members in the CFF, whose combined annual giving to Christian mission in the UK and overseas totals in excess of £70 million. The CFF is a powerful collective of grant-makers who are transforming lives and communities through their vital support in addressing social needs, helping the vulnerable and embedding Christian values.

To learn more about the Christian Funders' Forum and the 2024 Showcase event, visit christianfundersforum.org.