Still, very few requests for help resulting from inflation are known to our diaconates. This cannot be a reason to assume that there is no poverty among our church members (yet). Conversations with deacons show that poverty is assumed with regularity but that the threshold is high to come forward with it. And that deacons find it difficult to start a conversation about it.
Last week, NOS reported that the €1300 energy supplement for people with an income around the social minimum will not be extended. The healthcare supplement will not be increased either. These are leaked measures that will be announced on Budget Day. Reason enough for us to again ask deacons and other diaconal stakeholders to be alert to (hidden) poverty. Put your ear to the ground in the congregation, simply ask people whether they can still make ends meet, show that you care about each other as a congregation. The diaconal support guide on financial problems and poverty contains important signs of money worries, practical tips to lower the threshold and advice on financial aid.
CBS figures do not lie. Next year, 4.9% of the population would be below the poverty line. The number of children in poverty would reach 6.7%. These are shocking percentages for a prosperous country like the Netherlands. Percentages that also make us realise that there are many people around us who cannot make ends meet. Our diaconal mission also extends to those who do not belong to our congregations but do live in our surroundings. Therefore, as a diaconate (and as a congregation as a whole), we should also consider the question of how we look after our neighbours!
