The history of St Martin’s is the history of saying ‘yes’

St Martin’s is at the heart of Trafalgar Square, site of national monuments and national moments. It’s the parish church to Buckingham Palace. It was the first church from which religious services were relayed live on the BBC. Since its earliest days, the BBC Christmas Appeal has also supported our work with people experiencing homelessness.

Yet St Martin’s is on the edge. Our story is one of welcoming ideas and people in from the fringes. Ideas that are far from central yet, eventually become part of the national fabric. Pride began its first march from our steps, as did Liberty Human Rights. Amnesty International was conceived here. We also welcome people whatever their needs.

Each year, The Connection at St Martin’s supports 2,000 people sleeping rough in the heart of London, helping them to recover and find their way off the streets. We see most aspects of social injustice: poverty, mental and physical ill health, addiction, migration, exploitation, and family breakdown. It’s a grim list, but we also see resilience, courage, humility, potential and hope.

On 14th June we are hosting An Evening with Simon Russell Beale, a special fundraising event for this campaign. This will ensure that St Martin’s continues to thrive beyond this landmark; has a sustainable future, is carbon neutral, is sector- leading in its care of the homeless, continues to delight a global audience with musical excellence, is one of the must-visit places in London for art, music and heritage, and continues to promote God’s spirit of inclusivity, care, love and justice.