“Inspired by our history, we are a forward-looking movement today.”
Founded as a prayer union on 9 February 1852, the Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship has brought Christian lawyers together across the UK for 175 years. Its history is marked by prayer, courageous Christian witness, biblically informed professional service, and a commitment to mission.
Compelled for 175 years
Christian lawyers have a unique opportunity for our time, to Seek Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly, and so to powerfully communicate the whole gospel about Jesus Christ.
LCF members have lived out this vision over the last 175 years. The recurring theme has been one of personal sacrifice and commitment by a membership compelled to witness to Christ in word and deed and advance his Kingdom.
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United in faith
Nobody epitomises this more than our enigmatic founder John “Rob Roy” MacGregor. A man invigorated by faith, fearless in witness, committed to the vulnerable and marginalised. Other, less famous, but equally committed role models, include Francis Coningsby who faithfully produced a monthly newsletter for over 30 years, including throughout World War II.
United in mission
Another common theme has been our members’ heart for mission and outward-looking perspective, starting with MacGregor’s missionary and fundraising activities, through the growth of the membership throughout the UK in the 19th century, and eventually the commissioning of full-time missionaries like Thomas Gant, first to serve in China in the early 1900s, and to Africa in more recent times.
United in prayer
Last but by no means least, we have been an organisation united in prayer; founded and existing for our first century as a prayer union and with prayer still at the heart of our ministry today. The words of past member and former Lord Chancellor Earl Cairns back in 1891 still ring true today: “Christianity would be very much the gainer through professional unity in prayer”.
Renewed vision
What would past leaders like Macgregor, Lord Hailsham or Lord Denning think of the LCF today? How might they exhort us as we seek to renew our vision for the next 175 years? Reflecting on how God worked through past generations of members, we see faithful witnesses truly convicted by the hope they had in Christ, committed to make Christ known through word and deed, and with deep compassion for the lost and victims of injustice worldwide.
Both the challenges we face, and the opportunities now open to us, are vastly different to those who have come before us. Humanity is more connected than ever before. It is easier than ever before to be united in prayer, whether online or in person, to share information, knowledge and to travel to and to serve in distant mission fields.
What might a truly convicted, committed and compassionate LCF look like today? An LCF where Christian lawyers regularly meet and pray in every city, university, law firm or chambers where God has placed us. An LCF where every member is known by their peers as a Christian as they faithfully live out their faith day to day. An LCF where a new wave of members are called to go and support missionary work, at home and abroad. Can you see yourself in this LCF? Join with us as we seek to make this a reality through Christ’s strength and in His name.