Religion has contributed to the development of social policies with positive effects on individual and communal life. Such policies have been enabled by the work of faith-based organisations (FBOs), their causes and the mechanisms of their work. FBOs are often on the front line of the most pressing social issues, a safety net for communities and a support system for those invisible to official services. They work to bring comfort, justice, and peace to those in need. However, it’s not always easy to be an FBO working on social issues today. Our panel will consider the most pressing social issues of our times and reflect on the opportunities and challenges that religion experiences in bringing about ‘heaven on Earth’. Chair: Ana Franca Ferreira (University of Birmingham)Speakers:Ana Franca Ferreira (University of Birmingham), Searching the face of God: The role of faith-based organisations in building and maintaining social cohesion Santhi Corcoran (Mary Immaculate College), As a global community, we face a choice. Do we want migration to be a source of prosperity and international solidarity, or a byword for human and social friction? (Antonio Guterres) Miriam Brittenden (Centre for Theology and Community), From prayer to participation: how churches are developing leadership and building relational power in marginalised communities in East London Lauryn Duncan-Rouse (Faith & Belief Forum), A new generation of leaders: Exploring the role of interfaith youth leadership in promoting social cohesion