Writing stories that illuminate the human condition, and building community through Project Kindness.
Photo: Rob Battersby
Liverpool, 2026 Photo: Eva Loudon
About Ellen
I am a writer, Church of England priest, and social justice activist based in Liverpool — my life has been a big adventure that has taught me, above all, to choose love.
Not everything has been easy, and grief overwhelmed me when my husband Mark Loudon died in 2021. His life and death taught me that kindness was the only way I could keep on living – the kindness of those who surround me keeps my head above the waves of grief. As a Christian my faith in the promise of a here and future glory inspires me to seek justice and love kindness as I attempt to walk humbly (Micah 6.8) and gently in this beautiful world.
I have a PhD in nineteenth century popular performance and somehow even after nearly two decades I remain one of the only scholars to have written about early Edwardian music hall in Liverpool. I love music, particularly pop music – Mark and I had a radio Show In the Pop Kitchen that you can enjoy here: In The Pop Kitchen.
I am Director of Social Justice in the Diocese of Liverpool. As part of my role, I am a trustee supporting several charities and churches and social justice projects across the diocese. I am chair of VS6, a partnership supporting and championing the voice of the 11,500 voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) groups operating across our Liverpool City Region, and an advisor for the VCFSE to the Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham.
If you’d like to book me for kindness conversations, talks on social justice, writing projects and articles then please contact me HERE.
Books
Non-Fiction
Performing the popular : the context and composition of Liverpool Music Hall
Read MoreCommunity
What does it mean to be kind when the world feels hostile?
Project Kindness gathers stories from those who dare to live gently and justly in turbulent times — activists, artists, theologians and everyday heroes whose lives radiate hope. Featuring voices and stories including those of Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh; Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon and advocate for racial justice; and BBC Radio 2 presenter and broadcaster Kate Bottley, Project Kindness speaks to the heart of a generation longing for meaning, mercy and renewal. Through vivid storytelling, biblical reflection and practical wisdom, Project Kindness invites readers to rediscover the radical power of kindness as a force for social change and spiritual healing. Whether you're deeply embedded in church life or simply searching for a gentler way to live, this collection will challenge, comfort and inspire. It's a manifesto for mercy in an age of outrage – and a celebration of the quiet revolution already underway.
If you would like to join Project Kindness please contact me and I can add your kindness story to the ever-growing anthology, if you'd like me to share some of the stories I have collected get in touch – I am available for speaking engagements, Sunday services and community gatherings.
Standing against hate, 2026 · Photo: Gen
Jesus taught us to live compassionate lives: to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly (Micah 6.8). Compassion is an act of solidarity and a step toward others in a way that brings hope.
The people we choose to live alongside are our first community; our second is all around us – the stranger we come alongside and the hundreds we pass each day whose names we may never know.
Project Kindness is about how we share the best of ourselves with others in a way that brings justice into the world — a connection that bonds us to each other. Love is always worth the risk.
Events
Boughton House, nr Kettering
Catch me at Greenbelt Festival 2026 for the secret (not so secret) prelaunch of Project Kindness book Contact ellenloudon@gmail for an invite.St Michaels Church, Liverpool 17
Lambeth Palace, London
This is being supported by the racial justice unit and project spire. chaired by Guy Hewitt and Rosemarie Mallet.Contact ellenloudon@gmail for an invite.Praise
‘If you're feeling understandably gloomy about the way the world seems to be this book and the wisdom within will not only cheer you, but might just motivate you to bring about change.'
Project Kindness
"Many don’t think much about health until illness arrives. We similarly undervalue kindness until we need it. These reflections witness to its enduring and life changing power"
Project Kindness
"This isn’t just a book about kindness. It is also a memoir and a profound statement of hope in the face of the often overwhelming logic of despair. Absolutely one of a kind."
Project Kindness