Faith in the Community

Speaking at the Faithworks conference in November 2007, The Rt Hon Hazel Blears (Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government) argued :

In the past faith groups have found doors closed: little recognition of their role, little willingness to debate it. And it was a real missed opportunity that we chose not to make more of their enthusiasm and expertise," she said. "There were concerns, such as whether faith groups could deliver services unconditionally to people who held different views to their own. These were legitimate questions, but they have not gone unanswered, and we now have a more mature understanding of the contribution that faith communities can make. It's never been clearer that faith groups must be part of the response to the problems we face.

As government attitude has developed, so has that of faith groups. We have seen faith groups accept and show how they can live up to that: a promise not to use public funds to proselytise, a promise to serve those with whom you may fundamentally disagree.

Rt Hon Hazel Blears, Faithworks Conference November 2007

Her message is clear - faith communities have a vital part to play in the sustainability of communities. Politicians acknowledge the enthusiasm and expertise of faith communities and these communities are credited with making a real difference :

I've visited churches that have been the first to step in and provide practical support to neighbourhoods facing huge and complex social challenges - from poverty, to alcohol, to guns and gangs... Faith is what drives them. People go the extra mile and get strength from their faith. It's that commitment and belief in what you're doing that means you're still there at the end of the day when you probably should have gone home. If we don't harness that energy, we're all missing out.

Rt Hon Hazel Blears, Faithworks Conference November 2007

'Harnessing the energy' of those with faith should be a straightforward task. After Sunday believes that a Christian response to the world around them should be one of change and transformation where they see problems or conflict. The politicians seem to agree that there is something distinctive about a christian response - grounded in the work of God, bringing even small change can create major transformation of lives.