Response to 'Quality and Equality: Human rights, Public Services and Religious Organisations'

I have this evening posted a response to the British Humanist Association's report 'Quality and Equality: Human Rights, Public Services and Religious Organisations'. You can find it on our website - which is www.faithworks.info

Please take a few moments to read my response and let me know what you think. The role and and contribution of faith groups to the welfare and social needs of communities across the length and breadth of the UK is undeniable. The BHA report suggests that faith bodies are not fit or appropriate agencies to deliver these services. I fundamentally disagree and fear that the report of the BHA caricatures both humanists (which is unfortunate given the invaluable contribution of many humanists to society and communities across the UK) and Faith communities (for exactly the same reasons).

The BHA report smacks more of polemic than reasoned argument and I would value your views on two key questions.

1. Do you think faith groups can deliver good public services?
2. If they are removed from public service provision, what would you do with the immense gulf and financial crisis that would confront the UK Welfare system as a result?

Actions speak louder than words

Yesterday (9th January) I spent the day being interviewed and discussing my position on the Sexual Orientation Regulations. Last night, I quietly slipped down to Westminster to watch what was happening at a rally organised by the Lawyers Christian Fellowship and others to coincide with a debate taking place in the House of Lords around an amendment intrdouced by Lord Morrow. Had it been supported, the Amendment would have meant that the SOR's, introduced in Ireland on Jan 1 would not have been introduced across the rest of the UK in April without the addition of a 'conscience clause'.

I want to comment on both the defeat of the amendment in the Lords (by a whacking majority of 3-1) and on the tenor of the discussion and demonstration yesterday.

Firstly, the defeat should not be feared by Christians. There will be more said on the actually SOR's here in the course of the day, but they fit firmly within the context of wider legislation around equality, diversity and the provision of goods and services. Exemptions and protections have already been won, and those interested in the actual facts of the SOR's should endeavour to read through the detail of the legislation and debate around it rather than the interpretation of the legislation as presented by groups such as the LCF.

The church's distinctiveness, identity, ethos and values are not threatened by this piece of legislation. Instead, we should see this as an opportunity to engage positively, compassionately and graciously with others. Sexuality is not the means by which we should define people. It is part of what makes a person, but it is not the sum total of their personhood. Whether someone is gay or straight does not change the inherent biblical principle that they are made in the image of God. We respect that image in all people and are committed to serving. That does not mean that we endorse lifestyle choices or agree with decisions, but we respect personhood. To love a human being means to offer them shelter. not to offer them shelter with conditions. No doubt those who opposed the SORS will continue their fight - and will describe last nights decision as a step in the wrong direction, an eradication of our Christian foundations etc. I disagree. Last night's decision recognises the rights and obligations of people in Britain to be non-discriminatory and fair. It might just have been a moment of liberty and freedom rather than a nail in the coffin. The challenge for me as a Christian is to understand the legislation and to work out how we engage with those who are different, serving unconditionally but remaining true to the values and example of Christ. That might be hard - but a relevant and credible gospel and church must begin with three fundamental commitments. Faithfulness to God, unconditional love and service of others and a willingness to speak the truth in love out of a relationship of trust, respect and humility.

Secondly, the demonstration itself. About three thousand people turned up - about halfthat expected. Many of those protesting are my brothers and sisters in Christ  and I have an obligation to love and serve and respect them also. I am committed to doing that. I acknowledge your right to protest, I understand your passion on this issue, and I share your concerns around distinctiveness and Christian values. However, I disagree with your methodology. In what way was it Christ like? Young children involved in a protest they could not possibly understand. Chants which at times sounded threatening intermingled with hymns and songs of praise. Political figures from Northern Ireland inciting strong anti-gay sentiment by their words and their actions. Banners which linked homosexulaity to child abuse? Aggresive accusations levelled at me and others. Confrontational dialogue with a few people who were there to exercise their right to demonstrate. Leaders of the demonstration donning orange jumpsuits to make politcal and press headlines out of the inhumane treatment of inmates at Guantanamo Bay. And all of this in the name of Christians and in the name of God?

If judgement and challenge are important for us as Christians, then according to both Jesus in Matthew's Gospel and Paul in the book of Corinthians, we must be careful to hold one another accountable. So I ask the organisers and the demonstrators last night, as your brother, to think again about the message and methodology of their actions. They did not represent me, they did not represent the vast majority of people in the church, and they cannot claim to be the Christian voice on this issue because there is no such thing as one Christian voice on this issue.

Be careful of planks of wood before you point out pieces of sawdust

A right to a faith perspective... a responsibility to serve all

Neal Lawson wrote an interesting comment in The Guardian this week (click here to see the piece).  In a nutshell, despite being an atheist, he praises the contribution made by faith groups to building a better world.  As you will see, it has sparked a great deal of debate.  I want to add my own voice to the apparently rising cacophony of ideas and perspectives.

As a committed, if imperfect, follower of Christ, faith is not just a notion or an idea, it is a way of life.  It shapes every major decision in my life and lies at the heart of my work and family.  It shapes how I spend my money, what I do with my time, and the life choices that I have made.  I am utterly convinced that faith makes a difference, because it has made a difference in my life.

Whether secularists are ready to admit it or not, the objective reality of British life is that people of faith are making a difference every day in communities across the nation.  Lawson is right.  The predominant moral voices have come from within faith communities.  I would go even further though.   Not just internationally and nationally, but at a local level across the UK and indeed across the world, people of faith daily strive to make life better.

I can point to millions of lives changed by the actions and commitments of people of faith.  I can show you the Gurdwaras where the hungry are fed, the churches where the single parents are supported and the mosques where disparate and frightened communities are held together.  I can take you to asylum seekers in Newcastle upon Tyne whose only help and support has been the church, or to those contemplating suicide at Beachy Head in Sussex who were literally 'saved' by Christians patrolling the cliff top.  I can show you a memory club for the elderly in Great Yarmouth run by people of faith.  There are many others.  Their work and their actions show the vital and positive contribution faith has to make in Britain.

I know of many atheists who are also selfless and committed to serving and supporting the excluded.  However, there is a wave or ardent atheism in this country which will not rest until in their minds the myth of God has been removed from the mind of man.  I am ready and willing to accept that an atheist has a right to an opinion and that they are able to contribute to a healthy and whole society, but ardent atheism must learn to be a little less dogmatic!

At the last count, Britain was home to around 40 million people who claim some connection with Christian faith, over 1 million Muslims, 500,000 Hindus, 250,000 Sikhs and 300,000 Jews.  More people still attend church services in this country than go to watch premiership football matches.  It is both arrogant and wrong for atheists to tell these people that they have no moral compass, are not entitled to a voice and should not be allowed to articulate their convictions.  For millions of people across the UK, faith works.

I stand ready to accept the vital and important role of atheists, secularists and people of faith in Britain.  But I also want to be honest and open enough to accept that people of faith have demonstrated and articulated a strong moral position on issues such as war, eradication of poverty, fairer taxation, education and healthcare.

People of faith have much to contribute to the morality and values of a nation as diverse as Britain.  I don't want us to have special treatment - the right to a voice in the public square is accompanied by the repsonsibility to be inclusive, fair and open-handed in what we do and how we do it.  People of faith contribute millions of hours of kindness to the UK.  We have a huge impact in economic terms.  We contribute hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours - people of faith are three times more likely to volunteer than those without faith.

The value of faith in British life is self evident - those atheists or ardent secularists who think that Britain would be better off without faith communities need to show by their actions, not just their words, what they would do.  We have shown what we contribute - what do ardent atheists give us?

Lastly, we need to have a discussion about shared values, not just ideology.  Things like human dignity, justice, eradication of poverty, the right use of power and accountability are not unique to the Christian faith.  Many people of faith and many people of no faith share these values.  I have enough confidence in my faith to know that it can stand alongside others and forge partnership and coalitions that can make a real and positive difference in the world.  To suggest that because you have faith you have nothing to contribute demonstrates more the insecurity of the protagonist of such a view than it does the valid contribution of the person of faith.

I'd love to know what you think about the contribution faith makes to society - please post your comments!

That was the week that was!

I thought it might be quite helpful to set out a few of the things that I have been up to in the last few days... I'd love to hear your thoughts on some of the things that I have been up to and hear about what you've been doing. Are we working on the same agenda? How can I best serve those of you who are part of the Faithworks Movement? What are the key challenges you are facing right now? Get in touch!

Wednesday 11th October:  I faced the agonizing choice of being part of the groups choosing winners for the Faithworks Awards this year from almost 300 applicants.  I met with those who had assessed the 18 shortlisted projects and reached our conclusions.  These projects are doing fantastic work and the choices were so hard.  I was really broken-hearted that we did not have an award for every one!  The three winners will each receive £5000 plus consultancy support and the awards have been sponsored by Congregational Insurance and Spring Harvest. These groups have been fantastic partners and the awards are only possible because of their investment.  We are now trying to work out how to support all of those who were shortlisted.

Sunday 15th October: On Sunday it was MICAH SUNDAY and I am on the Board of Directors of the MICAH CHALLENGE UK (for more information see www.micahchallenge.org.uk).  Christians around the world were standing up to challenge the failure of governments to take the Millennium Development Goals seriously enough. We were also praying around the world - and we officially created a new world record - over 23 MILLION people took part on the act of solidarity and prayer world wide!!  Things are really picking up in the UK around this initiative too.

Tuesday 17th October:  I spent the day in Birmingham as part of the National Steering Group for REDEEMING OUR COMMUNITIES (check out www.citylinks.org.uk for more information) which is a great initiative aimed at supporting the police forces in the UK and reducing crime.
I also responded to an article by Polly Toynbee, which appeared in the Guardian yesterday. Polly is arguing that Britain needs to be a secular state and that faith has no part to play in public life.  As you can see from my blog posting earlier this week, I responded by saying that faith and Christian faith has a very important part to play in the life of any community and defended the countless acts of compassion and kindness carried out by Christians across the UK every hour.

Wednesday 18th October:  I facilitated a discussion with some colleagues from other organisations as part of the STOP THE TRAFFIK campaign - for more information on this campaign see www.stopthetraffik.org. We were looking at the key changes to policy that we could work toward in the UK to put an end to help put an end to the evil of human trafficking.

Friday 20th October:  I spoke at a special event in Reading for the families of Children with special needs and disabilities.  It was a fantastic evening where God reminded all of us of the importance of every human being.  We also explored some of the deep challenges faced by the families of children with special needs.

Saturday 21st October: All day spent in Birmingham at TRUMPET CALL V which is a massive prayer event. It was also the launch of a great initiative called HOPE 2008, of which I am proud to be a part (check it out at www.hope08.com).  This promises to be an exciting venture that challenges every church in the UK to do something to engage in their communities.  Trumpet Call is supported by the WORLD PRAYER CENTRE.  I had a chance to catch up with its leader, Ian Cole and the National Director, Jane Holloway, to explore how we can strengthen the prayer life and prayer support of the Faithworks Movement.

SOME KEY QUESTIONS I HAVE
As I continue with the blog, I want to put some questions to you, to gain some of your input - YOU are the Faithworks Movement and as I lead I want to be directed by the things that affect you in your unstinting service to your local community.  Here are some questions to get you started!

• How do you think we remain distinctly Christian whilst working in such a diverse context?

• What are the three most important questions you have about Christians engaging in the community?

• If Faithworks were to produce just three resources in the next twelve months, what would you like them to be?

• How do you think we should relate to other faith groups in the UK and what is the moat Christlike approach in your view?

• How can I best pray for you and serve you?

• Have you read BUILDING A BETTER WORLD - if so have you joined the debate at www.buildingabetterworld.typepad.com?

Let me know what you think!  I look forward to hearing from you......

Good Religion?

Some of you may have seen Polly Toynbee's article in The Guardian yesterday (17th October).  In response, I'd like to encourage Ms Toynbee's Enfield taxi driver to take another look at the church school in his community.

Enfield's newest school, the Oasis Academy, opening in September 2007, bears values that spring from a Christian ethos of inclusion, and will accept pupils regardless of their faith or church attendance.  This will hardly "aid segregation".  The academy is sponsored by Oasis Community Learning, which is one of the partners of the Faithworks Movement.  Our members are committed to building a better world through unconditional service to all people, regardless of their faith, gender, age, disability, race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or physical and mental capability.  We do not seek to convert, but to work for a fair and just society, where diversity is celebrated.  Many groups from other faiths work on the same basis.

Ms Toynbee's answer to segregation is a secular society.  If all the faith groups currently working for inclusive and just communities ceased their work tomorrow, we would be in a sorry state indeed.  Schools, youth clubs, healthcare centres, housing initiatives and countless other community projects up and down the land would simply shut down.

In the 2001 census, only 15% of people identified themselves as having no religion.  This hardly points to Great Britain as being "the least religious of all nations".  The call for a secular state smacks more of old arguments than it does an openness to build a healthy and vibrant society.  It ignores the deep Judaeo-Christian values upon which Britain is built.  Once again Ms Toynbee has compared secularism's best with religion's worse - a naive and dangerous choice in which she exhibits the bias of her own humanist religion.

We should remember that Judaeo-Christian values have brough us the notion of the autonomous and dignified self, the defence of a sphere of community and civic responsibility, and the ideas of leadership accountable not only to those who are led, but to a higher authority.  It is a Christian faith which has contributed to a diverse and celebrating culture in Britain, and it is Christian faith which played a central role in abolition, penal reform and overcoming some of the evils of industrialisation - not to mention the strengthening of universal education, and the importance of strong family ties and support.

Perhaps Ms Toynbee needs to doff her cap to the other secularists such as Umberto Eco and Regis Debray, and acknowledge that our society owes a great deal to the motivational and transformational power of Christian faith.  We work with the poor, the excluded and the marginalised.  We listen.  We love.  We serve.  Perhaps we need a slightly more unbiased debate with Ms Toynbee - one I would be delighted to engage in.

My argument is simple: faith works, secularism doesn't.

What do you think?