Ten Things Labour has done for Christian Communities

Over the past 12 years, the Labour government has recognised the important role played by Britain’s diverse faith communities in a wide range of affairs, from education and social care to international development and the economy. Whether in exercising a prophetic voice or in the delivery of frontline services, the Labour government welcomes and supports Christian communities in living out the shared values which are the foundation of healthy local communities. Here are ten things that the government has done to make real that support:

1. Face-to-Face and Side-by-Side – for the first time a government has set out its commitment to working with faith communities in addressing the challenges we all face in our local communities. The ‘interfaith strategy’ sets out details of a wide range of programmes that are available to churches making a difference in their communities.

2. Funding – there are all kinds of government grants available to churches and we are making it easier for faith groups to access funding to run local services too. But over £15million has been especially targeted for faith groups with the most recent £7.5m Faiths In Action fund still open to local churches (see www.cdf.org.uk).

3. Regional Faith Forums – government has also invested in regional bodies which can help faith communities work more closely together and explain to local and regional agencies the vital role that faith communities have. The North West Forum of Faiths has produced a directory which shows that Christian churches contribute over £80million per annum to the regional economy.

4. Local Authorities – very often churches need to build strong relationships with their local council. To help this the government has published special guidance for local authorities to build their understanding of the role faith communities can play. This is being refreshed through a series of workshops across the country.

5. Inter Faith Week – from the 15 – 21 November 2009, Britain will celebrate its first Inter Faith Week. Supported by government, this week will be an opportunity to highlight the importance of inter faith understanding and cooperation and greater awareness about the faith communities and their engagement in building community.

6. Church Buildings and Heritage Officers – government recognises that church buildings form a very significant part of the nation’s built heritage, from vast Cathedrals to tiny hidden and humble gems. That is why it is funding a programme to appoint ‘Heritage Officers’ to support churches seeking funding to restore their buildings and has published a new report to help faith groups find resources to make faith buildings more sustainable by enhancing the facilities and services they offer to local communities.

7. Schools and universities – the Labour government has invested £1m in a Religious Education Action Plan to improve the quality of RE provision in schools and is working with faith schools to showcase (of which over 90% are Christian) the good work they are doing in the education sector.

8. Rural Churches – DEFRA facilitates the Rural Community Buildings Network and Rural Affairs Forum in which church groups play a very active role. It also has a £700,000 buildings loan fund which is available to rural churches.

9. Healthcare – the government has taken unprecedented steps to recognise and value the importance of healthcare chaplaincy in the NHS, addressing the spiritual needs of patients and staff and making sure that national service frameworks are sensitive to the diverse needs of different faith communities.

10. Millennium Development Goals – the Labour government, through its close relationship with faith-based organisations such as Christian Aid and CAFOD, has led international progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. DFID provides direct funding for such organisations and to support twinning between churches and other community groups and partners overseas.

Ed Cox, 30/10/2009