Andy Burnham chats to Manchester CSM

At a recent Manchester CSM event Terry Wynn (former MEP) chatted to Andy Burnham, MP for Leigh and Shadow Secretary of State for Education, in a Parkinson style interview. Andy was frank, honest and open about his Catholic faith and his role as a Labour Party politician.

Around 30 attendees heard Andy tell them "The three things that influenced my life were Everton Football Club, The Labour Party and the Catholic Church, in that order." He spoke candidly about his private life and the turmoil of cancer in his wife, two sisters-in-law and mother-in-law.

Andy also spoke frankly about how difficult it was to be a Catholic and a Labour Party politician, especially concerning contentious issues. He explained that the attitude of the Catholic church to many equality issues troubles him, a position that has brought him some criticism. Andy also spoke of how his faith had helped him during the recent leadership elections and how Christians sending him mass cards made an impact.

Andy thought that now was a great time for the Labour Party and Christians to work together in spreading Labour’s message of social justice.

Special thanks go to Gavin White for making King's Church available, complete with refreshments.

This successful inaugral event has put Manchester CSM firmly on the map.

Steve Parker, 01/12/2010