Does government ‘do God?’ – a UK government report

Affinity broadly welcomes the report by Colin Bloom, the government’s Faith Engagement Advisor entitled Does government ‘do God?’ An independent review into how government engages with faith.

Graham Nicholls from Affinity commented: ‘The plans for a programme to improve faith literacy for all public sector staff are much needed and we would be eager to be involved to help to increase partnership opportunities with faith groups.

‘We are encouraged that the report recognises that churches are already playing a valuable role in the social fabric of our society. Christians and churches are a societal good. Churches are the major provider of youth services across the UK and are involved in many good works including food banks, elderly care, toddler groups, prison chaplaincy, advocacy and the like.

‘We note that Bloom also calls for appropriate regulation of out-of-school settings, including the faith-based sector, to safeguard the physical safety and wellbeing of children. This is of course a good idea in principle but we would want to make sure that regular religious instruction in bible study and “Sunday school” settings are not redefined as harmful and subject to additional regulation beyond the current safeguarding requirements. 

‘It also seems another excellent proposal that the Government should expand the role of the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief to include the promotion and protection of religious freedom in the UK.’

Interviews are available on request. Please contact media@affinity.org.uk to arrange.