The value of faith groups to society is almost impossible to measure but is immensely important. This was broadly demonstrated over the last few years during lockdowns where faith groups were at the forefront of helping to resolve many social problems, almost entirely on a voluntary basis. It is a social resource that should be better utilised and encouraged.
To facilitate this the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Faith and Society, chaired by MP Stephen Timms, launched a Faith Covenant some years ago and this project has recently been revived. The Faith Covenant is a joint commitment between faith communities and local authorities to a set of principles that guide engagement, aiming to build and provide a framework of trust between all parties to promote open, practical working on all levels.
The All Faiths Network has even published a book on the value of faith groups in society during lockdown called ‘People of Faith Rising Above Covid 19’.
We wish to see closer cooperation between regional and local social services and faith groups in caring for our communities around the country.
We are asking our members, as well as encouraging the wider community, to approach their local councillors to gather support so that local and regional governments adopt the Faith Covenant and encourage greater cooperation for the benefit of all.
See the Faith Covenant here https://www.faithandsociety.org/covenant/full/
See the officers of the APPG on Faith and Society here https://www.faithandsociety.org/officers/
See the Parliamentarians who are members of the APPG here https://www.faithandsociety.org/members/
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