The meeting between the DTI, Faithworks Founder Steve Chalke, Faithworks National Co-ordinator Nathan Oley and Martyn Eden, the EA’s Director of Strategic Development, came about as a result of the ‘Keep the Faith Campaign’, which was launched by Faithworks to protect the effectiveness and distinctiveness of faith-based projects. 

The draft of the European Community Directive states that it aims to outlaw discrimination in employment on the grounds of religion, and offers protection which should allow Christian churches and other faith-based institutions to continue to employ those who share the belief of the organisation.  However, details of how the Government will implement that legislation remain ambiguous.  The ‘Keep the Faith Campaign’ is therefore a clarion call to government to safeguard the work of churches and other faith groups.  It calls for legislation based on the Directive which, whilst holding churches and other faith organisations to account for the fair treatment of their staff, will unambiguously protect their right to retain their core ethos and values throughout their organisations.

The DTI has warmly welcomed Faithworks’ input to the debate and, following Faithworks’ representations, the DTI has stated that it is keen to engage with churches and individuals. In particular, the DTI is asking churches, ‘Should there be protection to allow faith-based organisations to employ those who share their faith?’ and ‘How widely should the exemption apply and to which roles within an organisation?’

“It is crucial that both churches and individuals respond to this and stress to government the need for employees in Christian and faith-based organisations to share the faith and ethos that underpins those organisations.  The National Secular Society and others opposed to the Church’s role in society are actively campaigning for even less freedom to be granted to faith organisations than the Government is currently proposing so it is vital we make ourselves heard on this issue.”
                         Steve Chalke, Faithworks Founder

The consultation ends on March 29th and Faithworks will also make a detailed response to the DTI on this matter.  After March 29th, the DTI will produce their guidelines, to be published in September.  These guidelines will be consulted on again before being put into legislation in 2003.  The guidelines will then be used by Employment Tribunals in implementing this new law.

Churches and individuals who are concerned about these proposals can make their voice heard by signing up to the ‘Keep the Faith’ campaign at www.faithworks.info.  The Faithworks site also contains full details of how to respond directly to the DTI.  Alternatively, Faithworks can be contacted on 020 7450 9000.