According to Faithworks, there is an urgent need to address some of the false assumptions and widespread misunderstandings about the nature of individual faith and the reason faith groups get involved in public life.

“Whether it’s faith schools or community projects, too many people believe that a faith-based approach means unfair discrimination and further community division,” says Faithworks Founder Rev Steve Chalke MBE. “But the reality is often the opposite. When people of faith get stuck in, the benefits tend to be greater community cohesion.”

"Over the past couple of years, faith has been thrust into a much more prominent public position. Faith is back and from the point of view of cohesion in our communities, that is a good thing." Minister for Pensions, Stephen Timms MP

The press briefing was hosted by Minister for Pensions, Stephen Timms MP, and chaired by the Bishop of Leicester, Rt Revd Tim Stevens. It included profiles of several community projects that had been treated with suspicion by local authorities because of their faith-basis, despite their proven track record of success.

"There are a number of myths that we continually have to confront - that faith is always divisive and the faiths are always difficult to work with. But our society needs to understand, be sensitive to and literate about what it means to be motivated by faith." Bishop of Leicester, Rt Rev Tim Stevens

The briefing comes in the week the House of Lords report on the Equality Bill, which aims to create a single Commission for Equality and Human Rights (ECHR), to include disability, race, gender and – for the first time- religion and belief.  Faithworks believes that the Bill presents the Government with the ideal opportunity to tackle some of these issues.

“We need to move beyond fearful, knee-jerk reactions to faith and develop an understanding of what it means to be motivated by faith and how active faith can actually benefit society,” says Faithworks Director Joy Madeiros. “We have come along way to understand issues of identity, such as race and gender. It is time we did the same for faith.”

As part of the briefing, Faithworks announced a 6-point plan for developing a greater understanding of faith in society. The proposals included the development of ‘faith awareness’ programmes, which would help Government, statutory agencies and voluntary groups understand what it means for individuals and groups to operate from a faith motivation, rather than just a religious affiliation.

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To view the 6-point plan presented to Government, click on the link in the right-hand panel.