The report sets out the government’s plans to create more opportunities at a local level for face-to-face dialogue between faith groups, which supports both a greater understanding of shared values as well as an appreciation of distinctiveness. It also states how they intend to encourage different faiths to work together to improve their local communities

Faithworks responded to the consultation, and we are pleased that our comments about the effectiveness of ‘shared spaces’ for interaction have been included in one of the four key strands of the Framework for Partnership.

“The best 'shared spaces' are actually shared moments – when the motivation of faith brings together different faith adherents around a common cause – the feeding of the hungry, the championing of the vulnerable or the mutual commitments to human dignity," said Malcolm Duncan in the Faithworks response. This was also quoted in today’s Telegraph.

We are also heartened that the government has again talked about the need for a charter for excellence in public service delivery by faith groups. The Faithworks Charter was singled out as a potential model for this in the government’s recent Empowerment white paper, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG) on bringing what we have been calling for so long, to fruition.

We are already in conversation with the CLG about other ways in which we can support stronger communities, and look forward to continuing to work with government in this area.