The behaviour is set out in the Faithworks Charter, a code of conduct for churches to adopt as they serve people in their local area. It includes principles such as “serving all people unconditionally” and “not imposing our Christian faith on others.”

Rev Steve Chalke, Faithworks Founding Director, says: “Everybody is talking about the breakdown of trust in public life. In the run up to the next general election, the Church has a unique opportunity to provide leadership in this area by acknowledging our failures and beginning to address the issue of how we overcome the trust deficit within society.”

The launch is at 12-noon on Friday 3 September at Christ Church & Upton in central London when Steve Chalke will present a manifesto for change, starting with the church, but also laying out principles in other areas of public life including national government.

A new book by Chalke, called ‘Trust – A Radical Manifesto’, accompanies the grassroots campaign. It explores the reasons for the decline of trust and offers practical suggestions on how to build up the level of trust in society.

For example, it lists ideas for how Christians can get involved in public life such as by standing for local council positions, becoming school governors or setting up church-based community projects that meet a local need.

The Building TRUST campaign will also encourage Christians to drive the debate about trust in other areas, such as in business, home and neighbourhood and will include:

· A series of large town-wide events, with Steve Chalke, Fiona Castle or Dave Hitchcock addressing the need for churches to demonstrate behaviour that builds trust in their community.

· A concert launch with highly acclaimed musician Martyn Joseph and poet Stewart Henderson at Christ Church & Upton at 7.45pm on Saturday 4 September. Tickets available on the door.

· A series of lectures with high-profile public figures from the political and business world.

· A tour of UK theological colleges, offering students a chance to debate some of the issues surrounding trust.

· A national conference in November 2005, providing resources and inspiration for churches to become trustworthy providers of services in their areas.

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