The final report from the Commission on Integration and Cohesion was published yesterday. Faithworks welcomes its recommendations for practical action to address issues at local level, along with suggestions for a national framework to support this.

In particularly we welcome the report’s recognition that a strong framework of rights and responsibilities for individuals and communities could generate a working sense of citizenship.

Faithworks has been calling for this kind of framework for some time, believing that community cohesion only begins to be possible when people of faith are allowed to live out their faith identity. However, separate identities should not mean separatism, and these rights should always be accompanied by a responsibility towards the society we live in and the communities we serve, respecting diversity. This applies equally to other aspects of identity, not just faith.

The report also recognises the significant contributions that faith groups play in public service delivery and recommends that a clear set of guidelines should be developed to enable Local Authorities to award contracts to faith-based bodies without fear that this will lead to proselytising. The Faithworks Charter is singled out as a potential model for this, and we welcome the opportunity for further dialogue on how we can achieve and introduce a ‘Faith Standard’.

There is a long journey to make, but we must all make it together if we are to reach a genuine mutual understanding of how to approach and understand diversity in the challenge of promoting cohesion and integration, both in our communities and on a national level. While the CIC report does not answer all the questions that must be confronted, it is a step in the right direction.

The imperative of the Christian faith is to create a sense of wellbeing and facilitate belonging in holistic communities. Thus, this policy development is not only essential, but requires the full involvement of churches, as well as other faith groups, if we are to move towards an integrated society.

More information on the report Our Shared Future at www.communities.gov.uk