News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Foodbank-Main_article_image.jpg
Foodbank - copyright Jeff Blackler/REX
UK News

MPs debate success of churches and other faith-based groups

MPs have been debating in the House of Commons a Motion on "the contribution of faith organisations to the voluntary sector in local communities".

Organised by two Christians, the MP for Congleton Fiona Bruce and the MP for East Ham Stephen Timms, politicians are also discussing concerns faith-based groups can face resistance from local councils, meaning their potential is not being fully realised.

Stephen Timms said the positive impact made by all major faith groups in the UK, including Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims and Jews will be acknowledged in today's sessions.

cC

Using the Christian-backed Trussel Trust network of foodbanks as one example, he told Premier: "In modern - and supposedly secular - Britain, it has been the churches which uniquely have had not only the motivation to do something about growing hunger but they have had the capacity ...and my goodness me, they have made a difference.

"Everybody knows about foodbanks. That is just one example. There is much, much more and it's important for Parliament to recognise the scale of the contribution that is currently being made.

"The kind of worries I think [council officials] have is that if they work with a faith-based group to deliver a public service than either the money will be used to try and convert people instead of delivering the service or the service will be provided in a way that is biased in favour of members of that faith group.

"Now in practise, I don't think either of those things actually happen."

Premier has invited the Local Government Association to comment on this story.

You can listen to Stephen Timms speaking with Premier's Alex Williams by clicking below.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate