Government consultation on engaging with faith groups

Can you help with a Government consultation on engaging with faith groups in England?

All are encouraged to take part in a review into how best the Government should engage with faith groups in England. The Government’s Faith Engagement Adviser is calling for evidence on how people perceive the government’s engagement with faith organisations, with a view to making recommendations for the future. He says that he wants particularly to hear from:

• Members of the public who identify as having a religion, or people who have a faith.
• Faith and Religious leaders (voluntary or professional) in places of worship or faith-based organisations and charities.
• Public servants such as Civil Servants, teachers, the police and healthcare workers.
• Anyone who is or has been engaged with the British Military in any capacity.
• Anyone who is or has been engaged in the Criminal Justice System in any capacity.

The link to the call for evidence is here on the Gov.uk website – this webpage includes further information, and a link to go to the online response form. There is a short survey which takes around 15 – 20 minutes to complete.

The Call for Evidence can be completed anonymously and has been purposefully designed to allow anyone who is uncomfortable sharing personal information to still be able to provide Colin Bloom with their views in an anonymous way. However, if someone wanted to leave their contact details, they are free to do so.

The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, who leads the Church of England’s Recovery Group, said: 

“Faith is at the heart of so many of our communities, across the length and breadth of the country.  This welcome consultation from the Government is an opportunity to demonstrate and explore how faith enriches and empowers our lives and our relationships with one another.  I believe it can play a fundamental role in building a stronger, more tolerant society for the future.  I would urge as many people as possible to get involved by responding to the consultation, ensuring that the voices of our faith communities are heard.” 

Can you help by responding yourself and by passing this link on to others? The consultation closes on 11 December.