To celebrate the launch of the exciting new Bible Society SUSA resource, CiP held a debate in the parliament in Wednesday 3^rd February 2010.

Provocatively entitled: ‘Does Christianity have a future in politics?’ the debate contributed to the wider discussion about the sacred/secular divide in relation to public life. Chaired by Rod Liddle, a panel debated the issues consisting of: Bishop Graham Cray, Steve Webb MP, journalist Ruth Gledhill and Andrew Copson of the British Humanist Association.

The event was accompanied by some polling by ComRes about perceptions of political leadership, and it was attended by Parliamentarians, journalists and others concerned about the role of Christianity in our public life. It included the launch by Andy Reed MP of the Bible Society’s SUSA resource:

It is a Bible Society project, and has been developed in partnership with 24-7 Prayer, Christians in Parliament, and Christians in Politics. It's not just about Christians voting (although that would be a good start!) It contains all sorts of video and written material to help Christians and churches to get involved in politics, both prayerfully and practically. From 'how to contact your MP' to 'how to become a MP' etc. It is completely cross-party and inter-confessional, and it does not provide comment or information on policy issues - it's about engagement.

It is designed to develop over the years to become a one-stop-shop for Christian engagement in politics. It aims to inspire and educate Christians to see political engagement as being: biblical, missional and possible. It will be rolled out throughout the summer at Christian festivals, and there will be a series of road-shows later in the year. More information will follow in due course.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO:  www.susa.info

MPs show unity in debate on the contribution of Christianity in public life

Christian MPs from four different political parties came together to debate the contribution of Christianity in public life. In response to recent media stories about Christians being challenged about expressing their faith in the workplace, the MPs highlighted the invaluable and growing social contributions that Christian individuals and organisations are making in the UK, and sought government assurances that this would continue to be valued practically.

Andrew Selous MP for South West Bedfordshire and Chairman of the Christians in Parliament group secured the debate on Wednesday 11^th March 2009. Christian MPs from the Labour, Conservative, Liberal-Democrat and Scottish National Party joined him in expressing their support and acknowledgement of the good work Christians do in this country and the vitally important role that the faith has in supporting public and voluntary services.

Andy Reed MP for Loughborough joined in the debate as Vice Chairman of Christian in Parliament and expressed his desire for Christians to live out their faith in the work that they have been called to. He said “It was encouraging to see the breadth of support for the contribution of the Christians in public life. It is clear that the Bible has an important and developing role in politics.”

The Minister from the Department for Communities and Local Government, Ian Wright MP responded to the debate for the government by acknowledging the good works that Christians provide, and offered further government support for Christian groups. In recognising the Christian heritage of the UK, he accepted the need for Christians to continue to play an important role in public affairs – and to be able to express their faith as the central component of their identity.

The Ministers’ positive response was very welcome as he acknowledged the huge role Christians play in our day to day lives. In the debate Sharon Hodgson MP for Gateshead East & Washington West presented a strong defence of the role of Christian faith in British culture, and Gary Streeter MP for South West Devon identified the challenges and opportunities facing Christians in public life. Lembit Opik MP for Montgomeryshire said: “Although there must be tolerance of all different faiths in this country, nevertheless we live in what must reasonably be called a faith-based society with Christianity at it core.”