-
publishes independent review into
faith engagement
- Faith is an ‘overriding force for good’ and government needs
to improve its engagement with these groups, report finds
- A better understanding of faith will help government tackle
systemic issues including forced marriages, child safeguarding
and extremism
A landmark review into faith engagement has found the government
needs to recognise faith groups as a force for good.
, Independent Faith Engagement
Advisor, considered how government can best celebrate the
contribution of faith groups, while tackling harmful practices.
More than 21,000 people responded to the public consultation and
today has set 22 recommendations for
government.
In his review, Bloom examined engagement with faith in a broad
range of public institutions - from the Civil Service and the
Armed Forces, to schools and prisons - and called on the
government to bring in a new programme of faith literacy training
for all public sector staff, ensuring public servants understand
those they are helping, and to increase partnership opportunities
with faith groups who are already playing a valuable role in the
social fabric of our society.
Bloom noted that a better understanding of faith would also equip
government to tackle issues such as forced marriage, of which
there are estimated to be thousands a year in the UK;
radicalisation in prison; and faith-based extremism, including
the ongoing challenge of Islamist extremism, and the small but
growing trends of Sikh extremism and Hindu nationalism.
Bloom also calls for appropriate regulation of out-of-school
settings, including the faith-based sector, to safeguard the
physical safety and wellbeing of children.
, the government’s Faith
Engagement Adviser said:
“For millions of people, faith and belief informs who they are,
what they do and how they interact with their community, creating
strong ties that bind our country together.”
“As we as a nation continue to become more diverse, so too does
the landscape of faith and belief. Our government’s understanding
of the role of faith in society must remain both current and
alive to its evolutionary changes.”
“It must also not shy away from some of the challenges that exist
in small pockets within faith communities, from forced and
coercive marriages to faith-based extremism, financial
exploitation, and child safeguarding. These must not be consigned
to the ‘too difficult’ box.”
“Greater understanding of faith in all its diversity will ensure
that we remain a country that respects, celebrates and
understands people of all faiths, beliefs and none.”
Faith Minister, said:
“As Faith Minister I will continue to shine a light on the
important work of faith groups across the country, who play such
an important role in public life.”
“I welcome this review and thank Colin for his work – we will
carefully consider the recommendations and I’ll make it my
mission to continue to work closely with those of all faiths.”
Bloom notes that there are many areas where government is already
doing good work with faith groups, including the Faith New Deal
grant programme, the co-design of COVID-19 guidance with places
of worship, and tackling freedom of religion or belief
internationally. He argues that this good practice should be
built on and applied consistently across services to enable
stronger and more integrated communities.
Government will consider the findings and will respond in due
course.
