There is a danger that the respect agenda will turn into a political gimmick
10 January 2006
The Government’s respect agenda is an important one and the Evangelical Alliance would want to support policies which facilitate and engender respect in our communities. There is a danger however, of this respect agenda turning into short-term political gimmicks.
R.David Muir, Public Policy Director at the Evangelical Alliance, said, “Respect cannot be imposed on individuals or communities; it has to be taught and caught from the good example of those around us, including the Government.
“If the Government is really serious about tackling the causes, rather than the incidence of anti-social behaviour and lack of ‘respect’ in society, it must do more to support agencies and groups who are seeking to mentor young people and families and instil values over the long term.”
Contrary to the Government’s approach the Evangelical Alliance has been involved in promoting respect in communities through the successful launch of the first national Champions of Respect awards to honour young people making a positive contribution to their communities. The overall prize, dedicated to the memory of the murdered teenager Anthony Walker, and awarded last November, went to female DJ Gemma Gibson, 22, who runs a radio station which promotes a positive self image and self-respect for young women.
Media Contact:
Liz Hogarth Evangelical Alliance 020 7207 2115 l.hogarth@eauk.org
Notes to editors: The Evangelical Alliance UK, formed in 1846, is an umbrella group representing over one million evangelical Christians in the UK and is made up of member churches, organisations and individuals. As part of a ‘movement for change’, the Alliance promotes unity and truth, acts as an evangelical voice to the state, society and the wider Church, and provides resources to help members and other evangelicals live out their faith in their communities.
