Role of faith so important

Removing faith from the public square would be detrimental to us all

25 July 2008

The following letter appeared in the Newsletter on Tuesday 22 July and the Belfast Telegraph on Thursday 24 July.

Dear Sir

There has been much comment recently about the role of faith in the public square. Some would choose to relegate faith to a purely private matter while others favour a closer relationship between church and state. Alternatively Christians can take their place in a pluralist society and contribute their faith based values: values which place a priority on serving others.

History records countless examples of positive Christian influence on public policy of which William Wilberforce is but one. Today the Micah Challenge campaign calls governments to account on the promises they made to the poor in the year 2000.

Locally, a survey in 2005 found nearly 75% of all volunteer leaders in registered youth groups in Northern Ireland were volunteering in faith or church based groups – all widespread contribution motivated by faith. The Church, and Christians, despite their flaws still have a place in society today. Removing faith from the public square would be detrimental to us all.

Karen Jardine

Public Affairs & Development Officer

Evangelical Alliance Northern Ireland