Faith and society

Throughout history, faith leaders and groups have been at the forefront of progressive social change.

The most notable examples include the anti-slavery and the civil rights movements. They have also played a vital role caring for and supporting the most vulnerable in society. 

But in the modern day, are faithful citizens ‘better’ citizens – in terms of volunteering in their local communities? Is the holistic approach of faith-based service providers more effective in some areas? Should politicians – particularly progressive politicians – be more open about religion and forge alliances with religious institutions on key questions – for example, income fairness and social equality?  

To answer these questions, the project is divided into three discrete phases each culminating in a short Demos report. The first, Faithful Citizens, was released in April 2012. The research found that religious citizens in the UK were more likely to be civically engaged in their communities, and were more likely to hold progressive values on a number of key issues.

The second report, Faithful Providers, will look at the role of faith groups in providing public services. We will focus on four policy areas specifically, with approximately 20-25 case studies of faith-based or motivated organisations delivering services either voluntarily or through commissioning.  

The third report will include essays from MPs in each of the three major political parties outlining their views about the role of religion in politics in the UK.  

The project is guided by an Advisory Committee made up of faith leaders across the major religions, politicians, academics and community organizers, and is chaired by Stephen Timms MP. The project will conclude in Autumn 2012 with a major conference event with sessions devoted to each report.