Faith in politics?

This is old news now but still relevant - especially in light of the recent speech by Tony Blair. CSM held the Tawney dialogue a week or so ago, exploring the links between faith, politics and the quest for social justice. Apart from the dull AGM bit where I had to present the strategic plan (!) I think it was a really stimulating evening with Canon Nick Sagovsky and Welfare Reform Minister Stephen Timms MP, reflecting on Tawney (and particularly his approach to capitalism and the accumulation of wealth), how politicans and clergy can mutually support one another, and considering how in each of their different capacities, they can contribute to working for a just society. Nick Sagovsky put forward four principles which he proposed should underpin our quest for social justice:

1. The maximisation of liberty (or opportunity)
2. Promotion of a system of law that commands popular assent, including at an international level
3. Meeting of needs and the promotion of well-being
4. Exercise of responsible judgement

He ended with a 'defence of politics' a la Bernard Crick, reminding us all that the alternative to democratic politics is discord, violence and ultimately, war - a timely reminder, just several weeks before elections in this country, that whilst voting may seem irrelevant to many, it is ultimately part of a process that allows us all the get on with our lives and we all have a duty to participate.

As well as a pic of the event (courtesy of my co-Vice-Chair Kerron Cross), I've also posted an event of a visit that CSM Officers (including myself, Andrew Bradstock and CSM Chair Alun Michael MP) made to City Gateway, a faith-based project in East London that is working with young people to give them the confidence and skills they need to get on in life - a wonderfully inspiring afternoon and great to see (contrary to the myth that the Tories keep peddling) that organisations motivated by their Christian faith have been able to access public funding.