In the run-up to the recent historic meeting between Roman Catholic and Anglican bishops over the rise of secularism in the UK, the Rt. Rev Michael Scott-Joynt, Bishop of Winchester, expressed concern about the ‘anti-religious language in Parliament, particularly in the debates on assisted suicide and faith schools. “There was an explicit sense, from many quarters, that those who were speaking into the discussion from a position of faith had less right than anyone else.”’ (The Sunday Telegraph, 12/11/06)

In the face of this criticism it can be tempting for Christians to withdraw from public debate, to go back to our churches and to concentrate on ministering to the needs of individuals in our communities. We may take the view that while our convictions have relevance within faith communities the arguments become redundant in a secular framework and little can be done to change the minds of those who don’t share our faith.

For the last 24 years CARE has believed that we all have a Christian responsibility to present Christian truth in the public arena with love and compassion, not only because what we have to say is hugely valuable but also because it is relevant to a secularised British society.

In the New Testament, despite the New Covenant’s emphasis on the Kingdom of Heaven, God’s people are called to be involved in the transformation of society, and governments, as in the Old Testament, still have an important role to play in establishing just laws. Jesus’ challenge to his followers to be the ‘salt of the earth’ and the ‘light of the world’ is a call to be involved in all areas of life – politics no exception.

CARE’s Institute for Faith & Culture (IFC) is one way in which young Christians, in particular, are being challenged to get involved in public life. They spend a year after graduating on our Intern Programme, looking at how to apply a Christian worldview to contemporary culture and serving in a placement with an MP, in the media or in a third sector organisation. The closing date for the 2007-08 Intern Programme is 2nd January 2007. For more information or to download our new prospectus please go to www.care.org.uk or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it