Government urged to collaborate with faith-groups in ‘decency’ manifesto

The Desiring Decency manifesto outlines the important role of faith-groups in society and calls for them to be recognised and properly funded.

Faith Action’s National Executive Director, Daniel Singleton tells Premier why the organisation wants to re-affirm the “understated” value of decency.

“It essentially gives people a good standard of living and a good interaction with one another. We can all have a sense of decency, rich or poor, young or old.”

The manifesto says the link between those in need and the faith-based services available to them need to be strengthened as they are often not known to the wider community.

Singleton explained: “One of the biggest problems we have in the UK is that 40 to 60 per cent of GP appointments are often non-medical things. Churches and faith groups are great destinations for people where those who are isolated could go to their parent and toddler group, could go to a lunch club or different things like that.”

Faith Action are asking for the skills, experience and benefits of faith-based organisations to be appropriately recognised and resourced.

Local authorities have also been challenged to sign a covenant to work in collaboration with faith groups to better serve communities, foster unity and combat loneliness.

The faith covenant has already been adopted by thirteen local authorities.

The manifesto’s final proposal focuses on…