The Church Influences Important Debates in Today's Society

We all know now that we are living through unprecedented times. The media can be a force for distortion and the country appears split on what it thinks about the key issues of the day.

In this context there was recently a census across the UK to gather practical and cultural information from residents. The Guardian Newspaper speculated that this census is likely to reveal another drop in people indicating that they belong to an organized religion.

The Importance of the Church

Religious institutions in the UK remain important for a variety of reasons. They provide a source of social life for those vulnerable to isolation, they are often embedded in the heart of communities, and most importantly at a time of less government intervention, they are notable for their campaigning actions.

Indeed, the Archbishop of Canterbury, head of the Church of England, leads discussions within the House of Lords on social matters, such as the current housing situation in the UK. Yet, it is not just the main figurehead who has influence. There are other figures within the Church of England who have become influential in the field of policy making and shaping.

Fighting for Rights for the Marginalized

Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester, has worked ceaselessly to amend the Domestic Abuse Bill which has been going through the House of Lords. After the success of a recent amendment which divided the House, she said;

 “I’m grateful for the support for this Amendment, which aims to provide migrant victims of abuse with temporary leave to remain, and access to public funds, for a period of no less than six months. So that they can access support services while they flee abuse and apply to resolve their immigration status.”

This is an example of how the Church can remain relevant in today’s society. It can be a voice for the voiceless and champion the rights of those who may be ‘invisible’ to wider society.

The Church’s Continued Relevance

By being embedded in the communities they minister to, local churches are a powerful way of listening to the everyday lives and issues of ordinary people. Such local churches can then feed into the larger discussions through ordained ministers such as Bishops.

Overall, the role of the Church in public life may be changing but these important discussions prove that it still does have a place in modern society.

Cover photo by Gary Butterfield on Unsplash