John Denham’s faith gang

This press release (John Denham: Appointment of new faith advisers) from the Department of Communities and Local Government outlines John Denham’s silly Faith group.  The Heresiarch has profiled this gang of 13 (Heresy Corner: The God Squad) very comprehensively.  Number one on this list also received congratulations from Platitude of the Day (Congratulations to Rev Canon Dr Alan Billings).  I was interested to know what this miscellaneous group of believers in mumbo-jumbo are actually being assembled to achieve.  And why do believers in mysticism get a hotline to Government that’s not open to humanists (or indeed to other sects)?

The press release begins reasonably

To encourage a deeper and broader relationship between Government and faith communities, Communities Secretary John Denham today announced the appointment of 13 new faith advisers who will act as a ’sounding board’ to advise on effective engagement with faith communities, and the impact of Communities and Local Government policy on faith communities.

So, on the face of it, this is entirely reasonable.  Insofar as it goes.  Because of course if advice of faith groups is really needed, there do seem to be a lot of gaps.  And why do those with no faith not deserve greater understanding by Government?  It also seems to be a rather unnecessary group, since as the press release goes on to say:

Government already engages with faith communities through the Faith Communities Consultative Council (FCCC) and their important role will continue. However over recent months John Denham has said that he wants to see as many channels of communication open as possible and this includes hearing from a wide range of expert voices.

Quite why John Denham wants to see this additional channel is unclear.  Perhaps the FCCC is under the control of a different Department*.  Things get a little murkier later in the press release, with this quotation from John Denham:

“This new panel brings together an unprecedented wealth of knowledge and experience that will help advise on the big issues facing society such as the economy, parenting, achieving social justice and tackling climate change.

“For millions of people the values instilled by their faith are central to shaping their behaviour. We should continually seek ways of supporting and enhancing the contribution faith makes to the decision-making process on the central issues of our time.

“Each adviser is has an outstanding track record of achievement. Together they will help inform Government on the views and values of faith communities, enabling us to learn from the unique insights that faith groups bring to contemporary issues.”

So these advisers are getting their faith-based opinions (presumably informed by their interpretations of their sects’ dusty and holy tomes)  listened to in the “decision-making process” in relation to the “central issues of our time”.  Where does that leave those of us with no belief?  Or indeed members of other (sometimes very large) sects?

*It would seem not.  From the footnote to editors: “The FCCC is a non statutory body, facilitated by CLG. It aims to provide a national strategic forum, chiefly concerned with issues related to cohesion, integration, the development of sustainable communities, neighbourhood renewal, and social inclusion.”

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