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This page provides a recent reflection on an aspect of faith and culture. Responding to current events, issues in the news and in politics we aim to provide some considered thoughts on how our faith impinges on the world around us and the reverse.
(Published with the permission of Theos)
In the morning after the new Speaker of the House of Commons was elected, MPs, Peers, Bishops and academics participated in a Theos breakfast seminar on the legitimacy of religious public reasoning.
The event on 23 June 2009, chaired by John Battle MP, took place to coincide with the official launch of a Theos report by Jonathan Chaplin. The report, entitled Talking God, explores the legitimacy of religious public reasoning. It argues that public reasoning can often be religious. That will not mean that 'confessional candour' has a place in every political discussion, but it does mean that religious people should be at liberty to articulate their core convictions and that the public square should always be open to 'God talk'.
Speaking to the invited audience, Dr Chaplin said "The majority of commentators appear to think it is inappropriate for religious believers to appeal to their own faith commitments in public debate. The reality is that secular commentators have their own faith commitments. It is just as reasonable for public reasoning to be religious as 'secular'. The challenge for all parties is to ensure that their arguments enrich political debate."
Commenting on the event, John Battle MP said "It is a great pleasure to be working with Theos on this important agenda. We hope that this morning's breakfast will represent just the start of ongoing conversations around these issues."
Commending the report, Archbishop Peter Smith said "The contribution of faith communities to public policy debates is proving increasingly controversial in a society which is both pervasively secular and religiously plural. This report provides a clear and compelling account of how that contribution can be both theologically authentic and politically constructive."