Charities Parliament
Apprenticeship requires both discourse and action. The Charities Parliament is a new initiative run by Faithworks, with the aim of inspiring debate and dialogue - as well as a deeper partnership - between churches, Christian agencies, other voluntary sector groups and Government.
the Lincoln Tower, was donated by Abraham Lincoln's family and friends to thank the church based here - still thriving today - for its inspiration and support in the battle for the emancipation of the slaves in America.
We're based at the Oasis Centre in London; asite with a long and rich history for birthing and supporting various social justice initiativesincluding the formation of the Ragged School Movement and The Bible Society. Indeed, its landmark spire, known as the Lincoln Tower, was donated by Abraham Lincoln's family and friends to thank the church based here - still thriving today - for its inspiration and support in the battle for the emancipation of the slaves in America. It is on this legacy that we are working to build the Charities Parliament.
It is on this legacy that we are working to build the Charities Parliament. The Parliament creates a setting in which Christian groups specifically (and voluntary organisations more generally) can collaborate, build their influence, evaluate legislation, lobby and campaign together.
Our first event took place in February with Jim Knight MP, the Schools Minister. The evening was entitled 'An Educational Oxymoron: Can Every Child Matter in the Culture of League Tables?'
It explored the difficult juxtaposition of the priority given to exam results based culture by government, and the pressure this creates for schools often grappling with much wider social and educational issues in order to ensure that every child really can thrive.
Our next event is 'Finding Hope: Restoring Trust in Politics and national Life', and will be chaired by Steve Chalke with guest panelists including:
- Andy Reed MP - Labour
- Alistair Burt MP - Conservative
- Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali - Bishop of Rochester & member of the House of Lords
- Ruth Gledhill - Religion Correspondent for The Times
- Dr. David Landrum - Senior Parliamentary Officer for the Bible Society
'Finding Hope' is an opportunity to put your views about the current crisis of confidence in our parliamentary system to Christians involved in Westminster, in an honest and thought provoking setting. If you would like to attend, simply email us.
22 June 2009, 7 - 9pm
Doors open 6:15pm
At Oasis Centre, 75 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7HS