Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions the Church of England is having with other religious groups on helping to promote community cohesion in a) Staffordshire and b) the United Kingdom.

The Presence & Engagement programme of the Church of England shapes how the church takes seriously all its relationships with other religious communities. It recognises that the most important level that this occurs at is locally through churches and chaplaincies. The parish church is fundamental to the ability of the Church of England to offer a unique and positive contribution to community cohesion

This programme encourages churches to become a visible and welcoming hub in the community, engaging with others to influence local changes for the common good. Each diocese is encouraged to have an Inter Faith Adviser who works closely with parishes and chaplains seeking ways to fulfil this role in an ever changing religious landscape

In addition, churches are encouraged to participate in the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion (CCC) National Conversation and to be host venues, especially in multi-religious areas, bringing people together from their local area to listen to a wide range of thoughts on the kind of country people want to help make

The Church of England has a lead bishop for inter faith relations, the Bishop of Willesden, the Rt Revd. Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy, he along with two national officers are ensuring that discussions are taking place at national and local level with the other religious and faith communities.