Forced and coerced marriage is a pervasive issue that requires urgent attention and action from the government to protect vulnerable individuals.
Politicians need to demonstrate bravery and challenge established orthodoxy to bring about necessary changes in economic policies and promote growth.
Improving faith literacy within government institutions is crucial for better engagement with faith communities as valuable contributors to society.
Deep dives
Forced and coerced marriage
The government needs to urgently address the issue of forced and coerced marriage, which affects thousands of primarily women in various communities, including the British Muslim, Gypsy Roma, traveler, and Jewish communities. This issue is often shunned and goes unaddressed due to its complexity and the fear of challenging cultural and religious practices. Forced and coercive marriage leads to sexual assault, rape, and other forms of abuse, and action is needed to protect individuals from these harmful practices.
The need for political leadership and courage
To bring about necessary changes, politicians need to demonstrate bravery, leadership, and willingness to challenge the status quo. This includes addressing economic orthodoxy, such as cutting government spending, reducing taxes, and promoting a low-tax economy to drive growth. However, reluctance to step outside the established orthodoxy often prevents politicians from making bold decisions and taking necessary actions.
Faith in the UK
The report highlights that faith in the UK is in good health overall, contrary to popular belief. Gen Zs and millennials, in particular, continue to seek spiritual fulfillment, albeit in non-traditional ways. The report also emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between true believers, non-believers, and make-believers within faith communities, as make-believers can misuse faith for personal gain or to promote their own agendas. This discernment must inform engagement with faith communities and leaders.
Lack of Leadership and Political Bravery
The podcast discusses the importance of political leadership and bravery in making tough decisions. It highlights the lack of leaders who are willing to take unpopular actions for the benefit of the country, particularly on economic issues. The speaker emphasizes the need for politicians to be clear in their decision-making, explain their actions to the public, and take responsibility for their choices.
Government's Understanding of Faith
The podcast explores the complex relationship between faith and government in the UK. It describes the inadequate understanding and literacy of faith within various government institutions such as the police, healthcare, prisons, and education. The speaker argues for the importance of improving faith literacy in order to bridge the gap between government and people of faith, and better engage with faith communities and places of worship as valuable contributors to society.
Colin Bloom was a Government Advisor to Prime Minister Liz Truss. He was previously International Secretary for the Conservative Party and was appointed Government Faith Advisor by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He is the author of the recently released ‘Bloom Review, Does Government do God?’ a deep dive into the state of faith and religious engagement in the UK.
Read the review here: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/independent-faith-engagement-review-call-for-evidence
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