Faith and Community: a good practice guide for local authorities

The Local Government Association has this week publishedguidelines aimed at "overcoming misperceptions, publicising goodpractice and promoting better community relations" between faithcommunities and local authorities.

The guide acknowledges that in the past there have been"difficulties and misunderstandings", but says that it is in theinterest of local authorities to work with faith communities.

Rachel Lampard, Methodist Secretary for Parliamentary andPolitical Affairs, commented on the guidelines:

"Churches and other faith groups across the country arecommitted to working with their local communities in a variety ofways, from participating in regeneration schemes to providingdrop-in centres. Whilst many have received support from their localauthorities in this work, others report that the relationship hasbeen less co-operative.

"Although these guidelines do not guarantee a problem-freefuture, they do at least lay down good practice for localauthorities in areas such as regeneration, education and funding towhich authorities and faith communities will be able to refer."

Note: 'Faith and Community' is available from LGAPublications, Local Government Association, Local Government House,Smith Square, London SW1P 3HZ Tel: 020 7664 3000