"The Church is good news for young and old, both far and near." Not my words but the words of the man I believe will be our next Prime Minister. In an address to MPs and senior Christian leaders at Labour’s 2023 Advent Reception I was pleased to attend, Keir Starmer spoke powerfully about the unique role of the church in public life.
As a Christian MP, I often come across the idea that Labour “doesn't do God” and that there is somehow a tension between religion and progressive politics. The truth of course is that our party wouldn't exist if it wasn't for the Christians who, with other founders, put their faith and belief into action to form the Labour movement. From the beginning Christians have played a profound role in the life of our party. Christian activists, parliamentarians, ministers, and prime ministers have all played their part.
Under the leadership of Keir Starmer, the Labour Party is now embracing faith in new ways. I have seen my colleagues increasingly recognise the importance of the Church in our communities. I serve as one of Labour’s 16 Faith Champion MPs and Peers. These Labour parliamentarians are collaborating with every major faith community, because we know that it takes faith to change a country.
Faith has always been important to me personally. I have worshipped at Our Lady of the Rosary in Brixton for as long as I can remember. My two sisters were baptised there. My faith has grown there. My family and friends worship there. I met my husband there and we were married by our parish priest who conducted my first holy communion and confirmation. My two children were baptised there and my late mother’s funeral was held at the church. It is my safe place where I can connect with God. Simply put, the Church has been an anchor of my life.
In this country we are blessed with the freedom to worship God openly. But many of our brothers and sisters across the world do not have that luxury. My family come from Nigeria. I still remember with horror the attack on St Theresa Catholic Church in Abuja 13 years ago. On Christmas morning of all days, a bomb killed 37 people and injured many more. Today, in many parts of Nigeria, it is difficult to be a Christian. I am grateful that our shadow Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has committed a future Labour government to promoting freedom of religion or belief around the world.
While faith has an important role to play in our foreign policies, it is also vital that we continue to value the role of faith here in the UK. Whether responding to the destructive effects of austerity, supporting people through the pandemic, welcoming refugees from Syria, Hong Kong or Ukraine, or helping the most vulnerable through the cost-of-living crisis, faith makes a difference time and again. The challenge for our next government is not simply to value the Church as another emergency service, but as a partner in national renewal.
As a Christian politician I hold a unique position. It is a privilege to serve and care for constituents of all faiths or none. As a Catholic in public life, I enjoy playing my part to help people from different communities and backgrounds to work towards the common good. And as a Labour candidate for Parliament, I believe that we can harness the power of our faith groups to change our country and communities.
Currently I serve as the Shadow Minister for Democracy. In a democracy, voting is a hard-won civic right. For Christians, there is something even deeper about this act. It is a deliberate and prayerful action, which directly impacts the future of our nation.
I would simply encourage everyone reading this article to exercise this right and participate in the election on 4 July. Beyond that, I hope that faith will motivate us to move beyond the ballot box. In faith, I hope we will find new ways to serve our neighbours, stand for justice and support civil society.
In January 2024, Keir Starmer addressed executives from charities and faith-based-organisations, saying, “Our door is open. We will welcome anyone who wants to make our national life better to take their place at the table, to shape the future.” Over this weekend many faith groups and charities will welcome visiting Labour candidates and shadow ministers. I know that my colleagues will get a great reception.
Given the opportunity to form a government in the days to come, I believe and pray that the Labour Party under Keir will open the door to many churches and faith groups who want to change our communities and shape the future of our country.
Florence Eshalomi is the Labour and Co-operative candidate for Vauxhall, where she has been the Member of Parliament since 2019.
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