Big Society

Last Updated on Thursday, 09 December 2010 13:13

Bishop Steven gave a cautious welcome to the debate surrounding The Big Society and urged thousands of church members across South Yorkshire to be a “prophetic voice.”

In a Diocesan Synod Presidential Address in Doncaster this morning Dr Croft told clergy and laity: “I offer a cautious welcome to the ideas captured by the phrase “The Big Society”: an agenda of social action, community empowerment and public service reform.  We should welcome the opportunity for debate on these issues and contribute to that debate as the General Synod agreed this week.

He added: “We should take note especially of two things.  The first is that the need in our society is growing as public spending is cut.  The second is that the government is inviting the churches and faith communities to be partners in the delivery of services alongside other agencies and groups.”

The Bishop told Synod members that “[ministering] in changing times we must not neglect the key responsibility of the Church of England to be prophetic voice in our society: to speak out against injustice and for the poor.  This too is a major part of what it means to be a Christ-like Church.”

Dr Croft used many examples highlighting many examples of the ways in which Christians and the churches challenge unjust structures both locally and nationally.

“The work we are able to do as a Diocese in service and regeneration and challenge stands alongside the ordinary rhythms of service offered by every parish church to its neighbourhood.

“Both of these stand alongside the acts of service and kindness offered by over twenty thousand church members through their work and voluntary service who are sustained in their discipleship by the life of our parish churches and by our ordained and licensed lay ministers.”

In laying down a challenge for 2011 Bishop Croft said: “Our churches are already playing their part in building the big society and stand ready to do more.  But our churches are called also to seek the transformation of our society.  That will mean taking seriously the need to be prophetic and engage with the political process alongside our call to serve.”