Following the urban riots of 2001, and more recent terrorist attacks, community cohesion has replaced multiculturalism as the key social policy objective of both national and local government. Since these events were seen as having a religious dimension, they raise the question: is religion contributing to social cohesiveness or actually undermining it? In his 2009 book, “God and Community Cohesion: Help or Hindrance?”, Alan Billings suggested that the positive influence of religion will be in proportion to the ability of the faiths to see pluralism as a gift from God, and to accept that we live in a diverse society where a plurality of beliefs and values will exist until the world ends. In this seminar Canon Dr Billings will elucidate this position, with reference to the UK’s current political, social and economic climate.
Canon Dr Bilings’ book, “God and Community Cohesion: Help or Hindrance?” will be available for sale after the event for a discounted promotional price of £10. Cash purchases only.
For full unedited transcript please click here.
