Christians Call on New Prime Minister Andy Burnham to Prioritise the ‘Common Good’
A coalition of nine Christian networks and churches has written to new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging him to prioritise peace, sustainable economics, and tackling the root causes of social unrest. The letter, co-ordinated by the Fellowship of Reconciliation and signed by groups including the Religious Society of Friends, the Methodist Peace Fellowship, and the Iona Community, calls on Burnham to strike a different path from his predecessor by placing peace and diplomacy at the heart of foreign policy—”not an ‘afterthought’ to ‘military might and deterrence.'” The letter also highlights the vital role the UK will play in electing a new United Nations Secretary General and urges the Prime Minister to implement a new economic direction that moves away from an arms-industry-led model of growth and instead prioritises activities that contribute to the common good. Additionally, it calls on Burnham not to “scapegoat” migrants and refugees but to tackle the economic inequality at the root of much social unrest.
John Cooper, Director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, told Premier Christian News why the letter was sent now: “We recognise that the new Prime Minister will have a unique opportunity in a time of increasing warfare and climate change to set a new tone, and we wanted to lay out a challenge to change course and instead point the country towards a world of peace rather than simply preparing for war.” Cooper expressed encouragement that Burnham, a Catholic who has been open about his faith and has had a religious chaplain for many years, is “someone who has not hidden his Catholic faith.” He added, “What I’m hoping for is that, as part of this new leadership, while I’d love him to agree with us, at least he recognises the value that people of faith bring to public conversation about values, direction, and leadership.” The letter reflects a growing desire among Christian leaders for the new government to pursue policies rooted in justice, compassion, and the common good.
