Renewed responsibility

“Building a new culture of social responsibility” is the title of the meeting held a few days ago in London on the initiative of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. Pope Benedict XVI had called upon Catholics to step up their involvement in society during his state Visit to Britain last year. The Catholic Primate Msgr. Vincent Nichols, Baroness Warsi, Minister in David Cameron’s government, Paul Johnson, the chairman of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Helen O’Brien, director of Caritas Social Action Network and the archbishop of Southwark, Msgr. Peter Smith delivered panel speeches.The idea of a conference in London. As explained by Msgr. Nichols, Primate of England and Wales, the meeting is a response to Prime Minister Cameron who upon the conclusion of the Papal Visitation spoke about the determination of his government to create a culture of greater social responsibility, of which “the faithful are the primary architects”. Already past November, Msgr. Nichols recalled, the Bishops’ Conference undertook a program to involve the Catholic community in the “Big Society” project underlying the political initiatives of the British premier. Indeed, it consists in the re-distribution of central government powers to local authorities with the purpose of stepping up public service efficiency. A snapshot of the contribution of Catholic social action, implemented through Caritas in England and Wales, is the first step in this direction.February’s meetings. On February 1st the Bishops organized a meeting in Liverpool, attended by over 180 Catholics involved in social work, to explore future prospects. On February 9 a seminar held in the residence of the Archbishop Nichols focused on the key concepts of Cameron’s “Big society” initiative so as to identify their compliance within the framework of Catholic social doctrine.The address of Msgr. Nichols “We are all very aware that our meeting today is taking place when severe cuts in public expenditure are coming into effect”, said the Archbishop of Westminster, “An integral part of the Christian witness is to stand in solidarity with those in need”. Quoting from the recent address delivered by the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, Msgr. Nichols stressed that it’s important not to give in to a cynical view that the phrase the “Big society” is simply a smokescreen for cuts. It is necessary to take this phrase beyond party politics to become a common endeavor owned by society as a whole, Msgr. Nichols said, referring to the Bishops’ words in November. “One clear challenge”, according to the Catholic Primate, “is to make this particular Catholic contribution better understood, not because we are looking for recognition but because there is something of value at hand”.The address of minister Warsi. The words of the Catholic Primate were echoed by those of Baroness Sayeeda Hussain Warsi, Cabinet Member and Chairman of the Conservative Party . The Minister explained that “Big society” consists in the idea of optimizing public social through the engagement most concretely expressed by religious orders, charities, chaplaincies run by citizens. “It is unfortunate that we have to deliver this big idea of Big Society in the current fiscal climate”, the minister said recalling the need for the cuts, “but this big idea pre-dates the financial crisis and we are determined to deliver this vision”.The Catholic Church’s huge contribution to the world. Minister Warsi pointed out that the Big Society takes its philosophy from all across the world. The Minister thus explored “the huge contribution your Church and community is making to the lives of ordinary people globally”. Warsi mentioned the figures and data underlining the huge contribution of the Catholic Church in tackling drug and alcohol abuse, violent crime, broken families, poor standards in health and education. The British Government will be investing £470 million in the voluntary sector and a further £100 million in a transition fund, training for this purpose 5000 community organisers across the country. And this summer, the National Citizen Service will bring together 10,000 16 year olds from different backgrounds to encourage social action. A set of regulations will provide volunteers and communities with the possibilities of running local services such as libraries, shops and community centers. Joanna Killian, chairperson of the Essex County Council and Bridget Doogan, director of St. John of God Hospitaller Services, an international religious order to support to the poor, who explained that government cuts are being heavily felt, also attended the conference. The director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies Paul Johnson said that the gap between the rich and the poor brackets has never been as wide.