Churches told not to expect money for involvement in the 'big society'

Churches and other religious organisations should not expect additional funding for taking part in the government's 'big society' programme, the communities secretary has warned.

Eric Pickles said that while he wanted faith groups to get involved in the project they should do so "without relying on state subsidies".

He made the comments at a reception marking Interfaith week 2010.

According to Catholic magazine The Tablet, Pickles said the government would continue to finance voluntary organisations – through bridging loans and other schemes – but he wanted churches and faith-based groups to cover their own costs in the long term.

"The thing that unites all faiths is a determination to look after the vulnerable and to make society safer," he said.

"We are keen that voluntary groups are supported but we are also keen that they are not creatures of the state. We think that faith groups have the possibility to be able to do these things without relying on state subsidy."

Christian leaders have welcomed David Cameron's concept of a big society, seeing it as a way to re-establish their place in society.

Earlier this week the archbishop of Westminster recalled that the prime minister's address to Benedict XVI at Birmingham airport last September contained a "clear expression" that people of religious faith were to be the "main architects" of a "culture of social responsibility".

The Most Rev Vincent Nichols told an ecumenical conference: "There are openings with regards to the present government, which seems to recognise that the marginalisation of faith goes against the best traditions of these nations. This may indeed be a crucial moment in which the churches can contribute to the architecture of a culture of social responsibility."

Pickles's warning may dampen the enthusiasm – and restrict the extent – of churches' participation. 

The Roman Catholic church of England and Wales still owes millions to the government from the papal visit, while the Church of England has lost more than £1bn from the value of its investment portfolio and has a pension deficit of more than £352m.

SIC: TG/UK

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