Faith and charity have long gone hand-in-hand. From international development to homelessness, faith-based charities can be found throughout the charity sector. Despite the diversity of issues these charities tackle, many see faith as a common thread that links them, bringing particular strengths: connections to the local community, relationships with hard-to-reach groups, and the presence of a large and motivated volunteer base. The environment for all charities is challenging, with reduced funding, increasing need and shifting public opinions - but faith and religion can bring another layer of complexity because of the changing role of faith in our society and the changing makeup of religious populations in Britain. While research into this and the influence of faith on giving, volunteering and communities exists, remarkably little is known about the effect of faith on how charitable organisations operate and what they can achieve.

The Bishop of Leeds has said some secularists ‘have a problem’ with religion being mentioned. A current brand of ‘intolerant’ liberalism in the UK is dismissive of the Christian faith. He made his comments after Theresa May said it is important that people can talk freely about their faith, following claims that some Christians dare not speak about Christmas. Bishop Baines said, ‘Clearly there are some Christians who are concerned about whether they are free to talk about their faith in a respectful and appropriate way in the workplace. Equally, there are plenty who are not Christians who think that Christians shouldn't, or think there is an issue around it. I call it religious illiteracy.’ The bishop said that some secularists are intolerant of Christianity, adding, ‘This can end up in some people trying to strip the religion out of Christmas.’

A National Day of Prayer took place on Wednesday, with congregations and presbyteries coming together to engage in praying together for the Church in Scotland and beyond. ‘Mission is an absolute paradox - we are tasked, by God, to do the impossible,’ said Free Church mission director David Meredith. ‘Our immediate context of ministry is an increasingly secular Scotland which sees no need of God. The majority of people rest in an indifference towards Christianity which morphs into antagonism if the gospel is presented firmly and with conviction. The power of God, which is accessed through Spirit-led intercessory prayer, can effect radical change in our communities. We began the day with an honest assessment that we have sinned, and that the “success” of many of our churches will be nothing but smoke and mirrors without the work of the Holy Spirit.’

A Ugandan pastor, severely injured by Islamic opponents of his faith, made an appeal for British Christians to help their persecuted brothers across the world. Umar Mulinde was badly burned by an acid attack outside his church. During a brief tour of the UK he spoke out - a challenge which coincided with reports of an assassination attempt on Baroness Caroline Cox in Nigeria by Fulani Islamic militants. Baroness Cox, a committed Christian, is a religious freedom campaigner and cross-bench member of the House of Lords. Umar’s plea also comes amid ongoing violence against Christians in Uganda. He warned, ‘Even in the UK, former Muslims who have converted to Christianity are not safe.’ He mentioned Nissar Hussain whose family had to be moved under police protection following years of harassment. ‘No country can say they are safe. It’s a matter of time. This is not prophecy; it’s reality. The UK is sitting on a time-bomb.’