Government announces another ‘faith promotion’ initiative for 2012

The government has announced its support for ‘A Year of Service’ to recognise ‘the role of faith in inspiring charitable work’ which will support religious-led volunteering days throughout 2012. The British Humanist Association (BHA) has said that while initiatives which bring together local communities and encourage volunteering can be really positive, focusing on religious groups is likely to be divisive and has called for the government to support truly inclusive community initiatives.Launching the scheme, the Communities Secretary Eric Pickles MP said, ‘Faith is a great motivator, and