Joel Edwards challenges 'broken society' to recover moral compass

Evangelical Alliance response to David Cameron's social responsibility speech

08 July 2008

The Rev Joel Edwards, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance, has called on British society to return to the principles of our Judeo-Christian heritage for moral guidance and to address modern social problems.

His remarks came in response to a speech on 7 July by Conservative Party Leader David Cameron at the launch of the Conservative campaign in the Glasgow East by-election.

Mr Cameron criticised the UK’s culture of ‘moral neutrality’ and called instead for a culture of responsibility, in which individuals make good choices and where there is a distinction between right and wrong, that would fix Britain’s ‘broken society.’

“David Cameron has raised some important issues,” Mr Edwards said. “All the social indicators tell us that moral values are currently up for grabs in our society.

“With the nation in denial about our Christian foundation and heritage, we need to decide which moral compass we will use to make a distinction between right and wrong in our lives.

“The church has been working for generations at the grassroots level to support and guide people in making choices. We invite others, including our nation’s politicians, to join us in considering the role of faith communities in society whilst rediscovering the biblical values essential to community cohesion which are inherent in the Judeo-Christian message.”

Mr Edwards added that the choices people make should be made in light of compassion for others and promoting the common good.

“We all need to work for tolerant and cohesive communities where we positively enhance the life chances and choices of the disadvantaged.”