'Christians on the Left' shows party conference faith & politics do mix

Christians on the Left will once again play a prominent role at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, beginning this weekend. Through fringe events and a campaign about tax it will aim to show that faith and politics mix well. Christians on the Left is the organisation for Christians in the Labour Party. Affiliated to the Labour Party, its membership includes MPs, peers, and councillors from across the country.

The conference will begin with the party's annual church service. Held in St James in the City it will focus on the plight of refugees and persecuted Christians worldwide. The church service brings together conference delegates, MPs, and other Labour Party members, together with local church congregations. The Labour leader - newly elected the previous day - will join worshippers at a reception afterwards.

Andy Flannagan, Christians on the Left director, said: "The Labour Party has deep Christian roots and Christian values of equality and social justice have helped power the party over decades. That is still true today, with Christians involved in Labour politics at every level. The conference church service reminds everyone of the link between faith and politics that has been party of Labour since it began.

"Our church service theme this year, drawing attention to the refugee crisis and the persecution of Christians, shows how important it is for Christians to show up when difficult political decisions are being made."

Ahead of a conference likely to see much debate, Christians on the Left is also encouraging Labour members to 'disagree well' and is proposing a conference motion calling for a constituency parties to adopt a pledge of good behaviour.

Christians on the Left is also launching a campaign to promote a positive view of tax. Using the Twitter hashtag #patriotspaytax conference delegates will be asked to say what they like their tax being spent on.

Fringe events throughout conference week will tackle themes such as taxation, homelessness, churches and public services, and business ethics.

Full details of Christians on the Left's Labour conference programme can be found at www.christiansontheleft.org.uk/events