ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the engagement of faith organisations – and religious people – in civic and political life. Drawing on research with Citizens UK in east London, this chapter looks at why and how people are engaging in forms of broad-based community politics. The importance of shared space, social values and relationships are highlighted. This chapter then sets these forms of civic action in the wider context of government efforts to foster civic engagement and localism, highlighting the wider lessons for public policy and our democratic culture. Some of the challenges of this model of politics are also discussed including the limits of organising the organised and organising those in shrinking civil society organisations, as well as the question of funding and the thorny issue of securing the power needed to make significant change.
