FAQ 3: Think-tanks are supposed to have a ‘big idea’. What’s Ekklesia’s?

We think it is absolutely vital to understand the impact of the emerging ‘post-Christendom’ situation in Britain and elsewhere.

This used to be a country run on what claimed to be predominantly Christian lines, along with large chunks of Europe for up to 1700 years. That is no longer the case. The growth of pluralism, democracy, secularity and other faith communities has tipped the balance away from the 'natural' alliance of church and governing authority.

There are those who see this as a massive threat, and who are reacting angrily. The attempt by some Christians, but also Muslims and others, to ‘push back’ against what they term ‘the secular tide’ is making non-religious people anxious too. They then want to 'take religion out of public life'.

The danger is that everybody starts to develop a ‘victim mentality’ and to characterise the situation as one in which ‘their side’ needs to win out over everyone else. We think this is dangerous and superficial.

Post-Christendom can be a positive opportunity to build a new set of relationships. We see our role as helping to reinterpret it in a positive light, both for those who have faith and for those who do not.

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