THE GOVERNMENT should recognise the contribution of churches and Christian charities to wider societies, according to a declaration adopted at last week's Faithworks conference.

Held at the Oasis Enfield Academy, the 600-strong conference was entitled 360¡ - Building Whole Communities. It explored the theology and practice of community engagement, and looked at examples of Christian projects and churches working with schools, local authorities and civic organisations to try to transform their communities.

The Conference looked ahead to the forthcoming general election and issued the Faithworks 2010 Declaration.

The Declaration calls on the incoming prime minister to recognise what churches and charities can do for welfare service provision in the UK; acknowledge the indispensable role that faith in Christ plays in the motivation and effectiveness of programs developed by churches and Christian charities; and improve legislation to assess service provision, without discriminating against the faith that motivates churches and faith-based organisations.

'Regardless of who resides at number 10, communities in Britain face huge new challenges as well as new opportunities over the next five years,' said Faithworks founder the Revd Steve Chalke.

'Christians can demonstrate their faith works by rolling up their sleeves and helping our communities make the best of the opportunities, or choose to turn their backs and weather the storm behind church doors.'

But he added that there needed to be greater understanding in government about the role faith plays in motivating Christian action. 'Our faith is our engine - its content and character directly affects both the quality and character of the care we give,' he said.

Supporters were urged to sign the Declaration, invite their local MP to a church or faith-based community project, and arrange a public hustings meeting with prospective MPs in the run-up to the election.

Among the speakers at the Conference were author and theologian Brian McLaren, broadcaster and speaker Jeff Lucas, Nims Obunge and three MPs - David Burrowes, David Lammy and Joan Ryan.