Theos and St. Bride's Church, Fleet Street, tonight joined together to host the Theos Debate on the role of charity and the state, as part of a programme celebrating the 50th anniversary of St. Bride’s dedication following its destruction in the Blitz.

Michael Brophy, former CEO of the Charities Aid Foundation, gave a keynote speech, exploring the balance of responsibilities between the state and charities, arguing that there was a need to shift responsibility and autonomy from the former to the latter.

George Pitcher, curate at St. Bride's then chaired a panel debate, with Michael Brophy; Nick Spencer, Director of Studies at Theos, John Glen, Senior Manager in Accenture's in-house think tank, and Catherine May, Group Director of Corporate Affairs at Centrica.

The debate was wide-ranging, covering areas as different the Payroll Deduction Scheme to the potential impact of climate change.