Multiculturalism theory is missing the point, argues a new report by religion think tank Theos and the Contextual Theology Centre.

Following a study of community organising and government initiative Near Neighbours, Making Multiculturalism Work: enabling practical action across deep difference advocates a new approach to living together, grounded not in theory but in practice. It concludes that if we want cohesive communities we need to be encouraging common action by people of very different backgrounds.

This kind of working together has been hampered by an emphasis on people being “progressive enough” to be allowed a place of the table. It is also restricted when people’s deep motivations – religious or secular – are seen as invalid and they feel discouraged from expressing them in public.

The report finds in both community organising and Near Neighbours helpful examples of how ‘political friendships’ are formed and sustained within communities that are marked by deep diversity, particularly in the East End of London. Drawing on a range of interviews with participants, it argues that ordinary relationships across religious and cultural difference, in which there is no artificial divide between public and private, are the key to pursuing a meaningful ‘multicultural settlement’.

David Barclay author of the report said “time and time again I spoke to people who were deeply engaged in their diverse communities and yet felt totally disengaged from elite discourse about multiculturalism. Politicians and policy-makers need to take note that this grass roots action is where the answer to our cohesion problems will come from.”

Elizabeth Oldfield, director of Theos said “this is a vital and timely report which skewers many of the preconceptions about what the role of faith is, can and should be in building strong communities. The time when only those who agree with us, or only those who pretend to agree with us, can take part in making society better is passed. We need everyone in honest, active ‘political friendships’ with those different from themselves working together for the common good.”

Notes for editors
1. Theos is a religion and society think tank based in Westminster. The Contextual Theology Centre is based in East London and equips churches to engage with their communities.
2. A full PDF version of the report can be downloaded here.
3. Interviews took place between December 2012 and March 2013
4. For further information or to arrange interviews contact the Theos press office:
Theos
77 Great Peter Street, London SW1P 2EZ
E. press@theosthinktank.co.uk
T. 0207 828 7777
M. 07796325170 (out of hours)