Crime-reduction minister Hazel Blear's comments last week about reaching out to young people "through something inside" (YPN, 28 January-3 February, p2) has thrown a spotlight on the role of faith-based groups in youth work. With the setting up of a Home Office steering group last year and a working group that will consult with the faith community, faith-based youth work could be in line for a higher profile.
Opinions are divided about how big a role faith should play in youth work. The Church of England has been working on a youth strategy since 2002, which is currently being implemented. Provisional figures for 2002 show a slight increase in church attendance of young people that has been put down to a greater emphasis on providing targeted activities for them (YPN, 28 January-3 February, p5). One element of the strategy is, however, entitled "Young People and Mission", with the emphasis on evangelism.
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