William Temple Foundation

Ahead of the forthcoming consultation Faith, Belief and Nation-building, we’re asking some of the participants a few quick-fire questions to give you a flavour of their interests and thoughts…

Today we talk to Michael Wakelin, Executive Associate in Public Education for the Faculty of Divinity, Cambridge and formerly Head of Religion and Ethics at the BBC.

What have you been working on recently?

Having been Head of Religion and Ethics at the BBC, I am now a freelance consultant in a number of complimentary roles. As Executive Associate in Public Education for the Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge and Director Coexist Programmes for Coexist House I run various programmes and partnerships including a Leadership programmer for Senior Faith Leaders based at St Georges and have recently developed an online Religious Literacy for Organisations training programme. I am also Executive Producer at TBI Media and responsible for Something Understood on Radio Four and Pause for Thought on Radio Two amongst other programming.

Why did you accept the invitation to Malvern 2017: Faith, Belief and Nation-building?

It sounded significant and interesting and I love St Georges.

What are you looking forward to about the conference?

Networking and engaging in important, impactful conversation.

As you know, the consultation takes its name from the conference of 1941, instigated and convened by Archbishop William Temple…

What do you think has been the most positive change in British society since 1941?

The Welfare State.

What do you think has been the most negative change in British society since 1941?

Where to start? Brexit probably sums it up.

Why is it important that the role of faith and belief be a part of the conversation about nation-building?

Because it’s high time religion and belief became part of the solution and asset rather than liability.

Thanks Michael!

You can find out more about Michael here, and more information about Malvern 2017: Faith, Belief and Nation-building by following this link.

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