Where is Truth now?

They undermine the role of Trust in our society and reduce the chances of open, truthful discussion.

Now a project developed in St Albans diocese is fighting back.

It has the backing of members of several faith groups, as well as those not professing a belief.

People from the media, journalism, business, science, technology, the military and the arts came together to look at ‘Where is Truth Now?’ in round-table events organised by St Albans diocese.

An ‘Agenda for Action’ was launched following a forum held at Lambeth Palace. This is now being widely distributed, with expressions of support coming from across the country.

The Agenda identifies the ‘genuine and dangerous threat’ posed by the assault on truth and sees a leading role for faith communities in countering it.

It calls for ‘truth-defenders’ to be recognised and celebrated, and for a ‘clear, short, practical manifesto on truth in public life.’ The Agenda wants to see a programme of debates, workshops and discussions so that disinformation can be highlighted and confronted, and for a faith-based response to post-truth to be published.

It also calls for ‘non-digital realities’ such as natural rhythms of life and the human longing for truth and meaning to be explored.

No one involved is under any illusion of the scale of the challenge. We know the Church and other religious groups have themselves been guilty of wrong-doing when it comes to truth.

Yet, in a world of fake news, the faith communities have much to offer to help bring truth back into public life. And we are willing to play our part.

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