We believe that the purpose of government is to create the conditions for everyone in the nation to grow and flourish. Government cannot make people wiser, more sharing, more neighbourly or more mature but it can create the conditions for that to happen.
Below, we’ve laid out what we think it means to grow and flourish. These values come from a Christian background but are represented in in most major religions and humanism – see below – and it is this spirit that these values are presented – necessarily in our multi-cultural society.
If, on the other hand, you believe that power should belong to the dominant, that might makes right, that social hierarchy is natural and fixed, that truth is defined by elites, or that disagreement should be met with silencing, shaming or exclusion rather than reason, respect and discussion, then you probably won’t agree with some of the ideas on this website.
The short value statements are in the headlines below. Click on the arrow at the side if you wish to read more.
Creating the conditions for everyone to grow and flourish means that everyone, regardless of race, creed or colour:
In Christian thinking, everyone has inherent dignity as made in the image of God. Therefore, a dignified life should be available to all people, without favouritism based on race, creed, colour, wealth or status.
Is able to have the basics for life (quality housing, good food, effective healthcare, good education, security).
Every person bears God-given dignity, so a just society should ensure that all people can access the basic conditions of a dignified life: decent shelter, sufficient food, healthcare, education, safety and protection. In Christian terms, these are not merely charitable extras, but expressions of justice, neighbour-love, the common good, and special concern for the vulnerable.
Is equipped to participate in the life of their family, their community and the nation.
In Christian thinking, every person is created for relationship, responsibility and service. Our society should therefore help people to develop the character, skills, confidence and opportunities needed to take part in family life, contribute to their local community, and share responsibly in the life of the nation. This is an expression of human dignity, neighbour-love, vocation, participation, subsidiarity and the common good. This idea is very much not confined to Christian thinking: it is shared by many traditions which see human flourishing as rooted in belonging, responsibility, service and contribution.
Is capable of pursuing their best work, most satisfying artistic and recreational activities and lifelong learning.
Every person is created with God-given gifts and creative capacity. Our society should therefore help people to discover and develop their talents, pursue good and meaningful work, enjoy beauty, art, recreation and rest, and continue learning throughout life. This is an expression of vocation, stewardship, wisdom, the rhythm of work and rest, human flourishing and the common good.
Can pursue their spiritual, moral and human development.
Every person is made for more than survival. Our society should protect the freedom to, and provide the conditions for, people to grow spiritually, morally, intellectually, socially and personally. This means enabling people to develop conscience, character, wisdom, faith, responsibility and maturity, so that they can become more fully the people God created them to be. From a humanist point of view, these are also essential values.
Can do extraordinary things with the right guidance, learning and inspiration, accepting that everyone is born with different talents.
Every person is not created with identical gifts, but they will have surprising talents to be nurtured. Our society should therefore help each person discover, develop and use their particular talents through guidance, learning, encouragement and inspiration. People should not be judged by equal outcomes, but supported to become faithful stewards of the gifts they have received, using them in service of their family, community, nation and the common good.
Is deserving of dignity, respect and fairness.
Every person bears the image of God and is therefore deserving of dignity, respect and fair treatment. A Christian society should reject favouritism, exploitation, humiliation and unjust discrimination, and should protect the vulnerable as well as the strong. Fairness means recognising each person’s God-given worth, applying justice impartially, and treating others as neighbours rather than as objects, burdens or rivals.
Individuals, families and communities are the foundations of a strong nation. National strategy should provide direction, protection and coordination, while supporting local responsibility, initiative and flourishing rather than imposing unnecessary state control.
A Christian view of society sees individuals, families and communities as the living foundations of the nation. The state has a proper role in securing justice, peace, security and the common good, but it should support and strengthen local responsibility, family life, civic institutions and community action rather than replacing them with unnecessary central control. Family, in this context, includes blended or alternative types of family.
Although these values are here inspired by a mainstream Christian worldview, similar concerns for dignity, compassion, duty, moral formation, community responsibility and human flourishing can also be found in Buddhism, Hinduism, Humanism and mainstream Muslim traditions, among others.
Buddhism — compassion and the relief of suffering
A strong Buddhist parallel is the principle of compassion, or karuṇā. Buddhism teaches that human life involves suffering, and that moral action should reduce suffering for oneself and others. The Five Precepts also encourage non-harming, honesty, restraint and respect for others. This aligns with the values of dignity, fairness, moral development, and helping people to live more fully. In Mahāyāna Buddhism, the Bodhisattva ideal is especially relevant: the enlightened person does not seek liberation only for themselves, but works for the liberation and wellbeing of all beings.
Source: Buddhist teaching on the Four Noble Truths, Five Precepts, and Bodhisattva ideal.
Islam — human dignity, charity and responsibility before God
In mainstream Islamic teaching, every person has dignity because human beings are created by God and entrusted with moral responsibility. The Qur’an says that God has honoured the children of Adam, which is often cited as a basis for human dignity. Islam also places strong emphasis on care for the poor, widows, orphans, travellers and the vulnerable. Zakat, one of the Five Pillars, makes support for those in need a religious duty, not merely private generosity. This aligns with the values of basic provision, fairness, community responsibility and moral formation.
Source: Qur’an 17:70 on human dignity; Qur’an 2:177 on righteousness including care for relatives, orphans, the needy and travellers; Islamic teaching on zakat.
Hinduism — duty, human development and the welfare of all
A Hindu parallel can be found in the ideas of dharma and lokasangraha. Dharma means duty, moral order and right conduct, including responsibilities within family, community and society. In the Bhagavad Gita, action is not meant only for personal gain, but should contribute to the maintenance and welfare of the world. Hindu thought also recognises different gifts, duties and stages of life, while encouraging self-discipline, learning, service and spiritual development. The phrase “Sarve bhavantu sukhinah” — “May all be happy” — is often used to express the aspiration that all should flourish.
Source: Bhagavad Gita, especially teaching on dharma and selfless action; traditional Hindu prayer “Sarve bhavantu sukhinah.”
Humanism — dignity, reason, compassion and human flourishing
A humanist parallel is the belief that human beings have value and dignity, and that we should use reason, empathy and shared human experience to improve life in the here and now. Humanism does not ground these values in God, but it often reaches similar practical conclusions: people should be treated fairly, enabled to develop their abilities, protected from discrimination, and supported to live meaningful, responsible and fulfilling lives. Humanists International’s Amsterdam Declaration affirms the value and dignity of the individual, the full development of every person, human rights, democracy, and rejection of racism and prejudice. Humanists UK similarly describes humanist ethics as concerned with human welfare, reason, compassion, fairness and respect.
Source: Humanists International, Amsterdam Declaration; Humanists UK on humanism and humanist ethics.