'I want to thank the council for what you do it's not always appreciated'

Chaplain urges people to have faith in politics despite challenges

- BY ROBBIE MACDONALD Local democracy reporter

A CHURCH leader, who is also a borough council chaplain, has urged people to have faith in local democracy and politics, despite the many challenges society faces.

The Rev Philip Jump, of Skelmersdale Ecumenical Centre, called on people to recognise the good deeds, motives and morals in local politics and also the dilemmas faced by councils, rather than focusing only on negatives.

Mr Jump has just started a second term as the mayor's chaplain for West Lancashire Council.

He spoke and prayed about morals, politics, councillors and communities at the latest full council meeting.

He also referred to the Faith In The City movement, led by churches in the 1980s in response to social, economic and political challenges and unrest then.

Events of that era in Liverpool, the wider Merseyside region and beyond had a significant influence on Faith In The City.

This summer and autumn, Faith In The City will mark its 40th anniversary with new events racross the region and country, with various organisations, to consider its legacy and current issues.

Mr Jump is the chaplain for the new Mayor of West Lancashire, Coun Anne Fennell, and Mayoress Coun Sarah Lawton.

Last year, he was chaplain for the previous mayor, Coun Julian Finch.

At the council meeting, he spoke about today’s politics and the presence of ‘false populists’ - mirroring the concept of ‘false prophets’ in many world religions.

Locally, he referred to the West Lancashire political row about council finances and the future of swimming pools in Ormskirk and Skelmersdale, and public protests to keep them open.

Social media abuse of councillors was also raised.

Addressing all councillors, he said: "I think I'm the first baptist to hold this position at this council.