Minister for Faith and Communities meets with Archbishop of Westminster

Baroness Warsi yesterday met with the Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, for the first time since she became Minister for Faith and Communities.

The Archbishop, who is President of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales discussed with Baroness Warsi the central role faith plays within communities and in building a cohesive society.

Baroness Warsi is also Senior Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, where her responsibilities include human rights and religious freedom, and is holding a series of meetings with faith leaders during her first few weeks in post.

She said:

“Ever since I have been in Government I have been making the case for faith and I am delighted to be taking on a dual role in which I can focus on continuing to do so. I will be working closely with religious leaders, and communities of different faiths and none, and I was delighted to see Archbishop Nichols to discuss the opportunities and challenges ahead – particularly on issues of faith and religious freedom.”

The Archbishop of Westminster said:

“I welcome the government’s renewed emphasis on the vital role faith plays in community life and in building a cohesive society. Baroness Warsi has demonstrated strong leadership in promoting good relationships with Religions both domestically and internationally. I look forward to working with her to build on this important work.”

They discussed building upon the achievements of February’s visit to the Vatican, during which Baroness Warsi led the UK’s largest ever ministerial delegation to the Holy See alongside the Archbishop of Westminster.