Quakers launch national truth award
'The world has entered a deeply troubling phase, the group says, with democracy itself under threat from the undermining of truth and integrity in politics, public and commercial life and social media.'
Friends concerned about the decline of integrity in society are launching a national Quaker Truth Award. They are also seeking allies to work on the issue.
‘We are looking to find partners, people all across the political spectrum who are of good faith and goodwill, so that we can engage together in this urgent and vital work of transformation,’ said Gerald Hewitson, clerk to the Quaker Truth and Integrity Group (QTIG).
Following a deepening concern over ethics in public office, QTIG was officially recognised by Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM) in March this year and has already seen its worries raised in parliament after working with peers and MPs. Friends briefed sixty MPs ahead of a Westminster Hall debate on the subject in September this year.
The group have now released a declaration, asking others to work with them. ‘Truth and Integrity: Finding common ground’ sets out their concerns and commitments, including the launch of the new award to recognise exceptional contributions to truth and integrity in public life.
The world has entered a deeply troubling phase, the group says, with democracy itself under threat from the undermining of truth and integrity in politics, public and commercial life and social media.
QTIG members believe the majority of those in public life are people of goodwill, and seek to work respectfully with them to reach ‘kinder ground’.
They hope to open a conversation around promoting higher standards of truth within the media, including social media, and encouraging constitutional reform and strengthening accountability in our public life.
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