About Christians in Government UK

More about us

We are a network of Christians of all denominations working in the civil and government service with representatives and Christian networks in all major departments and many national government organisations across the UK. Our vision is to see Christians in Government throughout the UK working together to realise their calling to know Jesus Christ, to connect faith with their working lives and make Him known in their workplaces and through their work, and to see God's kingdom come and will be done in the UK and throughout the world.

Our main emphasis is to support Christian networks in national government offices, most of whom organise programmes and events of their own. We also run central events in London: a lunchtime prayer meeting in Methodist Central Hall Westminster on the first Friday of each month, guest speaker events, a summer garden party, courses and events promoting awareness of Christianity, an annual conference and services at Easter and Christmas. "The Whitehall Carol Service", which we have been organising since 1999 and now gathers over 2000 people, has now become the largest annual event for the civil service, with keen support by Sir Gus O'Donnell (Cabinet Office Secretary) and Ministers. These central events are advertised through networks in the national government offices. We produce a newsletter three times a year and run an annual conference. We also have links with Christians in Parliament.

Objectives, Basis of Faith and Values

Our objectives are:

• to support, resource, connect
• to promote the establishment
• to promote an awareness

• belief in the Trinity of God
• personal trust 
• belief in the bible

• our activities will be carried out in accordance with the teachings of the bible
• in our activities we will seek to:
  • comply with the standards of behaviour and values (integrity, honesty, objectivity and political impartiality) set out in the Civil Service Code launched on 6th June 2006 (and equivalent codes for other parts of government)
  • treat all with dignity and respect; within the framework of seeking to respect others, we are committed to the principle of freedom of belief and expression. 

Welcome

All Christians who support our vision and are in agreement with our statement of faith and constitution are welcome to join us.  We endeavour, however, to make all our meetings accessible to those of other faiths and none.

Governance

CIG is led by a Steering Group which meets approximately monthly and communicates regularly between formal meetings. The Steering group has 6 members, which include a chairman, vice-chairman and secretary. Other members have responsibilities such as prayer and worship.

Departmental fellowships and networks are grouped in 'clusters' to allow the Steering Group to communicate with them more effectively.  A weekly communications e-mail is sent by the Secretary to all departmental fellowship leaders with news and information from CIG.

Every quarter, the Steering Group meet with departmental fellowship representatives at 'Round Table' meetings to discuss the CIG programme.

The Steering Group is assisted by an Advisory Board consisting of individuals in related ministries.  

Finally, there are a number of 'Friends' who provide assistance and support on an ad hoc basis. 

Our Constitution

Our Constitution is available for download below:

Review of the Year 2009-10

Below is an edited version of the Chair's Report on CIG UK activities during 2009 and 2010 (so far). The full report was presented at the AGM held on Friday 2nd April.