News by email Donate

Suggestions

Dame Rachel  CU Chair banner.jpg
Catholic Union
Dame Rachel  CU Chaider.jpg
World News

Children's Commissioner champions ‘strong families’ for a ‘healthy society’ during Catholic Union lecture

by Premier Journalist

The Children’s Commissioner for England has recently emphasised the critical role she believes family plays in children’s lives.

Speaking at the Catholic Union’s annual Craigmyle Lecture, Dame Rachel De Souza encouraged people to be more “vocal about the importance of families” as she believed “strong families are the fabric of any healthy society…”

A practising Catholic, Dame Rachel also credited St. Ignatius' reform spirit for inspiring her work.

She also took the opportunity to introduce the "Big Ambition," a forthcoming survey of young people in England seeking to understand their views on the state's role.

“Children have told me that they do not believe that it is solely the role of the state to provide for them. The Church has an important role in shaping the world we want to live in” she said.

Last year, Dame Rachel launched the Family Review, which surveyed children across England about their views on family. Seventy-eight per cent of respondents said they would turn to family first with a problem.

Catholic Union Director, Nigel Parker, said: “We are delighted that Dame Rachel was able to join us and give such a fascinating talk. Over the years, the Craigmyle Lecture has given a platform to many prominent public figures to talk about many different subjects, but few matters are more important than how we create a society where children can flourish.

“It was good to hear Dame Rachel place such a strong emphasis on family life as part of her talk, this is something the Catholic Union has championed for many years. Please do consider supporting the work of the Catholic Union today so that we can continue to put on events like this free of charge and open to all.”

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate