The President of the Christian Police Association and a pastor from East London are among those from the Christian community who have been recognised on the New Year Honours list.
The president of the Christian Police Association, Matt Baggott has been Knighted for his services to policing.
The former chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, who retired earlier this year also worked at the Metropolitan Police for 20 years, and held a number of senior positions in the West Midlands.
He was appointed Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland at a critical time which was to see the devolution of policing and justice introduced to Northern Ireland. Against the backdrop of a severe terrorist threat significant measures were introduced to enhance the overall operational effectiveness of the Police Service of Northern Ireland. He also successfully delivered the policing aspects of a number of high profile events including the G8 Summit in Enniskillen, the World Police and Fire Games, the UK City of Culture, the Olympic Torch Run and the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
A former Vice President of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), he led nationally on the National Association of Police Chaplains for many years. He has also in his own time been involved in a number of charities including as a Trustee of 'International Needs', a worldwide Christian mission and development agency.
Speaking about his knighthood, Sir Matt said, "This award is an acknowledgement of the courage, commitment and achievements of my policing colleagues without whose immense efforts I would not have been able to fulfil my responsibilities. It has been in particular, a God given privilege to serve in Northern Ireland and the continuing journey to peace will remain in my thoughts and prayers."
A founding member of one of the UK's biggest Christian charities OASIS, has also received an OBE for services to children and families. Graham Mungeam played a crucial role in helping to establish The Oasis Trust, the social action charity founded by Revd Steve Chalke.
A pastor in East London who has been running free maths classes for primary age children for two decades has also been recognised. Gbolahan Bright was awarded an MBE for his services to education. He and his wife set up the organisation to help parents who were struggling to teach their children maths. Of the 500 or so children who have taken the classes, about 50 gained their GCSE while still at primary school.
Pastor Bright says he has never been motivated by the need for validation or recognition,speaking to Premier's Tulika Pandey, he said: "Whether it is accepted, expected or respected by people is immaterial. So when it came, it didn't come as a surprise, because there's a time for everything - a time to sow and a time to reap."
