MP Stephen Pounds reflects on importance of faith in one's public life

MP Stephen Pound

Source: Catholic Union

On Monday night, members and supporters of the Catholic Union attended a Pub Talk given by former MP Stephen Pound. Chaired by journalist Catherine Pepinster, the event raced through a range of themes with witty anecdotes, tales and home truths including the importance of taking faith with you when you enter, or leave, any establishment, including Parliament.

Stephen Pound says: "People may change but faith does not. We must not commodify life, rather we need to follow Catholic Social Teaching and, when we leap, we must ensure that our faith is not left behind".

Stephen Pound, Former Labour MP for Ealing, is a Vice President of the Catholic Union, and he encouraged all sitting and ex MPs to have the Catholic Union on their radar. He celebrated the cross party collaboration and affinity among fellow Catholic MPs whilst in Parliament and their 'change agenda' which continues to this day. He recalled their successes including re-instating a British presence to the Holy See, electing a Catholic Speaker of the House of Commons, permission to have Mass in St Mary's Undercroft, the plaque to St Thomas More in Westminster Hall and Pope Benedict addressing Parliament in 2020. Mr Pound took a large number of questions from the audience ranging from the smoking ban to education to highlights during his dedicated service to his constituency.

Catherine Pepinster, former editor of the Tablet, said: "Stephen's talk was lively and entertaining underpinned by the fact that he has stood up for what he believes in and formed some unlikely alliances for the common good. He is passionate about faith in public life".

The Catholic Union's Pub Talks have proved a popular series of events with people in public life exploring a subject of particular interest to Catholics. Previous speakers include Lord Alton, Ruth Kelly, Catherine McKinnell, Jon Cruddas, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, Ann Widdecombe, Lord Glasman and Andrew Hawkins.

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Catholic Union: https://catholicunion.org.uk/