A christian councillor who was pushed out of the Green Party for her views on same-sex marriage has been appointed a champion of faith groups.

Independent councillor Christina Summers claimed the role was needed as a number of religious groups feel “overlooked” by Brighton and Hove City Council’s Green-led administration.

But some members disagreed and claimed it was wrong that one part of the voluntary sector was promoted above others.

More

 

After receiving backing from a majority of her local authority peers, Coun Summers was appointed to the role unopposed and pledged to encourage groups to continue providing support, such as lunch clubs, soup runs and free debt advice.

In a statement, Coun Summers, who represents Hollingdean and Stanmer, said: “As faith groups champion I want to ensure this council actively builds genuine, open and inclusive working relations with this significant grouping of our population, some of whom have felt sidelined by those who, for various reasons, seem to take a dim view of people of faith.

“They are as much a part of our voluntary sector as other groups and sow ceaselessly into a city they know intimately.

“Ironically the usual suspects who opposed did so in a manner that high- lights the very reason why a faith groups champion is needed.

“Let me be really clear about this new role: it will not be a walk in the park, there’s an awful lot to do and, no, I won’t get paid a penny.”

Among the well-known faith group charities in the city include Sussex YMCA, Portslade-based Emmaus and homelessness charity Off The Fence.

Coun Summers proposed the motion at a meeting of full council on Thursday with the backing of the Conservative group.

Labour councillors were split on their support while Green members either abstained or voted against. Writing on twitter, Green councillor Ben Duncan labelled Coun Summers a “bigot”, adding: “We must all remember violence committed in the name of religion and the danger of mixing religion and politics.”

Labour councillor Emma Daniel also opposed the move, adding: “I have faith as do many other councillors. But that’s no reason to elevate faith-based volunteering over other volunteering.

“So why aren’t we seeking a champion for volunteering? I would totally support that.”

Green councillor Leo Littman, who is the council’s Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) champion, said: “In my role as BME champion, I have found myself acting as de facto faith champion. I feel this role is largely unnecessary and largely unproductive.”

But Conservative councillor Andrew Wealls said: “This is not about getting faith rooms in council buildings; this is about getting faith groups to work with the council, with each other, with the city and deliver some of the much-needed things that this city needs."