Is Christianity good for society? A discussion with Tim Farron MP, Lois Sparling, and Bishop John Thomson (Audio)

Written By Andy Burgess

On Thursday evening we heard from three local figures who each have Christian faith and are engaged in the public square: Tim Farron MP, Community Chaplain Lois Sparling, and Bishop John Thomson. They answered questions on the role of faith in society today, and you can listen to the conversation here.

Tim Farron has been the Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale since 2005. During that time, Tim has built a strong track record of being a visible and hard-working constituency MP who gets things done.

John Thomson served as Bishop of Selby from 2014 to 2024. He began ministry in Sheffield as a curate and youth chaplain, later teaching in South Africa before returning as a parish priest. From 2001 he was Director of Ministry in Sheffield until his consecration as bishop.

Having worked in publishing for almost 30 years, Lois Sparling moved to the Third Sector about 10 years ago. She has since then worked with and for people experiencing homelessness, addiction and poverty around Cumbria. At the moment, she has two different roles, one based in and around Cockermouth and one countywide, supporting churches and church people in community social action.

Andy Burgess
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