Church-State Relations and Social Welfare in Europe: A Case Study of the UK
Mark Hill Thursday, 10 September 2009
One of the most popular visitor attractions in Siena, Italy, is Santa Maria Della Scala, reputed to be one of the oldest hospitals in Europe. It was established in the year 898 by the cathedral canons, and it served the city as a hospital until the 1990s, when it became a museum and art gallery. Now visitors can enjoy the 15th century frescoes which adorn the former wards.
The Santa Maria is a vivid example of the long-standing commitment of the Christian Church to social welfare in Europe. From the start, Christian charity has been an indispensable part of Christian religious practice. Social welfare provision was for centuries the prerogative of the churches, while the state did little in the same area until the recent past. The state is today constitutionally obliged to look after impoverished or underserved citizens. Christian charity has, however, always been concerned for these groups. Both actors work in the same areas, have the same people in view, and interact with one another. Indeed, this cooperation has always been an essential element of the relationship between church and state.
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