Talk:Christian Police Association

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Editorial notes
  • BoN comments below should be taken into account.

'Effin hELL! I'd no idea that any such thing was as organised as this. It's horrendous. At least my present county's not infected. 19:01, 11 March 2010 (UTC) SusanG  ContribsTalk

It is fairly old, it looks like. When did the evangelists hijack it? Mjollnir.svgListenerXTalkerX 19:06, 11 March 2010 (UTC)
I don't know, but the policeman claiming that prayer reduces crime is the same county as where their national conference is being held. On behalf of Devon, I would like to apologise. Totnesmartin (talk) 19:10, 11 March 2010 (UTC)
I've no idea how long they've been around? I only learnt about this group a few weeks ago. A Christian police association is fine, if it's there more as a support system for Christian police officers, but their site makes it very clear that they have an agenda they wish to bring with them to work. The joys of no real separation between church and state. I think that problem is going to become more apparent as we move away from traditional religions and sects. I look forward to seeing the Islamic Police Association, with the clearly stated goal of converting colleagues and the public to Islam. --ConcernedresidentAsk me about your mother 19:13, 11 March 2010 (UTC)
It seems to have been founded in the 19th century, which probably means it went through an evangelical hijack at some point, like the SBC or the LCMS. Mjollnir.svgListenerXTalkerX 19:16, 11 March 2010 (UTC)

other godbotherers' associations are available[edit]

The Muslim alternative actually looks far better than the CPA. Their goals are pretty sensible, and it seems more about helping Muslims than spreading the good word on company time. --ConcernedresidentAsk me about your mother 19:17, 11 March 2010 (UTC)
How about an article about the various devisive and unnecesarry 'polce associations' that infest the UK? DeltaStarSenior SysopSpeciationspeed! 19:19, 11 March 2010 (UTC)
Not a bad idea. The only ones I'm aware of are the CPA and the GPA. The latter is a bit iffy. It's worth looking at their application form and noting that anything choosing "heterosexual" is specifically asked to state their religious beliefs. Seems a kneejerk reaction to religious bigots, although I wouldn't tar all religionists with that brush. --ConcernedresidentAsk me about your mother 19:24, 11 March 2010 (UTC)
Off the top of my head (with no research or goooogling) I know of
  • Christian Police Association
  • Gay Police Association
  • Muslim Police Association
  • Black Police Association
  • Metropolitan Black Police Association (the Met see themselves as special - bloody Londoners...)
  • Pagan Police Association
  • Asian Police Association
I'm sure there's good few more. DeltaStarSenior SysopSpeciationspeed! 20:01, 11 March 2010 (UTC)

Just a few thoughts.....[edit]

I have today been trying to find out more about the CPA at national level in the UK for an article I'm writing and came across the information you have put here.

I am a member of the CPA, and can honestly state that what some of you have said is just not true...we are not a bunch of nut jobs, we ARE NOT allowed to proselytize due to the nature of our job.

As Officers and staff we are there to serve our communities and there is nothing that stops us from meeting with like-minded colleagues to pray about situations we come across, and we do seek to build bridges between the police and the community, through the adopt-a-cop or coact initiatives, and I can honestly and truthfully state that in the scheme that we set up years ago, the 2 police officers who provides us with the information are not christians, but both have over the years been aware that crime HAS ABSOLUTELY reduced when it has been specifically been prayed about - and both have stated that they believe that the prayers have been directly responsible..such that they are now seeking to push for similar schemes to be started in other areas of our force, when the usual approach would be made by church groups.

There was mention of separation of church and state, presumably in an attempt to say that there should be separation of the "job" from our beliefs...this does often happen but actually makes people somehow less appealing...if somebody who claimed to be muslim, or a hindu only behaves like one during the times when they meet at their place of worship then that shows no dedication, no commitment and is not in any way attractive or likely to bring other people into a place where they want to find out more...similarly as a christian, I try wherever possible to behave in the way that I believe is right...This does not involve slating colleagues who say anything I don't like, or agree with...it doesn't involve me pushing my idealogy into every conversation or activity I undertake...that would be seen as being over-the-top and disciplined within the force and also just shows no respect for a persons right to choose whether to believe in God or not.

I guess that this will be looked at by some who don't agree with me - that's fine with me - and if people want to write stuff here that disagrees with me, again that's fine..but please check the facts before making any judgements...police staff/officers are not allowed to behave in the way many of you claim here. — Unsigned, by: 90.203.169.152 / talk / contribs

I can fully understand that many individual members of the CPA would not be classed as "nutjob", much in the same way that many Christian Union and UCCF members that I personally know wouldn't be classed as nutjobs (though it's all relative, a few more liberal groups view the UCCF as batshit crazy). However, any accusations of nutjobbery would have to be levied at the organisation itself and the rules it presents. Judging by the statement of faith presented on the official website, it's clear that the organisations aims can be interpreted as endorsing proselytizing even if it's not officially allowed within Police regulations. Specifically the following:

OUR MISSION is to

  • communicate in words and action, the truth, message and hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ to colleagues and the community we serve;
Which I believe is pretty close to a dictionary definition of proselytizing. In addition it's worth pointing out the connection to EAUK, which is also prominently presented on the website. The fact that individuals may be too sensible to follow that doesn't change what the organisation itself promotes. ADK...I'll coax your guru! 12:50, 22 July 2011 (UTC)