In response to Prime Minister Tony Blair’s call to restore social respect among the people, the Evangelical Alliance UK (EAUK) has launched The Champions of Respect Award to discover and honour young men and women who act as role models in their communities.

In partnership with leading Christian youth organisations, Youth for Christ and Crusaders, the first Champions of Respect Competition is spearheaded by the EAUK.

Joel Edwards, General Director of the EAUK said in a press release, "We welcome the Prime Minister’s comments and are pleased that the issue of ‘restoring respect’ will be central to the new Parliament. Respect is a fundamental value that is vital to the wellbeing of every community."

On Thursday 12th May, Prime Minister Tony Blair held his first monthly press conference with his new cabinet at No. 10 Downing Street since the recent General Election. He sternly declared a "war" against the rising trend of anti-social behaviour in Britain, which is especially serious among the young generation.

Even though many accused him of passing legislation that could lead to more misbehaviour, such as the introduction of 24-hour drinking licences and refusal to give head teachers the final say on school expulsions, Blair argued that there was only so much that could be achieved through anti-social behaviour legislation. Rather he said the problem could be tackled more effectively by parents and at the home.

Through the Champions of Respect Competition, the EAUK aims to encourage young people to recognise some social role models of a similar age and their positive contribution to society.

"The Evangelical Alliance also wants to challenge the negative stereotypes regularly associated with young people in Britain today. So often people talk about drugs and gun crime in the same breath as young people. But I hear so many stories of how those under 25 make a positive difference in the places where they live, work and study. The Champions of respect competition is all about celebrating the good things young people do in our communities," Joel Edwards, General Director of the EAUK added.

Matt Summerfield, Executive Director of Crusaders, commented, "We want to see a more positive image of young people presented in our world today. The Champions of respect awards provide a fantastic chance to show what a great job many young people do, often unsung, up and down the country."

Currently the Champions of Respect Competition is open for nominations until 30th September. Entry forms are available from the Evangelical Alliance’s Head Office or can be downloaded from the Alliance’s website www.championsofrespect.org.

A candidate for the competition is required to be under the age of 25 and be nominated by someone who can vouch for their contribution to community harmony.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has been invited to present the prize for the Champions of Respect Award winners on the 10th November. At the same occasion, he will give the annual Evangelical Alliance Temple Address lecture.

The Temple Address will launch the two-year Evangelical Alliance’s national Respect campaign. The first year will have an emphasis on youth issues and the second year will shift to racial diversity culminating in the 200-year anniversary celebrations marking the Abolition of Slavery in 2007.

The Respect campaign is an integral part of the Evangelical Alliance’s Values engagement and follows the previous themes of Forgiveness, Hope and Trust. The Respect campaign will involve many other partner organisations, an approach that the Alliance hopes will maximise the effectiveness of the campaign.