Why we shouldn’t be afraid to say we are a Christian country – David Cameron

I recently read an account on BBC News of David Cameron’s speech yesterday at Christ Church Cathredral, Oxford, on the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible.

It’s good to see him speaking of his own faith and how he sees Christianity benefitting people in the UK generally, and not just those who see themselves as Christians.

In particular, he said, “Moral neutrality or passive tolerance just isn’t going to cut it any more… Let me be clear: I am not in any way saying that to have another faith – or
no faith – is somehow wrong… I am also incredibly proud that Britain is home to many different faith communities, who do so much to make our country stronger… But what I am saying is that the Bible has helped to give Britain a set of values and morals which make Britain what it is today… it is easier for people to believe and practise other
faiths when Britain has confidence in its Christian identity… Many people tell me it is much easier to be Jewish or Muslim here in Britain than it is in a secular country like France… because the tolerance that Christianity demands of our society provides
greater space for other religious faiths too. And because many of the values of a Christian country are shared by people of all faiths and indeed by people of no faith at all.”

Well done, David!

Full text of speech from 10 Downing Street web site.

 

St Paul and Occupy

As St Paul’s Cathedral becomes the epicentre for people (being named Occupy) who want space to speak out about their powerlessness in the current “financial situation”, and the church is faced with ethical dilemmas which result in Giles Fraser, the Chancellor of the cathedral, resigning, here are three clippings that have caught my attention.

Paul Vallely.  Newsthump.  BBC

It seems to me a wholly appropriate that the Church, and to St Paul’s Cathedral in particular sited as it is in the financial centre of London, is challenged to consider how it relates to unrest about financial leadership in society.

British religious persecution

Sometimes I find myself reading about how Christians have a hard time in Britain or elsewhere, or about how militant Islam is not always kind to other faiths.

Here’s some interesting balance to the arguments. A recent study shows that it’s not easy being religious in the UK – that the UK is not top of the list of those countries who allow freedom of religion.

Church Times article.

Link to full report.

Archbishop stands up for Christian minorities in the Middle East

Good of Rowan to build awareness that the effect of political change in the Middle East (the Arab Spring) benefits some but often not the Christian minorities there.

“The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams says the unrest in the Middle East has made life “simply unsustainable” for many Christians who are leaving their homes.” – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13766009