A recent survey shows a further decline in Uk citizens professing to be Christian or religious in any way.
It is not surprising the Church of England has lost congregations and struggles to attract new supporters. It has used its presence in the Lords and its public platforms to be an ally of many Lib Dem causes, a party which polls around 10% in national polls. It uses its privileged position to promote more overseas aid, more migrants into the UK and to condemn government attempts to stop illegal and dangerous boat crossings from a safe country called France. It is not so keen to use its national pulpit to spread the gospel. It is reluctant to talk about its own extensive property estate  and  share portfolio. There are times when it turns out they hold shares that do not reflect their views on fossil fuels or other equality matters. The property estate has not been used to house many new arrivals in the UK at a time of extreme housing need given the numbers involved.
The decline of congregations reflects the hostility the Church shows to people with conservative  views , as those who were regular Churchgoers  have in some cases been put off by the criticisms.
As a democrat who believes people should be free to hold views and disagree with the government I do not object to the clergy who rail against the government. They should not however be surprised to discover that associating themselves with minority partisan views in their official roles will speed the decline of their congregations.Nor  should  they look hurt when those they criticise examine the Churchâs actions and investments to see if they reflect the left wing political opinions  they espouse. Church properties do not help reduce our carbon footprint, nor are they made available to house the many new arrivals the Church supports.
September 1, 2023
I have to thank the C of E as a choir boy fifty odd years back they made me a confirmed atheist from age 8 or so. Listening to the many irrational sermons did that very rapidly and they also gave me a love of choral and other classical music plus we always had about an hour of football before slipping on our Cassocks and Surpluses. We even got paid for wedding, funerals carol singing . As you point out the C of E (rather like the BBC, Justin Welby, King Charles & Prince William/Harry and this Con-socialist Government) are wrong on almost every single issue currently.
September 1, 2023
LL, the choir boy history piece sounds familiar. I guess we should show gratitude that the CofE did not appear to have the issues associated with the Catholic Church.
As for Sir J’s suggestions on why church congregations have withered, I am not sure people link the church political stance with a decision not to attend a service each Sunday. Numbers have been falling for decades and the simple truth is that a majority of people see no relevance in this religion. Perhaps UK wealth and living standards have made irrelevant the need to appeal to a higher body?
September 1, 2023
It’s hard to accept moral guidance from an organisation that so accurately reflects the greed, arrogance, depravity and insecurity of the general population they purport to guide.
On a somewhat distant but related topic, I see Mr Shapps is appointed to another office he knows nothing about. Reading his Wiki bio he appears to fully reflect the character, business experience and abilities of the present PCP so no doubt we can expect more of the same competence as we have enjoyed since 2016.
September 1, 2023
Appealing to a higher body has never achieved very much, try it with say the national lottery! The reality is that we have so many more entertaining alternatives to church now and church has become less entertaining. Back in the day before TV, computers, cinemas⊠when almost all the village attended it was the place to go, be seen and meet people. Perhaps the only place?
September 1, 2023
What a sad view about religion. A good code to live your life by. It forms basis of our laws, morals and culture. Welby is a left wing self important dope putting politics before religion- he is a blip in time. Easily forgotten. A man of the cloth who has forgot his purpose.
Tories have deliberately followed to dumb down the role of family and religion to force changes in our culture, way of life and society to accept its mass immigration and third world status. Unfortunately LL unable to deduce true reason why uni-party at work to change our country and society.
A bit like the EU project. The narrative of common trade was absolutely nothing to do with its true intention or purpose.
The authoritarian Marxist agenda of the Uni party should be seen for what it is. The current Tories trans agenda is another attack on religion and a direct attack on womenâs rights.
September 1, 2023
Yes Hope I agree, although this topic is something that perhaps transcends normal politics
I was eductated within the Catholic tradition, although I no longer practice. However, I still believe in those ‘catholic’ values and traditions. One of my sons recently asked if I “believed in God”. I told him that I did. Not the grey bearded Messiah (of old) but a far more omniscient sense of ‘Good’ (as opposed to ‘Evil’) that should guide our every day conduct. I believe that most people have a well developed sense of ‘Good’ and ‘Evil’. They instinctively know the difference between the two. Religion simply formalises these beliefs, although it can be ‘bent’ to other ends.
As an aside, I recently attended Mass (for a baptism) and was dismayed to find that it was not the Mass (Tridentine) of distant memory. People clapped, People greeted each other, Guitars played. All very ‘Modern’ but unfortunately completely lacking in the mystery and solemnity that I remember from decades ago. I am obviously not a member of the Church of England but perhaps they too should recall their ‘roots’ and focus on ‘shepherding’ their flock rather than trying to ‘move’ with the time. The Arch Bishop of Canterbury should perhaps worry more about all those souls in need already here, rather than the millions in need elsewhere. He can’t actually help all those global unfortunates but he could certainly help those nearer home. He also has the resources to do so…
Anyway (I digress) – Religion is indeed often seen as somewhat ‘superficial’ these days – But one need only look inwards to see that is far from true….
September 1, 2023
I think they do Pete, when their leaders treat Tories like dirt under their feet, when their preachers condemn people trying to better themselves and preach to them about not being generous when they are often supporting all sorts of charities, trusts, and collections, it rankles. I got to a point where I didn’t like being invited to some baptisms because often the church tie the public into their otherwise near empty sermons at 10 and don’t start the actual baptism until 11 am then lecture for an hour on foodbanks
September 1, 2023
JR says as a democratâŠfree to hold views⊠No we are not.
Your party and govt has suppressed our views by law not to object!! If we do we are racist, transphobic, homophobic etc etc. We get and got punished for your warped govt views. If we disagree your govt silenced people by smearing them as conspiracy theorists, misinformation. Your govt had people monitored during covid! Deliberately scared people into compliance.
Surely you remember what your party and govt did to silence eminent scientists and doctors over a covid! Is your memory that bad JR? Just selective? Look at what your party and govt did to allow BLM and extinction rebellion protests but stopped Brexit, stopped anti vaccinations protests! Handcock stated on TV, this is not advice!
September 1, 2023
You try standing outside an abortion clinic and silently praying; or telling a man wearing a frock that nothing he does to alter his appearance will EVER make him a woman …. and you’ll quickly find out that you are not free to hold views.
September 2, 2023
I’m afraid I don’t have the time (or courage) to do either of those things Donna but I will admit to a building sense of frustration at the simple stupidity of so many people these days. We seem to have lost all sense of what actually matters to most folk – seemingly more careing about the thoughts and sensibilities of miniscule minorities with distorted views of their own self importance.
September 1, 2023
It would be very interesting to see the figures of church attendance in socially deprived areas and wealthy areas as I see more churchgoers in the local churches in well-to-do areas near me.
September 2, 2023
When the Church actually cared for the Poor, quite the reverse would have been true. Perhaps the CoE should remember it’s original ministries and spend less time involved in politics….
September 2, 2023
Yes Ian I agree.
September 1, 2023
â It is not so keen to use its national pulpit to spread the gospel.â
âThe Tory party at prayerâ used to be the old label for the C of E. Best for religion not to be attached to a particular political party though. It should rise above that.
Church of England was always a sort of compromise. It arose from the needs of a monarch to resolve his marriage issues. It was often staffed by second sons who missed out on the family estate or the armed forces.
The more fervent types left to set up Methodist movement, or in the mid nineteenth century to return to the Catholic Church via the Oxford Movement.
At least they are not as sectarian as groups like the Presbyterians often are. Far better than Cromwellâs puritan crowd too.
September 1, 2023
I think your atheism is shared by a good proportion of the clergy, who just see it as a job.
If they really believed the Book on which the Anglican faith is based, they would be more concerned about the world to come than trying to save the planet.
September 1, 2023
We still have the rather daft CofE bishops in the Lords and the religious lobby still restrict working on Sunday for the young and opening hours for larger shops to 6 hours. This to try to force/encourage church attendance I assume but not having much effect!
September 1, 2023
Except in Scotland. There shops can open longer on Sunday.
September 1, 2023
Surplices not surpluses. Learn to rite proper like an arts graduate.
September 1, 2023
I blame fat fingers, aging eyesight and auto correct!
September 1, 2023
A little useful advice for the new Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero one Claire Coutinho. She has a almost decent degree (maths and philosophy) albeit from Oxford & so she should be able to understand all this – we shall see! Hopefully some of the maths was applied and bordering on physics. She should at least understand the sampling errors of bus and train occupancies. Passengers mainly observe the full ones so get the wrong impression of average occupancy by a long way.
1. Learn the difference between energy and power and the units for them. This seems to be beyond most MPs and previous ministers. You should not say things like âthis wind turbine scheme will generate 100 mega watts per yearâ unless you want people to know you are totally ignorant about energy engineering and totally out of your depth.
2. Remember the environment is one thing and the idiotic & pointless war on plant, tree and crop food CO2 quite another.
3. About 80% of human used energy in not used as electricity it is fossil fuels for heating, transport, industry, fertilisers⊠only about 20% is electricity. Worldwide only about 2% max of total energy used comes from wind and solar so largely irrelevant.
4. Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero is an idiotic direct contradiction in terms so change it. Rather like being âMinister for Women and Equalityâ Minister for “cheap, reliable on demand energy” would be far better.
5. There is no such thing as ârenewable energyâ it either comes from Nuclear Fusion on the Sun (wind, wave and solar), the earth rotation (tidal) or nuclear reactions in the earth core (geothermal).
6. Buying a new EV almost invariably causes far more CO2 than keeping your old car, costs far more and is far less flexible too. So why push them?
7. Storing electricity is very expensive indeed far better to generate when actually needed from stored gas, coal, oil…
8. Burning imported chopped down forests (wood) at Drax is far worse even than burning old wood (Coal) in both CO2 and environmental terms and more expensive so why do it? Gas is even better than coal.
9. A little more C02 is a net benefit for the World and is vital for almost all life – it is not “pollution” and there is no climate emergency caused by it.
10. Insulating older properties is very expensive and often not worth doing as insufficient payback.
11. Exporting high CO2 jobs is idiotic and does not even reduce CO2 it increases it.
12. Learn about Entropy, grid stability, energy economics and the very large costs and general impracticality of large scale grid storage.
13. R&D in some areas like fusion and battery tech makes sense but roll out of duff/premature tech. like heat pumps, wind turbines, EVs, wave power, tidal, grid scale batteries using tax payer subsidies just litters the place with duff tech. and increases taxes for no good reason.
14. Scrap the Committee for Climate Change their proposals are largely bonkers.
15. Scrap the Net Zero religion agenda fully as cheap reliable on demand energy is vital for the economy and CO2 a net good.
September 1, 2023
Also EV and not “zero emission” they are (usually larger) emissions but mainly elsewhere at the power station cars (though tyre wear is circa 30% higher as heavier and this is not even elsewhere pollution).
The Government (transport) web sites also claim “walking and cycling produce no CO2 direct or indirect” this is clearly lies or deluded drivel. They are fuelled by very inefficient human food energy, a couple of people walking can be worse than a small car in energy terms per mile and is certainly worse than a full car per person. If the fuel is mainly a meat based diet it is even worse still.
Also taxis are at least three times worse than cars in energy use terms per passenger mile (as often they have no passengers plus they need a profession driver) so why do they get to use bus lanes but far more efficient private cars do not?
September 1, 2023
LL,
A good rant but utterly pointless. There is nothing scientific about net zero, it is political to move jobs and industry to India and China.
In relation to degrees your bias view persists. People have different preferences, thankfully not clones. It does not make you more intelligent to have a science degree or less intelligent by not having one at all.
September 1, 2023
Perhaps not but it is hard to take people seriously if taking about energy systems when they do not even know the difference between energy/power or the units for them. A bit like me giving a talk on the finer points Beowulf, but then if I had too I would at least have mugged up a bit!
September 2, 2023
LL,
That is a different point. Nothing to do with choice of degrees or having one at all.
In my day a lot people opted out after O levels or A levels preferring to get jobs. Some went on to be very successful and were very intelligent. Some went to university and dropped out of society. Many chose jobs absolutely noth8ng to do with their degree subject.
September 1, 2023
Perhaps best not to be too pedantic about 1). The important point is the actual power output of the 100 MW wind turbine scheme in MWh is 25% or so of the capacity x hours because the wind doesnât blow all the time, or not strongly enough or too strongly. So we need backups and therefore need to duplicate power generation systems – therefore to talk of the cost of wind and solar being low without taking into account the need for backup is disingenuous. An excellent article by Jeremy Warner in the telegraph on this topic yesterday.
But 3) is the important and remarkable point, which i think few policy makers can really be aware of. After $100s of billions of subsidies globally and all sorts of laws and regs favouring and advantaging them, renewables account for c 2% of global primary energy (in the U.K. it might be c. 5%). Given this, in the absence of some dramatic new technology, how can we possibly reach ânet zeroâ in any conceivable foreseeable timescale?
September 1, 2023
Indeed and even wind farms and solar are not CO2 free as endless concrete etc. and ships needed to install and service them plus the backup. They do not last for every either.
September 1, 2023
We can never reach ‘Net Zero’ if that term means no carbon dioxide emissions. Even breathing which is the key definition of a living creature generates CO2, Humans generate 1kg/day of CO2 from simply breathing.
Net zero is a down right fraud policy introduced by Theresa May. A woman so incompetent at every role she was ever given she should be care, because she is clearly not firing on all cylinders.
September 1, 2023
Indeed she was truly appalling!
September 1, 2023
My aim is to have the largest carbon footprint ever achieved by a single human being
All the invitations to reduce my carbon footprint are falling on deaf ears
Some modern electrical devices switch themselves off after a couple of minutes when the CD or whatever has finished performing itâs tasks
really irritating
September 1, 2023
Exactly – net zero would mean no glass, no steel, no bricks, no glass, no plastic etc
It’s absurd!
September 1, 2023
LL
An excellent lesson for the new young minister. Exactly what life experience does she bring to the job?
September 1, 2023
Well she sounds better than most pro-Brexit and a reasonable subject at university but she does alas seems to be deluded on the net zero lunacy. Doubtless she was only given the job if she continues with the current bonkers climate and rip off/intermittent energy agenda.
September 1, 2023
@LL – in post a result of 100% loyalty to her Gang Boss â Sunak. Do you think she would dare stray from his, (while we are at ) religious zeal to destroy the UK before he leaves.
September 1, 2023
All very true, I’m sure, but neither you LL nor anyone else will get her to understand that if, as the saying goes, her salary depends on not understanding it.
September 1, 2023
+1
September 1, 2023
I believe that our government understands your 15 points ….however they just don’t care, as they’re not the united nations points (point 1. petrol cars bad)
September 1, 2023
Quite frankly after Mayâs trouncing to force her out and Johnsonâs thumping victory by the public to sort out Brexit and put our nation first, it is absolutely astonishing why the Tory party still fails to ignore its supporters and nation and appoints Sunak and Hunt who, once again, ignores the public mandate in the 2019 manifesto which got them elected. Worse Sunak plucked from obscurity stabs Johnson in the back, ignores what he told Tory supporters to get elected and defacto without a vote gets elected ignoring all what he said! He then comes up with serving with integrity rubbish having acted in stark contrast filling his cabinet with arch remainers!
September 1, 2023
I have a wind turbine in my garden. It charges a few car batteries. Via an inverter, I have the power to light (and a bit of heat) the art studio in the garden. When the batteries are flat – and there is sufficient wind to turn the turbine (a breeze suffices) – the power in the battery is renewed. This, it strikes me, is renewable energy.
September 1, 2023
Renewables need the constant supply of fossil fuels and rare earth minerals to build and maintain their energy production
The UN definition of ârenewableâ is to cut down and burn one tree for energy and grow another to replace it
September 1, 2023
Indeed she was truly appalling!
September 1, 2023
when the wind doesn’t blow or the sun doesn’t shine you have nothing.
September 1, 2023
Well it comes from the radiated nuclear fusion reactor on the sun which will run out of hydrogen eventually. Long lasting I grant you!
September 1, 2023
LL : âLearn the difference between energy and power and the units for them.â
They know the difference between energy and power. But they deliberately confuse the two because it enables them to make false statements like âthis X GW wind farm will be able to power Y homesâ. The wind farm may be able to produce sufficient ENERGY over a year for Y homes (although this is often overestimated) but it is a lie to say it can POWER Y homes because its energy is intermittent and no-one in the UK (as yet) expects their power to be intermittent and the wind farms have no means for energy storage when the wind doesnât blow.
As I write (14:41 hrs) the 28 GW of wind power is providing just 1.7 GW of power.
September 1, 2023
As you say “Church properties do not help reduce our carbon footprint, nor are they made available to house the many new arrivals the Church supports.” Indeed encourages. No they are generally kept empty all week and nearly empty even during services it seems. Are Bishops and Rectors taxed on the benefits in kind of living in often ÂŁmulti-million heated palaces? If not why not as anyone else would be? Lambeth Palace could surely take a few hundred migrants in dorms with a few bunk beds provided.
I remember when they changed the wedding service wording from “rightly, discreetly and soberly” to something naff like “after a bit of serious thought”. I assume too many people who perhaps knew the couple well were sniggering at “soberly”.
September 1, 2023
Many in the church are an odd bunch. They dress in peculiar clothes, speak strange words and walk around with crooks. Many more are devoted to goodness, yet harbour the same beliefs with devoted loyalty. Churches are the heart of many fine communities. Life was better when they were more respected. Now many lock people out to prevent theft and vandalism. Archbishops expressing political views do make sense, as politics is a key issue of life, yet recent archbishops have discredited themselves by espousing bad policies.
September 1, 2023
Tories attacked the church and religion by forcing gay marriage into law. We, the people, should have had a referendum on it not the twisted morals of MPs, god knows how corrupt and rotten parliament is.
Again, another attack on religion, our society by Tories to force a Marxist agenda upon us and force/ suppressed silence upon the majority who disagree. Sound familiar! Free speech being over ridden in the process.
JRs blog today in advance of his partyâs true view, meaning and purpose to change our society to socialist third world status while silencing the populace from dissent.
Section 172 statements into company law to force businesses through same agenda, public sector has the same but in the guise of race for equality schemes force into compliance by inspectorate bodies, again to force through woke socialist/Marxist agenda into our society. No coincidence. Brought to you by the Uni-party.
Sadly, LL you appear to have fallen for the false narrative and true purpose behind what JRs party and govt, over 14 years, is actually doing. Yet in contrast you moan about ESG? What do you think it why it was introduced?
September 1, 2023
A true conservative Conservative PM would have made Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali Archbishop of Canterbury before he converted to Catholicism, presumably terminally disenchanted with the dreary and inane leftist virtue signalling of the mediocrities who these days lead the CoE and constitute the majority of its clergy.
September 1, 2023
African churches are often far more traditional.
Unlike the C of E in this country, they are not afraid or embarrassed to declare that homosexual activity is sinful. Hence the likelihood that they will split and operate independently.
September 1, 2023
Not had a true Conservative since Mrs Thatcher and even she made very many errors (like John ERM Major as Chancellor and falling for the CO2 religion) plus she failed to cut the state back remotely sufficiently.
September 1, 2023
She changed her mind on CO2 later
September 1, 2023
Dear Sir yet again feel my heart with hope. To hear an MP voice true conservatives values and common sense on so many topics in this day and age is so very rare. I would go as far as say John Redwood for Prime Minister.
September 1, 2023
No change no chance, but the dire Tory MPs even preferred âno change no chanceâ John ERM Major last time. Sunak heading for an ever large wipe out. He is even going to hit a single one of his five promises it seems! Total inaction just worthless hot air. What on earth made Sunak appoint Grant Shapps to defence. He seems to have none of the required qualities, anymore than he did for all his other positions!
September 1, 2023
@lesley mcconochie +1 whole heartedly agree. Conservatives are thin on the ground
September 1, 2023
I would support John Redwood as PM as long as he supported the Arts (which is huge for me and for so many people I know). Not forgetting how this country produced Shakespeare! And that he also supports the IT / Digital Sector – to help the UK become the Silicon Valley of Europe (and so increase our productivity / high skills / well-paid jobs / economy overall). And of course to support the Christian values and vision of someone such as Jane Austen (including the importance of the family etc).
Maybe he does support all these. Not saying he doesn’t.
September 1, 2023
Can people who enjoy âthe artsâ not pay for them by buying tickets or donating to charities. Just as football, tennis etc. are supported by ticket buyers and TV audiences? Why do taxpayers have to fund this?
Much money comes from the lottery for the arts. Needless to say non of this come from myself never having bought a ticket!
September 1, 2023
Because the arts are part of patriotism – in itself a great thing but which indirectly feeds the economy.
Both Bach and Mozart were patronised in their day. Bach by one of the German royal families. And Mozart by the Catholic Church.
Both the Catholic Church and the royal families were part of the ruling establishment. We don’t have powerful royal families and Catholic bishops like we did back then. And so the only way to pay for the great arts – or a vital way – is for government to help support.
Bach or Mozart wouldn’t have been able to depend on commerce alone to give them the freedom to create their great art!
September 1, 2023
I’m a capitalist too. But I don’t think capitalism can pay for everything. There is a limit to the power of capitalism (for example, it’s limited in helping to create patriotism, great arts etc).
September 2, 2023
Also, politicians have to capture the imagination of voters. At the moment both Tories and Labour get zero points for capturing imagination of voters .. For the Tories to say they were going to support in some way the great arts of the future (but artists would have to work hard to earn that patronage) would be awesome. Only a small budget at first but to increase the budget as the economy improves and there is more money. This would also make the Tory party more popular to a larger part of the voting population too!
Tories have to think creatively too!
September 1, 2023
The established Church of England has long preferred since the 1960s espousing progressive causes and views to preaching the gospel and upholding Christian values in a misguided attempt to stem the flight of its congregations. t has had 50 years to work out why its congregations have shrunk while those of more conservative Roman Catholic and non-conformist Christian Churches have either shrunk less or increased.
September 1, 2023
My father always maintained that Christianity was in fact marxism and vice versa.
Maybe Marxism was viewed as a means of establishing The Kingdom of Heaven on Earth? I think I have read that some Anglican priests thought so.
Once the Old Testament was largely dropped the New Testament ( twisted from what I imagine was its initial intention) has been used against the average person.
âTurning the other cheekâ and other teaching was not I feel certain meant to turn us into bleating idiots.It was probably meant to instruct us to stand our ground. Which of course in the face of outrage the Church has not done.
September 1, 2023
You find socialism / liberalism / WOKE in Catholicism as well (although not in its Magisterium). But generally I’d say The Catholic Church is more Conservative, in general, than the C of E.
September 1, 2023
As usual very well said John.
September 1, 2023
Agreed.
September 1, 2023
A potent and much relevant article showing how the demise of the C of E is a national tragedy. This fall from grace reveals how powerful the extremist Left now is but also how this is paralleled by the demise of the Tory party who as always stood for moral and Christian values that the party now openly reject with its embrace ie the collectivist, progressive cancer that will eventually crater our nation
Thanks again for your efforts
September 1, 2023
Agree, without morals and Christian values we have nothing
September 1, 2023
Whaaaaat? The fall from grace, as you put it, is because few people believe the tosh spouted by the hypocrites in their pulpits.
People interested in spirituality interest themselves in something other than ravings.
September 1, 2023
I am afraid the Church is almost irrelevant to many people now, although many local Vicars hearts are in the right place, the Archbishop of Canterbury has turned many away with his far too often rants about what others should do, instead of concentrating on his own organisation and flock.
September 1, 2023
+1
September 1, 2023
I have felt more and more atheist as I’ve got older and think about my inevitable shuffling off this mortal coil.
From my youth I was fed the idea of the Cof E being the most acceptable of religions, yet had eyes opened about more Eastern religious concepts and life styles. I agree that often when I attend weddings and funerals the chap in the vestments seems a decent person with sincere views. Over time I notice this official replaced by a humanist and find the service much more personal about the people directly involved.
Again, I would imagine growth in the number of believers who see no need to gather together in special buildings, but make efforts to live by generally acceptable standards. Curiously I have also noticed that those in the public eye attending Church services clearly are not guided by Christian ethics, but those of needing to be seen even in deceit.
If it proves that I have been wrong, and find myself judged by my maker and the verdict is not good, then my fate has to be borne.
September 1, 2023
ignored again, eh?
September 1, 2023
Mickey T,
I have the exact opposite experience of humanist services. I have attended a couple of funerals in Kingston and Morden with the same humanist chap running the service. Also another with a woman humanist running the show.
They did not know the deceased and just gave a glib commentary on their lives from what they had learnt from relatives of the deceased. I was not keen on the music that was selected for the services or being requested to wear a T shirt for one of them ( I wore a dark suit and black tie, as with all other funerals).
September 2, 2023
Usually the departed chose the music. The dress code often requested! Are you telling me that Cof E led funeral services know the departed, and the many and varied opinions of the close family and friends?
I do the same – dark suit, white shirt and black tie…the latter will need replacing through too much wear.
September 1, 2023
Christ was never political. And even the Romans who could be quite tough and even cruel had no argument with Christ (the Romans only participated in Christ’s Crucifixion to placate Christ’s religious enemies). And even some of Christ’s biggest religious enemies came to be his biggest supporters such as St Paul. St Paul who was both a Roman citizen and Greek scholar from Tarsus who was involved, in some indirect way, in the murder of the first Christian martyr St Stephen. St Paul obviously repented and then went on to become one of Christ’s greatest advocates. And St Paul then went on a kind of odyssey around the Mediterranean a bit like Odysseus on his journey home from Troy. St Paul would have known and, no doubt, loved Homer and Odysseus. Although St Paul’s wisdom was greater than that of Odysseus – for St Paul was bringing the wisdom and ‘good news’ of Christianity to the gentiles. Something like that.
September 1, 2023
The C of E is testing the theory of “Go Woke, Go Broke” … probably to destruction. The only thing saving it is its position as the Established Church under our creaking Constitution.
Rather like the new Head of the C of E is – a man who specialises in lecturing the peasants about so-called “green” policies (regularly demonstrating that he is a prize hypocrite) when he very recently made an Oath which requires him to stay out of politics.
September 1, 2023
âGo Woke, Go Brokeâ indeed
September 1, 2023
Donna
I have unearthed from my archives a copy of The Daily Telegraph Television and Radio guide 10th to the 16th of April 2004
Did Christ from the dead?
No doubt about it, says the Bishop of Durham (C4, 6.35 pm)
Can anyone imagine that being broadcast today?
September 1, 2023
My goodness letâs blame politics, the left, all the usual âbogey menâ
As far as I am concerned from the age I could think for myself I considered it a lot of hocus-pocus akin to modern day witchcraft. Just another group of people thinking they can tell other people what to do.
No one I know goes/has gone to church with the younger members not even thinking itâs irrelevant. It just doesnât enter their thoughts. Christening/baptisms. Whatâs the point?
September 1, 2023
Thatâs because our politicians made it a sin to be a Christian âŠtheyâve effectively banned Christmas & Easter âŠ.as it might offend !
September 1, 2023
Good morning John, the falling religiousity of people in the UK and cultural issues associated with the lack of interest in marriage, family or society is linked with the lack of a formal role of the church combined with a rather woke, left-leaning education system in our country which does its best to demote our cultural values and history in favour of promoting every minority position on everything. The church itself should not automatically align with the political Zeit Geist of the day but rather stay firm in the teachings of the bible and be careful through which lense it tries to see the world and to build a bridge between the bible and issues of the day. It does need to be interesting, passionate and demonstrate that it is working to bring society together and elevate people, mentally, spiritually and morally without seeming critical and shouty about it. You mention the topic of climate change and this is something which really irritates me when religious leaders start preaching on wars in Ukraine or the climate from the pulpit. In this as much as the politicians are being swept along in a false narrative which is doing great harm by banning and attempting to phase out fossil fuels. CO2 doesnât alter the weather or climate one jot, however the fossil fuels which emit it are the only viable cheap and reliable means of powering a modern civilisation and lifting all out of poverty. Both politicians and theologians
September 1, 2023
Many also wonder at the influence (or lack of it) that the extremely wealthy Church of England has on our national affairs.
Richard Dawkins, the eminent evolutionary biologist, is known for his criticism of religion and has written many atheist-oriented works, including the highly influential “The Blind Watchmaker” and my favourite, “The God Delusion”
Dawkins contends that a supernatural creator, “god”, almost certainly does not exist, and that belief in a personal god qualifies as a delusion, which he defines as a persistent false belief held in the face of strong contradictory evidence. The author Robert Pirsig noted that when one person suffers from a delusion, it is called insanity – but when many people suffer from a delusion it is called religion.
The Church of England, as with many other religions, became wealthy on the god delusion of it’s adherents. It’s senior management (the bishops etc) live comfortable non-working lives on the income from it’s investments. That very few people now attend it’s services (<1% of the population) suggests that the vast majority of the population have seen through the god delusion.
September 1, 2023
The churches are empty but the prisons are full. Have they fallen for the crime delusion?
Believing in God isn’t a delusion. The mind is a miracle and defies explanation from the universe. Moreover the human mind is something that acknowledges the authority of truth and justice. Scientifically speaking they are just delusions, so why can’t we escape the fact they aren’t?
September 2, 2023
Strangely Richard Dawkins the famous atheist (whom I largely agree with and have read nearly all his excellent books) does seem to have fallen for the net zero climate alarmist religion.
September 1, 2023
I have not been to church since our (Methodist) minister preached unilateral nuclear disarmament from the pulpit on Christmas Day 1983.
The poor will always be with us.
Do unto others as you would be done by
Don’t trust zealots whatever you do will never be enough for them and they will betray you.
These are the only things the church has to teach me
September 1, 2023
Good morning John, the falling religiousity of people in the UK and cultural issues associated with the lack of interest in marriage, family or society is linked with the lack of a formal role of the church combined with a rather woke, left-leaning education system in our country which does its best to demote our cultural values and history in favour of promoting every minority position on everything. The church itself should not automatically align with the political Zeit Geist of the day but rather stay firm in the teachings of the bible and be careful through which lense it tries to see the world and to build a bridge between the bible and issues of the day. It does need to be interesting, passionate and demonstrate that it is working to bring society together and elevate people, mentally, spiritually and morally without seeming critical and shouty about it. You mention the topic of climate change and this is something which really irritates me when religious leaders start preaching on wars in Ukraine or the climate from the pulpit. In this as much as the politicians are being swept along in a false narrative which is doing great harm by banning and attempting to phase out fossil fuels. CO2 doesnât alter the weather or climate one jot, however the fossil fuels which emit it are the only viable cheap and reliable means of powering a modern civilisation and lifting all out of poverty. Both politicians and theologians are sadly professing to want to improve the lives of their constituents and peoples around the world whilst praying for divine interventions an actions by all that are wasting time, money and resources whilst doing great harm to useful infrastructure in the west or preventing its development in places such as Africa. In any case, I think a passionate and knowledgeable preacher and vibrant community with strong outreach is what most churches require to grow and thrive. They should not seek to mimic the latest fads or fashions though.
September 1, 2023
The massive growth of the âborn-againâ churches gives the lie to the claim that the nation has become irreligious.
There are 600 Nigerian Christian Churches in the U.K.
My own family regularly hire the Albert Hall to conduct Church Services.
We have simply been sickened by an Archbishop of Canterbury who was a Druid (Rowan Williams, the pictures on the web are really something to savour) and much else anti-Christian activity. The push from Lambeth Palace to âconsolidate the Christian churchesâ, which means surrendering to Rome, as a precursor to consolidating all religions. One World Religion ⊠and One World Government.
Archbishops who misunderstand the Gospel, misinterpreted it and apply their confusion with all the confidence of the ignorant. At one Christmas Matins the (hopefully childhood – but anyway childish) poems of Rowan Williams took centre stage – in Durham Cathedral!
Time the C of E was properly taxed, also the Monarchy. Have their property bought by foreigners as we have suffered and lost London, Birmingham, Leicester and much else. then they would get an idea of the consequences of their own politics.
September 1, 2023
I like the idea of homing the migrants in the Churches and vicarages still very large across our country.
I think Justin Welby should step up and demonstrate his commitment to unopposed migration by filling Lambeth Palace with his much desired incoming residents from across the Channel.
September 1, 2023
Totally agree 100%. Yet many canons & vicars are struggling to keep their parish overheads in check within dwindling budgets. Our local Canon oversees 6 parishes. She is amazing – a true person of the people. Ready to engage & help whatever creed or colour. With very little support from her superiors on high!!!
September 1, 2023
jude – The CoE is a large land owner and has PLENTY of money. The problem is the money is used improperly. (Cannot say TOO much on this site)
September 1, 2023
The âFeast of Foolsâ was celebrated in the Mediaeval Church on January 1st.
It was a satanic/pagan effort which inverted the norm, was loud, confusing and wholly anarchic.
We suffer or celebrate this on a minute by minute basis now with no hope of a return to normality.
September 1, 2023
Vis schools.
All falling down apparently!
So back to online âlearningâ as was alway the plan?
September 1, 2023
Bravo Sir John, I completely agree with your comments. Itâs a matter of great sadness to witness our Church and our Christian way of life eroded by a total absence of Church leadership. A leadership more interested in Wokeism and minority sensitivities.
September 1, 2023
+many
September 1, 2023
With the establishment of the climate religion, the CofE has discovered a new role for itself, promoting the new dogma for all it’s worth. Never mind saving souls, it’s all about saving the planet now.
September 1, 2023
Same principle pay up now to avoid a future fiery hell!
September 1, 2023
So, no longer ‘The Tory Party at prayer’?
September 1, 2023
whats that saying about rotting from the top.
September 1, 2023
I once read a very good Sci Fi short story.
A spaceman stranded on an alien planet set to converting the inhabitants to Christianity. They complied and ended up crucifying him. They said but this is what you taughtâŠTHIS is what you wanted! Very similar to how the (Marxists or whatever you call them) have used Christianity and democracy against us.
Another such story depicted the people ( however many light years before) dying on a burning, dying planet. That planetâs dying star was The Star of Bethlehem.
September 1, 2023
The church doesn’t seem to realise they have to work hard to keep their flock, the successful ones seem to attract music concerts, clubs for adults like art and flower arranging, clubs for children from choir to art. They are not only spiritual advisors they are also family advisors and their vicars are often like citizens advice. A young minister I know visits runs mother and baby groups, school holiday clubs, he uses lonely elderly people amongst his congregation to run them.
However, like a lot of socialist organisations if they just sit around waiting for people to come to them without any effort then they will close and be converted into other things.
September 1, 2023
For the most part historically religion and what most of us call the Church of England provided long term stability, a security blanket, a place to turn to in turbulent times.
Where has it gone, it wanted to get down with the kids, be with it, be Woke, join the cancel cult. Place what is now called the sins of our fathers, that were only doing what was right for the times on todayâs shoulders. Just what sin will the place on todayâs generation? In reality that means it has cancelled its own purpose â it become political.
Quoting someone else in recent times, religion has now become the home for those lacking in their own self belief and confidence.
September 1, 2023
If Anglican Church leaders spoke out for decency and the difference between good and bad and were not so afraid of ‘offending’ those who are in fact in the political business of finding ways of undermining our way of life it would not be in the position it is.
Our lives in this country have been built and defended in the past by people with courage; all we have now are the weak, afraid and hollow. Many people are looking for traditional leadership and example everywhere but find it almost no-where. There are too many destroyers and too many people follow them because they have nothing much else to pay attention to.
As for the Christian faith they should not expect it to solve every problem in every detail every day and criticise it when it doesn’t, but there are plenty of examples in it of clues which can help. Do critics have no faith in their parents who don’t come up with answers every time? Do they abandon them?
September 1, 2023
When the Church stopped being above politics it started to lose respect – Now it is a fully blown woke institute – Is it any wonder so many no longer believe in it?
Perhaps one of the more memorable things that John Major did was to make the phrase, ‘back to basics’ well known. Surely the Church should adopt this as a way forward.
With society falling apart at the seams and lawlessness on the rise, what is badly needed is some real moral guidance.
I’m afraid the Church is no longer fit for that purpose.
September 1, 2023
+++
Definitely not fit for that purpose.
I witnessed in the 80s/90s a great takeover of local churches by dreadful wokery.
One lady, a staunch founder of a particular church community ( small church on a housing estate) objecting to the pews being removed.
She was vilified and when she died the âladiesâ of the church would not put on the customary funeral tea.
September 1, 2023
We are living with a medieval system here and until things change there is little point in discussing – because of vested interests there will be no change unless circumstances force a change –
September 1, 2023
The Church of England began as a political gesture when it broke from Rome, the ultimate form of political power at the time. While the CoE has lost its significance in UK life I do not think Christianity has. It just expresses itself under different headings. The Methodist church near me has to have two sessions on a sunday to accommodate all the participants. I’m sure that many CoE reverands stick to the basic message of Christianity and do their best to look after their flock, it is just the Bishops and Archbishops that step outside their remit at times. The basic message of Christianity however is a pure form of Communism, not the form we see politically which is its antithisis. Anyone who takes it literally is bound to find themselves in political conflict,as happened at the outset. It is possibly the perceived distancing of the hierarchy from potential adherants and the immeasurable increase in information today that questions the significance of the CoE. One would have to study all other branches of Christianity to get a clear picture of the reasons for its decline. Football can remain popular even when your favourite club gets relegated.
September 1, 2023
This is ridiculous SJR . This entry has been in since 09.00 abouts and you have failed to publish. I can only put it down to some so far undectected religious hangup.
September 1, 2023
This seems a flawed analysis. The number of Catholics and church attendance by them is also dropping and that religion espouses a number of non-LibDem policies. It seems more likely that it is simply a generational effect, older people are more likely to follow an organised religion than young people even though young people are more likely to align with the CofE’s LibDem political slant – it’s organised religion itself they are rejecting. As an aside the number of Muslims is increasing and that religion promotes even more non-LibDem positions.
September 1, 2023
The CoE is reaping the effects “Go Woke, Go Broke”, in this case through declining attendee numbers.
Justin Welby needs to stick to the day job, and stop interfering in politics. The majority of people are not interested in his spiels about the migrant crisis (taking even more people with spurious claims) and other similar issues.
I’m also sick and tired of seeing the CoE having to bend to ‘modern standards’. yet other faiths followed the UK can still get away with pumping out homophobic, sexist and other “phobic” rhetoric to their followers, without any action taken, nor condemnation from the vocal left.
If the CoE was to pump out endless homophobia, sexism and Xenophobia is would be jumped upon by the left, However if a “minority” faith does the same, the silence is deafening.
September 1, 2023
Sir John,
I do like visiting churches, especially ancient country churches where you can see how the original saxon place of worship has been enlarged and extended during the norman and later medieval periods. A thousand years of history and Christian belief encapsulated in a single and often modest building. The country church is one of the greatest treasures to be found in this land. Visiting them is simple enough because they are almost always empty.
The decline of congregations in the CofE is I think also generational. The older generation are bound to be more conservative in their views, and as you have said are put off by the stance the Church now takes on so many issues. Another factor is that the younger generation have found a new religion – climate. Why sit through a sermon when you can sit in a road. These are the modern day religious zealots, climate is their God.
September 1, 2023
What you say is true.
The rot began when the Church, together with the rest of the establisment, encouraged mass immigration and then the minority atheists said, now we must stop teaching Christianity in the schools and stop celebrating it in public, out of deference to the immigrants. But the immigrants by and large did not want Christianity abolished. They had chosen to come to a Christian country with all its virtues and when they sent their children to school, they invariably chose Christian ones over secular ones, judging a Christian framework better than an atheistical one. They celebrated Christmas with gusto.
Nor did the minority religions want the Church disestablished. Jews in particular regard the Establisment of the Church of England as a protection against something more aggressive coming in its place.
Immigrants continue to come in large numbers and it is they who are now filling the churches and cathedrals.
September 1, 2023
The beauty of multiculturalism âŠpractised by all political parties
September 1, 2023
I work with migrants (legal ones) and our group meets in the back of the church! Some students are Muslim and are quite happy to be there, and give small gifts and a card at Christmas!
I used to work in a CofE Primary and one of the little kids proudly informed me one Christmas that he was a Christian Muslim…
September 1, 2023
A reform of the House of Lords is needed. A group representing such a small section of society shouldn’t have such a large influence in politics. I’d dissolve the whole thing and just have people from different backgrounds to scutinise areas of their expertise as politicians seem clueless as to the cause and effect of the policies they come up with.
September 1, 2023
Christine, we have lots of people with ‘expertise’ in the ONS yet their ‘revisions’ are now causing people to distrust them. The revisions suggest to Giles in the FT, that the UK no longer has the worst growth record among G7 countries since 2019. Sometimes clever and intelligent people without ‘expertise’ can question the way things are always done.
September 1, 2023
The role of the ” Church ” plays a much reduced influence today in our lives than it did years ago . Sir John is right to point out how unreasonable it is for the CoE to have places secured in the House of Lords – another body that is not needed in our political system . I am not and never have been a Churchgoer but I do consider myself a responsible citizen and law abider .
September 1, 2023
Ah yes, those halcyon days when Middle England – true blue Tories – sat hypocritically listening to a bloke in a dress spouting stuff about âLove thy neighbourâ while the church owned half the land and tithes had to be paid.
Of course it suited the ultimate power âthe Kingâ to pretend to believe so that the masses would endure their poverty without complaint, hoping that the ânext worldâ would be better than the hellhole that this one was for them.
The sooner the whole nonsense dies out, the better.
September 1, 2023
What if the powers that be are planning a compulsory One World religion?
I bet weâd all be forced to attend.
The most vigorously enforced faith ever!
September 1, 2023
I have a tendency to agree with you, religion should be kept out of politics and schools, however Iâm okay with the promotion of Christian values
September 1, 2023
Sir John
Everything you illustrate, shows up the General hypocrisy that is embedded in the UK political system. There would have been not so long back, that if something was not broken donât try to fix it, that would be the override on how we get on with life.
The way we have an unelected unrepresentative upper chamber that is broken beyond comprehension, from its continual meddling by those that want to manipulate without a mandate to do so. It is well past the time that the HoL should be elected, an elected ârevisingâ chamber. The only harm would be that would make the UK a Democracy, make it legitimate, a free Sovereign Democratic State. A simple straight forward chamber of just 100 members, no faff, no airs and graces just there to have an alternative look at the UKâs legislation to ensure flaws are kept to a minimum.
We have 26 religious zealots sitting in the house of lords not a single one representing any part of Democracy â but noisy beyond their position and credibility. Hypocrites in trying to dictate what others should do but hiding what they do.
You then get to ask where is the Head of the Church of England in all this?
September 1, 2023
How I totally agree with you on that, I was christened CofE, married a Catholic and brought my daughters up as Catholics but kept my Protestant religion. My Irish mother-In-law tried for over 40 years to convert me to no avail, but over the last few years I have become so disillusioned that I have actually asked our local Priest if when the time comes he will conduct my funeral. I want nothing to do with CofE. They have managed since this last lefty took over something my family couldnât do in 40 years.
September 1, 2023
Perhaps before the next census, a campaign should urge those who think they live by Christian morals despite only ever attending CoE for births, christenings, and funerals, if that, should tick the Christian box rather than atheist.
It would not rescue the CoE, who would ignore the disparity against attendance, but might help sway public policy.
Meanwhile, there seems merit in the idea that some without religion need a crutch and turn to cultish pseudo religions instead.âOh-Je-re-mee-Cor-byn, Save the NHS, Just Stop Oil, …
September 1, 2023
It seems the CoE is wearing the same blinkers as the Sunak government. Churches being sold off as homes or to be converted into mosques, yet the archbishop prefers to focus on the supposed plight of economic migrants pouring into our county.
Just as politicos should stay out of church affairs likewise the Church must remain Apolitical, much like our King. The Archbishop is ignoring the feelings of his congregations and the government is ignoring the sentiments of the electorate.
How stupid can they be? Do they really not know what they are doing to their religion/Party?
Perhaps it’s not blinkers they are wearing but heavy blindfolds but it’s not too late to remove them and really see the light!
September 1, 2023
+1
September 1, 2023
God be in my head and in my understanding.
September 1, 2023
Like so many aspects of our historic culture, the Church of England has been a most wonderful blessing. The people that know and appreciate this are just going to sigh at the many ignorant comments here this morning. However, Sir John, I believe you are right to point out the rank folly emanating from the corridors of religious power, which are indeed a huge switch-off to many folk. This folly, of course, is prevalent everywhere we look right now and is a prominent sign of the times. But to others, I would say that the Bible is the Maker’s Instructions (the Authorized King James version has served many generations well, as does the New King James nowadays, also), and whether you go to church or not, that is the Messianic testimony we all need individually to hear, believe and apply. This will NEVER be irrelevant, and it is for want of believing so that we now see the prophetic fulfilment of modern events unfurling before our eyes. It’s towards this blessed hope that many unseen faithful souls both here and throughout the world now look. Take these out of the mix, and you’ll see the world will get suddenly darker. The Established church may well be mocked, but beware, God is certainly not!
September 1, 2023
A Church founded on the desire of a royal despot to marry his mistress has run its course. The further question should be as to whether the CofE is entitled to hold an estate which was largely stolen. JR regrets that the CofE is no longer the Conservative party at prayer. It would be better if it was disestablished and all its bishops kicked out of the House of Lords together with the representatives of other religions because any movement towards ecumenicism is prevented from taking place despite the blather when its leader is the Head of State and its bishops appointed by the Tories for the last 14 years. The Episcopalian Church in the USA represents about 1% of Christians indicating how well it fares on a level playing field. The CofE is a tepid undertaking that is partly responsible for the decline of religious belief and worship in this country.
September 1, 2023
forthurst,
What is so good about ecumenism?
The Catholic Church was far better before the Second Vatican Council and the daft decision to prevent a Latin mass for those that still wanted it.
September 2, 2023
I love the fact that we can now worship Mass in our beautiful, native language: English. The language of Shakespeare!
The problem is the liberals in The Church who want to get rid of the beautiful old liturgical traditions.
When instead there should be a synthesis between the old (old traditions) and the new (the Mass in the language of English / Shakespeare / our mother tongue which we can understand at a gut level).
Lastly, at the Last Supper, Christ would have said the Last Supper in Aramaic (a vernacular language) not Hebrew (the formal language of religion). But no doubt, would have used some traditional Hebrew prayers.
But at end of day, it’s right and proper that Benedict allowed traditional Catholics to worship in Latin without fear or judgement (but I’m also glad other Catholics can worship in English as long as the old traditions are wiped out and we keep many of them including some prayers in Latin).
September 2, 2023
‘as the old traditions are wiped out and we keep many of them including some prayers in Latin)’ – as long as the old traditions are NOT wiped out, I meant.
September 1, 2023
FORTHHURST – SPOT ON.
September 1, 2023
Excellent article, if a little unfair on local vicars. Many Vicars do a good job, though I concede not all of them, especially when people are going through times of crisis. However, the Leadership is adrift from their concerns and has no interest in listening to them. So many Vicars are equally frustrated at what the leadership teaches but get one with the job as best they can. Because, as always, if you disagree, you get sidelined or dismissed.
But the C of E is the same as the current Government and the Conservative Party. The leadership are adrift from the members and don’t want to listen. The recent appointment of Grant Shapps as Defence Minister is an example of the saying, If we appoint people weaker than ourselves, we will become a government of pygmies, if we appoint people bigger than ourselves, we will become a government of giants! Shapps and Hunt are classic examples of the first part of the saying!!!
September 1, 2023
All this is so true – and yet, according to a survey reported a few days ago, 53% of ministers in the CofE think the answer to their dwindling congregations lies ⊠in being allowed to marry gays in church.
*sigh*
September 1, 2023
One of the people who best embodies British, Conservative Christianity (both Protestant and Catholic) at its best is JANE AUSTEN.
(And I’m a Catholic, although half Protestant and huge respect and love for Protestants and I have a lot of criticism for fellow Catholics although not of its Magisterium and Sacraments which is why I remain Catholic).
Jane came from a very Conservative background which she embraced. She was also very religious (I have a copy of her prayer book which I love but she was not religious in a showy-off way).
Her background was landed gentry, the army / navy, merchant class and the clergy.
And Jane embodied all the great Christian virtues: humility, love, wisdom, courage, sense of humour, joyful, a personality, patience, perseverance, hard work / work ethic, patriotism, love of beauty and the arts and so on.
I love Jane Austen – her life, books and the influence she has had on this country. And if you can, visit the house and area where she lived and died in Hampshire. It’s one of the most special places I’ve been to. And where I really experienced the presence of this big, Christian, British soul.
September 1, 2023
BTW, humility does NOT equal being wet or a doormat. In fact, being bold (in the right way) can be a sign of humility as humility is ultimately OBEDIENCE to your divine conscience (and in a non-showy-off / non-aggressive way) type thing.
Nor does Christian love equal being wet or a doormat either. There is both soft, Christian love (affection / playfulness / joy etc) and tough, Christian love (challenging your best friend when they are being a jerk etc and risking the anger of your friend but carrying on anyway).
September 1, 2023
Dear Mr. Redwood,
Oh Dear. Grant Sch…(you know who)!
September 1, 2023
+++
Not so much a tonicâŠ
September 1, 2023
Alan
Yes indeed, will the tanks, aircraft, and ships arrive on time when required. ?
Difficult to understand or take seriously this appointment.
September 1, 2023
Lifelogic. + 100
Not that the Uniparty Muppets will take a blind bit of notice
September 1, 2023
Interesting snippets of conversation with Ken Clarke this morning on Radio 4’s Reunion. A pity the two BBC gossips couldn’t have got out of the way and let you have a bit more.
September 1, 2023
What we have here is another attempt to distract from the real problems facing this country – they are all at it now I see Tory politicians and associates on GB News programmes for instance talking shite hoping that people won’t notice what’s really dragging them down
September 1, 2023
You seem to be new here, and I believe you are being unnecessarily rude. At least John does run a blog and share his opinions widely. Just this week on this diary JR has discussed:
Uk Trade
Venture capital for growing business
Top 10 World companies are all USA companies
Why is the UK and EU falling behind the USA
Article on Wider Ownership
The Asylum backlog and NHS waiting list.
September 2, 2023
And the real reason is attempted hidden Socialist or Maxist activity plus union disruption.
September 1, 2023
It is true there is a gulf between the ostentatiously pronounced political views of the bishops of the Church of England and most of their affiliated believers. The Bishops shouldn’t be members of the House of Lords as they are not even representative of the minority in our country who still claim to be Anglicans. However it is also true that the Roman Catholic Church which has a rather less politically orientated clerical leadership is also in decline.
The underlying reason for the continuing decline of Christian religion – indeed it is to some extent affecting most religions worldwide (including even Islam from which there is an increasing number, albeit as yet merely a trickle, of people deserting the religion) is decreasing belief in the existence of God and even more so decreasing belief in the truth of any religion. It is dawning on ever more people that God may well not exist and religions are mere local traditions, indeed local myths (and that applies even to Buddhism which was originally an essentially secular doctrine for living) that are rooted in an unscientific, technologically backward world and are thoroughly outdated in today’s world.
However what I suspect are the most crippling blows to religions are instead of living in societies almost exclusively aligned to one religion we are now living in a world where via mass communications most people know of and many people live amongst people of many differing religions (which evidently can’t all be true!) combined with unbelief becoming ever easier and ever more people openly telling other people they don’t believe in religion.
September 2, 2023
Why would we want Bishops to examine Bills to identify possible errors?
September 1, 2023
The problem with the Church of England, as with our Parliament, civil service, educational establishment, the NHS, judiciary and many quangos and institutions, including the monarchy, believe that âEnglandâ (or GB) is far too small, insignificant and unworthy for them to look after and should be replaced by âthe Worldâ.
September 1, 2023
Spot on piece. Reflects my thinking on organised religion, based watching their behaviour over a number of years (various sects and religions, not only the CofE).
It is all about power. It always has been.
P.S. The unbelievable upgrade in UK growth today by the ONS raises questions about their modelling, but shows that the UK is not doing so badly after all. The problem is, when they tell us we’re inrecession, we suffer – when it turns out that we weren’t, the harm is not magically un-done. If they are going to err, then for the sake of the country, at least err on the side of optimism?
September 2, 2023
Three careers – The Army (eventually The Forces), The Church and Politics.
September 1, 2023
I wonder whether it is the case that there are more Christians in Parliament than in a similar cross section elsewhere?
September 1, 2023
I think that many people are still christian in principle and the way they live, but they do not attend church because of the leaders of the church with their woke and liberal views and double standards.
September 1, 2023
+thousands
September 1, 2023
Weâve invited other religions under the guise of racial, cultural & ethics harmony to preach in the UKâŠbut at the expense of the CofE that the monarchy, politicians nor the clergy have defended
Like our flag, youâre seen as a bigot if you wear a christian cross or going to Sunday service âŠ.maybe the Tory plan is rid the country of the CoE in favour of the church of united nations
September 1, 2023
I have no idea what Sunak is thinking.
But he is fomenting revolution.
September 1, 2023
After Liz, why oh why didn’t the parliamentary party go back to the membership ?
September 1, 2023
C of E .I had good times as a youngster in church and Sunday school.Brownies and guides were organisations to have fun and socialize.The people involved didn’t push religion.We just were. It’s not sensible to down the Cof E as other religious powers are ready to take over.There needs to be an English church. I know all the services, antiphonies and canticles off by heart due to early exposure but don’t attend church anymore.The Wednesday and Sunday radio services will suffice.There is something reassuring about visiting childhood, if only Via a church service.
At one time the job gave respectability and status but we all see through this now.
September 2, 2023
I was brought up as High Church Anglican by my Mother. My Father was Methodist. I am now more Puritan than anything else believing in only the written word and the way Jesus used his skills talking in the open air. This rubbish of people walking round in silly robes and preaching nonsense puts everyone off. I believe the current one in Lambeth Palace has a home in France which goes with his views. Nothing would entice me back into church for a lecture by one of the present ones in place. It is as corrupt as the government we seem to have at present. None of them are listening to the people anymore and they will regret it.
September 3, 2023
It isnât just that it takes LibDem political views, but it has consistently failed to pay any attention to its handbook, the Bible, our manual for living. One of our tenants was reported to the police by the diocesan safeguarding team when she asked her vicar how he could square blessing a same sex marriage with I Cor. 6. She is not homophobic in any way; the couple in question were close friends of hers, but this is the level to which the CofE has sunk. It has nothing whatever to do with the Gospel.
All clergy are required to subscribe to the Thirtynine Articles of religion, which, inter alia, say that the Bible contains all things necessary for salvation, and that it is not lawful for the church to ordain any thing which is contrary to the Bible. One clergyman, no longer with us, once told me that nobody believes the Thirtynine Articles any more! No wonder the church is in decline if it doesnât go by its own rules!