Evangelical Report is A “Recipe for Discord and Conflict"
National Secular Society Press Release | 30.10.2006 07:01 | Culture
The report from the Evangelical Alliance “Faith and Nation” is the best argument yet put forward for the urgent introduction of a secular constitution for Britain, says the National Secular Society.
The report argues for Christianity to be restored to its dominant place in British political and social life, even though the report admits that only a tiny minority of people in this country are active in churches.
Terry Sanderson, vice president of the National Secular Society, said: “The Evangelical Alliance says that Christianity should become the dominant force in this country again, starting with the idea that Prince Charles should not embrace other faiths when he becomes sovereign by assuming the title “Defender of Faiths” rather than being the defender of only one faith. The next coronation, they say, should be a Christian act of worship. This regressive argument immediately excludes vast swathes of people from other faiths and none from an event that is supposed to unite the nation. It is no longer an option for the monarch to serve only one section of the nation – namely that of a dwindling band of Christians. The coronation, and all other national events, should be secular occasions which are open to everyone of whatever religion or – for an increasing number – no religion at all.”
Mr Sanderson said that the Evangelical Alliance’s ideas were divisive and a recipe for discord and conflict.
“Britain needs to accept that this kind of religious power-seeking and chauvinism is dangerous. It can only increase as Christianity tries to protect its privileged position from the onslaught of other religions that are becoming ever more assertive. A secular constitution would mean that this kind of religious fight for influence could not take place in the corridors of state. That is when it becomes exceedingly dangerous.”
Terry Sanderson, vice president of the National Secular Society, said: “The Evangelical Alliance says that Christianity should become the dominant force in this country again, starting with the idea that Prince Charles should not embrace other faiths when he becomes sovereign by assuming the title “Defender of Faiths” rather than being the defender of only one faith. The next coronation, they say, should be a Christian act of worship. This regressive argument immediately excludes vast swathes of people from other faiths and none from an event that is supposed to unite the nation. It is no longer an option for the monarch to serve only one section of the nation – namely that of a dwindling band of Christians. The coronation, and all other national events, should be secular occasions which are open to everyone of whatever religion or – for an increasing number – no religion at all.”
Mr Sanderson said that the Evangelical Alliance’s ideas were divisive and a recipe for discord and conflict.
“Britain needs to accept that this kind of religious power-seeking and chauvinism is dangerous. It can only increase as Christianity tries to protect its privileged position from the onslaught of other religions that are becoming ever more assertive. A secular constitution would mean that this kind of religious fight for influence could not take place in the corridors of state. That is when it becomes exceedingly dangerous.”
National Secular Society Press Release
Homepage:
http://www.secularism.org.uk
Comments
Hide the following 4 comments
Ban aethism along with all other religions on Indymedia?
30.10.2006 10:25
2. You bang on about how wonderful the godless society is; why not take the opportunity to live in a godless society if it is such an important issue to you?
3. Who put up a better fight against Maggie Thatcher the bishops of the Church of England. or the National Secular Society, or Living Marxism?
4. Atheism is a faith like Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism or Paganism, all based upon belief systems. To say god does not exist is as much an act of faith as saying he does.
5. History only occurs once. If it was not for Christianity Europe would be an Islamic continent, where would Indymedia or the National Secular Society be then?
6. If religion is guilty what about atheism’s crimes: Ukrainian famine?, Stalinism?, The Cultural Revolution?, Prague spring?, Hungarian revolution?, Pol Pot?
In my experience there are good religious people and good non-religious people, there are bad religious people and bad non-religious people.
This campaign is deliberately divisive and seeks to set progressive religious activists against progressive aethist acitivists at a time when a common front against Capitalism, Globalisation and Racism is needed. Why would an supposedly rationalist and progressive organisation do that now do you think?
The current campaign by the National Secular Society is less to do about reason or rationality, but has a lot more to do with the hijacking of this organisation by former members of Living Marxism and their agenda. I guess you can’t stop a Trot enterism in an organisation of old people, but it is funny that the first Trots in Britain were a group of C of E vicars!
The Boy Bishop
Atheism is a faith like Christianity ... ???
31.10.2006 11:46
You stupid boy.
jsl
stupid boy has a point!
31.10.2006 22:36
Only one who is omniscient - otherwise how can you be sure that God isn't just hiding Himself for His own reasons?
Atheism dares to make such a categoric statement, and so can be called nothing but faith.
Agnosticism is different - thats the true non-faith postion - namely that God may not exist, and if He does, He has yet to demonstrate it...
Toby Jones
ok ... yes
01.11.2006 11:57
My full apologies.
jsl