The views of Christians on social and political matters must be heard in the public square, former UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair (pictured) has said.

In a discussion in London with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, Tony Blair said that Christians should not be afraid to speak in public about faith.  

Mr Blair spoke openly about his belief in “salvation through Jesus Christ” and even attempted to explain the resurrection, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Mr Blair joined Dr Williams and the former Daily Telegraph editor Charles Moore to discuss the role of religion in public life at the latest in the series of high-profile Westminster Faith Debates in London.

He told how while in power he often disagreed with Christian groups, including on issues such as introducing supercasinos, but insisted that it was important that their views were heard.

He said that there was “something basic and fundamental” about the contribution the Church had made in Britain adding: “It is very important that that voice is heard.”

Using the word “we” when referring to Christians, he added: “It is important that we are prepared to speak up and speak out from the position of faith and say we are not afraid to say this is what we believe and why we believe it.”

He disclosed for the first time how he even once ordered his aides to kneel down and pray at a meeting with members of the Salvation Army.

And he dismissed claims that he prayed with George Bush – but insisted that it would “not have been wrong” to do so.

Laughing about Mr Campbell’s “famous instruction” to steer clear of religion, he told how while he was leader of the opposition some members of the Salvation Army had come to see him.

“At the meeting one said ‘right we are all going to kneel in prayer’,” said Mr Blair.

“There were two people in my office, who shall remain nameless, who looked absolutely aghast but I said ‘you are going to have to get on your