It’s a rare thing,
these days for a West European politician to
“do God”. It’s rarer still when the politician in question does 
so in a
thoughtful, considered way.
That’s what makes
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles’ (pictured) article [1]
in the Daily Telegraph the other day so
interesting.
Mr Pickles has long
been a defender of the right of Christians to have their say in the public
square, but what makes his article novel is his ability to articulate the
positive contribution of Christianity to the public
square.
He writes:
“Christianity in all its forms has shaped the heritage, morality and public life
of Britain; and Christian belief continues to influence our society for the
better.
“The fact that
Britain has welcomed people of many other faiths to live among us over the
centuries in no way detracts from this. Indeed, it is the Christian ethos that
has made Britain so welcoming.” Christianity can, of course, be intolerant, but it is also well capable of tolerance. The same goes for secularism.
The fact that Pickles
is able to recognise that Christianity has not only shaped Britain’s heritage,
but has made it a more tolerant place is striking.
Pickles’ remarks are in marked contrast
with the impoverished debate we seem to be having in this country on
denominational education, where the governing assumption of far too many
politicians seems to be that religion is the enemy of tolerance and
inclusion.
Pickles continues:
“Christians continue to be positively involved in public life, from the role of
Anglican bishops in scrutinising legislation in the House of Lords, through the
moral leadership offered by Christian leaders, to the contribution of thousands
of churches and Christian charities to the social fabric of our neighbourhoods
with their volunteering and sacrifice.
“Faith communities
provide a clear moral compass and a call to action that benefits society as a
whole – and the Government is grateful for this. The Coalition has an explicit
“integration” strategy to bring communities together. While we should confront
extremists who spread hate and division, I believe that mainstream, tolerant
religion binds society together.”
When was the time you
heard a politician in Ireland, where religious practice, though declining, is
far more prevelant, offer such a full-throated and intelligent defence of the
role of religion in the public square and civil
society?