The Pope yesterday warned of a growing threat to freedom of religion and conscience in a speech delivered in Westminster Hall before a gathering of the civic, political and religious leadership of British society.

In recent years, new British laws have forced the closure of Catholic adoption agencies, nurses have been suspended for offering to pray for patients and Christian civil registrars sacked for refusing to officiate at same-sex civil unions ceremonies.

Pope Benedict told the audience: “There are those who would advocate that the voice of religion be silenced, or at least relegated to the purely private sphere. There are those who argue that the public celebration of festivals such as Christmas should be discouraged, in the questionable belief that it might somehow offend those of other religions or none. And there are those who argue – paradoxically with the intention of eliminating discrimination – that Christians in public roles should be required at times to act against their conscience. These are worrying signs of a failure to appreciate not only the rights of believers to freedom of conscience and freedom of religion, but also the legitimate role of religion in the public square. I would invite all of you, therefore, within your respective spheres of influence, to seek ways of promoting and encouraging dialogue between faith and reason at every level of national life.”

In a similar vein, he said: I am convinced that, within this country too, there are many areas in which the Church and the public authorities can work together for the good of citizens, in harmony with Britain’s long-standing tradition. For such cooperation to be possible, religious bodies – including institutions linked to the Catholic Church – need to be free to act in accordance with their own principles and specific convictions based upon the faith and the official teaching of the Church. In this way, such basic rights as religious freedom, freedom of conscience and freedom of association are guaranteed.”

In Ireland, a Catholic infertility doctors was recently investigated by the Irish Medical Council because he only offers his treatment to married couples. The Government refused to add a conscience clause to its Civil Partnership Act, and Minister John Gormley warned the Church not to “intrude” on “matters of State”.

The third day of the Pope’s four-day official visit to Britain continues today.