Last Friday Parliament was discussing reforms to the Act of Settlement. As it stands this discriminates against Roman Catholics, and of course discrimination of whatever sort is always wrong.
During the debate, Mr Henry Bellingham MP for North-West Norfolk (Cons) said: “I wish the bishops in this country would stand up and put a stronger case for Anglicanism. All too often, they take the easy way out and, rather than stand up for hard-pressed individuals who are being persecuted by the state, they walk by on the other side. As for speaking up for basic Christian beliefs, all too often, all we hear is a deafening silence. It seems to me that too many bishops are overcome by political correctness and a feeling of guilt about saying anything that might remotely cause offence to minority religions, and they are obsessed with multiculturalism.
There are honourable exceptions, however—two quite remarkable bishops. I pay tribute to the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, and to the Bishop of Rochester, Bishop Nazir-Ali. Those two great men have consistently stood up and publicly supported individuals who are being persecuted by the public sector.” (Taken from Hansard)
That is why I am very worried about the resignation of Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali. We are losing from the established Church and from the House of Lords a voice that needs to be heard a presence that needs to be felt. In what he said and did he gave voice and action to many of us who are faithful to the teachings of Christ. Thank you Bishop Michael.
I will continue to pray for Bishop Michael and his wonderful witness, and I wish the best for him and his family as they go to pastures new.
During the debate, Mr Henry Bellingham MP for North-West Norfolk (Cons) said: “I wish the bishops in this country would stand up and put a stronger case for Anglicanism. All too often, they take the easy way out and, rather than stand up for hard-pressed individuals who are being persecuted by the state, they walk by on the other side. As for speaking up for basic Christian beliefs, all too often, all we hear is a deafening silence. It seems to me that too many bishops are overcome by political correctness and a feeling of guilt about saying anything that might remotely cause offence to minority religions, and they are obsessed with multiculturalism.
There are honourable exceptions, however—two quite remarkable bishops. I pay tribute to the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, and to the Bishop of Rochester, Bishop Nazir-Ali. Those two great men have consistently stood up and publicly supported individuals who are being persecuted by the public sector.” (Taken from Hansard)
That is why I am very worried about the resignation of Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali. We are losing from the established Church and from the House of Lords a voice that needs to be heard a presence that needs to be felt. In what he said and did he gave voice and action to many of us who are faithful to the teachings of Christ. Thank you Bishop Michael.
I will continue to pray for Bishop Michael and his wonderful witness, and I wish the best for him and his family as they go to pastures new.
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