Former Archbishop of Canterbury distressed by militant secularist campaign

Lord Carey

The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord George Carey told Premier Christian Radio today that Christians will only have themselves to blame if the faith is pushed out of public life.

Lord Carey echoed the apparent concern of The Queen as she spoke yesterday at Lambeth Palace in her first public engagement to mark the Diamond Jubilee. She said: “We should remind ourselves to the significant position of the Church of England in our nations life. The concept of our established Church is occasionally misunderstood and, I believe, commonly under appreciated.”

Lord Carey spoke to Premier News’ Sarah Johnston on last week’s High Court ruling that local authorities have no power to say prayers at their Council meetings. He said, “I was very distressed to hear that, although we knew that it was on the way.”

He continued, “It’s seen as another sign of a militant secularism. In that case, there as an atheist combining with the National Secularist Society - suggesting that this kind of thing will happen more frequently in the future.”

Lord Carey welcomed Baroness Warsi’s comments this week. She spoke of the ‘deep and intrinsic role of faith here in Britain and overseas” but worries that it is threatened by a militant and deeply intolerant secularist campaign.

In the same way, The Queen observed that religious groups have a proud record of helping those most in need. “They remind us of the responsibilities we have beyond ourselves.”

Lord Carey said that unless believers become more vocal and resist secular campaigns the implications will be profound, “Baroness Warsi strengthens the view of many religious groups in the country. We’ve got to, in a dignified way, speak up for what we believe and resist this campaign to sideline us.”

Hear the full interview on Premier News online at www.premier.org.uk/news