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David Cameron says the UK is a Christian country
David Cameron called himself a "committed" but "vaguely practising" Christian
David Cameron has said the UK is a Christian country "and we should not be afraid to say so".
In a speech in Oxford on the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, the prime minister called for a revival of traditional Christian values to counter Britain's "moral collapse".
He said "live and let live" had too often become "do what you please".
The PM said it was wrong to suggest that standing up for Christianity was "somehow doing down other faiths".
Describing himself as a "committed" but only "vaguely practising" Christian, the PM admitted he was "full of doubts" about big theological issues.
'Don't do God'But he staunchly defended the role of religion in politics and said the Bible in particular was crucial to British values.
How religious is the UK?
- Christian: 72%
- No religion: 16%
- Muslim: 3%
- Hindu: 1%
- Figures from 2001 Census
- In British Attitudes Survey in 2010, 43% were Christian and 51% no religion
"We are a Christian country and we should not be afraid to say so," he told the audience at Christ Church.
"Let me be clear: I am not in any way saying that to have another faith - or no faith - is somehow wrong.
"I know and fully respect that many people in this country do not have a religion.
"And I am also incredibly proud that Britain is home to many different faith communities, who do so much to make our country stronger.
"But what I am saying is that the Bible has helped to give Britain a set of values and morals which make Britain what it is today."
Mr Cameron said people often argued that "politicians shouldn't 'do God'" - a reference to a comment famously made by former No 10 spin doctor Alistair Campbell when Tony Blair was asked about his religion.
"If by that they mean we shouldn't try to claim a direct line to God for one particular political party, they could not be more right," the PM said.
"But we shouldn't let our caution about that stand in the way of recognising both what our faith communities bring to our country, and also just how incredibly important faith is to so many people in Britain."
Mr Cameron also said it was "easier for people to believe and practise other faiths when Britain has confidence in its Christian identity".
"Many people tell me it is much easier to be Jewish or Muslim here in Britain than it is in a secular country like France," he said.
"Why? Because the tolerance that Christianity demands of our society provides greater space for other religious faiths too.
"And because many of the values of a Christian country are shared by people of all faiths and indeed by people of no faith at all."
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Comment number 452.
Miss S Vel17th December 2011 - 9:56
Well done David Cameron. Finally a Prime Minister who is willing to stand up for Britain with respect to the EU bullies and is proud to say that Britain is a Christian nation. At last Britain's future looks brighter than it has done in ages.
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Comment number 405.
Bob17th December 2011 - 9:41
As an atheist I was initially enraged my Cameron's comments, but upon closer inspection I have to agree with him. The UK is indeed mostly Christian. However, so long as ALL faiths continue to be examined and discussed in CoE schools, I can't complain. My children can choose for themselves what they want to believe. The only thing we preach in our household is tolerance.
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Comment number 391.
EsoxHunter17th December 2011 - 9:32
40 years ago I was taught RE in a secondary school. It was the Christian faith we discussed. Though I cannot claim to be a Christian, much of what I was taught has been useful in my adult life. The value system of honesty, belief in right and wrong, of standing up for what you believe in and much more works today, as it did then. The only trouble is that RE isn't taught like that now. It's not PC.
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Comment number 389.
Bluebell17th December 2011 - 9:31
Christopher Hitchens may be gone but I am determined to carry his torch for rational thinking. Which came first morality or religion? We all cherry pick what we mean by 'Christian Values' because of our innate sense of morality. I have taught children from 3 years old who clearly understand what right and wrong is, unless they have been corrupted by adults.
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Comment number 366.
Lds117th December 2011 - 9:18
I am a Church goer and practising Christian and love Camerons comment about how standing up for Christianity is not "doing down other faiths". I have respect for many people of different faiths such as Jews, Muslims etc. They never feel we are putting their religion down by claiming to be a Christian country. Often the principles that guide our moral conduct are similar anyway. Well said Cameron!
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Comments 5 of 15