Almost all the official figures agree that religious belief in Britain has suffered an immense decline. Yet while our society becomes more secular, religion is, if anything, becoming more of a force in politics.
Parliament still begins each day with prayers and Britain is the only country left in the democratic world that allows clerics to sit in its legislature as a matter of right; 26 bishops have a hand in shaping our laws in the House of Lords. Given the way that society is changing, should this still be the case?
Beyond Westminster, some politicians with religious convictions are trying to bring their churches closer to power, working with them to increase the influence of evangelical groups, whether they be Christian, Jewish, Hindu or Muslim in the political process.
Andrew Rawnsley speaks to Gary Streeter, MP for Devon South West, who is a devout Christian, proud of his efforts to bring Christians into the Tory fold.
He also speaks to Dr Evan Harris, Member for Oxford West and Abingdon, an arch sceptic who believes that church and state, religion and politics should never mix.
He finds out from Frank Field, the MP for Birkenhead, exactly how religion sits within the procedures of Parliament.
So what are the broader arguments?
Joining Andrew to discuss exactly what the relationship between politics and religious belief should be are Professor A. C. Grayling, professor of philosophy at Birkbeck College London, the Rev Dr Giles Fraser, the Team Rector of Putney Parish Church and Baroness Ruth Deech, a Baroness, law professor, a member of the Jewish Leadership council and former Chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.
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