Speaking to an audience of largely parish clergy at Christ Church Cathedral before Christmas, David Cameron spoke strongly in defence of faith and the role of the Church in society. The speech has started an intense discussion in the UK press with strong opinions being expressed by columnists.
Mr Cameron said that he was a committed but “vaguely practising” Church of England Christian who was “full of doubts” about big theological issues. But he stressed the importance of the Bible, and in particular the King James Bible, in shaping British culture, values and politics.
“We are a Christian country. And we should not be afraid to say so,” he said.
“Let me be clear: I am not in any way saying that to have another faith – or no faith – is somehow wrong.
“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.
“Values and morals we should actively stand up and defend.
“The alternative of moral neutrality should not be an option.
“You can’t fight something with nothing. Because if we don’t stand for something, we can’t stand against anything.”
Welcoming the speech, Bishop John said: “The Prime Minister spoke warmly of the debt our culture owes to the King James Bible and showed how much British and other societies have been enriched by this great text, and given direction by it.
“There was no doubting his conviction that if you don’t stand for something, you can’t stand against anything. This is what the Churches have always said to the nation and it was good to have this support from the heart of political life.
“The Prime Minister’s speech in Oxford was warmly welcomed by a large audience. He affirmed the crucial role of the Church in both serving and shaping society. He demonstrated clearly that the generosity, compassion and desire for social justice which lies at the heart of the Christian faith, and of other faiths, is both a gift and a responsibility. We gladly take up the challenge.!”