Recent interventions by senior politicians in the decisions of the established religious organisations in the UK are beginning to give Christians, and others, cause for serious alarm. Even those of us who do not adhere to traditions that involve ecclesiastical law and hierarchies cannot but be concerned at the freedom with which Governmental leaders in the UK feel free not only to advise in matters of moral and Church practice, but to put forward legislation supporting their position when their advice is not taken.
I am, of course, referring to the recent debate involving the ordination of women as bishops in the Church of England and the more recent proposals by David Cameron regarding legalisation for same-sex marriage in church buildings. I have very mixed feelings about commenting on these issues partly because they are arguments around what I hold to be false premises. In the case of the first, the most cursory reading of the New Testament would show that the ecclesiastical authority structure that is in place in the CofE is a traditional construct that is never envisaged in Scripture. To debate around whether the Bible supports women being ordinated as bishops when the use of the terms ‘ordination’ and ‘bishop’ are being misapplied, seems futile.
However, there is a principle of religious freedom that appears to being substantially eroded by these interventions by senior Government figures. There was barely disguised contempt for the decision of the CofE and a direct observation by government ministers that 5 years would be far too long to wait to revisit this issue. In the case of same-sex-marriage there are now proposals for legislation in both Scotland and the rest of the UK to legalise marriage between same-sex partners, including in religious buildings.
I am well aware of the assurances that are being given that this is legislation that will not be imposed on any religious organisation. I seem to recall similar assurances being given when Civil Partnerships were introduced that this was not opening the door to same-sex marriage. As recently as 2010 the PM is on record as saying that he had no plans to introduce same-sex marriage. Why should we be assured by these latest promises?
My issue, however, is not so much regarding the substance of these two debates but over the apparently sudden intrusion of the legislators heavy hand into the cherished freedoms of thought and practice that have long been upheld in this country. Rather than being the thin end of the wedge it is increasingly feeling as though the wedge is being slowly slid into position.