Is the Government ignoring Christians?

Religious and cultural celebrations should be welcomed, but the Government should not be spending taxpayers money on them. As for ignoring Christians, what about atheists and agnostics? C Smith, Poole

As a Christian, I do feel that it is unfair that more money is being spent on other religions’ festivities than on Christian holidays. I fear that this has happened as a result of our politicians always wanting to be politically correct and having gone too far. However, I’d rather the money spent on all religious festivities - be they Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Sikh or any other - be spent in areas that will benefit everyone, regardless of their religion. Perfect candidates would be the NHS, police force and in education, to name a few. Ola Marki, Paris

I happen to identify most closely with the humanist ethic. So how many millions of public money are earmarked for making me, and kindred spirits, feel part of an inclusive society? Please, find a better use for the money. Colin Berry, Antibes, France

As a practising Catholic who can trace her ancestry in this country all the way back to 1066, I’d like to point out one small fact that is often ignored in all this hoo-hah about “integrating” religions. From the reformation to pretty much the middle of the last century Catholics in England were not exactly welcomed - blamed for the Great Fire of London, accused of being spies for Rome, banned from owning property - and still to this day from marrying into the royal family (in that royalty loses their place in the line of succession if they marry a Roman Catholic) and yet we are still here, living peacefully amongst you getting on with our business, as are many of my friends who are proud to be Jewish and also proud to be British. I don’t pretend that either faiths have had an easy road to get to this point - but both have found success in this country by not thinking that they have a “right” to over rule the majority. Pandering to minorities for political gain only serves to make most of us bitter. Name and address withheld

It is important to distinguish between Government and Parliament. The latter has historically acknowledged its need of God’s guidance, and the monarch, who is also Head of the Church of England, is forbidden even to enter the lower chamber. At times of crisis (e.g. in war) the Prime Minister has always invoked God’s help on behalf of the Government and the nation. It is thus impossible for Government to stand aside entirely from religion. “Courting other faiths” is an exaggerated statement and if Christians are concerned at a lack of public profile, the remedy is in their own hands. Mary Oddi, Fernhurst

Religion and the State should be separated as happens in France and the United States. This means no religious representation in Government and no teaching of a particular faith in schools. Jonathan Allcock, Birmingham

I think that it is true that authorities spend more time marking religious festivals other than Christian hands. We have had a case of Christmas becoming Winterfest, supposedly not to alienate other faiths at this time, but is this reciprocated at Ramadan or Divali or Passover? I think not. They are discriminating against religions - this time Christianity. David Ferris, Leeds

Does this mean that only non-Christian minorities are important to the Government? Kieran Loughran, London

Government should separate itself entirely from religion. Reports like this will only stir up anger and bitterness among the Christian majority, who feel increasingly sidelined and victimised by New Labour and their silly PC policies. I am from Oldham, and have seen firsthand the disastrous effect of these policies. Government should leave religion well alone, especially as their meddling often seems like a desperate attempt to court votes. Hayley Donnellan, Oldham

Whenever the government interferes with anything, it is a disaster. Religion is a matter of personal belief. The government and the monarchy should keep their hands off. Vinay Mehra, Surrey

I am a firm believer in the secular state, even though I am not an atheist. The Government’s only duty to religion is to ensure that none are oppressed. This was the purpose of the establishment clause in the US Constitution. Unfortunately not everyone believes that, here or overseas. Patrick McGuigan, Philadelphia

To refer to festivals as Christian would be disingenuous. Isn’t it historically correct that these festivals are, in fact, pagan ones that were turned into Christian ones to ease the subjugation of the pagan masses by their Roman conquerors? Surely then Christmas, Easter etc should not be named as such, but instead referred to under their traditional English names. Christians haven’t really got a lot to complain about - it’s those poor Druids I feel sorry for. Tim Richards, Whaley Bridge

Christianity is being pushed aside in favour of these foreign “faiths” like Islam. We are told we have to respect these foreign faiths. Why? Who bothers to respect our faith? The worst thing I hear all around me, day in day out, is not some one-off cartoon-type satire which may or may not be offensive to Mohammed, but the gratuitous and offensive use of my Lord’s name unthinkingly as a swear-word. I have protested when I hear ‘Jeeeeeezus Keerist!’ as an expletive. I’ve been looked at in disbelief and disregard. It happens so lightly, all of the time. Yet we are expected to go into deep mourning about some silly cartoons and a blow-up doll from Ann Summers. Margaret Stoll, Essex

OK, so the home office spends £15K on a couple of parties. Surely everyone knows this is small change in government circles? I think they could only ever be accused of pandering to other faiths if the Easter bank holidays were replaced with Eid or Diwali ones instead. Have the Christians complaining forgotten that it is the meek who will inherit the earth? Simon Clark, London

As an atheist, I favour a gradual withdrawal of any links between Government and religion including, for example, state funding for faith schools. However, Britain has a long Christian heritage and those who come to live here from elsewhere have to accept that and everything that comes with it. It does seem that British Christian traditions and identity are under attack from political correctness. If immigrants finds our traditions offend their religious sensibilities, the solution is for them to live somewhere where they feel comfortable. Kevin Miller, Kent

Mixing cultures and religions is the recipe for future distress; even wars (see the Balkans, Israel). Happy multiculturalism is a myth created by well-intentioned but unrealistic people. Immigrants should forget about their practices in the host countries. If not, should we also respect cannibalism as a cultural or religious value? Fernando Beltran, Aragon. Spain

It’s about time religion and politics were divorced. We should all respect each other’s beliefs but not be ruled by them. In this time of equality for all, there really should be no argument about one religion getting more or less. L Campbell, Brighton

The state should be secular and stay out of meddling in religion. It does no service to minorities to patronise them by sending “observers” to their religious service. The Government’s role is to see that all citizens are treated equally under the law and certainly not to favour minorities above the views of the majority of its citizens. David Bennington, Ruislip

I think the Government and the media are both markedly anti-Christian. They exhibit a thinly veiled contempt for all things Christian while at the same showing and exaggerated deference to Islam. I have never in all my travels in Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim countries come across a nation that shows such disrespect and hostility towards their national religion. Paul Parker, Windermere

The Government should treat every religion the same. It should ignore them all. The theory of the big bang makes more sense than creationist myths peddled by religious fundamentalists and no one seriously pretends that this idea requires protection. Michael Miles, Moreton

The United Kingdom is not, and should not become, a multicultural society - it is a Christian society with what should be a non-sectarian government. Our present government, by trying to be all things to all people, risks polarising our society into feuding sectarian groups. It should actively stop all instances of positive discrimination by public bodies, discourage faith schools and distance central and local government from religious activities, except where government may impinge on national activities such as Remembrance Day and the traditional Christian celebrations. Roy Gasson, Winthorpe

The Government cannot avoid being involved with “religion” under current circumstances. But rather than give unfair bias to some faiths over others, it should stand firm to proper Christian values, whilst allowing those of other faiths to practice their own religions freely, within the law. The UK is, historically and culturally, a Christian country, and one which welcomes and respects its guests from other faiths and cultures. The Government should not allow these Christian values to be diluted through patronising attempts to demonstrate respect for others - respect that should, in any case, come naturally. We should be proud of our nation and our culture, and the British government should be careful to treat others as we would have others treat us; no more, no less. To do otherwise is downright patronising and, in my view, the very reason that immigrant communities are beginning to resent British society. Joyce Johnson, Chesterfield

We are ignoring, at our peril, the very basis on which our tolerant country and parliament were founded, Bible-based Christianity. Margaret Elward, Bridgend

I am an atheist and supporter of a secular society, but secular society does not mean the denial of its own tradition, culture and history. I hope the British will keep good tradition. Yasuda Ryo, Tokyo, Japan

History teaches (to those who learn) that secular libertarian societies fail, usually spectacularly. Soddom and Gommorrah are simply early examples. The recent riots in France and the bombings in London are others. We should know what we are, respecting other cultures and beliefs but not raising them above our own. Findlay Niederle, Lanark

Chinese New Year is not a religious holiday. Sure, it’s crass political opportunism, but how else do you expect politicians, especially left-of-centre ones, to behave? And we have voted for them. Taking into consideration the events of the past fortnight, it seems a shame that the battles of the Middle Ages have to be fought all over again. Perhaps we in the West have become lazy; so familiar with our freedoms and our way of life, that we have begun to treat them with contempt. I think it’s high time that we, post-Reformation Christians, atheists and agnostics - the majority - start voting with our views. Hugh Dowding, London

We have the same trouble here in NZ. Walking up our main street in Auckland at Christmas, there was hardly a decoration to be seen. Come Chinese New Year, and the main street is full of Chinese lanterns. Why is it we always seem to come last? George Parker, Auckland

I entirely agree with Keith Downer of London [see below]. He has said it clearly and sensibly. This is how it should be. Mary Epsom, Nairobi

There’s no place for religion in politics - only when it suits a political party to further their own ends. I currently live and work in Saudi Arabia where westerners have to abide by the Islamic culture, including no alcohol, no freedom of worship other than Islam and no driving for women. It’s important to respect other religions for reasons of diversity, but not to the level that they go to in Saudi (preventing them) or at the other end of the spectrum either (courting the minority for selfish purposes). Neil Brown, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Government has no place in any religion. What you believe or don’t believe isn’t the business of government. State-sponsored religion gave the western world 1800 years of war between nations, based most often on religious beliefs. All over the world, countries that sponsor one religion are in turmoil and attempting to deny freedom of expression to those countries that are being “politically correct”. Name and address withheld

British ministers are real politicians. Their basic instincts are to court votes or to secure acclaim from abroad, paying little regard to the country’s core values. Civil servants, under the politicians’ directions, have become merely a PC brigade. It comes no surprise that Britain, sooner or later, will become a nation of angry whites. James Wong, Macau, China

I thought that the basic tenet of any serious democratic government was the separation of Church and State and the equality of man. Without that, any display of favour or privilege to any faith is, basically, unfair. However, Christian tradition and the Church of England is a large chunk of what makes and made Britain Great, and interesting to the rest of us (I’m Australian). So there’s tough discussion and choices coming which I am confident no modern western government has the courage to make. Anthony Hobson, Geneva, Switzerland

Anyone who tries to construct a separation between the terms “secular” and “religious” is philosophically illiterate. Secular philosophies and religious philosophies all come under the same heading of ‘way of living’. It’s time for liberalism’s “rule of law(yers)” to be replaced by democracy’s “rule of the people” (the democratic majority). Terry Daly, London

When a monarch in this country is crowned, the coronation is held over the Pillar of Jacob, the “scone stone”. Therefore, technically speaking, Jews and Muslims - who along with Christians base their faith on the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament - may feel comfortable here under British law; but many don’t. This is because the Christian influence, which separates our culture from theirs, has allowed our law to develop independent of faith rather than bound by it. Modern politicians, particularly in very recent times, especially New Labour lackeys, have stolen advantage from this and whether wilfully or carelessly have ignore the damage this does to both Christianity and the Law. If we are not careful to hold them up these political overmasters of ours will ruin the (Western) system; one all other systems jealously covet. Steve Ward, Hastings

The Government is to be praised for recognising the invaluable contribution made to the UK by the various religions. However, I would take issue with them for being selective. As well as the mainstream religions such as Islam or Hinduism, there are countless lesser known though no less important faiths. When will Witchcraft and Paganism receive proper recognition in our multi-faith society? James McKane, Glasgow

The protests by various religions, and the call for absolute respect and recognition for their laws and codes of conduct, is a cry for help from people who have found it is very hard to co-exist with the secular world - specifically, with the media and its “immoral” messages. But rather than compete in the arena of ideas, religion is now asking the government to bail it out and impose ideas - excuse me for saying it - deus ex machina. In the U.S., we have already seen the effect of the marriage of religion and politics -- the Terry Schiavo case, the Ten Commandments row, the abortion wars, Pat Robertson and his “Did he really say that?” quote of the day, and a president who answers “to a higher father” when deciding whether to go to war. In the Middle East, we see politics enslaved by religion on all sides. When will we ever learn the lessons of history? When a religion is in charge, woe to those who are not part of it. Gary Cinnamon, California

Political bodies cannot be everything for everybody all of the time. Their job is to keep the country economically viable not save souls. What about better infrastructures, education, job prospects? Instil in people the belief that they can indeed breach the class structure in this country. My money better spent. Alex Evans, London

Any special place for Christianity ended in England when the government abolished the Whitsun (Pentecost)holiday, still observed by the majority of EU countries. Could you imagine declaring a fixed month for Ramadan? Augustin McEvoy, Epalinges, Switzerland

Any argument that suggests other faiths are getting any “more” than their fair share is absurd, naive and totally unrealistic. Minority ethnic faiths are getting some classroom times and the celebrations are publicised, but a sad fact remains that there is still some disparity even in teaching faith, to the point where minority faiths are sometimes ridiculed because their beliefs appear different. For years, Catholic schools have been able to select those who are Christian and even then some of these people use the term “Christian” when it suits. Of course we should learn to accept other cultures but minority cultures really do not get any more. Rajendra Joshi, Leicestershire

The Government should stay out of religion and definitely not spend taxpayer money on promoting any faith. When people feel that there is one law for some and another for others, it creates hostility and tensions. I foresee race riots and a growth in Islamaphobia over the next few years and it will be mainly the fault of the government for trying to please some religious groups while ignoring others. Victoria Cheston, London

Rather than have their particular religious beliefs reinforced through government grants, money should be spent in breaking down the barriers between belief systems and supporting causes that all human societies can share in equally, such as the Olympic Games and the United Nations. Kent Parker, Hastings, New Zealand

I have to agree with my country of origin: in the complete separation of church and state. I find it is difficult to explain when asked about our state religion: we do not have one. Carlyle Braden, Croydon

Surely it is time for the UK to follow the French example (have the overzealous PC Government the will? - I doubt it) and secularise the state properly. Get rid of faith schools, which dangerously segregate children and insist that all UK citizens are just that - citizens with humanist values at the centre of public life and religion kept strictly to an individual’s private life. Jean Fairbairn, Cambridgeshire

This Government has put too much emphasis on appeasing minority religious groups at the expense of the majority. I support the freedom for everyone to practice their religious beliefs, be it Christian, Muslim, Judaism or whatever. This freedom is at the heart of our country and we Christians shouldn’t be made to feel inferior just to satisfy some political agenda. All religions are free to practice in this country but I would be persecuted in countries such as Saudi Arabia for even mentioning I was a Christian. Let’s have a more even handed approach from the UK Government to religious practices. Name and address withheld

France has the right idea: the Government must be free of any religious influences, then all will be treated equally. As for atheists who want a public holiday, I assume they work at Christmas without extra pay or time in lieu. I bet not. Name and address withheld



The Government should stay out of religion. Why would a bog-standard member of the civil service be sent to a celebration of a religion not his own using tax-payers’ money. What a disgrace! What is he doing there? Staring? He could hardly participate. The Government would do better improving the living conditions of minorities, their education and integration through social policies than patronising them by attending their parties. Christianity has become the White Male of religion to be ignored and placed at the bottom of the heap when it comes to dishing out incentives. Sarah Hague, Montpellier, France

The Government should either stay aside from religion completely or treat everyone in the same way. Using religion opportunistically for political purposes (chasing the vote of minorities on the basis of religious favours) is discriminatory and suicidal in the long term. Keep religion out of politics once and for all. Allesandro Saroli, London

The Government is responsible for running a country which is primarily Christian, a nation whose heritage is almost totally derived from Christian beliefs, principles and standards and a society where the majority are indigenous Anglo-Saxons. England is not a multicultural society but a Christian-based community which is tolerant and welcoming to people from other beliefs and cultures who are respectful of our way of life and who seek to integrate peacefully with us. The foundation of our community is solidly built on free and democratic concepts with a structure and framework that supports a way of life that many thousands of Englishmen have died fighting to maintain over a long and distinguished history. If we continue to allow the strongly vocal, overwhelming active representatives of minority cultures to dominate issues of identity, equality and fairness in our community, we run the serious risk of surrendering the manner in which we have chosen to live our lives and accepting a future where we live in fear of saying or doing anything politically incorrect. There should be no problem with Muslims observing Ramadan or the Chinese celebrating their new year but this is against the background of the day-to-day acceptance of living in a Christian country, a fact that should be clearly recognised and observed by those we elect to govern us. Keith Downer, London

I don’t think a secular government has any place spending taxpayers’ money on celebrating any religion. We atheists are sick and tired of hearing religionists whinge that they are being disadvantaged. Spend the money celebrating human lives instead, by improving schools and hospitals or reducing university fees. And let’s have an end to selective, divisive so-called “faith” schools, too. Liz Read, Bristol

The Government is embracing other religions purely for political reasons. I believe Christianity is being pushed aside with little thought given to a Christian beliefs. Sarah Cavender, Guildford

I make it a point to ignore Christians at every opportunity. Living in the Bible belt south of America they are the most obnoxious group around. Cheryl, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

Neither the “laïcité” over here, nor your Government’s political welcome to other faiths are fair when considering the Christian background of our countries. Both approaches only promote the Muslim religion at the expense of the historical Christian foundations on which our nations were built. For centuries the British monarch, including the reigning one, has been crowned as Defender of the Faith, meaning the Christian Protestant faith. Should not it be binding on HM’s Government? To defend every faith boils down to defending none and giving up Christianity. Remember how many British missionaries have carried the revealed truth of Holy Scripture to peoples and nations all over the world. One of them, Leslie Newbigin (Truth to tell: The Gospel as Public Truth), was deeply concerned that Western culture now rejects the Gospel. Your country should welcome other peoples, not their faiths. Jean-Paul Dunand, Paris

It is time to secularise government in England. The conflicting beliefs of the various religions and sects within those religions means that it is impossible to satisfy one part of the community without upsetting another. It follows that the rule of law must take precedent over any and all religious beliefs, otherwise the country will become split into religious factions and government will be unable to function for the benefit of all. This means removing the head of state as “Defender of the Faith” and, perhaps adopting the Prince of Wales’s “Defender of Faiths” as a precept. Government departments should not celebrate any particular religious festival as a department, though people working in those departments should be given time off to celebrate, as individuals or groups, the festivals kept by their own religion. We should all respect other peoples’ beliefs, even those held by people who have no religious beliefs at all. Michael Crowe, Cullompton

How about also adding the many atheists and agnostics to that list? After the CoE, we are the largest faith in the country. We deserve an official holiday, and strict laws to protect our freedom from religion from bigots of other faiths who condemn and insult us regularly in their sermons and holy books. Name and address withheld





Please complete the form below and your contribution will be considered for publication. Please restrict your response to 250 words. It may be necessary to edit your comments. Please include your name, town/county/state of residence and e-mail.