Panelists say religion could shape future of British politics

Published: 2005-09-30

LONDON (CNS) -- Britain is undergoing a revival in religious faith that could shape the future political landscape of the country, said panelists on a British television program. Evidence that a "new force" has entered British politics was presented in a program called "God and the Politicians," aired by the British Broadcasting Corp. Sept. 28. Moderator David Aaronovitch said recent events indicated that "political religion was on the march" in Britain for the first time in more than a century. He cited the ousting of Labor Party politician Lorna Fitzsimons by a Muslim block vote because of her support for the Iraq War and membership in a group called "Friends of Israel." Aaronovitch said that "some major figures in British life now fear the rise of faith politics." He said, "It isn't the threat of bombs or religious violence that alarms them but the creeping influence on our laws and the way we live our lives." Aaronovitch questioned Catholic, Anglican, Jewish and Muslim leaders to investigate the extent of the phenomenon.

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