This year marks the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. David Cameron, prime minister of Great Britain, celebrated the occasion with a speech at Christ College, Oxford, in which he asserted Britain's identity as a Christian nation.
Cameron described himself as a committed Anglican albeit a "vaguely practicing" one. He confessed to doubts, yet emphasized the Church of England's essential role in framing Britain's culture. Cameron cited the influence of the King James not only on the English-speaking world but also on the world introduced to English by the King James. He made no apologies for the faith's spread. And he noted that religious minorities are more apt to flourish in the Anglican realm than in secular France.
Cameron made headlines with what the British press labeled a "coded" rebuke of Rowan Williams, archbishop of Canterbury. The prime minister recognized the archbishop's right to address political issues, as Williams has done, but implicitly criticized him for not defending Christianity with sufficient vigor. Cameron took a theological approach to the riots that afflicted his country earlier this year. He spoke then of a moral collapse.
British politics lacks a religious right or a religious left in the American sense ? which is not to say religion has vanished from the political realm. The Labour Party sings "Jerusalem" as its anthem, even as the secular left scorns articles of faith. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair is a man of piety, although he did not announce his conversion to the Roman Catholic Church until his departure from Downing Street. And Cameron just delivered a speech of a religious depth deeper than American politicians would venture. God save the queen.
Source: http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/rtd-opinion/2011/dec/30/tdopin01-church-of-england-ar-1575557/
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