New Prime Minister gives up right to appoint bishops

[karen freeinchristman]

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=41557

The Church is to be the 'decisive voice' in the appointment of bishops.
This plan is welcomed by the ABYork in the absence of the ABC, who is on study leave in the USA.

[longhair75]

Friend Karen

The Church is much better off for this. From a colonial perspective, I find it odd to think that a politician would appoint a Church leader. The Lord only knows the mess American politics have become, and what horrible damage it would do to our Churches.

[karen freeinchristman]

Friend Karen

The Church is much better off for this. From a colonial perspective, I find it odd to think that a politician would appoint a Church leader.
Yes, I agree!

[TomUK]

I don't like this. The connections between the Church and Crown have gradually been dissolving over recent years and i fear before long the Church of England will simply be relegated to the title of 'pressure group'. Labour governments have, piece by piece, been picking apart the fine history and traditions of our country and i don't like it.

[karen freeinchristman]

I see your point, Tom, but surely politicians should not be chosing bishops!

[TomUK]

I see your point, Tom, but surely politicians should not be chosing bishops!

In reality the invovlement of 'real' politicians is very minimal. Also, our country is built on that blurred line between Church and state. Whether we agree with it or not that is the way it always has been. The system has worked just fine for ages now - maybe it's the conservative in me but if something is working just fine then i really don't see the need to change it.

[Iosias]

I don't like this. The connections between the Church and Crown have gradually been dissolving over recent years and i fear before long the Church of England will simply be relegated to the title of 'pressure group'. Labour governments have, piece by piece, been picking apart the fine history and traditions of our country and i don't like it.

I would not mind provided the choice returned to Her Majesty. But :amen:

[longhair75]

In reality the invovlement of 'real' politicians is very minimal. Also, our country is built on that blurred line between Church and state. Whether we agree with it or not that is the way it always has been. The system has worked just fine for ages now - maybe it's the conservative in me but if something is working just fine then i really don't see the need to change it.
Friend Tom,

But you can't rely upon this system to remain unchanged. I am sure that Great Britain has it's share of lunatic politicians who you absolutely do not want to be involved with your churches.

Here in the colonies, we have a Mormon in the running to be the next president. Seperation of church and state is a good thing IMESHO.

[PaladinValer]

Go go contraantidisestablishmentarianism!

[AngCath]

the less connected the Church is with the state, the better.

[TomUK]

the less connected the Church is with the state, the better.

Isn't this partially an issue of societal influences though? You come from a society where the separation of Church and state is entrenched in the constitution and frequently taught in schools and referenced in the media. This has never been the case in England. I think we need to be careful not to adopt the attitude that, just because it works in America, it is appropriate everywhere else.

[AngCath]

Isn't this partially an issue of societal influences though? You come from a society where the separation of Church and state is entrenched in the constitution and frequently taught in schools and referenced in the media. This has never been the case in England. I think we need to be careful not to adopt the attitude that, just because it works in America, it is appropriate everywhere else.
I can see why you'd assume that. I actually came to that opinion after reading the books of Matthew the Poor

[TomUK]

I can see why you'd assume that. I actually came to that opinion after reading the books of Matthew the Poor

Apologies Angcath. On rereading my post it came across as far more 'pointed' than i intended it to be. I know very little about Matthew the Poor apart from the fact he died a short while ago - is it possible to briefly summarise his contributions to the topic? If it's not then don't worry.

[AngCath]

Apologies Angcath
No prob.

is it possible to briefly summarise his contributions to the topic
Hard to do without my copy of Communion of Love handy, but suffice it to say that he warns against the Church having any secular authority (and risk of temptation/corruption). He writes that the historic oppression of the Coptic Patriarchate and its minority status within Egypt has actually freed it to act more Christ like instead of worldly.