Why is Sandi Toksvig so interested in the C of E?

[Sausagenbacon]

and why does Justin Welby bother with her?

www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/26/sandi-toksvig-laments-untenable-church-of-england-stance-on-gay-marriage

She's not a christian, but feels entitled to have a chummy chat with the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is wet enough to indulge her.

I'm not particularly invested in the subject, and I am an Anglican, but I do think there is something frankly, pitiful about it.

I expect an article in next week's Guardian with a sad-faced Sandy talking about how the local Mosque/Synagogue won't marry her and her partner, and how 'unsafe' she now feels. Or not.

I think it is good Archbishop Justin Welby met with her. But, when will she meet with the Chief Rabbi or Imam, for talks.

When those faiths have seats in the House of Lords and get to decide our laws.
When they have their prayers at the start of the sittings in the House of Commons.
When the head of state is also the head of their faith.
When schools of their faith are the only option in a small community.

When their prayers are said at the start of council meetings.

There isn’t a special place in the House of Lords for atheist leaders to sit and pass laws based on their beliefs…

Bit of an oxymoron there since atheism is about the absence of belief...

Then slowly as we moved towards capitalism it’s a weaker and weaker message until the church goes, yeah, you know what, that’s not what all that meant at all, charging interest on loans is actually fine, Loan sharks obviously are bad, charity is good, but bankers are fine, a bit of profit doesn’t count actually.

@tabulahrasa, interesting and very pertinent point there. The commercial pulls within society especially education and healthcare really do concern me. It's part of the reason I find huge comfort within Christianity. And why I cringe at some church practices past such as the purchase of 'favours' by the rich.

I’ve always considered Jesus and his disciples, as well as the other prophets and their followers as olden day politicians.

Yes, I know.

Just that secular means nothing to do with religion/religious belief. As a Christian,I find it difficult to divorce any aspect of my life from my (Christian) beliefs.

So surely then you can acknowledge that for the majority who aren't Christian, an established church is hopelessly inappropriate? A secular state and a level playing field would mean all could have this privilege to the same degree, rather than Christians getting extra?

Or do you think Christians deserve the special place in the way our government works?

So surely then you can acknowledge that for the majority who aren't Christian, an established church is hopelessly inappropriate? A secular state and a level playing field would mean all could have this privilege to the same degree, rather than Christians getting extra?

Or do you think Christians deserve the special place in the way our government works?

@JassyRadlett, I don't really concern myself with opinions on this. I can see how historically it has happened. As with much of our government. It's not my field of expertise - I have no direct involvement or pressing need so I don't really concern myself with it. These days I aim to only really give brain space to things I have to personally make decisions about. I could pray about it but that wouldn't be much comfort to you, as an atheist, would it?

That's refreshingly honest in its 'I'm all right Jack' mentality. It works for you and it's currently skewed in your favour, so you're not bothered with it.

But perhaps you can understand that for those of us who are directly affected by it, and who are disadvantaged by it, it is an issue of some salience. And that's why it's entirely appropriate for someone like Sandi Toksvig to question the established church.

Sausagenbacon · Yesterday 13:32
Fwiw I fail to see how questioning whether a self-appointed non-Christian celebrity has a role is deciding Anglican policy is homophobic. But do carry on“

So you have no problem whatsoever with homosexual relationships/marriages?

Good grief, that’s a bit patronising.

So you would be perfectly happy if all the bishops were hoofed out of the House of Lords and replaced with imams? Morning prayers in the House of Commons replaced with salah? Because you aren’t involved in it then you wouldn’t care? Is that right?

Very interesting thread.

Personally, I have a big problem with an Archbishop sitting on huge personal wealth. Seems to go against what Jesus taught. What do I know, though, as an atheist?

I was going with selfish rather than patronising, but I can see it both ways now you point it out.

Children of Muslims getting preferential admissions to a third of state schools? Islam being taught as factual in those schools, regardless of the faith of the school population?

So you would be perfectly happy if all the bishops were hoofed out of the House of Lords and replaced with imams? Morning prayers in the House of Commons replaced with salah? Because you aren’t involved in it then you wouldn’t care? Is that right?

@JassyRadlett

Realistically, it would probably pass me by. I stopped watching the news during COVID and felt much better for it. If I did find out I would pray about it and then move on to whichever task in hand I was concerned with for that day. If I had direct contact with any people involved I would interact to the best of my ability communicating what I thought regarding the conversation at the time. It's how I deal with stuff instead of worrying.

Why have you tagged me?

And that's why it's entirely appropriate for someone like Sandi Toksvig to question the established church.

@JassyRadlet and if you read my posts upthread you would see I said I thought the church should welcome her questions.

Sorry @JassyRadlett , see now that was in error.

@PriamFarrl
Realistically, it would probably pass me by. I stopped watching the news during COVID and felt much better for it. If I did find out I would pray about it and then move on to whichever task in hand I was concerned with for that day. If I had direct contact with any people involved I would interact to the best of my ability communicating what I thought regarding the conversation at the time. It's how I deal with stuff instead of worrying.

Good grief, that’s a bit patronising

@SnoozyLucy7, how so?

Does sexual morality play any part in a society?

No it wouldn’t.

@PriamFarrl

You'd be surprised! But anyway, it still stands I would pray and then just see what unfolds. If I had any inspiration in terms of feeling there was something to be done, I'd do it. And then get on with the rest of my life. Realistically, there is no purpose to trying to carry the whole world upon one's shoulders. That's akin to howling at the moon!

So you are telling me that in the U.K. there could be a complete turn around and Islam become the dominant faith with Muslim leaders having a deciding vote on all laws passed, C of E schools turned into Islamic schools and the King becoming the head of Islam in the U.K. and you wouldn’t notice?

And it might be akin to howling at the moon but you are sticking your head in the sand.