Religion and the State

The relationship between religion and the state is a central concern in the study of dialogues. Different societies have adopted very different models, from theocracy to strict secularism, and the appropriate role of religion in public and political life remains deeply contested. The AQA specification requires you to understand the key models, the specific case of the established Church of England, debates about faith schools, and the arguments for and against the separation of religion and state.

Key Definition: Establishment — the formal, legal recognition of a particular religion or church as the official religion of the state. In England, the Church of England is the "established" church, with the monarch as its Supreme Governor.

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Models of the Religion-State Relationship

Model	Description	Examples
Theocracy	Religious leaders govern directly; divine law is the law of the state	Historical: Papal States; Contemporary: Iran (Shia clerical governance)
State religion (establishment)	One religion has official status but there is tolerance of others	England (Church of England); Denmark (Evangelical Lutheran Church)
Civil religion	Shared civic rituals and values with religious overtones, without formal establishment	USA (e.g., "In God We Trust," presidential inaugurations)
Secular state	The state is officially neutral on religion; no establishment	France (laicite); Turkey (historically)
State atheism	The state actively suppresses religion	USSR; Maoist China; North Korea

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The Established Church of England

The Church of England has been the established church since the reign of Henry VIII (Act of Supremacy, 1534). Key features of establishment include:

• The monarch is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
• 26 bishops (the "Lords Spiritual") sit in the House of Lords and can participate in legislation.
• The Church has a legal duty to provide services (baptism, marriage, burial) to all parishioners, regardless of whether they attend church.
• The Archbishop of Canterbury crowns the monarch at coronation ceremonies.
• Church of England schools educate approximately one million children.

Arguments For Establishment

• It ensures a religious voice in public life and in Parliament.
• The Church provides a "public service" — pastoral care, community cohesion, and a moral framework available to all.
• Rowan Williams (Archbishop 2002-2012) argued that establishment keeps religion accountable and public, rather than allowing it to retreat into sectarianism.
• The Church of England has adapted to serve an increasingly diverse society, hosting inter-faith events and serving communities regardless of religion.

Arguments Against Establishment

• It is undemocratic — bishops in the House of Lords are not elected.
• It privileges one religion over others, which is unjust in a religiously diverse and increasingly secular society.
• The National Secular Society argues that establishment violates the principle of equal treatment under the law.
• In the 2021 Census, only 46.2% of the population identified as Christian, and Church of England attendance is under 2% — establishment no longer reflects the beliefs of the majority.
• Some argue that disestablishment would benefit the Church itself, freeing it from political constraints and obligations.

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Religion in Politics

The question of whether religious beliefs should influence political decisions is hotly debated.

The Case For Religious Influence

• Alastair Campbell's famous statement that Tony Blair's government "doesn't do God" (2003) was itself controversial — many argued that politicians should be free to draw on their faith.
• Religious organisations make significant contributions to social welfare — food banks, homeless shelters, refugee support. The Church Urban Fund, Islamic Relief, and CAFOD are major providers.
• Tim Farron, former Liberal Democrat leader, argued that his Christian faith informed his commitment to social justice, even though he faced intense media scrutiny over his personal beliefs on issues such as same-sex relationships.

The Case Against Religious Influence