Who does the church speak for now?

MAY was quite a month.

First, the local elections provided prophetic insight into a multitude of potential future outcomes for politicians locally and nationally.

Then the Coronation, with all its splendour and colour, pomp and circumstance, solemnity and partying, showed that as a country we do know how to put on an outstanding show at one of the world's most iconic settings, Westminster Abbey.

Who says the good old C of E has lost its touch - with a sprinkling of help from our friends in other denominations and faiths, of course?

Finally, there was a focus on the spirit of love and understanding, global friendship and acceptance as Liverpool hosted Eurovision; at least it was not nil point for the UK, despite the poor finish.

As an Anglican priest it has not passed me by that the

Archbishop of Canterbury had a roller-coaster month, from being a star player in enabling the Coronation of Charles III, anointing and crowning the new monarch with such splendour, to facing a £500-plus fine and 3 penalty points for doing 25 in a 20 limit. Do they not have speed awareness courses in London?

On top of this he has been embroiled in a confrontation with the Government and certain elements of the national press in light of his views on how to deal with the migrants travelling to the UK in small boats.

Now, we clearly need to address the ways we should deal with a situation where vulnerable people are put at risk by travelling in small boats across the channel, and how we find humane ways to help them achieve a better and safer future.

This concern in itself is not the central focus of my reflection this month, however.

My question for you to ponder (in a country which the last census tells us is no longer ‘Christian’) is, what is the role of the state church?

Is it just there to perform intricate ceremonial manoeuvres for the nation, give Christmas the 'ahh' factor with lessons and Carols from Kings, bless a few battleships here and there, or continue to help deliver life events like weddings and funerals? Or is its role to be the moral and spiritual compass of the country?

If the answer is the latter, then whilst it does not have the power to make the political decisions, it clearly has the authority to challenge the motives of our leaders and the ethical and moral foundations of their proposals.

In this case, Archbishop Justin was clearly right to speak out, and it is up to our politicians

Malcolm Strange Rector of the Fromeside Benefice

to decide if his words have weight before making their final decision.

One irate caller on an LBC chat show claimed he was a paid-up member of the Church of England (whatever that means) and that the Archbishop did not speak for him.

Well the truth is, the Archbishop was not speaking for him - if he was speaking for anyone, perhaps he was just speaking for Jesus!