The British state mustn't let go of the church

An opinion piece by Michael Portillo in the London Telegraph. What he does get right is that Christians are supposed to be dangerous.

It would not be the end of the world if the Church of England were disestablished, the Archbishop of Canterbury said recently. Rowan Williams evidently recognises that being the official religion saddles the church with problems as well as privileges.

In truth, an established church is for the benefit of the state not of bishops. Rulers like their populations to be religious, because god-fearing people will be more obedient. If citizens think that a supernatural being sees their every action, they will conform. No secret police could be as effective.

But religious fanatics pose a threat to government. Fixing their eyes on the after-life and recognising no earthly authority, they are obviously dangerous. An established church enables the state to institutionalise moderate religion. A ruler – such as our own Queen – has authority over the church. The church gains wealth and prestige, but it has to compromise too. It must renounce militancy.

The Church of England is a brilliant construction for which Queen Elizabeth I deserves most credit. Her Catholic predecessor, Bloody Mary, had burnt Protestant bishops at the stake, and religious controversy tore the kingdom apart. Elizabeth was Protestant, but carefully avoided making life impossible for Catholics. What her subjects did in private, she said, was a matter of conscience and not an issue for the state. If people wanted incense and candles, her church would let it pass.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/4271541/The-British-state-mustnt-let-go-of-the-church.html