From The Economist-
TO OUTSIDERS, one of the oddest features of Britain’s semi-theocracy is that 26 Anglican bishops have the right to sit in the upper chamber of the legislature, even though their church can claim the active adherence of less than 5% of citizens. But the “lords spiritual” still have clout, especially when the established church acts as an advocate for religion in general. That became clear in February, when the government backed away from a confrontation over the question of whom churches should employ—and, in particular, over which posts can be barred to gays.
The government’s hopes were fairly modest. It was not questioning the right of religious bodies to follow their own beliefs when hiring priests or imams; it merely wanted to clarify that, in recruiting for non-religious jobs (accountants, for example), churches must obey the law and refrain from discrimination against gays. But pursuing even this cautious aim was deemed unwise at a time when many religious leaders, including Pope Benedict, were opposed (and perhaps considering how their flock should be encouraged to vote).
Things are quite different when the lords spiritual have no clear line. On March 2nd the House of Lords voted by 95 to 21 for an amendment to a wide-ranging equality bill that would allow civil partnerships to be celebrated in religious venues with religious language. Such unions have been possible in Britain since 2005 but their character has hitherto been strictly secular.
More here-
http://www.economist.com/world/britain/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15663746
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