The Anglican Archbishop of York says the Church of England should remember how England was united by Christianity centuries ago so it can once again become a "beacon of hope" for the country in times of financial crisis and climate change.Dr John Sentamu says the importance of the church was underlined when it helped "dry the nation's tears" over tragedies such as 9/11, the London bombings, the Soham murders and the death of the Princess of Wales.
The primate makes the strident comments in a collection of essays on Faith and Nation, published this week by the Institute of Public Policy Research, defending the established church in response to calls for its separation from the state.
The archbishop argues that the social and moral life of the country depends as much on Anglican churches, Christian community organisations and individual believers, as it does on constitutional arrangements.
He says: "Whether it be the public tragedies of 9/11, 7/7, the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, or the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, the public outpouring of grief and shock found their voice in the churches of their communities.
"Perhaps more importantly, the church provides the community for those who are daily bereaved, to grieve alongside, to offer thanksgiving and to offer care. "There is little doubt in my mind that a place exists for an established church serving the nation."
Dr Sentamu declares: "From church schools to funerals, from inter-faith work to state occasions, from speaking out for the marginalised to ministering to the sick, the church plays a vital role in the operation of our nation."
He adds: "The Church of England must once again be a beacon for England by which the people of England can orient themselves in an unknown ocean by offering them the Good News of God in Christ in practical and relevant ways to their daily lives."
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(Source: RI)