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On behalf of the Catholic community, he has assured him of their prayers and expressed his willingness to maintain the Church’s collaboration with the new Government.
Burnham enters Downing Street after the resignation of Keir Starmer and after prevailing in the internal process of the governing party. His arrival holds particular relevance for British Catholics because of the religious roots the politician himself has claimed over the years, although his public record remains distant from Church teaching on issues such as abortion, “same-sex marriage” and sexual morality.
“On behalf of the Conference of Bishops and the Catholic community of our countries, I offer my warmest congratulations to Andy Burnham on becoming leader of the Labour Party and now Prime Minister,” Moth stated in a message released by the episcopate.
“Bridge-builders and peacemakers”
The president of the bishops recalled that the new Government begins its work in a context marked by various social and political challenges.
“We live in difficult times. As Christians, we have a duty to be bridge-builders and peacemakers,” he affirmed.
In the face of tensions, hostility and injustice, Moth called for a response of respect for the dignity of every person and with special attention to the needs of families, the marginalised and the most vulnerable.
The prelate assured the new Prime Minister and his family of his prayers in view of the responsibility he now assumes.
Continuing collaboration with the Government
Moth also expressed his gratitude to Keir Starmer and the members of his Cabinet “for their service over the past years.”
The president of the episcopate stated his willingness to work with Burnham and to continue the institutional relationship maintained between the Catholic Church and the British Government.
“I look forward to working with the new Prime Minister to continue our long tradition of constructive collaboration with the Government of the United Kingdom and to advance our common effort in service of the common good,” he indicated.
A cultural Catholic distant from Church teaching
Burnham was raised in Catholicism, served as an altar boy and has attributed part of his social sensitivity to the formation he received in the Church. He has also presented his personal identity on various occasions as linked to the so-called “working-class Catholicism” of northern England.
However, years ago he distanced himself from religious practice and has supported positions contrary to Catholic teaching on life and the family.
He has defended abortion, the redefinition of marriage and the political demands of the LGBT movement, as well as calling for changes in the Church’s moral doctrine.
The bishops’ congratulations are limited to the institutional level and the desire to maintain cooperation with the Executive.
The message does not address the differences between the new Prime Minister’s political positions and Catholic teaching.