Two rather interesting illustrations of the integration of church and state were reported recently. The first involved the recently crowned King of England—King Charles III. His role includes the title “The Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England.” One hopes the crown bears a witness to this charge!
The new king seems to have embraced this responsibility. Here is what the newly crowned king said in his official statement to faith leaders:
“I am a committed Anglican Christian, and at my Coronation I will take an oath relating to the settlement of the Church of England. At my Accession, I have already solemnly given—as has every Sovereign over the last 300 years—an Oath which pledges to maintain and preserve the Protestant faith in Scotland.”
Is there room in the heart of England for other religious views? Definitely so. As the king stated, “I have always thought of Britain as a ‘community of communities.’ That has led me to understand that the Sovereign has an additional duty—less formally recognized but to be no less diligently discharged. It is the duty to protect the diversity of our country, including by protecting the space for Faith itself and its practise through the religions, cultures, traditions and beliefs to which our hearts and minds direct us as individuals.”
King Charles III added, “This diversity is not just enshrined in the laws of our country, it is enjoined by my own faith. As a member of the Church of England, my Christian beliefs have love at their very heart. By my most profound convictions, therefore—as well as by my position as Sovereign—I hold myself bound to respect those who follow other spiritual paths, as well as those who seek to live their lives in accordance with secular ideals.”
Such comments clearly recognize that Great Britain is a pluralistic culture. No leader worth his or her salt can pretend otherwise, nor can they by any means of force attempt to coerce a singular view of faith. But one can state the case for personal beliefs and embrace the historic connection to the Protestant influence on England. Ireland is quite another matter.
The real test is whether the new King lives out the deepest call of the Christian faith—to love God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. One wonders in the history of Charles’ life as Prince exactly how deep his values run. Religion of convenience is quickly seen through.
Perhaps observing the faith commitment of his beloved mum, Queen Elizabeth II, left a marked influence on his life. It would be most refreshing to hear the King speak prominently of the true King of all the earth.
A second story of the blurry line between church and state came from Tennessee. The governor of that state, Bill Lee, issued a proclamation that declared Friday, September 30th, as “a day of prayer, humility, and fasting." He also acknowledged the need for “God’s guidance” for the future of the state.
He went further, tweeting that he and his wife Maria "invite Tennesseans to join us in this tradition to thank God for his many blessings, seek His wisdom in all circumstances, and ask for His continued grace and favor in the days ahead." The proclamation calls for the forgiveness of past transgressions as well.
In both of these very public statements about faith, leaders chose to cross what we might term as an “imaginary line” of separation between church and state. Personal expressions of belief and commitment to a set of spiritual principles set a course for the conduct of government and its leadership. That should never be feared.
Mandating citizens to follow a particular religious path, however, must always be rejected. A God worth following desires only the loyalty of those whose heart is true and willing to accept His authority.
Unbelievers live by their own rules.
The great Hebrew leader Joshua put it on the line to the shaky and faithless Israelites of his day saying, “Choose this day whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15, ESV) And then he added his personal commitment, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Leaders afraid to boldly cross the imaginary line have little faith on which to stand.
The great Hebrew leader Joshua put it on the line to the shaky and faithless Israelites of his day saying, “Choose this day whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15, ESV) And then he added his personal commitment, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Leaders afraid to boldly cross the imaginary line have little faith on which to stand.
That’s Forward Thinking.
You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?
For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com
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