Martin Vickers

As we approach the Christmas celebrations, it is appropriate that we reflect on the place of the Christian faith in our society and the role of the established Church—that is, the Church of England—in furthering the Gospel. I am an Anglican and a regular worshipper at St Giles and St Matthew’s church in my constituency. Religious faith is important to me, as it is to thousands of my constituents and millions across the world. It is an important part of our identity. There have been disturbing reports in recent weeks that some far-right activists are trying to hijack religion, claiming to be the protectors of Christianity. The Church should respond, in my view, by concentrating more on spreading the Gospel rather than acting as an non-governmental organisation or lobby group. If it did so, there would be much less space for the far right to claim that they are the voice of Christian Britain. Not everyone celebrating Christmas next week will be Christians. The pews will be fuller than usual, whether it is for midnight mass, carol services or Christingle services, all of which provide our churches with an opportunity to proclaim the Christian message and perhaps touch the hearts of those who used to believe, who have doubts or who are searching for something to satisfy their spiritual yearnings. In a strange way, the Church of England does indeed speak for mainstream middle England. This coming Sunday, I will be attending two nine lessons and carols services, one in the small St Peter’s church in Ashby cum Fenby in my constituency, and one in the grander setting of Grimsby minster. Equally, wherever it is, the message will be the same, and no doubt the words of St John’s Gospel will be resounding. For me, the striking passage in that Gospel, as the authorised version says, is: “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, but the world knew him not.” Then, as now, the world was ignoring Christ’s message of peace and goodwill. Happy Christmas.