MP Letter: The manifesto for change

The manifesto for change

The UK today has incredible religious diversity and a non-religious majority. This should prompt an urgent rethink about religion's public role and the relationship between church and state. Britain isn't a Christian country, and we shouldn't have a state church. People should have freedom of religion, but it should end when it infringes on others' rights and freedoms.

But we need you to help to make this case to policy makers. We've created a Manifesto for Change calling for Britain to evolve into a secular democracy. We've made a template letter asking MPs to read the manifesto, and work to put its recommendations into action. Please consider sending it, or something similar, to your MP – and help to make our vision for a secular Britain a reality.

Enter your postcode below to begin your letter.

Hints and tips

- Personalising your letter will make it more likely to have an impact.

- An introduction paragraph about why you are writing to the MP is useful

- Keep your thoughts fairly brief. MPs are busy and get a lot of correspondence.

- Use clear and simple language.

- If you have an interesting perspective which undermines arguments for privileging religion, consider sharing it.

- The report has 59 recommendations, why not pick out 2 or 3 that are most important to you?

- This letter is intended and has been promoted to members in England. If you want it to be relevant to non-English MPs, it will need to be personalised.

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Dear {{name}},

According to a major new study, 52% of people in Britain say they have 'no religion'. The figure, which comes from the highly-respected British Social Attitudes survey, has risen from 48% since 2015 and 31% since 1983. The survey reveals that the British population is becoming increasingly irreligious and religiously diverse.

These dramatic changes in Britain's religion and belief landscape demand a policy response. I am urging you to ensure that Britain's constitutional settlement and public policies catch up with the opinions of its population.

One of the most striking findings of the BSA survey is that just 1% of 18-24 year olds identify as Anglican. This means church schools are unlikely to be an attractive, or even acceptable, option to tomorrow's parents. This calls into question the appropriateness and sustainability of organised religion's role in running our publicly funded schools.

Christianity is one major influence among many that has shaped our country. But the UK is now one of the most religiously diverse, and also non-religious, nations in the world. Our political structures do not recognise this huge change. They need to evolve to make Britain a secular democracy where religion and the state are separate.

To set out its vision for a secular Britain, the National Secular Society has published a comprehensive report, 'Rethinking religion and belief in public life: a manifesto for change': https://tinyurl.com/natsecsoc

This outlines constructive and specific proposals to reform the role of religion in public life. I hope you can consider adopting these sensible and forward-thinking proposals.

The National Secular Society works towards a society in which all citizens, regardless of religious belief or lack of it, can live together fairly and cohesively. In its manifesto it considers how the state should respond to these fundamental demographic changes, particularly in our institutions and policy responses.

It sets out proposals for reforms in education, public services, institutions and public ceremonies needed to ensure fairness for all regardless of their religion or belief. It also evaluates the state of the law on human rights and freedom of expression where it concerns religion.

I hope you will take the time to look at this report, consider its arguments, and work towards implementing these proposals for a fairer society for the 21st century.

Yours sincerely,

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MP Letter: The manifesto for change

The manifesto for change

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