Anglican experts to join NSS event on disestablishment

Anglicans sceptical of the Church of England's established status will join the National Secular Society for an online discussion on the future of church and state.

The NSS is holding a free event on 15 February bringing together experts to explore the necessity of disestablishment in the context of modern Britain's religiously diverse landscape.

Census data released last year revealed Christians are now officially a minority in England and Wales for the first time.

But the CofE retains a privileged position as the established religion. It has seats reserved for its bishops in the House of Lords and its prayers are said before every sitting in the Houses of Parliament. It also controls over a quarter of all primary schools.

Additionally, the UK's head of state, King Charles, will be crowned in an Anglican ceremony where he will swear his allegiance to the CofE as its Supreme Governor.

The speakers will include Dr Martyn Percy, an academic and theologian. Ordained as a priest in the Church of England, in 2022 he announced he was leaving because of his concerns over the management of safeguarding, as well as bullying and harassment. Dr Percy is generally considered to represent the liberal tradition in the CofE and has been critical of Justin Welby's leadership as Archbishop of Canterbury.

Dr Jonathan Chaplin, a specialist in Christian political thought, will also speak. His latest book, Beyond Establishment, argues for an end to the privileged constitutional ties between church and state.

They will be joined by Dr Katie Edwards, an academic, writer and broadcaster. She has written widely for the press, including The Guardian, The Telegraph and The Washington Post.

NSS: Discussing disestablishment "more imperative than ever"

NSS chief executive Stephen Evans said: "Following the revelation that Christians are no longer the majority in England and Wales, the established church has never looked so out of place.

"It's therefore more imperative than ever that serious conversations about separating church and state are brought to the fore.

"This event will explore not only how disestablishment benefits the state, but also arguments from those within the Church who support a secular state from a religious perspective.

"It's an event designed to bring together everyone who believes that a secular democracy, in which people of all religions and beliefs are treated equally, is the best way to protect the rights and freedoms of all."

The Future of church and state: Perspectives on disestablishment will take place on 15 February 6-7pm on Zoom. Book your free place here.