NSS urges Speaker to support end to parliamentary prayers

The National Secular Society has renewed its call to remove prayers from the official business of Parliament.

The NSS wrote to the Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle on Friday to urge him to "make it clear that our Parliament is a place where religion is not imposed" and MPs of all religions and beliefs "are equally welcome and valued".

Sittings in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords begin with Anglican prayers – one of the many privileges given to the Church of England due to its established status.

Nearly half of MPs took secular affirmation or swore on non-Christian text

The NSS's letter follows the recent 'swearing in' ceremonies required for MPs to take their seat. MPs can either take a religious oath, usually while holding a religious text, or make a secular affirmation pledging allegiance to the monarchy.

The right for both religious and nonreligious MPs to take their seat by making a secular affirmation was secured by NSS founder Charles Bradlaugh MP.

Following the July general election, 259 MPs took the secular affirmation. In 2019 this figure was approximately 150. This year nearly half (46%) of MPs either took a secular affirmation, or swore on a non-Christian text.

The NSS said opening official business in the Commons with exclusively Anglican prayers in such a diverse parliament "is now more outdated, inappropriate and unjustifiable than ever".

MP: 'Prayer card' seat reservation system "frankly rather ridiculous"

The NSS previously wrote to Hoyle on the issue in February. Hoyle responded that there is "no requirement that Members attend prayers".

But when the Commons chamber is at its busiest, parliamentary prayers act as an antiquated seat reservation system. Even MPs who are slated to speak have no option but to attend prayers to reserve a seat. The NSS said this "clearly disadvantages MPs who do not wish to attend Christian prayers".

This issue was also raised in Parliament on Thursday by Ellie Chowns, Green MP for North Herefordshire. She called the 'prayer card' system for reserving seats in the chamber "frankly rather ridiculous".

Chowns was speaking during a debate last Wednesday in which MPs backed plans for a new 14-member Modernisation Committee. The committee, which aims to change outdated Commons procedures, drive up standards and improve working practices, will be chaired by Labour MP and Leader of the House Lucy Powell.

The Speaker has previously told the NSS in his previous correspondence that he saw "no harm in a moment's private reflection for Members before they begin Chamber business".

The NSS has suggested that if members feel strongly about retaining a "solemn moment", Christian prayers could be replaced with a short period of "private reflection" to reflect or pray silently according to their wishes.

A similar practice occurs in the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Scottish Government also has a "Time for Reflection" involving speeches rather than prayers given by both religious and nonreligious guests. The Welsh Assembly has no equivalent practices.

In her speech, Chowns said that as the "daughter of preachers" she is "very familiar" with Christian prayers, but suggested "in this day and age, in a country of all faiths and none", a "moment of reflection" would be more suitable.

The NSS urged Hoyle to work with the Procedure Committee and newly established Modernisation Committee to review the prayers.

NSS: Removing prayers would be "a positive step forward for modernity, equality and freedom of conscience"

NSS chief executive Stephen Evans said: "This House of Commons is more diverse and less religious than ever.

"It's vital that our Parliament be made more welcoming and inclusive, and that should begin with removing parliamentary prayers.

"The imposition of prayers as part of Parliament's official business isn't compatible with a society which respects the principle of freedom of religion or belief. Removing this practice would be a positive step forward for modernity, equality and freedom of conscience."