BLOCK THAT METAPHOR!

Keep faith out of politics, says Blair (Stephen Bates, The Guardian, March 23rd, 2005)

Tony Blair chose a faith audience in south London yesterday to proclaim his belief that he was opposed to US-style faith politics in British public life.

The prime minister, battered by Tory tabloid pressures on abortion, insisted: "I do not want to end up with an American-style of politics with us all going out there beating our chest about our faith.

"Politics and religion - it is not that they do not have a lot in common, but if it ends up being used in the political process, I think that is a bit unhealthy." [...]

The lunchtime speech was organised by Faithworks, an umbrella body for a number of Christian organisations promoting the work of churches in the community.

It has also held meetings with Michael Howard and Charles Kennedy.

Its founder, the Baptist minister the Rev Steve Chalke, told Mr Blair afterwards: "We will pray for you over the coming weeks."

He added with only a barely perceptible pause, "and for Michael Howard and Charles Kennedy. We like to think faith is the Viagra of the people."

Church and state--the great debate continues.