Church and state
Sir: If the last Reith lecturer, Dr Norman, needed any support for his main contention that Christianity was tending to be debased by the Churches themselves it is to be found in the latest joint declaration by their leaders in Britain.
This is an exhortation to Christians by, among others, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cardinal Gray (R.C. Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh) and the moderates of the free churches 'to be active, enthusiastic and responsible participants' in the coming elections to the European Parliament 'in their extension of parliamentary democracy to the international level'.
In other words, it is part of a Christian's duty to support the principle of democracy as such, thus making its theory and practice part of their religion. Would any of the eminent churchmen signing this declaration (published by the British Council of Churches) care to say what biblical or traditional authority they have for making it? Where, in either Testament, is to be found any suggestion that human affairs are best ordered and governed in accordance with passing popular opinion?
Kenneth R. Middleton 13 Dean Park Crescent, Edinburgh.
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