We give people private space but do not encourage public discussion and debate on key areas which are seen as 'difficult' such as religion, immigration, the optimum funding for public services. In consequence, these areas of difference are thrust into the margins where they do not go away but instead, tend to fester.

A similar trend can be seen in France in relation to the use of the word 'tolerance'. There too it has become understood, at least in part, in the sense of something you put up with rather than as a positive virtue. An amusing example of this is the description of French brothels as 'maisons de tolérance'! Houses of tolerance!

I therefore believe that for all our judicial tolerance, Britain has become in many ways, a less tolerant society today.

One of the main areas in which we see this is in the government's treatment of Religion which they now prefer to call 'faith communities'. The Equality Bill which is going through the House of Lords, had contained a 'Genuine Occupation Clause' which would have made it very difficult for a religious group to employ someone of that religion for a position within their organisation, except in the very restricted role of leading worship, explaining or proclaiming doctrines.

Read it all.

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Anglican Provinces • Church of England (CoE) • Archbishop of York John Sentamu • * Culture-Watch • Law & Legal Issues • Religion & Culture • * International News & Commentary • England / UK

1. Br. Michael wrote: As practiced “toleration” and “anti-discrimination” are the new tyranny.  At bottom they use the coercive power of the state to force people in to doing something they do not want to do, but the state desires that they should do. February 8, 9:06 am | [comment link]

Registered members must log in to comment.