Archbishop of York: Tolerance is removing religion from society

The Archbishop of York has claimed that tolerance is playing a part in removing religion from public life in Britain.

Dr John Sentamu believes that tolerance has now become a "restricting" quality, rather than a means of building a better, more accepting community.

The comments were made during a City of Peace lecture to Newcastle City Council, with the Archbishop warning that tolerance was becoming a "negative value".

He continued: "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."

Dr Sentamu believes that society will only function effectively if all its members have a common vision, something that belief in God could provide. He claims there is a continuing trend in Britain - in the name of tolerance - of trying to remove religion from public life.

Later this year, the general synod will vote on whether to demand an explanation from the BBC as to why coverage of religion has declined in recent years.

Posted by David Ekundayo

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