The story of Jesus began with a state census, so the current debate on disestablishment of the Church of England has a sense of deja vu (According to the census, we’re now a land of many faiths. There is no place for an established church, 30 November). Like the biblical census, this one is pregnant with unexpected possibilities.
As a paid-up Anglican and contributor to developing church leadership at both parish and national levels, I passionately believe that the C of E needs to commit not to argue or lobby for any place in a reformed legislature. Instead we should use our historic privilege to encourage the wider debate so badly needed about our inadequate national governance. For example, how many of those who took part in the census believe in a mainly appointed crony upper house with a side serving of aristocracy? Designing a new upper house cannot be entrusted wholly to party politicians, but bishops could only play a useful part if they eschew any claim to preserving their own place in the House of Lords.
