CHRISTIAN faith and heritage should continue to have “a formal and recognised place” in the life of the nation — including that of the House of Lords, the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Revd Julian Henderson, has said in his valedictory speech in the Lords.
Bishop Henderson is to retire later this month (News, 11 March). He was consecrated bishop, for the see of Blackburn, in 2013, and entered the House of Lords in February 2020.
He made his final speech in the Lords during a debate on a report on the future of the Union, on Thursday of last week. He said: “I was intrigued to read [about] the strains currently experienced in governance, accountability, and finance between the four nations of the Union, largely because of Brexit and devolution.
“I wonder, if a referendum is pressed for, whether so major a decision, with consequences for the whole Union, should be decided by only one part and not take into account the view of the whole. But I know that is controversial.”
He continued: “It was especially good to see reference to the importance of the levelling-up agenda, reducing the gaps in our society in terms of wealth and aspiration — something we in the north-west are desperate to see taken forward.”
Bishop Henderson lamented, however, that there had been no mention of the monarchy as a strength of the Union, nor any reference “to the role of the faith and charity sectors in strengthening life and co-operation” in the UK.
“In the past, the Established Church has played a key role in this nation, with Lords Spiritual present in this House,” he said. “However, over time, the Churches in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have become independent; new Churches have also emerged. What is more, the presence of strong other-faith communities in the UK now challenges that Christian heritage, as we make this country a place in which all faiths can practise without fear or favour.”
He concluded: “In spite of all that change, I do not want us to lose a formal and recognised place for faith in our national life. It provides a crucial underpinning of who we are in being fully human — body, mind, and soul — as this House carries out its vital roles of scrutinising legislation, and commenting on the complex issues of the day.
“The Prayers at the start of each Sitting for wisdom and right judgement will continue to be my prayer for your Lordships’ House, although I will no longer have the privilege of being present. I am grateful to you all for your good wishes.”
Among his last contributions, earlier in the week, Bishop Henderson spoke on behalf of the Bishop of St Albans, Dr Alan Smith, during the continuation of the Committee Stage of the Schools Bill (News, 24 June).
Supporting amendments to the Bill to extend the period in which a parent must comply with school registration and provide information, Bishop Henderson said that the current timeframe of 15 days was too short.
“As it stands, I do not believe that the Government have reasonably considered the complexities of some families’ lives and the multitude of reasons for delays that could occur. Rather than being unnecessarily tight, as currently stipulated, the relevant period ought to reflect a more reasonable timeframe.”
Responding for the Government, Baroness Barran said: “The relevant period has been set at 15 days to minimise the amount of time that children are potentially not in receipt of a suitable education, and to allow local authorities to use their powers effectively.” The amendments were withdrawn.