---
title: "King Charles' \"multi-faith nation\", Burnham's Manchesterism and the conversion practices bill"
date: 2026-07-01T10:39:00+01:00
author: Zanna Meynell
canonical_url: "https://www.eauk.org/resources/our-resources/videos-and-podcasts/cross-section/king-charles-multi-faith-nation-burnhams-manchesterism-and-the-conversion-practices-bill"
section: Pages
---
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## King Charles' "multi-faith nation", Burnham's Manchesterism and the conversion practices bill

### Watch Cross Section now

 

 

 ](#%0A%09%09%09)

 

 

 

 

  In this week’s episode of Cross Section, Peter Lynas, Alicia Edmund and Danny Webster discuss the leading political and cultural headlines. The team begin with a conversation about King Charles’ announcement that he is redefining his role as monarch from ​“Defender of the Faith” to protecting ​“the space for faith within the multi-faith nation”. What are the implications for his role as the head of the Church of England? What does this show about the nature of religion in the UK today? They then consider Andy Burnham’s Catholic upbringing and ponder how he may engage with faith as he comes into Downing Street. Can Britain talk about religion well?

Alicia briefly refers to the National Conversation campaign to rebuild social cohesion. Check it out [here if you are interested in finding out more.](https://www.thenationalconversation.org.uk/)

The team then turn to the significant release last week of draft conversion practices legislation. This is an issue the Evangelical Alliance has engaged with since 2018 and this bill raises many concerns. Why are we worried about what is being proposed? What could be the impact of this legislation for parents and churches? What will happen next and how can Christians respond?

This is an episode you do not want to miss.

 

 

  #### Further reading:

 

  [King to ​‘protect multi-faith nation’ in revised definition of monarchy](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2026/06/26/king-multi-faith-definition-monarchy/)

[Britain can’t talk about religion](https://www.newstatesman.com/ideas/2026/06/britain-cant-talk-about-religion)

[Pride no longer sells — Evangelical Alliance](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/pride-no-longer-sells)

 

 

  #### Chapters:

 

  0:00 Introduction  
1:15 The King and multi-faith Britain  
6:57 Faith in the public square  
9:22 Andy Burnham and his Catholic upbringing  
14:59 Manchesterism: standout moments  
18:43 Rebuilding social cohesion: the national conversation  
19:25 The draft conversion practices bill  
33:38 How the Church should respond