Peter Lynas, Danny Webster and Zanna Meynell discuss the row over the Iftar prayer in Trafalgar Square. The introduction covers the two significant votes from last week that saw the rejection of assisted suicide in Scotland and the House of Lords voting to decriminalise abortion up to birth.
The main conversation focuses on the row over the Iftar prayer in Trafalgar Square. They talk about Nick Timothy’s comment that “mass ritual prayer in public places is an act of domination”. How do we respond to this? What is the line with freedom of religion and speech? What are the differences between this event and the Palm Sunday celebration that will also take place in Trafalgar Square? Does it come back to the question of the Christian nation?
The team also talk about the Evangelical Alliance’s new report Confident faith, contested culture and what this shows about how evangelicals’ find sharing their faith in this cultural moment. This new report explores evangelicals’ thoughts on Christian nationalism, sharing about faith at work and this political climate. You can read this report here.
Finally, the team discuss Prince William’s comments about having a “quiet faith”. What does that actually mean?
Chapters:
0:00 — Introduction
1:11 — Assisted suicide and abortion votes
4:36 — Capybara on the loose
5:29 — Muslim prayer in Trafalgar Square
17:06 — Confident faith, contested culture report
25:50 — Prince William’s ‘quiet faith’ and new Archbishop
31:33 — Closing thoughts and Easter encouragement
