Church and crown

Philip M. writes from England:

I have not been able to re-find the thread, but I was fascinated to hear about your views on monarchy and established churches. You are so right that they add a depth, unity and spirituality to a culture that cannot be measured. It is sad and shaming that an American could sense this but so few in Britain can. We take so much for granted over here.

I am not a fan of the present monarch because although she has no actual political power, if she spoke she would command attention. Given the mortal and existential threats we face I feel it should have been incumbent on her to say “to hell with convention, I will not keep my mouth shut whilst my country dies.” But she has done no such thing. I hope she has given plenty of thought to whether a black/Muslim Britain will still want a white Christian monarch.

Nevertheless, monarchy has much in principle to commend it. A politician is transitory, but a monarch must (or should) care about the long-term health of the nation because it is what they are passing on to their children. Their interests and the nations interests are one.

Posted by Lawrence Auster at June 02, 2009 03:55 PM | Send