Daily Politics from the New Statesman

The politics of faith: Britain's changing relationship with Christianity

Dec 9, 2024
Pippa Bailey, editor and writer at The New Statesman, David Sexton, the publication's film critic, and Madeleine Davies, senior writer at The Church Times, explore Britain's evolving relationship with Christianity. They discuss the Church's existential crisis, the implications of recent scandals, and the groundbreaking possibility of a female archbishop. The conversation dives into cultural Christianity's rise, the decline in traditional church attendance, and how films like 'Conclave' reflect these shifting dynamics in faith and power.
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INSIGHT

Humanizing the Cardinals

  • "Conclave" portrays cardinals with humanizing moments, like vaping or struggling with shampoo.
  • The film blends political thriller and locked-room mystery elements.
ANECDOTE

Harris's Background

  • Robert Harris transitioned from political journalism, including Panorama and The Observer, to novel writing.
  • His work often explores power dynamics and corruption, evident in "Conclave".
INSIGHT

Reluctance for Leadership

  • In both Catholic and Anglican churches, there's a tradition of feigned reluctance for leadership.
  • This "nulla episcopari" principle assumes those who least desire power are best suited for it.
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