The New Statesman | UK politics and culture

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

Cardinals as Politicians

  • Robert Harris, initially a political journalist, saw cardinals as politicians.
  • This observation inspired his novel and the film "Conclave", exploring the political machinations within the church.
ANECDOTE

Newcomer Actor

  • Newcomer Carlos Diaz, who plays a cardinal, adds authenticity to the film.
  • He began acting in 2020 and his real-life inexperience mirrors his character's.
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.
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