Tory calls for church to break links with state
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A vice-chairman of the Conservative Party will call this weekend for the Church of England to break its historic links with the state.
Gary Streeter will say the time has come for a full debate on the issue of disestablishing the church. Speaking on GMTV's Sunday programme, to be broadcast tomorrow, he says: "I think a grown-up debate about the role of the Church of England and its establishment in a modern country, should now begin."
Mr Streeter will insist that he is not announcing a change in Tory party policy, but his comments will increase speculation about a fundamental shift away from the current link between Church and state.
Mr Streeter says the appointment of a successor to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, provides an opportunity for a mature debate about the future of the Church. He says: "There needs to be a wider debate about whether the Church of England should remain established. It doesn't quite work any longer. It's important that whoever is next Archbishop of Canterbury should recognise they are spiritual leader of the entire nation ... not just of the Church of England."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments