Easter Edition: is politics becoming more religious? With Tom Holland & Jonathan Sumption

In this Easter special edition of The Spectator podcast, host Lara Prendergast convenes a panel of distinguished guests—Anglican priest Fergus Butler-Galley, former Supreme Court Justice Jonathan Sumption, and historian Tom Holland—to explore whether British politics is becoming more religious. The discussion centers on the resurgence of faith as a political force, exemplified by the magazine’s striking cover depicting King Charles and the royal family alongside the newly enthroned Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally. The guests debate the historical role of religion in elections, from the 1710 'Church in Danger' campaign to modern issues like immigration, climate change, and the role of faith in public life. They argue that while formal church attendance has declined, moral and spiritual instincts rooted in Christian tradition continue to shape political discourse. The conversation turns to the symbolic power of religious imagery, the decline of institutional authority in the Church of England, and the growing appeal of liturgical tradition—particularly the Book of Common Prayer—as a counter to what some see as bland, managerialist religiosity. The panel also reflects on the monarchy’s evolving relationship with faith, the moral energy behind parties like the Greens and Reform, and the enduring power of religious art and ritual, especially in contexts of suffering and imprisonment. Ultimately, the episode suggests that while religion may not dominate politics overtly, its moral undercurrents are more present than ever. Key takeaways include: 1) Religion is resurfacing as a central political theme, particularly around moral issues like immigration and life and death; 2) The Church of England’s decline in influence is due to managerialism and lack of theological authority, creating space for more authentic expressions of faith; 3) The Book of Common Prayer and liturgical tradition are experiencing a revival among younger generations seeking depth and authenticity; 4) Political parties like the Greens and Reform are tapping into unmet spiritual and moral longings, even if they don’t explicitly identify as religious; 5) The monarchy’s symbolic role in religious life remains constitutionally significant, even if personally unconvincing to some members; 6) Religious art and ritual, especially in prison, continue to convey profound hope amid suffering; 7) The Easter story’s power lies in its ability to confront death and suffering while offering transcendence; 8) True religious authority comes not from moralizing but from offering a coherent, metaphysical vision that challenges the status quo.