Moral Living and Social Justice

Apparently, according to some body of MPs, the new Constitution of the Cayman Islands cannot now say that that British Overseas Territory is a "God-fearing country based on traditional Christian values, tolerant of other religions and beliefs", nor speak of "a country in which religion finds its expression in moral living and social justice".

And apparently, according to some body of MPs, the new Constitution of Saint Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha cannot express that British Overseas Territory's desire "to continue as communities of tolerance, with respect for government and the law, Christian and family values and protection of the environment".

So how, according to that body of MPs, can the Coronation Service continue to contain the words, spoken by the Archbishop of Canterbury as he hands the Sword of State to the monarch, "With this sword do justice, stop the growth of iniquity, protect the holy Church of God, help and defend widows and orphans, restore the things that are gone to decay, maintain the things that are restored, punish and reform what is amiss and confirm what is in good order"?

Of course, it cannot. That is the whole point. If being a British Overseas Territory precludes having a specifically Christian basis for the State, then it could not be more obvious what that says about the United Kingdom herself.

One need hardly add that these MPs are a cross-party lot. What's that you say? There is a strong Christian component to the Tory coalition? There used to be. Back when there was also a strong Christian component to the Labour coalition, and a strong Christian component to the Liberal coalition. But these days, don't vote for any of them. Make alternative arrangements.