Surging UK Green Party pushes church-state split, critics warn of break from Britain’s Christian roots

 

King Charles ascended the throne in September 2022 following his mother's death, and his coronation was in May 2023. 

The Church of England has been the "established" church since the 16th-century Reformation, with the British monarch serving as its supreme governor. For traditionalists, this link is not merely ceremonial but is the foundational bedrock of British identity.

The Greens have come under fire for seeking to remove centuries of British history and tradition by separating the church from British politics, with critics characterizing it as the latest move against Christianity in the U.K.

last month that the Green Party policy document stated: "No person shall hold office in the state, or be excluded from any such office, by virtue of their or their spouse's membership or non-membership of any religion or denomination of religion." 

 

A view of Christmas morning Eucharist service at Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury, United Kingdom, on Dec. 25, 2022. 

Michael McManus, the director of research at the Henry Jackson Society, a U.K. think tank, told Fox News Digital, "Britain is a tolerant society but with clear Christian origins and culture. Aiming to disestablish the Church of England could be seen as an attempt to reject that ethical foundation without being clear what would replace it instead."

High-profile figures have also weighed in on the debate, with actor and comedian John Cleese responding to a comment about the Greens' proposal by stating on X: "The UK has always been based at the deepest level on Christian values, regardless of dogma. Despite the many mistakes made by churches, for centuries British people have been influenced by Christ's teaching. If these values are replaced by Islamic ones, this will not be Britain anymore."

A spokesperson for the Green Party told Fox News Digital, "We will be setting out our detailed plans for government at the time of the next General Election, just as we did at the last General Election. As always, our members will be shaping our priorities. These will again address the real and immediate needs of people and the planet, such as tackling the climate crisis, bringing down the cost of living and rebuilding our public services, including the NHS. Our focus is on the issues that impact ordinary people most."

The timing of the Green Party's push is particularly sensitive as it comes on the heels of the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Act 2026, which passed last month, removing the last hereditary aristocrats from Parliament. With the hereditary principle gone, the presence of the "Lords Spiritual" has become the next logical target for constitutional reformers. There are currently 26 seats reserved for Church of England archbishops and bishops in the House of Lords.

As the U.K. heads toward a local 2026 election cycle, the "Church and State" debate looks set to become a wedge issue. For the Greens, it represents their commitment to a "diverse and inclusive" Britain. For their detractors, it is a dangerous move that risks "de-Christianizing" the country at a moment of profound social uncertainty.

Whether the proposal will mobilize a new "religious vote" or simply fade behind the urgency of other issues remains to be seen. What is clear, commentators say, is that the image of the established Church is increasingly being viewed through the lens of a much sharper and more polarized political fight.

 

Prime Minister's Easter message 2026

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's 2026 Easter message.  

 

Easter is a celebration of hope, new life and renewal.

Across the country, churches and Christian communities quietly and tirelessly support families, children and neighbours - offering comfort, bringing people together, and standing alongside those who need it most. It is precisely that spirit of service which exemplifies national renewal, and reflects the very heart of Christ’s example.

This Easter comes at a time of real anxiety for many people. Conflicts abroad, pressures at home, and uncertainty about the future weigh heavily on families and households. In moments like these, faith offers reassurance and grounding - a reminder that we are not alone, and that hope can still take root even in difficult soil.

For generations, churches have been rooted in their neighbourhoods, working to combat poverty, fear and isolation. In times when some seek to divide, the Government is committed to working across faiths and differences to build a country that is more resilient, inclusive and connected. That is why we are keen to partner with churches, alongside other faith and belief groups, to strengthen and transform local communities through programmes such as Pride in Place and Best Start Family Hubs, among others.

Our country is at its best when we choose community over division, kindness over indifference, and service over self‑interest. I thank everyone who gives their time through churches and Christian charities, and wish Christians across the UK and around the world a very happy Easter filled with peace, hope and the promise of new life. 

 

At least 33 killed in Easter attacks in Nigeria

 

Churches in northern Nigeria are having to spend increasing money on security, because of the fear of violence 

At least 33 people have been killed and many kidnapped in fresh attacks over the Easter weekend in northern Nigeria. It comes a week after at least 27 people were killed on Palm Sunday in a predominantly Christian village in Plateau State.

On Easter Sunday, suspected Fulani militants launched simultaneous attacks on the Christian communities of Mbalom and Mbasombo, in Benue State, killing 26 people. It transformed a day of celebration, peace and reflection into mourning and displacement.

On the same day, two churches in Ariko village, Kaduna State, were attacked. Seven people were killed and multiple people were kidnapped, according to Caleb ⁠Maaji, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for Kaduna State, although other reports say the death toll is five. The army reports that 31 people have since been rescued, but this has been denied by CAN as well as Kurtumi Unity Development Association, a local resident group.

On Monday, two people keeping watch on their community in Pwomol village, Plateau State, were killed in an attack by armed Fulani militants. Another person was seriously injured. One of the attackers, identified as Suleiman, was later arrested and remains in custody.

The attacks happened just days after at least 27 people were killed when unidentified gunmen opened fire on people in the streets of Angwan Rukuba, a mostly Christian community in the city of Jos.

Since then, tensions in Jos have remained high as alarming, unverified videos suggested more violence could be triggered. The city is a major hub for several church headquarters and regional offices in Nigeria, making it a strategic place for Christians.

“Jos is a city divided along a religious line – one side predominantly Christians and the other predominantly Muslims. In the north are Christian neighbourhoods and next to it are Muslims,” says Illia Djiadi, Senior Analyst for Freedom of Religion or Belief in sub-Saharan Africa for Open Doors. He adds that, when tensions are high, people cannot cross to another region.

While many services were able to take place during Holy Week, it was in the context of a curfew that was put in place following the Palm Sunday attacks. Restriction of movement and a climate of fear are affecting the church’s ability to function properly, and are having a significant impact on Christian communities. Many churches are having to spend increasing amounts of money on security forces, because of the escalation of violence.

Christians weren’t the only ones vulnerable to attack in Nigeria over Easter. In Zamfara State, bandits kidnapped more than 150 people from rural villages which are not Christian-majority. Most are women and children. Other residents fled, leaving villages largely deserted.

 

God doesn’t listen to prayers of those who wage war – Pope Leo

 

Pope Leo used his Palm Sunday address to deliver a pointed condemnation of war, saying God rejects the prayers of leaders whose “hands are full of blood” as the conflict involving Iran entered its second month.

Speaking before tens of thousands in St Peter’s Square, the pontiff said Jesus could not be invoked to justify violence.

“This is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” Pope Leo told the crowd gathered in bright sunshine for the start of Holy Week. He added that God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war but rejects them, saying, ‘Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: Your hands are full of blood’.”

Although the Pope did not name any leader directly, the remarks came amid escalating criticism from the Vatican over the Iran war. In recent weeks, he has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and denounced military air strikes as indiscriminate.

In his latest appeal, Pope Leo returned to the example of Jesus in the final hours before his arrest and crucifixion, saying force was never part of his message. “(Jesus) did not arm himself, or defend himself, or fight any war,” he said. “He revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence. Rather than saving himself, he allowed himself to be nailed to the cross.”

The unusually direct comments underscored the Vatican’s growing alarm over the conflict, as some political figures have increasingly used religious language in defence of military action.

 

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie will skip Easter with Royal Family amid Epstein scandal

 

It has been revealed that with the agreement and understanding of the King, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie will not join the rest of the Royal Family for Easter this weekend. 

The princesses have been under mounting pressure in recent weeks regarding their relationship with convicted p@edophile, Jeffrey Epstein. Both women feature in the latest tranche of Epstein files released by the US State Department in January. 

Their parents, former prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, also feature heavily in the files. In October last year, Andrew and Sarah Ferguson were stripped of their royal titles by King Charles. 

Beatrice and Eugenie joined the King and his family for Christmas at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, but have since gone underground following revelations concerning their parents' closeness to Epstein. 

A royal source suggested the princesses' had decided, with the agreement and understanding of the King, that they would make alternative plans for this Easter. This means they will not be among the royals joining the King and Queen at the traditional Easter Matins service at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on Sunday. 

The King invited both Beatrice and Eugenie to his Sandringham estate last Christmas to spend the festive period with the extended royal family just three months ago. Their invitation and acceptance was seen as a bold statement of support from the King who had sympathy for their plight. However, royal sources previously suggested the situation has now changed drastically. 

While there is no suggestion at this stage that the King will strip them of their titles, those in royal circles suggest there is a “deep unease” about releasing any form of public statement regarding their princesses as allegations relating to the Epstein files continue to emerge.

 

China Intensifying Persecution of Christians in Underground Churches

China's crackdown on unregistered churches extends to legal professionals, with lawyers facing license revocation and suspension for assisting persecuted Christians. 

Throwing Christians and Christian leaders in the underground Zion Church into prison was apparently only the beginning for the Chinese government. They’re now also after lawyers who attempt to help them. Attorney Zhang Kai had his license for practicing law revoked by the Chinese government, and several other attorneys had their licenses suspended or were warned verbally about their involvement.

Chinese Government Wants to Control What Churches Teach and Their Activities

China claims to offer religious freedom in their constitution, but that’s really only in connection to churches that are registered with the government. Then the government controls what is said and what people in those churches do in connection to religion.

“We feel deeply that this is an open defiance and trampling of justice and the rule of law,” representatives of Zion Church said in a recent letter obtained by China Aid.

Grace Jin, the pastor’s daughter, laments that trying to learn what’s happening with her father may be more complicated now because of how the Chinese government is treating the attorneys.

 

Women to ring quarter peal for new Archbishop

 

Dame Sarah is the first female Archbishop of Canterbury 

Women will ring the bells at Canterbury Cathedral to mark the historic appointment of the Church of England's first female Archbishop of Canterbury.

Dame Sarah Mullally was installed as leader of the Anglican church on Wednesday, in front of some 2,000 guests in the place of worship.

All 105 previous Archbishops of Canterbury had been men, starting with St Augustine in 597 AD. Women were allowed to become priests in the Church of England in 1994.

On Sunday, the all-female bell ringers from Kent will ring what is known as a quarter peal, a sequence of changes that will take nearly an hour.

Rona Joiner, ringing master for Rochester District, said: "You ring a certain number of changes or each bell goes 'dong' a certain number of times, in effect.

"That's going to be 1,344 changes, which is maybe about 50 minutes without stopping.

"The complication lies in the fact that you have to concentrate that whole time and not get it wrong."