Archbishops Intervene!

When I heard reports of Archbishop Rowan William’s article in the Times ( Sat 23rd May) it seemed to be out of touch with what has been going on. We were told that the humiliation of delinquent MPs had gone far enough and would endanger our democracy. The next day he joined with the Archbishop of York to call on voters not to vote for the BNP at the forthcoming European Elections.

In reading the article it was clear that the headline emphasized the first paragraph and skipped the ethical issues. There is much to agree with in the article. The Archbishop argues the need to urgently re-establish trust and to connect the underlying attitudes with a wider problem i.e., personal integrity should allow observance of the spirit of rules not just the letter. Asking, ‘what can we get away with?’ is not a sound moral starting point. By acting in good conscience we not only respect ourselves we also earn the respect of others. I have no problem with any of this.

The humiliation of MP’s is not a pretty sight and by itself could indeed be dangerously undermining of confidence in our democracy. Unfortunately the truth which has now come out will run its course and cannot be stopped. But it would seem that electors have woken up to what has been going on and wish to reclaim democracy, through the ballot box to a new Parliament which recognizes the failings of its predecessor. It is because many electors feel that they know what is fair that they have regained their political self respect. Where the danger lies is in irrational voting or abstention which is exploited by extremists. This is sufficient reason not to plunge into a General Election for the moment. Sadly, the PM was not quick witted enough to grasp this reason for delay.

Whilst the relationship between integrity and rule observance, is a point which needed making, it gives insufficient emphasis to those who ignored the rules. How anyone can say that the purchase of a duck island was an expense incurred wholly, exclusively and necessarily in the course of carrying out parliamentary duties, is beyond imagination. It is a breach of the rules and the claimant is having a laugh at our expense. You might have a different way of expressing this when not in the presence of an Archbishop.

Although many now lack faith in the Parliamentary system we must keep faith with those politicians who have earned our respect during the present crisis. We must also trust the people through the electoral process. But this is where democracy is it at its most fragile and which as we now know, in view of his and the Archbishop of York’s condemnation of the BNP, gives rise to his concerns. If our faith in democracy is lost, or if our votes are misplaced, then delinquent politicians will not be the only ones being humiliated. This is why the intervention of the Church of England should be welcomed by all tolerant people and why others should join in. Lord Tebbit’s advice not to vote for the main parties could easily become, in the present volatile situation, a constitutional nihilism which he had not foreseen, but which we must all fear.
Dacier