John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, has backed the suggestion of his Chaplain that a team of multi-faith chaplains be formed in the House of Commons, including representatives of the Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Jainist religions.
The Anglican Chaplain to the Commons, Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, has likened her suggestion to hospital chaplaincies, many of which have “clergy” from a number of different religions. Mr Bercow believes that this would “better reflect the range of beliefs held by Members and staff in the House." It has been backed by the Rt Rev Richard Chartres, Bishop of London, who has previously talked of the benefits of having a multi-faith chaplaincy evolving to reflect “the changing face of our country." "I can see her [Mrs Hudson-Wilkin] playing a very creative part in assembling a team of Chaplains from the nine major world religions to serve both the Speaker and those who work here," he said.
However, MPs have questioned whether there are, for example, any Zoroastrians or Baha’is or Jains working in the Palace of Westminster, and whether this is just “an exercise in politically-correct box ticking.” MPs have said that they have no objection to the idea if there is a need, but that the need is far from clear. There are only 200,000 Zoroastrians in the world, and 6,000 Baha’is in Britain. Former Conservative MP, Ann Widdecombe, said: “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it if a number of staff want a visiting chaplain, but it starts to become ridiculous if you have every last religion.”
This is not the first time that Rev Hudson-Wilkin has caused controversy. Her appointment as Chaplain to the Commons last summer was pushed through by Mr Bercow against strong opposition from the Dean of Westminster. In October 2010 he blocked the release of any information about his role in her appointment. Her views have been described as “left of centre” and she supports the homosexual ‘rights’ movement within the church.
Mr Bercow has often pushed a ‘progressive’ agenda and in November 2009 he agreed with the controversial idea from the then Prime Minister that Parliament should host homosexual civil partnership ceremonies.
The creation of a multi-faith chaplaincy will raise a number of constitutional issues. At present only the Speaker’s Chaplain is allowed to say the prayers, and an Act of Parliament would be required to change this, though the Chaplain is allowed to invite individuals from different denominations to visit on an occasional basis to be available to Members and staff. A formal multi-faith chaplaincy would also raise questions as to whether chaplains from different religions should take part in other parliamentary ceremonies.
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