15 June 2017
Press release
The fall of Farron: neither liberal nor democratic
Dr Dave Landrum, director of advocacy for the Evangelical Alliance, has written today on the resignation of Tim Farron. His article for Christian Today includes the following comments:
"During the election, various Christian candidates were targeted for some pretty unsavoury media attention, political criticism and activist protests. Their crime? They are Christians. Or more precisely traditional, mainstream, theologically orthodox, practising Christians."
"However committed Christian public figures are to seeing a plural public square, a truly civil society, and a common good, it seems that for some it can never be enough."
"Perhaps, most importantly it's also worth reflecting on the fact that, more than what Tim Farron espoused or how he had voted, he was pursued for what he believes, what he thinks."
"This all raises the question: after centuries of shaping politics and government, are Christian beliefs now unacceptable in public life?"
"Maybe we should drop the pretence of calling ourselves a liberal democracy and simply legislate against Christians in public life. That's at least a more honest approach. Because as Tim Farron conceded 'we are kidding ourselves if we think we yet live in a tolerant, liberal society.'"
Image used under CC 2.0 credit Liberal Democrats
Media Enquiries
Danny Webster
Tel: 07766 444 650
Email: info@eauk.org
Notes to Editors
- Dr Dave Landrum is available for interview.
- Additional spokespeople are also available including Simon McCrossan, head of public policy at the Evangelical Alliance and the Rev Dr David Hilborn, principle of St John's Theological College and chair of the Alliance's Theology Advisory Group.
The Evangelical Alliance
We are the largest and oldest body representing the UK's two million evangelical Christians. For more than 170 years, we have been bringing Christians together and helping them listen to, and be heard by, the government, media and society. We're here to connect people for a shared mission, whether it's celebrating the Bible, making a difference in our communities or lobbying the government for a better society. From Skye to Southampton, from Coleraine to Cardiff, we work across more than 80 denominations, nearly 4,000 churches, 600 organisations and thousands of individual members and supporters. And we're not just uniting Christians within the UK – we are a founding member of the World Evangelical Alliance, a global network of more than 600 million evangelical Christians. For more information, go to www.eauk.org/join
