London Post #2

The Crown Jewels

The orb that the new king or queen holds during the coronation represents Christ's rule. The Queen is head of state while the Prime Minister is the head of the government, but there is still an outright mingling of religion and politics as the Queen is also head of the Church of England. According to the official website of the British Monarchy the Queen is the "defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England("Queen and Church"). This bond between church and state is completely different from the American experience. In the US, we have the free exercise and establishment clauses which declare a secular government. Though during the oaths of office the new officer places their hand on the Bible, but other than that religion seems to have no place in government. There is also the Prayer Breakfast. 

Is it ever really possible to separate church and religion? Should they be separate? 

Religion or church and politics struggle to co-exist and define their individual as well as mutual spaces. I can see both sides of the story because not only am I a person of faith, but I am part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBT). I can relate to people who worry about religion controlling politics, but I see the value of religion and see how religion and politics are bound together. They need to be protected from each other. I do not believe that there is a scientific equation or exact place to draw the line, I guess it is trial and error.  

Bibliography

"Queen and the Church of England" Official Website of the British Monarchy. http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/QueenandChurch/QueenandtheChurchofEngland.aspx