The centuries-old tradition of saying Anglican prayers in the British Parliament could be scrapped after a group of MPs put forward a motion calling for an end to the practice.
Currently, sittings in both Houses of Parliament begin with prayers, in a tradition which is believed to date back to 1558 during the reign of King Charles II.
A group of nine MPs (Labour, Liberal Democrat, Green and Scottish National Party) have written to the Commons Modernisation Committee saying the prayers are “one of the many privileges given to the Church of England due to its established status.”
“Given that 46% of MPs took the secular affirmation or swore on a non-Christian text when they took office, we believe that the continued use of this procedure is now out of date and needs replacing.” their letter read.
“With such a diverse Parliament, we need to make it clear that MPs of all religions and beliefs are equally welcome and valued.”
The letter goes on to describe the prayers as an “‘imposition” which is “no longer compatible with a society which respects the principle of freedom of religion or belief and removing this practice would be a positive step forward for modernity, equality and freedom of conscience.”
Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan who has led the effort said: “Having prayers at the beginning of the day feels like an outdated and outmoded practice. In a modern workplace it doesn’t really make a lot of sense.”
“We now have quite a diverse group of Parliamentarians with different religious beliefs, and people like myself who have no religion at all. They have to wait outside waiting for the prayers to end.”
The full motion reads: “That this House recognises religious worship should not play any part in the formal business of the House of Commons; believes that Parliamentary meetings should be conducted in a manner equally welcoming to all attendees, irrespective of their personal beliefs; further believes that Parliamentary Prayers are not compatible with a society which respects the principle of freedom of and from religion; and urges that prayers should not form part of the official business of Parliament; and calls on the Modernisation Committee to consider alternative arrangements.”
Cameras aren’t permitted during prayer sessions, but MPs who attend are able to use a prayer card to reserve their seat in the House for the rest of the day.
Critics of the system say that means those who don’t attend are less likely to secure a seat on busy days, and are less likely to get a chance to speak.
Commons’ Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has previously told the National Secular Society that he believed there is “no harm in a moment’s private reflection for MPs before they begin Chamber business”.
