NSS urges Speaker to support end to parliamentary prayers
The National Secular Society has renewed its call to remove prayers from the official business of Parliament. The NSS wrote to the Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle on Friday to urge him to “make it clear that our Parliament is a place where religion is not imposed” and MPs of all religions and beliefs “are equally welcome and valued”. Sittings in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords begin with Anglican prayers – one of the many privileges given to the Church of England due to its established status. Nearly half of MPs took secular affirmation or swore on non-Christian text The NSS’s letter follows the recent ‘swearing in’ ceremonies required for MPs to take their seat. MPs can either take a religious oath, usually while holding a religious text, or make a secular affirmation pledging allegiance to the monarchy. The right for both religious and nonreligious MPs to take their seat by making a secular affirmation was secured by NSS founder Charles Bradlaugh MP. Following the July general …