Blair Banned From Talking About God in Public

EWTN ^ | 5/5/03

[marshmallow]

London, May. 5 (CWNews.com) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been banned from publicly talking about his faith by his press spokesman, reports the Daily Telegraph.

During press interviews to mark Blair's 50th birthday this week, Downing Street director of communication Alistair Campbell interrupted one journalist's question about the Prime Minister's Christian faith by reminding him: "We don't do God."

It has also been reported that Campbell-- an avowed atheist-- vetoed the suggestion that Blair conclude his televised address to the nation at the start of the war against Iraq by saying "God bless you."

Blair is an Anglican and a regular church-goer who attends Mass with his Catholic wife and four children. There has been speculation that he could convert to Catholicism, although this is considered to be unlikely while he is in office.

For the latest edition of Vanity Fair magazine, journalist David Margolick asked Blair if he shared his religious beliefs with US President George W. Bush. Campbell, who was listening in on the conversation, asked: "Is he on God?" When Blair confirmed that he was, Campbell said: "We don't do God. I'm sorry, we don't do God."

Asked by Margolick if he had discussed religion with Bush, the Prime Minister said: "I can't say it's something we've discussed, but it's something we share."

In another profile, published in the Times, Blair is recorded telling his staff that he wants to end his television address with "God bless you." His colleagues, including Campbell, objected, with one saying it would sound to viewers like "chaplains pushing stuff down their throats."

Blair hit back by telling his staff: "You are the most un-Godly lot."

Elsewhere in the article Blair describes how he is ready to "meet his Maker" and justify his decision to go to war.

[anniegetyourgun]

"...Campbell said: "We don't do God. I'm sorry, we don't do God."

What a coincidence. If Campbell doesn't want anything to do with God, God will see to it that he gets his heart's desire!

[usnret99]

If I was Mr. Blair I believe I would need a new press spokesman.....

[azhenfud]

"We don't do God."

Praise to God for not being mutually inclined.

[wideawake]

Hmmm . . . sounds like Blair is "growing in office" in a direction Labour doesn't like.

Fascinating.

[Sloth]

His colleagues, including Campbell, objected, with one saying it would sound to viewers like "chaplains pushing stuff down their throats."

Typical... the most innocuous, passing reference to deity is equated to thuggish theocracy... while Christians are expected to tolerate all sorts of competing doctrines (atheism, homosexuality, etc.) with nary a whisper of dissent.

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

Here's the view from across the pond: Campbell interrupted Blair: 'We don't do God!'

[Luna]

It has also been reported that Campbell-- an avowed atheist

If Campbell is an athiest, why would he even care if Blair mentions God? This is something about athiests that I have never understood. They claim not to believe in God, yet get all huffy and offended when someone mentions God. If you don't believe in God, why the heck would you care if God is mentioned?

[arielb]

Insecurity. We have the same problem in the US when the one atheist in town complains when kids pray in school or say the Pledge of Allegiance and ruins everything for everyone else.

[TheSpottedOwl]

I used to think Tony Blair was a Clinton sock puppet; I have changed my opinion of him.

It would be nice if Queen Elizabeth delivered a well-placed bitch slap to Blair's atheist critics. Well at least she should speak up, considering that she is the figurehead of the Church of England.

Tony has a tough row to hoe...

[EternalVigilance]

"...Campbell said: "We don't do God. I'm sorry, we don't do God."

Hurumph...personally, I don't believe in athiests...

[anniegetyourgun]

Because God's word is truth. See Rom 1:20.

[Dilly]

"If you don't believe in God, why the heck would you care if God is mentioned?"

I think it's kind of the same reason that people who don't like homosexuals get upset when gays have parades or hold hands in public. People don't like to be confronted with things they don't agree with. By and large, people tend to want everyone else to be just like themselves.

[mabelkitty]

Can you say "Anti-Christ"

Wonder when he will head the EU?

[mabelkitty]

No, the real question is why would Blair HIRE an atheist?

[Walkingfeather]

God said..." I 'm sorry we just don't do Campell" And with that he left of the Hell express. Fo rif you deny me infront of men I will deny you infront of my Father.

[Russ]

I can just imagine what would happen if Ari Fleischer would tell President Bush that "we don't do God".

[mabelkitty]

*rolling eyes*

Can you say "Titanic" and wonder what nightmare would be coming to visit us because of some moron decided to mock God for all of us?

[mil-vet]

Well stated!

[azhenfud]

Like a saying I read once. "Everyone is good for something, even if only to be a bad example."
Blair probably has Campbell on staff - much like the "E" on a gas guage. It's there, not of a quantative representation, but as a warning not to let the needle "sink" that low....