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.

[Salman]

You are the most un-Godly lot.

Blair quote of the year.

[gcruse]

If Campbell is an athiest, why would he even care if Blair mentions God?

I don't know the details, but there was some controversy over
similar remarks from Blair that alienated a lot of voters.  Campbell
is just doing his job helping Blair stay in office.