An enduring faith in role of the Church

RELIGIOUS leaders have been courting controversy in the last few months, whether for denouncing the gay community in Scotland, or for calling for the introduction of elements of sharia law in the UK.

Some might think the Church already had enough to deal with, what with dwindling worship attendance numbers and recent research indicating that half the population are either confirmed atheists or have serious doubts about the existence of God.

But the Most Rev Dr Idris Jones, Primus of the Episcopal Church in Scotland, has faith that organised religion still has an essential part to play, both practically and spiritually, in modern life.

He is head of a church which is part of the Anglican Communion, a family of some 70 million Christians in more than 160 countries, led by the Archbishop of Canterbury – who made those remarks about Sharia law.

In a remarkably candid interview ahead of Easter weekend, he tells The Scotsman what the Church needs to do to keep up with the times, where he sees God in everyday life, and why he does not feel Harry Potter presents a threat to morality. MORE