I'm one of those old style CofE people who was brought up with a background of faith, with all the pleasant bits, and nothing that was considered oppressive by my parents. My mother in particular ignored any aspect of faith that didn't fit with her gentle, kind and liberal approach to the world My father was a more committed christian, who struggled with my decision not to have my first child christened. He understood and supported my desire to encourage her to find her own faith/or no faith and learn about all faiths/respect no faiths. Even so, he felt strongly that I was letting her down my not having a christening. I have always felt fortunate that despite his feelings, there was no pressure on me to abide with his wishes. So far, I've been pleasantly surprised by the new Archbishop's calm and considered approach. He is so right about pay day lenders, and also about the nonsense on women bishop's. It's a relief to see a representative of a faith group making sense to ordinary people after all the nonsense about gay priests/women bishops/same sex marriage. So few people have an issue with these things, it seems crazy for the church to alienate people like me. Then again, I know people like me wouldn't be acceptable to the anti gay/women brigade.
