Constitutional reform

We campaign for a secular state; by this we mean a state where public institutions are separate from religious institutions and treat all citizens impartially regardless of their religious or non-religious beliefs. This would include, for example, a separation of church and state so that the Head of State were not also Head of the Church of England (or the ‘defender of faith(s)’!); an end to Bishops sitting as of right in the House of Lords and an end to other constitutional privileges for the Church and religions generally and discriminations based on religion or belief within the system. Our ultimate aim is for a constitutional situation in the UK which will best support the ideal of an open society.

Alone of western states, the UK retains places in its Parliament for the established church as of right. This is in spite of the fact that the Church of England commands little public support and that modern Britain is a society of many diverse beliefs. We want constitutional reform that will end the anachronistic established status of the Church of England and the privileged position of religion generally in the UK.

What are we doing?

Campaigns to do with the constitution are mainly reactive - currently we are working on Bishops in the Lords and the proposed British Statement of Values.

What can you do?

Write to your MP and ask them to support the disestablishment of the Church of England.

You can also support the BHA's campaigns by becoming a member. Campaigns cost money – quite a lot of money – and we need your financial support. Instead or in addition, you can make a donation to the BHA.