Quote Originally Posted by MacRobert's Reply View Post
Foist? ... well yes but history is seldom that simple.
Indeed, and without going into religion in too great a detail. such establishment attitudes were undoubtedly responsible for the Pilgrim Fathers' re-location to the New World followed later by Scottish and Irish Presbyterians wishing to follow their religious beliefs without interference from the State. Even today, bishops of the Anglican church sit in the unelected House of Lords and legislate upon the laws of the land. Because they look upon the sovereign of the day as their supreme master, between them and God, you really have to ask how objective their views can be in relation to matters spiritual - particularly if those views may not coincide with those of their political masters. I should add that elevation to the higher ranks of the episcopacy is a matter for the political leaders of the day in their capacity as acting on behalf of the Crown.