Readers have responded to a recent article about Andy Burnham's Catholic upbringing and its influence on his governance, with many arguing that the values of compassion and social responsibility are not exclusive to any one faith. The original piece, written by Julian Coman, suggested that Burnham's Catholic social teaching has shaped his political approach. However, letters to the editor reveal a broader perspective, emphasizing that these values can also stem from secular humanist or other religious traditions.
Secular humanist values from Manchester
Lorna Peters, from Manchester, shared her personal experience of growing up in a low socioeconomic working-class community during the Thatcher years. She noted that her parents, though not religious, instilled in her a humanist outlook based on empathy, fairness, and shared responsibilities. Peters attended a diverse inner-city primary school where children from different backgrounds learned side by side, and religion was largely a private matter. She recalled, "What united us was a simple understanding that everyone deserved respect, fairness and kindness." She emphasized that the NHS, social housing, and the welfare state were the secular institutions that bound the community together, and that civic responsibility was a human lesson, not a religious one.
Methodist roots and social holiness
Rev Richard Parkes, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, pointed out that Margaret Thatcher, who famously said "there is no such thing as society," was denying her Methodist roots. He quoted John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, who said, "The gospel of Christ knows of no religion, but social; no holiness but social holiness." Parkes argued that Thatcher's individualism was a departure from these teachings, and he expressed appreciation for the article's recognition of faith communities' involvement in politics and social justice.
A call for integrity and hope
John Brown, from Hartford, Cheshire, echoed the sentiment of his late mother, Peggy Brown, who often said, "The problem with Christianity is that no one has ever really tried it." He expressed hope that Burnham might be the first to preserve integrity and hope in the face of political separatism and selfishness.
Historical context of Catholic prime minister
Julia O'Shea, from Kilcummin, County Kerry, Ireland, highlighted the historical significance of Burnham being Britain's first lifelong Roman Catholic prime minister. She noted that Tony Blair converted to Catholicism while in office, and Boris Johnson, though baptized Catholic, later converted to Anglicanism. O'Shea recounted the centuries of discrimination against Catholics in Britain, including the Penal Laws that stripped them of economic, political, and religious power. She expressed hope that Burnham's Catholic social teaching would lead to a focus on the common good, the dignity of the human person, workers' rights, family and community, peace and solidarity, and stewardship of creation.
Shared moral tradition
The letters collectively suggest that while Burnham's Catholic upbringing may have strengthened his values, these values are part of a broader human moral tradition. Peters concluded, "If there is a moral tradition worth celebrating, it’s the broader human one: the belief that we flourish not alone, but through our obligations to one another, regardless of faith."
