Baroness Warsi wrote in an article for The Daily Telegraph, prior to her historic visit to the Vatican, that religion should play a greater role in politics and public life.
“My fear today is that a militant secularization is taking hold of our societies. We see it in any number of things: when signs of religion cannot be displayed or worn in government buildings; and where religion is sidelined, marginalized and downgraded in the public sphere”, said the minister, who is also chairman of the Conservative Party.
“For me, one of the most worrying aspects about this militant secularization is that at its core and in its instincts it is deeply intolerant. It demonstrates similar traits to totalitarian regimes – denying people the right to a religious identity because they were frightened of the concept of multiple identities”, added Warsi.
The visit to the Vatican comes days after the High Court ruled that local councils could not hold prayers during meetings.
There have also been recent cases of public sector workers being banned from displaying Christian symbols at work.
Baroness Warsi is the country’s first female Muslim Cabinet minister. The Tory minister also called on Europe to become “more confident in its Christianity”. She said that faith has a “key role” in bridging divides.
MOL/JR/HE
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