Faith in politics

SIR – Anthony Bridge (Letters, August 4) asks why the Lords Spiritual should not have the right to speak about political matters outside the House of Lords.

Their presence in the Lords, according to the Church of England’s website, is an extension of their general vocation as bishops to preach God’s word and to lead people in prayer.

Although we cannot deny bishops the right to express political views, they do so at the risk of alienating members of their flock with different opinions. Furthermore, when a man of God speaks, he does so with moral authority. He should therefore be extremely careful before rambling into the political realm.

It seems unusual now for a bishop to exhort us to love God and our neighbour, but such an exhortation would advance the cause of Christian civilisation. On the other hand, sacerdotal advice on the manner of Brexit only creates confusion. Tom Foster

Kelvedon, Essex