BURNLEY MP Peter Pike has called for religious leaders of other faiths to join Church of England Bishops in the House of Lords.
He tackled Church Commissioner Stuart Bell in the Commons this week.
Mr Bell said that the number of C of E Bishops in Parliament's Upper Chamber was likely to be reduced from 26 to 20 or 16.
Mr Pike said: "If the Church of England is to have representation in the House of Lords, other Christian churches and other faiths should have equal representation in 2001 and in the years ahead rather than the situation that has existed for many years.''
Mr Bell, who acts as spokesman for the C of E in the Commons, replied that in the wake of the tragic events of September 11 and the US suicide hi-jackings that "it is especially important that forums are developed in which complex and sensitive matters to do with relations between faith communities and their place in modern society can be aired and debated in a measured and well informed manner."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article