Mike Kane MP will host a Reception on behalf of the author Fr Mark Vickers and SPCK Publishing for the launch of the book, God in Number 10.
‘This carefully researched and well-written study reveals the religious faith of our Prime Ministers, or lack of it, in vivid colours. Prepare to be shocked and surprised as the author lays bare their souls.’
SIR ANTHONY SELDON
Mark Vickers’ acclaimed volume on the faith of the twentieth-century British Prime Ministers casts a new perspective on these holders of the highest political office in the realm. God in Number 10 offers intriguing insights into Margaret Thatcher’s legendary ‘Sermon on the Mound’, Tony Blair’s perception of Jesus as a modernizer, Arthur Balfour’s recourse to spiritualism, Stanley Baldwin’s mystical experiences, and Winston Churchill’s involvement with astrology. The book considers the role of religion generally in the political classes of the period, the reasons for the declining influence of faith in the public forum, and the relationship between Church and State.
The families of Henry Asquith, Andrew Bonar Law, Ramsay MacDonald, Neville Chamberlain, Harold Macmillan, Alec Douglas-Home and Harold Wilson have all expressed their support for God in Number 10 and, where able, helped in the research, while John Major has assisted fully.
Mark Vickers read History at Durham University and practised with one of the City law firms. Having studied for the priesthood at the English College in Rome, he was ordained for the Diocese of Westminster in 2003. He is currently a parish priest in West London.
The Churchill Room, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA
7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, 26 October 2022
Charles Moore, Lord Moore of Etchingham, will speak at 7.30 p.m.
Pre-order the book here, published on October 20th.
‘Secularism has air brushed the role of religion from the formation and motivation of our Prime Ministers. This book demonstrates the conclusive and increasing importance of faith in the lives of the twentieth-century premiers.’
– Jeremy Black, Emeritus Professor of History, University of Exeter
‘Do Christian beliefs, values and prayer have a place in contemporary politics? What have we to fear if they don’t? This timely study reveals the surprising extent to which the Prime Ministers of the last century were influenced by their Christian upbringing and faith – and suggests how their successors could benefit from a similar ethical foundation.’
– Tim Farron, MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, 2015-17
Cull & Co. Ltd 