Joshua Bennett
Britain has had a total of 55 prime ministers, and Boris Johnson, the country's 55th prime minister, is considered the first Catholic prime minister in British history. Johnson was baptized as a Roman Catholic but became an Anglican while at school. Johnson's predecessor, Tony Blair, also converted to Catholicism but only after leaving office. James Callaghan, who served as prime minister from 1976 to 1979, also had an Irish Catholic background.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Catholic prime ministers in Britain's history | 1 |
| Name of Catholic prime minister | Boris Johnson |
| Year of becoming Britain's first Catholic prime minister | 2019 |
| Previous religion | Anglican |
| Date of conversion to Catholicism | 29 May 2021 |
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What You'll Learn
Boris Johnson's Catholic faith
Boris Johnson is Britain's first Catholic prime minister. He was baptised as a baby into the Roman Catholic faith of his mother, Charlotte Johnson Wahl. However, Johnson veered off into Anglicanism at Eton and was confirmed into the Church of England.
Despite his reception of Church of England confirmation at school, Johnson remained a Catholic as it is not possible to formally defect from the Catholic Church, according to canon law. Johnson's religious life has been described as "chequered", with his involvement with religion characterised as "topsy-turvy and dramatic". Evidence of his commitment as an adult to any form of Christianity is considered "patchy". Johnson himself has likened his faith to a "faltering radio signal", saying:
> I suppose my own faith, you know, it’s a bit like trying to get Virgin Radio when you’re driving through the Chilterns.
Johnson's conversion to Catholicism has been described as a watershed moment, with some commentators noting the lack of fuss about it. In the past, a Catholic prime minister would have been unthinkable, given that the Church of England is the established religion of the country. Johnson's marriage to Carrie Symonds in Westminster Cathedral was also notable, as his two previous marriages were not recognised as valid by the Catholic Church.
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Britain's religious demographics
The history of Christianity in Britain dates back to at least the 3rd century when it was introduced by tradesmen, immigrants, and soldiers in Roman Britain. During the Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain in the 5th and 6th centuries, Anglo-Saxon forms of Germanic paganism were introduced, becoming the dominant religion in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. The Catholic Church remained the dominant form of Western Christianity in Britain throughout the Middle Ages. However, in 1534, the English Reformation led to the establishment of the Church of England as the independent church in England and Wales, with the monarch as its supreme governor.
Today, Britain is a religiously diverse society, with a mix of different religious beliefs and non-religious individuals. According to the 2021 Census for England and Wales, Christianity is the largest religious group, making up 46.2% of the population. This is followed by those who identify as non-religious (37.2%), Islam (6.5%), Hinduism (1.7%), Sikhism (0.9%), Buddhism (0.5%), Judaism (0.5%), and other religions (0.6%). Among Christians, Anglicanism is the most common denomination (53%), followed by Catholicism, Presbyterianism, Methodism, Unitarianism, and Baptists. In Scotland, the 2022 census indicated that the majority (51%) had no religion, while 38.8% identified as Christian, with 20% belonging to the Church of Scotland and 13% Catholic. Northern Ireland, on the other hand, has a majority Christian population.
While the role of religion in society has evolved, with secularism and religious diversity becoming more prominent, religious beliefs continue to shape cultural and social identities in Britain. The country's religious landscape is also influenced by immigration, with a growing number of individuals from diverse religious backgrounds contributing to the overall religious demographics.
In terms of the British Prime Minister's religious affiliation, Boris Johnson's conversion to Catholicism marked a significant shift. Johnson became the first Catholic occupant of 10 Downing Street, a notable change given the historical relationship between the Church of England and the state. This shift underscores the evolving nature of religious demographics and the increasing diversity within Britain's political landscape.
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Catholicism in politics
Historically, it would have been considered unthinkable for a Catholic to hold the position of prime minister. This sentiment persisted well into modern times, with Tony Blair delaying his conversion to Catholicism until after leaving office in 2007 due to potential negative repercussions in Northern Ireland. The Catholic Relief Act of 1829 further highlights this historical tension, prohibiting Catholics from advising the monarch on the appointment of Anglican bishops, a role typically held by the prime minister.
However, in recent years, there has been a shift in this regard, with Boris Johnson becoming Britain's first Catholic prime minister in 2019. Johnson, baptised as a Roman Catholic as an infant, later became an Anglican while at Eton. His marriage to Carrie Symonds, a Catholic, at Westminster Cathedral, brought his faith back into the spotlight. Johnson's tenure as prime minister has been described as divisive, with criticism levelled at his nationalist and populist charge in Britain, disregard for international law, and dishonesty.
Despite the historical significance of Johnson's Catholicism, his faith did not appear to impact his political decisions. For instance, his government's approach to cuts in the aid budget contradicted the Catholic devotion to Catholic social teaching and solidarity with the vulnerable. Nonetheless, Johnson's tenure may have opened doors for Catholics aspiring to leadership positions, signalling a move towards greater religious diversity in British politics.
While Britain has had a Catholic prime minister, other countries, like the United States, have also witnessed influential Catholic leaders. Joe Biden, the second Catholic US president, is a notable example, and his election serves as a reminder of the important influence that Catholic leaders can have beyond Britain.
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The Catholic Relief Act of 1829
The Act removed the sacramental tests that prevented Catholics from entering Parliament and restricted their advancement in the judiciary and other sectors. It was driven by the increasing strength of public opinion, which, over a twenty-year period, overcame religious bias and deference to the crown. The election of Daniel O'Connell, the leader of the Catholic Association, to Parliament in 1828 by tenant farmers played a crucial role in shifting the balance of opinion in favour of emancipation.
However, the Act did not bring about complete equality for Catholics. While it allowed some Catholic barristers and gentlemen to advance in their professions and enter Parliament, it did not address all civil disabilities. For example, the obligation to pay tithes to the established Anglican Church in Ireland remained, leading to the Tithe War in the 1830s. Additionally, the Parliamentary Elections (Ireland) Act 1829, passed simultaneously, disenfranchised a significant portion of Ireland's electorate, including tenant farmers, by raising the property threshold for voting qualifications.
One notable provision of the Catholic Relief Act 1829, still in force in England, Wales, and Scotland, states that "no Roman Catholic shall advise the Crown in the appointment to offices in the established church." This provision has raised questions about the role of a Catholic prime minister in advising the monarch on the appointment of Anglican bishops. Despite these complexities, the election of Boris Johnson as the first Roman Catholic prime minister in 2019 represents a watershed moment, demonstrating the progress made since a Catholic prime minister would have been unthinkable in the past.
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Religious influence on policy
Britain has had a diverse range of prime ministers throughout its history, with varying religious backgrounds influencing their policies and decisions. While the country has had predominantly Anglican prime ministers, with input into the appointment of Anglican bishops, there have been notable exceptions and firsts in recent years.
The religious influence on policy has been a significant aspect of British politics. Historically, the role of religion in shaping policies was more pronounced, especially with the Anglican Church's influence in the country's establishment. For instance, the Catholic Relief Act of 1829 prohibited Catholics from advising the monarch on Anglican bishop appointments, a role that the prime minister usually undertakes. This act continues to have implications for Boris Johnson, who is considered Britain's first Catholic prime minister. Johnson's religious background has been described as a "denominational somersault," with his baptism as a Catholic, conversion to Anglicanism, and marriage to a Catholic. His religious affiliation has sparked discussions about the potential impact on his policies, particularly regarding aid budgets, but his legacy is also marked by divisions in British society.
Former Prime Minister David Cameron, who identified as a Christian, provides another example of religious influence on policy. While his faith was described as nominal Anglicanism, with church involvement limited to significant life events, his approach to policy reflected a balancing act between religious and secular Britain.
Tony Blair, another former prime minister, also provides insight into religious influence on policy. Blair's delayed conversion to Catholicism until after leaving office in 2007 demonstrates the sensitivity of religious affiliation in British politics, particularly concerning Northern Ireland.
Rishi Sunak, the first Hindu prime minister, brought a different religious perspective to the role. As chancellor, he celebrated Diwali at 11 Downing Street and took his oath of office with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, showcasing his pride in his religious heritage.
Lastly, James Callaghan, with an Irish Catholic background, served as prime minister from 1976 to 1979. While his personal religious views are not widely discussed, his tenure contributed to the diverse religious backgrounds of Britain's leaders.
In conclusion, while Britain has had a varied range of religious influences on its prime ministers, the impact on policy has been varied. Some leaders, like Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, have had more noticeable influences, while others, like David Cameron and Tony Blair, navigated their religious affiliations with careful consideration of the secular nature of modern British society.
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Frequently asked questions
Britain has had one Catholic prime minister, Boris Johnson.
Rishi Sunak was the first Hindu prime minister. Benjamin Disraeli was of Jewish descent. Most British prime ministers have been Anglican.
Rishi Sunak was the first British Asian, British Indian, and person of colour to become prime minister. David Lloyd George was of Welsh origin.
Yes, the UK has had two prime ministers who were military generals: Lord Shelburne and the Duke of Wellington. James Callaghan served in the Royal Navy during World War II.
All British prime ministers have been born in Great Britain, with the exception of Welshman David Lloyd George, who was born in Lancashire.
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