YET MORE SPIN FROM CHERIE AND TONY
John Roberts

Yorkshire Evening Post
the-editor/Yet-more-spin-from-Cherie.5047608.jp
Ma rch 6 2009
UK

RELIGION seems to be providing ex-premier Tony Blair and his wife
Cherie Booth with a nice tidy little earner at the moment, both in
terms of self-promotion and cash. You could even say that they have
‘cornered the market’.

I refer to the Chanel 4 Sunday night progamme A Future for Christianity
with barrister and Christian, Cherie Booth. This programme often made
me wince, as som of the things said on it did not sit comfortably
with her husband’s war record in Iraq.

I was expecting some trenchant analysis like Anne Widdecombe’s film
on the Reformation, which at least had some passion, candour and a
few fresh insights into how the reformation impacted on England. It
was also fair.

Not so, I’m afraid, Ms Booth’s film, which was highly selective, very
PC and somewhat shallow. It also contained blatant mistakes. Pope Paul
VI was shown when they were talking about Pope John Paul XXIII. Cherie
Booth seemed to imply that it is always the Church’s job to catch
up with society, like the dog’s tail wagging the head. What about
guidance and a steadying hand?

She refers (quite rightly) to the ‘Godless’ destruction of Jewish
people by the Nazis, yet omits to mention any previous holocausts,
such as the Armenians. No mention whatever of the ‘Godless’ regimes
of the former Soviet Russia, China or others who tried to stamp out
any religious faith.

We now have Tony Blair doing his vital work in the Middle East. To
paraphrase him, "What happened in Gaza is appalling. We need a
political solution." What staggering insight! Talk about the blindingly
obvious. Elementary, dear Watson, as Sherlock Holmes might have said.

It is a shame the Blairs were not more forthcoming about their faith
when in power, seeing as they seem so concerned about what is happening
to Christianity in our country. Oh! I forget! Tony said he didnt want
to be branded a ‘nutter’. There was the usual embarassing question
about whether Mr Blair and Mr Bush ‘prayed together’. Well actually,
maybe that wouldn’t have been a bad idea. A little guidance?

Ms Booth’s film was more about appearance that reality: a bit like
New Labour, in fact. More spins than a 78rpm record!

She clearly isn’t struck on the European churches, but likes the
‘shopping mall’ churches in the US (holding thousands).

Next time Channel 4, how about getting someone with real insight
and knowledge?