A comment on British Prime Minister David Cameron's "Christian country" remark

David Cameron is quoted as saying, "I believe we should be more confident about our status as a Christian country, more ambitious about expanding the role of faith-based organisations, and frankly, more evangelical about a faith that compels us to get out there and make a difference to people's lives." To my mind Cameron is to be commended for having the integrity to state the obvious, rather than just being politically correct. He is after all the PM not the PC.

Is anybody surprised that his comments have been seen as controversial in a world where Christians are the most persecuted people on earth?

His critics have a right to their opinions, even in the light of Britain's storied association with the Christian faith, the fact that nearly 60% of British people self-identify with Christianity, and the nation maintains the state church. Critics accuse him of fostering division, a charge that a later portion of his speech negates. If those critics are astute observers of human nature, I think they must admit that those who are separated from British culture are separated by their own choice, not by the nation's Christian heritage or by Cameron's recognition of it.

That being said, the Christian clergy of Britain should seize the public criticism as an opportunity to fill the pulpits of the churches with strong preaching of the message of the gospel:
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:(1 Corinthians 15:3,4).
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved and thy house (Acts 16:31), preach this message powerfully whether those churches have sparsely filled pews or SRO. Laymen and women should live the Christian life daily and express, when they have opportunity, that they do so for the love of Christ. Christians who speak at commencements and other cultural events should note their faith and its impact upon their behavior. Christians whose faith has cooled should get back to regular church attendance to warm it up. Christian booksellers should put prominent Christian books out on display, and followers of Christ should buy, read, and grow (the Bible above all others, of course). Most importantly, Christians should be willing to say, in their hearts and from their lips, "I am one of them. Yes, a Christian."