In the morning after the new Speaker of the House of Commons was elected, MPs, Peers, Bishops and academics participated in a Theos breakfast seminar on the legitimacy of religious public reasoning.

The event, chaired by John Battle MP, took place to coincide with the official launch of a Theos report by Jonathan Chaplin. Speaking to the invited audience, Dr Chaplin said:

"The majority of commentators appear to think it is inappropriate for religious believers to appeal to their own faith commitments in public debate.

"The reality is that secular commentators have their own faith commitments.

"It is just as reasonable for public reasoning to be religious as 'secular'.

"The challenge for all parties is to ensure that their arguments enrich political debate."

Commenting on the event, John Battle MP said:

"It is a great pleasure to be working with Theos on this important agenda. We hope that this morning's breakfast will represent just the start of ongoing conversations around these issues."     

To read Jonathan Chaplin's report in full, click here.