How politics and religion are inextricably linked...

THERE is a strong strand of thinking that religion and politics do not, and should not, mix.

Indeed some jurisdictions have enshrined that in their constitutions.

Of course, the dividing line even then is never as clear as it should be.

In the islands it simply does not exist.

There is an inextricable, yet complex, relationship between the Church, the States and residents.

It has been thrown into the spotlight by the recent scandal in Jersey, but more on that later.

For some, the relationship begins and ends with parish rates.

All householders contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of the parish churches, whether or not they ever set foot inside them.

That relationship between Church and government has been reinforced with the role and recommendations of the States Parochial Rates Review Committee.

The problem really lies in the compulsory nature of the contributions – many would no doubt pay if it was voluntary either because they believe in the Church's work or they want to help maintain the island's built heritage.

That option has been rejected, though, and what is left is effectively state-endorsed sponsoring of one religion over another.

After all, if it was not for the wider public paying to keep the churches standing, it would fall on worshippers here or possibly more contributions from Winchester.

Equitable? Far from it, but it is backed by centuries of tradition which are hard to unravel.

Of course, one of the problems is the lack of engagement in the whole debate in the first place.

Rates are set at parish meetings which offer the whiff of democracy but with attendance so poor not the reality of it.

The lack of engagement leads to a lack of a proper mandate and proper scrutiny of spending.

Tensions are running high between the Church of England in Guernsey, Jersey and the Diocese of Winchester, to which they both belong. This is to the extent that there IS unprecedented public talk of a split to another diocese which covers Europe.

What this has done is serve to highlight how intertwined both islands are in this – what engulfs one engulfs the other because the relationship is underpinned by legislation that binds both.

Much is done to make sure the relationship within the diocese mirrors the islands' constitutional position and the effective separation from the UK.

To the outsider it may be surprising how much involvement there could be for the States in Church matters.

For example, a law bringing in new methods for dealing with disciplining the clergy required the involvement of the Law Officers, the approval of the Legislation Select Committee and, ultimately, the approval of the States as a whole.

This would be the same if there were to be a split from the Diocese of Winchester, which would require unravelling current primary legislation.

Politicians could block a move; just imagine the fall-out. It does, after all, reflect on the international reputation of the island.

Yet there is no guaranteed direct voice for the Church within the States and these are arguably internal matters for it to decide on.

Unnecessary state interference in religious matters can rankle just as much as religious interference in state matters.

Not that there should be direct representation because that risks moving back to a time where people had a seat in power because of an unelected position.

But this serves to shows a tension in the system rarely discussed by the public at large.

In Jersey, there is direct representation in its States, with the Dean there able to speak in debate although not vote.

It is a right he does exercise.

For supporters, it adds another dimension to inform thinking, especially when debate is focusing on social issues.

For detractors, the question remains why one unelected religious leader is favoured as the voice of the people over any other unelected person.

Why does talk of a split with Winchester matter?

One reason is that some of the issues underpinning the troubles are all about the reputation of Jersey and Guernsey.

It was ostensibly sparked by how the Jersey Dean handled a complaint by a vulnerable woman about inappropriate touching by a church warden, who was already being chaperoned because of his prior behaviour.

If proper safeguarding procedures and policies are not in place – and I should stress the Guernsey Dean argues they are here – then the States would be right to act to ensure they are.

There are signs that the Church in the islands may be uncomfortable with a more corporate approach being adopted in Winchester, but, reputationally, it is a dangerous thing to argue against.

Then there is the wider issue of what effect a split from Winchester would have on funding.

The secretive Ecclesiastical Court and the money it generates may be a factor.

This again touches on the States and Treasury and Resources is examining the court.

Would it call into question the balance between how the public funds the churches and the Church of England religious activity in any way?

For the Church itself there are a whole raft of issues, not least how the clergy are licensed, if a split happened.

The Church, just as government, does itself no favours with the veil of secrecy with which it surrounds itself and its decision-making.

The Church of England has a disproportionate influence on islanders' lives and it is not only in the compulsory collection of rates.

Rectors retain a seat in the States of Election, a body which also includes deputies and members of the douzaine.

Its main purpose is to elect Jurats, who ultimately sit in judgement on the population.

There are those in positions of power who will work hard to maintain the influence of the Church, to protect the disproportionately vast estate it uses and the income it generates.

That there has been an increasing secularisation of society is undeniable.

So is the fact that the Church still matters and works with some of those most in need of help that the state ignores.

All these relationships, both external and internal, between Church and the States, are in flux.

And it matters more than many would give it credit for.