Liberal Democrats leader Tim Farron steps down due to his faith
Mr. Farron rededicated himself to God at the age of 30. During his campaign for the leadership, he affirmed that he sought advice from God before putting his name forward.
He expressed that some members in his party regard his faith as a weakness, ironically noting that “in the US, everyone has to invent a faith to get elected” but in the UK “you’re not allowed to have one”.
[pullquote]”The consequences of the focus on my faith is that I have found myself torn between living as a faithful Christian and serving as a political leader”[/pullquote]In his resignation speech, Mr. Farron stated that he believed imposing Christian tenets on society is not liberal and is in fact “counterproductive when it comes to advancing the gospel.” He further went on to say that he “seem[s] to be the object of suspicion because of what [he] believe[s] and who [his] faith is in. In which case, we are kidding ourselves if we think we yet live in a tolerant, liberal society.” When expressing his love for the Liberal Democrats and his role, he quoted Isaac Watts specifying that what would make him step down had to be “so amazing, so divine, it demands [his] heart [his] life [his] all.”
Tim Farron will continue as the current leader of the Liberal Democrats until a successor is elected.
Author: Damilola Bolaji
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