On Tuesday 31 October at 5.00pm, Dr Tobias Cremer will be talking about his new book, The Godless Crusade. For a number of years, Tobias was a Junior Research Fellow at Pembroke College. He now works in the Office of the President of Germany as an advisor on religious affairs. While in Oxford, Tobias has been a member of our extended church family. It will be very good to welcome him back to St Mary’s.

In this book, Tobias argues that the rise of right-wing populism in the West and its references to religion are less driven by a resurgence of religious fervour than by the emergence of a new secular identity politics. He has based his research on a series of interviews with populist leaders, policy makers and faith leaders in the USA, Germany and France. It is noticeable that ‘Christianity’ is used by right-wing populists as a cultural identity marker, while often remaining disconnected from Christian values, beliefs and institutions. The book suggests that religious leaders may play an important role in challenging the presumption of populists in using the identity markers of the Christian faith for their own political advantage. It is perhaps also a reminder of the importance of 'religious literacy' in a society where people are increasingly ignorant about questions of faith.

St Mary’s will always be a place where people are invited to explore the Christian faith for themselves. At the same time, part of our mission and ministry as the University Church is to promote a broader understanding of questions of faith and religion in the public square. Tobias may help us to think about the ways in which we may help to cultivate ‘immunity’ against populist appeals, and so contribute to positive community relations where all our valued and affirmed as members of society. As we contemplate a global situation which is becoming ever more tense, the work of building good relations among faith communities and across society is more vital now than it has perhaps ever been.