Government attitudes towards Christians have shifted dramatically over the past decade, says Tim Wyatt
Last month, the vicar and worship leader Tim Hughes was astonished to discover he had been given an award by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The PM’s ‘Points of Light’ prize was given in recognition of The UK Blessing – a viral video sensation that featured Christians from various denominations.
In the citation, Johnson wrote how he had found Hughes’ “sensational singing masterpiece” to be “truly uplifting”, before praising the Birmingham-based pastor for bringing Christians together through the power of music.
“Obviously it’s hugely encouraging to know that Boris Johnson listened to it and was impacted by it,” Hughes said afterwards. “It’s very special that the leader of our government, our country, was listening to this thing, which I think beautifully communicates and demonstrates the heart of the Church.”
The video has racked up more than 3 million views on YouTube. Nevertheless, how did Johnson himself, in the midst of a global pandemic, stumble across it? Hughes simply remarked that “songs find their ways into the most unexpected of places”. But the case of Downing Street and the viral video also points to something else: there are many more connections between evangelicalism and the top of the government than many realise. Premier Christianity.
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