Even Prince William doesn’t attend church – it’s time for a new Reformation | Simon Jenkins

The UK is now a secular nation and the Church of England should no longer be one of the central pillars of state

The national church of England" has been meeting this week in London and is in turmoil. Does it matter, other than to the 1.7% of the population of England who still worship under its roofs? Since the Church of England continues with an established" role in the life of the nation, the answer is yes.

The argument within the C of E over safeguarding seems endless. It has brought the downfall of one archbishop and is vexing his successor. The church is divided over how to police abuse in future, whether through an independent agency or through internal discipline. This in turn reflects whether it sees itself as a dignified institution of state or just another religious sect.

Simon Jenkins is a Guardian columnist

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