Time to leave the closet?

This morning I was at a politics and government prayer breakfast put on by the guys at Holy Trinity Brompton. As always, the atmosphere was great and the sense that Christians in political life can share genuine fellowship and unity despite party differences was tangible.

Because it was an off-the-record event, I won't reveal the names of any of the attorney generals, financial secretaries to the treasury, or shadow home secretaries present. However, it did make me realise that Christian faith in public life is not quite such a rare commodity as some would have us believe. Maybe it is Tony Blair's fear that anyone making a public declaration of their beliefs would be branded a 'nutter' that is causing people not just in politics but in sport, media, and the arts to be somewhat backwards about coming forwards.

But it did give me an idea. Maybe we should start an 'outing' website, on which we could publish sordid details of public figures' dalliances as churchwardens, gospel choir singers, or former student Christian Union committee members. Perhaps it would help people to realise that in our tolerant 21st century society it is OK to come 'out of the closet' and admit that you are.. well... yes... a follower of Jesus. Any nominations to the usual address.