THE Archbishop of Canterbury made the headlines again last week with his wide-ranging criticism of Coalition policies. No stranger to controversy, some may question whether airing his political views is wise.

I spoke to some politicians and church leaders to see how they felt on the matter.

Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole said she found it ‘very irritating’, but had come to terms with the fact that it might be a good thing to make the politicians listen.

“He was particularly unjust in saying that the coalition didn't have a mandate for its policies,” Annette said.

“That may be true for the original NHS proposals but not across all of the proposed changes. “He was right to highlight how vulnerable people and families are feeling at the moment.

“A big issue is the relationship between church and state. “I have always refrained from signing early day motions in Parliament referring to equality for women in the church, which I passionately believe in. I don't feel that I have a right as a politician to call for such changes.”

MP for Bournemouth East, Tobias Ellwood, points out that England went through a lot of pain in splitting the role of church and state and that bishops and arch bishops continue to have seats in the House of Lords where they can participate in Parliamentary debates.

Tobias said he was, ‘a firm believer of speech’, but added: “Where I would draw the line is if there is an alignment by a member of the church with a political party rather than commenting on a specific issue.

“Anyone who does present a public view must expect, in the same spirit of free speech, to have that viewpoint come under its own scrutiny.”

Councillor Blair Crawford also defended the right of Dr Williams to make his views.

Councillor Crawford said: “He criticises both the current coalition government and the previous labour administration and opposition and calls for more meaningful debate that recognises that the most vulnerable in society need to be protected.”

Team rector of Bournemouth Town Centre Parish, Rev’d Dr Ian Terry felt Rowan Williams was ‘fulfilling his role as a Christian leader’ by speaking out for what he believes to be morally right.

“Rowan is one to get a good discussion going, not one to dig-in his heels and stubbornly refuse to listen to others.

“However, he is sufficiently worldly-wise to know that to be listened to, you have to put your view up front pretty strongly.”

“It is true that those who voted for both parties comprising a coalition are bound to be disappointed by the inevitable compromises. That raises questions about accountability.

“Those who were shocked by Tony Blair’s blatent war-mongering may still have questions about the proportion of our defecit budget that should continue to be spent on maintaining a painful and bloody military presence on various international war-fronts.”

The Reverend explains that Desmond Tutu was, and still is, an inspirational role model. He added: “Desmond used to say, ‘Those who say God isn’t involved in politics must be reading a different Bible from me’.

“He was clear – as am I – that God cares about justice, and speaks and acts against injustice.”