In a candid conversation on Friday, Kemi Badenoch, leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, made a startling revelation about her personal beliefs.
During a podcast hosted by Bari Weiss, the editor of The Free Press, Badenoch shared that she no longer believes in God.
However, she clarified that her decision to no longer follow a religious belief doesn’t mean she considers herself an atheist.
Instead, Badenoch identifies as agnostic.
“I don’t believe in God anymore. But I am not an atheist, I am agnostic,” Badenoch explained.
She went on to describe herself as a “cultural Christian.”
“I used to believe in God very much, but now I describe myself as a cultural Christian,” she said. “I don’t think it matters if people believe in God or not. What matters is what they do with the belief or the lack of it.”
Badenoch’s comments are significant, considering her influential position within the UK government and her often-controversial views on social issues.
The UK politician’s personal faith journey has been a topic of speculation for years, but this is the first time she has publicly opened up about her shift away from traditional religious beliefs.
Kemi Badenoch has been a polarizing figure in British politics. Known for her outspoken views, she has consistently stirred debates on matters ranging from immigration to free speech.
Her revelation about her faith may add another layer to her public persona.
While her decision may surprise some, it sheds light on the growing trend of personal belief shifts within public figures.
Badenoch’s position as a “cultural Christian” suggests she still identifies with some of the traditions and values tied to Christianity, even though she no longer practices the religion.
“It’s about culture and identity,” she said, underlining her point that belief or non-belief doesn’t define a person’s worth or actions.
This shift reflects a broader trend in modern society, where personal belief systems are increasingly fluid.
Many individuals, especially in the West, are moving away from traditional religious labels while still holding on to certain cultural practices or values linked to religion.
Badenoch’s comments on faith come at a time when the relationship between religion and politics in the UK has been a subject of much debate.
While the country has historically been Christian in identity, more and more people are identifying as secular or spiritual but not religious.
For Badenoch, the issue isn’t about the existence of God, but about how people use their belief or lack of belief to shape their actions and values.
“I don’t think it matters if people believe in God or not,” she said. “What matters is what they do with the belief or the lack of it.”
Her position, while personal, echoes a growing conversation in political circles about the importance of values and actions over religious identity.
Aside from discussing her faith, Badenoch also spoke about her experiences with police forces in Nigeria and the UK.
Having grown up in Nigeria, Badenoch had harsh words for the Nigerian police.
“My experience with the Nigeria Police was very negative,” she said. “The police in Nigeria will rob us (laughter). When people say I have this bad experience with the police because I’m black, I say well…I remember the police stole my brother’s shoe and his watch.”
In contrast, Badenoch praised the British police for their professionalism.
“Coming to the UK, my experience with the British Police was very positive,” she added.
This comparison highlights the stark difference between law enforcement in the two countries, particularly in how they interact with citizens.
Badenoch’s remarks also reflect her broader views on governance and the role of institutions in protecting citizens.
Her candidness about both her faith and her experiences with the police paints a picture of a woman who values personal integrity, transparency, and the importance of institutions that serve the public well.
Badenoch is not the only politician in recent years to publicly speak about a departure from traditional religious beliefs.
Politicians across Europe and North America have started to open up about their personal journeys with faith, with many moving away from organized religion in favor of more individualized spiritual views.
This trend has raised questions about the role of religion in political life, particularly for leaders who are expected to represent the values and beliefs of their constituents.
For Badenoch, her statement on her beliefs could be seen as a challenge to the traditional political establishment, where religion has often played a role in shaping policy decisions.
By framing herself as agnostic and identifying as a “cultural Christian,” Badenoch may be signaling a more modern approach to faith that focuses on values, actions, and identity rather than strictly adhering to religious dogma.
