London, England, Nov 26, 2007 / 09:41 am
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair recently spoke of his religious beliefs on a BBC television program that surveyed his years in office.
Mr. Blair said he didn't talk about his faith while in office because he didn't want people to think of him as "a nutter." However, he said his religion was "hugely important" to him in office. He said his faith helped him cope with the pressures of tough decisions, including sending British troops into Iraq.
Without the strength of faith, he said "it's difficult to do the job" of prime minister.
The former prime minister said he avoided discussing his religious beliefs because open discussion of religious conviction is not as common in Britain as it is in other countries.
Mr. Blair is a member of the Church of England, but also frequently attends Catholic services with his Catholic wife, Cherie. Many rumors and reports have claimed Mr. Blair is considering converting to Catholicism, especially now that he does not face the legal restrictions a Catholic prime minister could face.