Believe Quote by A.C. Grayling
“Everybody is entitled to believe. Churches have exactly the same right to exist as a football club, a trade union or a political party. But if you and I set up the Church of the Fairies of the Garden, then I don't think we should automatically be meeting the queen, be entitled to seats in the House of Lords or get public money for our fairy schools.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Freedom of Religion, A.C. Grayling, 2015
Advocates equal rights for all groups but warns against granting institutional privileges to frivolous entities.
In simple terms: Equal rights, but not equal state support for every group.
Distinguish belief from entitlement.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legislation
- public funding
- church registration
- political discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Should all belief systems receive state benefits?
- Where should the line be drawn between belief and public funding?
Balancing freedom with practical limits can be contentious.