Burnham’s Popish Plot?

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has introduced legislation that would allow Catholics and Jews to participate in the appointment of Church of England bishops.

Under the proposed law, the Prime Minister would be responsible for presenting the names of potential bishops to the monarch. While the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829 and the Jews Relief Act 1858 eased historical restrictions on Catholics and Jews in public life, previous laws prevented a Catholic or Jewish Prime Minister from presenting episcopal candidates to the Crown.