In the very funny, but uncomfortably close to the truth, TV series "Yes Prime Minister", the PPS to the PM, Sir Humphrey Appleby, explained that the Church of England of the late twentieth century, was mainly a social organisation which tried not to involve God overmuch in its activities.

When the PM asked about the Queen, Sir Humphrey said "It would be quite impossible to separate the Queen from the Church. God on the other hand is an optional extra". I sort of warmed to that idea.

Don T.