When the interviewer asked Kate Forbes about her faith, he thought she would try to avoid the question. But he was wrong. "To be straight, I believe in the person of Jesus Christ," Forbes said.

That was in 2021. Many people thought it was one reason she lost the SNPThe Scottish National Party, a Scottish political party which advocates for Scottish independence. leadership race last year, even though she was in charge of Scotland's finances.

But today, she looks stronger than ever. After SNP leader Humza Yousaf stepped down last week, she did not put herself forward to replace him. But many think she will become leader after the next electionA vote in which someone is chosen to represent a group of people. .

Most British politicians do not talk about religion in public. Most think they will lose voters if they do so.

But Forbes was brought up in the Christian church. She later joined the stricter Free Church of ScotlandA conservative evangelical church in Scotland. It is Calvinist. .

It is against abortionThe deliberate ending of a pregnancy. , sex before marriage, gay marriage and women clergyReligious officials who lead activities for worshippers, especially in the Christian church. . As a result, she faced heavy criticism when she tried to become leader of the SNP last year.   

But Forbes insisted that her beliefs would not prevent her from treating everyone fairly. And when she considered running this time, few mentioned her religion.

Is religion making a comeback?

Yes! In a difficult world, religion can offer hope. It is not surprising that people want to listen to a politician who talks about religion and hope.

No! Many Britons today are non-religious. Most people want a leader who will not bring their faith into their politics. They will not vote for someone with very strict views.