Former Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey has suggested that bishops who have publically spoken out against the actions of Dominic Cummings are doing a 'disservice to the church'.
Last week, a number of Anglican bishops and church leaders criticised the Prime Minister for his defence of his chief aide, after it emerged he had breached lockdown restrictions.
Many church leaders took to Twitter to vent their frustration and call for Dominic Cummings to "repent" and be removed from his position.
Speaking in The Telegraph, Lord Carey suggests that "instead of engaging in overblown controversy they [the bishops] should offer hope and faith to the nation."
During an unprecedented time of global crisis which has seen over 6 million people die, the economy plummet and worshippers unable to meet together, Carey suggests that the focus of such Christian leaders should be to bring a message of hope to the nation rather than entering "divisive debates".
"I have no idea why they chose to intervene. In choosing to express their disapproval on Twitter and joining a storm of hatred and controversy, I believe the bishops have done themselves and the Church a disservice.
"Some attacked the integrity, morality, leadership and character of the PM in highly personal terms. I have never seen such partisan pronouncements by church leaders," he said.
Carey stated that these actions would undoubtedly add strain to the relationship between the Church of England and the Government and urged the bishops to consider their duty to display the love and respect of the gospel.
