James Arbuthnot, who represents North East Hampshire, has today 'come out' as an atheist.
It's the first time he has publicly revealed his beliefs in his 28-year career; something he says he only felt able to do because he will be standing down at the next election.
He made the comments during a Commons debate on a bill on prayers at council meetings.
The Local Government (Religious etc. Observances) Bill would allow for prayers at the start of council meetings, but leave decisions about length, format and faith up to individual authorities.
Mr Arbuthnot described himself as "not in the least bit religious", despite being raised in a Christian household:
"Since then I have lost those beliefs and faith that I once had and I am perfectly comfortable with that. But this is the first time I have ever actually acknowledged that in public."
He added that he felt his lack of faith may "disappoint" some of his constituents, Conservative colleagues and family members, and said he doesn't think he is alone in feeling this way:
"It may be true that the pressure on a Conservative politician, particularly of keeping quiet about not being religious, is very similar to the pressure that there has been about keeping quiet about being gay."
He went on: "For the avoidance of doubt, I am not gay either but I just wanted to say that it is telling that it has taken me 28 years in this House, and frankly in the knowledge that I won't be standing in the next election, to make this point."