In a shock finding it seems that only 13% of the British population believe that politicians tell the truth. Well I never – I’m surprised the figure is so high! The poll was taken last October after the publishing of MP’s accounts by the Telegraph newspaper. More surprising, maybe, is that even in 1983 the figure only stood at 18% - though it had been as high as 23% in 1999.

71% find the clergy truthful – though this has also fallen from a high of 85% in 1983. Now obviously this figure compares well with politicians but it’s also good compared to trade unionists (38%), civil servants (44%), and journalists (22%). Doing better than church leaders, however, are judges (80%), teachers (88%) and doctors (92%). Interestingly these three professions have risen in their ratings since 1983.

These findings are fascinating because they tell us something about how the British public view the professions. A judge is expected to tell the truth while a journalist isn’t. Truthfulness somehow goes with the job – or not as the case may be. A doctor is highly trusted to tell the truth while on duty.

So what does this say about church leaders, then, if only 71% trust us? I find the figure a bit on the low side, especially since it has come down 14% since the mid 80s. Why would this be do you think?

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