Mal Fletcher comments on the cultural and religious identity of the UK

Looking further ahead, religion may well be called upon to play a more prominent role in helping to shape the core values of our culture - perhaps especially as we move into an age of seemingly exponential change, which brings both excitement and uncertainty.

Alvin Toffler, the world's first professional futurist, argued in the 1970s that the world was approaching a 'roaring current of change' which would leave people feeling 'disoriented'. We are, I think, living with the fulfilment of that prescient statement.

New technologies are opening up marvellous new opportunities - in medicine, communications and ecology, for example. Yet many people seem to struggle to find solid and reliable reference points amidst what some feel is almost an overwhelming storm of change.

Some years ago, a French philosopher argued that we risk building 'faster machines to take us nowhere'.

This is one of the reasons that ethics has become such a popular subject of study, not only among undergraduates, but with experienced professionals in business, politics and civic leadership. Technological advancement often raises as many questions as it answers - if not more.

Our challenge today is to continue to progress, without pursuing progressivism - the pursuit of change for its own sake. Religion offers not just a system of creedal beliefs, but a framework through which change can be weighed, judged and understood.

Our Help in Ages Past

Whilst there most certainly are atheists in foxholes, times of terrible stress or upheaval inspire in many an interest in seeking out the certainties offered by religion. This is particularly true of religious beliefs that have served their nation or community well in times past.

Two historical events serve to remind us of this.

Following the tragic death of Princess Diana, a nation mourned and wondered at the apparent absurdity of her passing. In the proceeding days and weeks, many churches reported a spike in the number of first-time visitors who were looking for answers.

In one church, a woman was asked why she had chosen the Sunday after Diana's death to attend services for the first time. Her reply was, simply, 'I just couldn't bear to be alone today'.

Next year we will mark the beginning of World War 1, the supposed war to end all wars. Throughout the national memorial services, we will hear hymns that became heartfelt anthems during that horrific conflict.

These songs primarily looked to the divine power that was assumed to be behind and beyond the British throne. Yet they also affirmed a sense of commitment to the nation's values and to the monarchy that promoted them (at least in public).

Songs like Oh God our Help in Ages Past reveal the importance of faith as a reminder of both past heritage and a provider of hope going forward. (The second line of that particular hymn says, 'Our Hope for Things to Come'.)