How Christian faith impacts Britain's new prime minister Theresa May's politics

Chiqui Guyjoco Thursday, July 14, 2016

The new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May, is a professed Christian who admits that her Christian faith has influenced her politics.

One of the most well-known things about the 59-year-old British conservative, who also served as the longest-serving Home Secretary in Britain, is that she's the daughter of an Anglican vicar. She's also a self-confessed practicing Christian.

Britain's Home Secretary Theresa May, who is due to take over as prime minister on Wednesday, waves as she leaves after a cabinet meeting at number 10 Downing Street, in central London, Britain July 12, 2016. | Reuters

"I think it's right that we don't flaunt these things here in British politics," May said during her appearance on BBC Radio 4's "Desert Island Discs."

"But it is a part of me, it's there and it obviously helps to frame my thinking and my approach," she added, as she chose to play hymns "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross" and "Therefore We Before Him Bending This Great Sacrament Revere" as her personal songs.

This approach might be evident in May's pro-life stance as she campaigned in 2012 to reduce Britain's abortion limit to 20 weeks. Last year, she voted against assisted suicide.

She also took on a different route behaviorally from most politicians as she admitted that she doesn't appear much on TV, doesn't "gossip about people over lunch," doesn't "go drinking in parliament's bars," and neither is she "a showy politician" nor one who often wears her heart on her sleeve.

"I just get on with the job in front of me," she said as she announced to run for PM last month.

May is quoted as someone who perceives working in politics as a "public service" and not merely for "ideological favour" or "for reasons of ambition or glory." She's known to speak out on social issues and urged fellow Conservatives to place themselves "at the service of normal working people."

However, contrary to many conservative Christians, May voted in favor of same-sex marriage. She also came under fire for previously saying that Britons would "benefit greatly" from Islam's Sharia law.

May has become the United Kingdom's second female Prime Minister after Margaret Thatcher.