Kelly defends religious beliefs
The newest member of the Cabinet, Ruth Kelly, has dismissed claims that her personal religious beliefs will inevitably conflict with her role as Secretary of State for Education.
In an interview with The Daily Mirror, Ms Kelly downplayed the influence her relationship with the Catholic conservative movement would have on her role in guiding education policy.
Ms Kelly said her faith had no relevance to her job.
Critics have expressed concerns that her beliefs may conflict with government policy on sex education, especially on abortion and contraception.
But setting the record straight, she said: “I am in politics because I have a strong belief in the equal worth of every child”.
The mother of four said: “I have a private spiritual life and I have a faith.
“It is a private spiritual life and I don’t think it is relevant to my job. I am here as a Catholic.”
36-year-old Ms Kelly is the youngest woman ever to be appointed to the Cabinet. She was promoted following the resignation of David Blunkett as Home Secretary at the end of last year.
Opus Dei, which is Latin for “Work of God”, has a small membership of around 80,000 followers in 80 countries worldwide.
