BBC News Online: UK

Become Jewish, says bishop

The Right Reverend Richard Harries, the Bishop of Oxford, says he would rather people became Jewish than had "no spiritual home", says The Times.

His comments came in an article in a Jewish magazine, Manna, which is published by the British centre of Reform Judaism, the Sternberg Centre in London.

He says Judaism could be ideal for people who believe there is only one God, and who want to be part of a historic tradition.

New Age religions

Bishop Harries, who is chairman of the Council of Christians and Jews, is quoted as saying: "Looking at people's spiritual needs, I see a category of people who are naturally monotheists and who cannot believe Christian claims about Jesus, but who would love to have a spiritual home.

"While New Age religions offer some spiritual insights, Judaism offers a tradition, a way of believing and behaving that has been tried and tested for nearly 4,000 years."

And he adds: "I would far rather people come to belief in the living God through Judaism than have no spiritual home at all."

The Times says the Bishop has said he has not been tempted to make the switch, as he believes the claims of the church.