Thank God for that!

Chris Thomas, Oxford, England

I will not vote for him as a result of this admission. Despite being a Christian, I would be happy to vote for a member of (most) other religions. However, I find the idea that an individual could not feel accountable to some form of higher power disqualifies them from leadership.

Anon, Edinburgh,

He's an atheist but he's bringing his children up as Catholics? How does that work? "Believe in Christ and you will go to heaven, dear." "What about you daddy?" "I'm going to hell, dear." "Boo hoo..."

PAUL, mk,

My vote has switched for this reason alone.

Andrew Eades, Brighton,

Well done Nick Clegg - I'm sure you'll gain votes, not lose votes by saying this.

The UK is essentially a secular country and it's about time we removed the 26 Bishops from the House of Lords and separated Church and State.

Leave the monotonous Bible-bashing to our American friends.

James, Manchester, UK

I wonder why people think that God is supposed to dis-allow bombings. He's supposed to allow all evil except bombings? Or He's supposed to allow only some evil? Or is He supposed to allow absolutely no evil?

Michelle, Windsor, Canada

Watson, USA: how can God allow the bombing of civilians to which you allude?

Pete, Hull,

Shame - he's really blown it now.
He was going to need a miracle if he or his party were ever to win a general election!

Oxford Don, Oxford, UK

Off topic a bit but I've noticed that whenever artciles such as this are published online, its always North Americans who post the 'bible-bashing' and Christian rhetoric as 'replies'.
It's qute tragic that the so called leader of the democratic Western world is populated by such reactionary and mis-guided people isn't it? The US and its God fearing majority have more in common with the theocracies of Iran and such-like countries than they do with more developed Western European secular countries.

Greg, London,

"A man that doesn't believe in something will fall for anything... "

As an athiest, I believe that this statement needs to be qualified in the context of the subject of these comments.

I believe in Newton's laws of motion as there is substantial evidence to support them, I can use then to make accurate predictions.

I believe in other scientific laws for the same reason.

I do not believe in God as there is no evidence to support such a thing.

Therefore, as an atheist, I have many beliefs and I am not likely to fall for anything as my beliefs are based on concrete evidence. As a human being I also hope the mankind can live in harmony and peace to the benefit of all, but the current evidence suggests that this is not something I should believe will happen any day soon.

Contrast that with religion and it is my belief that the ones who have fallen for something are the 'faithful'

Alex Ritchie, Salisbury, UK

Sharada : "What does it matter? He answered a simple question honestly"

Nicely put. However England is now so secular that by his own calculations he may have realised that there was no risk to admitting a lack of faith, particularly as a member of the Liberal party. All he had to do was appear "honest". Rather like those silly people who say "to be honest", accidentally suggesting that they are not usually.

The real question is whether he is dishonest in submitting to his children being brought up as Catholics. We, he and she and they, will find out eventually, but not soon enough to cast a vote.

Greg Lorriman, Leatherhead, UK

A man that doesn't believe in something will fall for anything... He better hope he is correct, being wrong could make him a believer...

Dan, Reno, Nevada, USA

It is a safe bet that if the germans started bombing london again that all those atheist would be on their knees praying. They do not believe out of convenience, nothing else.

Watson, Elizabeth, USA

Wow, it seems to me too much emphasis is being put on how to define his lack of belief in God (atheisim/agnostic/knowledge debate). What does it matter? He answered a simple question honestly, that to me says a lots more about a man than his stated religious beliefs. And what does it matter how he brings his childred up, since when do we have the right to intrude/criticise on a person's personal choices?

Sharada, Tortola, BVI

"Few politicians have dared to do the opposite, however, and admit they have no faith at all. " - not so: there are over 120 members in the all-party Parliamentary Humanist Group.

David Pollock, London,

mike2R...that's a good little poem. i rather enjoyed it.

however, it's not true. i find that typically people read things like that, it reinforces their opinions and they don't actually think it through.

there have been many, many people who have repented from their "evil ways" once they put their faith in Jesus Christ. they became much "better" people.

there have been evil people on both sides of the "God issue" who have done horrible things based on their beliefs. there is no hard and fast rule as your poem would suggest and i would argue that a true belief in Jesus Christ would likely make a "bad" person better.

you can disagree with me and that's fine but what i hope is that people will be aware that they need to think clearly rather than be led to their conclusions by the media or their church or the people they interact with.

Michelle, Windsor, Canada

Belief in God is odd,
A blessing and a curse;
For it makes a good man better,
But it makes a bad man worse.

mike2R, London,

Kudos to Clegg

Simon, Sofia,

I don't care if he believes in the great sky carrot, if he can run the country better than the current bunch he'll get my vote

Phill, The Wirral, England

I don't believe that he actually denied God, he just honestly stated that he didn't believe in God. The fact that Bishop Dominic Stockford stated that "he's begun by losing many, many votes" just because he was honest about his religion is shocking. Imagine if a new party leader stated that he was a Devout Muslim, and the Bishop said the same thing, this would be unacceptable. Why is it ok to attack atheists for their beliefs?

Sean, Oxford,

I'd never considered voting Lib Dem before. I may have to re-think that.

With only 44% of Britons believing the myth he just might boost the Lib Dems chances.

Peter, London,

Apart from losing votes, will Mr Clegg go to Hell?

Sebastien, Cannes, France

i think that the people who say "there is no God" or "there is no proof that God exists" should study Jesus's words/teachings

no doubt Jesus would tell most (all?) of the religious people today (as He did 2000 years ago) that they've got it all wrong--other than a faith and belief in Him--but instead of basing our opinions about God on what His so-called followers have done supposedly in His name, we should investigate His claims and His story and make our decisions (of belief) on that

there is, indeed, excellent evidence that supports our God, but you need to want to find it

Michelle, Windsor, Canada

as far as "separation of church and state" goes, if i NEVER hear that so misunderstood, mis-used, and over-used quote, again, it will be too soon!

Michelle, Windsor, Canada

Good for Mr Clegg. I agree with Bertrand Russell, metaphorically standing at the gates of heaven being challenged by God as to his worldly beliefs; "Not enough evidence god, not enough evidence".

Mr James, Horsham,

Bishop,

There are no gods in the real world (why leave the Hindus out of it, they have a major religion as well).

"but his wife is an RC too" - you are clearly a simple bigot, like so many with power in the various Christian churches.

It is Clegg's ethics and morality that matter.

Ian, Solihull,

That's okay - I don't believe in the Lib-Dems.

John Tomlinson, Brentwood, Essex

Loosing votes? Quite the opposite. I think that privately, the majority in the UK would admit to being agnostic. I do, and I was brought up catholic. Religion IS the root of all evil.

dw, essex, uk

I think his frankness is refreshing, it doesn't make me more likely to vote for him, but rising above the need to feign religious association to keep the believers happy is creditable. I don't mean to bash the bishop, but I don't think Mr Clegg has lost 'many, many votes', as rational intelligent people in the 21st Century do not base their political affiliation on belief in the supernatural, even Lib-Dems.

Joe, London,

Well he's just gained an admirer here, how refreshing to hear a politician speak the truth.

The Bish said.
"for someone who's task is to 'grow' the LibDems he's begun by losing many, many votes."

This is the UK in 2007 not the American bible belt, what a silly thing to even think let alone tell the world that you think it.

Alan Cowe, Bixter, Shetland

Bishop: You saying that if he doesn't believe in God then people won't support him as he won't be a good politician. That's arrogant to think that people who believe in God are better than those who don't.
I can give you plenty of examples of why you're wrong. Humans are humans whether or not they believe in God - get off your imaginery pedestal.

Anna Charlton, London, UK

He has my vote. It says to me that he is able to think for himself and can govern in a sensible and balanced manner. Well done Mr. Clegg and thanks for having the balls to say it.

Andy C, Bristol, Britain

Does it really matter? What is the evidence that Clegg's being an atheist makes him any the less moral than shall we say Mr Blair, Mr Brown or Mr Cameron, who in the words of Shakespeare are all 'honourable' men?

Ian Burgess, Bristol,

Well at least he is honest. Tony Blair wanted everyone to know he had 'a faith' now gone down the Roman Catholic road, and at the same time pushed through the abortion laws, and thew out many of the laws originally based on the ten commandments.
If we had in parliament men and women of true faith, courage and conviction it would be a great asset in this age of moral and spiritual decline. Lets hope Gordon Brown and other Christians will not give way to political correctness and secularism, in order to please minority groups.

M Elward, Bridgend, Glam

Sad. I thought, for a minute, voting liberal

Andrew Lewis, Caerdydd,

Theos: "If he is saying that is he agnostic, obviously that is probably not quite so serious politically as saying you are an atheist"

But probably a lot better than saying he's a practising Christian.

David Jones, Loughborough, UK

How disappointingly simple-minded are people who cannot see that one does not need religion to have morals.

I'm with those that find it unfortunate that Clegg did not stick to his "no" statement instead of the rather wishy-washy politicianese that was issued later.

Alex Ritchie, Salisbury, UK

I admire him for his honesty. Let's hope he can carry it on throughout the rest of his political career!

I am a Christian by upbringing, and my wife a muslim, but neither of us are great believers. Our children are being raised as 'agnostics', if anything. But we can sympathise with Mr Clegg's situation - being married to a practising Catholic, and having the kids raised via the church.

In short, I would rather vote for a character like Mr Clegg than any other candidate, especially if they claim to be 'believers' - especially the type who never attend church!

Jon Bragg, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Does the "Good" Bishop Stockford really believe that a difference of faith (or none as the case may be) matters one iota between two people who genuinely love each other? In his words "Oh Dear"!!

Chris, Newmachar, UK

The 'bishop' has a good Catholic name - but as invalid is just a layman. What he says, carries no weight

Andrew Lewis, Caerdydd,

Mr Clegg is to be congratulated for expressing his personal beliefs publicly - honesty, as opposed to astute political correctness - is a rare thing in a Parlimentarian thess days. He joins a brave club of politicians with the likes of the former president of Poland Alexsander Kwaniewski, who also openly declares himself to be an atheist.

Mark, Ipswich, UK

Robert Allen: "Secularisim has not worked in this country - look at the moral mess around you - so it is time to stand up and say what you do believe - unlike tony blair, who, for all his courage, could not stand up and say he did believe in God."

America is one of the most religious countries in the world as far as popular belief is concerned yet it's a moral mess. The UK or its constituent parts was overtly religious for most of its history and it was hardly a shining light of moral behaviour as far as I can tell. Spain, Italy, Morocco, Algeria. Turkey, [...] all quite religious in their own ways yet one could hardly say they're working as moral societies.

Secularism is about a society-wide framework for allowing religious and non-religious diversity under an unbiased state. It shouldn't affect the individual beliefs of the population. It is also about rational ethics and so there's no reason why it should not affect behaviour in the same way as a religious state.

David Jones, Loughborough, UK

It's OK, because no-one believes Mick Cleig will have any scientifically measurable impact on British politics.

Kevin, London,

Gregg again ... sigh
Nobody KNOWS whether or not God (or Father Christmas) exist. Therefore, logically, we are all
AGNOSTICS. Including you, Gregg. Agreed?
Therefore we have two choices:
a) we can believe (without logical proof) or
b) we can have no belief - in the existence of supernatural deities.
A-theism = without god, godless. Why? Because atheists see no credible reason to believe. So let's be quite clear about this:
Atheism is not a belief. It is "NOT believing".
If you say atheism is a belief, then you must agree that not-collecting stamps is a hobby.
- Well said, Nick Clegg.

alan, cologne,

It's amazing to me that somebody that can properly put his own clothes on everyday can misuse the word "atheist". Unless you're a vegetable it is impossible to be an atheist for the simple fact that "wonder" is built into each of us...You can't turn it off. A viable human being cannot be an atheist; it's a great rebellion term for the defiant of "all" things of common sense, but we have to grow up some time...don't we?

Gene USA

Gene, Lakeland, Florida, USA

Why is this even a story - why should someone's personal religious beliefs have anything to do with any of the rest of us?

And everyone who has posted on here arguing about the meanings of the various terms - atheits, agnostic or believer - should read Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion. That truly is the voice of reason and rationality.

Jo, Notts,

When did it become necessary to have faith in a god in order to live a moral life, as many of the correspondents seem to think?

Janet, Cumbria,

I would rather have honesty over hypocrisy anytime. Gets my vote.

Ross, Manchester,

As usual Greg Loriman spouts rubbish and tries to put across a view of atheism that most atheists simply don't recognise.

Agnosticism is not mutually exclusive with atheism nor for that matter with theism or deism.

If Greg learnt the definitions of the words he would see this. Note the "a" at the start of both words. This means without. So atheism is without god and agnosticism is without knowledge.

It is perfectly rational to be an agnostic atheist (weak - without knowledge and belief) with regard to the question of a general "god". It is far more rational to not believe without knowledge than TO believe without knowledge which is basically what the religious are (agnostic theists). I am yet to meet and atheist who does NOT hold this stance.

Those claim knowledge ought to show and demonstrate that to the rest of us.

As for "strong atheism" this is usually a position taken after analysing a SPECIFIC god as per the big 3 religions and not general.

Please define God. You can't

Russ, Reading, UK

To say he does not believe in god betrays a lack of thought and understanding. God is not in the nature of an imaginary friend, anyone who thinks it is is a borderline schizophrenic. God is the alpha and the omega, omnipresent and infinite. As such it is not possible to deny its existence without looking foolish.
Having said this I think that a political leader who says he does believe in god is statistically most likely to fall into the camp who have voices in their head.

Ro, Cheltenham,

Mr Clegg was very brave and clear in his statement, but alas people prefer their politicans to be obscure.

I wonder why some religous people get upset when somebody says they don't beleive in god ? When the non beleiver gets to heaven* surely god will say with a smile, "Well, thats another thing you got wrong. Come in".


*if it exists

roger, london,

Greg Lorriman -

"The "hard" atheist says: "I believe that there is no god". But since there is no proof of that his belief is without proper foundation, so he is irrational. He believes without knowledge"

Incorrect Greg, the only question the athiest asks is 'show me some evidence that god exists'. You obviously can't provide this evidence, so case closed.

Pretty simple really

Owen, London, UK

"Oh, it is so refreshing that he's an atheist". Even Camus understood that when man kills god he has no rules. Nothing stops him from doing what he wants to do. Even Sartre knew that this created a Socio-ethical problem. His solution was "Black Ethics", which summed up comes down to "I won't step on your foot, so you won't step on mine". Ultimately it is fear again that regulates the ethical life, only this time it is much more cynical. So why would a politicians lack of religious convictions be a plus? How can freedom of a human being be justified outside of a notion of it being innate (the gift of a creator) and not due to positivism (the gift of the State,which can be taken away)? I personally feel that most comments here are probably of intelligent but seriously disturbed and ignorant individuals that have other reasons for hating religion. Too bad for the British/American/Canadian educational system. Time to call in Freud or Otto.

M, Milwaukee, USA

And you in the UK wonder why ISLAM is taking over your beautiful country!!! I will pray for you all.

Lee, Open, USofA

Greg Lorriman comes out with the most garbled excuse for a "rational argument" I have seen in a long time. Is it really any wonder that people are losing the last drops of respect for religious apologists at an ever increasing rate.

Mark Allen, Nottingham,

Those who do not choose their God have their God chosen for them.At the moment its so trendy to be athiest. And as we know being a Limp Dim is all about being `trendy`.

Pat, Notts,

I think the Bishop's comments demonstrate that seperation of church and state is long over due. Is it possible the bishop votes based on the person not on the policies. Imagine clergy just worrying about what they're supposed to - saving souls and not politics.

I like to play the game: What would Jesus do? Who would he vote for? He'd probably vote for the party with strong social policies, policies of least harm and economic policies that aim to stop the polarisation of rich and poor.

Good on you Mr Clegg, it's about time we had some honesty and rationality brought to the political arena. At least Mr Clegg won't claim GOD told him to do it and I'm sure he's brim full of virtue on his own.

Whether or not the party gets my vote, we'll see.

Mark, Haywards Heath, Uk

Good for him. Stephen Roberts once wrote "I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours."

Stafford, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

In defence of the whole children being brought up in the catholic faith thing, this is a compromise that many atheists will make in the real world when marrying catholics - you either agree to it or force your spouse to make a break with their church in order to marry you. Much better to agree quietly, and then answer their questions honestly when they're old enough to ask why you don't go to church.

mike2R, London,

Finally - Finally we have a man who is not a god-botherer so weak that he has to bolster his life with recourse to and reference to absurd mythology in order to have a prop to hold him up.

Andrew Molloy

Andrew Molloy, Cheddleton, Staffordshire

I'm inclined to agree, at least in part, with Amin. What kind of irks me about this isn't the simple "No" to a question which shouldn't matter in the politics of a secular country (well, that irrelevant question bothers me, too), but that the answer had to be sugar-coated with the admission to being married to someone of faith and allowing his children to be brought up in said faith. Sounds too much like a cop-out. Should've just said "No" and left it at that.

It shouldn't matter what your representative believes in or doesn't, as long as he's gets the job done.

Chris Anderson, Buffalo Grove, IL, United States

Tina : "Politicians should be judged on their policies and performance rather than their personal beliefs or non-beliefs."

But how often do the renege on their policies and their promises. Their beliefs, and consistency of their actions with those beliefs tells you whether they can be trusted. A man who divorces demonstrates poor judgement, and the adulterer that his promises are worth nothing.

Further their personal beliefs inform everything they do. The secular non-believer (often) believes abortion can be justified and the withholding of such a 'service' to the raped youth a travesty, whereas the religious believer (often) considers it murder in all circumstances since the conceived embryo is believed to be fully alive with an eternal soul.

Would you vote for a (platonic) murderer?

The beliefs of people in union with their actions define who they are. It is fundamental to the question of who to vote for. Actions are not enough: the motives and intent must be searched.

Greg Lorriman, Leatherhead, UK

I am confused! Why is everyone saying well done?

Here is a man who is prepared to make his children go to a Catholic church and worship a man who is says does not exist. What kind of person does that?

This is not a man with courage of his convictions, this is a man who was caught telling the truth but then ruined in by back peddling as fast as he can by talking about his wife and children being catholics and the respect he has for people with faith etc..

Typical politician, too scared to hold true to his believes and too gutless to do anything about them. That is why it does not matter a bean who you vote for in any election, they are all the same.

GM, Brisbane,

He has just moved up in my estimation.
Heaven knows that a professed belieif in God has not saved us from the blood, heartache and lies that that have characterised the last few years of British and American foreign policy.

robert everitt, wolverhampton,

His is probably a much more mainstream postion than many practicing politicians would admit.

This is the ultimate in separation between Church and State. It sounds to me as if atheists and politics would make fine bedfellows.

Of course he overlooks the fact that religion is indeed the "opiate of the masses" and if used adriotly, can be used to influence and manipulate the masses to no end. The RC Church has been historically very effective in this practice. Not very politically savy to disregard this maxim.

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

Kudos to you Mr. Clegg for telling the truth and saying out loud what most people think. Your candidacy is a breath of fresh air and reason. Good luck to you!

Linda, Toronto, Canada

I agree with Amin. Being 'atheist' is not a passive belief but something that requires conscience and application. I think Clegg was bold to announce this - especially given athiesm's minority status in this country - but this article fails to substantiate why Clegg won't bring up his kids in a more open-minded fashion. Is 'letting your kids decide' still counter-culture in this country?
I'm sure he's being careful not to align himself with the more abrasive atheists such as Hitchens and Dawkins (whom I admire) but he'd do well to pause: then make a case for a faith-free political agenda.

Nigel Hodges, London,

"Another small victory for rationalism.... "

I don't think so.

The "hard" atheist says: "I believe that there is no god". But since there is no proof of that his belief is without proper foundation, so he is irrational. He believes without knowledge.

The "soft" atheist says : "I have no belief in a god". Belief-wise this is identical to the agnostic. But these guys hate being called agnostics. Effectively they are unrationalists.

The classical (Huxlien) agnostic says: "I believe that it is impossible to prove the existence of God, therefore I have no belief." He may be right but no one has proven that it is impossible to prove God's existence so he is mixing irrationality with unrationality, and foolish since he could after all ask God to prove his own existence, which the Bible speaks of : "Knock and it shall be answered".

And the christian believes because God has revealed, and proven, himself to that individual. So it looks like the Christian is the only rationalist.

Greg Lorriman, Leatherhead, UK

If religion should be kept out of politics, then so should atheism. Politicians should be judged on their policies and performance rather than their personal beliefs or non-beliefs.

Tina, South Wales, UK

In the US, it would be suicide for any Politician running for office to announce that they were an atheist. One of the current candidates for president is Mitt Romney. He is a Mormon. This means he believes that the Garden of Eden was in America, and that men can become Gods. Can we have an atheist please!!

Dennis, Gaithersburg, US

Thank God for that. Listening to Clegg on the radio this morning, I found myself actually agreeing with a great deal of what he had to say but I could never imagine myself voting Liberal! Now I can safely follow my conscience and ignore the fellow. He doesn't believe in God and that ticks one of my boxes for identifying someone not to be taken too seriously.

Tom Jackson, London, UK

Well Done Nick Clegg! I think it is refreshing to see an honest politician for once. He can't even be accused of being anti-faith because he is married to a Catholic, which is a real world example of how most humanists/atheists do actually integrate with people of faith. However I fully expect the extremists to capitalise on this and go on the attack.

Robert Ede, Camberley, UK

Secularisim has not worked in this country - look at the moral mess around you - so it is time to stand up and say what you do believe - unlike tony blair, who, for all his courage, could not stand up and say he did believe in God.

A fair debate means people sholuld not hide their faith, the secularists have had their way for to long

And Secularists also have their own Religion which they worship

Robert Allen, Reading,

I find it sad that he's willing for his children to be indoctrinated in something he doesn't even believe in himself. The usual pressure from the Catholic church, presumably?

Ganesh Sittampalam, St Neots, UK

Good for Nick Clegg. Living in the Middle East I've come to believe even more strongly than before that religion and politics should be kept absolutely separate and politicians should be assessed solely on their performance not their religious or non-religious beliefs.

NJF, what a silly comment - perhaps they don't actually believe that "God himself came to visit us in the shape of Jesus" since, being atheists, they don't actually believe that God exists? Er, and by the way Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, etc don't believe that Jesus was/is divine either. Isn't that their prerogative, as your faith is yours?

Rose (expat), Salwa , Kuwait

"I’m................. committed to bringing my children up as Catholics."
Sorry, but this guy sounds the same as any other politician. He wants to have his cake and eat it. I find it hard to swallow that a sincere atheist (does he knows the meaning of the word?) would want to have his children brought up, nay, be COMMITTED to having them brought up, to believe in what he considers to be a tissue of lies or, at best, superstition. Far from refreshing honesty, i think it is a show of insincerity in an attempt to keep or gain the Catholic vote at least.
Still, we at least know he is a normal politician.

Amin Aswet, Gibraltar,

And gained many by being honest.

David Blake, London,

About time. I am very impressed and shall from now on take the Lib Dems seriously. People running countries must think rationally and cease living in a make believe world.

David Harrison, Keighley, England

Further to my earlier comment, this man has given conflicting information- the straight answer to the question on Radio 5 Live supports your conclusion that he said he was an atheist, but what does he mean when he later says he is not an "active believer"? Is he a "passive" believer, and what does that mean - that he is a "believer" but is inactive, i.e. not a churchgoer, perhaps?
It still leaves him as a normal politician, unable to let a rare straight answer to a question stand. Nothing there by which to gain any votes, if that is the case.

Amin Aswet, Gibraltar,

Good for Mr Clegg. A bit of honesty and courage in a politician at last. What he believes shouldn't be an issue but of course it will be. The more high profile people 'come out' as atheists the sooner we can remove belief in fairy tales as being meaningful in the way we run the country and define our morality. There must be many politicians, even Conservatives, who also doubt the existence of god. It is nice to hear a high profile one acknowledge this. I'm sure people will think more of him as a consequence. He is by no means alone.

Paul Owen, Birmingham , UK

If he doesn't believe in god why does he need to have enormous respect for people who have religious faith? according persons of faith special status because they believe in something which he does not is plain silly.

simon, sydney, oz

Another small victory for rationalism....

It's just amazing that it's taken so long for a politician to stand up and say his reasoning is not guided by an imaginary friend. Surely nowadays the vast majority of UK voters are a little more inclined to trust someone not reliant on god.

Does anyone still reasonably attempt to deny that athiests lack a 'moral compass'?

It's high-time that so many religious people realise they are a respected minority in a secular UK. Not a powerful majority that can expect to cow us non-believers.

Chris H, Oxford,

Losing votes, he's already gained mine.

Most refreshing thing I have heard in politics in many years.

Well done Nick

Stuart, Coventry, West Midlands

what a silly thought! How can anyone be an atheist if God himself came to visit us in the person of Jesus?

N J F , Widnes ,

We need policians who can tell the truth, not be economical with it. Hope Nick Clegg will continue on his line in coming months, as opposed to all other past and present leaders. Voters are looking into personality characteristics among leaders rather than policy differences between parties, as all seem to argue to be on the centre ground.
He will definitely get my vote.

Ahmet Capal, london,

I'm with him, I don't believe in the Liberal Democrats.

Judy , Liverpool, england

This is extremely refreshing to hear. That he happily lives with his religious wife exemplifies how easily people of differing beliefs can cooperate happily.

hamish, leeds,

Good for you Nick, a politician who can see the wood from the trees. Religion is a sop to the weak-willed who can't come to terms with their own mortality -- if the government want to tax something, they should tax believers!!

Paul Downes, Bletchley, Bucks

I would dispute that Mr Clegg is actually denying there is a God. I don't believe in God either, but I admire those who have faith, I wish I did too, but I don't.. Well done Mr Clegg for being honest about your faith.

Roz , Barnsley,

It's somewhat sad that he had to state that he has "enormous respect" for those who have religious faith.

While I'm sure he does have enormous respect for some who do have religious faith, it's highly unlikely that their faith is the cause of his respect.

What is it about believing in fairies at the bottom of the garden that is supposed to engender awe in those of us who don't?

mike2R, London,

Thank Goodness! A thoughtful - and honest - politican. The sooner we get superstition out of politics the better. The Lib Dems are now 2000% more likely to get my vote.

Richard Corfield, Witney,

Good, politics and religion have no business together and a party leader who speaks the truth is a very rare thing for Westminster indeed.

Gr8, Edinburgh,

Since when was 'atheist' a bad word?

Sarah, London, UK

It takes a lot of courage from a British politician to admit atheism but if looked at it in the context of our multi cultural, secular society there should be absolutely no problem. In stating his acceptance and respect for people of faith, Nick Clegg has demonstrated his honesty and openness in a way that sets him apart from the other leaders and he should be congratulated for that.

Chris, Oxted, Surrey

Interesting comment from Bishop Stockford.

Perhaps he would prefer Mr Clegg to lie in order to gain more votes?

Do all people of religious persuasion vote purely based on whether the party leader shares their faith?

What a disturbing thought.

Toby Wickenden, London, UK

Nonsense. He's has had the courage to say what many politicians admit privately but fear admitting in public - that they do not believe in God. And that will resonate with many people in the country.

Charles Benwith, Birmingham, UK

Bishop, please refrain from the placing of words into the mouth of Mr Clegg - he is not 'denying God', he is saying he does not believe in God. I hope you don't read your scriptures with as little care and attention to detail.

jason kennedy, antigua, guatemala

Not only is he denying God, but his wife is an RC too. Oh dear - not a good start between them - for someone who's task is to 'grow' the LibDems he's begun by losing many, many votes.

Bishop Dominic Stockford, Teddington, Middlesex