Tim Farron says real liberalism accepts religious difference

The Christian and politician will speak at an event on Tuesday.

He is expected to say in a speech: “If you actively hold a faith that is more than an expression of cultural identity you are deemed to be far worse than eccentric. You are dangerous. You are offensive.”

He will give an annual lecture to Christian thinktank Theos, who aim to inform people about genuine Christian opinion.

Farron resigned as leader of the Lib Dems after the General Election this year, following a difficult season of questions about his views on homosexuality.

He quit due to the hardship of leading the party whilst being a Christian as he said in his resignation speech: “Imagine what would lead me to relinquish that honour (of being leader).

“In the words of Sir Isaac Watts, it would have to be something that demands my heart, my life, my all.”

Farron will argue that real liberalism accepts religious difference and he will reject the idea that Britain is currently tolerant.

He will add in his speech: “People talk about shared values today. But when they do, what they mean is ‘These are my values – and I’m going to act as though they are also yours, and will demonstrate contempt for you if you depart from them.”