Conservative Party leader David Cameron at the State Banquet for the State Visit of the Indian President Prathibha Patil in Windsor Castle on Tuesday October 27, 2009.
(PA)
David Cameron has admitted his Christian faith may not always the rock it should be, but is nonetheless a good guide to get through life.
In an intimate interview with the Evening Standard, the Tory leader spoke openly about his fluctuating faith.
When asked if his faith was important to him, he said: "If you are asking, do I drop to my knees and pray for guidance, no. But do I have faith and is it important? Yes. My own faith is there, it's not always the rock that perhaps it should be.
"I've a sort of fairly classic Church of England faith, a faith that grows hotter and colder by moments but ... I suppose I sort of started life believing that one's individual faith was important, but actually the institutions of the church were less important.
"I do think that organised religion can get things wrong but the Church of England and the other churches do play a very important role in society."
Mr Cameron, who was confirmed at 18, admitted to being in his younger years a “good, sceptical, questioning” Christian who liked to think his faith through.
"I think that it's perfectly possible to live a good life without having faith, by which I mean a positive and altruistic life, but I think the teachings of Jesus, just as the teachings of other religions are, a good guide to help us through,” he continued.
"Do unto others as you would have them do to you; don't walk on by. These are good and thoughtful ideas to bring to life."
Mr Cameron went on to speak of his fear of failure and losing another child after the death of his eldest son Ivan earlier this year.
"Well, my biggest fear is something happening to my family. That's fear Number One, particularly as it has happened already. It is a sort of permanent fear. The most natural thing in your life is to look after your little ones,” he said.
"There is also fear of failure: letting others down, or not doing your best. I've always thought that the fear of getting things wrong inspires me more than the wonder of getting things right.”
Mr Cameron added that he would sack George Osbourne if he did not feel he was up to the job of being chancellor.
He said: "I think he had a very, very tough time last year. He really did suffer quite a lot of slings and arrows. But I have faith in him as a talented politician and a talented shadow chancellor and someone who has a great feel and understanding of politics and the great issues.”
