{"id":2121,"date":"2017-07-14T10:34:10","date_gmt":"2017-07-14T09:34:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/religion-law-and-the-constitution\/?p=2121"},"modified":"2025-12-05T12:22:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T12:22:45","slug":"carole-emmerson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/religion-law-and-the-constitution\/2017\/07\/14\/carole-emmerson\/","title":{"rendered":"Carole Emmerson"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” fullwidth=”on” next_background_color=”#000000″ global_module=”322″][et_pb_fullwidth_menu global_parent=”322″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ menu_id=”8″ submenu_direction=”downwards” fullwidth_menu=”off” background_layout=”dark” module_class=”main-navigation” \/][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”on” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#1d1d1d”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ specialty_columns=”2″][et_pb_row_inner locked=”off”][et_pb_column_inner type=”4_4″ saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″][et_pb_post_title _builder_version=”3.17.6″ featured_placement=”above” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off” date_format=”j M Y” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_layout=”light” parent_locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

\"CaroleHow would you describe your identity and beliefs in terms of religion?<\/h2>\n

I would say I consider myself a spiritual person. I don\u2019t belong to any particular religious body. I have a bit of a problem with organised religion, dogmas, doctrines, etc. I am more into meditation and more liberal.<\/p>\n

What made you adopt or retain this position?<\/h2>\n

I was never a member of a traditional religious denomination.\u00a0 As a child, my parents were not religious, although I lived in a village and we did go to Sunday school\u2026 and as an adult I have been searching, I have been on an Alpha course and attended different churches. I felt very at home when I first attended Quaker meetings, although I don\u2019t go anymore. \u00a0I studied religion and theology at university as part of my search, and I am quite interested in Buddhism and practice a form of Buddhist meditation.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do you think that GB is an equal and tolerant society, especially in relation to religion?<\/h2>\n

I think Great Britain is a fairly tolerant society. People of all religions and faiths can express themselves.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Are there any challenges for you in living in accordance with your beliefs?<\/h2>\n

I would say that I don\u2019t face any challenges as a spiritual person. I am a bit wishy washy, I can go and try different things and I think people are welcoming and there is a lot of potential for people of all faiths and no faith\u2026\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Have Human Rights enshrined in the Human Rights Act been positive for GB society?<\/h2>\n

I think Human Rights are positive for British society.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Should there be a universal right to free medical care?<\/h2>\n

There is a financial limit for a universal right to free medical care. It would be great if there were an open door policy for anyone from the world who came for treatment here, but you know there are financial restrictions. I am afraid it is not a realistic one, perhaps in an ideal world. There must be a limit, drugs for cancer and stuff like that\u2026 there are limited pots, and I think people have responsibilities. We talk about rights, but people also have a duty to look after themselves. Many people don\u2019t, but still expect excellent medical care, when actually they are contributing to their situation.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

When should the State intervene in people expressing their beliefs?<\/h2>\n

I think religious and ideological freedom must be limited when they cause or have the potential to cause harm to other people\u2026 physical or emotional harm\u2026 I think that violence in the name of religion is unacceptable.<\/p>\n

Do you think public authorities strike the right balance between the rights of parents and the rights of children when there are disputes about medical treatments? I am thinking of the very well known controversies concerning Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses, for instance\u2026<\/h2>\n

I probably would be more on the side of the parents, because those parents truly love their children, and who am I to judge, for example, a Jehovah\u2019s Witness who doesn\u2019t want to give blood to their children on religious grounds? I think even people within the same religion can have different ideas about the end of life care. So, going back to children, I can see some people, even if not on religious grounds, would want to put their children under lots of operations in order to prolong life, whilst others might be more concerned about the quality of a child\u2019s life, and feel that all those interventions would be detrimental for their children, particularly when they know that their child\u2019s life is limited\u2026 I think this is a very tricky one.<\/p>\n

You are aware of the fact that some parents have objected to the teaching of sexual education in schools, also on religious grounds\u2026 Do you think parents should be entitled to do so?<\/h2>\n

Sexual education is taught in many different ways. Some people get it spot on, many other people don\u2019t, and then some parents educate their children themselves and others don\u2019t. So, there are so many variables. I suppose it is better that children are educated in schools about sex, respecting themselves and others in sexual practices, as well as about contraception.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

What is your view about religious assistance in hospitals? Do you think that public authorities should meet the costs of chaplains?<\/h2>\n

I think the spiritual care in hospitals is a very important service. Many people won\u2019t be interested in it, but for the people for whom it is important, I think it has to be on offer.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Would you say that there is sufficient awareness in the healthcare sector of patients\u2019 spiritual beliefs and needs?<\/h2>\n

I would say that there is some awareness in the health system. Although it is probably easier to meet specific religious needs rather than spiritual needs, for example, meeting religious dietary requirements. I think there is a problem with spirituality, what it really means and how to meet those needs.<\/p>\n

Maybe the needs of patients of institutionalised religions are better defined and they are easier to be provided. For instance, people who want to get communion on Sundays or if somebody doesn\u2019t want his\/her body to be touched by anyone outside the family until they die, that is quantifiable and you are able to do that. I think some religious needs are more defined, but spiritual needs are much looser and so, often we don\u2019t know what we need ourselves.<\/p>\n

Patients need compassion and spirituality can bring that. Often we don\u2019t have time, I think we need to be with people\u2026 to listen to them.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do you think that living in a Parliamentary democracy is a good thing?<\/h2>\n

I wouldn\u2019t prefer an alternative to democracy\u2026 Communism in theory, in its purest form, may be fantastic, but it expects the best of everybody and this ideology can only work if all people are the best they can be\u2026 and as people, we are a mixed bunch. So, in the real world it doesn\u2019t really work, and as a result, democracy is the best way to go.<\/p>\n

Do you believe that you have a duty to vote?<\/h2>\n

I think I should vote, particularly being a woman, bearing in mind that women fought for so many years to vote. Also I feel I should vote because politics affect every aspect of our lives. However, I think the problem is that politicians say what they are going to do and they don\u2019t do it, and then people give up on politics\u2026 and I know politicians have a hard job, but they say \u2018they are going to do this\u2019 and then it doesn\u2019t happen, because when they get there, they realise it isn\u2019t possible, and they spend so much time arguing with each other\u2026 I think this makes it harder for people like me, who struggle to understand politics to really know what we are voting for.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do you find it problematic that members of the House of Lords are not elected?<\/h2>\n

Yes, I think it is arguably problematic that the members of the House of Lords are not directly elected by the citizens, but they are indirectly elected, you could say. I don\u2019t really know if they would do a much better job if they were elected by the public.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

How do you feel about bishops in the House of Lords?<\/h2>\n

I do think we are a traditionally Christian country. So, although we are multi-faith, Christianity is part of our heritage and I don\u2019t have a problem with the bishops in the House of Lords, but I assume there are members of the Lords who do have other faiths, although they may not be there in their faith capacity\u2026 maybe it would be good to appoint representatives of other religious bodies, but the question would be how to choose them.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

How do you feel about devolution?<\/h2>\n

With regard to devolution, I think there is a lot of duplication. For example, in the health service, there would be guidelines about dementia care, the English would do it\u2026 and then the Welsh\u2026 both countries would have gone through hours and hours of time and resources, and there is really not so much of a difference to justify that duplication. I think the management could be certainly better.<\/p>\n

Do you think that public authorities do their best to promote health and well-being?<\/h2>\n

I think public authorities are aware of the need to promote well-being, and most people would know that is the best way to do things, but often there are tensions when projects are set up\u2026 often we look in the short term and then a project starts, but it is stopped\u2026 however, I think there is in principle good will on the part of public authorities.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

How should people exercising power be held accountable? Should they be held accountable by Parliament, independent bodies, the media, public opinion, etc?<\/h2>\n

I think people with a position of power in society should definitely be held to account. There should be formal rules imposed by Parliament and the media has a role to play, but the media at times can be unhelpful. Public opinion is also crucial. All those instruments have a part to play.<\/p>\n

Do you think accountability in the NHS is sufficiently robust? If not, how could it be improved?<\/h2>\n

Even though I am a nurse, I don\u2019t know enough about accountability in the NHS. I think there is accountability, but whether or not it is enough, I really don\u2019t know and it would be difficult for me to say how to improve it. The NHS is a huge organisation, with so many people being employed by it, that some people will be more inclined personally to be held accountable for their actions because they are decent. Doctors seem to have a culture of covering up for each other. This may be a nurse\u2019s perception, I don\u2019t know, but maybe doctors are just being more human. Of course, negligence is unacceptable, but sometimes we do things with the best of our intention and at the end of the day we are humans and we make mistakes, and I think that doctors are more understanding of that. At the same time there are people who perhaps shouldn\u2019t be doing their jobs. It is so difficult, because it is such a big organisation\u2026\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do you think that elected representatives reflect society in terms of gender, race, sexuality, etc? If not, is there anything which we can or should do to address this?<\/h2>\n

I don\u2019t think our politicians are sufficiently representative of our society. I suspect there are many more men and probably lots of very well-educated people\u2026 but I guess they have to be. I think everybody should have the opportunity to get to those places or take those roles. In an ideal world we should all have access to excellent education, everyone should be well brought up by their parents, but I don\u2019t think this is the case for everyone\u2026 So, education is the key element. We are getting better though. I think there are probably more opportunities for people of other faiths. I am sure there is, unfortunately, still a lot of racism, homophobia, that prevents us from moving on\u2026 but I feel we are moving in the right direction and we have many more opportunities now than we had.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Have you ever felt so strongly about an issue that you took action to try to change it? Have you ever demonstrated, written to your MP, signed a petition, etc?<\/h2>\n

I demonstrated in London against the war in Iraq. I think I may have written to MPs\u2026 I don\u2019t do enough, I suppose.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Would you say that in dealing with public authorities your beliefs have been respected and accommodated?<\/h2>\n

I would say that most of my experiences with public authorities [in situations where my spirituality was relevant] have been positive. I think I am lucky because I am articulate and when I think things should happen in a particular way, I go about doing whatever is needed to make things happen. I can do that, but unfortunately other people can\u2019t, and it is more difficult for them.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Is it important for you to always act within the law?<\/h2>\n

I would say that generally I am a law abiding citizen, but for example, I often breach the speed limit, as many people do. I can only think of one friend who never breaches it. I know I am wrong at doing it and I still do it, but equally if I get fined, I know it is fair and as it is the law, I have to take it on the chin. I wouldn\u2019t moan about it, because I have done something which I shouldn\u2019t have done. I can envisage situations where I would see myself breaking the law if it were against my conscience, although I cannot think of an example. However, people who have absolutely no money or no food, I can understand if they steal, for example, particularly if they have children they need to feed. I think one has to be desperate to do that, but I understand it can happen. I don\u2019t know if I would do it myself\u2026 I am sure there would be examples, but I cannot provide you with one now.<\/p>\n

Do you believe that the Rule of Law is applied equally?\u00a0 Do some groups receive preferential or prejudicial treatment?<\/h2>\n

I don\u2019t think we are all on an equal footing before the law. There is definitely racism. For example, I imagine young black men are more likely to be stopped and searched if they look, in the least, suspicious, and I am sure they have a harder time. Not all police would do that. I think there will be some though. In more deprived areas I am sure they have a harder time with the police, and also I think there is a different approach to people who break the law depending on their social class. Sometimes when people are more articulate can be treated better. The system can be unjust at times.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

How do you feel about the increase in police powers over the last 15 years or so? Do you think it is a necessary development or is it a threat to our civil liberties?<\/h2>\n

I think that the increase of the powers of the police in recent years is an appropriate response to latest developments. I understand terrorism is a serious threat and needs to be addressed. I know it is probably a bit na\u00efve, but I am not so concerned about civil liberties in this respect, because if you don\u2019t have anything to hide, you have nothing to fear\u2026 I wouldn\u2019t expect the police searching my house because I have nothing to hide. I think our police have a very hard job, we don\u2019t talk enough about responsibilities\u2026 everybody is banging on about their rights, but we need to place more emphasis on responsibilities.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Are there any laws which you find restrictive? Can you think of any laws which you would like to see amended?<\/h2>\n

I cannot think of any law which I would change if I could. There are laws which I find inconvenient, and I would have been happier hadn\u2019t they been introduced in the first place, but I understand their rationale in terms of keeping people safe. For instance, wearing seat belts in the back of cars.<\/p>\n

I hope they won\u2019t bring in a law making helmet wearing for bikes compulsory, as I personally prefer to take the risk and not wear one when I am riding a bike.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Is there anything which you would like to add?<\/h2>\n

I think I really believe in living and let live. We should all be free to express ourselves, but not to the detriment of other people. So, we should all act in a loving way and we need to respect other people, to be fair and honest. In general, I have a positive view of British society, but I know that if I were a young black man, of a deprived area, without much education, my experience may be very different.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Carole Emmerson\u00a0grew up in Somerset, but throughout her\u00a0life has\u00a0lived in many different areas in England and Wales, including London, Bath and Cardiff.\u00a0She\u00a0qualified as a nurse in the late 1980s and \u00a0worked in the NHS and in private health care on and off since. In her\u00a0mid-thirties she\u00a0took a three year break to study Theology and Religious Studies full-time at Cardiff University.<\/p>\n

A couple of years ago she\u00a0moved to Dorset, in order to support her\u00a0parents, as her\u00a0mother is suffering from Alzheimer\u2019s. Since April 2016 she has\u00a0been unable to work, due to the ill health of her\u00a0stepfather, and her mother is now living with her\u00a0and she is\u00a0caring for her full-time.<\/p>\n

Although she\u00a0always imagined that she\u00a0would get married and have children this hasn\u2019t happened, but she has\u00a0enjoyed the freedom to travel and work overseas. Carole\u00a0feels very blessed to have many good friends and in her\u00a0spare time, she\u00a0loves waking outdoors, particularly along the coast, and\u00a0has\u00a0recently taken up tennis.<\/p>\n

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