One of the big cultural differences between Britain and the United States, alike in so many other ways, concerns the public status of religion. “I think I can see the whole destiny of America contained in the first Puritan who landed on those shores,” wrote Alexis de Tocqueville in 1835. Protestantism is by its nature fissiparous and, after a few sects had tried to establish local monopolies, Americans realized that the most sensible approach was to agree that no church should have a privileged position. All religions, the Founders declared, were free to promulgate their doctrines. To ensure a level playing field, state institutions would remain secular and neutral.

Britain, by contrast, kept its established churches: Episcopalian in England, Presbyterian in Scotland. Anglican bishops sit in the House of Lords. The coronation of the monarch is a religious act. Prayers are said in schools. Yet, British churches are largely empty. It turns out that, in ecclesiastical no less than in industrial matters, competition among private entities delivers more growth than nationalization.

Two wives, two media standards

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In Pennsylvania House........

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