Bill Turnbull, who is leaving the BBC Breakfast show after presenting the programme for 15 years, says British culture makes people feel like they should apologise for believing in God.
Turnbull is being replaced by Dan Walker at the end of this month, and the new presenter has spoken about not working on Sundays because of his Christian faith.
In an interview with the Radio Times, Turnbull says he prefers the situation in the USA where people do not “have to apologise for being religious”.
Wonderful
Explaining that he has faith and strong beliefs, Turnbull said Britons are “embarrassed” about the issue.
“When we lived in America it was the exception not to go to church. Church was absolutely packed and it was wonderful.
“But here there’s something about our culture that makes people feel as if they have to apologise for having faith.”
Awkward
He adds: “I prefer the fact that there you don’t have to apologise for being religious. I don’t know why people want to make you feel so awkward about having belief. I don’t understand it”.
Earlier this month Dan Walker was announced as the new host of the Breakfast show. The 38-year-old presenter has always maintained the position of not working on Sundays.
He says keeping the Lord’s day is a “great privilege” despite some others in the media thinking that he is stupid and feeling sorry for him.
Honour God
When Walker first became a television presenter he signed a contract with the BBC which meant he wouldn’t have to work on Sundays.
Speaking in 2010, he said: “I was convinced that it was the right thing to honour God and follow his commandments.
“Observing the Lord’s day is a great privilege and brings with it loads of blessings.”