Justin Welby Accused of ‘Relegating’ Plight of Palestinian Christians

THE GUARDIAN: Anglicans in West Bank say they are ‘utterly perplexed’ by archbishop of Canterbury’s statements on Israel-Hamas war

The Archbishop of Canterbury spent four days in Jerusalem over the weekend to ‘show solidarity … with the Christian community in the Holy Land’. Photograph: Doug Peters/PA
Palestinian Christians have accused Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, of “relegating” their plight behind “British domestic political and ecumenical considerations” in his comments on the Israel-Hamas war.

An open letter from Anglican parishioners in the West Bank says they are “utterly perplexed” by Welby’s public statements.

Welby spent four days in Jerusalem over the weekend to “show solidarity … with the Christian community in the Holy Land”, according to his website.

In a statement issued shortly before he left the UK, Welby appealed for the hostages being held by Hamas to be released and for humanitarian access to Gaza to be allowed.

“The evil and heinous terror attacks by Hamas on people in Israel were crimes against God and humanity. Israel has a legitimate right and duty to defend itself, and to pursue a proportionate and discriminate response to establish its security,” he said. » | Harriet Sherwood | Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Qui est Justin Welby, l’archevêque de Canterbury qui va couronner Charles III

LE MONDE : Au Royaume-Uni, le chef spirituel de l’Eglise anglicane chargé du couronnement du roi et de la reine consort, le 6 mai, possède un parcours atypique. Il a d’abord fait une assez longue carrière dans l’industrie du pétrole.

Justin Welby, l’archevêque de Canterbury, tient entre ses mains une édition spéciale de la Bible qui sera utilisée durant le couronnement de Charles III, le 20 avril 2023, à Londres. DANIEL LEAL/AFP
Une responsabilité historique

Archevêque de Canterbury, chef spirituel de l’Eglise anglicane, la confession chrétienne en vigueur au Royaume-Uni, Justin Welby aura, le 6 mai, la responsabilité du couronnement du roi Charles III et de la reine consort, son épouse Camilla. Il devra présider une cérémonie de deux heures, durant laquelle il donnera l’onction d’huile au roi, avant de lui remettre les attributs royaux : la robe, l’orbe (un globe en or surmonté d’une croix), le sceptre et, bien sûr, la couronne de saint Edouard. La pression est telle que Justin Welby a même reconnu en avoir fait des « cauchemars ». Son mauvais rêve ? Oublier la couronne juste avant de devoir la poser sur le crâne du nouveau monarque. Une première vie dans l’or noir » | Par Sarah Belouezzane | vendredi 5 mai 2023

Article réservé aux abonnés

LIRE AUSSI :

La consécration d’Antonio Pappano, l’un des chefs qui orchestrera le sacre de Charles III : Le Britannique, qui vient de publier une version d’anthologie de « Turandot » et d’être nommé à la tête du London Symphony Orchestra, sera l’un des maestro à diriger le Coronation Orchestra, le 6 mai, à l’abbaye de Westminster. »

Justin Welby ‘Affirms Validity’ of 1998 Declaration That Gay Sex Is a Sin

THE GUARDIAN: Archbishop indicates he won’t seek to punish churches allowing same-sex marriage, in balancing move at Lambeth conference

In a letter to more than 650 bishops attending the conference, Welby said the 1998 resolution was ‘not in doubt’. Photograph: Hollie Adams/Getty Images
Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury and leader of the global Anglican church, has sought to mollify conservative bishops by “affirming the validity” of a 1998 declaration that gay sex is a sin.

But, as a balancing gesture, he also indicated that he would not seek the authority to punish churches – including those in Scotland, Wales and the US – that allow same-sex marriage.

In a letter sent to more than 650 bishops attending the once-a-decade Lambeth conference just two hours before a potentially rancorous discussion on sexuality, Welby said the 1998 resolution, known as Lambeth 1.10, was “not in doubt”.

Campaigners for LGBTQ+ equality within the church responded to Welby’s attempt to reconcile polarised views with anger. Jayne Ozanne said: “I feel deeply angry and frustrated that yet again priority has been given to saving a manmade institution over protecting LGBTQ+ people’s lives.

“Let us be clear that Lambeth 1.10 encourages ‘conversion therapy’ and negates the God-given love between two individuals. It is a stick with which many of us have been beaten and will continue to suffer under around the world.”

Welby’s letter was issued as conservative church leaders from the global south called on bishops at the conference in Canterbury to reaffirm the 1998 declaration in defiance of a decision by organisers to drop voting in favour of “supportive applause”. » Harriet Sherwood | Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Goodbye, Anglicanism! Auf Nimmerwiedersehen! Adieu pour toujours ! Apropos of this nonsense, my next move could well be to atheism. Well done, Mr. Welby! By the way, you affirm that "gay sex" is a sin. What about gay love? 'Having sex' outside of marriage has always been a sin in Christianity, even in the heterosexual community. But it has to be said that only animals 'have sex'. Observe dogs copulating! That is 'having sex'. But civilised people shouldn't be 'havng sex' anyway; rather, they should be 'making love'! What does the Bible say about two men/two women 'making love'? – © Mark Alexander

Justin Welby Condemns Nigerian Archbishop's Gay 'Virus' Comments

THE GUARDIAN: Archbishop of Canterbury says Henry Ndukuba’s comments that homosexuality should be ‘expunged’ are unacceptable

The archbishop of Canterbury has issued a rare public condemnation of a fellow Anglican primate who described homosexuality as a “deadly virus” which should be “radically expunged and excised”.

Justin Welby, who is the leader of the global Anglican church, said the comments made by Henry Ndukuba, the archbishop of Nigeria, were unacceptable and dehumanising.

His criticism was endorsed by senior Church of England colleagues, including Stephen Cottrell, the archbishop of York, and Sarah Mullally, the bishop of London.

In response to a statement on the pastoral care of gay people issued by the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) in January, Ndukuba said: “The deadly ‘virus’ of homosexuality has infiltrated ACNA. This is likened to a yeast that should be urgently and radically expunged and excised lest it affects the whole dough.” » | Harriet Sherwood | Saturday, March 6, 2021

Alastair Campbell vs The Archbishop of Canterbury: Alastair Does God | GQ Politics | British GQ

GQ’s arch interrogator Alastair Campbell finally does God, as he meets the man leading the Church of England, Justin Welby, to discuss the Queen's death, gay sex and battling depression.

Archbishop of Canterbury: The Way Islamic State Distorts Islam “One of the Most Desperate Aspects of Our World Today”

JIHAD WATCH: The possibility that they’re not distorting it at all, but carrying out Qur’anic commands to “kill the idolaters wherever you find them” (9:5) and the like, doesn’t enter his mind. Indeed, in an increasing number of Christian churches, anyone who raises such a possibility is silenced and ostracized: the idea that Islam is a Religion of Peace is the dogma that much of Christianity is most determined to inculcate in its people. Read on and comment » | Robert Spencer | Sunday, November 22, 2015

Archbishop of Canterbury Condemns Politicians Who View Immigration as a ‘Deep Menace’

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Justin Welby describes tone of debate about immigration as un-Christian and un-British in wake of Michael Fallon's claim that people feel ‘swamped’

The Archbishop of Canterbury has condemned politicians who speak of immigration as a "deep menace" which will "overwhelm" the country for voicing un-Christian and un-British rhetoric.

The Most Rev Justin Welby’s comments came as the Defence Secretary Michael Fallon apologised for claiming that some communities feel “swamped” and “under siege” from migrant workers.

Mr Fallon, who was slapped down by Downing Street, said he had been “a little careless” in his language.

The Archbishop, whose grandfather came to Britain as a German Jew, said clergy across the country are reporting an upsurge in “frightening” racist language in their communities.

While refusing to comment on Mr Fallon's remarks directly, the Archbishop said it was wrong to view immigration as “something that is somehow going to overwhelm” Britain. » | John Bingham and Georgia Graham | Monday, October 27, 2014

Archbishop of Canterbury Arrives in Pakistan to Support Embattled Christians

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Religious minority has suffered blasphemy accusations, terrorists attacks and forced conversions as persecution increases

The Archbishop of Canterbury has arrived in Pakistan to show his backing for the country’s persecuted Christian minority and to ask Muslim leaders for help in building better relations.

The Most Rev Justin Welby is due to meet politicians as well as bishops from the Church of Pakistan before travelling to Bangladesh and India.

The trip, conducted amid tight security, is part of a promise to meet leaders of the Anglican community as early as possible after taking up office and comes as Christians in some parts of the developing world suffer attacks at the hands of Islamist groups.

Xavier William, of Life for All Ministries who is due to meet the archbishop on Wednesday, said the visit was a source of comfort at a time when Pakistan’s Christian community - and other religious minorities – faced unprecedented pressure.

“We are seeing that persecution of Christians has got worse here in recent years,” he said. » | Rob Crilly, Islamabad | Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Welby Tells Church to Accept Gay 'Marriage' or Be Seen as 'Akin to Racists'

The Most Rev. Justin Welby

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Archishop of Canterbury insists it is not ‘wishy-washy’ to accommodate people with different views as the Church of England grapples with homosexuality and women bishops

The Archbishop of Canterbury has told the Church of England it may have to accept changes many members do not like for the sake of unity – as it prepares for a battle over wedding-like blessing services for gay couples.

The Most Rev Justin Welby acknowledged that many Anglicans would view the idea of special services honouring same-sex relationships as a “betrayal” of its traditions and even “apostacy” [sic] .

But he warned that others would see the Church as increasingly “irrelevant” and promoting attitudes “akin to racism” if it does not introduce them.

In a personal address to the Church’s decision-making General Synod, which is meeting in London, he urged members not to be afraid of “incoherence and inconsistency” in some cases and “untidy” arrangements to avoid splits.

He insisted that it was not “wishy-washy” to attempt to accommodate people with opposing views and said it was time for a massive “cultural change” in how it approaches disagreement. » | John Bingham | Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Uganda Archbishop Responds to Welby on Anti-gay Laws

BBC: The head of the Anglican Church in Uganda has given a critical response to a letter from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York warning that gays and lesbians should not be victimised.

Their letter was sent to all presiding archbishops of the Anglican Communion.

It was also sent to the presidents of Uganda and Nigeria, which have recently introduced anti-gay legislation.

Archbishop Stanley Ntagali responded that "homosexual practice is incompatible with Scripture".

He said he hoped the Church of England would "step back from the path" it had set itself on "so the Church of Uganda will be able to maintain communion with our own Mother Church".

In the letter, Archbishops Justin Welby and John Sentamu said they were responding to questions asked about the Church of England's attitude to laws penalising "people with same-sex attraction".

Homosexuals were loved and valued by God and deserved the "best pastoral care and friendship", they said. » | Friday, January 31, 2014

Related »

Archbishops Criticise Nigerian and Ugandan Anti-gay Laws

Archbishop Welby is on a five-day tour of four African countries

BBC: The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have written to the presidents of Nigeria and Uganda, after being asked about laws there penalising gay people.

The letter said homosexual people were loved and valued by God and should not be victimised or diminished.

Nigeria and Uganda have both passed legislation targeting people with same-sex attraction.

The letter is also addressed to all primates (heads of national Churches) in the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Archbishops Justin Welby of Canterbury and John Sentamu of York said the letter was a result of "questions about the Church of England's attitude to new legislation in several countries that penalises people with same-sex attraction".

The letter comes as Archbishop Welby starts a five-day tour of four African countries. » | Thursday, January 30, 2014

'Pray for the Kenya Terrorists': Archbishop of Canterbury Faces Controversy after Urging People Not to Forget the 'Captors' in Their Prayers

MAIL ONLINE: Justin Welby reveals he has prayed for both the gunmen and victims / Archbishop says what he has done is in line with Jesus's teachings / Ten Britons now feared to be among the victims of attack in Nairobi

The Archbishop of Canterbury today urged Christians around the world to pray for the terrorists who brutally killed at least 67 in Nairobi.

Justin Welby told worshippers not to forget 'the captors' in their prayers, so they can see that violence 'won't have the last word'.

He revealed that he himself had prayed for both the gunmen and the victims, and said that to do so was in line with Jesus Christ's teachings. Read on and comment » | Daniel Martin | Thursday, September 26, 2013

Archbishop of Canterbury Condemns 'Unacceptable' Attacks on Muslims

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Archbishop of Canterbury has said he does not want to live in a "monocultural" society and condemned "unacceptable" and "inexcusable" attacks on Muslims over recent weeks.

Speaking at Featherstone High School in Southall, west London, the Most Rev Justin Welby described attacks on mosques in the wake of the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby earlier this year as "evil actions".

"The attacks on minority ethnic groups across the country that there have been over the last few weeks are inexecusable [sic], unacceptable and a scandal to a tradition of hospitality in this country of which we should be deeply proud and which has contributed far more to us than it has taken from us," he said.

He added: "I want, as I have already done, to acknowledge the pressure that our Muslim friends and colleagues have faced over the last few weeks.

"There have been terrible attacks, I know that the vast majority of those in this country and especially people of faith would join me in condemning utterly any act of violence against anyone because of their faith.

"We want you to know that we stand with you, we will do so privately and publicly. We will do so persistently and I pray in the grace of God, persuasively.

"We will do all we can to support the security forces, the police, in bringing to justice those who seek to spread hate and cause division in our community."

Welby told his audience that diversity was a "gift not a threat" and he did not want to live in a "monocultural" society. He said he "rejoiced" in the example of inter[-]faith cooperation and community work he had witnessed in Southall.

"Diversity is a gift, not a threat, it is a hope, not a danger," he said. » | News agencies | Monday, July 22, 2013

Welby Calls for Church to Join the Sexual ‘Revolution’

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Archbishop of Canterbury has warned the Church of England that it had to face up to a “revolution” in attitudes to homosexuality.

In his most widely anticipated address since taking over the leadership of the Church, the Most Rev Justin Welby insisted that it was now “absurd and impossible” to ignore an “overwhelming” change in social attitudes.

In a deliberate echo of Harold MacMillan’s 1950 speech which attacked apartheid in South Africa, the Archbishop warned church leaders that they needed to reassess their own attitudes to gay people – even if they do not “like it”.

While insisting he had no immediate plans to change policy on issues such as gay marriage, he announced a major campaign to curb anti-gay bullying in the Church of England’s more than 5,000 schools.

He is understood to have approached Stonewall, which led the campaign in favour of gay marriage, to invite it into church schools to teach up to a million children about homosexuality.

“We may or may not like it but we must accept that there is a revolution in the area of sexuality,” the Archbishop said.

His comments, signalling a dramatic change in tone from the established church, came in his first address as Archbishop to the Church’s General Synod which is meeting in York as it attempts to come up with a new solution to the fiasco over women bishops. » | John Bingham, Religious Affairs Editor | Friday, July 05, 2013

Justin Welby Enthroned as 105th Archbishop of Canterbury
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Justin Welby warned against “severing the roots” of more than 1,000 years of Christianity in Britain as he was enthroned as 105th Archbishop of Canterbury.


In an impassioned sermon at Canterbury Cathedral he attributed some of the greatest advances in our history – from the abolition of slavery to the foundation of the NHS – to its Christian heritage.

He said that Britain’s laws and social order drew on its “rootedness in Christ”.

And he insisted that the Church must now focus on new battles including combating global poverty and protecting the environment.

His comments came amid a colourful enthronement service attended by the Prince of Wales and David Cameron as well – for the first time in recent years – the leaders of all branches of the Anglican church worldwide.

Speaking about the miracle of walking on water he urged the Church not to be cowed by falling numbers ands said there was “every possible reason for optimism” about its future.

Speaking after taking his p[l]ace on the Sixth Century throne of St Augustine, he said: “For more than 1,000 years this country has to one degree or another sought to recognise that Jesus is the son of God; by the ordering of its society, by its laws, by its sense of community.

“Sometimes we have done better, sometimes worse.

“When we do better we make space for our own courage to be liberated, for God to act among us and for human beings to flourish. » | John Bingham, Religious Affairs Editor | Thursday, March 21, 2013


As it happened: Archbishop of Canterbury enthronement » | Thursday, March 21, 2013

Archbishop of Canterbury Opposed Gay Sex and Adoption
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Archbishop of Canterbury voiced opposition to same-sex couples adopting children and insisted that the Bible is “clear” that gay couples should not have sex, previously unpublished writings show.


Justin Welby also privately warned of a crisis facing the Church of England as a result of dwindling numbers and financial pressure which could even pose “serious questions of viability” within the next seven to 10 years.

And he openly questioned the formality of the Established Church, wondering aloud whether Jesus would have approved of “big buildings” and elaborate clerical dress.

His comments are disclosed in the first biography of the new leader of the world’s 77 million Anglicans, who will be formally enthroned in Canterbury later this month.

It charts his transformation from a highly paid City oil executive to life on a clerical stipend before his rapid promotion through the ranks of the Church.

It also reveals some of the most unguarded comments of the future Archbishop yet published, dating from his time as a little known parish priest just over a decade ago.

More recently, he voiced frustration at being branded a homophobic “European Taliban” for advocating traditional views on sex.

Archbishop Welby comes from the evangelical wing of the Church of England, which espouses traditional views on such issues. » | John Bingham, Religious Affairs Editor | Friday, March 08, 2013

New Archbishop Says Church Had 'Made Views Clear' on Gay Marriage
The new Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby said the Church had “made our views clear” to the Government on gay marriage as he was sworn in to the role.

Read the article here

Mixed Views About New Church of England Leader
The Church of England will soon have a new leader. Justin Welby is tipped to be the next archbishop of Canterbury, and head of the worldwide Anglican communion. But as Laurence Lee reports, people have conflicting views about him.

New Archbishop Justin Welby Pledges Re-think on Gay Marriage
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The new Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby offered an olive branch to the gay community saying he will re-examine his opposition to same-sex marriage.


The new Archbishop of Canterbury offered an olive branch to the gay community despite reaffirming his opposition to same-sex marriage.

Justin Welby, the Bishop of Durham, pledged to examine his own thinking on homosexuality "carefully and prayerfully" and spoke out against "exclusion".

Be he said he supported the Church's current stance on redefining marriage. "I support the House of Bishop's statement in the summer in answer to the government's consultation on same sex marriage.

I know I need to listen very attentively to the LGBT communities, and examine my own thinking prayerfully and carefully. » | John Bingham, Religious Affairs Editor | Friday, November 09, 2012

Related »

Justin Welby Confirmed as Next Archbishop of Canterbury

THE GUARDIAN: Old Etonian and Cambridge graduate with reputation for self-deprecation gets nod to succeed Rowan Williams

Justin Welby, a former oil executive who was made a bishop just over a year ago, has been appointed the next leader of the Church of England, Downing Street confirmed on Friday morning.

A statement on the website of the prime minister's office said the Queen had nominated Welby. A press conference at Lambeth Palace is taking place to announce that the 56-year-old bishop of Durham will be the 105th man to sit on the throne of Saint Augustine, succeeding Rowan Williams[.]

Welby will be enthroned as archbishop of Canterbury in Canterbury Cathedral on 21 March 2013. He said: "To be nominated to this post is both astonishing and exciting. It is something I never expected, and the last few weeks have been a very strange experience.

"It is exciting because we are at one of those rare points where the tide of events is turning, and the church nationally, including the Church of England has great opportunities to match its very great but often hidden strengths.

"I feel a massive sense of privilege at being one of those responsible for the leadership of the church in a time of spiritual hunger, when our network of parishes and churches and schools and above all people means that we are facing the toughest issues in the toughest place." » | Lizzy Davies | Friday, November 09, 2012

THE GUARDIAN – EDITORIAL: Justin Welby: a pragmatic priest in turbulent times: An evangelical conservative, the new archbishop of Canterbury will not run up against the suspicion of the church's reactionaries ¶ It was not through a puff of white smoke but through the suspension of booking at Ladbrokes that providence made itself known. For the identity of the new archbishop of Canterbury to emerge in this way is embarrassing, but then embarrassment is nothing new for the Church of England. In recent months fellow churchmen have torn themselves asunder over Occupy, and for far longer they have obsessively observed the injunction of Salt-n-Pepa: let's talk about sex. The divisive preoccupation with gay clergy and gay marriage crowds out much other discussion, and at times prevents the church being heard on anything else at all. And, all the while, the relentless withering of the congregations continues. » | Editorial | Thursday, November 08, 2012