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
