Displaying items by tag: Justin Welby

Survivors of abuse associated with John Smyth, a prolific child abuser linked to the Church of England, are urging further resignations following Justin Welby’s decision on 13 November to step down. A review revealed Welby 'could and should have’ reported Smyth’s abuse in 2013. Many survivors maintain that his resignation alone is insufficient, and insist that all individuals involved in the cover-up be held accountable. An independent report detailed the Church’s historical inaction, describing it as a 'missed opportunity' to bring Smyth to justice before his death in 2018. Bishop Rachel Treweek emphasised the need for further accountability, while Bishop Martin Gorick expressed discomfort with the situation. See also

The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) has called on Archbishop Justin Welby to publicly repent for endorsing same-sex blessings, claiming his stance contradicts the traditional 'doctrine of Christ’. In a recent podcast, Welby advocated for allowing same-sex couples in civil partnerships or marriages to receive blessings in church, stating that sexual activity should be confined to committed relationships, regardless of sexual orientation. GAFCON contends that this viewpoint alters the doctrine of sin and supports what they see as a sanctification of sin. Evangelical groups across the UK, including the Evangelical Council and Christian Concern, have also voiced disapproval, suggesting that Welby’s remarks represent a significant departure from Anglican orthodoxy. Some groups are forming alternative structures, like the Anglican Network in Europe, to support members who feel unable to remain in the CofE under these evolving doctrines.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, addressing world leaders at the International Meeting for Peace in Paris, emphasised the critical role of prayer in achieving peace. Speaking in French, he said that peace efforts in today’s world cannot succeed without prayer, which leads to reconciliation and hope. Referring to the 56 active global conflicts, including Ukraine, he lamented the ongoing death of innocents and the rise in fear and hatred. He also described climate change as an undeclared war against creation, contributing to other conflicts. He believes that prayer aligns us with God's will for peace, justice, and the common good, inspiring imagination to address crises like political breakdown and community hostility. He stressed that reconciliation is a long-term process requiring truth-telling, healing, and mutual acceptance. Other speakers included France's chief rabbi, Haïm Korsia, and Afghan refugee Lina Hassani. The Archbishop urged continued global prayer for reconciliation and lasting peace.

Justin Welby has launched the Difference programme for church youth groups through his Reconciliation Ministry. This initiative aims to nurture a new generation of peacemakers, building on its success in churches, prisons, and secondary schools. Difference draws on Christ’s teachings and expert peacemakers' wisdom, equipping young people with three practical habits: Be Present, Be Curious, and Reimagine. These habits are designed to foster empathy, understanding, and resilience in building relationships and managing conflicts. The programme, developed with input from youth workers and education experts, includes immersive sessions which engage young people in meaningful dialogue and practical exercises. It was piloted in several churches across the country. To celebrate the launch, Archbishop Welby hosted over 400 guests at Lambeth Palace. The event featured a procession by young people highlighting global and local divisions, followed by activities and a performance by the Christ’s Hospital choir. The evening included football skills sessions, prayer activities, and opportunities to explore the Difference materials, emphasising the importance of reconciliation and peace.

In their Easter messages, Justin Welby and King Charles addressed themes of hope, service, and community. Archbishop Welby, in his Easter letter, reflected on the enduring message of the scripture 'Feed my sheep' (John 21:15-17). He stressed the importance of the Church's pastoral care, despite its historical shortcomings, including conflicts and persecution. Welby's message was shaped by his experiences in conflict zones like Jerusalem, Armenia, and Ukraine, emphasising the despair and trauma faced by people there. But he highlighted the resilient hope found in Jesus Christ, the shepherd, urging Christians to avoid despair and embrace the peace and reconciliation offered by Christ. King Charles, in a recorded message for a Maundy Thursday service at Worcester Cathedral, praised those extending friendship and care, especially during times of need. He emphasised service to others, echoing his coronation vow. See

Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell have expressed concerns over Michael Gove's plans to redefine extremism, warning that the redefinition could mistakenly target innocent individuals, exacerbating division and infringing on freedoms of speech and worship. Welby said that extremism is a shifting problem across all faiths, posing significant dangers, including the rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia. He stressed the importance of involving diverse groups in defining extremism, cautioning against a government-only approach. The current definition of extremism includes opposition to fundamental British values like democracy and mutual respect for different faiths. The archbishops are concerned that Gove's forthcoming redefinition may disproportionately affect Muslim communities, increasing hate and abuse. They urged broader consultation and offered the CofE's assistance in facilitating community discussions. In response, the Government reiterated plans to appoint an independent adviser on anti-Muslim hatred.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, in his presidential address at General Synod, illuminated the enduring message of faith and resilience amidst global turmoil. He highlighted the pivotal role of faith in navigating through adversity, drawing from the Psalms' portrayal of adversity. Reflecting on global turmoil, from the war in Ukraine to the forgotten conflicts in Myanmar and Sudan, he called for compassionate action. He emphasised the importance of prayerful lament and protest, encouraging believers to find solace in God. Urging his listeners not to fear, and reminding them of God’s faithfulness, he said: ‘God is greater than our fears, our enemies, and our failures. When that is our comfort and peace, then in this world, at this time, off its hinges, we can in all our troubles be truly the church we should be - truly God's Church in God's world.’

The Archbishop of Canterbury has called on global faith leaders to take action against the effects of climate change. Speaking at the Global Leaders Faith Summit in Abu Dhabi, Justin Welby emphasised the challenges millions of Christians worldwide face due to the climate crisis. He stressed the importance of caring for the climate and neighbours, especially the poor and vulnerable, and urged faith leaders to lead by example in protecting the planet. The Archbishop's audience included UN secretary-general António Guterres and a Vatican representative. He highlighted that faith leaders represent the majority of people globally and can demonstrate the desire for change and support bold decisions at COP28. The Church of England has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030, divesting from fossil fuels. Archbishop Welby's message precedes COP28  in Dubai, which Pope Francis plans to attend - the first time a pope will participate in the UN environmental meeting since its inception in 1995.

An excerpt from Justin Welby’s sermon: ‘The weight of the task given you today, Your Majesties, is only bearable by the Spirit of God, who gives us the strength to give our lives to others. With the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the King is given freely what no ruler can ever attain through will, or politics, or war, or tyranny: the Holy Spirit draws us to love in action. This is promised by Jesus who put aside all privilege, because, as the first reading tells us, God will give all things for our sake, even his life. His throne was a Cross. His crown was made of thorns. His regalia were the wounds that pierced his body. Each of us is called by God to serve. Whatever that looks like in our own lives, each of us can choose God’s way today. We can say to the King of Kings, God himself, as does the King here today, “Give grace that in thy service I may find perfect freedom”.’

Justin Welby has said the Illegal Migration Bill would not stop small boat crossings, and it fails in our moral responsibility towards refugees. The archbishop and nearly 90 peers will speak in the House of Lords debate. He said the bill ‘fails utterly’ to take the long-term view of migration challenges globally. He agreed existing international law needs updating, but the bill is a ‘short-term fix which risks great damage to the UK's interests and reputation, at home and abroad’. He was speaking as the bill begins what is expected to be a rocky passage through the House of Lords as the government does not have a majority there. The home secretary is urging peers to get behind the legislation. The bill is a key part of Rishi Sunak's plan to ‘stop’ small boats crossing the English Channel. Opposition parties and charities say the bill is unworkable and could breach international law.