The Archbishop of Canterbury has paid tribute to the Queen’s selfless dedication to the nation during her 60 years on the throne. During a thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral, Dr Rowan Williams praised the Queen for enduring the ups and downs of the last six decades ‘faithfully, calmly and generously’. The Archbishop encouraged people not to think of their own individual good as he reflected that the lasting memorial of the celebrations would be the ‘rebirth of an energetic, generous spirit of dedication to the common good and the public service’. Reflecting on the celebrations of the last four days, the Archbishop said that a whole community is rejoicingtogether to honour the simple statement of commitment made by a very young woman, away from home, suddenly and devastatingly bereaved, a statement that she would be there for those she governed, that she was dedicating herself to them.’
Pray: for the Queen, giving thanks for her dedication and faith, an example to us all. (Ps.45:9a)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/archbishop.praises.queen.for.dedication.to.nation/29999.htm
Archbishop on prison reform
01 Oct 2010
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu questioned the deterrent effect of imprisonment, severity of sentencing, the pivotal role of communities and the need for restorative justice in his Prisoners Education Trust Annual Lecture. Dr John Sentamu said, ‘We should be pained and troubled by the size of our prison population in Britain, the sheer number of individuals who have given up on community – and feel that community has given up on them. We need to show love and compassion while ensuring justice is served and seen to be served’. Dr Sentamu outlined that reintegration should be the stated aim of all justice and penal systems; and that a culture of blame and condemnation alienates both the victim and offender. The Archbishop said: ‘Putting more and more people away behind locked doors, for longer and longer sentences, does not help society. Neither does it help the individual’. Pray: for a wider range of sentencing options that will better serve society and the individual. (Ps.11:7)
The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu warns that ‘the nation’s humanity is at stake’ unless the elderly are protected from Government cuts. In a comment piece for The Telegraph, Dr John Sentamu admits savings must be made in public spending but urges them to be applied ‘with caution and compassion’. He says some 800,000 people who need special care are ‘old and afraid of tomorrow’ after running out of savings, even though they contributed to the building of the welfare state through their taxes. The Archbishop says society will be judged by how it treats growing numbers of vulnerable pensioners, and points out that the requirement to look after older generations goes back to the Ten Commandments. But Dr Sentamu, adds that the ageing population need not be a burden on the economy. He says many older people are saving the state money by continuing to work or supporting their spouses and grandchildren.
Pray: for the elderly and that they do not become disenfranchised by government policy. (1Ti.5:4)
More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/financialservices/retirement-finance/9010635/Archbishop-of-York-UKs-humanity-at-stake-over-elderly-care.html
Archbishop of York on sex trafficking
11 Sep 2010
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, has spoken out on the issue of sex trafficking, criticising the Government for opting out of an EU directive on the issue. Speaking in the Yorkshire Post he said: ‘According to the International Labour Organisation there are at least 2.45 million people in forced labour globally as a result of people trafficking. A large proportion (43%) is trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation, and an overwhelming majority of those sold into this sex trade (98%) are women or girls. Sex trafficking is nothing more than modern day slavery. This is women being exploited, degraded and subjected to horrific risks solely for the gratification and economic greed of others. I am therefore stunned to learn that the Government are ‘opting out’ of an EU directive designed to tackle sex trafficking. We need to join with our European brothers and sisters and put an end to this evil trade.’ Pray: for the Government to take a more pro-active role with Europe to stamp out this vile trade. (Isa.1:4)
Archbishop of York launches new national charity
28 Jul 2010
The Archbishop of York launched the Acts 435 charity nationally at the General Synod. The charity helps churches to make a practical difference in their local communities helping those who are going through tough times financially. In the face of further government austerity measures the Archbishop has said it is important for the Church to reach out to those in need. He said: ‘Acts 435 is designed to help us fulfil Christ’s calling and give to those in need. I hope and pray that it will be a wonderful blessing to those on the receiving end of these gifts of love. May it also be a source of joy to the donors as they see the immediate impact of their generosity on those struggling to make ends meet.’ Acts 435 is a Christian Charity, within the Church of England to bring immediate help to people in financial need. It works by matching up those who want to give with those in need. Pray: for this innovative new approach to the operation of a charity and for its success. (1Jn.4:11) More: http://www.archbishopofyork.org/2934
Archbishop of York has prostate cancer surgery
03 Jun 2013The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, has undergone an operation for prostate cancer and is expected to take a lengthy break from his duties. The Most Rev Dr John Sentamu issued a statement after his operation on Thursday in which he thanked Bill Cross his surgical team at St James’ Hospital Leeds, who performed the operation on Thursday, and the nursing staff who are currently caring or him. “I will be out of action for some time, and will continue to value your prayers,” he said. “I look forward to resuming my ministry as soon as possible.” Doctors had found his cancer to be “locally advanced”, which means that it had begun to spread to the area surrounding the prostate. The Archbishop of Canterbury led well wishers from across the Church of England in sending messages of support and prayer to the 63 year-old.
Pray: for a speedy recovery for Dr John Sentamu and for the team that continues his work in York. (Ps.103:2-3)
More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10090249/Archbishop-of-York-has-prostate-cancer-surgery.html
British society is missing out on a massive contribution the elderly could play because too many people are simply waiting for them to die, the Archbishop of Canterbury has warned. In his last speech in the House of Lords before he steps down, Dr Rowan Williams said too many older people being were being tolerated rather than valued and that the extremes of human life – childhood and old age – were both being sidelined because of an eccentric idea that only those in the so-called prime of life could make a contribution. He warned that the tendency to view older people as “dependants” or a “problem” was the root cause of neglect and abuse yet their unpaid care or volunteering work was worth the equivalent of at least £50 billion. Despite this, older people are routinely seen as “passive” and dependants instead of an asset, he said.
Pray: for greater understanding that all groups in society have value (Matt.25:40)
More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9744882/Archbishop-of-Canterbury-society-cant-wait-to-get-old-people-off-our-hands.html
The Archbishop of Canterbury is planning to expand the reach of credit unions as part of a long-term campaign to boost competition in the banking sector. He has approved proposals considering how the Church of England's reach could boost access to credit unions, which are financial co-operatives that offer short term, affordable loans to members. The church is planning a credit union, possibly in partnership with the Church of Scotland, which would lend to members of the clergy and become a source of expertise on the credit union sector.
There are also plans to encourage church members with relevant skills to volunteer at credit unions. Small, local lenders could also be invited to use church buildings and other community locations with the help of church members. With a more diverse financial sector, there should be less need for payday lenders who extract exorbitant interest rates.
Pray: for this innovative idea and that it will expand and be a force for good (Ex.22:25)
More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/borrowing/10151220/Archbishop-of-Canterbury-plans-credit-union-for-the-clergy.html