News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

justin-welby-walking-main_galleryfull.jpg banner.jpg
justin-welby-walking-main_article_image.jpg
UK News

Justin Welby: It's important we remember Jesus was not white

by Tola Mbakwe

The Archbishop of Canterbury has said it's important people remember Jesus was Middle Eastern and not white. 

On Saturday Most Rev Justin Welby tweeted his favourite images of Christ from around the world, all depicting him with dark skin.


Archbishop Justin's tweet comes after he said the Church of England should rethink its portrayal of Jesus as white. 

In an interview on Friday with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he said in many churches around the world Jesus is not depicted as white. 

"You see a black Jesus, a Chinese Jesus, a Middle-Eastern Jesus - which is of course the most accurate - you see a Fijian Jesus," Archbishop Justin said. 

"Jesus is portrayed in as many ways as there are cultures, languages and understandings. 

"And I don't think that throwing out everything we've got in the past is the way to do it but I do think saying: 'That's not the Jesus who exists, that's not who we worship,' it is a reminder of the universality of the God who became fully human."

As the Black Lives Matter campaign in the UK has sparked calls for monuments of slave traders to be torn down across the country, the archbishop also said statues in Canterbury Cathedral will be under review

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate