Most Rev Justin Welby gave the following message on social media on Christmas Day:
1/3 In 2016 it's on the edge, among the ignored and persecuted, that I've seen the glory of God most clearly.
— Justin Welby Ù† (@JustinWelby) December 25, 2016
2/3 This year it's on the margins – where Jesus is found – that I've seen a love greater than fear, terror, death and despair.
— Justin Welby Ù† (@JustinWelby) December 25, 2016
3/3 Looking forward to preaching at @No1Cathedral this morning, and sharing some of these stories of the difference Jesus makes. #Christmas
— Justin Welby Ù† (@JustinWelby) December 25, 2016
Nigel Farage said on Twitter minutes afterwards:
Merry Christmas. Ignore all negative messages from the Archbishop of Canterbury and have a great day!
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) December 25, 2016
Farage's comment preceded the Archbishop's Christmas Day sermon in Canterbury Cathedral, focussing on the glory of God.
The Archbishop told worshippers: "The only place and person who can bring glory to us is the child of Bethlehem who became the victim on the cross.
"For God has come among his people to bring salvation. Glory revealed - because in receiving this gift we receive true life. Glory revealed - because in coming to him our deepest longings and greatest needs are met. Glory revealed - because the birth of this child heralds peace on earth.
"Here and here alone there is true hope, utter certainty.
"In faithfulness to the glory of the Baby in the manger we are all called to respond to this child with unlimited devotion, in worship and awe. Then, whoever, wherever we are, we see the glory of God."
Some agreed with Farage's criticism of Welby's comments, saying:
@Nigel_Farage thanks for giving normal, hardworking British people a voice Nigel. Keep up the good work.
— Ash Maynard (@AshMaynard76) December 25, 2016
@Nigel_Farage Merry Christmas to you and your family Mr Farage Best prime minister we never had don't ever stop telling the truth The truth always wins
— Steven Durack (@StevenDurack) December 25, 2016
@Nigel_Farage Thanks, Nigel. Have a lovely day including ur family. Cheers for speaking up for the silent majority in this country.
— Gerry (@Gerry_UK001) December 25, 2016
But others, including non-Christians, defended the Archbishop of Canterbury:
@Nigel_Farage which bit of praying for the poor, homeless and hungry did you dislike?
— Ross MacDonald (@RossMacDonaldW6) December 25, 2016
@Nigel_Farage I'm an atheist. But will listen to the Archbishop's message of love rather than your heartless drivel any day.
— Margaret???????????? (@margarance) December 25, 2016
@Nigel_Farage What was negative about it? Peace and goodwill to all not something #UKIP endorse? #ArchbishopOfCanterbury
— ??Laura Marcus?? (@MissLauraMarcus) December 25, 2016
Most Revd Welby and Farage have had public disagreements before.
Last year the Archbishop accused the politician of "an inexcusable pandering to people's worries and prejudices" and "accentuating fear for political gain", after he claimed Britain would see mass sex attacks like the ones seen in Cologne in Germany on New Year's Eve in 2015 if it let in significant amounts of migrants from predominantly Muslim countries.
Farage accused the Archbishop of "turning a blind eye" to the attacks and urged him to contemplate the words of Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the Archbishop of Cologne, who called the attacks "deeply disturbing" which could "in no way be tolerated".
