The Archbishop of Canterbury has told churchgoers attending his Easter Sunday service t the church is not “party political” but shows ”love-in-action and word because of who God is, revealed in Jesus”.
Most Rev Justin Welby told the congregation at Canterbury Cathedral that Anglicans are "all different" in their politics and do not “pick causes by opinion polls or human pressure”. He called for "love-in-action" to help those caught up in conflict, including children in Gaza and Sudan, hostages held by Hamas and people in Ukrainian cities.
In recent weeks, the senior cleric has faced criticism for his branding of the government’s Rwanda policy as “morally unacceptable" and "leading the nation down a damaging path".
The government's Rwanda legislation, meant to address legal challenges to the stalled asylum scheme, is stuck in parliamentary limbo after further defeats in the Lords. MPs won't debate it until after the Easter break.
In his Easter address, the archbishop stated: “We act because of what God says, found in the bible and to be lived out by the church - in over 30,000 social projects – in 8,000 food banks. We proclaim the righteousness of God who acts for the poor and vulnerable, for the rich and comfortable, with love and perfect justice for all, good and bad. Nothing in this world will stop us seeking to obey God faithfully; whatever the ridicule, the price or the result, for Christ is risen and He will be our final and perfect judge.
“Therefore, let us seek action amongst the starving children of Gaza and Sudan – and the parents who try desperately to find food for them, action for the hostages held by Hamas, action for those in the trenches and cities and fears of Ukraine, action in at least 30 but probably closer to 50 other places of armed conflict, action for the 25-30% of children in this country in poverty.”
Archbishop Justin also took the opportunity to mention King Charles and the Princess of Wales, who are both being treated for cancer. He opened his sermon by sharing that he listened with "compassion and sympathy" to Catherine’s video and offered prayers for everyone grappling with the disease.
"We pray for her and the King in their dignified response and we pray for all those who are suffering the same way."
