..in support of our Archbishop..
A Statement in support of our Archbishop, Dr Rowan Williams
(Read out in All Saints Church, by The Vicar, Revd Roy Woodhams, on Sunday 10th February):
I believe that our Archbishop has been the subject very unfair criticism this week, and there are three things that I would like to point out to you:
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He has been maliciously misquoted by the press reports of what he actually said this week. If you look at the full text of his lecture which (which can opened with the following link: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/1581 ) you will understand this.
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Religious extremism is borne out of marginalisation! A bee will only sting when it feels that its life is under threat. Most wild animals will only attack when they have been cornered. And so it is with religious extremism - throughout history, we have seen examples of religious groups who have been cornered into impossible situations, and so have turned to violence as a last resort!
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As Christians living in Britain, we have to accept that we are no longer necessarily the majority religion or culture. But it is our responsibility, as Christians living in a multicultural society, to make this country a place where all are valued, welcomed and supported in whatever beliefs they have. And if that means working towards incorporating the laws of other faiths and cultures into British Law, then so be it.
Within all of that, I would like it to be known that Dr Rowan Williams has my full support and backing as he seeks to lead our Church through difficult times!