It should be the beginning of a joke and, in a way, I suppose it is: a Muslim, Jew, Sikh, Hindu, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Jainist and Christian all walk into Lambeth Palace; they look at the Christian and decide he doesn’t belong.
From here:
The Archbishop of Canterbury last night hosted a reception for inter-religious and community leaders at Lambeth Palace.
Speaking at the annual event, which brings together members different faith groups to foster relationships, Archbishop Justin Welby reflected on the theme of reconciliation, which is one of his ministry priorities.
The event was attended by a wide range of people from Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, Hindu, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Jain and Christian traditions.
I can think of a number of reasons why Welby might do this, none of which have anything to do with the hope of converting anyone, least of all the visitors, to Christianity.
The first is to demonstrate the pride with which Western Anglicanism holds firm to the proposition that it doesn’t much matter what anyone believes, so long as we can all get along.
The second is to disabuse those who are under the mistaken impression that the Anglican trinitarian god has three persons named Diversity, Inclusion and Equality; no, the one true Anglican god is now named Reconciliation.
The third is related to the first and second. If Jesus had simply learned to get along with everyone, to reconcile with them, he wouldn’t have ended up on that embarrassing cross, removing a major stumbling block in our getting along with Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Hindus, Zoroastrians, Buddhists and Jainists.
Fourth, Justin Welby has finally realised that it is easier to find agreement between Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Hindus, Zoroastrians, Buddhists and Jainists than between Anglicans.
I write in jest, of course. To be absolutely serious, Welby himself tells us what this was really all about: the need to create a space that is relational: a convenient void into which one can jettison unwanted relations. What could be clearer than that?
Folks when Justin speaks he speaks as an economist………….not a theologian. Just to be clear.
Glad that no Christians were present. This sort of “religion” is what our Lord preached against.
We’re none of us actually people to you, are we?
More like trolls 🙂
So rather than save what is left of the Christian Faith within the Church of England this ABC instead chooses to talk it up with a bunch of other fake faith groups. With such pathetic Christian leadership (or should I say lack there-of) it is only a matter of time until the CoE is completely gone.
I can’t wait to see what you will all whinge about then. 😀
David, you may wish to ban this troll who is merely heckling othet commenters rather than contributing.
We’ve done that one. I’ve tried “contributing”. But this place — and I guess that’s legitimate — is an echo chamber. Never the twain shall meet.
The state will keep it as a zombie, to suit their narrative of “religion is dead”.
No Baha’i or Ahmadi/Ahmadiyya?
Please do not ban trolls. Freedom of speech is so vital and besides, we all need a good chuckle now and then.
Might I respectfully suggest that while freedom of speech is vital, so is responsibility that goes along with it. Can’t have one without the other. I have long since tired of the rant:: I have my rights et al, which seems to have permeated our society.
Gawd, I wouldn’t be upset with David if he did ban me. It’s absolutely his prerogative. Still, I must be the most polite troll ever.
Troll: people keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.