Archbishop clarifies theological vision
-Feb 12, 2003
The Archbishop of Canterbury has reaffirmed his belief in the link between theology and politics, and elaborated on his
Archbishop clarifies theological vision
-Feb 12, 2003
The Archbishop of Canterbury has reaffirmed his belief in the link between theology and politics, and elaborated on his position concerning a number of social and political questions.
In a wide-ranging interview with the Daily Telegraph Rowan Williams covered subjects from Iraq to disestablishment and homosexuality within the Church of England.
Asked about his social and political views, which are often interpreted as on the political Left, the Archbishop expressed worry about those who would seek to separate Christianity and politics.
ìMy concern is more with those people who say that there is an absolute division between political concern and theological vision.î He said.
On the subject of Iraq the Primate pointed out his two greatest anxieties about military action, as firstly the long-term effect on the Middles East and the precedents that might be set by pre-emptive military action. He also expressed concern at the idea of any country taking on the role of ëglobal policemaní.
When questioned about homosexuality the Archbishop suggested that the debates are often too focused on the detail rather than the bigger questions of sexuality.
He said; ìin general, my worry is, frankly, that while we talk about particular bits of sexual ethics, we as Christians are in danger of losing the big cultural argument about sexuality, that it is a gift of God to be exercised in a way that shows God’s faithfulness and commitment.î
The Archbishop expressed ìuneaseî about the way in which debates have been set up, which fail to look at ìthe real heart of Christian teachingî which deals with faithful relationship, as ìa living sign of God’s commitmentî. He pointed out that the acts that are deplored, in the Bible, are the ones that rupture the covenant quality of the relationship.
Archbishop clarifies theological vision
-Feb 12, 2003
The Archbishop of Canterbury has reaffirmed his belief in the link between theology and politics, and elaborated on his position concerning a number of social and political questions.
In a wide-ranging interview with the Daily Telegraph Rowan Williams covered subjects from Iraq to disestablishment and homosexuality within the Church of England.
Asked about his social and political views, which are often interpreted as on the political Left, the Archbishop expressed worry about those who would seek to separate Christianity and politics.
ìMy concern is more with those people who say that there is an absolute division between political concern and theological vision.î He said.
On the subject of Iraq the Primate pointed out his two greatest anxieties about military action, as firstly the long-term effect on the Middles East and the precedents that might be set by pre-emptive military action. He also expressed concern at the idea of any country taking on the role of ëglobal policemaní.
When questioned about homosexuality the Archbishop suggested that the debates are often too focused on the detail rather than the bigger questions of sexuality.
He said; ìin general, my worry is, frankly, that while we talk about particular bits of sexual ethics, we as Christians are in danger of losing the big cultural argument about sexuality, that it is a gift of God to be exercised in a way that shows God’s faithfulness and commitment.î
The Archbishop expressed ìuneaseî about the way in which debates have been set up, which fail to look at ìthe real heart of Christian teachingî which deals with faithful relationship, as ìa living sign of God’s commitmentî. He pointed out that the acts that are deplored, in the Bible, are the ones that rupture the covenant quality of the relationship.