Church members must live with ‘baggage’ of the past, says Welby
BEING A Christian in the Church of England means living with “baggage” which includes “saints and slave-traders”, the Archbishop of Canterbury told those watching history being made in York.
Referencing the recent Black Lives Matter protests, Justin Welby said the Church has an inheritance “to be reformed, to be repented of, to be imitated” during the virtual service confirming the election of Stephen Cottrell as the 98th Archbishop of York.
In his address, Mr Welby said: “Living as a Christian requires us to live not only in fellowship with Christians around the world but, also, with the Church throughout time, in practice that draws us into traditional and inherited patterns.
“With the Church of England we know that some of those bring
baggage. We find saints and slavetraders with the humble servant of the people. They are part of us, of our inheritance, to be reformed, to be repented of, to be imitated.”
The Archbishop, who this week announced the Lambeth Conference which brings together clergy from around the world had been postponed two years until 2022, also acknowledged that the “ravages of coronavirus” have shaken the foundations of society.
He added: “We gather together during a time of uncertainty when many are suffering, many are fearful and the foundations of our society have been shaken to their core by the ravages of coronavirus.
“The whole church is committed to pray for all those who have been affected and continue to be affected by this pandemic – Jesus told us to keep on praying and not to lose heart.”
Referring to the unusual circumstances of the service, the initial part of which was held behind closed doors due to social distancing restrictions, Mr Welby said: “Even though this ministry begins today in a digital environment, it will be earthed in the world that Christ came to save.”