World is awash with fear, warns Archbishop
THE Archbishop of Canterbury spoke of a world “awash with fear and division” as he delivered his Christmas message yesterday.
The Most Right Rev Justin Welby warned that the world had become “less predictable” during 2016.
But he also told a service at Canterbury Cathedral that a brighter future can emerge from the most difficult of times, when the “glory of God chases away the fear of terror”.
But critics, including former Ukip leader Nigel Farage, accused the archbishop of being “negative” in the wake of the historic Brexit vote and US President elect Donald Trump’s surprise election to the White House.
The archbishop said: “The end of 2016 finds us all in a different kind of world, one less predictable and certain, which feels more awash with fear and division. That uncertainty of our world, our feelings, tells us that our values are in the wrong place.
“Economic progress, technological progress, communication progress hasn’t resulted in economic justice.
“It hasn’t delivered glory for us.”
But, he said: “It is amongst those on the edge, those ignored, and amongst persecuted believers that I have most clearly seen the glory of God this year.” He said the fear of terror, the power of death, and the economies of injustice could be overcome.
The archbishop concluded: “The only place and person who can bring glory to us is the child of Bethlehem who became the victim on the cross.”
In response, Mr Farage tweeted: “Merry Christmas. Ignore all negative messages from the Archbishop of Canterbury and have a great day!”