Archbishop’s fears for nation

The Archbishop of Canterbury says he fears the country is heading in the wrong direction. In his annual Christmas message, Justin Welby says the use of bitter and malicious language has soared, while tolerance for minority groups has dwindled. He also raises the issue of increased homelessness and states he has huge respect for the “vast majority” of politicians.

During an interview with the Big Issue, he said: “We have had an MP murdered. I am not saying we are in a crisis, I am just saying the direction of travel is not what we want.” Labour MP Jo Cox was killed in June 2016, before the Brexit referendum, by far-right extremist Thomas Mair. “Rough sleeping has gone up,” he added.

“That is a matter of fact. People will argue about the causes but it is a fact it has gone up. “Food bank use has risen. There has been a huge rise in the client base of Christians Against Poverty, the debt-counselling charity. Also, people’s tolerance for minorities has gone down. “Minority groups have had a much harder time, asylum seekers, immigrants. The use of vitriolic language has gone up significantly.”

He says vulnerable people are facing tougher situations than a decade ago.

When asked about the controversy surrounding Prince Andrew, he did not comment on the Duke of York but did say it is wrong to expect the Royal Family to be “superhuman saints”.

Welby added: “I have a huge respect for our political leaders – the vast majority of them. “I think people who expose themselves to that world have to be quite brave because they will be treated terribly by a lot of people.

“I might disagree with them very strongly but they are on the pitch trying to kick the ball and I am just in the stands observing them.”

Archbishop Justin Welby has delivered his Christmas message

Supporting rough sleepers during a prayer walk