Archbishop of Canterbury to visit
ON SUNDAY, July 21, at 9 a.m., the Archbishop of the West Indies, the Most Reverend Dr Howard Gregory will preside at a national service to be held at the National Arena. The preacher will be the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby. This, as the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands celebrates 200 years of Christian witness, which is different from when the Church of England functioned as a chaplaincy to His Majesty’s loyal subjects.
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the titular head of the Worldwide Anglican Communion. This means that he is recognised as being of very significant rank for Anglicans; so much so that one of the instruments used to determine communion within the Worldwide Anglican Communion is communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Archbishop of Canterbury is, however, not a pope.
When the Archbishop comes to Jamaica, he will come as ‘primus inter pares’ or ‘first among equals’. He is the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury. He will address a diocese whose synod theme for 2024 is, ‘Yesterday… Today… Tomorrow: Celebrating Service, Guarding Justice, Affirming Hope’.
ON RACISM
Readers of Family and Religion will be interested in Justin Welby’s advocacy for justice issues. He did not mince words in telling the General Synod of the Church that he was ashamed of the Church’s history of racism. A motion was before the synod regarding racism since the arrival of the Windrush generation. It was indeed refreshing to hear someone from the roots of colonial history acknowledging that the Church had been a “hostile environment” to these people, many of whom came from the Caribbean.
That he has been able to even say that the Church of England is “still institutionally racist” is commendable. Confession is always a good place to start. The BBC quoted his saying, “I am sorry and ashamed. I’m ashamed of our history and I’m ashamed of our failure. There is no doubt when we look at our own Church that we are still deeply institutionally racist. I said it to the College of Bishops a couple of years ago and it’s [still] true.”
ON REPARATORY JUSTICE
The Voice of Africa has noted that, “The Church of England has accepted a £1 billion target to address historical financial links to the slave trade as recommended by an oversight group led by descendants of enslaved Africans which said the initial £100 million was too low.”
ON ABORTION
When his wife was pressured to have an abortion, they refused to go with that advice. He noted, “Before she was born, during the pregnancy, there was some concern and a test was offered, but it was made very, very clear to my wife that if the test was taken and proved positive it would be expected that we ask for a termination.”
Many will be inspired by his thoughts. During a motion by Archdeacon Pete Spiers of Liverpool, the Archbishop said, “Ellie is exceptionally precious. She’s precious because she’s wonderful, she’s kind, she is someone who gets cross and is happy and is sad. I hope that this motion passes not just because of Ellie but because of our belief in human dignity.” The motion was challenging the view that it was a tragedy to bring a disabled child into the world.
VISIT TO JAMAICA
With reference to his anticipated visit, the Archbishop notes, “I am greatly looking forward to visiting Jamaica to celebrate 200 years of this dynamic and vibrant diocese. With worship, prayer and thanksgiving, we will look back on 200 years – celebrating those achievements in helping to build the nation and nurture its people, whilst also acknowledging the pain of the past and the importance of reconciliation.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s website further notes his saying, “As we acknowledge this rich but often difficult history, we will also be looking to the future, and a period of renewal and transformation. It is an exciting time for the Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, as it redesigns its ministry to meet the physical and spiritual needs of different people: Christians of all denominations and vocations, those of all faiths and none, across urban and rural communities. I look forward to visiting cathedrals, churches and universities, meeting with those who love and worship Jesus Christ – as well as those who are yet to know him.”
This historic moment for the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands is also happening at a time when Jamaica engages conversations around sovereignty, the abode of its final court of appeal, reparatory justice, and such sometimes challenging issues. What will be the message of His Grace Justin Welby as he speaks to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands?
I do not know what his message will be, but I certainly agree with Archbishop Justin Welby who once said, “When the Church is working it is the most mind-bogglingly, amazingly, extraordinarily beautiful community on Earth. It heals, it transforms, it loves, and it changes society.”
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