In his recent Easter Sunday sermon, Archbishop Justin Welby extolled the virtues of the Church of England’s tireless efforts in Mozambique and Northern Ireland to cultivate an atmosphere of peace. He lauded the Church’s cooperation with Muslim leaders in establishing 200 peace clubs to counter the threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Mozambique, and commended the Belfast or Good Friday Agreement signed 25 years ago as a remarkable testament to the power of reconciliation and peacebuilding. Furthermore, the Archbishop emphasized that the recently created Windsor Framework stands as a testament to the fact that these events are not mere “one-off events” but instead represent “long journeys requiring determination, stamina, and faith.”
The Church’s Response to Historical Investment in Slavery: A Social Impact Investment Fund of £100 Million
In the course of his sermon, Mr. Welby also addressed the Church of England’s past investment in slavery, announcing the Church Commissioners’ plans to set aside a whopping £100 million for a social impact investment fund to help local and international communities affected by this history. He took care to stress that this decision was not rooted in “ambivalent wokery” but rather in the “living presence of Christ.”
The Living Reality of Christ: A Source of Renewal and Courage for the Global Church
Additionally, the Archbishop commented on the persecution faced by churches in Pakistan and elsewhere, delving into why people risk their personal safety to attend church. He stated that “We believe it because although the global church has shown its sin and foolishness and although the global church has been a place of suffering again and again since its birth 2,000 years ago, it has found renewal and new courage.” The Archbishop’s remarks highlight the fact that the true power of Christ’s message lies in its ability to offer the gift of courage and renewal even in the face of immense challenges.
True Peace: A Reality Offered by Christ’s Resurrection
Finally, the Archbishop urged congregants not to lose heart in the face of conflict, affirming that “true peace is no aimless daydream, but a reality offered because Christ was raised from the dead.” He also offered a cautionary note to “those who oppress and subjugate others,” declaring that they will face divine justice, and reminding us that while “cruel and oppressive rulers” may appear to become stronger, they will ultimately “vanish.”
The service began with the congregation singing the Easter hymn Lyra Davidica and included a series of prayers and readings before the breaking of the bread and distribution of communion. The Archbishop’s words provided a compelling reminder of the complex nature of peacebuilding and the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of adversity.
