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Archbishop of Canterbury reflective on eve of enthronement
Episcopal News Service
Issue:
Section:
2003-035-2
Posted: Tuesday, February 18, 2003
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On the eve of his enthronement as the 104th archbishop of Canterbury on February 27, Rowan Williams reflected on his spiritual journey in a wide-ranging interview with the Daily Telegraph.
He spoke of his childhood with fond memories, describing early impressions of the Anglican tradition and how the whole Christian enterprise seemed to hang together in an imaginative and intellectual way. Originally a member of the Presbyterian Church of Wales, he recalled how the 'discovery of liturgical life was tremendously engaging' and served as a grand narrative. 'It is a story of what the world is like, and within that how different aspects of how we see God knit together,' he told Charles Moore, editor of the paper. 'I'm very interested in what can be done, what I can do, in promoting good, imaginative and solid liturgy.'
Regarding the looming possibility of war with Iraq, Williams congratulated Prime Minister Tony Blair for his commitment to a moral vision of international affairs and a very strong belief that it is possible to intervene successfully. The archbishop's two greatest fears, however, are 'the needs and the problems of Christians [and other minorities] in the region and the precedents set by preemptive military action.'
While indicating his respect for President George Bush and his attempts to fight terrorism and avoid a repeat of the devastating events of September 11, 2001, Williams expressed concern about any one country taking on the role of global policeman.
Underscoring the eagerness of most people in Muslim communities to distance themselves from the rhetoric of the terrorists, Williams said that Islam is 'a religion whose primary focus and interest is about unity--the unity of God and the unity of the faithful community under God. It is one community under God. That is what has given Islam its moral power and passion through the centuries. Whereas Christianity has, I think, been more inclined to ironies and paradox, which has made the Muslims very impatient with us.'
Touching on a topic that has stirred considerable controversy following his appointment, Williams said, 'On homosexuality in general my worry is that, while we talk about particular bits of sexual ethics, we as Christians are in danger of losing the big cultural argument about sexuality, that it is a gift of God to be exercised in a way that shows God's faithfulness and commitment.' He added that in the way the debates are drawn 'we are not looking at what the real heart of Christian teaching is in sexual ethics.'
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