In his book entitled The Power of Reconciliation Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev Justin Welby points to the damaging effects of slavery, as well as other economic, social, and political maladies and means of exploitation which undermine human dignity and development. At the same time, he proposes reconciliation, a fundamental principle of the gospel, especially as described in the gospel according to John, as essential to addressing many of the ills in the modern world. His message of reconciliation, highlighted by St Paul in II Cor 5, is a flagship in a world torn by war, strife, and violence but holds a beacon of hope, especially for the most vulnerable.
As Archbishop of Canterbury since 2013 and having served as Bishop of Durham prior to this appointment, his service, commitment, and dedication to the Church of England has been deemed outstanding by some, in that his commitment to peace, justice, and reconciliation is considered to be far-reaching, with its thrust towards a world where everyone has a valid place. Nevertheless, Archbishop Justin is also viewed as a controversial figure by others, who often hold the view that he is soft on issues relating to human sexuality, he panders to the liberal arm of the church while failing to give enough latitude to the evangelical arm of the church. Yet, at the same time, his commitment to reconciliation suggests there is a middle way to be found between these two groups, in that, the gospel imperative, for example as found in St John 21, featuring the resurrection of Jesus, highlights the search for, and gift of hope in the midst of difficulties and even death.
So, in solidarity with the Archbishop of the West Indies, The Most Rev Dr the Honorable Howard Gregory, the eight Dioceses which make up the Province of the West Indies and the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands in particular, Archbishop Welby will be visiting Jamaica to express support, compassion, and solidarity with the people of Jamaica, especially as a result of the passage of Hurricane Beryl. At the same time, mindful of the challenges taking place across the over forty provinces of the Anglican Communion, a group of independent churches, governed by Bishops and Archbishops, Archbishop Justin is mindful that any transformation in the present processes of these autonomous churches must be viewed as both a journey and gift.
His visit to Jamaica from July 18-21 is a journey that coincides with the 200th anniversary celebration of the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (Anglican Church). It was a gift from God, through the Church of England, to establish an autonomous church that operates today by having its rules, called Canons, which provide the governance framework within which clergy and laity alike function.
July 24 is very special in the Diocese as it marks the actual date, two hundred years ago, on which the independence of the local church was established, with letters patent or authority from the English Monarch, King George IV. On July 25, 1824, the first Bishop of the Diocese, Rt Rev Christopher Lipscomb, was consecrated at Lambeth Palace under the leadership of the then Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev Charles Manners-Sutton, who served from 1805 to 1828. Prior to this appointment of the first Bishop, the Anglican Church, or Church of England in Jamaica, as it was known then, was governed by the planter class and operated within the local governance structure from as early as 1655, with the Bishop of London providing oversight thousands of miles away.
Though time will not allow for the Archbishop of Canterbury to visit various sites across the country, given the shortness of his stay and the extremely tight schedule, nevertheless, media engagement, a visit to Church Teachers College in Mandeville, being a keynote presenter at a webinar on slavery and reparations, meeting with the local clergy and witnessing local talent on show at the opening of the new season for NDTC and a concert on the UWI campus, and, preaching at a service at the National Arena on Sunday July 21, small wonder he will not be able to do more in such a short stay on the island. Moreover, with his wife Mrs Welby accompanying him, and will have an opportunity to engage in conversation with women of the church, there will be enough to keep them busy. Overall, in recognition of his work for justice and peace, among other things, the UWI has seen it fit, at a special ceremony, to confer an honorary doctorate on the Archbishop of Canterbury.
There’s no question Archbishop Welby’s track record speaks for itself and while some are of the view he needs to be far more strident in condemning the history of enslavement and the need for reparations, it would be useful to read more in his book on reconciliation. For example, who could disagree with this line from the book, “In earthly and human processes of reconciliation all the elements of progress towards justice have to be visible. When we consider the issues of racism, especially against people in or from the Caribbean…reconciliation is needed.” Archbishop Justin views racism as a direct result of colonialism, which he names as a sin, and resulted in the enslavement of millions of Africans. To this end, he argues for repentance and reparation as theological and biblical means of righting the wrongs of history.
At the webinar on slavery and reparations Archbishop Justin will speak on the mission of the church as together we chart a way forward for the future and he will be doing so mindful of the myriad of challenges facing the Anglican Communion in particular and the global church in general. At the same time, as he reminded the Bishops at Lambeth two years ago, the church is called by God to work with or partner with God in God’s ongoing mission. This mission is described fully in scripture and is being lived out in the world by faithful Christians on a daily basis. One fundamental way this is being done is through acts of healing and reconciliation and his book on the subject, well worth acquiring and reading, has the steps to be taken to achieve lasting peace, justice, and joy.
Rt Rev Garth Minott
Bishop of Kingston
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