Archbishop Justin Welby has joined other Christian and Jewish leaders to speak out against the rise of anti-Semitism in the United Kingdom and the persecution of Christians in many parts of the world.
Other leaders signing a letter to The Times on Dec. 13.
“Anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic discourse is noticeably growing in public life and within social media in the UK,” they wrote. “As leaders of the Jewish and Christian communities in the UK we are concerned where this situation may lead. Anti-Semitism has no place in our society and those in positions of power and influence must listen to these concerns. Similarly we continue to speak out on anti-Christian sentiment and persecution of Christians in many parts of the world.”
They added: “we affirm our belief that all humankind is made in God’s image. In our respective faiths we pursue the biblical commandment to uphold a community that is fair to its people and generous to the stranger. Our faiths compel us to speak to defend truth, celebrate our diversity and common humanity, be a voice for those in need and seek transformation for the common good.
“We call on people of faith to act together with us to promote religious and cultural understanding and advance the elimination of religious and racial prejudice, with particular reference to antisemitism, through education, dialogue, and social action.”
Adapted from ACNS
Matthew Townsend is a Halifax-based freelance journalist and volunteer advocate for survivors of sexual misconduct in Anglican settings. He served as editor of the Anglican Journal from 2019 to 2021 and communications missioner for the Anglican Diocese of Quebec from 2019 to 2022. He and his wife recently entered catechism class in the Orthodox Church in America.
