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Christians are 'too soft' says former Archbishop of Canterbury
Christians have been "too soft" and let others "walk over them" to avoid upsetting people, a former Archbishop of Canterbury has warned.
By Tom Whitehead, Home Affairs Editor
Published: 8:01AM GMT 07 Jan 2010
In a stark message, Lord Carey said the Church of England needs to be "tougher" and more outspoken in preserving its beliefs.
It came as he said migrants wanting to come to the UK should respect the country's Christian heritage and warned the country could be in "deep trouble" if immigration and population keeps growing at the current rate.
His attack could be seen by some as a criticism of his successor as the head of the Anglican church, Dr Rowan Williams.
Dr Williams sparked anger in 2008 when he said is "seems inevitable" that some parts of the Islamic sharia law would be enshrined in UK law.
Lord Carey said: "I think we need a tougher Church. We Christians are very often so soft that we allow other people to walk over us and we are not as tough in what we want, in expressing our beliefs, because we do not want to upset other people.
"We have got to be more outspoken."
It echoes comments made in August last year by the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali who said traditional British society was under threat from the rise of aggressive secularism and radical Islam as he stepped down as the Bishop of Rochester.
He called on the established religion must speak out more to preserve the country’s Christian heritage and offer moral guidance to the masses.
Lord Carey said migrants should show an understanding of Christian heritage while the immigration system needs to focus more on values
He was speaking a day after a cross party group of public figures, including himself, warned a failure to limit immigration could put "social harmony" at risk.
He said: "The statistics indicate that, if we carry on at the rate we are, our country is going to be in deep trouble and this is going to foster social unrest.
"I worry about my grandchildren. I want this country to carry on being one that values the Christian heritage, but most of all values the democratic standards and all that this country has fought over.
"It has been a battle – when you think, it has only been in last 100 years that the average man or woman has received the vote, so it has been a tough struggle.
"Our values therefore are very important to us, we want other people to recognise that and to be committed to it as well."
Lord Carey said the points based system may even reward those who understand and espouse such a heritage but insisted he was not calling for such a move.
He said anyone wanting to come to the UK should also be aware of the nation's history and language.
The parliamentary Cross-Party Group on Balanced Migration has called for all main political parties to make manifesto commitments to keep the population of the UK under 70 million by slashing net immigration.
He said he was not calling for a preference for any religion but added: "There is a points based system. If there is going to be an implementation of that points system it must focus much more on values rather than religion."
He said if there are "competing groups" wanting to come in to the country, then "some groups which may have a greater understanding, an espousal to that, may be given a preference under such a system. But that is not what I am arguing and certainly not what the cross party group is arguing."
He warned that if concerns about the level and nature of immigration were not addressed, it simply would play into the hands of the far right British National Party.
By Tom Whitehead, Home Affairs Editor
Published: 8:01AM GMT 07 Jan 2010
In a stark message, Lord Carey said the Church of England needs to be "tougher" and more outspoken in preserving its beliefs.
It came as he said migrants wanting to come to the UK should respect the country's Christian heritage and warned the country could be in "deep trouble" if immigration and population keeps growing at the current rate.
His attack could be seen by some as a criticism of his successor as the head of the Anglican church, Dr Rowan Williams.
Dr Williams sparked anger in 2008 when he said is "seems inevitable" that some parts of the Islamic sharia law would be enshrined in UK law.
Lord Carey said: "I think we need a tougher Church. We Christians are very often so soft that we allow other people to walk over us and we are not as tough in what we want, in expressing our beliefs, because we do not want to upset other people.
"We have got to be more outspoken."
It echoes comments made in August last year by the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali who said traditional British society was under threat from the rise of aggressive secularism and radical Islam as he stepped down as the Bishop of Rochester.
He called on the established religion must speak out more to preserve the country’s Christian heritage and offer moral guidance to the masses.
Lord Carey said migrants should show an understanding of Christian heritage while the immigration system needs to focus more on values
He was speaking a day after a cross party group of public figures, including himself, warned a failure to limit immigration could put "social harmony" at risk.
He said: "The statistics indicate that, if we carry on at the rate we are, our country is going to be in deep trouble and this is going to foster social unrest.
"I worry about my grandchildren. I want this country to carry on being one that values the Christian heritage, but most of all values the democratic standards and all that this country has fought over.
"It has been a battle – when you think, it has only been in last 100 years that the average man or woman has received the vote, so it has been a tough struggle.
"Our values therefore are very important to us, we want other people to recognise that and to be committed to it as well."
Lord Carey said the points based system may even reward those who understand and espouse such a heritage but insisted he was not calling for such a move.
He said anyone wanting to come to the UK should also be aware of the nation's history and language.
The parliamentary Cross-Party Group on Balanced Migration has called for all main political parties to make manifesto commitments to keep the population of the UK under 70 million by slashing net immigration.
He said he was not calling for a preference for any religion but added: "There is a points based system. If there is going to be an implementation of that points system it must focus much more on values rather than religion."
He said if there are "competing groups" wanting to come in to the country, then "some groups which may have a greater understanding, an espousal to that, may be given a preference under such a system. But that is not what I am arguing and certainly not what the cross party group is arguing."
He warned that if concerns about the level and nature of immigration were not addressed, it simply would play into the hands of the far right British National Party.
Tags: carey, church, dr, england, immigration, lord, of, rowan, williams
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Shelby Chappell on -
First, I live in America, but we face the same issues as we are all Christians. I firmly believe that we should stand up as Christians, but I don't necessarily believe that the words "too soft" and "tougher" were exactly the right choice!
From another point of view: In a way, we are called to be "soft" in our ways -
Matthew 5:
"5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth."
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
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Permalink Reply by Phillip Gallant on -
I consider the majority of Christians in England too reserved when it comes to public demonstrations of belief. Safe behind closed doors or segregated in a tent, on some private field, away from secular eyes, they exalt in loud rapturous songs, worship and prayer. But asked at the work place or on the street corner about their faith, most can barely whisper their commitment to Christianity. I agree with Shelby; the words ‘too soft’ may not be the right choice, but I suggest ‘not bold enough’ would better suit the circumstances. I am reminded of this passage:
2 Corinthians 3:10-12 (New International Version)
10 For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11 And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! 12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
Are we also to conclude, from statements made by a very notable and prominent Christian dignitary; the raise of Islamic sharia law, immigration, aggressive secularism and the far right British National Party; is the fault of a passive Christian majority? I don’t think so! Christian complacency is at the root of this issue and it is now time for action.
So, what would Jesus do? Well...
John 2:13-17 (New International Version)
13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!"
17 His disciples remembered that it is written: "Zeal for your house will consume me."
Now that's someone being deep-seated in the truth! Jesus was getting His Father’s house in order, so that it would be in good standing to proclaim the ‘Good News’ to all the nations (and whatever beliefs they were under).
The word ‘zeal’ stands for; enthusiasm, passion, fervour, ardour and eagerness. And, that’s just what we need to do in faith, with the power of His grace; be enthusiastic in proclaiming our Christian conviction. We need to loudly proclaim passionately God’s ‘Word’, with feverous ardour and eagerness. So that whatever or whoever comes our way, the Glory of our Lord Jesus will shine brightly into their hearts and minds. For;
John 7:38 (New International Version)
38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
God's Blessings be upon you!
Phill (ozofee)
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