Faith Trumps Religion
The Archbishop of Canterbury answers the questions of the faithful on the day where Donald Trump clinched the presidency of the United States of America. Here's a brief summary of what was said:
Does faith trump religion?
"Did you have to use that word!?" was The Archbishops humorous response at the Faith in the Community Conference. What followed was a pearl of wisdom...
"Faith is what opens up the endless horizons of the love of God and calls us to a journey of adventure that is indescribably wonderful."
What gives you most hope today?
Jesus Christ, risen from the dead. Therefore nothing is of overwhelming threat, absolutely nothing.
Secondly, it’s seeing around the Church, when they hear about the adventure of following Christ we see transformed lives.
What do you think is the connection between social action and evangelisation?
They are indivisible - two sides of the same coin. We are called to worship Jesus Christ and to witness to God coming to love and save the world. We witness by what we say and what we do. St Francis is supposed to have said,
"Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary use words. "
The point about evangelising is that it’s the necessary process to witnessing to Christ, but it only makes sense if you see it in action. Separate those two and your dead as a Dodo.
Is church unity important for the development of the country?
It’s essential. By the grace of God, we are seeing communities coming together, and it starts by serving.
Is the Christian heritage and culture of this country under threat?
No more than it’s ever been. It doesn’t worry me in the slightest. Firstly, trust in God, that’s his problem, secondly, if the Church acts faithfully it continues to witness in the heritage of the country. Get on with being Christians and that will do the trick.
