CSM welcomes Archbishop of Canterbury's comments on politics

Dr Rowan Williams

When the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams spoke out last week in an editorial in the New Statesman magazine, he faced a storm of criticism. While many affirmed his right to speak, his words were criticised by many in politics.

Christian Socialist Movement leaders have spoken out today, not only for the Archbishop's right to speak, but for his right to be heard.

In his editorial, Rowan Williams suggested the Big Society concept had become "painfully stale" and he expressed anxiety that under this government distinctions between the 'deserving' and 'undeserving' poor were being made. However, he also criticised the Labour Party, saying it needed to spell out what it would do differently and "define some achievable alternatives". The Archbishop also noted that many political thinkers were turning to theology for inspiration, but urged them to consider Christian concepts of community.

CSM Director Andy Flannagan said: "Too many people were eager to dismiss Rowan Williams' words without reading his whole article. He spoke from the perspective of the church, which is embedded in communities across the land and active in helping build and support those communities. When the leader of such a well-placed organisation expresses concern about the risks to the poor from government policies, the government needs to listen."

CSM has been contributing to the Labour Party's renewal project, called 'Refounding Labour'. Andy Flannagan commented: "The Labour Party needs to take note too. The Archbishop's comment that Labour needed to focus on its visionm and what that means practically, was spot on. Christians in the Labour Party are actively contributing to helping build a robust alternative to this Conservative-Liberal government."

Source: CSM