Archbishop of Canterbury apologises for refusing to meet Palestinian pastor

Archbishop Justin Welby - image Lambeth Palace

The Archbishop of Canterbury has publicly apologised for refusing to meet an Evangelical Lutheran pastor during his visit to the UK. They are now going to meet next week.

Rev Munther Isaac gave a Christmas sermon which went viral around the world when he said that if Jesus Christ was born today it would have been "under the rubble."

On 18 February Rev Isaac gave a moving address at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church in which he criticised the lack of support from many Christians to the people of Gaza. Palestinian Christians had been crying out, "Where is the Church?" he said.

See: ICN report: 19 February 2024 Bethlehem pastor issues uncompromising call to UK churches

At a London demonstration calling for a ceasefire, Rev Isaac quoted from the Beatitudes, saying: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for justice, for they shall be satisfied." Those gathered were "on the right side of history", he said. "We either side with the logic of power and ruthlessness and with the lords of war, or with the oppressed."

Later in an interview with the Guardian he revealed that Archbishop Justin Welby had refused to meet him.

Today Archbishop Welby wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "Recently I declined to meet with Rev Dr Munther Isaac during his UK visit. I apologise for and deeply regret this decision, and the hurt, anger, and confusion it caused.

"I was wrong not to meet with my brother in Christ from the Holy Land, especially at this time of profound suffering for our Palestinian Christian brothers and sisters. I look forward to speaking and praying with him next week."

Rev Isaac wrote: "Thank you Archbishop. I welcome this statement, and I look forward to our meeting next week as brothers in Christ."

The ecumenical Christian charity Embrace the Middle East said: "We welcome this gracious exchange between Please join us in praying for the time they'll be spending together next week."