The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, spoke about the unfortunate children affected by the Israel-Gaza war in his Christmas Day sermon. During a service at Canterbury Cathedral, he mentioned that “this year, the skies of Bethlehem are full of fear rather than angels and glory.” The Most Reverend also added that, “around the world, we are beset with violence”, referring to conflicts in other parts of the world as well, including Ukraine.
He also talked about the ongoing issue of antisemitism in the UK, calling it an “age-old sin,” and compared the hardships of children in the region today to the turbulent background of Jesus’ upbringing. “Today a crying child is in a manger somewhere in the world, nobody willing or able to help his parents, or her parents, who so desperately need shelter,” he said.
Mr Welby went on to state that “serving, not in being served” was the best way to overcome many issues, including climate change, economic disparity, terrorism, Islamophobia, racism, and antisemitism. According to him, God responds to “our cruelty with his compassion” and “our selfishness with service.”
Furthermore, in his speech, the Archbishop spoke about his visit to a US church that takes in guns from the streets and melts them down into a cross “transformed into a sign of hope and life.” Welby also paid tribute to King Charles III, whose coronation he led in May 2023.
Pope Francis also gave a speech during Christmas Eve mass, in which he appealed for peace against the “futile logic of war” and the “clash of arms” that prevents the Prince of Peace from finding room in the world
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