Faith and Society

Christianity in Britain is part of a living heritage that has, over centuries, shaped public institutions and that continues to inspire, thrive and give meaning to public life

Jesus Christ

For many years before his appointment, Rowan Williams was a widely respected academic theologian. As Archbishop of Canterbury he has sought to employ this theological insight in articulating the Christian response to the many and varied immediate and long-term questions facing society.

Since his appointment the Archbishop has sought to highlight the historic place of faith in the public square and the continuing positive contributions made by people of faith to our national life. Equally he has also sought to defend the Church of England and people of all faiths from public policy moves that threaten or inhibit freedom of religious expression.

The articles, speeches and interviews collected below illustrate this.

  • The Archbishop speaks at a Charities Parliament event23 July 2010
    How should churches respond to the Big Society - Rowan Williams
    The Archbishop joined Bob Reitemeier, CEO of the Children's Society, to explore the opportunities and challenges for Christian organisations and churches engaging with the government's vision of the Big Society, at an event at the Oasis Centre in London.
  • Doctor Jane Latham, Director of Clinical Services, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Commissioner Betty Matear and Nicholas Ratsey, Chief Executive of the hospice © andynewbold.com17 June 2010
    Archbishop - Vulnerable people need respect
    The Archbishop of Canterbury visited The Princess Alice Hospice to meet with patients and to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the Government's End of Life Care Strategy. The Archbishop spoke about the support and respect given by the carers that allows patients to make decisions, which in turn gives them a sense of living actively. The charity has long been recognised as a leading voice in palliative care.
  • The Archbishop delivers his lecture at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London12 May 2010
    Archbishop's CARA lecture
    The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams yesterday delivered a lecture entitled "Enriching the arguments: the refugee contribution to British life" to a large invited audience at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London.
  • Canterbury Cathedral ©ACNS/James04 April 2010
    The Archbishop's Easter Sermon
    The Archbishop of Canterbury delivers his Easter Sermon at Canterbury Cathedral.
  • 14 March 2010
    Sunday Times article on the Robin Hood Tax
    An article by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and Richard Curtis (Co-Founder and Vice Chair of Comic Relief, and veteran of the Make Poverty History Campaign) which appeared in the Sunday Times.
  • 08 June 2009
    We should care more for the carers - Telegraph article
    In an article in today's Daily Telegraph the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, argues that it is time we recognised the contribution to society made by those who look after others
  • 21 May 2009
    Archbishop contributes to 'Love where you Live' initiative on BBC Radio 2
    As part of Radio 2's Love Where You Live campaign, the Archbishop of Canterbury delivers a special Pause For Thought which reflects on community and the value of being neighbourly, hosted by Terry Wogan.
  • The Archbishop of Canterbury07 March 2009
    Ethics, Economics and Global Justice
    In a lecture given today in Cardiff, the Archbishop of Canterbury calls for patience and trust to be re-established in economic processes, and for governments to resist the lure of protectionism which prejudices the growth of developing economies.
  • 01 January 2009
    Archbishop's New Year Message - the treasure that is our fellow human beings
    In his 2009 New Year Message, Dr Williams asks us to consider the importance placed on material wealth, to 'turn outwards' and appreciate the treasure that is our 'fellow human beings' during this time of financial crisis.
  • 2008
  • 2007
  • 2006
  • 2005

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