Justin Welby: Archbishop of Canterbury being ‘enthroned’

Canterbury Cathedral (Hans Musil)

The new Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury is being placed into office today (the ceremony is in process as I post this):

21 March 2013

The 57-year-old is being formally sworn in as head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the 77 million-strong Anglican global communion.

The Prince of Wales and Prime Minister David Cameron are among the 2,000 guests at Canterbury Cathedral.

For the first time in history, a woman will enthrone the archbishop. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21875199

21 March 2013

Justin Welby will be enthroned on Thursday as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury at Canterbury Cathedral…

What part do the royals play? Queen Elizabeth II is Supreme Governor of the Church of England. While Archbishop Welby waits outside, a mandate from the Queen will be read authorising his enthronement. The Prince of Wales will attend the enthronement…

The archbishop will be enthroned on two different seats – first in the diocesan throne as bishop of Canterbury, then in the Chair of Augustine as Primate of All England. He will be enthroned by a woman – Archdeacon of Canterbury, the Venerable Sheila Watson – in the diocesan throne. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21876249

The Guardian reported the following about him:

March 21, 2013

Justin Welby, has discussed a number of subjects since he was selected last year as the new archbishop of Canterbury. Below are some selections

On gay relationships

“You see gay relationships that are just stunning in the quality of the relationship … The Church of England holds very firmly, and continues to hold to the view, that marriage is a lifelong union of one man to one woman. At the same time, at the heart of our understanding of what it is to be human is the essential dignity of the human being.”…

On female bishops

“The church has voted overwhelmingly in favour of the principle. It is a question of finding a way that there is a real consensus that this is the right way forward.”

• Welby pledges to continue pushing for female bishops even after the synod rejected the idea http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/mar/21/justin-welby-archbishop-canterbury-words

The Telegraph out of the UK actually has called Justin Welby an “Alpha male.” I would not hold to that view as Justin Welby seems to not be willing to stand strongly behind enough biblical principles. The Bible does not, for example, make allowances to change positions on homosexual unions or making women bishops, but Justin Welby does.

Justin Welby also seems to have an ecumenical bent and has sometimes emphasized that he has been influenced by Catholic social teaching.

Justin Welby replaced Rowan Williams who announced his retirement last year (please see Anglican Archbishop Rowan Williams Resigns).

Rowan Williams

The new Archbishop is in a tough spot, but Justin Welby should stand for biblical principles. Instead he is going to apparently compromise more. He knows that his church has compromised on many doctrines and these compromises have gotten many to look to Rome–a place that the Anglicans got many (if not most) of their doctrines from originally. But the majority of its more “conservative” leadership voted against returning to Rome in July 2009–but things may change if too many become disenfranchised with the moves he will make.

The reality is that individuals who profess Christ should make up their own mind and not violate their consciences (cf Romans 14:5,12; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; Philippians 2:12) nor standards to conform to the world’s values (1 John 2:15). The Bible is clear: “do not be conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). In today’s “politically-correct” environment many (and not just Anglicans) are.

Overall, the Anglican Church is becoming more irrelevant in the UK and elsewhere. It is not likely that the next archbishop will change that (though he might take a stand against what is going on with Rome in the future). But it would be nice if he would hold more towards biblical, not modern societal, values.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Bible Condemns Homosexuality “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? Can homosexuals change?
Women and the New Testament Church Were women important in the New Testament Church? Which women and how were they involved?
Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Is the plan to adopt some Protestant teachings and eliminate Protestantism?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics Unity between these groups will put them in position to be part of the final end time Babylon that the Bible warns against as well as require improper compromise.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differ from most Protestants How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between in the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the genuine Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example?
Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible? Though he is known for his public sola Scriptura teaching, did Martin Luther’s writings about the Bible suggest he felt that prima Luther was his ultimate authority? Statements from him changing and/or discounting 18 books of the Bible are included. Do you really want to know the truth?