Sunday Next Archbishop of Canterbury; China religious crackdown; Gaza ceasefire plan
10 snips
Sep 28, 2025 Rt Rev Lord Richard Harries, former Bishop of Oxford, shares his insights on the impending appointment of the next Archbishop of Canterbury, emphasizing the need for theological depth and public engagement. He discusses the Archbishop's role in politics and the importance of leadership around race and same-sex relationships. Additionally, new codes in China governing clergy online raise questions about religious freedom, while the future of Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti reflects ongoing reform pressures within the kingdom.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Theological Depth Isn’t Enough
- Richard Harries says theological depth helps but doesn't guarantee public communication skills for an Archbishop.
- He argues the next Archbishop should speak about Christian faith clearly and authentically even into a hostile environment.
Public Interventions Can Be Moral Leadership
- Harries highlights past archbishops' serious public interventions as models to follow.
- He says church leaders should lead firmly on race relations despite potential unpopularity.
Same‑Sex Relations Remain Unresolved
- Harries treats same-sex relationships as a persistent unresolved issue harming the church's reputation.
- He compares it to ordination of women, saying the same-sex question is harder and will take time to resolve.
