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New archbishop issues warning on Iraq =========================== Stephen Bates, religious affairs correspondent Wednesday July 24, 2002 The Guardian Rowan Williams, the man chosen by Tony Blair to head the Church of England, threw down a challenge to the government within minutes of his appointment yesterday by making clear that he would not necessarily support any British-backed military attack on Iraq. The words of the man who is is to become Archbishop of Canterbury later this year, in succession to George Carey, are likely to have wide resonance since, as head of the 70 million-strong worldwide Anglican communion, he will have oversight of the US Episcopalian church, whose members include many members of the US political establishment. Answering questions at his inaugural press conference at Church House in London, Dr Williams, who has a record as a peace campaigner and was arrested in 1986 during a peaceful protest at a US airforce base, said: "I would only support military action that the UN had cleared. As far as Iraq is concerned, I want to contribute to the discussions before decisions are made." His measured tone, though officially received in relaxed fashion by Downing Street, was an early reminder that the man who could head the Church of England for the next two decades will not be a pushover for the government. The remarks came as the prime minister ended months of speculation by confirming yesterday that he had accepted the will of the Church of England in appointing Dr Williams. The 52 year-old Welsh theologian, currently archbishop of the disestablished church in Wales, will succeed Dr Carey as the 104th incumbent of Canterbury, primate of all England and head of the Anglican communion later this year. He is expected to be formally enthroned at Canterbury next spring. Dr Williams represents a radical break from the church's traditions in more than merely political terms. He is the youngest archbishop for 200 years, the first since the 19th century to bring young children to Lambeth Palace and the first since the reign of Bloody Mary in 1556 to be appointed from outside the bench of bishops of the Church of England. Many in the church hope he will restore its sense of confidence, inspire the replenishment of emptying pews and provide the spiritual and moral leadership and intellectual clarity that Anglicanism has lacked for generations. Yesterday Dr Williams admitted to shock and being overwhelmed by his appointment and promised to do more listening than talking as he acknowledged he had much to learn. "I hope with all my heart that I can serve to nurture confidence and conviction in our church and to help Christian faith to recapture the imagination of our people and our culture," he said. "I have to go on being a priest and bishop, that is, to celebrate God and what God has done in Jesus and to offer in God's name whatever I can discern of God's perspective on the world around - something which involves both challenge and comfort." Downing Street said the prime minister believed the new archbishop's wisdom, intellectual stature and deep spirituality would be invaluable as he sought to lead the church through complex and challenging times. Any hopes though that Mr Blair might consider rescinding his patronage over appointments within the established church, after a series of rows, leaks and delays, were quashed. A spokesman said Mr Blair remained an "anti-disestablishmentarianist." Dr Williams has in the past admitted to feeling "slightly disappointed" with New Labour, urging the government to show "a little bit more courage and initiative". His predecessor Dr Carey, currently in the US, who has not always been one of Dr Williams' most enthusiastic champions, said: "I greet the news... with joy. Rowan will bring to this demanding office great abilities as a theologian." Guardian Unlimited � Guardian Newspapers Limited 2002 --------------------------- ANTI-NATO INFORMATION LIST ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: [email protected] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.bacIlu Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
