THE peaceful transfer of power from one government to a different is “fragile” and must be celebrated, the Archbishop of Canterbury told MPs and peers on Tuesday.
Preaching on the service for the brand new Parliament in St Margaret’s, Westminster, he said that the peaceful transfer of power from a Conservative to a Labour government had “been an incredible witness to the world of fine things on this country”.
“I’ve had emails and WhatsApps from across the globe commenting on the speed, smoothness, and beauty of the technique of changing the federal government. Fourteen hours from the exit poll to the appointment of a recent Prime Minister.”
The country must be pleased with this, he said. “However disenchanted, none looked to alter the result. However pleased, none, I trust, are searching for personal revenge for years in opposition. That reality sounds so trite since it is so normal; would that it were so, right the world over. May God be praised for the standard of our legislators in that regard.”
The Archbishop praised the “courage” of candidates, who had “endured abuse beyond the appropriate and normal in a campaign”. There was “danger without” and “anger inside our nation”, he said.
“Threats aimed especially at women have gotten normalised. Hustings held in churches have sometimes needed close-protection officers. The gracious transfer of power that we have a good time is fragile.”
The readings for the service, Micah 6.6-8 and Luke 1.46-56, spoke “deeply each to the temptations of being in government or opposition”, he said. “They speak each of human motion and of God’s deep faithfulness, and why we must always have joy and hope. . .
“Both readings are shocking, revolutionary, and world-changing if we allow them to be. Yet also they are reasonable and pragmatic.”
Archbishop Welby concluded: “The fears and traits that this nation will encounter in the subsequent five years, through the possible term of this Parliament, may change into huge, very great indeed. The responsibility you’re taking, on our behalf, aided and supported so splendidly by the parliamentary staff and officers, is big. The credit and honour you receive is small within the eyes of cynics, but you might be seen by God.”
