God chose to show himself to us in a complete human life, telling us that every stage in human existence, from conception to maturity and even death, was in principle capable of telling us something about God. Although what we learn from Jesus Christ and what his life makes possible is unique, that life still means that we look differently at every other life. There is something in us that is capable of communicating what God has to say ”“ the image of God in each of us, which is expressed in its perfection only in Jesus.
Hence the reverence which as Christians we ought to show to human beings in every condition, at every stage of existence. This is why we cannot regard unborn children as less than members of the human family, why those with disabilities or deprivations have no less claim upon us than anyone else, why we try to makes loving sense of human life even when it is near its end and we can hardly see any signs left of freedom or thought.
And hence the concern we need to have about the welfare of children.
[i]Hence the reverence which as Christians we ought to show to human beings in every condition, at every stage of existence. This is why we cannot regard unborn children as less than members of the human family, why those with disabilities or deprivations have no less claim upon us than anyone else, why we try to makes loving sense of human life even when it is near its end and we can hardly see any signs left of freedom or thought.[/i]
A useful reminder that however much we may be frustrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s decisions, he remains an articulate voice for what ought to be for us all the ultimate first order issue.
[url=http://catholicandreformed.blogspot.com]Catholic and Reformed[/url]
Hear, hear, Jeremy. I would argue advancing the gospel ought to be his ultimate first order issue, but as to the interface of the Church and society, I concur entirely.
Could this be the first implicit criticism of TEC, ‘pro-choice’ cheerleader’ from ABC? He has his work cut out if he is going to stand up for the rights of the unborn. The UK is the abortion capital of W Europe with more than 400,000 terminations performed each year at taxpayer expense–that is, paid for by the state of which CoE is the state religion.
“If it is true that the child of Bethlehem is the same one who will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, how shall we stand before him if we have allowed his image in the children of the world to be abused and defaced?” Because it is true, not IF it is true. Why would someone with his ability state things this way?
Austin, the situation regarding abortions in the UK is bad enough. However, you make it worse than it really is by doubling the true number. For England, Wales and Scotland it is around 210,000 a year. See:
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/STATBASE/ssdataset.asp?vlnk=9520
http://isd.scot.nhs.uk/isd/1919.html
Dcn Dale:
“Because it is true, not IF it is true. Why would someone with his ability state things this way? ”
I think that the Archbishop is asking a rhetorical question, not expressing his doubts.
I agree w/Jeff Thimsen – I don’t think this was a slip on his part. It was just employing a rhetorical method of advancing the argument.
As frustrated I get with Rowan, when he gets it right and puts his hand to something, it’s a home-run.
Dear Jeff and Montanan,
I knew what he meant and you knew what he meant and the ABC knew what he meant but lots of others can be confused by this “rhetorical method”.
Good piece – when one considers all human life as made in God’s image and with the opportunity for, perhaps hope and expectation that it will engage in, relationship with the creator, then one approaches that life with awe and respect and considers the consequences of us interfering with that opportunity for relationship. The Christian outlook.
Dcn Dale: Maybe, but I doubt it.
The most critical point of the ABC’s comments rest with us. What are we as individuals and ChurchLeaders doing to protect pre-born babies and children? Often Anglicans for Life feels like everyone pays the sanctity of life issue lip service but does very little actual pro-life activity. I encourage all of us to look deep within our selves to see what we/our churches can do to protect life. Anglicans for Life has lots of ideas to help you! (sorry for the blatant plug but its life we’re talking about here!) – Georgette