Interfaith dialogue in UK ‘has almost collapsed’ since Gaza conflict
Justin Welby told the House of Lords on Thursday that conflicts overseas had a “profound impact” on community cohesion on home soil.
Interfaith dialogue in the UK has “almost collapsed” since the eruption of the Gaza conflict last year, the Archbishop of Canterbury has said.
Justin Welby told the House of Lords on Thursday that conflicts overseas had a “profound impact” on community cohesion on home soil.
The war, triggered by Hamas’ terror attack on Israel on October 7, has led to the deaths of tens of thousands of people in Gaza, and sparked deep divisions in Britain.
During the upper chamber’s debate on the King’s Speech, the archbishop said: “Issues elsewhere in the world do not confine themselves to affecting us in our international policy alone.
“We are recognised by the United Nations as the most diverse nation on Earth.
“That means every single overseas conflict or disaster has a diaspora community here.
“To build a cohesive society here, domestic and foreign policy must work hand-in-glove.
“That is seen with Israel and Gaza. Conflict overseas has a profound impact on our own society and our own domestic policies, because of the multicultural nature of our communities.
“Interfaith dialogue in this country has almost collapsed since October 7 last year and tensions are high and that is entirely as a result of overseas matters.”
His comments come after the archbishop has faced criticism for not speaking out more against Israel, with Palestinian Anglicans saying he was “relegating” their plight.
In an open letter last year, parishioners in the West Bank accused Mr Welby of putting “domestic British ecumenical and political considerations” over the “inalienable rights” of Palestinians.
The archbishop also came under fire for declining to meet a Bethlehem pastor during his visit to the UK, for which he later apologised.
In his speech in the Lords, Mr Welby also said that the “interplay” between international and domestic policy was key with regard to mass migration and climate change.
He told peers: “Domestic challenges require cross-border solutions if they are to be effective.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
