Praise for the Archbishop

Reading across the blogs this year it was noticeable that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, had become a times a rather unlikely hate figure amongst some Liberal Democrats. I don’t have much to do with Archbishops or organised religion in general, and I would disagree fundamentally with many of the teachings of the Church of England, but I did think this was somewhat unfair.

I won’t comment on the Bish’s religious views. I don’t tend to criticise people for having a faith. Although I will criticise them if that faith leads them towards prejudice. But I am reminded on occasions such as these of the wise response of Father Ted Crilly to all matters of religion; “that would be an ecumenical matter”.

However, looking at Williams politically he has struck me as the leader of a difficult and deeply troubled organisation who is trying his best to do right by everyone, keep the show on the road, and make a positive impact on the world. Yet he lacks many of the necessary political skills, has a personality at odds with many of the demands of the role, and is destined to be criticised by one side or another whatever he does.

This view is confirmed by today’s interview in the New Statesman. This makes for an interesting read. Not least for Williams opening the door slightly to disestablishment. But what really stands out, and makes me want to praise the Archbishop for his taste and good judgement, is the revelation that one of his favourite films is The Muppet Christmas Carol.

This is one of the finest films ever made, for which Michael Caine should have won an Oscar, and an appreciation of its value is a sure sign that someone possess a degree of good sense. So here to celebrate, at this appropriate time of year, is a clip from the film:

This content was originally posted on my old Process Guy blog.