THE peaceful transfer of power from one government to another is “fragile” and should be celebrated, the Archbishop of Canterbury told MPs and peers on Tuesday.
Preaching at the service for the new Parliament in St Margaret’s, Westminster, he said that the peaceful transfer of power from a Conservative to a Labour government had “been a great witness to the world of good things in this country”.
“I’ve had emails and WhatsApps from around the globe commenting on the speed, smoothness, and grace of the process of changing the government. Fourteen hours from the exit poll to the appointment of a new Prime Minister.”
The country should be proud of this, he said. “However disappointed, none looked to change the result. However pleased, none, I trust, are seeking personal revenge for years in opposition. That reality sounds so trite because it is so normal; would that it were so, right across the world. May God be praised for the quality of our politicians in that regard.”
The Archbishop praised the “courage” of candidates, who had “endured abuse beyond the acceptable and normal in a campaign”. There was “danger without” and “anger within our nation”, he said.
“Threats aimed especially at women are becoming normalised. Hustings held in churches have sometimes needed close-protection officers. The gracious transfer of power that we celebrate is fragile.”
The readings for the service, Micah 6.6-8 and Luke 1.46-56, spoke “deeply both to the temptations of being in government or opposition”, he said. “They speak both of human action and of God’s deep faithfulness, and why we should have joy and hope. . .
“Both readings are shocking, revolutionary, and world-changing if we allow them to be. Yet they are also reasonable and pragmatic.”
Archbishop Welby concluded: “The fears and traits that this nation will encounter in the next five years, during the possible term of this Parliament, may become huge, very great indeed. The responsibility you take, on our behalf, aided and supported so wonderfully by the parliamentary staff and officers, is enormous. The credit and honour you receive is small in the eyes of cynics, but you are seen by God.”