There is very slender line between wanting to control theology and theological views and arguing for stricter control of migration to the UK. And the narrow nationalism that the former Holy Head works with is not far removed from the restricted theology which, like agent 007, will claim it is done on behalf of Queen (ironically of foreign blood), country and flag.
Why am I not surprised that the holy man, now Lord, failed to grapple with the complexity behind the political and economic factors that cause the radical shifts in the movement of peoples from most corners of the world? His theological views reflect such failure. In fact, should a Martian land in GB and peruse some of his writings, he, she or it would be hard put to discern where the writer was located. Or, put differently, that Martian will form a monochrome view of the context from which these words were uttered, in spite of the diversity of the Communion. Moreover, to read of his critique that the church has been too positive and welcoming of immigrants is most startling. What version of the Bible is he reading?
For here is a former Archbishop limiting hospitality when it gets too costly! This is not to say how unchristian the whole thought is. I wonder what the millions of African Anglicans will have to say to their brother in Christ. How come that this icon, who used to speak on behalf of world Anglicans, has suddenly become so nationalistic in retirement? While Bonhoeffer will call this cheap grace, I would label it pure hypocrisy.
Besides, can the former Archbishop not see how his comments will fuel the fire of the far-right voices? I also wonder if a tighter control gets into place what will happen to Britain’s need for mobile motivated workers to do the kind of jobs to keep people like Lords and Bishops living a comfortable, holy and retired life. I also wonder what will happen to British universities if all those foreign students we are milking money and insights from, decide to stay home or go to other universities. If we are to go with a recent report of UK Universities that since 2001 the income of universities has grown more than 50% with the bulk coming from foreign students – then their withdrawal will spell disaster for British universities. This is not to mention the thousands of foreigners who visit the CofE to keep some of the church buildings open, the pews from getting musky with the damp of the English weather, and adding spice/colour to dirge-like liturgies.
Besides reflecting an irresponsible use of very complex statistics, the former Archbishop comments suggest a lop-sided theology that lacks clarity. And coming from such a highly placed former churchman, retired or not, one would think that moral responsibility would still be something worth taking a stand for.
© copyright Jagessar October 6, 2008
