Archbishop of York Addresses Conflict and Christianity

|TOP|The Archbishop of York, the Most Rev and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, has delivered a sermon on conflict and Christianity during his first visit to Ireland since his appointment as Primate.

“Christianity and Conflict? The Mission of Jesus of Nazareth and Conflict”, Dr Sentamu outlined the way in which individuals can overcome the conflicts that they face every day between themselves and other people, saying “Christ has broken down all the barriers of race, culture, masculine domination and social class”.

“It is important to insist that what makes us human beings is more than biology. Our humanity begins there, but it is made, shaped and formed by our involvement with one another and the world around us - that is our culture.

“Our cultural identity and difference must be balanced with a clear understanding of a shared humanity and membership of one world. We need other human beings to help us be human. We are made for interdependence, for complementarity. We are made for family, the human family, God’s family.”

|QUOTE|He added: “If we accept and apply this truth, then we can face conflicts which challenge us.”

Dr Sentamu was in Ireland for a four-day visit over the weekend at the invitation of the Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Rev Michael Jackson, during which time he joined in celebrations of the 1500th anniversary of St Macartan.

The Archbishop of York said it was the duty of the individual to furnish every member of society with a clear understanding of what it is to be a human being, “a member of the one human race, made in the image of God, and of unique worth in his sight”.

“Then this will shape the way they see and relate to those around them. By promoting understanding we promote justice,” he said.

“Our commitment as communities to promote understanding and justice will create harmony longed for by all.”

Dr Sentamu concluded by calling on the government to see through the declarations into which it enters “by turning them into actions ”. He said mechanisms need to be created or strengthened to ensure this happens.

The Archbishop of York also spent part of his visit preaching at special services held at St Macartan’s Cathedral, Clogher, and St Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen.