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Tony Blair, UK's Chief Rabbi on the Resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury

by God's Politics Editor 03-16-2012 | 1:10pm
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Statement on the Resignation of Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, from Tony Blair, Founder and President of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation:

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“The announcement that Archbishop Rowan Williams is stepping down later this year spells the end of an outstanding period of leadership and service to the Anglican Communion, and to this country, by an Archbishop of Canterbury. He brought to the office a vision, an intellectual integrity, an openness to all, and a deep spirituality that has weathered the trials and challenges through which the Church of England has been passing. Lambeth Palace as his residence has been home to all faiths and his engagement with the secular world has been gifted by his philosophical insights, theological wisdom and engaging dialogue. I have been particularly grateful for his support for my Faith Foundation and for our young Faiths Act Fellows who have enjoyed his hospitality. My hope is that his voice and insights will continue to grace our religious life and society as Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, in the years to come.”

Following the announcement by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, that he will step down later on this year, the Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks said:

Archbishop Rowan has served his office, and the Church of England, with great distinction, integrity, courage and grace. It has been an honour to work alongside him over the past decade and I consider it a particular privilege to call him not just a valued colleague in faith, but a true friend. The personal bond we have built and sustained over many years has been a source of strength and a symbol of how people of different faiths can come together as strangers and part as friends. I thank Archbishop Rowan for the kindness and friendship he has shown to the Jewish community in Britain. I congratulate him on his long and distinguished service to the Church and to the country and wish him and Jane continued blessings for the future.

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