Archbishop says statues will have to be reviewed

Archbishop Justin Welby

The Archbishop of Canterbury has suggested that some statues in the Church of England's places of worship "will have to come down" following global unrest over racism.

Justin Welby was speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme when he said that the Church was looking into statues in its buildings and how to put them "in context".

"Some names will have to change," he said, although he added that it was not his decision. 

Asked whether forgiveness should be extended to people remembered in the form of statues as an alternative to tearing them down, he said: "I mean, the church, goodness me, you know, you just go around Canterbury Cathedral, there's monuments everywhere, or Westminster Abbey, and we're looking at all that, and some will have to come down.

"But yes, there can be forgiveness, I hope and pray as we come together, but only if there's justice.

"If we change the way we behave now, and say this was then and we learned from that, and change how we're going to be in the future, internationally, as well."

Black Lives Matter protests have been held across the UK following the death of unarmed black man George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. 

The protests have forced local councils and institutions to review statues and monuments after some were toppled, like that of Bristol slave trader Edward Colston. 

Following the outbreak of protests in the UK, the Church of England apologised for its ties to slavery, saying they were a "source of shame". 

News
Faith, justice and change: Niall Cooper reflects on nearly three decades with Church Action on Poverty
Faith, justice and change: Niall Cooper reflects on nearly three decades with Church Action on Poverty

After 28 years at the helm of Church Action on Poverty, Niall Cooper is stepping down from his role as director – marking the end of a remarkable chapter in Christian social justice and offering a moment for both reflection and gratitude.

Samuel Escobar, Latin American theologian and missions leader, dies at 90
Samuel Escobar, Latin American theologian and missions leader, dies at 90

Samuel Escobar Aguirre, a leading Peruvian theologian, missiologist and Bible scholar, has died at the age of 90.

Cost-saving claims raise fears for vulnerable under UK assisted suicide plans
Cost-saving claims raise fears for vulnerable under UK assisted suicide plans

Financial savings for Britain's broken healthcare system could pressure more vulnerable people into choosing assisted suicide if it were to be legalised.

The hidden harm of the prosperity gospel
The hidden harm of the prosperity gospel

Who wouldn’t want a faith that promises wealth, health, and success? But beneath its shiny surface, the prosperity gospel holds dangerous distortions of God’s character and the true essence of Christian faith.