King's Christmas Day speech criticised

King Charles has been criticised for his Christmas Day speech which suggested that all faiths are the same. 

The monarch's Christmas Day address to the nation is an annual Christmas tradition that many households gather round to listen to on the big day. 

In his address this year, the King said, "The example that Jesus gave us is timeless and universal. It is to enter the world of those who suffer, to make a difference to their lives and so bring hope where there is despair.

"As the famous Christmas Carol, 'Once In Royal David's City' reminds us, 'Our Saviour holy' 'came down to Earth from Heaven', lived among 'the poor and mean and lowly' and transformed the lives of those he met, through God's 'redeeming love'.

"That is the heart of the Nativity Story and we can hear its beat in the belief of all the great faiths in the love and mercy of God in times of joy and of suffering, calling us to bring light where there is darkness." 

Missiologist and Home for Good founder, Dr Krish Kandiah, said that while he appreciated the King "showing hospitality to people of all faiths and none", his comments demonstrate "a fundamental misunderstanding of either Christianity or world religions". 

"The idea that God becomes human and then willingly dies to redeem and rescue humanity is unique to Christianity," said Dr Kandiah.

"To argue that all faiths are basically the same is to make a claim not backed up by serious study of religion and could be heard as patronizing as claiming all Asian people look the same.

"I am grateful for the King's important work in the environment and his work on empowering young people, but I am sorry he is wrong on this one."

Other critics accused the King of syncretism and wokery. 

Speaking from the Chapel of the former Middlesex Hospital in London, the King later spoke of how "of how diversity of culture, ethnicity and faith provides strength, not weakness". 

Before concluding his speech, he stated, "Again, listening is a recurrent theme of the Nativity story. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, listened to the Angel who revealed to her a different future full of hope for all people. The message of the Angels to the shepherds – that there should be peace on Earth – in fact echoes through all faiths and philosophies."

News
Widow of Christian killed in Nigeria takes plea for persecuted Christians to Downing Street
Widow of Christian killed in Nigeria takes plea for persecuted Christians to Downing Street

A Nigerian widow who witnessed Boko Haram militants shoot dead her husband after he identified himself as a Christian is joining a delegation handing in a petition to Downing Street on Thursday.

PayPal updates policies on 'hate' and 'intolerance'
PayPal updates policies on 'hate' and 'intolerance'

A number of financial institutions have changed their policies in recent years.

Catholic Church expresses 'serious concern' about proposed conversion therapy ban
Catholic Church expresses 'serious concern' about proposed conversion therapy ban

Efforts to ban so-called 'conversion therapy' are underway across the United Kingdom.

Church needs men willing to speak up, says marriage campaigner
Church needs men willing to speak up, says marriage campaigner

Tony Rucinski calls for a biblical vision of masculinity rooted in courage, self-control and sacrificial service.