Justin Welby's Sermon

[agchristie]

But would Jesus advocate spend spend spend to our neighbours when the national debt is huge?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-55032781

[Atheist]

Spungle; well, Jesus was.

[agchristie]

From the link:-

reported earlier this year how a mosque in Egypt has been rebuilt using British aid as “millions of pounds are lavished on arts and culture projects abroad”.

The paper adds that “Britain has also increased aid spending in China and India – even as both plan to send missions to the Moon”.

Not forgetting the money ending up in tax havens.

Are folks comfortable with this?

[andy-hughes]

ag - // Are folks comfortable with this? //

I am absoutely not comfortable with the way some foreign aid is spent.

But then again, I am absoutely not comfortable with the way some of my income tax is spent at home either - cycle lanes, nuclear weapons, Dominic Cummings' salary (yes I know he's gone!), the lst goes on and on.

But the principle remains sound in my opinion.

[agchristie]

Andy,u mention 'nuclear weapons'.

Do u agree that it is a sound judgement to cut IA in order that our Defence is improved?

[naomi24]

Since the OP mentions Jesus, I might remind the reader that Jesus said ‘The poor you will always have with you’, and he was right because no matter how much money is thrown at the Third World the west can never cure its ills. Disaster funds I will support but I’ve seen too much waste and too much corruption to support a regular contribution to foreign aid.

[pixie374]

I'm with theland, really. I would be all for money to help people who need shelter, food, etc... but I'm not convinced that's where all the money goes.
When we have homeless people here, who have quite possibly paid taxes here in the past... they should be the first priority.

[agchristie]

Naomi,u mention the Third World and I agree,poverty wont be cured but how much are we giving to China for example?

[agchristie]

Pix,a main criticism is a complete lack of transparency.

[Jackdaw33]

Surely the issue here is not the aid itself but whether Welby was right to use the pulpit as a means of publicising his opinion on a political matter. He is entitled to convey the views of the Church privately should he wish to do so.

[naomi24]

I won't even go there, aggie. Doubtless you get my drift.

[agchristie]

I do Naomi :-)

Jack,yes,bit like Mr Lineker spouting his politics on social media!

[naomi24]

Jackdaw, you are quite right and thank you for reminding us to stick to the OP. That is the issue … and my answer is ‘no'. His business is church, not politics.

[gulliver1]

Naomi @ 22.50, TRIPE.

Naomi@ 22.57, Even more TRIPE.

[agchristie]

Gully, why so?

[sanmac]

Gulliver, I have contributed nothing at all to this thread, yet you, at 2305, have managed to contribute even less.

[naomi24]

Fascinating Gulliver. :o)

[Mamyalynne]

For goodness Gulliver, add some sentences on the topic not just a list of what's in your pantry.

[agchristie]

Regarding whether it is appropriate for Mr Welby to speak publicly why do former PM's get in on the act too?

They had their day.Keep yer opinions to yerselves!

[Mamyalynne]

I come down on the side of the majority on this one - Justin Welby could have delivered a good sermon about Charity and helping one's fellow man without politicising it.

It's often been his way, not one I am wholly happy with.

[david small]

I often give money away and I’m considered a fool for doing so. Altruism, maybe, but I like helping out those I care for. Though strangely some of those recipients seem to dislike me because I’m in a position to help them. Nowt so queer as folk.