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In a bold critique, former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, has taken aim at Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claims, suggesting that Putin’s portrayal of Russian military actions as divinely sanctioned amounts to “heresy.”
Rowan Williams, who served as the head of the Church of England from 2002 to 2012, voiced his concerns in a conversation with The Independent. Williams was responding to Putin’s recent speech addressing Russian troops during Orthodox Christmas, where the President described the military’s role in Ukraine as a “holy mission” carried out “at the Lord’s behest.”
In his interview with The Independent, Williams stated, “I’d certainly say we’re talking about heresy,” arguing that such statements undermine core Christian beliefs by suggesting violence as a defense of the divine.
Williams highlighted the biblical passage John 18:36, where Jesus declares, “my kingdom is not of this world” and noted that if it were worldly, his followers would resort to fighting.
He further criticized the notion that dying in battle for one’s country is akin to Christian martyrdom, calling it “the most bizarre and unjustifiable interpretation you could take.” Williams also expressed concern about Christianity being repurposed as a nationalistic ideology in Russia.
During Orthodox Christmas, Putin made a statement drawing parallels between Jesus Christ’s salvation and service in the Russian army. As quoted in an official statement, he remarked, “Today we are celebrating a wonderful and bright holiday of the birth of Christ. We often refer to Christ as the Savior because He came into the world to save all people.”
Putin continued, “And the warriors, Russian warriors, always carry out this very mission as if by the command of the Lord, a mission of defending the Fatherland, defending our country and its people. People in Russia have always treated their warriors as those who, acting at God’s command, carry out this holy mission.”
The conflict began on February 24, 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, citing support for an independence movement in Ukraine’s predominantly pro-Russian eastern regions. Contrary to expectations of a quick Russian victory, Ukraine, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, has mounted significant resistance, prolonging the conflict.
In addition to criticism directed at Putin, Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has also faced backlash for characterizing the invasion as a “holy” mission against Western “satanism,” as reported in a previous report.
Williams’ remarks come amid ongoing discussions between Ukraine and Russia regarding a potential peace treaty, despite continued military engagements.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
