2023-07-09 07:09:31
The term “Father” at the beginning of the most well-known Christian prayer can have a negative effect on people because of patriarchal references.
The Anglican Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, sees the salutation of the “Lord’s Prayer” critically. The term “Father” at the beginning of the most well-known Christian prayer can have a distressing effect on people because of its patriarchal references, Cottrell said, according to the British media (Saturday) during his opening speech at the General Synod of the Church of England on Friday evening in York.
“I know the word ‘father’ is problematic for those whose experiences with earthly fathers have been destructive and abusive, and for all of us who have suffered a little too much from an overwhelming patriarchal grip on life,” said the second highest Representative of the Anglican Church. On the other hand, he also emphasized positive references to the concept of father. “If this God to whom we pray is ‘Father,’ then all Christians are ‘family members in the household of God.'”
In addition to approval, Cottrell also encountered criticism with his reflections on the “Lord’s Prayer”, the text of which, according to the New Testament, goes back to Jesus himself. Chris Sugden, leader of the conservative group Anglican Mainstream, quoted the reports as saying: “Is the Archbishop of York saying that Jesus was wrong or that Jesus was pastorally inattentive?” Cottrell’s approach means that some church leaders tend to have their thoughts out derived from their culture rather than from Scripture. Anyone who has had a difficult relationship with their father finds in Jesus the opportunity to “rediscover the true nature of fatherhood”.
On the other hand, Rev. Christina Rees, a spokesman for the ordination of women bishops in the Anglican Church, said Cottrell had put his finger on the wound with his thoughts. Against the background of cases of sexual abuse by biological fathers and by priests, the topic became particularly acute. (APA/KAP/KNA)
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