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BBC
UK News

Welby defends his right to make political statements

The Archbishop of Canterbury has been accused of being too critical of the government when it comes to the issue of poverty.

Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show he said he is simply following the words of Jesus.

He was quizzed over his appearence at a union conference earlier this year but Welby claimed he was the seventh archbishop of Canterbury to address the TUC.

That address was widely criticised by Tory MPs due to the union's link to the Labour Party.

Defending himself, he said: "If I really want to read the Bible and what the prophets and what Jesus said - then I haven't gone too far.

"I'm not party political, i'm not a member of any political party...I simply try to speak from the Christian scriptures about the values Jesus put forward himself."

Welby has also been defended by campaign group Church Action on Poverty.

Speaking on Premier's News Hour, spokesperson Liam Purcell said: "Whenever we see injustice and poverty we're really called to speak out.

"We have a vision of a more just and compassionate society which is more like the kingdom of heaven and we need to speak out for that vision."

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