Justin Welby Quotes

Powerful Justin Welby for Daily Growth

About Justin Welby

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was born on January 6, 1956, in London, England. Raised in a Church of Scotland family, he developed an early interest in Christianity, which was further nurtured during his time at Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied theology. After graduating, Welby worked in the oil industry before feeling called to ordained ministry. He trained for the priesthood at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, and was ordained in 1983. His early career saw him serve as a curate in Parishes in Nottinghamshire and West Sussex, followed by roles as chaplain of Marlborough College and the University of Durham. In 2002, Welby became the Bishop of Liverpool, where he was known for his commitment to social justice and his work with the homeless. In 2011, he was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, succeeding Rowan Williams. As Archbishop, he has been a vocal advocate for reconciliation, peace, and environmental stewardship. Welby's major works include "Reimagining Britain: Foundations for Hope" (2011), co-authored with Giles Fraser and John Sentamu, which explores the role of faith in contemporary society; "Dethroning Mammon: Walking the middle way of economics" (2015), which discusses the need for a more ethical approach to economics; and "Why Christianity Makes Sense" (2016), a book that explains the core beliefs of Christianity. Welby's life and work reflect his deep commitment to faith, social justice, and dialogue between different religious and cultural traditions. His quotes often reflect these values, such as "The task of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The Christian faith is not a collection of interesting stories about miracles and heroic characters; it's the story of God coming into the world to rescue and renew humanity."

This quote by Justin Welby emphasizes that Christianity transcends being just a collection of fascinating tales about miracles or virtuous figures. Instead, it is the narrative of God's intervention in human history with the purpose of saving and restoring humanity. In other words, Christianity is not merely an account of divine events; it is the depiction of God's selfless act of redemption for humankind.


"Jesus does not ask us to be successful, but to be faithful."

This quote emphasizes that Jesus values faithfulness over success. It suggests that our primary focus should not be on achieving worldly success or material wealth, but rather on being loyal, consistent, and committed in our spiritual journey and relationship with God. This understanding encourages individuals to prioritize integrity, obedience, and character development, which are the foundations of faithfulness, above attaining external accomplishments. In essence, this quote reminds us that authentic living and devotion to our beliefs are more important than worldly recognition or achievement.


"The Church's task is to help people to find and fulfill God’s purpose for them in their own lives."

This quote by Justin Welby signifies that the primary role of the church is to guide individuals towards discovering and actualizing God's unique plan for their lives. In other words, the church serves as a supportive community, providing spiritual guidance, wisdom, and tools for people to live their lives in accordance with divine purpose, thereby promoting personal fulfillment, growth, and ultimately, a closer relationship with God.


"Being a Christian isn't essentially about joining a club or following rules or being nice to people; it's all about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ."

This quote suggests that Christianity is not primarily about adhering to religious rituals, moral codes, or social expectations; rather, it is an intimate, personal connection with Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the relational aspect of Christianity, implying that genuine faith involves a deep, transformative relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.


"True humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less."

This quote by Archbishop Justin Welby suggests that true humility does not involve devaluing oneself; rather, it's about focusing less on one's own interests or desires and more on the needs of others. In other words, a humble person prioritizes empathy, compassion, and service towards others over self-centeredness. This perspective encourages a mindset that values community and collective wellbeing over individual gain, fostering a more harmonious society.


I have never had demands on me as acute as when I was a parish priest.

- Justin Welby

Me, Never, Acute, Parish

Put not your trust in new leaders, better systems, new organisations or regulatory reorganisation. They may well be good and necessary, but will to some degree fail.

- Justin Welby

Trust, New, Some, Organisations

Let's be clear, I'm one of the thicker bishops in the Church of England.

- Justin Welby

Church, England, Bishops, Thicker

Turning God into some kind of celestial insurance policy is just mental.

- Justin Welby

Insurance, Some, Turning, Celestial

It is absolutely right for the state to define the rights and status of people cohabiting in different forms of relationships, including civil partnerships.

- Justin Welby

People, Right, Including, Forms

The pay of many of our top executives in big hundred companies in the U.K. is outrageous and even obscene.

- Justin Welby

Big, Hundred, Companies, Outrageous

Human fallibility recognised, God's sovereignty trusted; these are also the only stable foundations for human beings in society.

- Justin Welby

Foundations, Also, Beings, Stable

You see gay relationships that are just stunning in the quality of the relationship.

- Justin Welby

Relationships, See, Stunning, Gay

The Church of England holds very firmly, and continues to hold to the view, that marriage is a lifelong union of one man to one woman. At the same time, at the heart of our understanding of what it is to be human is the essential dignity of the human being.

- Justin Welby

Woman, Very, Firmly, Essential

Banks need to think through their ethics very carefully, and many have done so. I don't know any bank that dismisses the concept of ethical banking.

- Justin Welby

Think, Through, Very, Ethical

I don't believe in good human beings, but I believe you can have structures that make it easier to make the right choice or the wrong choice.

- Justin Welby

Believe, Right, Structures, Easier

As a civilised society, we have a duty to support those among us who are vulnerable and in need. When times are hard, that duty should be felt more than ever, not disappear or diminish.

- Justin Welby

More, Need, Felt, Diminish

I happen to know a bit about banking.

- Justin Welby

Know, Happen, About, Banking

There's something different about looking someone in the eyes and doing something dishonest to doing it over the phone or screen.

- Justin Welby

Doing, Someone, Over, Dishonest

Markets don't allow you to hang about.

- Justin Welby

Hang, Allow, About, Markets

A lot of people reject the idea of God as Father if they've had a competitive relationship with their own father.

- Justin Welby

Father, Own, Idea, Competitive

The longer I go on, the more I am aware of the power of finance.

- Justin Welby

Finance, I Am, Longer, Aware

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