Archbishop of Canterbury warns of ‘divine justice’ in Easter sermon

WATCH: Joe Coshan reports from Canterbury cathedral.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has used his Easter sermon to warn that “those who oppress and subjugate others will face divine justice”.

Justin Welby told Canterbury Cathedral that while “cruel and oppressive rulers” may look as though they are only becoming stronger, they will “vanish”.

“Cruel and oppressive rulers might look as though they only get stronger,” he said.

“Yet they will vanish: the power of the resurrection is infinitely greater than they are.

“Even in our lifetimes, as we are surrounded by fears, even by evil, we know that those who oppress and subjugate others will face divine justice.

“We know with certainty that policies that cause suffering and pain will fall away.

“We can say surely: all that seeks to deny God has no future – all that shares in the risen life of Jesus is eternal.”

Reflecting on the war in Ukraine, as well as other conflicts around the world, the Archbishop told congregants that “we must not lose heart” in the face of conflict.

He added that this is because “true peace is no aimless daydream, but a reality offered because Christ was raised from the dead. Life triumphs over death, light over darkness”.

During Easter week, the Archbishop opened up about his experience of depression, likening himself to Eeyore, the loveable but gloomy donkey from the Winnie the Pooh books.