Archbishop of Canterbury: I have doubted God in lots of different ways

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The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has said he has doubted God in “lots of different ways”.

Welby spoke to BBC Bristol at an event called Standing Room Only at Bristol Cathedral, to make the comments, saying: “There are moments, sure, when you think, ‘is there a God?'” and “‘Where is God?'”

His comments come at the same time as a meeting of the College of Bishops this week, which is attempting to reach a compromise between clergy who want the church to embrace same-sex couples, and evangelicals who remain staunchly opposed.

Welby continued: “The other day I was praying over something as I was running, and I ended up saying to God ‘look this is all very well, but isn’t it about time you did something, if you’re there?’

“Which is probably not what the Archbishop of Canterbury should say.”

He added: “The extraordinary thing about being a Christian is that God is faithful even when we’re not.

“When we get into the wrong place he comes alongside us and says, ‘Right let’s go from here.'”

A spokesman for Lambeth Palace told the BBC: “The remarks were made in the context of an event at Bristol Cathedral during which the archbishop spoke extensively about why he believes in God and how his faith in Jesus Christ has transformed his life.

“The comments in question were made in response to a specific question about whether he had ever struggled with doubts.”

A friend of the Archbishop’s daughter, and Christian rock singer Vicky Beeching came out as gay last month saying: “God loves me just the way I am”.

The Dean of St Albans, Dr Jeffrey John, who is the Church of England’s most senior out cleric, has now been shortlisted to become a Diocesan Bishop.