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Reimagining Britain: Foundations for Hope
In a time of political turbulence, and as the Welfare State totters under the strain in a country that has changed dramatically since 1945, Archbishop Justin Welby sets out to identify the values that will enable us to reimagine, and to enact, a more hopeful future.
The thesis is that the work of reimagining is as great as it was in 1945, and will happen either by accident – and thus badly – or deliberately. The author draws on Britain's history and Christian tradition to identify this country's foundational values, and the building blocks necessary to implement them in a post-Brexit, multicultural society.
He explores the areas in which values are translated into action, including the traditional three of recent health (especially public, and mental), housing and education. To these he adds family; the environment; economics and finance; peacebuilding and overseas development; immigration; and integration. He looks particularly at the role of faith groups in enabling, and contributing to, a fairer future.
When so many are immobilized by political turmoil, this book builds on our past to offer hope for the future, and practical ways of achieving a more equitable society.
The thesis is that the work of reimagining is as great as it was in 1945, and will happen either by accident – and thus badly – or deliberately. The author draws on Britain's history and Christian tradition to identify this country's foundational values, and the building blocks necessary to implement them in a post-Brexit, multicultural society.
He explores the areas in which values are translated into action, including the traditional three of recent health (especially public, and mental), housing and education. To these he adds family; the environment; economics and finance; peacebuilding and overseas development; immigration; and integration. He looks particularly at the role of faith groups in enabling, and contributing to, a fairer future.
When so many are immobilized by political turmoil, this book builds on our past to offer hope for the future, and practical ways of achieving a more equitable society.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published May 8, 2018
16 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Justin Welby
43 books11 followersJustin Portal Welby is the 105th and current Archbishop of Canterbury and senior bishop in the Church of England. Welby was formerly the vicar of Southam, Warwickshire, and most recently was the Bishop of Durham, serving for just over a year. As Archbishop of Canterbury he is Primate of All England and the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Welby's early career was in the oil industry. In 1989, he studied for ordination at St John's College, Durham. After several parochial appointments he became the Dean of Liverpool in 2007 and the Bishop of Durham in 2011.
Welby's theology is reported as representing the evangelical tradition within Anglicanism. Some of his publications explore the relationship between finance and religion and, as a member of the House of Lords, he sits on the panel of the 2012 Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards.
Welby's early career was in the oil industry. In 1989, he studied for ordination at St John's College, Durham. After several parochial appointments he became the Dean of Liverpool in 2007 and the Bishop of Durham in 2011.
Welby's theology is reported as representing the evangelical tradition within Anglicanism. Some of his publications explore the relationship between finance and religion and, as a member of the House of Lords, he sits on the panel of the 2012 Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 19, 2020
In the acknowledgments to this 2018 book, the author (of course the Archbishop of Canterbury) says “events move so fast that [the book] feels as though its dating as quickly as an ice cream melts in the sun”.
And of course reading a book which sets out the challenges facing Britain, the changes it is going through and the opportunity this presents to reimagine society, only 2 years further on but with everything that has happened in the last few months – only proves this point.
At the same time though COVID-19 actually has lead to even more changes and challenges, has highlighted even more the five key areas that Welby concentrates on (health, family, education, economics and finance, housing) and perhaps most importantly has lead to a climate where talking of a reimagination of Britain’s future is no longer for thinkers and academics but a part of the national conversation.
This book therefore may well have much to contribute to that conversation – but how well is it written.
I would say the book is mixed
At times the discussion can feel simply too nebulous. Welby is keener on setting out principles and frameworks than actual views – he effectively writes 300 pages on politics without a single, clearly identifiable and implementable (and debatable) policy idea.
Where he does give views I am not always sure they are fully coherent – for example he presents a view on climate change which considers the views of Stern and the counter-arguments of Lawson and which sides with Stern, basically arguing for Stern’s adoption of a zero discount rate as future unborn humans are of equal weight to the current population but without either identifying the well-established/documented illogicalities which flow from that idea OR without really acknowledging that there is realistically a trade off with some of the less privileged members of today’s society.
Where I think the book is distinctive and most valuable is when he draws on biblical stories to establish his principles.
Some of these ideas are relatively well trodden paths (although still well explained) such as the Parable of the Talents to explore economics. His use of the Good Samaritan to explore global obligations was I thought nuanced and clever as was his examination of the story of Ruth to consider not just immigration but integration and the obligations of both the immigrant and the community to which they move. And I particularly enjoyed a section on political leadership which drew on King Rehoboam and which then further drew on the story to explore the idea of subsidiarity.
Definitely a worthwhile read and I hope that the author’s views and thoughtfulness are drawn on by the Government as they plot the future of our country.
And of course reading a book which sets out the challenges facing Britain, the changes it is going through and the opportunity this presents to reimagine society, only 2 years further on but with everything that has happened in the last few months – only proves this point.
At the same time though COVID-19 actually has lead to even more changes and challenges, has highlighted even more the five key areas that Welby concentrates on (health, family, education, economics and finance, housing) and perhaps most importantly has lead to a climate where talking of a reimagination of Britain’s future is no longer for thinkers and academics but a part of the national conversation.
This book therefore may well have much to contribute to that conversation – but how well is it written.
I would say the book is mixed
At times the discussion can feel simply too nebulous. Welby is keener on setting out principles and frameworks than actual views – he effectively writes 300 pages on politics without a single, clearly identifiable and implementable (and debatable) policy idea.
Where he does give views I am not always sure they are fully coherent – for example he presents a view on climate change which considers the views of Stern and the counter-arguments of Lawson and which sides with Stern, basically arguing for Stern’s adoption of a zero discount rate as future unborn humans are of equal weight to the current population but without either identifying the well-established/documented illogicalities which flow from that idea OR without really acknowledging that there is realistically a trade off with some of the less privileged members of today’s society.
Where I think the book is distinctive and most valuable is when he draws on biblical stories to establish his principles.
Some of these ideas are relatively well trodden paths (although still well explained) such as the Parable of the Talents to explore economics. His use of the Good Samaritan to explore global obligations was I thought nuanced and clever as was his examination of the story of Ruth to consider not just immigration but integration and the obligations of both the immigrant and the community to which they move. And I particularly enjoyed a section on political leadership which drew on King Rehoboam and which then further drew on the story to explore the idea of subsidiarity.
Definitely a worthwhile read and I hope that the author’s views and thoughtfulness are drawn on by the Government as they plot the future of our country.
March 23, 2018
This book is a call to look at key policy areas of Britain - health, education, housing, immigration - and find a better more community-focused way of running them to improve life for people here and abroad. Most of the policy suggestions are really for politicians and there is (frustratingly) relatively little call to action for individuals reading this.
Having said that, the first section covering the principles of the Catholic Church social teachings was very interesting and relevant. I particularly found the "universal destination of all goods" resonated with me. The idea is that whilst you own your goods for a time, if you view the extraction of resources, manufacture of the goods and eventual recycling/waste of them as a process, then you are really a steward of them for a time and as such there is an obligation to consider our purchases, look after our belongings and dispose of them responsibly. That chimed with another book I read this month A Life Less Throwaway: The lost art of buying for life.
Having said that, the first section covering the principles of the Catholic Church social teachings was very interesting and relevant. I particularly found the "universal destination of all goods" resonated with me. The idea is that whilst you own your goods for a time, if you view the extraction of resources, manufacture of the goods and eventual recycling/waste of them as a process, then you are really a steward of them for a time and as such there is an obligation to consider our purchases, look after our belongings and dispose of them responsibly. That chimed with another book I read this month A Life Less Throwaway: The lost art of buying for life.
August 9, 2018
As for a vision for a Reimagined Britain, Welby's work goes some way to lay some foundations- without building any further. Given his role as the head of the CofE, Welby stops short of fleshing out any policies that his vision for Britain would translate into.
And whilst it's generally poor form to criticise a book for what it isn't, without a single policy idea to be found within its pages, Reimagining Britain feels as if it says a lot without saying all that much. - Pointing out that education should be about far more than getting good exam results and that vocational subjects have been marginalised is all well and good, but not offering a remedy to the problem (whether it be a good or bad idea) makes the work feel somewhat hollow.
And whilst it's generally poor form to criticise a book for what it isn't, without a single policy idea to be found within its pages, Reimagining Britain feels as if it says a lot without saying all that much. - Pointing out that education should be about far more than getting good exam results and that vocational subjects have been marginalised is all well and good, but not offering a remedy to the problem (whether it be a good or bad idea) makes the work feel somewhat hollow.
June 1, 2025
I found this book very difficult to read.
First because it’s not dated well.
It was first published in 2018, and Welby’s suggestions for reform in the UK seem a bit weak in 2025, in light of all the events which have happened since in the UK and globally.
Second, because of what I know about the author and those associated with this book, persevering meant pushing through a mental block: the circumstances surrounding Welby’s resignation as Archbishop of Canterbury in 2024; an endorsement by Paula Vennells on the dust jacket of the book; and Jean Vanier listed as one of the modern heroes of the Christian faith in the conclusion.
Third, at times it came across like an undergraduate dissertation and was sometimes a bit dull.
Finally, Welby’s use of Bible passages/stories to justify his reasoning. Unsurprisingly (as someone who would define themselves as a conservative evangelical, whereas he is more liberal), I disagreed with how he landed in terms of most of his conclusions: I don’t think the story of the prodigal son is about family structures needing to be redefined; Jesus’s parables teach us about God’s kingdom, not how our wider secular society should behave, and so Welby tries to apply these lessons too widely to everyone, not just Christians; and using Rehoboam as an example of how not to be a good leader seemed a bit tenuous.
However, despite all this, I did find myself agreeing with the majority of what Welby proposes in terms of reform. It’s not detailed by any means, but as a member of the clergy, not a politician or civil servant, I wasn’t expecting it to be. I appreciated how Welby simplifies his approach by thinking of it in terms of values, rather than being too prescriptive. It’s a shame that this book is unlikely to be read now by those in positions of power who can act on what Welby proposes, and this book is unlikely to have a resurgence due to Welby’s tarnished reputation.
First because it’s not dated well.
It was first published in 2018, and Welby’s suggestions for reform in the UK seem a bit weak in 2025, in light of all the events which have happened since in the UK and globally.
Second, because of what I know about the author and those associated with this book, persevering meant pushing through a mental block: the circumstances surrounding Welby’s resignation as Archbishop of Canterbury in 2024; an endorsement by Paula Vennells on the dust jacket of the book; and Jean Vanier listed as one of the modern heroes of the Christian faith in the conclusion.
Third, at times it came across like an undergraduate dissertation and was sometimes a bit dull.
Finally, Welby’s use of Bible passages/stories to justify his reasoning. Unsurprisingly (as someone who would define themselves as a conservative evangelical, whereas he is more liberal), I disagreed with how he landed in terms of most of his conclusions: I don’t think the story of the prodigal son is about family structures needing to be redefined; Jesus’s parables teach us about God’s kingdom, not how our wider secular society should behave, and so Welby tries to apply these lessons too widely to everyone, not just Christians; and using Rehoboam as an example of how not to be a good leader seemed a bit tenuous.
However, despite all this, I did find myself agreeing with the majority of what Welby proposes in terms of reform. It’s not detailed by any means, but as a member of the clergy, not a politician or civil servant, I wasn’t expecting it to be. I appreciated how Welby simplifies his approach by thinking of it in terms of values, rather than being too prescriptive. It’s a shame that this book is unlikely to be read now by those in positions of power who can act on what Welby proposes, and this book is unlikely to have a resurgence due to Welby’s tarnished reputation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2022
7.0/10. Welby wants to established a quasi ideology based on the principles of community, stability, courage and hope, drawing together local and national government, private companies and faith groups. All great in theory, but his confused blend of religious conservatism and progressive liberalism make it difficult to see who precisely would support him beyond the Anglican faithful. Plenty of well articulate, decent ideas, but its lack of consistency lets it down
November 28, 2020
On the same day that I finished this book Justin Welby had a comment piece published in the FT urging the government not to go back on their well-established pledge to give 0.7% of the national budget to foreign aid. Camilla Cavendish, in the preceding piece, quite probably disagreed although discretion and perhaps editorial direction prevented her from saying so. In fairness to the ABC he will at least get a hearing in the Financial Times. I'm not so sure that his predecessor would have done. And he clearly is a regular FT reader himself as this book goes to show. Not only is the FT (particularly their correspondent Martin Wolf) regularly referenced but it reads very much like a series of FT comment pieces rewritten for a more general audience.
Justin Welby, more than any other Archbishop, is able to walk with the economic kings whilst at least attempting to keep the common touch. Only once, when he perhaps too casually dismisses the inequalities between private and state-school education do you remember that this is, after all, being written by an old Etonian.
The book which is readable if not especially profound takes a snapshot of Britain a year or so after the Brexit referendum and the Grenfell Tower disaster (before, though, the Covid pandemic which added another horseman into the mix and which will become the dividing line by which most early/mid Twenty First century books will be judged). Inevitably it is a breadth rather than a depth study but one which commendably does try to offer solutions. He roots his commentary in Biblical and Christian thought but this by no means dominates it.
He looks at three overriding values that should govern public life - community, courage and stability. In turn these are divided into the characteristics of universal destination of goods, gratuity, solidarity, the common good and subsidiarity (all taken from Catholic social teaching), aspiration, creativity and competition (the markers of healthy capitalism) and reconciliation, resilience and sustainability. These values are then used as a series of tools in order to look at what he terms the intermediate institutions of society - family, education, healthcare, the corporate world etc - the institutions that he believes have the maximum ability to steer the country towards the good and so are the institutions in most need of a healthy reimagining. Finally he sums up by looking through a wider lens at Britains place in the world and our traditions and culture, recognising that Christendom hasn't existed for hundreds of years, and the church is one (important) voice among many.
It is a good book. As an avid FT reader there wasn't much that surprised me but the clarity of Justin Welby's thought and communication is a great blessing. One small bug was his use of hackneyed quotes (When people stop believing in God, they don't believe in nothing they believe in everything; Britain has lost an empire and is still finding a role; human life is nasty, brutish and short and so on) these are likely to be very familiar even to those who are perhaps not very well read and remind you that being Archbishop of Canterbury (unless you are Rowan Williams) doesn't allow a great deal of space for extensive and excursive reading.
Justin Welby, more than any other Archbishop, is able to walk with the economic kings whilst at least attempting to keep the common touch. Only once, when he perhaps too casually dismisses the inequalities between private and state-school education do you remember that this is, after all, being written by an old Etonian.
The book which is readable if not especially profound takes a snapshot of Britain a year or so after the Brexit referendum and the Grenfell Tower disaster (before, though, the Covid pandemic which added another horseman into the mix and which will become the dividing line by which most early/mid Twenty First century books will be judged). Inevitably it is a breadth rather than a depth study but one which commendably does try to offer solutions. He roots his commentary in Biblical and Christian thought but this by no means dominates it.
He looks at three overriding values that should govern public life - community, courage and stability. In turn these are divided into the characteristics of universal destination of goods, gratuity, solidarity, the common good and subsidiarity (all taken from Catholic social teaching), aspiration, creativity and competition (the markers of healthy capitalism) and reconciliation, resilience and sustainability. These values are then used as a series of tools in order to look at what he terms the intermediate institutions of society - family, education, healthcare, the corporate world etc - the institutions that he believes have the maximum ability to steer the country towards the good and so are the institutions in most need of a healthy reimagining. Finally he sums up by looking through a wider lens at Britains place in the world and our traditions and culture, recognising that Christendom hasn't existed for hundreds of years, and the church is one (important) voice among many.
It is a good book. As an avid FT reader there wasn't much that surprised me but the clarity of Justin Welby's thought and communication is a great blessing. One small bug was his use of hackneyed quotes (When people stop believing in God, they don't believe in nothing they believe in everything; Britain has lost an empire and is still finding a role; human life is nasty, brutish and short and so on) these are likely to be very familiar even to those who are perhaps not very well read and remind you that being Archbishop of Canterbury (unless you are Rowan Williams) doesn't allow a great deal of space for extensive and excursive reading.
August 16, 2024
4.5 Stars!! Once you get your head around the fact that this is not a policy but principle book, you really begin to understand what Welby is trying to say in this book. I disagree with some of his historical points, but what he is trying to say principally I do agree with. A reimagining of the way that Britain is will take more than just looking at one policy area, and crucially it will encompass everything and everyone who lives in these isles. I appreciated Welby's analysis of the work of Christians (not just the CofE!) in the past reimaginings of Britain, and the implications for the Christian living in these isles today.
And after reading this book I am now pretty sure that were I ever to write a book, it would have to be on Wales' role in the UK and how it stands in any future reimagining of the UK. This is a wonderful thinking book and I can't condense all of my thoughts into this review. Go and read it for yourself, definitely!
And after reading this book I am now pretty sure that were I ever to write a book, it would have to be on Wales' role in the UK and how it stands in any future reimagining of the UK. This is a wonderful thinking book and I can't condense all of my thoughts into this review. Go and read it for yourself, definitely!
January 1, 2019
I found this both enjoyable and thought-provoking. Enjoyable because I think Welby writes clearly and honestly and from the proper perspective of an Archbishop of Canterbury (whether or not you agree with his point of view), and thought-provoking because it offers an opportunity to the reader to consider where we feel we want our society to go (again whether or not you agree with the author). I was particularly interested in ideas of community for the present time.
August 14, 2019
A Christian insight into many political and social issues facing us in the UK today. Helpful summary sections at the end of each chapter enable the reader to recall the main points and act as a refresher to the content.
I particularly benefited from reading the chapters on the UK’s historical values, housing and economics.
I particularly benefited from reading the chapters on the UK’s historical values, housing and economics.
June 27, 2020
Very thorough and timely look at the UK, feels especially relevant at time of writing this review, a much needed reflection on how the UK may be improved by thinking about world history, also using Biblical concepts as a baseline. Recommended read for Christians, those of other faiths and those who are secular. Will definitely re-read again.
May 6, 2021
Our route out of today's turmoil
Written pre-pandemic, this remarkably prescient analysis will give policy-makers, political leaders, community and faith groups and ordinary citizens a road map to our recovery as a society.
Written pre-pandemic, this remarkably prescient analysis will give policy-makers, political leaders, community and faith groups and ordinary citizens a road map to our recovery as a society.
January 4, 2019
Didn’t finish. Written by an economist. Not my kind of reading.
March 29, 2019
An inspirational challenge for the church, and for all, to grasp the possibility of a reimagined country, city, town, village and home.
July 10, 2020
Good substance, but I found it quite a dry read.
September 17, 2021
Welby offers some interesting thoughts and suggestions for how we can change our society for the better.
Read
January 30, 2023It's definitely a book to read in chunks, not really unputdownable..
December 13, 2024
About the values to rebuild Britain, but no real plan as to how we make institutions and people adopt and live out those value.
October 8, 2018
This book was very inaccessible - if you have an idea, just say it, explain it, argue for it. Don't cover it in jargon and difficult to follow dialogue. I wanted something I could understand and get behind, but this book left very little space for that. Disappointed.
May 19, 2018
What has Christianity and capitalism in common ? What are the values that we should adhere to to make our system of political economy fair and sustainable. There are certainly aspects of Christianity that can make the financial system fair, equal and responsible. This is a very important addition to a number of critiques of capitalism and while I am not a practicing Christian there is much in this book that is very relevant to the situation find ourselves in.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews