Hard Times

The Archbishop of Canterbury is said to be “completely overwhelmed” by the hostility of the response to his remarks supporting the adoption of Sharia law and to be in a “state of shock” at the barrage of criticism.

Dr Williams’s emotional equilibrium will not have been improved by this morning’s Times leader. It is a coruscating, devastatingly honest, gimlet of a piece, showing that, when needed, the Thunderer can still thunder.

If I were Dr Williams, who I have no doubt is a serious, sincere and deeply spiritual man, I would be spending this weekend in deepest contemplation about my future.