Jenny’s letter 11th August
Dear Friends,
It has been a week of such contrasts in the life of our nation.
Not since 2011 have we seen such levels of disorder and unrest on the streets of our land. Legitimate visitors from some key nations have been advised not to travel to the UK. We have seen the justice system begin to hand out punishments at a time when our prisons are already under huge strain with many not fit for purpose. The police are under great stress and officially on high alert. Leave is cancelled, family holidays ruined. Some are in hospital with physical injuries that will heal far faster than the less visible injuries to their mental health.
The root of the problem is allegedly the murder of three little girls and the misinformation that was spread across social media as a result of that. It does not take much to realise that it is more complex than that: there is racism and discontent amongst large groups of people; much of it based on false narratives. Beware what you believe on the internet!
In contrast to this, there have been the even greater numbers of people who have taken to the street to protest against violence and the attitude they have seen and heard expressed. There was a march last Friday in Liverpool with the placard ‘Nanas against the Nazis’.
The right to protest is enshrined in our law and I have felt the desire to stand up against such unchristian views and behaviour. But even peaceful protest can increase the workload of the
already stretched uniformed organisations. So, what can be done by those of us who do not share the view of the vocal minority?
Staying at home doesn’t mean doing nothing. Prayer is powerful.
Karl Barth, a well-known theologian famously said, “To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.” The pen or more modernly speaking, the laptop, is mighty too. Let the voice of peace and reason and the message of love be heard.
Write to your counsellors and your MP and tell them what you want, as a Christian living in Britain which is historically a land populated by immigrants. When you do, share your thinking with others speak in the light of Christ. And when you hear ungodly voices be ready to challenge, even when the voice comes from within.
Where is God in all this? One sign of light and hope that has become visible has been the donations that have been given to rebuild and re-equip Spellow Lane Library, which was destroyed by fire and vandalism last week. Over 10,000 people have donated a total of £227,000. A clear sign that most people’s attitude is not reflected in the behaviour of the vocal few.
Christian groups have issued a call to prayer and God is without doubt operating among the many generous individuals who have given time and talents to repair and reorder areas where there has been damage.
All of this has been going on alongside that amazing backdrop of the Olympic games. For some it’s a non-event. But for many, it’s a great opportunity to follow a diverse range of sports which include boulder climbing, BMX riding (a type of bike) and skateboarding alongside the more conventional swimming and athletics. It is an area in which we are blessed because of the many black British athletes, who represent our nation in track and field.
Scripture teaches about unity and community. At the Heart of God there is community. In the Trinity we see both different and sameness. In addition we believe that God is love, (1 John 4.16) and that the love of God is, ‘patient, … kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (I Corinthians 13.4-6) It is to this behaviour that we are called.
We have seen so many people of different faiths and no faith, demonstrating that unselfish love. We have seen God redeeming communities and offering hope.
But being a Christian asks even more of us than a goodness of heart. It requires us to acknowledge Jesus as Lord, to admit our own failings, and then to live daily as a disciple, a follower and an activist.
With love,
