What Shall We Do?

So it's happened - worst case scenario! Both major parties in disarray. Who will lead us through these troubled times? This is a particular time when Christians need to be alert, have a special part to play. Here's what I've been saying to folk here:

1. The call to prayer. It is imperative that we give ourselves to this mandate to intercede for all in authority (1 Timothy 2.1-4 for example). We need to pray for leaders who will put nation before self, and common-good values before political dogma. The post-communion prayer for last Sunday was particularly appropriate and echoes Paul's words that good, prayed-for government enables the Church to do its work as well as providing for the good of all. Grant O Lord, we beseech you, that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by your governance, that your Church may joyfully serve you in all godly quietness: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2. Be faithful. It is easy to fall into the negativity, cynicism and despair of the present time - and the fear of what the future might hold. I feel particularly for those charitable organizations which depend on European funding. They must be feeling particularly vulnerable at the moment. What guarantee can they have that UK funding will take its place? Nevertheless, remembering we are citizens of heaven first and foremost, we need to deepen our trust in the living God and look daily for signs of his kingdom in our midst. 
3. Be encouragers - and bless.  If we follow 1.and 2. we will be best able to be a force for good and for God. There are more who are with us than against us. The response to Jo Cox's murder reminds us that goodness is stronger than evil, love stronger than hate. We need to stand with all people of good will, and do our best to help relations, friends, colleagues in the struggle for all that is good, beautiful, true and just.

Love Wins!

Something remarkable is happening - I dare to hope. I have just returned from a rain-soaked gathering on a Cockermouth car park. 100 or so people, braving the weather, because one local resident decided that something should happen right here to commemorate Jo Cox and to affirm all that she stood for. So there we were: several people I recognised from local churches, and many I didn't (including the originator of the idea, Sophia). Sue Hayman, our MP was there. We had prayed for her specifically in church this morning, as a friend and colleague of Jo, having entered Parliament at the same time and - it seems to me - being cast in the same mould. Gracious, warm, humanitarian, empathetic, a people person. Ironically, she had been at a party on Jo's houseboat just 2 days before that dreadful murder, to celebrate with others their first anniversary in Parliament. We pray for her protection and her resilience. Lord Frank Judd was there. A Labour peer, former Minister for Overseas Development, and a local resident himself. Both Sue and Frank spoke about Jo - her character, her passion for justice and reconciliation, her desire for inter-racial harmony and the well-being of all. You could feel the unanimity, you could sense the common desire for all that is good, noble and true about humanity.

That's why I dare to hope something remarkable is happening. If this kind of gathering - informal, impromptu, quietly determined - is replicated all over the country, then there is hope. Jo said there is more that binds us together than divides us. Her murder is a kind of wake-up call as to what happens when the toxic language of division, suspicion, fear and hate becomes prevalent and people lose their ability to think and act with grace and compassion, courage and desire for a better world instead of thinking only of themselves and people like them.

'Love Wins' is the title of a book by a Christian pastor, Rob Bell. Although he is writing in a different context, it seems an appropriate statement of faith for this present time. I continue to pray for 60:40 at least for 'Remain' on Thursday!

I'm In!

I have serious concerns that Britain is about to commit a great act of folly, by voting for Brexit. My ramblings, I realise, will make very little difference to the outcome of the referendum but - for what they're worth - here's why I'm voting 'Remain'.

1. A Question of Sovereignty. It is our Christian belief that ultimately sovereignty belongs not in Brussels, Strasbourg or Westminster but to God in heaven. In the end, all must stand before him. This means that political debate should be conducted in a spirit of deep humility, realising that all opinion is partial and all of us may be wrong. The strident  voices on both sides of the debate, and the obvious personal ambition which is at work, helps us not one bit. The Brexit arguments speak often of  'control' and 'democracy' as if separation will make it all so easy. Incipient nationalism stands behind much of what they say, which history shows is potentially catastrophic. I remember Churchill's dictum that 'democracy is the worst form of government - except for all the others'! It really doesn't help to demonise the EU, when our British institutions are hardly exemplary. It is not as if those who govern us in Britain are exactly free from corruption, greed, dishonesty and self-interest.
2. A Question of Partnership. These are turbulent times internationally, as the latest shootings in America remind us. Economically, socially, ideologically there is much to destabilise our world, so it is all the more important that wherever possible we avoid taking actions which will bring further insecurity. Even Brexiteers acknowledge that an exit will bring a period of uncertainty which will possibly last years rather than months. My Liverpool experience has taught me that it really is 'better together'; Catholic social teaching about 'the common good' is also very persuasive in my view. And in Liverpool, we benefitted much from European money both in terms of renovating fine buildings (including St George's Everton) and in the marvellous year of 2008 when we were Capital of Culture. There is so much to gain from remaining in Europe - even though as a Union, it has its faults.
3. A Question of Peace. The origins of the EU were in post-war agreements, when it was universally recognised that trading partners were less likely to fall out and become enemies. Yet this is exactly what we are risking by possibly leaving the EU. To quote Churchill again, 'jaw-jaw is better than war-war.' In addition, by acting together as allies, the EU can have a positive effect in supporting countries in other parts of the world where war (civil or otherwise) rages.
4. A Question of Compassion.  The immigration issue is major, and I have to admit that I am very disappointed at the failure of the EU to address adequately the needs of the huge number of migrants to the continent. Migration historically has always been happening for one reason or another: people escaping from war or famine; or simply seeking a better life. You cannot stop it, and indeed all of us assume it one way or another - including migrating from Liverpool to Cumbria! The positive benefits on both sides can be great. Yet, Brexiteers would try to quash it, failing completely to recognise the desperate needs of many who flee to Europe. It is part of our Jewish/Christian heritage to care for the poor and it is fundamentally wrong just to exclude them. That said, we clearly need much more robust and realistic policies for helping migrants to find their proper place within our host countries. Has anyone thought about the amount of time, energy and money which would be needed to try and exclude immigrants? We would be fighting a losing battle. Migration is a necessary part of life. It is, after all, how the Christian faith came to our islands in the first place!
5. A Question of Truth. This is the one that really concerns me. Both sides of the debate present forecasts as facts. Now, Brexiteers are making promises that they have no right to make - as if they were a government in waiting, offering us their manifesto. This, to me, reveals them in their true colours. They are seeking power for themselves, not the best interests of our country. Much has been made too of this £350m we supposedly pay to the EU, and which could alternatively be used to fund the NHS. Whereas, several leading Brexiteers are known, from previous statements, to want to dismantle the NHS altogether! I believe the Brexit arguments are fundamentally delusional, and some of our British people are in danger of falling for their lies - perhaps, with a sense of wanting to give our tired political system and 'the establishment' a bit of a kicking. This could be disastrous.

My fervent prayer is for a Remain vote to win. And more than that to win by at least a 60:40 majority. Anything less than that could mean that the arguments go on and on. To be honest, I don't believe this referendum should be happening in the first place. But that's another argument!