I am writing this on the Sunday after the referendum and am acutely aware of the huge changes that this has set in motion. In part, I believe the result clearly shows a disconnection between the politicians and the electorate and some of the media and ordinary people. In part I also think that it shows how London centric a lot of attitudes we take for granted have become. These are all matters that I am sure will be addressed. More importantly, from my point of view is how we go about our daily lives and what attitudes we hold.

I am not fearful for our or our children’s future because I know that our society has been built on sound Christian principles, some inherited from the Jews, and some shared with Muslims as well as people of other faiths and most embraced by people with other faiths or none. Importantly we are commanded to care for the sojourner in the land – the stranger, the migrant or refugee (Leviticus 19:34 34 the alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.). We are enjoined to care for the poor and oppressed, to look after the bereaved and the hungry. Compassion is not something required by law but part of our humanity.

The sort of society we are and will become depends on us paying careful attention to our roots and our humanity as well as the foundation that Christianity first brought to these shores at the end of the second century. (Tertullian c. 155 – c. 240 AD mentions Christian communities established in Britain).

The English have always been a pragmatic people and I trust and hope that we will not only be alright in the future, but that we will also do our best to build a better country for all its people.

The popular (modern) prayer known as the prayer of St. Francis is appropriate for this time and I offer it to you:

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.

Robin