Weekly Thoughts

What part should religion play in the political life of our nation? That applies not only domestically, where many on the right will say that western culture is deeply rooted in Christianity and endangered by the influx of people of other religions, but also internationally as domestic politics are increasingly defined by distant religious conflicts, as people of other religions remain connected with their co-religionists in other parts of the world. As Christians our first priority must be to defend our faith but as people of faith we should be at pains to know what other people of different faiths believe and the ways in which that belief is expressed in their daily lives. 

So how can religious communities best interrelate? There seem to be three possibilities. The first is tolerance: a live and let live approach: different communities have little contact with each but other all feel free to pursue their own lifestyles without interference. Secondly we have what Rowan Williams once described as “interactive pluralism” where communities of all faiths and none interact rather than simply coexist, in local forums, practical collaborations and of course also informally through day-today contacts. Thirdly, we could try and establish a culture of encounter: fostering the ability to face and meet religious others so that no fear or distrust can grow. That kind of encounter can foster relationships that hold disagreement and differences respectfully in the context of mutual belonging and commitment.

Those who seek to divide out country unashamedly talk about religion in divisive, caricatured and tribal ways. The playing out of further religious differences could well undermine efforts at cohesive religious pluralism for many years to come. There is an urgent need to call out and combat such attitudes and that means considering religious differences as a primary political issue once again. That means taking active steps to foster in every locality a culture of encounter so that we can learn from our neighbours of different faiths and equally they can learn from us. To do that we shall need to learn more about our faith and understand it so that we can give an account of it and play our full part in interfaith dialogues. An atmosphere of mutual respect and learning needs to be fostered. The aim is understanding not conversion.

READINGS AND PRAYERS

5 JULY – FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY – Matthew 11 16-19, 25-30 – Come to me all that are weary – that the love of God may dwell in our hearts

6 JULY – Thomas More, Scholar and John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, Reformation Martyrs, 1535 – Matthew 24.4-13 – the person who stands firm to the end will be saved – all who suffer for the Faith today

7 JULY – Tuesday – Matthew 9.32-end – the crowds were like sheep without a shepherd – all teach the Faith today

8 JULY – Wednesday – Hosea 10.1-3,7-8,12 – sow for yourselves righteousness – the leaders of our nation

9 JULY – Thursday – Matthew 10.7-15 – Jesus sends out the twelve – the evangelistic work of the Church

10 JULY – Friday – Hosea 14.2-end – the ways of the Lord are right – for all who administer justice

11 JULY – Benedict of Nursia, Abbot of Monte Cassino, Father of Western Monasticism, c.550 – Proverbs 22.1-6 – the Lord gives wisdom – for all members of the Benedictine order