Christianity - Proud, peripheral or persecuted? - 2/5/2010

There has been some stir in the press recently – into which our own Bishop Nicholas has been drawn – about the perceived persecution of Christians in this country today. It was a thoughtful observation which uncovered further discussion which Richard Harries – formally Bishop of Oxford – characteristically summed up and concluded (Times on-line 5 April 2010). He was responding to the suggestion that Christians are now persecuted, evidenced by nurses and air hostesses who are no longer allowed to wear Christian ornamentation.

First he said that we find ourselves in a new situation in this country because of globalisation and immigration. We are longer a monochrome Christian society and people tend to identify themselves through their religious affiliation of which there are now many in this country.

Secondly, because of the decline over Christian commitment in this country some of those who are involved in the central expression of their faith tend to become more shrill in their witness. This can make Christianity appear superior and proud, which is not what the founder of our faith had in mind at all.

Thirdly, a secularism is flexing its muscles in the high street and the media, which tends to be scornful of - or ignorant about - our country’s history and Christian culture. As we know however in this part of Lancashire, members of other faiths very much welcome our Christian witness and heritage. Our church schools are very popular with other faiths because they stand for something particular.

There is an English reluctance to gossip the gospel as is evidenced by Tony Blair who thought that wearing his faith publicly might suggest he was ‘a nutter’. However, during our Lent Bible studies this year we agreed that Christians must be able to find a natural way of speaking about their faith once more, both in word and deed. I think there is a loss of confidence around but it may be that the churches are not providing the right encouragement or education to facilitate this easy articulation of our faith.

In a month when the colour of our government will again be decided it is interesting to note that the current Labour Administrations cabinet is well represented by active Christians as is the opposition front bench. What they don’t agree about is how their Christian principles can be articulated politically and that is where we need to use our votes carefully on the 6th May.

All Christian politicians would wish that all people can flourish to their maximum potential and should do all in their power to accomplish that. (This cannot be said for all politicians however). I’m reminded of the words from St Irenaeus on the gravestone of Archbishop Michael Ramsey which reads: “The Glory of God is the living man; and the life of man is the vision of God”. This is the state to which we aspire and we can all do our bit on Election Day.

Yours sincerely

Christopher Armstrong