Have you been
hearing Christian voices in the public arena lately? I've heard
quite a variety: there seem to have been a number of matters that
have got people acting on their faith, and speaking out for Christian
values in the wider scene.
There's
the (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill. Seventy church leaders,
including some names I know well, released a joint personal
statement1
on the day of the first reading of the Bill. They were speaking out
for “the uniqueness of marriage” and “the complementary role of
male and female.” For myself, I would own up that my links are
with Christians for Marriage Equality Aotearoa2,
who call on people of faith “in the light and hope of the Spirit of
Jesus... to respect
the dignity, freedom, and committed love of same gender couples to
enter into the rite of marriage.”
Christian voices are on both sides of this debate, Christian voices
being heard, and they are speaking clearly and respectfully. May it
continue to be so throughout the Bill's processes in Parliament.
More significant I
think are the Christian voices that are being heard in many
communities, engaging in local politics and protests. As I write it
has been a bad week for job losses, with families and communities
around the country very concerned for the future. The epitome of the
trauma and the challenge is Christchurch where the earthquakes have
intensified the situation and sharpened the focus on the issue of
doing right for people, now and in for the long term. Education
Ministry plans for re-structuring felt like another big after shock
to them, another challenge to work through for people whose
resilience is not what it used to be.
You might recall
Peter Beck announcing his resignation as Dean of Christchurch
Cathedral. It wasn't because, with the cathedral “munted” he had
no job. The cathedral congregation continues. Rather he resigned to
stand for the City Council, and he did so to continue what he'd been
doing since 4 September 2010 – trying to be a voice for people at
risk of being ignored. By and large they are people of the Eastern
suburbs, more generally they are people of lower income and with less
education. He was successful in the election, and he wasn't alone as
a visible Christian presence on the new Council. A Presbyterian
colleague of mine, Glenn Livingstone, was also voted on. As church
ministers Peter and Glenn are able to give a profile to Christian
faith as it expresses itself in social action. They are far from
alone in this activist faith but as ministers they wear their faith
on their sleeve and can give courage to others. Christian voices –
and hands and feet – are on the ground in Christchurch contributing
to its renewal. And they are reminding those in power to listen to
the people. Methodist colleague Mark Gibson in New Brighton is one of
a number whose internet messages indicate that the Christians are
active and vocal in doing kindness and seeking justice for that city
and its people.
But it's another
matter of national concern that really got me thinking about
Christian voices in today's social environment. “Politicians think
its fine to lie” was the title of Tapu Misa's article in the
Herald this week.3
US Republican vice-presidential nominee Paul Ryan was the extreme
example she began with, but the target of her critique was what she
called John Key's “Banksian contortion”. We've long bemoaned the
untruths of politicans, but what is worrying is that it is now being
treated as acceptable. We're told that the important thing is
whether they are found to be breaking the law. It doesn't seem to
even be embarrassment, to be found to be dishonest.
Tapu Misa writes
openly as a Christian and I greatly appreciate her voice. She can be
heard alongside a number of other voices in our secular society, who
are speaking out on this matter of truth and honesty. For me it is
core business for us as church to stand up for such fundamental
values. Not the law, but the spirit. In other words, ethics – the
way we relate to others and the integrity we seek in being true to
our humanness.
My Bible-in-schools
have been looking at the creation stories with which the Bible
begins. One aspect stood out for the children of two quite different
cultural and economic environments – Riverview and Kaeo. The idea
that we are a reflection of God had their eyes light up.
That's who we
are – that's who we can be. But only if we are taking on qualities
like honesty, integrity, kindness, justice, respect, and love for one
another.
Shalom,
Robyn
I
prayed for twenty years but received no answer until I prayed with my
legs.
Frederick
Douglass, 19th century escaped slave
