SEPTEMBER MESSAGE

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia in Feb 2022 led to a war in Europe that is still raging two years later. Hamas based militant groups launched a surprise attack on Israel in Oct 2023 and the resulting conflict between Israel and its neighbours shows little sign of abating almost a year later.

Nearer to home we were all horrified by the terrible knife attack on children attending a dance event in Southport. In the ensuing weeks we were then disturbed by the riots that broke out in various cities in the UK. False information had been spread abroad on some social media sites claiming that the individual who attacked the children in Southport was a Muslim asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK on a small boat. This claim proved to be wrong but even if it had been true would this have justified rioters looting shops and attacking the police in response ?

How do we endeavour to calm situations down and avoid conflicts escalating beyond control ? World leaders need wisdom to find ways to resolve international conflicts and bring about peace and each of us as individuals can all play our part in diffusing tensions by the way that we act and by the way that we speak.

In his sermon on the mount Jesus said:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”

James, (the half-brother of Jesus), also has much to say that is relevant:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault”.

“Wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy … impartial and sincere”.

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”.

This last verse especially is very good advice to all of us.

Brian Turner … Churchwarden St Mary’s Knockin