This year Easter has taken centre stage in what some see as a 21st century Battle for Britain. Many on the Left speak of the ‘culture wars’, growing intolerance and even increasing racism. Many on the right speak about ‘wanting my country back’, loss of British values and an increasing erosion of Britishness. Some like myself veer between despair at the growing extremism on both sides. At the heart of it all swirls discord around levels of immigration and what it is to be British. It could not therefore have been more provocative that the calendar placed Easter within the month of Ramadan. For the last years we seem to have an annual debate about the public marking of Ramadan, from politicians and Government bodies to supermarkets and posters on public transport. This year there was obviously a lot more heat around that as people were comparing the visible celebration of a holy Muslim month to that of the most holy time for Christians. ‘Ramadan lights’, (which I understand from Muslim friends aren’t even traditional) appeared in central London. Easter decorations have been sparse if not absent from public places.
Indeed the task ahead is going to be tough for many, like me, who have not actively evangelised before. Some faiths do seem to protect their core messages with vigour, although this can quickly lead to terrible behaviour.
The Archbishop of Canterbury has quite a lot of form when it comes to toning down the Christian message, so perhaps Mr Graham reacted on the basis of 'here we go again' rather than taking this beautiful message at face value.
Yes I think you’re spot on Andrew re. Mike probably not being able to get past how he usually judges Justin Welby. Ironically he gave the very people he wanted to score points against ammunition to attack him for the next year!
I will pray for your desire to evangelise. In my experience often the most effective witness is that which is gentle and long term, i.e. giving people space rather than swamping them! At the end of the day it’s not us who convert someone it is God. But I do wish more people supported their local churches, especially in villages! That’s history, heritage, culture and faith all combined!
There is a C of E church in the middle of the village I live in. It has no full time minister, more than 100 years of graves, and thanks to over development, the annual floods come a little bit closer each year.
I am a Roman Catholic, but know this is a place of worship that somehow has to be saved. There are many church buildings in peril across our land - by the time Christianity resurgence is main stream, we may have lost lots of these places of worship.
Meanwhile, the more pressing need is to add to the faith. I agree, 'send only' messaging is a fine way to discourage the curious. Nurturing is slower, but possibly more productive.
Hello Patricia! What I meant was that I veer between despairing at both extremes because every day on the news and social media I get hit by both! I don’t agree with either extreme view. I’m passionate about preserving our British Christian culture but, as my article says, I find it depressing and indeed upsetting that some of those fighting that fight have a sparse to non existent understanding of what Christianity actually is.
Very well said Romy. Sorry I've been quiet, we've had some unwelcome news about my mum. It is a difficult time. However I quite agree that most people completely miss the true meaning behind Easter. Personally I haven't seen any public celebrations of Ramadan on my travels this weekend, but lots of Easter paraphernalia in retail outlets. We're going to Ripon on Thursday and no doubt the city centre will be bedecked with knitted eggs and knitted bunting, pillar boxes resplendent in Easter bonnets! As it is every Easter.....People like Mike Graham are doing us no favours with their ignorance masquerading as Christianity. I don't like Justin Welby at all, but his post is moving and pertinent, simply expressed.
Thanks so much Puds! And I’m really sorry to hear about your Mum. I’ll definitely keep you both in my prayers. Do let me know if there’s anything I can do. You’re not on X anymore are you? I hope you had some joy over Easter despite everything xx
Hi. Thanks Romy, she definitely needs all the help she can get. No, I'm just on here now, not yet writing, but commenting. I spent Easter doing my new love - karate. Was fabulous 👌 Much love to you and your awesome mum xx
Cultural Christianity will not suffice anymore. It's erosion I see as part of a greater 'sifting' or revealing of where people really stand. At the same time I believe the opportunity for 'harvest' is great. There are those, who perhaps themselves had been culturally Christian, now realising that this is where the rubber hits the road and they need to make a profession of faith in Christ for themselves. I'm seeing this across the "truther" movement particularly. God is still on the move!
Brilliant Romy! very insightful and pertinent in these polarised times
Thank you so much Rory 🙏🏼
:)
Indeed the task ahead is going to be tough for many, like me, who have not actively evangelised before. Some faiths do seem to protect their core messages with vigour, although this can quickly lead to terrible behaviour.
The Archbishop of Canterbury has quite a lot of form when it comes to toning down the Christian message, so perhaps Mr Graham reacted on the basis of 'here we go again' rather than taking this beautiful message at face value.
Yes I think you’re spot on Andrew re. Mike probably not being able to get past how he usually judges Justin Welby. Ironically he gave the very people he wanted to score points against ammunition to attack him for the next year!
I will pray for your desire to evangelise. In my experience often the most effective witness is that which is gentle and long term, i.e. giving people space rather than swamping them! At the end of the day it’s not us who convert someone it is God. But I do wish more people supported their local churches, especially in villages! That’s history, heritage, culture and faith all combined!
Thank you so much for reading my pieces 🙏🏼
Dear Romy, thank you for your articles.
There is a C of E church in the middle of the village I live in. It has no full time minister, more than 100 years of graves, and thanks to over development, the annual floods come a little bit closer each year.
I am a Roman Catholic, but know this is a place of worship that somehow has to be saved. There are many church buildings in peril across our land - by the time Christianity resurgence is main stream, we may have lost lots of these places of worship.
Meanwhile, the more pressing need is to add to the faith. I agree, 'send only' messaging is a fine way to discourage the curious. Nurturing is slower, but possibly more productive.
How long will you dally between two extremes?
“Some like myself veer between despair at the growing extremism on both sides”
Hello Patricia! What I meant was that I veer between despairing at both extremes because every day on the news and social media I get hit by both! I don’t agree with either extreme view. I’m passionate about preserving our British Christian culture but, as my article says, I find it depressing and indeed upsetting that some of those fighting that fight have a sparse to non existent understanding of what Christianity actually is.
Thanks for reading my work!
Very well said Romy. Sorry I've been quiet, we've had some unwelcome news about my mum. It is a difficult time. However I quite agree that most people completely miss the true meaning behind Easter. Personally I haven't seen any public celebrations of Ramadan on my travels this weekend, but lots of Easter paraphernalia in retail outlets. We're going to Ripon on Thursday and no doubt the city centre will be bedecked with knitted eggs and knitted bunting, pillar boxes resplendent in Easter bonnets! As it is every Easter.....People like Mike Graham are doing us no favours with their ignorance masquerading as Christianity. I don't like Justin Welby at all, but his post is moving and pertinent, simply expressed.
Thanks so much Puds! And I’m really sorry to hear about your Mum. I’ll definitely keep you both in my prayers. Do let me know if there’s anything I can do. You’re not on X anymore are you? I hope you had some joy over Easter despite everything xx
Hi. Thanks Romy, she definitely needs all the help she can get. No, I'm just on here now, not yet writing, but commenting. I spent Easter doing my new love - karate. Was fabulous 👌 Much love to you and your awesome mum xx
Cultural Christianity will not suffice anymore. It's erosion I see as part of a greater 'sifting' or revealing of where people really stand. At the same time I believe the opportunity for 'harvest' is great. There are those, who perhaps themselves had been culturally Christian, now realising that this is where the rubber hits the road and they need to make a profession of faith in Christ for themselves. I'm seeing this across the "truther" movement particularly. God is still on the move!
well said