The Glaven Valley Benefice
February's Letter
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The Glaven Valley BeneficeFebruary's Letter |
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Dear Friends
Conspiracy theories are very popular. They excite the imagination and foster an "us & them" mentality. I write at the end of the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity. The what? The Octave? Conspiracy theorists suggest that having an "Octave" rather than a "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" is a deliberate ploy to confuse and thereby put people off ecumenical co-operation. Conspiracy theorists suggest that having the "octave" or "week" in one of the coldest months of the year is a sure fire way of ensuring poor attendance at united services; who wants to trudge through the damp and darkness at this time of year?
Conspiracy theorists also suggest that having a period in the year devoted to "unity" shows signs of a commitment to disunity; we have a united service which salves the ecumenical conscience and lets us do our own thing for another 51 weeks (or 50 weeks and six days!)
Theories aside, if different denominations do not pool resources in certain areas they will fade away; we can work together or die apart. Locally, we are blessed that our Churches do work together. But in many parts of the country churches are not close to each other and even closer to closure. We are stronger together and united, we can achieve so much more. Imagine the power that we could have if we were able to unite as one body of people and change the world that we live in. It has happened throughout history, when they said it would never happen. They said slavery would never end, they said blacks would never be free or get the vote. What are we saying now that will never happen? And what will we say in two hundred years?...I can't believe that went on in 2012 and no one did anything about it. As Christians, we are dedicated to God and to this community. What would you like to see change for the better? How can we be more united as a Church and a village?
Blessings
Rev Jenny Pathmarajah
Blakeney Methodist Church