Faith + action (no fence sitting allowed)
The popular metaphor used by Christians of ‘sheep’ and ‘shepherd’ can mislead. We are called to use our brains as well as our hearts in practising the faith. God has enough sheep to deal with.
A number of key issues challenge Christians as they do everyone else. Rather than accept the party line (or no line at all) we believe we should consider our position in the light of reason and faith. So get thinking! Issues for conscientious Christians include -
Possibly useful links The following links may be useful in getting other views and considering your own position. Some are strongly partisan. They are offered here as sources of opinion and argument to help you consider your own position (listing does not imply approval or endorsement by St James’ PCC. As in all serious endeavours, exploration is at your own risk) ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Global Issues That Affect Everyone | Friends of the Earth | Christian ecology EQUALITY, DIVERSITY The Equality Trust | UK Equality & Human Rights Commission Institute of Race Relations SEXUALITY & CHRISTIAN FAITH Lesbian & Gay Christian Movement | Canadian site exploring religious tolerance Changing Attitudes | Accepting Evangelicals TAXATION AND JUSTICE Tax Justice Network DEMOCRACY AND CITIZENSHIP CitizensUK FOOD PRODUCTION/CONSUMPTION Agriculture and theology project HEALTH EQUALITIES AND INEQUALITIES King’s Fund | International Journal for Equity in Health SHARING WHAT WE HAVE: PEACE & JUSTICE Christian Aid | Cafod | Oxfam International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent | Amos Trust BANKING, CONSUMING & USURY Christian Council for Monetary Justice | Usury ANIMAL WELFARE Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals | Animal Interfaith Alliance |
The perfect soul rejoices more in the differences among people than it would in seeing them all walk in the same way, saying, 'Thanks be to thee, Eternal Father, that Thou hast many mansions in Thy house.
Catherine of Siena Let us pray that all living beings realise that they are all brothers and sisters, and nourished from the same source of life. Let us pray that we ourselves cease to be the cause of suffering to each other.
The Venerable Thich Nhat Hahn The very best and utmost attainment in this life is to remain still and let God act and speak in thee.
Meister Eckhart And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said: The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! Or, lo there! For, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Gospel according to St Luke Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Collect for Aid Against all Perils Book of Common Prayer 1662 “It belongs to the very substance of nonviolence never to destroy or damage another person's feeling of self worth, even an opponent's. We all need, constantly, an advance of trust and affirmation.”
Bernard Häring |