It's been quite the interesting week for Christianity in the United Kingdom. Over the weekend, Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, delivered a resound denunciation towards the current government as being "anti-Christianity." Not entirely the message one expects to hear over the Easter weekend and I imagine it took many in Downing Street by shock. If you've read Lord Carey's address, then you might be able to see that he seems less motivated by concern for Christian charity and practice, than he does by his own ideological ideas. Still, none the less, there is a slight irony and truth in this rebuke. The current government, whether by choice or by chance, has placed the nation's Christians -and, really, all faith communities - in a bit of an awkward situation.
Tomorrow, April 1st, is the day that the government's new budget will come into effect. This budget will see a sweeping reduction to public benefits as Britain tries to reign-in its spending figures. I don't intend to debate whether the budget cuts are right or wrong, necessary or unnecessary. That is a conversation for another place and another time. (Though, it is an important one to have!) The fact of the matter is that: tomorrow morning a significant number of folks are going to face some daunting economic factors which they had previously not. For some folks, this will involve a mild pinch in the pocketbook. For others, however, this could mean the difference between having a meal to eat or not. It is not the imposition of these laws which, on its own, places Christians in a conundrum. It is instead the fact that these laws come into effect the day after the world Christian community celebrates Easter; the highest point and happiest day of the Christian year.
Words like "paradox" or "irony" do not even begin to cover the situation.
It is this timing, this juxtaposition of impending financial hardship with the joys of Easter, which places Britain's Christians in an odd spot. If we, in any way, believe the words we said today when we claimed "Christ is risen, he is risen indeed" then we cannot ignore this imposition of cuts. If we truly believe that Christ is risen and alive in us, then we cannot ignore the suffering and needy of this world. If we truly believe that Christ's words are eternal and true for us today, then we cannot forget the "least of these" as they were described so many years ago.
These benefit cuts, harsh though they might be, offer the church, as an institution, a massive opportunity. In this time, the church has the opportunity to make its ministry and charity real to its community and involved in the life of its neighbours. Rather than being a symbol of charity and faith, the church has the opportunity to become charity and faith personified. What do I mean by that?
Many churches are involved with charity works. Many give deeply and generously to wider community groups which do wonderful and necessary works. My advice to churches is: don't stop doing this! However, in addition to your monetary support for these groups, I would offer some ideas which can take part in the actual life and action of the local church as well.
For instance:
Does your church host a food pantry or cupboard for those who are in need? If not, could you?
Does your church offer support to single mothers and fathers? (Help with diapers, child-care, or other items?) If not, could you?
Does your church offer support and community for older folk? Visiting them for community and also to check on their wellbeing? Again, if not, why aren't you?
Is your church offering programs to help folks learn how to manage their monies and their debts? (Which, btw, most folk in debt would like to NOT be in debt, but aren't entirely sure of the options available to them, or even how to make the proper choices to begin to come out of debt!) Is this something your church could organise and host?
Is your church involved with tutoring local children, so that they might be assured of further and better education? (Ps: If you've got lots of retired folk, this might be a great way to network them with younger generations and also to pass on their skills and knowledge!!!)
Finally, could your church host a job-fair/fayre? Could you bring local employers and local job-seekers into your halls to connect for potential jobs or, at the very least, interviews?
Again, if not, what's stopping you? If you proclaim today that "Christ is risen," that means Christ is risen tomorrow as well.....and the next day too! If Christ is eternal and Christ is alive, then so are Christ's words. Loving our neighbour as ourself and caring for the least of these is never an easy thing to do, but, it is, especially at this time an absolute necessity.
