Context

Jean Vanier is the latest of many recent revelations of abuse by ministers, discussed by survivors and supporters in the Surviving Church blog. 

Greta Thunberg visited a muddy Bristol for schools action for climate change, while Extinction Rebellion continue to organise local and national actions. 

The Inclusive Church network challenges churches to be welcoming for everyone and tackle discrimination. 

The court in India rules that women in the Indian Army should have equal rights to command as men.  

A Syrian father who taught his daughter to laugh at bombs escapes to Turkey with his family.  

UK government advises people not to panic, and to self-isolate as the Corona Virus spreads worldwide, and leads to panic buying in Australia. 

 

Reflection

In the Gospel reading, Jesus explains to Nicodemus what it means to make the choice to follow Him; it takes a brave commitment (vv.3,5), but brings the energy of the Spirit (vv.6-8) and the reward of eternal life (v.15). Jesus goes on to say it is a choice to live in the light of truth (v.21). Can we follow that call to be brave, to stand up for what we believe in and speak out for the light?

Churches have heard recently many survivors and others speak out about abuse, after a shameful history of denial and cover up, at last things are coming into the light. The transparency and swift action of the L’Arche community is to be commended here. It’s sad that in many churches it seems to have been survivors who lead the way in highlighting abuse and calling for change. What stops the rest of us from speaking out or acting in support? What helps us to be brave and take a stand?

Having the law in our side can help, but as women in the Indian Army have found, where a whole culture change is needed, the rules alone are not enough. As the Inclusive Church network says, we have to tackle the discrimination and embedded cultural attitudes that enable abuse and discrimination to flourish.  

Young people often lead the way when it comes to being brave and acting on our beliefs. Greta Thunberg has inspired thousands of school children and students to take action on climate change, joining school strikes or the Extinction Rebellion actions. Can we catch the passion of youth?

The inspiration of the Spirit can lead us to face the darkness of this world in ways which themselves testify to the light. Among the many families fleeing the civil war in Syria, one little girl caught the headlines recently as her father had taught her to laugh at the bombs to try to reduce her trauma. The Inclusive Church website features many ‘visual theologians’ and talks about going beyond inclusion to be ‘radically welcoming’. How can we be creative and ‘go beyond’ in our response?

‘Going beyond’ for our faith can be counter-cultural and uncomfortable. Amid panic buying in Australia prompted by Corona virus fears, the UK government are urging people to be sensible, not to panic, and to be responsible by isolating yourself if you think you may be infected. Would we risk being isolated for out faith?

 

Prayer

A prayer for public or group worship.

Keep silence after each bidding for people to add their own personal prayer of commitment. Then as a response, sing or say aloud the refrain: 
‘Stand, oh stand firm, and see what the Lord can do’.

Creator God,
we will stand firm for the world. We will speak out when we see your creation being spoiled, misused, neglected. We will act to protect and nurture our planet and all that lives on it. We will stand firm for creation.

Redeemer God,
we will stand firm for the oppressed. We will speak out when we see injustice, abuse, exploitation. We will act to protect the most vulnerable and to restore lives that are broken. We will stand firm with all those who suffer.

Empowerer God,
we will stand firm for your kingdom. We will speak out your message of love, peace and redemption. We will be the message in the way we live our daily lives. We will stand firm wherever your love is most needed.

 

Questions

• When have you stood up for something you believe in? What helped you to speak or act? What were the challenges?
• Has there been a time when you failed to speak out? What made it difficult to do so?
• Where do you think you are most called to stand firm and speak out today?

 

All-age activity

Invite people to stand up if they are committed to standing firm and speaking out for key issues in our world. From those standing, ask for examples of how you might do that (have an example of you own up your sleeve). For example:

• Climate change – stop using single use plastics, reduce car use
• Poverty – campaign for living wage, donate to food bank
• Homelessness – buy Big Issue, volunteer at shelter
• Abuse – be a survivor-friendly church, talk about how to keep everyone safe
• Racism – speak out when you see it, arrange to visit the local mosque/synagogue
• Peace – be the first to say sorry after an argument, always seek mediation
• Love – prioritise time with friends and family, reach out to someone who is alone

 

Young people

Greta Thunberg recently said the world is on fire and she is not going to stand by and watch it burn.

Have a discussion about climate change and what, if any, involvement you have had in XR, school strikes, or similar. Is this the kind of commitment Jesus meant, when we follow him?

What other issues do the group feel strongly about, where they think they need to speak out and stand firm? Young people have led the way in climate change. Why do they think that is? Are there things your group can do to lead the way on this, or other issues in your local community? Do they have a challenge to the rest of the church community?

 

Jane Chevous is a writer, educator and activist who lives on a sailing yacht and tries to stand up and speak out for truth and justice. Share her writing at Barefoot Tales and her activism at Survivors Voices.

 

KEY:  icon indicates ways to connect faith with everyday life

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