Introduction
Jesus’ warning against the mismatch between religious belief and daily life sets a mirror against the increasing number of stories about sexual harassment in the workplace, which themselves raise the question about how people in responsible positions should behave towards others.
Context
Since the accusations against Harvey Weinstein emerged some three weeks ago, the issue of sexual harassment in the work place has grown considerably, with accounts of experiences of such behaviour from film, stage and other media, parliament and the church. One strong theme in the discussion is that sexual harassment emerges from the inappropriate use of power in workplace relationships.
Another big theme this week has been the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, with several big events, and a great deal of reflection.
There was also a story about the place of ‘Thought for the Day’ on Radio 4’s Today programme. The Radio Times on Monday reported that John Humphreys and Justin Webb had grumbled that ‘Thought for the Day’ was deeply boring. This story was soon picked up by other newspapers. There was a thoughtful response by the Bishop of Leeds, Nick Baines in his blog, and a considerable amount of chat on Twitter and Facebook and other platforms. The issue here is about the place of religion in the public place.
Reflection
In this week’s RCL Gospel reading (Matthew 23.1-12), Jesus criticises the religious leaders for their hypocrisy, because what they teach and how they live are not integrated. Jesus sets out his observations – the religious leaders pile burdens and expectations on others without offering any support. They like to be recognised for their own piety and good deeds, and promote their own status and prestige. This is another story about the imbalance of power, where – in this instance – power comes from religious position and practice, and those who don’t match up to this measure are belittled and abused.
The sad reality is that religious people in almost every generation, in almost every church, have found ways of using the faith to boost their own egos. This isn’t about healthy religious disagreement and debate, such as we see in the responses to the Anniversary of the Reformation, but the use of religion to put others down, whoever the others are. And there have been times over 500 years when Protestants and Catholics have mistreated and even killed each other for their faith. When we have done this, we have been just as much the hypocrites that Jesus condemns, because that behaviour is not what our faith requires of us.
Of course, we don’t do that now, do we? We don’t belittle the stranger, the person who doesn’t quite know how to behave like us in church, the visitors at the christening dressed more for party than for church. Except that in most church communities, there will be elements of hypocrisy that are just part of the way we do things here.
It is particularly hard when a Christian MP is accused of sexual harassment – we would hope our political leaders and our church leaders would be better than that.
We expect those in positions of political and religious authority to have the highest standards of morality and the behaviour that flows from it. When morality and behaviour are not integrated, it affects everyone. There is a risk, however, that this becomes a witch-hunt with an over-eagerness to condemn. The real question is: how can we help each other to behave better to each other, respecting all people, whoever they are?
This week’s CW (Common Worship/Church England) alternative Gospel reading is Matthew 24.1-14, and it talks about the way that the followers of Jesus will be treated because of their faith. There will be times of difficulty and persecution. A connection could be made with the issue of religion in the public arena, though be wary of taking a victim role in this (look at what good Christians we are – we are being persecuted!).
Prayer
A meditation for three voices, based on Psalm 43. It could be used in a group setting.
- Give judgement for me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people.
- Because I am in the right. You know I am! And they are just WRONG.
- Lord, have mercy on me.
- Deliver me from the deceitful and the wicked.
- Because they live on a different planet!
- Lord, have mercy on me.
- For you are the God of my refuge; why have you cast me from you?
- I don’t understand why you seem so far off – after all I’ve done!
- Lord, have mercy on me.
- O send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, and bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.
- Bring me home. Help me to know you again. Your light, not my own shining lights. Your truth, not my truth.
- Lord, have mercy.
- That I may go to the altar of God, to the God of my joy and gladness.
- In the place where you know me, may I know you in joy. And may I rediscover gladness in the presence of all your children.
- Lord, have mercy.
- O put your trust in God; for I will yet give him thanks, who is the help of my countenance, and my God.
- And in trusting you may I see others through your eyes, and living thankfully, come to embrace all your children.
- Lord, have mercy.
Questions
- Who are the people you know or have known whose lives best reflect a deep faith in God?
- Are there people who are due respect simply because of the position they hold?
- Who are the people you would automatically show respect to?
Action
- What policies does your church have about reporting sexual harassment if it were to happen?
- Do you publish a set of values about how people should treat each other?
- Is there an independent person to whom someone could turn if they felt they were being treated badly?
- Is this something that your church should consider?
Young people
Radio 4 presenters have criticised ‘Thought for the Day’ for being boring and irrelevant. Design a short audio presentation about your faith and how it affects your life. Make it interesting and attention-grabbing. Find opportunities to play it to a wider audience.
Meg Gilley is an Anglican parish priest in Gateshead. She tweets at MegGilley1 and blogs sporadically at ramblingrectorbensham.wordpress.com
Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by ROOTS for Churches Ltd.