A Tale of Two Christmases
The Monday before last Janet Daby, UK shadow minister for faiths, women and equalities, resigned from her post. The reason for her going was that in a conversation with journalists organised on zoom by the Religion and Media Centre, Daby who is a Christian, said that “There needs to be something in place that protects people of faith being penalised for objecting to performing certain tasks because of their religious beliefs.” She had been asked specifically about whether registrars should be dismissed if they objected to same-sex marriage on faith grounds. The Daily telegraph reported her remarks and soon after she resigned apologising for her, “misjudged comments.” Evidently the reaction to her remarks was not favourable.
Both conscientious objection on matters of faith and free speech are basic human rights in a democracy you might think, especially in an ostensibly Christian country. Furthermore, this seems to fly in the face of the current campaign by Keir Starmer to banish anti-Semitism from the Party, whatever it takes.
This raises a vital question for us all. Is there a place in government for Christians?
Christians from Pope Francis, recognise the dignity of all. Civil Unions provide a legal framework for the protection and rights of same sex couples and Christians should be respectful to those with a disposition for same sex relationships.
It is not homophobic to maintain that same sex relationships which are neither procreative or unitive can be a marriage, given how marriage and family life has been understood since the dawn of time and how marriage is understood in the Bible and Church teaching for two thousand years, whatever the law may say.
Many now find themselves placed at the last minute in ‘Tier Four’ restrictions in the UK. This is a let down for those who had plans for a family get together, albeit limited this Christmas. People want the company of family and friends and everything associated with the Christmas celebrations. For many, even many non church goers there is a nod in the direction of the manger. For Christians, churches remain open for worship and Mass and for those shielding, worship is available on line. We celebrate an historical event which changes everything for everyone for all time, brings new life and a new way of living in the here and now and opens eternal life with God our Father and Creator of all that is.
This is a time when Christians, notwithstanding the secularisation and commercialisation of the season, joyfully celebrate the birth of Jesus Son of God. A Saviour born in poverty to bring peace, justice and human wholeness in body mind and spirit to all.
So while the UK celebrates its Christmas story, which continues to be part of our identity as a community of nations, Christians like Janet Daby cannot remain in office and many continue to be marginalised and denied their basic human rights because of their Christian Faith.
But when we look at the manger we know that everything has changed – forever!
Jesus is the reason for the season!
Try Graham Kendrick on You Tube – ‘Nothing Will Ever Be The Same Again.’