The invasion of the US Capitol building on Wednesday, which many commentators say was a direct result of President Trump’s rhetoric at a rally called on the day that the US Congress was set to certify the election of Joe Biden, gives pause for thought.

President Trump addressed the rally of his supporters and urged them to march to the Capitol building.  Did he think through the possible ramifications of urging his supporters to converge on the seat of American democracy on that particular day?

On deeper level, does President Trump really believe that the election was stolen and there was significant fraudulent voting, given the evidence to the contrary and that the election results have been  generally accepted in America and around the world? If not, what was his purpose in maintaining something which is patently untrue? If he does believe this assertion what does this show about his state of mind?

On the back of this question it is reasonable to ask whether his supporters on Wednesday believed the election was fraudulent.  Interviews with some supporters by the BBC would seem to show they did. If this is true, how could they believe it – I mean really believe it in the face of all the evidence?

Furthermore demonising the Democrats is hardly conducive to unity and good will among Americans.

Looking back in history there are plenty of examples of people seeking influence and power making false assertions, advancing ridiculous theories and ideologies which run counter to logic, fact, common sense and moral rectitude and yet are widely believed.

It seems that people can believe almost anything if the circumstances are right.  

• One race or ethnicity is better or superior than another
• Rich people are better and more worthy of esteem than poor people
• Climate change is an illusion
• Threatening the world with annihilation with weapons of mass destruction maintains peace
• Mothers ending the lives their unborn babies is an inalienable human right
• Same sex marriage is possible

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 Many who hold views which are counter cultural are too easily demonised.  

For example, Christians who are welcoming and non judgemental towards those with same a sex preference and support Civil Partnerships but maintain the time honoured and Scriptural understanding that marriage by definition is necessarily unitive and procreative, are accused of homophobia and not permitted (de facto) to hold office in government or serve as Registrars or in other similar professions on a conscientious objection basis.  

Similar prejudice is directed by many towards those who maintain that because an unborn baby is human it should be afforded the same rights as those whose voices can be heard. Paramount among human rights is the right to life.

Those who are pro life in fact have the deepest concern for the welfare of mothers -to -be and maintain that all too often poverty, sexual abuse by partners and pressure from others lead to abortion and it is these issues which really need to be addressed so that mothers enjoy the right to have their babies.

Many are too ready to believe;

• What they are told to believe
• What they want to believe for reasons extrinsic to the merits of the belief itself
• What prejudice and ignorance prompt them to believe

“Make America great again.”

By denying climate change? By building an expensive wall along the Mexican border? By leaving the WHO? By moving the American Embassy to Jerusalem? By permitting guns to be in the hands of mentally ill people so they can go on a killing spree? By not supporting the BLM demand for equal treatment for all Americans? By continuing the arms race?

By denying the truth about the election?

As Joe Biden said, it is an ‘embarrassment’ not to concede.  

Wednesday cost the lives of five people who might be walking around today.

There is much at stake and a great many lives lost due to the gullibility pandemic. It will take more than a mask to fix it. 

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.’

https://www.bing.com/search?q=You+Tube+Graham+Kendrick+Christams+Nothing+will+ever+be+the+Same+Again&form=ANSPH1&refig=6e3a3cc7657d4de5acc6e0a1ea3907eb&pc=U531&sp=-1&ghc=1&pq=you+tube+graham+kendrick+christams+nothing+will+ever+be+the+sa&sc=0-62&qs=n&sk=&cvid=6e3a3cc7657d4de5acc6e0a1ea3907eb

In his recent teaching letter “Fratelli Tutti,” Pope Francis speaks about our throw away society . But he is highlighting people, people who are regarded as dispensable. The poor, disabled and the unborn. (Paragraphs 18 – 19)

The Pandemic is having a disproportionate effect on the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly the old. The unborn and their mothers are under even more threat due to ‘do it yourself abortions’ where women have suffered serious harm and there are recorded deaths.

Each day we have the number of people who have died due to Covid and are numbed by the daily death toll.

Yet there are many who are responding with love and care, not least doctors, nurses , teachers and other numerous front line workers.

Where love is there is God.

In these times we can take stock. Everyone is valuable, priceless even. Let what is thrown away be selfish individualism and rubbish values.

All are leaders in one way or another. We give a lead in what we say, do and how we live. We may choose to give advice and offer our opinion which can make a difference.

We may have a leadership role in the family, work, community or political life. Our circumstances may have thrust this upon us for a mixture of reasons or we have chosen it.

We see leadership played out in the lives of those we know and on the world stage as in the American election for President.

Pause for thought: What does the lead we give say about us, our values, beliefs and convictions? How does the lead we give affect others? Do we see the lead we give as a responsibility?

It is clear, leadership can be self serving or spring from inner needs. On the other hand it can be altruistic. We have risen to the task we see before us.

Having accepted the challenge there may be times we would like to step back and have a quiet life like the servant in last Sunday’s gospel at Mass. He buried his master’s talent in the ground and on the master’s return when this came came to light, has the talent taken away and given to the servant who had been given five talents and who had made five more.

“For to everyone who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough; but from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” (Matthew 25: 14 – 30)

So leadership involves using our gifts and talents in the service or others according to the needs we see around us as the opportunity arises.

Role models are important and it is heartening to recall Pope Francis holding up Martin Luther King Jnr and Dorothy Day as great Americans when he addressed Congress on 24th September 2015 on his visit to the States. King was assassinated as we know and Dorothy Day gave her life for the downtrodden and those on the margins and was a peace campaigner.

These are challenging times and all are challenged.

As Martin Luther King said on the eve of his death, ” Like anybody I would like to live a long life. longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And he’s allowed me to go up to the Mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!

I received the following from the Society for the Protection of Unborn (SPUC) Children today;

“Today marks fifty – three years since the passing of the abortion Act on 27th October 1967.

Since then, more than nine and a half million babies have lost their lives to abortion. Countless mothers have suffered.

Please pray

Today, we pause to mourn and remember those impacted by abortion. Please spend some time in prayer, or take a minute in silence to remember.

We also use this anniversary to reflect on the challenges we are facing, and to recommit ourselves to abolishing the evil of abortion. 2020 has seen some of the worst expansions in abortion practice since 1967, with abortion being officially imposed on Northern Ireland, and the deadly DIY abortion scheme coming in at the beginning of lockdown.

The challenges we face are very great. But we know that we have science, and truth, on our side. The pro-life position is very simple. Life begins at conception, and every human life is valuable and worthy of protection. We shall continue to proclaim these facts, and strand up for unborn babies and their mothers.”

I would add, God, loving Creator of the universe and Father of all is on our side.

Why is progressive or left of centre politics so pro abortion in contrast with the political right?

 In America at the moment some church leaders are favouring Donald Trump because of his pro life stance which has undoubtedly had a significant impact in advancing pro life policy at home and abroad since he took office. His pro life support is well documented on line for those seeking detail.

Joe Biden, a Catholic, is apparently pro choice.

Protecting babies in the womb is overwhelmingly the pre eminent issue it is argued, given the numbers of abortions. So whoever is the most pro life presidential candidate is the one to vote for it is said no matter how lacking in acumen for the top job he may be.

It is a puzzle how the left can campaign for human rights in areas of race, gender and social class and not apply to the unborn any human rights at all, especially as unborn babies are the weakest and most vulnerable!

Christians hold fast to the gospel imperative of social justice spelled out in the social teaching of the Church while at the same time championing the fundamental right to life of the unborn. The two are of a piece. A single woven fabric which proclaims how precious all human beings are in the sight of God.

The common denominator is that all are made in God’s image and that all are precious and irreplaceable in God’s sight. We are all brothers and sisters as Pope Francis reminds us vividly and eloquently in his recent encyclical teaching, ‘Fratelli Tutti.’ His words about migrants can easily be applied to the unborn.

“Migrants are not seen as entitled like others to participate in the life of society, and it is forgotten that they posses the same intrinsic dignity as any person.. No one will ever openly deny that they are human beings, yet in practice, by our decisions and the way we treat them, we show that we consider them less worthy, less important, less human.”

The gospel holds together the rights of all whether migrants or the unborn as daughters and sons of our Creator God.

If there was a political party that championed the rights of all – those on the margins of society, minorities, migrants, the poor and the unborn, Christians wouldn’t be faced with the conundrum they face in the American elections. An American who did have the whole deal later in her life following her conversion to the catholic Church after an abortion and two subsequent  suicide attempts is Dorothy Day (1897 – 1980). Pope Francis cited her on his visit to the States as one of the great Americans. In his address to Congress he mentions four greats – Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton.

Dorothy Day following her conversion to the Catholic Faith, gave her life to running houses of hospitality for the poorest and most vulnerable, some houses still operate today. She was a campaigner for peace and the Catholic Worker news paper she started, championing Christian values is still published. For her there was no dissonance, no dichotomy. No distinction between her Catholic faith and her social awareness. Everything was of a piece. Her name has now been put forward for canonization as a recognized Saint of the Church.

Read about her in the recent biography,“Dorothy day, dissenting voice of the American century,” by John Loughery and Blythe Randolph.

So where to next in American politics?

Christians should be involved in political parties to bring about change so that unborn babies can be protected rather than denied the most basic of human rights – the right to life.

Anyone affected by the issue of abortion can seek help. www.lifecharity.org.uk  

An article I would like to share

The Scottish government and Universities Scotland have put profit before people

Morag Innes

Over the past few weeks, students from across the UK and further afield have been either returning, or arriving for the first time, to Scottish universities. Last week, freshers’ events were held across Scotland in what ordinarily would have been an exciting time for incoming students, with the opportunity to make new friends, join societies and settle into university life more generally. Then, two days ago, all of this changed with the announcement of harsh restrictions placed on students after Covid-19 outbreaks.

I can understand why you might ask, “Why did students physically arrive on campus during a global health pandemic? Wasn’t an outbreak surely inevitable?”. It is not uncommon to hear cries of how irresponsible and reckless students have been. But this rhetoric is deeply unfair and detracts attention away from who is ultimately responsible: the Scottish government and Universities Scotland.

Most students were promised that they would receive ‘blended learning’ – a combination of both remote and in-person teaching. However, we now know this is not the case, and all learning will be remote for the foreseeable future. This begs the question, why would universities make this promise to students, with the knowledge that learning was likely to be entirely remote, and in full awareness of the dangerously unnecessary risks of encouraging students to arrive on campus? The answer is painfully simple: the Scottish government and Universities Scotland have put profit before people.

Over the past few decades, higher education has seen turbo-charged marketisation. By encouraging students to arrive on campus, universities have reaped the financial rewards of tuition fee payments and the sky-high costs of halls of residence. It seems unimaginable that universities were not aware of the risks. Murano Street Residences at the University of Glasgow, the largest student halls in Scotland and the epicentre of the Covid-19 outbreak, holds 1,579 rooms. Surely the university could have predicted that throwing such large numbers of people into shared living spaces could only end in disaster? Why weren’t adequate measures taken during the summer to ensure that student accommodation would be safe to live in?

Students were also lulled into a false sense of security by universities. At my own university, the University of Glasgow, many Freshers’ Week events were held in person. There was a Freshers’ Fair for societies and various events at the student unions, such as a vintage clothing sale. The university’s Beer Bar was open during the evenings and often attracted queues of students. All of this was not only permitted but actively encouraged by the university.

Yesterday, the news broke of 172 positive Covid cases at Murano Street Residences with various other outbreaks at universities such as Dundee and Aberdeen. Despite universities and the Scottish government having actively encouraged students to return to campuses and participate in freshers’ events, the blame was immediately pinned on students. That evening, the announcement was made that all students were banned from seeing anyone outside of their own accommodation or from visiting pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants. Students were told that any breaches to these rules “will not be tolerated”.

Where does this leave students? Not only have we been scapegoated by the Scottish government, but we have been confined to our accommodation without knowing when we will be able to see our families again. First-year students are trapped in poor quality student halls, with people they have only just met, after having likely left home for the first time in their lives. Extortionate accommodation fees are being paid, as well as grossly high tuition fees for non-Scottish students, without the academic and social experiences that this was promised to bring.

Students from within halls are already talking of feeling isolated and lonely. Students who are vulnerable to Covid due to health conditions are now trapped in an at-risk environment, seemingly unable to leave. This is bound to be particularly difficult for students who have disabilities such as autism, learning difficulties or physical impairments. No mention has been made of students who may have caring responsibilities. Students who do not live in halls have also been included in restrictions, despite no clear evidence that they are part of the outbreak. There has been no thought given to working-class students who rely on part-time employment to afford living costs. The situation is so utterly dire that the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland has raised concerns regarding “human rights implications”. 

Potentially, all of this could mean that students who are vulnerable, suffering from mental health problems, or reliant upon part-time work might drop out of university. Due to austerity measures imposed by the Westminster and Holyrood governments, our mental health services are simply not fit to deal with the crisis that is bound to ensue from these conditions. The Scottish government has already failed young people this summer with the SQA exam fiasco, and now they are failing young people again.

Where do we go from here? In the first instance, direct action is needed to protest the harsh measures and poor living conditions that first-year students face. The Glasgow Uni rent strike campaign has already been established on social media to force commercialised universities to listen by impacting their profits.

Secondly, the Scottish government and Universities Scotland need to take responsibility for their part in causing this outbreak, rather than continuing to scapegoat students. The government and the universities had a duty of care to students, and on this they have totally failed.

Thirdly, the Scottish government need to commit to increased funding for youth mental health services so as to halt the downward trajectory of youth mental health conditions. However, this would only deal with the symptoms. If the Scottish government really want to help students and save higher education they need to deal with the cause and overturn the commercialisation of the sector. Never again should profit come before the safety and wellbeing of students.Tags: Scottish Labour / Coronavirus / SNP government / Lockdown / Freshers Week / Universities Scotland / Scottish universities / Students /

Morag Innes

Morag Innes is vice-chair of Glasgow University Labour Club.

“A leopard doesn’t change its spots.” A phrase often used about someone we disapprove of meaning that they will always be as they are and there’s nothing to be done. The danger here is that we imprison the person right where they are and this becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.

We see political leaders lying, cheating and acting inhumanely in defense of power, wealth and privilege.

We see closer to home family, friends and people at work (if we are going to work in this Pandemic) who, from a faith perspective, need to change – who need God in their life.  

Yet there are ample examples from the present day and throughout history of those who come to a more enlightened way of life and to a personal faith in God later on or even at the end of their lives when those around them were convinced all was lost.

God has a vision for each and every person. Of what they can be and achieve for their personal betterment and the betterment of society and the world. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,” we read in Jeremiah 1.5.

In the Gospel reading for Mass this Sunday, Jesus relates the parable of the workers in the Vineyard. Those who were hired last received the same payment as those who had worked all day in the heat of the sun. The owner went out and discovered these latecomers standing idle. He saw their need and what they could do. He believed in them and knew from the strart he would be generous in spite of the protestations of the staple work force.

Do we believe in the potential of those around us and those in authority?

God walks alongside everyone even those who don’t recognise this. God is gracious and has given humankind the greatest gift of all – free will. It is when someone notices God alongside them and opens their heart to receive the great love and mercy on offer, that transformation is possible, even at the last hour.

What can we take from this? For those already in the Vineyard, we can see the potential in everyone. Work and pray for even the most unlikely to come into the Vineyard. Rejoice when they come for the gifts and the special place God gives even latecomers. Be ready for more labour no matter how late the hour. Pope Frances is 83. Just look at all he is doing.

God is always going out looking for those not yet in the Vineyard and sees the potential of all.

In the Gospel for last Sunday’s Mass, Jesus speaks about forgiveness, its importance and what real forgiveness means – no limits. (Matthew 18: 21 – 35)

For many this is the most difficult Christian teaching. We are upset and hurt on a daily basis and each hurt can leave its mark. Worse still many struggle under heavy loads – even from childhood.

Can we really forgive those who have inflicted especially grave injuries upon us?

Yet Jesus says if we can’t forgive, we cannot expect God to forgive us. In the “Our Father” prayer we read “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us…”

If we harbour resentment perhaps hatred, we damage ourselves and cannot be all that we could be.

Forgiveness is an essential part of love. Love comes from God who is love – and Mercy. As Pope Frances has said, “The name of God is Mercy.”

But a healing and support network is needed – the Church. A loving Community is essential to heal our brokenness caused by a love deficit. Also to help us to grow in love which is essential for our wholeness. Wholeness can be seen as being who we are in God’s loving vision for us.

What is Love?

Jesus Christ is love incarnate.

The cross is the greatest symbol of love for all time.

Metanoia is needed for this new way of living– a complete change of heart which culminates in Baptism. Baptism is to be immersed in the family of the loving God. Daughters and sons of God who is love. Brothers and sisters of Christ who embodies love and temples of the Holy Spirit who empowers us to love.

Family, forgiveness and empowerment lead to wholeness and shields us from the antitheses of love.

Today, the 16^th August, the Catholic Church celebrates the great ‘feast’ of the Assumption. This is the belief held universally in the Church that Mary the mother of Jesus was taken up – assumed – into heaven without physically dying.

The gospel reading for today is Luke 1:29 – 56 which gives an account of Mary, a teenager and pregnant with Jesus by the Holy Spirit, visiting her cousin Elizabeth Elizabeth who was much older and also pregnant. She was expecting John the Baptist who was later the herald for Jesus and who baptised Jesus in the river Jordan. This event would change the world forever. In the moment of his baptism the Holy Spirit appeared in the form of a dove and the voice of God was heard audibly declaring Jesus is the beloved Son.

There are many things about this meeting between Mary and her cousin which are remarkable but what stands out is the verse, “Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”

The historian Luke who would have heard of this account much later, records a definite and significant spiritual experience for both Elizabeth and her unborn baby John.

Every mother to be knows when her baby begins to move. Usually around 18 – 20 weeks or as early as 16 weeks for a subsequent pregnancy, or perhaps even 13 weeks. The movements of the baby can be felt when a hand is placed on the mother’s tummy around 24 weeks.

We know that around 25 / 26 weeks babies react to external noise. The baby can be affected by alcohol and drug abuse, smoking and many other things besides.

What is remarkable about this story is that John sensed spiritually the presence of Jesus we are told.

Christians and many others, believe that we are body mind and spirit. The different aspects of a person interact for good or ill. We are created in the image and likeness of our Creator Father God. St Augustine said;  

“Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.”

We are spiritual beings.

In the UK 8,745,508 abortions were carried out from 1967 to 2014.

In 2018 there were 205,295

Do we see anyone on one knee in public for any of these lost lives?

Babies Lives Matter

If you have been affected by abortion, help is out there.

www.archtrust.org.uk