History Repeating Itself?

On Friday, Bishop James hosted a meeting of civic leaders from several northern cities to discuss the effects of Government cuts on their constituents. He was interviewed on Radio 4's 'World at One' and was asked whether he felt he was being 'dragged into politics'. He replied in terms of a 'social triage', necessary when austerity measures are required, involving pastors on the frontline, providing for the needy; the prophets, who speak out about the injustices of the situation; and the politicians who seek to put in place policies which are just and fair. It was vital, he said, that pastoral leaders highlight the needs of the poor and needy. Who would speak for them otherwise? Elsewhere, he has spoken (as a diabetic himself) of an 'urban diabetes' - the poor circulation of wealth and resources to the more extreme margins of society.

My mind goes back nearly 30 years to 'Faith in the City', when Bishop James' predecessor, David Sheppard, would be asked similar questions as he too spoke up for the disadvantaged. He would be accused of 'meddling in politics'. He would often speak of God's 'bias to the poor', as reflected in Scripture and of God's concern for the whole human race - not just the wealthy and powerful. I was not altogether surprised to hear similar implied criticism being levelled by today's media.

However, I think there are a couple of differences over 30 years. There seems to be a greater acceptance of the role of bishops and the Church generally in national life and social concern. It is no longer only bishops who are interviewed on moral or social issues. Christianity per se seems to have much more of a voice in today's world than a generation ago, when it was just assumed that the Church was 'the Tory party at prayer' - and therefore to be benign. It seems as if Christians are expected to offer something more cutting edge on a whole range of social and moral issues.

Secondly, whereas in David Sheppard's day, the response to poverty was more institutional - the Government was expected to do something (and sometimes did) - today it seems that the local church just gets on with it. Foodbanks are the primary example of this, though it is salutory that such things are needed.

For any who are interested, there is a major conference at Liverpool Hope this autumn to look at the contributions of Bishop David Sheppard and Archbishop Derek Worlock to the social issues of their day - and what their writings might have to say to today's world. See the conference website  http://www.togetherforthecommongood.co.uk/.