The downfall of Chris Huhne fills me with sadness and indignation. It's the oldest sin in the Book: 'it wasn't me, it was her.' And to compound that 10-year old lie, he has lied ever since. A marriage destroyed, a family divided, a career lost, and a man completely dishonoured. It further brings politics and politicians into disrepute: others must have known, or at least suspected, that this man was being untruthful and yet political friends stood by him, hoping the judicial system would work in his favour. Thankfully, it didn't and he was exposed. Where is the integrity in politics?
It's easy to become cynical and to presume everyone is cast in the same mould. They are not. Coincidentally, the same news bulletin brought an item about Justin Welby's confirmation as Archbishop of Canterbury - a post he had most certainly not sought, which (among other reasons) makes him an ideal candidate!
Last week, Aung San Suu Kyi (the Burmese political leader) was 'cast away' on Radio 4's Desert Island Discs. One of my favourite people on one of my favourite programmes! She was inspirational, not just because of what she has endured with such good grace but most of all because of her passion for her country and for human rights and democracy. Such is her dedication, that everything in her life - including marriage and motherhood - have been subjugated to this one cause: to see her people free. She said openly that she wanted to be President, because every political leader should want the opportunity to work out their vision in practice, so why pretend? Kirsty Young, her interviewer, was incredulous: 'the first time I've heard a politician admit this!' But if one's ambition is truly for the good of one's people, why not be ambitious? Tellingly, Aung San also said 'I did not come into politics to be popular'. There speaks the true visionary, the courageous leader whose vision is not for power and glory but something much higher and greater. Watch the film 'The Lady' for the story of her life so far.
We cannot ignore the implications of all this for ourselves, just because we are not in the public eye or assuming high office or ambitious in that sense. All of us must take responsibility for what we have been placed on this earth to do, be it high or low, and do so with the highest standards of honesty, integrity and concern for the common good.
Forgive the pun, but a famous prayer of George McLeod comes to mind:
Jesus, Master Carpenter of Nazareth, who through wood and nails won our full salvation, wield well your tools in this your workshop, that we who come to you rough hewn may here be fashioned into a truer beauty by your hand. Amen.
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