Since I last wrote back in the Winter,lots has happened. The main thing is that I now have a part time job as a multifaith chaplaincy co-ordinator to workplaces in my area. It is fascinating, as it has taken my theology forwards hugely – perhaps that means in simple terms that I’ve had to deal with my preconceived ideas and get real with the world around me. That’s no bad thing, but best of all, it has deepened my faith in Christ and I don’t feel I am denying the authenticity of the Christian faith as revealed in the Bible; rather it has taught me to be more respectful and more receptive towards those of other faiths and none. Only yesterday, I was in Bradford at the magistrates courts to learn about their multifaith chaplaincy (which is aimed more at the clients and their supporters who have to come to court, and less so those who work in the courts.). Talking to Latif and listening to him and his colleagues was a real joy. What’s cool about multifaith chaplaincy is finding the common ground between those of faith, and in particular the things that unite us as humanity seeking to live in peace with each other and in our community – especially where faith is often marginalised. Faith is an integral part of the lives of those of faith, and it spills over in to our working lives. It affects our worldview, and how we want to live alongside our colleagues, clients and and so on, and how we deal with the inevitable conflicts, or moral dilemmas one often faces.One of the best books I’ve read in recent months is ‘The Vicar of Baghdad’ by Canon Andrew White. The way he deals with people of other faiths really inspired me and his is one of few books that I can say ‘changed me’. Yet on the very same day that I was in the court building, 2 things happened; the courts had issued summons to hundreds of people who had defaulted on council tax payments so the entrance to the building was HEAVING with people who had come for their time in court as I tried to make my exit,; during that time, an elderly man in that queue collapsed upstairs. The court ushers and security did a sterling job of helping him. As I climbed back in to my car, the radio news announced that the latest serial killer of 3 sex workers had been arrested in Bradford. The very place I was visiting became headline news. Christ is to be found loving and compassionate in the midst of the sinfulness of humanity. He associated with the sinners of his day bringing redemption, forgiveness, and compassion. He did not turn his back on ‘sinners and tax collectors’ but he levelled his anger at the religious teachers of his time who really were power hungry and failed in the Godly areas of justice, and feeding the poor an hungry. The chaplains are simply there to help people without being judgemental or without prosyletising/ pushing their own religious agenda’s. that’s about all for now – I have to sign off and get dinner on the table. TTFN
