‘We believe that Christ gives his Church a government distinct from the government of the state. In things that affect obedience to God the Church is not subordinate to the state, but must serve the Lord Jesus Christ, its only Ruler and Head. Civil authorities are called to serve God’s will of justice and peace for all humankind, and to respect the rights of conscience and belief. While we ourselves are servants in the world as citizens of God’s eternal kingdom.’ (Statement of the Nature, Faith and Order of the United Reformed Church).
Over the years I have been privileged to lead the reading of the Statement of Faith at significant services and on other occasions. When I reach this clause, I always get slightly nervous. I find these words simultaneously thrilling and frightening. We, in the Church, must be law abiding citizens, but we are not bound to obey if governments step outside God’s law. This could be treasonable, but it is a pivot point in faith. Where is my allegiance?
Reflecting on these words and the more extreme actions of people protesting in support of good causes I find that the fine line between insurrection and the right to protest to be vanishingly thin. For example:
Strikes over pay that seems unreasonably low are okay, yes?
Extinction rebellion protesting over animal cruelty are okay…it depends on definitions?
An invasion of one country by another to protect an opinion of an ancient people’s heritage is okay, no?
And then what about the balance between diplomatic negotiation supported by endless patience and stomping out of discussions while proclaiming the other side’s intransigence.
Lawful protest is one thing, but lawless disruption of life is another…but how is law drafted in a secular world.
It is hard being a Christian with principles, oh yes!
A Prayer
God of freedom and God of justice we pray for wisdom to nurture and protect the hard-won privileges of faith and always to respect the rule of law that has its basis in you. Bless us in our attempts at honouring all with whom we share life and give is patience, for Jesus’s sake. Amen.