From Chair of the District – Revd. Julian M. Pursehouse
06:05:2020
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
In the early weeks of the current crisis it was fashionable to suggest that Corona virus was a great leveller – after all if Prince Charles and Boris Johnson had contracted the virus who on earth could be exempt? So the argument ran that in the light of this present disease all sections of society find themselves equally exposed. With the passing of time this has been shown to be a dangerous fallacy and at worst a condescending platitude. This insidious myth was wonderfully squashed by Emily Maitlis on the 9th. April when she introduced Newsnight with this uncomfortable truth;
‘They say that Corona Virus is a great leveller – well it’s not! Its much, much harder if you’re poor!’
As the weeks unfold and lockdown continues it is becoming abundantly clear that the present pandemic crisis is exposing the deep social and economic inequalities of our society. A recent media report states very clearly that once the statistics are analysed it is evident that if you are living in poverty and deprivation you are twice as likely to both contract the virus and die from the dreadful effects of COVID-19. Social-distancing, though a necessary measure, is creating the greatest difficulties for the most vulnerable members of society; single mothers, the homeless, the unemployed, the urban poor in cramped housing and finally the victims of abuse trapped in oppressive relationships of harm. Ironically, it will be some of the least well-paid and undervalued members of society; working on the front line of public service, who will finally lift us out of this hole! This is not a level playing field – it is fatally skewed for the least, the lost and the lowly of our day.
As people of faith we cannot rest content or indeed passive in the face of such deep injustice; for the God we love and serve is the Hebrew God who yearns for justice and mercy to flow like rivers through Creation (Micah 6:8). This is the God who demands that his covenant people do not forget the needs of the most vulnerable – the widows, the poor, the unattached and the aliens in the land (Deut. 10:18). In Matthew chapter 25 Jesus suggests that it is compassionate action, motivated by a deep social conscience, that becomes the very criteria for entry into the Kingdom of God – the hungry are fed, the naked are clothed, the stranger is welcomed and the sick are healed. Here Christ will be found and Christ will be revealed. I know that across the District there is much good work taking place to alleviate the needs of the most vulnerable through practical action and care in the community. Many of our churches are key stakeholders for local food banks, either through personnel or provision of collection points. I want to encourage you in this work for it is more than likely that the need for this help will only increase exponentially as the crisis continues.
As people in the Methodist tradition we do well to remember John Wesley’s deep and abiding concern for the poor and marginalised and how he envisaged that the life of perfect love requires us to ever keep in view the well-being and happiness of our neighbour for only then might we embody the Christ-like love of God. In Sermon 98, On Visiting the Sick, Wesley takes great issue with those who cast aspersions upon the poor and dispossessed particularly when the people concerned have not taken the trouble to know them, spend time with them and understand their context! As Methodists we will want to know and face the uncomfortable truths of the world around us particularly if it gives us an insight into the plight of our neighbours – men and women made in the image of God who deserve our greatest love, prayers and compassion!
With peace and blessing, Julian