Part 193. When all is said and done.

2023 was quite a year for me. I dispensed finally with the last vestiges of fundamentalist literalist conservative evangelicalism and embraced, for me, new ideas. What "my theology' is now I don't know or care but most certainly it is orientated in the progressive/liberal, maybe even the deconstructive, direction.

It has been so liberating to escape the clutches of detailed conservative evangelical biblical exposition and replace it with the broad principles of Jesus as reported in the synoptic gospels.  The two Great Commandments fulfill all earlier teaching and asks of us to love God and love others. The teaching of Jesus, to follow him, to seek His kingdom on earth through love is a simple yet profound concept.

I have given up regularly attending bible study groups. Instead I look forward to attending groups seeking to discern what it means in practical terms to follow Jesus, to understand how love should show itself to to the marginalised and discriminated  against in our society. The shift that has taken place in my thinking  is one of moving from private piety to public proclamation of the need for systemic change in our society. I accept that showing love entails meeting present needs and many faith groups provide a wide range of loving support for people in straitened circumstances or on the receiving end of discrimination.  But simply propping up the system is not enough.  Followers of Jesus should campaign for change, to sweep away the rotten systems and attitudes causing so much hurt and misery. Jesus confronted religious, legal and political systems and so should we.  But do we? Do we seek instead comfort in our church congregations and the feel-good factor of direct assistance to individuals.  I believe we all do in varying degrees and I do not criticise for one second anyone for so doing. But in our heart at least we should pray for His kingdom to come and empowerment of individuals able to campaign for change.

Churches are very good at studying and preaching on the minutiae of bible passages. What is lacking is studying how the two Great Commandents are to be put into effect. How do we challenge those in power to effect systemic change? How do we empower individuals to rise up and campaign for change? Have the lessons of Liberation Theology been understood and applied? Sadly I have my doubts. Too many good people are enveloped in the comfort of churches rather than going into the world and challenging its assumptions and systems.  

Part 192. Dear reader

Christmas and New Year is when I reflect on the past, consider what may happen, what I wish to happen and what I should do.  

The major change for me in the past two years has been to shed finally a long-standing favourable disposition towards  conservative evangelicalism. Even a cursory glance at this blog will inform the reader that I have moved towards a liberal/progressive stance: particularly my promotion of a theology pertaining favourably to promoting social justice. My opinions have changed, my preferences have changed but that does not mean that my current stance is any better than the previous positions I held to. Supporting a particular set of opinions is no reason for smug arrogance and deprecation of others holding contrary views.

I hope 2024 will be remembered as the year The Salvation Army embraced full inclusion. Will it happen in the UK and Ireland Territory? Undoubtedly there is strong support for inclusion, but is it sufficient to achieve change?  There is a key conference in March 2024, open to all to attend, followed by a meeting of Territorial leaders and culminating in a meeting of the Cabinet. The process is to consider many aspects of belonging and membership and presumably will focus on how to staunch the loss of members,  discern ways to reverse the trend and how to increase officer numbers.  My intention is to support a move to full inclusion and individuals promoting the cause.

A major disappointment in 2023 was the failure of the government to publish a bill to ban conversion therapy. There has been prevarication, obfuscation and dissembling by the Conservative government.  Labour and Liberal Democrats are pledged to ban conversion therapy. We must hope for either a reversal of the government's stance or the election of a Labour government in 2024 or 2025.

Finally, I shall continue to support individuals and faith and secular organisations, campaigning for systemic change to tackle the causes of poverty, deprivation, exclusion and marginalisation in our society. It is a broad canvas, but there is much to do on many fronts. 

Part 191. A Christmas present from the Pope

Yesterday the Vatican issued a statement authorised by the Pope on blessings for couples not married in accordance with the theology and doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church.  The timing of the announcement may have been a surprise but the substance of the statement had been hinted at in October 2023 in a letter from the Pope to USA retired conservative cardinals.

The statement empowers priests to grant a blessing to individuals in a same-sex marriage or an 'irregular' marriage, for example where one party is previously divorced.

The detailed statement may be found using a search engine.  The statement emphasises that a blessing will in furtherance of the pastoral responsibility of the Church.  It is not to be construed as a change in the Church's teaching on marriage. Thus it neatly sidesteps the theological and doctrinal issues besetting the Church of England on the issue.

A blessing must not be linked in any way to a church service, nor must it be construed as a stand-alone service. It has to be low key and without the trappings which might be construed as akin to a wedding.

The Church of England has agreed to blessing of individuals in a same-sex marriage as part of an existing service and in 2024 it will, for an experimental period, authorise stand-alone services.

Some argue that the blessings are only a minor change in pastoral care and that the Roman Catholic Church's doctrine is unchanged. Others are of the opinion that it indicates the Church is engaged in a slow process of change: the tectonic plates are on the move.

Part 190. LLF. A dam breached?

Yesterday, as if to celebrate my birthday, some parishes of the Church of England held prayers for the first time as part of authorised services to bless individuals in a same-sex marriage. Not you may note to bless the marriage itself and most certainly not to marry the couple.  

The blessing must be an element of an existing authorised service. However, the amendment moved by the Bishop of Oxford at the recent General Synod to permit stand-alone services of blessing of individuals in a same-sex marriage was carried. Guidance from the bishops is awaited as to the format of such services. 

In any event the newstand-alone services will only be for a limited period. Eventually there will have to be two thirds majority in each of the three Houses of General Synod to authorise the services on a permanent basis. Whilst it is probable that the vote in the House of Bishops will achieve the two thirds majority, it is possible the House of Clergy may just short fall of the two thirds requirement.

The real battle will be in the House of Laity where it is by no means certain that there will even be a simple majority in favour. My understanding is that a vote is likely to be after the next round of elections to Synod. The Church of England Evangelical Council and Forward in Faith will doubtless be making arrangements for a concerted push in support of candidates pro status quo.  Where or what is the umbrella organisation in support of candidates favourably disposed to authorising new services and, dare it be said, blessing of same-sex marriages and even same-sex  marriages?

Part 189. Karl Popper. A significant influence in my life.

My father was a Cambridge University history graduate and taught at a state grammar school. He had an extensive  book collection including Karl Popper's Poverty of Historicism.

I read the book prior to reading for a law degree. The book has been an influence on my political, legal, social and theological mindset all my adult life. I like to think of it as a positive influence for good, it is for others to judge. 

Below is an extract from another Karl Popper work.

“Work for the elimination of concrete evils rather than for the realization of abstract goods. Do not aim at establishing happiness by political means. Rather aim at the elimination of concrete miseries. Or, in more practical terms: fight for the elimination of poverty by direct means--for example, by making sure that everybody has a minimum income. Or fight against epidemics and disease by erecting hospitals and schools of medicine. Fight illiteracy as you fight criminality. But do all this by direct means. Choose what you consider the most urgent evil of the society in which you live, and try patiently to convince people that we can get rid of it. 

But do not try to realize these aims indirectly by designing and working for a distant ideal of a society which is wholly good. However deeply you may feel indebted to its inspiring vision, do not think that you are obliged to work for its realization, or that it is your mission to open the eyes of others to its beauty. Do not allow your dreams of a beautiful world to lure you away from the claims of men who suffer here and now. Our fellow men have a claim to our help; no generation must be sacrificed for the sake of future generations, for the sake of an ideal of happiness that may never be realized. In brief, it is my thesis that human misery is the most urgent problem of a rational public policy and that happiness is not such a problem. The attainment of happiness should be left to our private endeavours.”

Karl Popper, 'Conjectures and Refutations'.

I concur with the thrust of the argument. It is for individuals, both individually and collectively, to demand social justice, to alleviate pain and suffering by direct support to deal with symptoms and more importantly to campaign for action to tackle causes. This is the theme of many of my posts. As progressive Christians assert, love your neighbour is not only about ambulance work but also campaigning vigorously for systemic change.

Christians have an ideal, a hope for a better world in the future, but that must not be the sole focus of faith. Piety, self satisfaction that one is saved, introspection, smug complacency to the exclusion of all else is not the message of Jesus. There is a song Happy to live for Jesus. Well yes, not for our own personal satisfaction, but to do His work on earth. Hope for his kingdom to come on earth must not blind us to the need for action now.

Part 188. Unsettled time. Bring it on!

Today I have posted two items on my Facebook page: John Hopkinson Theology Page. Both refer to serious discontent, one within the ranks of the Roman Catholic Church, the other within the Church of England.

The progressive direction of travel  established by Pope Francis has not been well received by many in the Church and in particular by a group of Bishops in the USA. Pope Francis has applied sanctions to them. The article I  posted is a vicious hatchet job, hardly indicative of Christian love.

The Church of England Evangelical Council  has established temporary arrangements for episcopal pastoral oversight to be available to clergy and congregations unwilling to support recent decisions by General Synod to authorise bishops to introduce inter alia, stand alone services of blessing for couples in same sex marriages.  The CEEC hopes to establish formal arrangements, presumably in like fashion to the 'flying bishops' following the ordination of women. The CEEC arrangements presumably will not be available in dioceses where the bishop opposed the blessings. It all smacks of schism. Is GAFCON calling?

One trusts that The Salvation Army will note the problems faced by both churches as it considers the rising tide of opposition with the lower ranks to the current homophobia in the Army in respect of soldiership and officership.

Part 187. Another damning indictment.

In Part 173 reference is made to the report of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation entitled Destitution in the UK 2023. The report paints a shocking picture of the failure of the political process to alleviate and tackle the causes of extreme poverty.

Last week the Social Justice Commission of the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) published its report Two Nations: the State of Poverty in the UK. It is further evidence of the failure of politicians to tackle poverty issues in any sustained meaningful way. The report tells of a widening gulf between main stream society and a depressed and poverty-stricken underclass. Shades of JK Galbraith. The gap is wider than it has been since Victorian times and risks becoming a chasm. The Chief Executive of CSJ states a strategy is needed to go after the root causes of poverty: education, work, debt, addiction and family. The report adds crime, poor housing and health to the list.

The Commission's membership includes Lord King. Former Governor of the  Bank of England.

Tim Farron. Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Andy Burnham. Former Labour minister and currently Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Miriam Cates. Conservative MP for Penistone & Stocksbridge.

(Cates is an evangelical Christian. She has been touting Tory MPs to oppose any proposals to ban conversion therapy and is no friend of the trans community. A former chief at CSJ is married to a minister of a church supporting conversion therapy.)

Sadly, the latest report is likely to gather dust as have many other reports on the causes of poverty. There will be wringing of hands and expressions of concern but doubtless failure to tackle the systemic issues. As Galbraith noted society has the means to deal with the issues, it is unwilling to pay the cost. Instead there will be minor adjustments to alleviate the symptoms but nothing meaningful to tackle the causes.

From a Christian perspective we are told by Jesus to love our neighbour. Bishop Desmond Tutu said we should stop pulling people out of the river: instead we should go up river, find out why they are falling in and put a stop to it. The churches are very good at pulling people out of the river but woefully inadequate at demanding systemic change to stop them falling in. Christians individually and collectively should campaign vigorously in the political arena for systemic change to overcome poverty. Somehow I do not believe the denominations will engage politicians with the determination, passion, perseverance and zeal that is required to force change. But change is needed, urgently.

Part 186. Parish update.

In a diocese awash with conservative evangelical low churches, a few High Church/Anglo-Catholic parishes and some of indeterminate theology 'my' parish has a long-standing commitment to progressive/liberal theology.  A former incumbent was referred to, half jokingly, as the priest who had replaced biblical exposition with thoughts on editorials in The Guardian  newspaper. Exaggeration of course.

The evangelical diocesan bishop publicly has expressed opposition to the motion of the House of Bishops to General Synod consisting of recommendations in respect of same-sex marriage blessings arising from Living in Love and Faith.

I am delighted that the present incumbent in the parish regards the approval of the motion as a refreshingly good piece of news. It is really a good way to start Advent.

Whilst I agree with the vicar that progress has been made, I disagree with his claim that in passing the motion the major hurdle has been cleared. The problem is that in a few years there will be a requirement for the proposals to be approved by at least a two-thirds majority in each of the three Houses. It is doubtful the House of Laity will approve. Of course there is the possibility that conservative evangelicals will clear off to GAFCON. We can but hope...

Part 185. Conversion therapy ban (again)

Following the disgraceful failure of the government to include a bill banning conversion therapy in last month's King's Speech a Labour MP plans to introduce this week  a Private Member's Bill in the House of Commons. The bill has received cross-party support. It is fifth on the list of PMBs and therefore has little chance of making progress unless granted parliamentary time by the government.

Sadly there will be strong opposition from some Conservative MPs on the spurious grounds of freedom of expression and freedom to promote faith beliefs. The main opposition comes from Conservative (in both senses of the meaning) Evangelicals spurred on by The Christian Institute.  Watch out for the contribution to this opposition by Miriam Cates, the Conservative MP for Penistone, who is an avowed evangelical Christian and certainly not in the liberal evangelical camp.

Part 184. Love God, love others.

I came upon the following on the Facebook page Clergy Coaching Network.

Love God, love others. Everything else in the Bible flows from these two commandments. Jesus brilliantly simplified and explained what we are to do. Everything else is just commentary on how we can love God and love those around us. That is what we are to do. These are our marching orders.

I might quibble at what may be  limiting words on those we are to love - humanity is our neighbour.  Apart from that the thrust of the passage accords with my theological position.

The Salvation Army uses the words Love God, love others in its logo.  Sadly it discriminates against anyone who is not heterosexual who wishes to become an officer. Rampant homophobia was on display at the recent Church of England General Synod.  The Roman Catholic Church has major of issues of discrimination with which to contend.

We read the mantra love the sinner, hate the sin. Love must be unconditional. No buts.

Part 183. Salvation Army. Full inclusion a pipedream?

A senior officer at Territorial Headquarters of the UK & Ireland Territory has written recently:

The Army in the UK is influenced by the CofE- and particularly their evangelical/charismatic wing.

One wonders what form this influence takes. Should it be theological then the hope of full inclusion for LBGTQ+ individuals will disappear over the horizon. Conservative Evangelicals attending the CofE General Synod displayed rampant homophobia and sought to block any progress within the CofE towards further inclusion.  The Church of England Evangelical Council is organising a new pastoral structure for those opposed to inclusion and also funding arrangements to steer finances away from dioceses towards churches opposed to inclusion. It all smacks of schism, although it may result in a very shaky unity in diversity.

If The Salvation Army is influenced by CofE conservative Evangelicals and their fundamentalist theology then what is happening currently in the CofE will be of no comfort to those in the Army seeking full inclusion. It is to be hoped fervently that the recent membership survey undertaken by TSA will lead to recommendations for inclusion followed by implementation. I am not holding my breath in expectation of any changes but live in hope.

Part 182. Roman Catholic Church stirs.

The recent Roman Catholic Church Synod of Bishops' 16th General Assembly in the Vatican is a good indication of the impact Pope Francis has had on social justice issues. Easy to find details from a search engine.

One of the major points related to poverty. The Church should refrain from an "us and them" approach and should not regard the poor as the objects of charity. The Church must uphold the dignity of those living in poverty, putting them at the centre and learning from them.

Shades of Liberation Theology!

Part 181. Social Justice and The Salvation Army.

The Salvationist last week carried an article on the vicissitudes of The Salvation Army's approach to campaigning on social justice issues: issues concerning poverty, deprivation, discrimination and marginalisation. In many areas TSA provides support in a variety of forms and settings. In some cases the Army acts alone but increasingly it is working in collaboration or even in formal partnerships with other faith groups, the voluntary sector, commercial organisations and the public sector. All commendable and much needed provision, but not without its problems.

A major problem for partnerships can be the unequal strength of the parties. This is the case particularly when one party is totally reliant on another party to supply funding. Local authorities are under great financial stress and are ending discretionary activities to concentrate on statutory obligations. From their position local authorities can dictate the terms of agreements and will use tendering to drive down costs.  The voluntary sector in its chase for funding has permitted statutory organisations to determine the structure and cost of organisations it contracts with.  A further problem is that such relationships make it very difficult to campaign for change. You cannot go around biting the hand that feeds you.

The major issue with ambulance work as supporting the needy is called often is that there is a never-ending conveyor belt of individuals requiring assistance.  As Desmond Tutu said we must stop fishing people out of the water by going upstream, finding out why they are falling in and putting a stop to it.  TSA knows only too well why it has to assist individuals, it is well versed in understanding the causes of poverty, deprivation, marginalisation and discrimination. It does not have the structure or skills to mount effective campaigns. Hopefully TSA in my home Territory will seek to remedy this although I am not confident it will.  The shambles surrounding my application to become a Social Justice Champion doubtless colours my opinion.

The Army must look at its position regarding gay individuals becoming officers. Currently they cannot, based on discredited fundamentalist theology. It is a disgrace that this discrimination exists.

Part 180. A close run vote.

It was a close. General Synod approved an amendment to permit a two year temporary period for holding self-standing services of blessing for couples in same same-sex marriages.  It scraped though the House of Laity by one vote. The duly amended substantive motion, inviting Synod to note progress on implementing decisions taken by the February 2023 meeting of Synod in connection with Living in Love and Faith and inviting support for continuation of the process, was approved, but in the House of Laity the majority was 4.  Phew.

The two days of debate emphasised the stark division between conservative and liberal groups within Synod. The former want no concessions whereas the latter consider what is on offer is too little. 

In two years time there will have to be a further vote on the blessings to authorise them permanently under canon law and this requires a two-thirds majority in each House. This is unlikely thus adding to the tension and division within the Church of England.  Can a structure be created to accommodate both sides as happened when ordination of women was agreed?  

There will be much posturing and manoeuvring in the next two years. Conservative literalist bible fundamentalists will dig their heels in whilst liberals press on for the ultimate goal of same-sex marriage services.

Part 179. Not much love on display.

The General Synod of the Church of England meets this week in London.  The major item of business is a motion tabled by the House of Bishops concerning how to progress the issues surrounding Living in love and faith.

A divisive issue, this could have consequences more far-reaching than those concerning the ordination of women. Already, there are amendments, some tabled by bishops, and a group of conservative evangelical bishops  published a letter which is effect was a Pontius Pilate act decrying the whole process and in effect demanding the preservation of the status quo.

A number of matters are under consideration including the prayers to be used to bless married single sex couples, the process to be adopted for authorising stand-alone services of blessing, and pastoral guidance for clergy in a same sex relationship. For those seeking change the motion is proposing a far too slow process whilst the evangelicals seek to derail the whole thing.  Battles loom and down the line the evangelicals may well be able to block proposals from reaching fruition through their support from at least one third of the membership of any of the three Houses of Synod. 

It should be noted that none of the above relates to marriage of single sex couples by the Church of England but to blessings of individuals in single sex civil marriages, but the marriage itself.

Part 178. A sombre note.

The Church of England parish where I live has a tradition of being liberal in outlook, indeed an oasis in a desert of evangelical churches and a lone smells & bells outpost in the 'flying bishops' orbit. You might have expected liberals to gravitate to 'my' parish.  Sadly this is not the case. The church is in serious decline.  

The latest manifestation of this is the decision to close the Parish Fellowship. Once there were separate fellowships for men and women. They merged and now the combined fellowship will disappear.

There was a time when the parish employed a curate. No more: the curate's house has been sold to meet budgetary pressures. Pressures which continue.

Once the parish had five Readers, now a lone individual. The number of deputy churchwardens has reduced to two.

There was a time when the two church schools (voluntary aided infants and voluntary controlled juniors) had governing bodies ruled over by the incumbent.  The schools merged to become a primary school. More recently the incumbent and all the governors resigned en bloc.  The current school governors are all outsiders.

A sorry picture.  Rochester diocese is lumbered with a conservative evangelical bishop who is opposed to blessings of gay married couples and has paraded his antipathy in published letters.

Part 177. Uncertain, provisional, fluid

When I commenced my law degree course my lecturers encouraged me to read law reports. Law reports contain details of cases and judgments in full.  The more I studied reports it brought home to me how uncertain the law, certainly case law, is. As you read a judgment it becomes clear that opinions are being formed concerning the relevance or weight to be given to earlier decisions. Conclusions are arrived at through this process and these inform the decision reached.  It is all subjective.  I do wonder if some judges decide at the outset the decision they wish to make and work backwards, as it were, to find earlier decisions which can be embraced or shaped to justify the decision?  Surely not....

The body of law known as the Common Law is far from being certain. The system of binding precedent is worked around with consumate ease by the judiciary.  The law is not certain, final and inflexible.  It is uncertain, provisional and fluid.

Turning to the bible, i start from the premis that it is not the inerrant word of God to be read literally. Nor is it God inspired. It is written by individuals inspired by their human understanding of God.  The bible is a body of text written over many years and is a record of how understanding has developed.  A bible may sit on a shelf, but open its pages and read from it the uncertainty and fluidity in the text. Read it and draw your own inferences and conclusions. Ignore the gatekeepers who seek to censor your thinking. 

Just as the Common Law has developed over the centuries so has our understanding of God. We refer to the past for guidance but are not controlled by it. Our faith is not based on a literal interpretation of words in a book but on our interpretation of their import set in the context of the present. Our faith is  defined by the author of the Letter to the Hebrews 11.1

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Part 176. Conversion therapy ban off the agenda?

There was no mention of a full or partial ban on conversion therapy in the King's Speech today setting out the government's legislative proposals for the forthcoming parliamentary session.  No doubt fundamentalist conservative evangelicals are delighted. However the LBGTQ+ communities are outraged at the failure of government to fulfill its promises.

A junior minister appeared on television and claimed there are  legislative proposals not listed in the King's Speech and left open the question if a conversion therapy ban was one of them.  I have my doubts that there will be legislation this side of the next General Election.

My hope is organisations, including churches, opposed to conversion therapy will campaign vigorously for a ban. What the government has done is a disgrace and must be called out

Part 175. A lull before the storm.

As I write the UK is awaiting a severe storm likely to be the cause of serious flooding and damage to property. It will pass quickly.

Severe storms of a theological nature are anticipated this month as the Church of England General Synod meets to consider inter alia a motion by the House of Bishops which effectively kicks the can down the road in respect of single sex marriages and blessings and the position of clergy in a single sex relationship.  The outcome of the debate is uncertain but the consequences for the Church of England will be severe.

It is only a few days to the King's Speech to Parliament setting out the programme of proposed government legislation for the next session.  Proponents of a complete ban on conversion therapy fear there will be either no proposals or a set of watered down proposals. Should either scenario arise then the fury and anger of LBGTQ+ communities will be directed at yet another reneging on manifesto promises. 

The new General of The Salvation Army has been in post for three months.  Little sign or any move towards full inclusion. Patience will soon  begin to wear thin.

Part 174. Stay or leave?

I have been an Adherent member of The Salvation Army for almost a decade. My motivation for joining was my admiration for the work the Army undertakes with the marginalised in our society.  Often unsung, it is vital work necessitated by the failure of governments to provide sufficient resources to deal with existing issues as well as failure to take action to eliminate the causes of deprivation and marginisation.

I have seen at first hand, indeed been part of, the work being undertaken by The Salvation Army, other denominations and the wider voluntary sector. However I am shocked by the report Destitution in the UK 2023 published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. It paints an appalling picture.

So, the work being undertaken in vital and I continue to support it. I wish the Army would fund a greatly enhanced campaign for additional resources to assist the marginalised and also for changes to existing policies. As Desmond Tutu said, we must not just be pulling people out of the river, we should go upstream to find the causes and stop them falling in.

With regard to campaigning  I did seek to become a Social Justice Champion in The Salvation Army. What a disaster. The way it was handled reminded me of Fred Karno's Army.

In recent years I have become much more aware of the vicious discrimination often faced by LBGTQ communities. The Salvation Army welcomes all into its support work but the barriers shoot up when soldiership and officership are mentioned. It is dreadful. The theology behind this approach is literalist, fundamentalist and conservative evangelical. There are brave officers campaigning for full inclusion and I sense an increase in support for their position. But will this translate into action? Sadly, I very much doubt it, but I pray fervently that I am wrong. 

So, should I stay or leave? 

Part 173. Shocking!!

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has funded the production of a report entitled: Destitution in the UK 2023. It is sombre reading, it is shocking.  The report, in full, is available online and I commend it. Please read it.

The report states 1.8 million households equating to 3.8 million individuals live in destitution. Destitution is defined clearly in the report. Indeed there is an underclass in the UK as defined by JK Galbraith in a USA context. Galbraith said we have the means to overcome destitution, politically we prefer not so to do.

The situation is a damning indictment of the political process and the Civil Service. It is also an indictment of religious bodies. The latter are good at providing bandages but are reticent in attacking those causing the wounds.  Religious bodies should be leading campaigns demanding change. No longer is the cry sustainable that religion should keep out of politics.

Christian churches need to engage with the political process, to shout out for social justice, to show leadership in the pursuit of His Kingdom on earth.

Part 172. Further developments

Since my previous post news has emerged that there will not be proposals for a ban on conversion therapy in the forthcoming King's Speech to Parliament setting out the government's proposed legislation for the next session.  It is reported that the government has caved in to a motley crew led by Miriam Cates the Tory MP for Penistone & Stocksbridge. She is a known conservative evangelical.

It is reported by an attendee at last week's Salvation Army Officers' Council that "the leadership made some positive inclusive comments during sessions". The hope is that this leads to positive action  but don't hold your breath.

The fallout from the House of Bishops motion and report to the next General Synod of the Church of England on prayers for gay couples et al continues apace. Shouts of betrayal by the gay community. Justified in my opinion. For details go to Facebook.

John Hopkinson Theology Page

&

Theology of Social Justice 

Part 171. Developments, maybe.

Press reports indicate that, in another U-turn, the UK government will promise in the King's speech to introduce a bill to outlaw conversion therapy. The worry is that it will only provide for a partial ban and will contain loopholes rendering the legislation virtually useless.

The Salvation Army UK & Ireland Territory held an Officers' Council this week. Proponents of full inclusion regardless of sexual orientation are pleased with the display of support witnessed by the wearing of rainbow badges. Thus optimism grows, but will hope for change be fulfilled or dashed?

The Church of England has published papers for November's General Synod. One motion is to note and agree with the House of Bishops approach to same-sex marriages. Nothing new of substance, so delay will continue, much to the delight of conservative evangelicals and disappointment, anger and dismay of supporters of inclusion.

Part 170. The Army: and me. A quandary.

For many years I have been impressed by the work The Salvation Army engages in in supporting the lonely, the marginalised, the deprived, the poor, the homeless, the unemployed, the refugee, the modern day slave, the alcoholic,  the discriminated against. This work is done in its settings (locations) week in and week out and takes a multitude of forms. The activities are undertaken by the Army alone, or in collaboration, or in partnership with other organisations; public bodies, companies or charities. 

On top of this relief work TSA engages at national level campaigning for changes to tackle the causes of the above-mentioned matters.

It was in this context that in 2014 I became an Adherent member of The Army. At the time neither the theology nor the doctrine of the Army were  considerations in my decision to join. However since then I have become aware of discrimination within the Army directed at individuals on the basis of sexual orientation. My corps' officer states I have a passion for inclusiveness (as indeed have many officers and soldiers). This sets me at odds with the Army's theology and arguably doctrine. My quandary is: stay or leave.  Frankly I don't know.

Part 169: Dither, dither, dither

The House of Bishops has funked it.  It has agreed in principle to commend prayers and readings of blessing for individuals in a same-sex marriage as part of an existing authorised service, but has not  recommended authorisation for new stand-alone services for blessing such individuals.

The Bishops declined to grant authorisation of stand-alone services for an experimental period.

Instead there will be a period of consultation with dioceses leading to a motion for authorisation at a Church of England Synod, probably in November 2025. Such a motion to succeed requires a two thirds majority in each of the three Houses - Clergy, Laity and Bishops. The likelihood is the motion will be not be carried.

In the face of opposition and threats of legal action from Evangelical groups the House of Bishops has funked it. It should not have cowered before the opposition and boldly gone ahead with an experimental period. Shame on them.

Part 168. Roman Catholic Church stirs?

Pope Francis has stated that whilst marriage in the eyes of the Church is one of one man to one woman, nevertheless it is open to priests on a case by case basis to bless same sex marriages. This is a major shift in attitude, welcomed by liberal Catholics but anathema to conservatives.

Debate on expanding the role of the laity and in particular the role of women is viewed by conservative elements with grave suspicion.

The Pope has been busy appointing new cardinals likely to be supportive of his agenda and ensuring his approach endures in the hands of his successor.

Exciting times.

Part 167. Conversion therapy ban hits buffers?

Press reports claim the UK government does not intend to proceed with a bill barring all conversion therapy thus breaking promises by earlier Conservative administrations. The hurt, anger and sense of betrayal felt by the LGBT+ community is palpable.

Opponents of the bill argue that existing legislation is adequate and the introduction of a complete ban would infringe religious groups freedom of expression and actions. Proponents of a full ban are concerned the existing law will only protect against extreme forms of conversion therapy including "corrective rape" but not coercive "therapy".

Those in favour of a complete ban feared the bill contained a loophole excluding prosecution of individuals who conduct conversion therapy on "consenting adults".

The government has caved in to fundamentalist evangelical pressure groups. It deserves the opprobrium it is receiving for its callous disregard of the LGBT+ community.

Part 166. Dire officer recuitment

Nine individuals is the total intake of cadets for the new training session, Champions of Mission, in The Salvation Army in the UK. Eight officers retired from active service on 1st September and doubtless there will be more in the months ahead. This is a worrying state of affairs which TSA has in common with other denominations.

Reduction in officer numbers leads to corps closures which in turn leads to reduction in attendance and a smaller pool of potential officers. How is this downward spiral in the UK to be stopped?

A few suggestions:

* Embrace full inclusion in the Army's theology, doctrine and praxis. 

* Improve public relations along with much more vigorous campaigning on social justice issues.

* Review the role of corps officers.

* Develop authorised roles for volunteers.

* Enhance the Fresh Expressions initiative.

Part 165. Faith in action.

I hope, dear reader, my theological position has become clear from my posts. There is very little I wish to add, so in future  I shall limit my posts to controversies and to examples of faith engagement in social justice matters. No more theory. 

Part 164. Conversion therapy ban

It is reported that the Bill to legislate for a full ban on conversion therapy has been delayed again and therefore it is unlikely to be mentioned in November's King's speech setting out the government's legislative proposals for the next session of the UK Parliament.

It is a disgrace and I am pleased this government's miserable behaviour has been called out in very strong terms by the Bishop of Buckingham (in the Oxford Diocese). Well done. 

Part 163. God loves you but...

UK Salvation Army corps Facebook pages are headed by the red shield and the words Love God Love Others.  Some corps have the final word in rainbow colours to emphasise their inclusive stance on matters pertaining to sex orientation.

The Naked Pastor draws cartoons on faith issues. His Facebook page is well worth a visit. One of his cartoons has the words:

God loves you but

The but is circled and it is stated it cancels the words preceding it.

Sadly this is the case within The Salvation Army.  People are barred from officership should they have a non-heterosexual relationship. It is blatant discrimination. The justification for this position is an interpretation of scripture based on a literalist fundamentalist theology. Within the Army there is growing unease with the stance and pressure for change is increasing.  But will there be change? What, if anything, will the Membership Working Party recommend? 

Part 162. Sally Army Survey

I have completed a Membership Survey published by the United Kingdom & Ireland Territory. The Territory seeks to discern the way forward and to understand and resource matters relating to what it means to belong and to be a member of The Salvation Army.

The Survey has been produced by a membership working group whose aim is to have an open, frank, mature conversation about Salvation Army membership.

The working group hopes that we hear ideas of how to shape a radical vision of belonging, discipleship and membership. 

The working party has looked at scriptural foundations but nowhere is there a mention of theology or doctine. In my view theology should drive doctrine although sadly this seemed not to be the view of General Peddle in his infamous Vancouver speech.  A key element in the working party's recommendations has  to be to dismantle the fundamentalist theology and interpretation of doctrine which denies full inclusion on the basis of sexual orientation.

Part 161. Uganda

A man has been arrested in Uganda on a charge of aggravated homosexuality. In the event of a guilty verdict he could be executed. The legislation permitting such punishment is being challenged in the courts as unconstitutional. Uganda has not carried out death sentences since 2005.

Anti gay sentiment is encouraged by those Christians who claim homosexuality is a sin. Such a opinion is held by literalist fundamentalists reading the bible wrongly.  Organisations such as GAFCON have helped fuel anti gay feeling.  It is not a biblical truth that homosexuality is a sin. It is not despite the fulminations of GAFCON, fundamentalist theologians, fundamentalist churches etc.

Part 160. A snippet

The application of our faith in our lives is determined by how we react to our experience and understanding of the world as it is and our hope for what it should be.

Part 159. An opinion

Marcus J Borg:

The bible is a human product: it tells us how our religious ancestors saw things, not how God sees things.

Whilst one might think this is a statement of the obvious,  it is anathema to those who believe the bible is inspired by and from a metaphysical entity or worse still it is the inerrant word of God to be read literally. 

It is my opinion that the bible is an attempt by individuals at particular times and places to record the history and life of their people and set it in the context of religious beliefs of the time.  We  seek to understand scripture through the lens and perspective of its authors. Of course it is open to us to seek to understand faith in the context of present times and we may discern beliefs today held in common with the original authors.

It is one of the great joys of a living faith that we are in a position to draw on the wisdom of the past, but we are not hostages to the past. We renew our understanding of God's love shaped by our own context,  not that of our predecessors.  

Part 158. Is it lack of confidence?

As our starting point here are four èxamples of the theology of social justice.

Thomas Horrocks:

Loving our neighbours means dismantling the systems that oppress them.

Leonardo Boff:

The eternal destiny of human beings will be measured by how much or how little solidarity we have displayed with the hungry, the thirsty,  the naked and the oppressed. In the end we judged in terms of love.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer:

We are not to simply bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice, we have to drive a spike into the wheel itself.

Gustavo Gutierrez:

The poverty of the poor is not a call to generous relief action, but a demand that we go and build a different social order.

We could add statements by Oscar Romero, Pope Francis,  Martin Luther King Jnr, Desmond Tutu and many more.  The message is clear: Christians are to seek to change society to raise up the poor, the deprived, the repressed, the marginalised,  the discriminated against.  

Desmond Tutu:

There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river.  We need to go upstream and find out why they are falling in.

I have lost count of the number of reports, research projects, discussion papers  conferences and seminars setting out facts and proposing solutions. It is an industry producing copious volumes of good intentions but to little effect. Sometimes there is short term amelioration in a particular instance but sadly the initiatives come to an end when enthusiasm wanes or funding is pulled.

We know why people are falling into the river but still we are pulling them out. As a society we are failing to make the structural changes to stop them falling in. That requires costly long term investment.  Instead we provide bandages and rely on voluntary secular and faith organisations to provide relief.

Christians are failing to campaign in any meaningful or sustained way for the changes needed. A few letters and sermons will not influence the policy decision makers. Sustained campaigning, mobilising church members  is imperative. Why is this not happening? Do churches lack the confidence or skills to challenge policy makers? 

Part 157. Progressive

I have become a strong supporter of the concepts of progressive Christian theology. This will not surprise followers of my Facebook page John Hopkinson Theology Page.  Nor will it be news to followers of the Facebook group I administer Theology of Social Justice.

Part 156. On objective truth

The author (unknown) of Hebrews tells us at 11.1

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Our faith is a state of mind based on an opinion formed from a variety of factors. Faith does not reveal God as an objective truth. It is the belief that our opinions are correct. A person may hold to the opinion that scripture is God inspired but it is an opinion, not an objective fact. To claim otherwise is to perpetuate the fallacy/fantasy articulated by biblical literalists and evangelical fundamentalists that the bible is objective truth from God revealed to a few individuals.

Our faith can be strong and does not need the crutch of support of outlandish claims to scripture inerrancy. Scripture is a record of humanity's struggle to understand  its surroundings.  It is an ongoing process, not something fixed in time and unchangeable.  Our faith is a living belief not something limited by ancient texts.

Part 155. The Salvation Army at work.

There is much to commend TSA in the United Kingdom for its work in the community and in particular the support it gives to the disadvantaged, the marginalised and those living in poverty. It is engaged in many of its settings (locations) supporting individuals in need. The work is not only taking place in its buildings but out in the community.  Nor is the Army insular, increasingly there are examples of collaborative and partnership working.  However the Army is not good at publicising its work, particularly at local level. It could and should be doing a lot more to raise its profile.

TSA does campaign on policy issues and comes forward with proposals for change as well as opposing current policies.  Its campaigning and policy proposals are at national level. There is little engagement at local authority level with a few notable exceptions. TSA should mobilise its soldiers, adherents and supporters. It must do more to develop the Social Justice Champion role it has established.

Part 154. Look to the future: don't dwell on the past.

The two Great Commandents, love God and love your neighbour, are calls to action as we seek to follow Jesus. We are to follow the way of Jesus, to follow and apply the principles of love and social justice he expounded.

We do not need to dwell on the Old Testament, we have moved on to the new dispensation and the fulfilment of the Law and Prophets by the Great Commandments. Nor do we need to dwell on the Pauline texts and those attributed to him. We do not need any elaboration of the word of Jesus attested to in the synoptic gospels. 

As we seek to obey the unchanging call of Jesus we should understand that we have to interpret how that call is applied. Thus Paul tells us to treat slaves well but does not condemn slavery. Today our thinking is different. Love has moved from kindness to freedom. In other words context matters. Ignore the literalist fundamentalists dwelling in the past. Be progressive.

Part 153. First day at the office.

The new General of The Salvation Army takes up the reigns of office today. I wish him well as he faces the issue of full inclusion regardless of sexual orientation. Another issue is how to stop and then reverse the loss of members in some territories. He needs our prayers as he tackles these matters. What would be disastrous is mudge and fudge. Strong decisive leadership has to be shown.

Part 152. Beware the silo.

For some years I was a senior lecturer in jurisprudence, the only compulsory subject in the final year of the law degree course. Part of the syllabus was dedicated to consideration of the relationship between law, religion, economics and politics et al both at philosophical and practical levels.

The purpose of the subject is to draw students away from a narrow study of legal principles and invite them to think about the context in which the law operates.

The bible should not be read as the inerrant word of God. That is to place it in a narrow silo.  The bible tells us a great deal about politics, law, economics and society during the period it was written. The religious nature of the bible has to be read in context for its meaning to be discerned. So, we need to understand how our faith relates to present day contexts. Faith's application is shaped by context, by the demand of Jesus to follow him and to love our neighbours

Part 151. My theological viewpoint.

Harold Macmillan, a former UK Prime Minister,  has the following quotation attributed to him.

Political argument is rarely inhibited by ignorance.

The same may be said of social media argument. Look at Facebook sites containing theological matters and you will read, for the most part, entrenched views carried forward by groupthink with little discussion or debate. There are exceptions but rarely informed debate, more likely than not salvos of entrenched opinions being exchanged.

My Facebook theology page is clearly supportive of the tenets of progressive theology.  I read posts on fundamentalist pages but refrain from comment. 

As I have stated before this blog expresses my opinions and I make no claim to academic rigour or research.  My few readers doubtless come to their own conclusions concerning the import of my musings.

Mark Rees

The death has been reported of Mark Rees. We served together as councillors for the same ward on our local council. He was a chorister with the town's choral society and a contributor of articles to the church parish magazine.

Part 150. Staying on

Following a meeting with the  officers I have decided to continue as an Adherent of The Salvation Army Royal Tunbridge Wells Corps.  I do not hide my displeasure at the utter shambles surrounding my application to THQ to be a Social Justice Champion. It is a disgrace.

However, I am encouraged by the innovative community engagement activity being undertaken at corps level, also by Fresh Expressions initiatives and what I perceive as an encouraging attitude at Division level in the South East towards inclusion issues. 

Part 149. More fundamentalist bile.

Regular readers of my blog know I support a ban on conversion therapy. A complete ban. Many disagree, based on a mixture of literalist reading of scripture,  fundamentalist theology, scientific ignorance and plain homophobia. 

Leading the charge in favour of not having a complete ban is mostly evangelical churches and evangelical umbrella bodies. A leading player is The Christian Institute.  The Institute controls a Facebook page Let us Pray. 

The Institute's output usually does not descend into personal attacks. A recent post on Let us Pray launches into criticism of statements made by Jayne Ozanne. Fair enough. What is not acceptable is that vitriolic, vicious and defamatory comments have been added which should have been deleted. 

Part 147. SENTRY

I am fascinated by the Facebook page SENTRY - Salvationists Fighting For Sanctity.

It is the haunt of fundamentalist literalist Salvationists.  The following statements were posted recently. 

The Apostle Paul entered heaven to the cheers of those he martyred. Thats (sic) how the gospel works.

A report from heaven? Wow.

Another offering of dodgy theology:

There is no such thing as "your truth". There is the truth and your opinion.  

 

I was tempted to ask what in their opinion the truth is.

Part 148. Dialogue and insults.

Two recent events have raised the profile considerably of those seeking full inclusion in The Salvation Army United Kingdom & Ireland Territory. The Pride event in London was supported by Regent Hall. The premises were adorned with supportive material and love and hospitality shown to marchers.

The second event was the commissioning of new officers. It has been the subject of comment that there was more than a scattering of rainbow badges worn in support of full inclusion.

The anticipated backlash from fundamentalists spouting dodgy theology was quick to surface on social media. Nastiness and blatant homophobia from supposed Christians much in evidence. Those of us who support full inclusion are greatly encouraged by the two events. We recognise that the virulent entrenched homophobia (masked as biblical truth) within the Army shows it may be a long slow road to full inclusion. Let's pray that the new General is bold and decisive and authorises territories to determine the extent of inclusion on their patch.

Part 146. Yes, but....

Some of my posts on this blog and items on my Facebook page refer to the requirement placed on us by Jesus to follow him.   This entails providing direct assistance to the poor, the deprived, the oppressed, the downtrodden,  the marginalised, the discriminated against,  the sick, the abused and the frail.  However it entails also tackling and overcoming the causes as well as the effects of policies and attitudes. In other words seeking what is glibly defined as systemic change.

Two important considerations, process and substance.  There is a vast literature on how to campaign, how to influence and the mechanics of achieving change.  When it comes to the substance though it is a murky vista. Change has  consequences, foreseen and unforeseen. Sometimes the remedy is just as damaging as the original issue. There will often be competing ideas as to the most effective, efficient or sustainable change.  Pragmatism versus principle may come into play.  However, the issues and problems in effecting change must not be permitted to dissuade us from seeking to follow him in seeking to bring his kingdom on earth.

Part 145. Down memory lane

Many years ago Tunbridge Wells Churches' Social Responsibility Group was approached by Tunbridge Wells Mental Health Resource Ltd to propose an individual who would act as a link between the latter and churches in the area. And so it was that I became a director of the company for just short of a decade.

Yesterday I attended the thirtieth birthday party of the company I left just over ten years ago. It was good to meet up with friends and colleague from my time as a director.

The company is thriving and achieving the ambition and hopes of its founders. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to be part of the organisation.  It happened only as a consequence of my involvement in the churches' social responsibility group. 

Part 144. A church in crisis?

I have been watching the broadcasts from York of the General Synod of the Church of England. It has made for depressing watching. The church is in a spiral of decline, buries it head in the sand, and will soon crash.  Its leadership is abysmal. Whilst there is the veneer of concern, caring and compassion scratch the surface and beneath is loathing, anger, frustration, hatred and bullying on an industrial scale. Indeed, an iron fist in a velvet glove.

On a range of issues there is controversy and dissent: diversity, gay marriage and safeguarding processes to name but three.

The parish system is creaking, the Anglican Communion is divided. Surely now is the time to put the church and nation out of their misery? Disestablish the Church of England and let it sink in its own mire.

Part 143. More on reading scripture

Yesterday I watched the live transmission of the first session of the General Synod of the Church of England. Not an edifying experience as claims of anger, mistrust and lack of transparency articulated by Synod members. At the outset of the proceedings there was a reading from Ephesians 2.  In this chapter Paul argues that Jews and Gentiles are now united in Jesus. Verses14-15.

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. 

Jesus is quoted  in the synoptic gospels as stating that he had not come to abolish the law but to fulfil it. In fulfilling the law Jesus had rendered it irrelevant. The law had served its purpose. Paul is emphasising the point by stating that followers of Jesus did not have to adhere to the rules and regulations of the law. Instead, to follow Jesus is to live by the broad principle of love.

It baffles me why fundamentalists fail to understand the concepts the words of scripture convey.  They are in thrall to detailed analysis of individual words and miss completely their context and ideas they convey.  Scripture is not to be read and interpreted as statute law. 

Part 142. Ferment in Yorkshire.

No, I am not referring to the England v. Australia cricket match at Headingley commencing today.  Doubtless the good folk of Yorkshire will give the Aussie team a hard time.

The ferment will be down the road at York University where the General Synod of the Church of England meets over the next few days. It will be interesting to hear the tone and content of the speech by a representative of the Anglican Communion and to note how it is received. The situation in Uganda,  the reaction of the Communion to proposed blessings for individuals in same sex marriages and the development of GAFCON doubtless will exercise minds and stir emotions. There is a motion in the name of a prominent Conservative Evangelical calling on the Archbishop of Canterbury to resign. The Bishop of London is invited to answer a question on how the Church defines female same-sex sexual acts!  It all makes the England v. Australia contest look like a minor skirmish.  The real battle is at York.

Part 141. Resignation

I have resigned as an Adherent member of The Salvation Army.  My application to be a volunteer Social Justice Champion has been handled appallingly by THQ. Such skills and experience I have will be placed at the disposal of organisations that welcome volunteers.  

Update.

Deferred a decision on resigning until after a meeting with corps officers.

Part 140. Ongoing issues

Four issues.

1. Ban on coversion therapy.

It is anticipated the Bill will be published very soon banning the use of conversion therapy.  There is concern the bill will permit therapy when a person consents to its use.  The fear is that, in order to placate Christian fundamentalists, the exemption will render the legislation practically useless.

2. New Salvation Army General takes up his post.

The General-elect takes up his post in August. Will he set about dismantling barriers to full inclusion?

3. Church of England blessing for individuals in same sex marriages.

The bishops will be presenting to General Synod proposals for blessing individuals in same sex marriages. 

4. Uganda

The decision of the Ugandan parliament to persecute homosexuals, supported by the Uganda Anglican Church, doubtless will exercise General Synod given the hand-wringing reponse of the leader of the Anglican Communion.

I shall comment in detail as each of the issues as matters unfold.

Part 139. A sorry tale.

Some years ago I was a governor at my local Church of England Aided Infant School and also held a governorship at the Church of England Controlled Junior School.  The then vicar more or less insisted he should chair both governing bodies.  The junior school had problems and a proposed merger failed when the infant school governors refused to countenance such a step.

Roll forward a few years. The schools merged but problems persisted. Then the governors, including the new vicar, resigned en bloc stating they were unable to implement county council directives. Thus important links between church, school and community were damaged.

The county council and diocese imposed governors of their choosing. This month an OFSTED inspection report downgraded the school from 'good' to 'needs improvement'.

Many parents in my locality prefer their children to attend any primary school so long as it is not the local one. The recent OFSTED report will have stiffened parental opposition to sending children to the school. I fear for the future of the school, particularly as the county council is proposing to close the Surestart provision based on the school site.

It is a sad tale and an example of the church withdrawing from the community. The church has its own financial problems to contend with and it can ill afford to withdraw from its responsibilities to the school and community.

Part 138. Social Justice Champion: application withdrawal

I have been patient, but really. My application to be a Social Justice Champion  (a voluntary position with The Salvation Army) was made on 4th April. Since then no progress of any significance.  Today I withdrew my application.  

I pray that the Lord will direct me to where such skills and experience I possess may best be used. As this may lead me to another denomination it is likely I shall have to cease to be an Adherent.

Part 137. Hey ho!

I came upon a post on a Facebook page managed by Salvationists.  The page states one of its objectives to be to defend the authority of the Bible as the infallible revelation of the knowledge of God,  His laws and the way of Salvation. In other words a literalist and fundamentalist approach to biblical interpretation.

The post:

Christianity does not "progress" with the times. If it did it would be a false religion. Do not be deceived into thinking there is a progressive form of Christianity. It doesn't exist because the truth never changes. Gods (sic) word is the same yesterday today and forever. 

The truth may not change but its  interpretation and application will change. Faith is not a fossilised set of rules to be  read in ancient texts. Christian faith is set out in the broad principles attributed to Jesus. Sadly some Salvationists ascribe to the old rules and not broad principles. This does not bode well for full inclusion unless the next General propels The Salvation Army into  progressive stance.

Part 136. In summary....

For a few months I have been putting on paper and sharing my thoughts on my faith. I am no theologian and it has been impressed on my audience that I do not seek to influence others. Should my musings be helpful so be it.

As Christians we should follow the teaching of Jesus, in particular to obey the two Great Commandents, to follow him and work for his kingdom on earth. Our guide should be the synoptic gospels and the holy spirit. We can dispense with the Old Testament and Pauline commentary. We must take care in reading the synoptic gospels as they were written decades after the death of Jesus. Thus it is doubtful that we can have success in finding the historical Jesus, but we do have a body of later writing testifying to his teaching.  

Christians should not follow the bible, they should follow Jesus.  The synoptic gospels set out the principles of the Christian faith. They are not to be construed as legalistic rules. They should be construed through the lens of love. Love drives us to tackle the causes of poverty, marginalisation and discrimination.

Many will disagree with my opinions. So be it.  I do not seek to influence anyone to share my thinking.   My views have been set out in greater detail in earlier posts. They are on public record.

Part 135. All are equal and different.

We are all unique. It's in our DNA. The fact we are different is no reason to treat people unequally. Race, sex, beliefs, shape, indeed any distinguishing features are not reasons to justify treating people differently. But sadly society does just that and so do some so-called Christians. Considerable time, energy and expense is dedicated to overcoming the effects of discrimination, marginalisation and poverty.  It is all about tackling the symptoms of a systemically rotten society.  What is required is a radical approach to tackle causes, not to continually medicate symptoms.

Now what was it Jesus said about love, following him and His kingdom on earth?

Part 134. Social Justice Champion Application Update.

I applied to become a Salvation Army Social Justice Champion (SJC) on 4th April 2023.  Sadly my application is pending. A date for a meeting to consider my application has not been set. I am a patient person but I am sorely tempted to withdraw my application.

Part 133. Support cooperatives (4)

I noted the need for foodbanks over fifteen years ago and helped form a community interest company to promote their development. The speed of the growth in the number of foodbanks has surprised me, although the need for them and the causes of that need are clear. Too many people live in abject poverty and need help.  Society should will the means to take individuals out of poverty. Instead government pays lip service to overcoming poverty and leaves it to the voluntary sector to pick up the pieces of broken lives. It is a tragedy.

There is no quick fix solution. What is required is better education, better health and wellbeing provision, better housing,  better public transport, better job opportunities, better care for the elderly and so on. People have been saying this for many years but government is bedevilled by short-termism and the realisation that there are not many votes to be gained by promoting policies to bring about improvement. And so the causes of poverty continue. We have sink schools, a health service on its knees, poor quality and quantity of social housing, declining public transport etc.

Christians are providing bandages. We need to campaign for fundamental  changes in  policy and expenditure priorities of government. 

Foodbanks are either self-standing organisations or part of a larger organisation. They may be community interest companies, or unincorporated associations or limited companies with or without charitable status.They are not operating as cooperatives. The clients of foodbanks are not members with equal voting rights. The Rochdale Pioneers saw self-help as the key to improving their lives.  This is an approach churches should encourage and support. 

Part 132. Uganda

When european states colonised Africa it was divided into colonies the boundaries of which had no regard for the geographic distribution of the indigenous tribes. When independence was gained it was followed in some states by tribal warfare. Nigeria springs to mind. It was reminiscent of the carnage following partition of India, although the latter had its basis in religion.  In Africa politics, religion, genocide, apartheid and external influences have all played a role in feeding civil unrest and military intervention.

Uganda has form when it comes to attacking minorities.  Idi Amin forced thousands of Asians, mostly immigrants from India, to leave. Now the Ugandan state is coming after homosexuals, criminalising them and attaching prison sentences and the death penalty as punishment.

The reaction of Christian churches has been abject. The Anglican church in Uganda is broadly in favour of criminalising homosexuality and is planning to offer what in effect will be conversion therapy. Where is the denunciation from the Anglican Communion? Not a sign. The Salvation Army has a Uganda Territory. What representations are the Army's international leaders making? Deafening silence? I have not noted any sign of condemnation from the Roman Catholic Church.  

Overall the reaction of the churches is deplorable.  Theology has real consequences. Bible literalist fundamentalists such as the GAFCON crowd, amongst others, have a lot to answer for.

Part 131. Support cooperatives (3)

A declaration of interest. I have promoted credit unions for many years, engaging with housing associations, local government, churches, community groups and secular charities. 

Credit unions are cooperatives, one member one vote organisations. A person investing £5.00 has the same voting rights as a person investing £1,000.00. One important feature of Credit unions is a willingness to consider on a case by case basis lending to individuals with a poor credit history. However much more needs to be done to reach individuals at risk of, or having been, ensnared by loansharks charging astronomical interest rates.

As Christians we can assist credit unions by saving with them. Deposits are protected in like manner to bank and building society deposits. The more that is saved enables a credit union to expand its lending. We can encourage individuals in need of financial help to apply to credit unions and support applications.

Credit unions and churches should be part of the infrastructure of support for people suffering poverty, deprivation and marginalisation. They should work in collaboration with each other.

Part 130. Support cooperatives (2)

Cooperatives are owned and controlled by its members. Each member has one vote. They are democratic organisations. Not like many churches.

The Salvation Army does not have elections except for its General who is elected by territorial leaders. It is run like an army with a top-down structure.

The Church of England has a limited democratic structure.  There are elections, not all open to every member, for parochial church councils, churchwardens, deanery and diocesan synods and General Synod. The bishops in General Synod can block motions. Archbishops, bishops and cathedral deans are appointed by the Sovereign on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. Control is vested in the top hierarchy.

Many self-standng free churches are controlled by Elders who appoint new Elders.

Doubtless there are denominations with sound democratic credentials and some which are not.  The important point is that formal structures do not reflect always the reality of the functional operation of power and control. Cooperatives have democratic control  'wired in' and this is sadly lacking in many churches where power rests with the gatekeepers. Christians should support cooperatives,  learn about democratic processes and seek to have them applied by their own churches.

Part 129. Support cooperatives (1)

I am of the opinion that Christians should support cooperatives and I intend to explain why in this and future posts.  Cooperatives exist in a number of settings  so it may be helpful to start with a definition. The International Cooperative Aliance (ICA) defines a cooperative as:

an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise. 

The ICA states cooperatives values are based on values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness  social responsibility and caring for others.

The ICA states cooperatives are open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender,  social, racial or religious discrimination.

All sentiments to be applauded, but are they descriptions of the reality? Probably not.

Part 128. Conversion therapy legislation.

The United Kingdom government is expected to publish shortly a Bill designed to ban conversion therapy. Not before time.  There has been much delay in reaching this stage: the reason for the delay is unclear. There is concern that the Bill will not make provision for an outright ban but that there will be exceptions or  loopholes enabling the therapy to continue.

Pressure groups on both sides of the argument are geared up for promoting and campaigning for their respective views.  The pro-conversion lobby has major players in The Christian Institute and some evangelical Christian bodies. The pro lobby argues that conversion and homosexuality are purely matters of choice, are sinful and should be opposed on supposedly scriptural grounds. Tosh.

The anti-conversion lobby  primarily led by Stonewall, wishes to see no exceptions to an outright ban.

The worry is that Parliament may support exceptions based on religious conscience. The underlying scriptural support for permitting conversion therapy to continue is based on an outdated, literalist and fundamentalist understanding of the Christian faith. It is legalistic and far removed from Jesus's concept of love all. It is based also on a wilful disregard of science.  There is clear evidence that sexual orientation is not a matter of personal preference but is physiological.

It will soon be time to contact MPs to ask they support a complete ban and not support half-baked exemptions.

Part 127. Poverty in London

Travel across London and you will come upon areas of ostentatious wealth and neighbourhoods of multiple deprivation, the latter characterised by poverty, poor health, unemployment, awful housing, low grade criminality amongst other depressing features. It was ever thus. Read Charles Dickens novels to gain an understanding of life in the slums of Victorian London. Slums were to be found in major cities in the UK and sadly the new builds of the 1960s, whether in inner cities or outer suburbs, have failed to dispel the  ghettos of multiple deprivation. Society has failed people living in these areas. As Galbraith stated society has the means to tackle the issues but refuses to act.

The Salvation Army was founded in East London. Anglo-Catholic churches became active in areas of deprivation as has the London City Mission.  But all they can provide is direct support to a few of those suffering poverty, neglect or discrimination. They lack the resources to do more. It is a disgrace that voluntary organisations have to provide foodbanks, soup kitchens, warm areas, clothing exchanges and the like.  

I have not noted any political party espouse as a priority the cause of those living in areas of multiple deprivation.  Faith groups and individuals must fill the void, must stand up and campaign for policies to eradicate the factors underpinning deprivation, poverty and marginalisation. Jesus calls upon us to love our neighbour and help those in need.

Part 126. The new General. What now?

The election of Lyndon Buckingham as the next General of The Salvation Army is to be welcomed.  Only time will tell if the hope so many have for reform will become reality under his leadership. Keeping the Army united worldwide is a major challenge and it may be that granting increased autonomy to territories is the answer.

The next General takes up his post in August 2023. A key early decision for him is to decide who is to replace him as Chief of Staff, a post of great importance as the holder is number two in the Army.  

Part 125. The Salvation Army High Council. The new General.

Looking at the runners in the New General Stakes I make the current Chief of Staff the firm favourite and the USA candidate a strong second favourite.  The candidates from Latin America and Pakistan are outsiders but I would expect the latter to do better than the former.  Of course races and elections often do not produce results in line with expectation.

Later today we should have the result declared and then I shall continue to write this post.

So, the favourite won. Hopefully this will lead in time to a reevaluation of the exclusion of individuals from officership on the basis of sexual orientation. However only very very cautious optimism that there will be change in at least some territories.

Part 124. Getting stuck in, Sally Army style.

I have been most impressed by the engagement of The Salvation Army with communities and organisations in Brighton, Faversham and Sheerness. Doubtless there is good engagement in many places but the three I mention are the ones of which I am most aware.

Brighton has a dynamic officer who promotes full inclusion and has reached out to other organisations to promote social justice. Being seen, having a telling presence, making a contribution to the deliberations of local agencies and authorities is essential in campaigning for social justice.

Faversham and Sheerness are examples of Fresh Expressions whereby a new approach to the work of TSA is being undertaken. In both instances it involves working collaboratively with other organisations, particularly to serve individuals in need.  Sheerness promoted the use of a bus to extend its services across the Isle of Sheppey.  In Faversham a new centre is being developed in a former bank. Exciting times pointing to a better future for the Army.

Part 123. Social Justice Champions. Another Update.

Territorial HQ has been in contact with my local corps commanding officers and a meeting between us will be held in early June. According to the corps' officers the appointment of Social Justice Champions is a matter for local corps councils.  This is not stated on TSA website which does state however that HQ will process applications.  TSA bureaucracy is very slow. I applied on 4th April!

Part 122. Social Justice Champions update

My interest in becoming  Salvation Army Social Justice Champion has taken a step forward. A Public Affairs Officer at HQ has flagged up my interest with the commanding officers of the corps I attend and they will be contacting me.

Part 121. Join the club?

Thinking of joining a club? Use due diligence to understand the club's rules. You may have cause to regret not doing so when an issue arises.  Just as important is understanding who are the guardians of the rules and how they apply them. Of course you may discover the rules do not permit you to join or participate as much as you might wish.

Churches have rules, regulations, dogmas  doctrines, customs, traditions, processes and procedures all aimed at directing, circumscribing, promoting or discouraging behaviour.  There has to be order and discipline. All legalistic and introspective.

Jesus had  a different approach: Love God, love all and follow him.

Part 120. High Council

Before the end of this month The Salvation Army High Council will have elected a new General. The new General will have serious issues to consider, decisions on which will have a major impact on the future direction of the Army. In some parts of the world the good news is that membership is growing. Set against this are territories where membership is in decline, officer recruitment is abysmal and corps are closing. Arresting this decline, never mind reversing it, has to be the key priority for the next General.

An allied issue is that of how inclusive the Army is. Whilst it welcomes all, opportunities for advancement may be denied on the basis of sexual orientation. Same sex partners and same sex marriage are bars to officership. Will the Army change its stance and its theology and doctrine? I sense in some territories a desire for change.  The problem is that opposition to change will come from the major financial generator, the USA, and from territories experiencing growth.

The Army is a force for good, helping and campaigning for the poor, discriminated and marginalised. Yet on issues of sexual orientation it is stuck in an outdated theological and doctrinal mindset.

I don't believe the next General will be handed a poisoned chalice, rather a conundrum, to which there is no clear solution, of how to avoid splitting up an international organisation.

Part 119. Don't shoot The Messenger

Have you read The Messenger? An interesting book, it is not a bible translation. Rather it is seeking to explain, through paraphrasing in plain English, the concepts and commentaries of the Biblical authors.  It is anathema to those who seek to interpret scripture literally and/or as the inerrant God-given word.

An example. In the NIV translation we read Hebrews11.1 thus:

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 

The Messenger has it thus:

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith,  is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living.  It's our handle on what we can't see.

Refreshing, or what?

Part 118. A signal or an error?

The United Kingdom & Ireland Territory Salvation Army Facebook page has an item containing a video about what motivated a person to become an officer cadet. The person in question is wearing an Army jacket and on it is a badge worn by people who support full inclusion. Was publishing this on an official Army social media site an error, or is the Territory sending out a signal that its attitude towards inclusion has changed? I fear it is the former but hope it is the latter.

Part 117. Social Justice Champions

I applied to become one of The Salvation Army's Social Justice Champions in April 2023. Earlier this week I was telephoned by a very pleasant person from HQ to discuss my interest. I have a long history of contacting officers and councillors of local authorities on social justice issues, not with unalloyed success, either in a personal capacity or on behalf of an organisation. How does an SJC represent the Army? Is there a chain of command or monitoring in place to ensure that representations by SJCs are with the Army's consent? Will systems be established, particularly ones which provide for quick responses?

Part 116. All change?

Next month The Salvation Army High Council will meet to elect a new General. An officer elite consisting of Territorial leaders will decide who is to be the next leader. The poor bloody infantry, the footsoldiers, has no say in the matter. A key issue for some in the Army is the current exclusion from officership on sexual orientation grounds. Will the new General take a progressive inclusionist stance or simply adhere to the fundamentalist exclusionist position? The Anglican Communion is in turmoil over issues relating to sexual orientation. Will the next General be faced with similar problems? 

In the UK and Australia the Army is not only losing members, it is losing officers at much faster rate than it is recruiting. In the UK some corps no longer have full-time officers. In the UK a membership working party has been established. Its report will be analysed. Will it recommend radical changes in the criteria for membership and officership? We can but hope.

Part 115 The lens of love.

In earlier posts reference was made to the overarching commandment to love your neighbour. We sought to determine the meaning of neighbour and, considering biblical references, the meaning of love. Recently I came upon the idea that we should not peruse scripture to define love. Instead we should interpret scripture through the lens of love. I concur. 

Part 114. Nuff said

In these posts I have been exploring what faith means to me and underlying theological concepts. I have been at pains to emphasise that I have no wish to influence people to support my opinions. Indeed, I welcome constructive discussion. There is little for me to add. 

I shall post on controversies and events as they arise and also on matters relating to The Salvation Army's Social Justice Champions.

 I shall continue to post on my Facebook page: John Hopkinson Theology Page, and on the Facebook Group: Theology of Social Justice.

Part 113. Neighbours

In earlier posts I penned a few words on the meaning of neighbour. I concluded it was not limited by specific geographical areas but, as in the words 'love your neighbour' it encompasses all humanity, namely people. Recently I came upon a Facebook page 'Sad Jesus'. It promotes the following statement: 

Neighbour is not a geographic term, it is a moral concept.

 The page administrator got quite upset when I noted that humans are people, real people, not concepts moral or otherwise. We do not love moral concepts as neighbours, we love people wherever they are, whether known to us or not.

Part 112. Be good, do good.

The Christian faith it is said, correctly in my opinion, is based on love, a nebulous word defined by St. Paul by other equally vague words. Likewise the word good is imprecise. Love others and do good are pillars of living for many who profess Christian faith. The imprecision of the words leaves us open to the devices of the gatekeepers, of upholders of doctrine and the like seeking to impose their definition.

It is my opinion that there are no objective ethical standards we should adhere to and most certainly not have imposed on us.

Part 111. Practical theology

From time to time public bodies undertake consultations with the public on a range of topics. A consultation might be on a proposal which, if implemented, would have a positive or negative impact on the life of an individual suffering deprivation. Every year local councils hold a public consultation on the following year's budget and the impact of the proposals.

 Does your church respond to consultations? Does it campaign? Of course doing so may well lead to conflict. So what!! A church should not be deterred from demanding social justice. 

Part 110. Reaching out

Reaching out into the community does not feature as a priority in some churches. Inward-looking, fundamentalist and literalist in biblical interpretation, such churches show no interest in loving neighbours, no interest in social justice. Instead they Iive in piety bubbles, self-congratulatory and have an insufferable air of superiority and pomposity.

Part 109. Mulling it over

In previous posts I expressed the opinion that the Old Testament is not inspired by God but is an attempt by individuals at particular times and places to make sense of the world around them. Whilst a metaphysical entity may exist, or not, is a matter of opinion not provable nor otherwise by reference to texts.

 I do not doubt that Jesus lived and his message is unchanging. It should be understood against the backcloth of the religious, social and political sentiment of the time. However, it is incumbent upon us to interpret the message and apply it to our times. We must apply the message of love to the world today. The message is unchanging: the world has changed.

So, do I have faith given my objection to the idea that the bible is inspired by God rather than humanity's searching for a metaphysical reality? I concur with the statement in Hebrews 11:1. 'Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.'

Part 108. Overcoming material poverty.(3)

Many people living in poverty reside in areas of multiple deprivation. However many do not, particularly in rural areas. Poverty is caused often by a congery of factors and the manifestations of poverty show up in a variety of ways. Thus it follows that there is no one simple policy change which will eliminate poverty. We fool ourselves if we believe there are easy or quick solutions. There are policy changes which would have immediate effect but others will take a long time for the effects to show through. As Galbraith argued, we have the means in society but not the will to tackle poverty. As Christians we must campaign for social justice, we must press for change in our society, in our communities. We have to challenge authorities to effect change.  

Part 107. Salvation Army. Social Justice Champions

In 2022 The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom & Ireland Territory announced the creation of a new category of volunteers, Social Justice Champions (SJC). Their role is to campaign on local/community issues by contacting local decision makers. I have applied to enrol as a SJC.

I don't recall having read anything about this initiative at my local corps nor in publications from division and certainly not of any successes. I am very disappointed that much more has not been done to promote this initiative.

Part 106. Overcoming material poverty. (2)

The Salvation Army has 26 debt device centres and also offers online support. A recent report by the Centre for Social Justice indicates that in the UK over one million individuals are in the clutches of illegal lenders (loan sharks) charging up to 1,000 percent interest. Timely debt advice may have saved some from the loan sharks who engage in dubious practices to secure repayment. People may be in desperate need of cash urgently for food, debt repayment or rent and loan sharks offer a quick fix-at a price.

There needs to be far better access to debt advice. I believe a significant step along the road to alleviating at least some of the stresses of poverty would be the creation of a Salvation Army credit union, or at the very least promoting existing credit unions.

Part 105. Overcoming material poverty (1)

There is a massive amount of literature on the causes and consequences of poverty. It is not my intention to add to this mountain. Rather, I seek to set out my opinions on how Christians should respond to poverty issues.

I commend for your perusal the following organisation:

Christians Against Poverty UK. Website: capuk.org

The organisation offers direct action in support of individuals living in poverty as well as undertaking research and campaigns. It is engaged in much needed work and should be supported.

Part 104. Believe and act on the message of Jesus.

I read the bible seeking to interpret and understand from the words the meaning, the message, the ideas, the concepts Jesus conveys to us. I concentrate on the synoptic gospels. It is a voyage of discovery for me to seek to discern the teaching of Jesus and how to give it practical effect. It all distills into obeying the two Great Commandments and with it the pursuit of social justice.

I do not regard the bible as a rulebook or an instruction manual to be followed precisely and slavishly. That is the way to legalism and control freakery, much loved by a fundamentalist literalist mindset. Rather, I consider it to be guidance, encouragement and support in the pursuit of His Kingdom on earth, in pursuit of social justice. It is empowering, it is inclusive. It is outward looking and dynamic. Indeed the very opposite of the legalistic, introspective attitude prevalent in fundamentalist circles.

Part 103. Sad to have to report..

Paul O'Grady has died aged 67. A lovely person, he was a Deputy Lord-Lieutenant in Kent. His work in animal welfare led to his being admired by Queen Camilla. He will be remembered by many for the documentary series he fronted on the work of The Salvation Army, an organisation he admired for its social work.

The Army has issued this statement. 'We are saddened to hear about our friend. Paul O'Grady's passing. We are so grateful for all he did for the The Salvation Army.'

As a gay person in a same-sex marriage he would not have been able to be an officer of the Army. It reeks of discrimination and the stench of hypocrisy. 

Part 102. Practical Theology

Practical theology is about action, about doing things. It is driven by the commandment of Jesus to love our neighbour and by the demand placed on Christians to follow him. The application of these, for want of a better word, principles, will change as the world around us changes. The principles are unchanging. It is not, as conservative evangelical fundamentalists argue, a matter of watering down our faith to make it acceptable to the secular world. On the contrary it is applying our faith in the world to promote God's kingdom, to challenge those responsible for discrimination, marginalisation and poverty. It is not to make our faith more acceptable in the world, it is challenging the world to change.