As I write this, the date of the General Election has just been officially announced. This means, almost certainly, that between now and the 6th of May, we will be bombarded every day through the media with stories about the activities of the parliamentary candidates as they kiss babies, shake the hands of people they have never spoken to before and probably never will again, knock on the doors of unknown people and promise us fulfilment of all the wonderful plans they have for the future if only we will vote for them. Time will tell whether any of these promises will be fulfilled.
The new parliament, when it is formed will have more than the usual number of newcomers since many of our existing MPs are taking the opportunity to stand down from their political careers following the public's disgust at the behaviour of some of their colleagues.
A new parliament will surely give them all a great opportunity to make a fresh start and conduct themselves in a way that is worthy of the trust that the public places in them as their representatives. Nevertheless, a lot of experience will be lost when the longer serving members stand down.
In whatever walk of life we follow, the experience of those who have gone before us is always of great value either as a foundation on which to build or as a warning of the ways to be avoided.
The great faiths of the world, including our own Christianity, are built on the experiences of those who have preceded us. We recognise the need to update the way we approach our faith to make it meaningful to today's people but the basis of our faith remains unchanged. Jesus commissioned his disciples and us to spread the Gospel. He promised to be with us in the Holy Spirit. His promise holds good today and his love is there for us all to share. Now is the time for us to bring that news to our neighbours and friends, not just once every five years, not just by 6th May but today and every day.
Steve Campbell
Interim Moderator
Tel: 01284 787664
May 2010