A Christian Perspective

- Linda Jaquet -

In his New Year Message, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, pointed out some home truths that we would all do well to think about. Here is a summary of what he said.

“In the global society we now inhabit, risk and suffering are everybody's problem, the needs of our neighbours are the needs of the whole human family. The truth is that there are fewer and fewer problems in our world that are just local. Suffering and risk spread across boundaries, even that biggest of all boundaries between the rich and the poor. Crises don't stop at national frontiers. It's one thing that terrorism and environmental challenge and epidemic disease have taught us."

"We share the risks but when we share the hopes we really see what bonds us as human beings. We discover our own humanity as we honour the human dignity of others.”

The Archbishop asked that we not be put off by the enormity of the problems around us. “Above all, it's about not losing our hope for change and our love and respect for the dignity of everyone. Let's respond just as we do when our immediate family is in need or trouble. We may be amazed by the difference we can make.”

“God help each one of us make a difference and God bless you all and those you love in this coming year.”