The Light Shines in the Darkness
What a week we have had!
This week we have witnessed some unbelievable and horrific scenes. Last Saturday a far-right group tried to violently enter into the Mercure Hotel which houses asylum seekers and refugees. It wasn't long before a group, along with the police, came to the hotel and rallied around it.
On Wednesday there were further threats targeted at Immigration Lawyers up and down the country. As a response to this, many counter-protests were planned and there are scenes of people gathering so show solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are Black, minority ethic group or those who have immigrated here to the UK. To see thousands of people gather in Old Market, Bristol to protect the Gya Williams Immigration Lawyers was amazing, people showed up to remind the small few that love, inclusion and acceptance will always win. I took the photo above- which I thought was very Bristol!
I can't help to think of how this was all sparked. By three, innocent, beautiful, care-free girls at a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport. The summer holidays ahead of them, their parents signing them up for something they will love. Every time I think of these three girls being murdered I can't help but to cry. It's one of the saddest most inhumane things I have read recently - not withstanding the current wars that are going on. Elsie, Bebe and Alice, may you rest in peace and rise in glory.
The 17-year-old who killed these girls and injured others has Rwandan heritage and was born in Cardiff. The colour of skin caused this out-pouring of hate and anger from far-right groups; giving them an excuse to target this hate towards all immigrants and people of colour. This hate has taken away from the 3 beautiful lives that were lost and uncovered a truth that many people of colour will testify to: racism is lurking beneath the surface, always.
I do think there needs to be spaces where our immigration laws are discussed appropriately. People may be worried and have concerns. That is of course valid. But I would hope we all agree that the violence and hate we have seen pour out from a minority has been abhorrent and doesn't resemble any kind of sensitive discussion around migration.
Despite this darkness, there have of course been glimmers of light. I can only testify to what I've seen this week. The Mercure Hotel Operations Manager told me they have been inundated with flowers, cards, sweets, chocolate, toys from the people of Bristol for the hotel residents- which have been gratefully received. Our community Hub team, David, Andy, Katie, Kelly and Alan have worked tirelessly to provide a supportive space for all those in Radcliffe that are scared. On Wednesday afternoon I sat in whilst the police reassured the residents that they had heightened protection around Redcliffe. And countless companies, groups, churches have been in touch asking how they can support the work of the Hub. The first part of John's gospel has been on repeat in my brain this week: 'The light shines in the darkness and the darkness could not overcome it.'
The lectionary at the moment is asking us to spend 5 weeks in John's gospel, thinking about Jesus being bread. We are asked to reflect on our hungers, how satisfied we are with Jesus and how we might feast on the true bread of heaven. 'I am the bread of life' says Jesus. To me, this can feel a little simplistic that in light of everything we've seen this last week - can we just focus on Jesus being the bread of life and everything will be alright?
And yet, when I think about the Communion table, the table is made better, is richer for having a diverse group of people around it, sharing in the bread of heaven. After all, our Saviour Christ was a brown refugee from the Middle East. Sharing the bread of life with others is vital- we remember the body of Christ and we, the church, are the body- it's not an individual thing its a communal thing. At the Communion table we are all equal, we all get to share despite how worthy we feel and most importantly: everyone is welcome.
In the coming weeks as we recover from this week, let's consider how we share the bread of life with those who need to know that above all else, they are welcome and included.
