It’s coming up to the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 bombings of the Twin Towers in New York on 11 September 2001. As we think about that, I’m sure many of us are distressed to see the pictures on our TV screens of the current situation unfolding in Afghanistan, following the withdrawal of American and British troops from that country.
This has led to the takeover by the Taliban. The President and many people have fled the country, desperately trying to get away from the inevitably cruel regime. After so many years of trying to maintain peace in that country, and enable the country to stand on its own two feet, many British military personnel and their families are wondering if their service was worth it over the last 20 years. Many people lost their lives in defending the country and others sustained injuries. It must be deeply frustrating for them. Was it worth it?
Christianity, like other religions, wants to promote peace. Jesus came to bring peace to our world. He urges us to find peaceful solutions to our problems and disagreements. One famous politician promoted ‘jaw jaw’ rather than ‘war war’. Yet how easy it is to fall out with people? Misunderstandings, disagreements, lack of communication can all escalate. We can all testify to this amongst our relationships.
Many people blame religion for the many wars around the world. But you can’t say that about the conflicts we have in our own families or communities. Perhaps some basic principles of listening to one another carefully; thinking before you speak; putting yourself in the other person’s shoes and trying to see the bigger picture all help in our relationships with each other. Let’s aim to love each other and seek peace, not war.”
Westbury Team
Ministry rector
Revd Rebecca Harris
