31 March 2020

Dear all

 

As you probably already know, The Faith and Spirituality Network (Suffolk) is a recently formed small charity which enables people who have been in touch over the years to keep up to date with what is going on and to share perspectives. The present crisis provides us with an opportunity to do this in some depth.

 

If we wish to do so, we can express our hopes and fears and our theological and philosophical responses to the situation. I believe that we could all benefit from being honest with ourselves and with each other, not relying on platitudes or inadequate theologies. This time of crisis can also be a time of growth. I am sending this rather long attachment which I hope you will find time to read.   It includes reflections, invitations and challenges from others as well as expressing some of my own perspectives.

 

The last time i was in Church the intercessions included a prayer that life could soon return to normal. I was shocked.  What is normal?  Broadcasters and politicians are repeating the same phrase. Whose normal are they talking about?

 

The following reflection was recently sent to me through the local Franciscan group

 

"May we who are merely inconvenienced

Remember those whose lives are at stake.

 

May we who have no risk factors

Remember the most vulnerable.

 

May we who have the luxury of working from home

Remember those who must choose between their health or making their rent.

 

May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when schools close

Remember those who have no options.

 

May we who have to cancel our trips

Remember those who have no place to go.

 

May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market

Remember those who have no margin at all.

 

May we who settle in for a quarantine at home

Remember those who have no home.

 

As fear grips our country,

Let us choose love."

 

If you would like to join in discussion with the Sea of Faith or have any other suggestions or comments to make to us, please contact Andrew Benedict.

 

Very best wishes

Cynthia Capey