From time to time, I try and write a new hymn. Some are better than others. I’m not a musician so I write them to an existing hymn tune. For the last few years I’ve tried to write a new hymn as the verse on my official Christmas card. I send several hundred cards as a bishop so they go far and wide.
Here is this year’s offering. It’s loosely based on Psalm 96: O Sing to the LORD a new song.
I’ve pondered Psalm 96 for most of this year. It was the text for my final sermon in Sheffield Cathedral and also the text for my sermon at four Welcome Eucharists across the Diocese of Oxford.
The psalm is a call to all the earth to hope, to joy and to worship: to sing a new song which has the power to change the world.
That is a message the world needs to hear especially at the end of 2016.
The words are written for the well known tune, Jerusalem, by Hubert Parry. Permission is given to reproduce the words in any context. Let me know how it goes.
Whatever is happening the world over, the Church must never cease its praise and worship. Sing to the Lord a new song!
Sing songs of hope, new hymns of joy. Sing to the Lord in all the earth. Let lays of love all fear destroy, The Church’s anthems of new birth.
For Christ is born in Bethlehem. The kingdom comes, the Word takes flesh. And so we sing of love come down Of mercy, peace and tenderness.
This song is life to all who mourn, To rich and poor, for young and old. Our song breaks locks and bars and stone The breath of life to hearts grown cold.
Let heav’n be glad, let earth rejoice The Lord has come and justice reigns. Sing to the Lord, earth, with one voice, Jesus the name above all names.
Steven Croft, 2016 After Psalm 96 Suggested tune: Jerusalem (Hubert Parry)
https://blogs.oxford.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/carols.jpg10001500Steven Crofthttps://blogs.oxford.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2019-blog-logo-300x117.pngSteven Croft2016-12-05 14:20:072016-12-05 14:20:37Sing songs of hope, new hymns of joy
Some of you will be aware that on the day of my inauguration as Bishop of Oxford, there was a small demonstration outside Christ Church by two survivors of sexual abuse who go by the names of ‘Joe’ and ‘Michael’. Christ Church welcomed them with great care, and I spoke with Joe for a few minutes before entering the Cathedral to assure him of my prayers.
I’d never met Joe before, although I know Michael well from my time as Bishop of Sheffield. Over the last few months he has made complaints against me and against several other bishops. There have been reports in several newspapers, and he distributed leaflets by post and in person on the day of the inauguration. Most recently, Michael gave an interview to BBC South Today, which was broadcast yesterday.
I’ve been very hesitant to comment publicly on his allegations against me thus far. This is partly because there is an ongoing police investigation. But just as importantly, I recognise that Michael has said openly that he is very distressed by the situation and I have not wanted to make life any more difficult for him by publicly disagreeing (as I do) with some of his claims. However, it felt important to take up the BBC’s invitation of ‘right to reply’ this week. You may have seen the piece when it aired.
For the reasons above, I can’t go into any more detail about the specifics of the case. But I thought that it might be helpful to set out my approach to safeguarding issues so that there is no misunderstanding
1. The care of vulnerable people
First, I want to make it quite clear that the care of vulnerable people and those who are survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation is a high priority for me, and for the Church of England as a whole. As a society we have all learned a great deal in recent years about the appalling prevalence of sexual abuse. We can be in no doubt at all about the profound and long lasting suffering experienced by survivors.
Like all bishops, I have had to deal with a significant number of instances of sexual abuse. I was involved with others in helping the wider community in Rotherham respond to the child sexual exploitation scandals from 2013 onwards.
I am committed to providing support and pastoral care, both to survivors and, where appropriate, perpetrators. I know we do not always as a Church get things right. I don’t always get things right as a bishop. We need to be constantly listening to the experience of survivors, learning lessons for the future and improving our practice.
2. Transparency
There are sometimes suggestions that the Church attempts to cover up abuse. To our shame, there are examples in our history as an institution where this has indeed happened. This is utterly unacceptable, and completely contrary to my beliefs and values. But while we must never be complacent, I am confident that we have radically improved our policy and practice around safeguarding in recent years.
The Diocese of Oxford has robust policies and practices. Like many dioceses, we are currently increasing our investment in safeguarding support. By the end of 2017, every diocese will be independently audited by the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) which I entirely welcome. These reports will be published, along with a follow-up action plan.
3. Training
A new national training strategy has been agreed and is now being implemented. This aims to ensure that all those with responsibility for children and adults who are vulnerable are equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to identify the potential abuse and report it to the appropriate person. This will mean additional training and regular updates for clergy, licensed lay ministers and volunteers. Please take this very seriously.
Policy and practice guidance is continually evolving in the light of experience. I welcome these developments and am committed to playing my part alongside the National Safeguarding Team and our diocesan staff.
4. Lessons for the future
Recent events have made me even more determined and committed to listen well to survivors of abuse in the future and to help the wider Church do so as well. The Church is committed to learning and improving practice across the board in relation to survivors of abuse, and to seeking justice for all those involved in such cases.
Finally, I would encourage any survivors who are yet to speak up to do so, through the church locally, via my office or by going directly to our Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser. Please be assured that we work in close co-operation with the police and other agencies to ensure that all allegations of abuse – however long ago the events took place – are thoroughly and appropriately investigated by the statutory authorities. We can also put you in touch with ‘authorised listeners’ who are specially trained to provide confidential support.
Finally, I would ask that you keep in your prayers all those involved in this particular case and in this important area of work around safeguarding.
A message for all those leading groups for enquirers and new Christians
I write this message on St Luke’s day to everyone in the Diocese of Oxford and beyond who is involved in planning or leading groups for enquirers and new Christians this autumn. Thank you. This is a wonderful ministry we share together. Through this ministry, wherever it happens, lives are changed and a continual stream of new Christians come into the life of the Church helping us to grow and be more effective in serving our communities.
I write as well to everyone across the Diocese and beyond who wondering whether or not to become involved in this ministry. I want to encourage you to do so.
One of the themes at the core of Luke’s writing is, without a doubt, teaching the faith to enquirers, forming disciples in preparation for baptism. The name for this discipline in Christian theology is catechesis.
Luke begins his gospel by setting out his purpose. It is written so that we may know the truth concerning the things about which we have been instructed. The word is, literally, catechised (1.4).
Luke ends the gospel by painting a picture of Jesus as catechist on the road to Emmaus, drawing the first disciples into an understanding of Christ through walking and listening and asking questions, through teaching from the scriptures, through the breaking of bread and through sending out in mission (24).
St Luke’s day is therefore a very good day to invite you to reflect on your own habit and practice of catechesis: the way in which you welcome and teach the faith to enquirers, form new Christians and prepare them for baptism.
Many people who read this will be involved in Alpha courses, others in Christianity Explored, others in using Pilgrim. Still others might be using Start or Emmaus or material you have developed yourself. Different material works well in different places. What matters is that we offer something in every place, every year.
I have a particular interest in the development of Pilgrim. We celebrated the third birthday of the material last week. 130,000 books have been sold. It is being used in homes and churches, in prisons and pubs, with existing Christians and with enquirers. There have been 25,000 views and 6,000 downloads of the free video materials in the last year. Pilgrim is now being used in Denmark, Canada, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and in the USA (through the Church Publishing Inc version).
We have developed a Pilgrim catechism in digital and print form which will be published by Easter 2017 and Youth Pilgrim is in development.
The materials we use can be a real help. But more important is the way we use them.
A long time ago a bishop in North Africa, Augustine, wrote a short book on Instructing Beginners in the Faith. I’ve been reading it again recently. Augustine does pay careful attention to what we should teach. But he pays even more attention to the way in which we set about the task. The most distinctive and important thing, he says, is that our teaching is marked by joy.
“Our greatest concern is about how to make it possible for those who offer instruction in faith to do so with joy. For they more they succeed in this, the more successful they will be….
For if God loves a cheerful giver in matters of material wealth, how much more is this true in matters of spiritual wealth” (2,4)
Joy is also a theme in Luke’s writings: the gospel begins with singing and ends with resurrection joy.
Pay attention this St Luke’s tide to your teaching and instruction with faith. Plan in faith and look forward to a harvest. And above everything else, offer all of your teaching with joy.
I did a couple of television interviews on the morning of my inauguration service on 30th September. At the end of the second interview, Emma from ITV asked me a question which should have been very simple: “What’s your favourite film?”
My mind went completely blank. There was an awkward silence. Then I remembered Ann’s favourite film (Notting Hill). I’ve watched it so many times, I couldn’t in all honesty claim it was my own. In the moment I couldn’t think of any films I liked enough.
But the question stayed with me through the day of the service. Thanks to all who came and all who worked so hard to make it happen.
The question stayed with me through the weekend. Finally, late on Sunday afternoon, after all the family had gone home, I had an answer to the question. At least, I’ve narrowed it down to two films.
The first is Jerry Maguire, directed by Cameron Crowe, released in 1996 and starring Tom Cruise and Renee Zellwegger. It’s a great romantic comedy and a good sports drama. I love it for the opening scene where Jerry Maguire, a sports agent, writes a long memo to his colleagues about the corruption in his industry. Everyone agrees with him then a few days later he is fired. The story is about his journey back and it celebrates integrity, truth love and putting people first.
My second is Invictus, directed by Clint Eastwood, released in 2009 and starring Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela, then President of South Africa and Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar, the captain of the South Africa rugy union team. The film tells the story of the 1995 Rugby World Cup hosted and won by South Africa.
I remember watching the match live on television. I love the film because of Nelson Mandela’s inspirational leadership, his perseverance in adversity and his ability to see good triumph over evil. The film’s title is taken from a short, powerful Victorian poem by the Englilsh Poet, William Ernest Henley, which helped Mandela in the darkest times on Robben Island.
“It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the soul
I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul”.
There is a moment in the film when Mandela invites Pienaar to tea. He speaks of the need for inspiration to take us beyond ourselves.
“In order to build our nation, we must all exceed our own expectations”.
The film is a summons to greatness in the face of immense challenges. We live in one of those moments in the story of the world where the challenges are great beyond our reckoning. The challenges of poverty, of climate change, of conflict are immense. We are called by God in our generation to rise to those challenges, to be the best we can be in confronting them.
We moved house a week ago and I write this in the midst of builders and packing cases. It’s been a good move and we are glad to be here. I’m looking forward to the inauguration of my ministry on September 30 and to the four Welcome Eucharists in each Area of the Diocese.
I’ve been learning all I can about the Diocese and the communities we serve but there is no substitute for getting out and about. That will begin in October and November with visits to clergy in the Oxford Area, regular services in parish churches and a programme of visits to deaneries across the whole Diocese.
A great deal of thought and prayer is invested in the appointment of a new Bishop. Those appointing take care to listen to the needs of the Diocese at this moment in its long story. When the appointment is made, the Archbishop sets out the priorities for the new Bishop’s ministry in the words of a charge, drawing on this long and deep process of listening.
This is part of Archbishop Justin’s charge to me, read at my confirmation of election:
You are to bring vision and life, creativity and energy to the Diocese’s mission and ministry enabling all, lay and ordained to realise the joy of the Gospel and the workings of the Holy Spirit through the Church, and you are to lead the Diocese and its people in navigating their response to their call to Christian witness.
You are to release the God given possibilities in people, teams, finances and organisation unlocking the potential for re-imagining ministry and mission.
You are to be an intelligent and articulate voice for the Gospel and Church reaching out locally, nationally and internationally.
You are to seize the opportunity to act as interpreter, prophet, advocate and convenor across the Diocese nationally and in the public square.
You are to enable the Diocese to live its diversity well and as a sign of a flourishing Church.
Our nation and the communities we serve face many challenges and questions. We are called as the Church in this Diocese to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ with love and hope and joy. We are called to be a blessing and a channel of God’s grace in every place where we live and work and serve. It is an immense privilege to be called to serve the Diocese of Oxford at this time. Please pray for me as this new chapter and new ministry begins.
Mine was full of good things. My youngest daughter Sarah became engaged. Her fiancée, Simon, proposed at sunset in Florence. I was able to spend two weeks with my grandson (mainly playing with trains and reading the Very Hungry Caterpillar). I was inspired by the British Olympic team. We said our fond goodbyes to Sheffield. I started to build a pattern of prayer for the Diocese of Oxford. I was able to read and think and plan in the midst of sorting out and preparing for the move. I took up running for the first time and learned how to make pies.
It wasn’t all sunshine and light, of course. I was deeply grieved by the suffering of close friends. I was moved to tears by some of the things I heard during the General Synod shared conversations in York. It was hard, as it always is, to take in the suffering in Aleppo, in central Italy and in other parts of the world. There were the normal frustrations and things which went wrong and the hard work of transition. The very best moment of the summer (apart from Sarah’s engagement) came as I stood near the front of a very big tent in Somerset. Our younger son, Andy, and our daughter in law Beth work for Soul Survivor, a large Christian youth ministry. Soul Survivor runs festivals for young people and students every year. This summer we were on site for two of the festivals looking after Josiah, our grandson.
Beth had a night off and so we shared in the first evening meeting of Week B. Simply to be in a large tent with over 8,000 teenagers sharing in worship is inspiring. They were all there as part of small youth groups and church parties, camping all across the Bath and Wells showground. After the worship and the talk and lots of laughter, Mike Pilavachi gave an invitation on this first night of the festival for people to come forward to pray and be prayed for if they wanted to become Christians. This kind of invitation to make a Christian commitment or to receive prayer ministry happens regularly during each of the festivals.
Scores of young people came forward (I think around 140 that night). As is the tradition at Soul Survivor, the rest of the tent cheered and clapped and celebrated this very public act of commitment and dedication of their lives to Christ. As I always do, I found the moment profoundly moving: holy ground. There we were, in a very big tent in Somerset, and young people’s lives were being reshaped by God’s grace.
The same thing will have been happening in many different places over the summer in different Church traditions and in many different ways: at Walsingham and Keswick and Taize and New Wine, on ventures and in holiday clubs and pilgrimages, or simply in quiet retreat and holiday: God meets us as we step aside and draws us more deeply into love and joy and hope. As the Church proclaims the good news of love and forgiveness and new beginnings, so men and women, children and young people, respond in faith.
Perhaps if you had been there (or even as you read this) you are wondering what these acts of commitment meant to these young people. I was wondering too. But my wondering is shaped by the fact that in recent years I have regularly baptized and confirmed young people who responded in this way at Soul Survivor or at other festivals. As I have talked with them it has been very clear: those moments of grace have been a key part of their journey to mature Christian discipleship and in the offering of their whole lives to God. Such a moment was part of my own journey when I was 15 years old.
26,000 young people came to Soul Survivor festivals this summer. Over 1,500 became Christians.
In Luke 15, Jesus tells three stories about the importance of that which is lost: a shepherd loses a sheep, a woman loses a coin, a father loses both of his sons (in different ways). In each story, what is lost is found. The common element in each story is joy.
“Rejoice with me for I have found my sheep which is lost”, says the shepherd.
“Rejoice with me for I have found the coin which I had lost” says the woman.
“But we had to celebrate and rejoice”, says the father, “Because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found”.
I hope that in your life, and in your summer, and in your church, there has been this kind of joy this summer.
Thank you for your various messages of welcome and for your prayers following the announcement of my nomination as the Bishop of Oxford. It’s an enormous honour and privilege to be appointed to this role and I look forward very much to serving the communities of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire in the coming years.
My Confirmation of Election as Bishop of Oxford was held on 6 July, and I have now paid homage to Her Majesty the Queen and resumed my place in the House of Lords. I will continue to meet with the senior team in Oxford and plan for the autumn.
Ann and I hope to move to the new See House in Kidlington at the end of August and I will be working to a normal diary in the diocese from early September. My inauguration is set for Friday 30September in the Cathedral.
There will then be four Welcome Eucharists at which I will preside and preach, one for each Archdeaconry:
Episcopal Area
Date
Day
Time
Venue
Reading
5October
Wednesday
19.45
Reading Minster
Dorchester
9October
Sunday
15.30
Dorchester Abbey
Oxford
12October
Wednesday
19.30
Church of the Holy Family Blackbird Leys
Buckingham
13 October
Thursday
18.00
All Saints High Wycombe
I would like to meet as many people as possible over the first few weeks in post so please put one of these dates in your diary and I look forward to seeing you there.
I hope to visit the parish clergy of the Oxford Area in October and November. I am also planning a series of Deanery Days from November to July to begin to get to know and to listen to the whole Diocese. During those visits I look forward to engaging with lay people and clergy and getting to know the wider community as well as the church. I also look forward to being out and about across the whole Diocese Sunday by Sunday.
You can discover something about me in advance from the Diocesan website, should you wish to do so. I was formed as a parish priest in Halifax. I was shaped as a thinker and writer in Durham and through travelling the country as Archbishops’ Missioner. I have been forged as a Bishop in Sheffield and South Yorkshire, seeking to recall the Church here and elsewhere to the mission of God.
I’m conscious I will have a much to learn in my early years in Oxford. Please pray for me: for the gifts of humility, wisdom and gentleness for this new ministry. Pray in the words of the ordinal that my heart may daily be enlarged to love this great Diocese to which God has now called me.
I’m looking forward very much to working with Bishop Colin, Bishop Andrew and Bishop Alan in the coming years and with the rest of the senior team. I’m conscious that the Diocese owes a particular debt to Bishop Colin for his care and leadership during the long vacancy.
Based on the listening I have done so far, I will focus my ministry across the whole Diocese in three areas in the early years: on engagement with children, young people and young adults; on enabling lay discipleship in the world and on engaging with the poorest communities across the Diocese. These priorities are not a new Diocesan strategy. That may emerge over time. They are initial themes for my own engagement with the whole Diocese and I look forward to taking them forward with you.
I believe that the Christian faith and the Christian church will become ever more central in the life of our nation and the world in the 21stCentury as people seek again for meaning, for values, for purpose and for hope.
God has called the Church to be a community of mercy and kindness, reflecting the nature of Jesus Christ and telling the good news of his love. Together we are called to be a community of missionary disciples: faithful, united, hopeful, creative and rejoicing in God’s grace.
I look forward very much to meeting you, to knowing you and being known and to working with you,
In Christ
+Steven Oxford
PS: I would be very grateful if this letter could reach as many people as possible and be reproduced in parish newssheets, on websites and in magazines. Thank you.
https://blogs.oxford.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Bishop-of-Oxford-Archbishop-of-Canterbury-2.jpg10241743Steven Crofthttps://blogs.oxford.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2019-blog-logo-300x117.pngSteven Croft2016-07-21 13:51:472016-07-21 14:08:49Letter to the clergy and people of the Diocese of Oxford
“God is our refuge and strength A very present help in trouble. Therefore we should not fear, though the earth should change Though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea”
Psalm 46 has a special resonance today… The United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union. This will be good news for some people but a genuine disappointment to others. The coming years will be marked by uncertainty and change. What does it mean and how should we respond?
A clear outcome
The outcome of the Referendum is clear. 52% of the electorate has voted to leave, 48% to remain. Every English region outside London had a majority to leave.
The vote in the city of Sheffield was close but still 51% in favour. The vote across the rest of the Diocese of Sheffield was even clearer (Doncaster 69% leave; Rotherham 67%; Barnsley 68%; East Riding 60%).
It is a more mixed picture in the Diocese of Oxford (where I become the bishop in a few weeks time). Some local authority areas have clearly voted to remain, others to leave but the balance in the region is still for leaving.
How should we interpret the result?
I watched the television coverage up until 1.30 am and again from 5.30. The politicians were interpreting the outcome in different ways: as a protest against particular parties or politicians, as a comment on the state of the NHS or immigration.
I’m cautious about all of these interpretations. I may be wrong but I believe that such a large number of people voted Leave for two reasons. First they genuinely want Britain to leave the European Union and to assert the right to self determination. 52% of the population in effect set the right to self governance above short and medium term economic prosperity.
Second 52% of the population voted for fundamental change in our country going forward even if that change brings some instability. Those left behind by current economic policies and politics clearly believe they have most to gain from new beginnings. That should tell us something very important.
The ongoing debate
Three vital questions came into focus during the long campaign. The result did not resolve them. We need more reflection and public debate on each.
The first is global migration. We heard again and again that “immigration” was an issue. But for the most part, the campaign was framed in the language the 1970’s and 1980’s. The issue for 2016 is not simply immigration but global migration. We are living through and will live through the greatest migration of people in human history. This movement of peoples is likely to increase through the effects of climate change, population growth, global inequality and armed conflict. We need a comprehensive, deep conversation about how Britain and the world will respond.
The second is identity. What does it mean to be British in 2016? We need leaders of vision able to articulate an inspiring vision for Britain and its future. That positive vision did not emerge in the campaign from either side.
The third is a new kind of politics. The murder of Jo Cox MP was an immense tragedy. The response of politicians on all sides helped us see again how many good, honest people represent us in Parliament. We need a style of public discourse which is more honest, more humble, more gentle and more kind. This will take more than self-discipline on the part of those in public life. We need some new symbolism. Over the next ten years, the House of Parliament are to be refurbished. Will we have the courage, I wonder, to reshape the chamber of the House of Commons to be less adversarial, less binary, more collaborative, seeking wisdom from every part of the community?
How should the Church respond?
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued a statement this morning calling for humility and courage. They say “Unity, hope and gentleness will enable us to overcome the period of transition that will now happen and emerge confident and successful”.
The Church will respond with prayer for our government and Parliament and for all sections of our society. We will respond by entering into hopeful dialogue with people on all sides of the debate with courtesy and kindness. We will respond by cherishing the poor and the vulnerable and renewing our efforts to build a safe, just and peaceful world. We will continue to welcome the stranger and show mercy to the needy here and around the world. We will continue to build bridges and bonds of friendship across Europe and across the whole world.
In the words of Psalm 46, we will not be afraid though our world may be shaken. We will take time today to pray, to think, to love and to speak gently in God’s name.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me”
These words from Psalm 23 have been in my mind this week following the atrocities in Orlando and the terrible murder of Jo Cox yesterday.
I’ve been in Parliament for my final week of duty there as the Bishop of Sheffield. It’s been a sombre week. The House of Lords kept a minute’s silence on Monday afternoon before prayers for the victims of the Orlando shootings. On Monday evening I walked through Soho on the way to meet my son. I was moved by the powerful display of solidarity by the LGBTI community there and across the world.
On Tuesday morning I attended the National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast in Westminster Hall with around 750 guests including 150 members of both Houses of Parliament. Again we kept silence and prayed for the victims of Orlando. The address by Bishop Angelaos of the Coptic Church was on the suffering of Christians throughout the Middle East.
On Wednesday I took part in a debate in the House of Lords on the European Union’s response to the global migration crisis and particularly, the role of Operation Sophia, the mission to disrupt people smuggling from North Africa to the coast of Italy. There were powerful and compassionate speeches but, of course, no easy answers.
So it had already been a week of difficult news by Thursday when I heard first that Jo Cox MP had been attacked in Birstall and then, when I arrived home, that she had died from her injuries. There has been a public outpouring of prayers and vigils for Jo and for her family and friends.
The tributes have been very moving and Jo will clearly be greatly missed. We do not yet know or understand the reason for the murder. It is hardest to bear for her family of course, but hard as well for all Members of Parliament on every side of the House of Commons. As has been said, the ordinary work of MP’s in meeting their constituents every week is seldom newsworthy but it is the very core of our democracy and a vital part of British life. I join with those who have called for appreciation and thanks to be extended to those who represent us.
This has been a week for reflection on a series of tragedies. In each of these, and all the others, I draw comfort from the words of Psalm 23:
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me”.
God is with us even in the depths and the darkest places and God is with those who suffer, in part through all of us extending our love and care and support to those who are hurting most.
We remember God’s love and we pray for those who mourn, for the injured, for the persecuted, for those in danger on land and sea.
But we must also be stirred by these events to engage afresh with the great challenges of our age: to work towards a world which is safe, secure and just for all peoples irrespective of sexual orientation or faith or ethnicity or the place in the world where you are born.
I am struck again at the end of this week by one of the prayers from the funeral service. In the face of such suffering it is vital for all of us to live our lives with purpose and with meaning:
Grant us Lord, the wisdom and the grace to use aright the time that is left to us here on earth. Lead us to repent of our sins, the evil we have done and the good we have not done; and strengthen us to follow the steps of your Son in the way that leads to the fullness of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
https://blogs.oxford.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Westminster.jpg12982800Steven Crofthttps://blogs.oxford.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2019-blog-logo-300x117.pngSteven Croft2016-06-17 12:59:592016-07-11 10:13:05The darkest valley: a reflection on this week in Parliament
When was the last time you thought about mental health and young people?
There is a major issue. As many as 1 in 10 children and young people (aged 5-16) have a clinically diagnosable mental health problem. The problems include depression, anxiety, and conduct disorders. The problems are often linked to what is happening in their lives.
Last month I attended the annual Civic Breakfast organized by Church Action on Poverty in Sheffield. This is an annual event which brings together Church leaders and faith leaders across the city with local councillors, heads of services, MPs and charities.
The subject this year was the connection between mental health and poverty. Common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety are distributed according to a gradient of economic disadvantage across society. The less well off you are, the more likely you are to suffer from a range of common mental health problems.
We had a moving presentation at the breakfast from a woman in her twenties who described the mental health problems she experienced as a teenager, the care she received and the real difference it made. In the discussion which followed, several people contributed stories from their own families. We had expert opinion from people who work as advocates for those with mental health issues and from General Practitioners.
The most striking statistic was this (from a mental health commissioner):
“Mental illness accounts for 25% of mortality and morbidity in Britain but only 11% of the NHS budget is spent on these issues”.
We are not tackling this part of the problem. During the last parliament, funding for mental health services were cut by 8.25%.
It’s impossible to read the four gospels and not be aware of Jesus’ compassion for those who are suffering and his care for the whole person. In the first chapters of Mark, Jesus heals a man with an unclean spirit, a multitude in Galilee, someone declared unclean by his society, a man who is paralysed and full of guilt, another multitude by the lakeshore and a man with a withered hand. Read on further and you will find that Christ ministers to children and young people and the elderly with both physical and spiritual diseases. The gospels do not have our vocabulary for mental illness but it is impossible to read them and not find evidence of these conditions and of Jesus’ care for those who have them.
What can we do?
Christians and Christian congregations can help by raising awareness of mental health issues, especially among the young. We can help by listening to one another: the first line of support and help. We can help by reducing any stigma around mental health so that people feel able to talk about the problems they may be facing, whether that is anxiety or depression or another serious illness. When was the last time you heard a sermon or a presentation in church on these issues?
We can help by taking seriously our responsibility to care for the young and invest in children and young people. It is encouraging to see the number of workers employed in our Centenary Project increasing month by month. If you are part of a church in this Diocese, has your church explored this project yet?
We can help by working to relieve poverty and suffering, both in acts of kindness and charity and in our campaigning for justice. Part of that campaigning will be working to ensure that mental health support increases rather than decreases year by year in line with other spending on health.
We can help by offering our time and gifts through the Samaritans, to Mind, in local visiting and support for those in need.
The Civic Breakfast helped open my eyes and ears again to the fragility of many young people and the need for care and support. As followers of Jesus Christ, let’s take care to be informed and compassionate and involved.
+Steven
Further help/support
The Sheffield Mental Health Guide has details of events, services and information particularly of relevance to people in Sheffield- http://sheffieldmentalhealth.org.uk/
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