Mahatma Gandhi once said this: “Those who believe religion and politics aren’t connected don’t understand either.” Proving, if nothing other than that great minds do indeed think alike Albert Einstein put it this way: “Those who believe that politics and religion do not mix, understand neither”… connected/mix – surely a case of splitting hairs.
That was certainly the feeling at MBC last Sunday when former MP, Privy Councillor and passionate community activist John Battle (left) was our visiting preacher. Having represented Leeds West for twenty three years – a constituency that includes Kirkstall Abbey and HM Prison, Armley John drew on both his local knowledge and his infectious enthusiasm for the Gospel to underline how, if we are open to them, there are countless opportunities “out there in the real world” to serve both God and the community.
However, to a certain extent John’s timely message was just the meat in the middle of a community rich sandwich. By that I mean that earlier in the service it was one year old Emma Turnpenny’s chance to shine. Mum and Dad, Ruth and Ian, had brought little Emma, Joy to MBC to be dedicated. And although she herself was a little off colour this age old tradition – supplemented by the giving of gifts was a wonderful demonstration of how all-embracing the notion of community really is as alongside relatives and friends the whole congregation promised to support and pray for Emma and her family in the years ahead.
Then, over coffee, it was The Beehive’s turn to continue the theme. Based in a tiny shop in Chapel Allerton but trumpeting the message of fairness and compassion this Fairtrade outlet can take huge credit for being one of the catalysts which some years ago now challenged our giant, high street supermarkets to move toward fairer trading. Although some would still argue that there’s much more to fair trade than buying bananas, sugar, even Easter eggs from certain “signed up” stores few would be foolish enough to dismiss the part that The Beehive and similar small projects have played in realigning the ethical mind-set of the average shopper.
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