Diocesan Secretary, Andy Todd has written an article on hope-filled realism for the July editions of parish magazines:
Having faith sometimes means holding together things which might seem difficult to reconcile.
For example, it can be very hard to face difficult realities honestly, but also continue to have hope because we have confidence in the power and grace of God. Doom-laden despair and misty-eyed optimism can both be equally unhelpful. Hope-filled realism is, I would suggest, a far more authentically Christian response.
During May, June and July a series of conversations is taking place between representatives of every church in the Diocese and some of the diocesan team. We’ll be looking together at each church’s situation – where things are good, where there are struggles – the hopes, opportunities and frustrations. Fundamentally those conversations will be seeking to be honest. Many parishes have spoken of the importance of naming reality, not trying to airbrush over or ignore issues, or simply putting a brave face on things. The conversations will inform decisions about future direction.
I know that quite a few church communities will be feeling anxious about the future, and it’s important to name that honestly. But that is not the end of the story. However things may seem to us, our faith teaches us that Jesus is Lord; he is committed to us, and has given us a mission and power to accomplish that mission. That power may not look like we expect it to – we might just see the challenges, but admitting those challenges and acknowledging we have come to the end of our human resources is often precisely the point at which God’s resources can begin to do their work.
That is why, as well as being honest, I’m confident those conversations will be full of gratitude for all that God has already done, and hopeful for all that He can do, through – in St Paul’s words – “his incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:19).
Thank you for all you do for your churches. May you be blessed with the gift of hope-filled realism in the weeks ahead.
