THE Prince of Wales has marked the New Year by paying tribute to defenders of human rights around the world.In a New Year message from Clarence House, he made particular reference to those standing up for freedom in places such as Afghanistan, Syria, and Myanmar— where “the threats and reality of political and religious persecution and insecurity are coupled with an increasingly dire humanitarian situation.“In the face of such adversity, incredibly brave individuals, local communities, and international organisations are responding to great needs by providing vital assistance. I pray for peaceful resolutions to these conflicts and that we might all be blessed with the courage to support those in need, wherever they may be.”The Archbishop of Canterbury delivered his televised message from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. He spoke of a climate crisis in which hundreds of millions were already suffering the impacts of the rapidly warming planet: extreme weather, droughts, and famines, and conflict intensified by competition for natural resources.“People of every background are campaigning and working for justice,” he said. “Important steps were taken at the COP-26 summit. World leaders recognise the problem. Now they must agree and implement a fair solution for everyone.”The Archbishop reflected: “When we plant a seed, we don’t see the fruit immediately. But under the surface, God is working with what we have planted. In the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I see that God turns all endings into new beginnings, and death into life.“God invites us to be part of this story — to be people who bring hope, healing and renewal to our world. This year, let’s keep planting those seeds — let’s keep moving forward in hope. I wish you all a Happy New Year.”
Hello Everybody,We wish everybody a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. Our joint parish Holy Communion service on Sunday is at St Peter's Church, Hascombe at 10am. If you can't join us in person please click on this link to be connected via Zoom.https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86996526961?pwd=cEVORjI1NWJlZmlXbUdJVmhpOXNhZz09
The death of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu (always known as Arch) is news that we receive with profound sadness – but also with profound gratitude as we reflect upon his life. My prayers and condolences are with his family and all who loved him, with the Anglican Church of the Province of Southern Africa, and all of the people of South Africa.Arch’s love transformed the lives of politicians and priests, township dwellers and world leaders. The world is different because of this man.Archbishop Tutu was a prophet and priest, a man of words and action, one who embodied the hope and joy that were the foundations of his life. He was a man of extraordinary personal courage and bravery: when the police burst into Capetown Cathedral, he defied them by dancing down the aisle.He was a man of enormous vision: seeing the possibilities for building the Rainbow Nation long before anyone else, except perhaps President Mandela.His vision and bravery were allied with a canny political sense and wisdom, enabling him to be a healer and apostle of peace while so many still saw wounds and war.He was a pioneer, the first Black Archbishop of Capetown, the pioneer of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.He was a great warrior for justice who never stopped fighting – whether it was for those in his own country, for inclusivity in the South African Constitution, or for those suffering injustice around the world.When you were in parts of the world where there was little Anglican presence and people weren’t sure what the Anglican church was, it was enough to say “It’s the Church that Desmond Tutu belongs to” – a testimony to the international reputation he had and the respect with which he was held.Most of all he was a Christian disciple – that was the root of everything else.After meeting him, many would speak of being in the presence of one who brought God close to them. His joy, grace, laughter, hope and life caught up those around him with a sense of Jesus Christ.It was Jesus’ love we saw in his eyes, Jesus’ compassion we heard in his voice, Jesus’ joy we heard in his laughter, Jesus’ face we saw in his face. And it was beautiful and brave.His greatest love is now realised as he meets his Lord face to face.We are thankful today for such a life so well lived, even as we feel the sorrow of such great loss.
