New Leader

It is sad fact of life, especially, here in the UK and more likely to occur in England, that prejudice rears its ugly head. An article appeared in today's Guardian newspaper hinting at this in their article concerning Religion and Culture in the UK.
In the past few decades political leaders have refrained from expressing their Religious position due to fear of loosing votes. It is a known fact, that in this growing secular society that we live in, faith is kept to yourself out of fear of loosing important votes! Unlike the US, there is no "Christian Vote" or "Jewish Vote" to be won. This maybe a good thing, as it prevents leaders advertising their faith to win people over. But the flip side of this, when leaders do express their thoughts, the secular press turn on them, but they also do the same for those who profess no faith at all.The hypocrisy of the media is outstanding: declare yourself a Christian and they question you, declare yourself an Atheist and they do like wise; no wonder, we live in a society when we keep matters of faith a secret!
Once again, those who declare themselves as Christians in any form, are seen as some out-dated wacky individual who is not to be trusted and believed to have such Right-Wing views, that never can you have an opportunity to express what you believe.For those in any form of ministry, this leads to pastoral complications and leaves people vulnerable with the danger of becoming isolated, and in danger of seeking solace in another direction which is not always safe.It is the role of the clergy to reconnect with their community, not just their congregation whom they represent, but where they live, to let them know who they are, where they are and their availability to the general unchurched! Many clergy do not see themselves as missionaries, but, many now, if their existence is important to them, now have to be.Not in some thousands of miles away in a Jungle very few people have heard of, but right there in your own community, for if you do not, the politicians and the media will.It is time to start the rescue mission!!