Four Yorkshiremen are in conversation: “Very passable, I say, very passable. Aye, right. Nothing like a good glass of Château de Chasselas, eh, Josiah?”
Thus begins a classic comedy sketch probably best know through Monty Python Flying Circus. (Check it out; the sketch in various guises has a bit of history)
Basically, things were done differently back then. Earlier today I asked our nine-year old
granddaughter if she knew what a shilling was, she didn’t.
It’s an obvious point but one we sometimes forget is that
if we are going to critique any time period or culture we should understand
something of that time period and culture and not simply transpose our current
understanding and then pass judgment based on that understanding.
I heard an interesting question recently regarding the
‘Mark of the Beast’ – 666. Was this really the Satan and should we be avoiding
it on our phones and the like. The
answer given was first to go back to the Rome of the time. Then recognise that
letters stood for numbers. There is
strong evidence to suggest that 666 comes out as Nero. The Greek name “Nero
Caesar” put into Hebrew letters is NRON QSRN, which adds up to six hundred and
sixty-six. Back then, either Nero was
lord of all, or Jesus was lord of all, and it is still the same for us. On this
Sunday before Advent designated as Christ the King Sunday we are invited to
recognise King Jesus as Lord of our lives. Because if Jesus is nor Lord of All he is not Lord at all!
Another thing done differently ‘back in the day’ was safeguarding. I recall when safeguarding and DBS checks began to be asked of all those in positions of some responsibility within the church. A Tower Captain felt affronted that he was being asked to undergo training and be subject to a DBS check. There are obvious reasons why this is uppermost in my mind currently. However, apart from the Makin Report, today we had a Safeguarding Sunday at St Oswald’s. We watched a short video and all given a copy of our Safeguarding Policy and had our two Parish Safeguarding Officers given an opportunity to speak and be identified. On Friday I also took part in Safeguarding at Leadership Level and have another ninety minutes session next Friday with ‘homework.’
Now abuse is abuse and should always be called out. However,
we must recognise that the structures and strictures were not in place or had
limited power and place in any real sense forty years ago. Therefore, in our ‘conversations’ this should
factored in and a certain ‘understanding’ that we lived in a very different
culture back then. Of course, questions must be constantly asked as to how we
can improve to ensure all our Churches are safe places. The other difficulty is
that the Church, and particularly the Church of England, which does not have
‘membership’ operates in the public space with a culture of an open welcome to
everyone. How do you balance welcome
with being wary.
Sycamore Tree - Prison Fellowship
(Does anybody else balk at that word, it’s not my call, but I prefer to think of survivors rather than victims.)
In preparation for Session Two of the Safeguarding Course we have been asked to answer
the question below. I wonder how you would go about answering this question? I
wonder how you feel about the importance of safeguarding and how to be both
welcoming and yet wary.
Here’s the question…
What has influenced your values and beliefs
with regards to safeguarding? Please identify one thing
that reflects what has influenced your individual connection with safeguarding
and underpins your values and beliefs. This might be an abstract
conceptualisation linked to song lyrics, nature, or literature, or may be
informed by your own theology, religious scripture, or teachings. I would ask
that you come to the next session prepared to share what’s influenced you and
explore how this has informed your responses, values, and beliefs regarding
safeguarding.
Perhaps for next weeks reflection I could you give you my
answer.
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