Hi John

Thanks for this thoughtful comment.

It was interesting to read in John Harris’ article how European Jews dealt with the Black Death, which for them included not only infection but also persecution, by thinking in terms of community and rebirth. Jews have learned a lot about how to deal with distress, including the power of ritual to heal and bind. Reading the Kaddish was a help to me at my father’s funeral, as was re-learning enough Hebrew to do so. The words have an ancient rhythm that connects all those present to those who have come before.

I agree wholeheartedly with you that religious institutions have a responsibility to ensure ritual is available to communities when needed. This means ensuring that ritual is for people (not the other way around) as well as moving with the times. All branches of Judaism stress that observance should always be dropped if there might be a negative health impact. The Reform Jewish tradition has treated boys and girls equally for over a hundred years. Lionel Blue, the most popular rabbi of modern times, is openly gay.

By contrast, the Church of England’s current LGBTQ+ policy is divisive. And pointless – it was inevitable that popular pressure would force Justin Welby and others to change their stance. Not showing true leadership on this from the start was a missed opportunity. When Welby visited Frome, he had the support of the packed hall until asked how he would deal with a vicar who blessed a gay marriage. On replying that he would have to discipline them, he lost the room.

There are many examples of religious communities that adopt such approaches, of course. I often cite Jehovah’s Witnesses as an example of a community whose fear of losing members creates a vicious circle of repression. But we need also to remember that in the middle ages the Ottoman Empire was a beacon of enlightened liberalism, encouraging discussions between thinkers from all persuasions, whilst the Catholic Church was obsessing about witches and burning people alive. There is nothing intrinsic in any religion that determines its tolerance. Its religious leaders who do so, and it’s them we need to hold to account.

I look forward to catching up in Frome after lockdown is finally over!
Best wishes, Keith

Did you happen to read John Harris’ article in the Guardian earlier this year entitled ‘How do the faithless live in a pandemic?’? https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/mar/28/faithless-year-covid-meaning-secular-society.

In your book, which I valued reading, you write clearly about the impact your Jewish roots have upon your understanding of community which heartened me. Rare is the moment in these post-modern days when ‘experts’ acknowledge the significance of their faith in shaping their thinking and offer any thoughts on what I believe is one of the most damaging issues facing society today – the ever-widening ‘sacred/secular divide’.

I believe the Church has much to answer for when we look at how this has developed and it is an important issue to address. For a number of reasons Frome is the ideal place to address this difficult and often contentious problem, especially ‘at a time such as this’.

My interest and involvement with Active and In Touch, coupled with what is unfolding around us, has further awakened my awareness of how important it is that we address the problem. Any possibility of a cup of tea/coffee or something stronger sometime? I live near the station in Frome, will happily come wherever suits you.

Thank you for what you’re dong.