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Today I had a most interesting day beginning with breakfast
by seeing the Election Results (having been up until 3am the
previous day watching the TV!),then taking Home Communion
to various people, arranging a funeral, and in the middle of
the day baptising a year old baby from Poland. She was
baptised Melita Camilla in a beautiful white robe. With
parents and godparents overjoyed at the occasion we were
able to overcome any language barrier through the symbols of
the service – the signing of the cross, baptising with
water, and the giving of a candle.
It was the first Polish baptism I have done and we were all
very moved by the experience. Melita’s parents although far
from their native home wanted their daughter to be baptised
in church, and I had the honour of undertaking this special
sacramental service. She comes from a very Christian market
town in northern Poland, where the church it at the heart of
the community. I hope not unlike our own here in Fakenham.
As the General Election results come in and a government is
formed, any new government must put aside party politics and
govern for the whole people and realise as many of their
predecessors believed that they govern under the guidance of
God. The future looks bleak in many ways but if we pull
together as a country and make realistic decisions for the
future, then all will be well. That many of the candidates
have strong Christian convictions will help. Look back in
history and you will see that many Prime Ministers were
strong believers. It is good to see that the two main
candidates for PM are practising Christians.
Recently I was honoured to be asked to say prayers at every
meeting of the full North Norfolk district Council, and I
know that every day when the House of Commons is in session
the day begins with prayers. Increasingly we are told we are
a secular society but that does not stop people believing in
God. That Prime Ministers such a Harold Macmillan coming
from an aristocratic family could still begin the day with
prayers, govern to unite the nations, and have care and
compassion for all people, must give hope to present
leaders. I had the privilege of meeting Macmillan at a
Fete, when I lived in Luton and he was a delightful person.
We have a new parliament, with many new MPs let us pray that
they will govern with compassion and vision and unite
together under the guiding hand of God to seek solutions to
the problems that we face together.
Adrian Bell |
