Plenary, 19 Mar 2003
Meeting date: Wednesday, March 19, 2003
Official Report
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Time for Reflection
To lead our time for reflection this morning, we welcome the Rev William McFadden, who is the Vice-Rector of Scotus College in Glasgow.
The Rev William McFadden (Vice-Rector of Scotus College, Glasgow):
Good morning.
This time last week, I had a simple reflection ready for you about an experience that I had in Dunblane with 31 recently ordained ministers from seven different church denominations in Scotland. Unfortunately, the imminent threat of war with Iraq has meant that I can hardly meet you this morning without referring to that. Instead of offering you my optimism about the standard of leadership among those who are about to take up positions in the church, I will focus directly on an issue that is central to the teaching of the Christian church: the challenge of peace. The gospel of Matthew, chapter 5, tells us:
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God."
The Christian scriptures clearly identify the followers of Jesus as those who seek peace. In recent weeks and months, the authority figures in the church have repeatedly implored that a peaceful resolution to the Iraq crisis be found. Now that the situation is so perilous, we cannot ignore those voices.
As a Catholic priest, I have been uplifted by the visionary statements that have been issued by the American bishops conference, by various cardinals from Rome and other parts of Europe, and by Pope John Paul. In those pronouncements, the common thread has been that, for those who have faith in the God of Jesus Christ, there must be a way of living that rejects force, shuns violence, and embraces peace. To be a Christian in today's world requires a commitment to peace and a desire for reconciliation.
A recent document that was issued on behalf of the Vatican's council for inter-religious dialogue in conjunction with the Islamic committee for dialogue between the monotheistic religions highlighted the need for two basic principles to be adopted to ensure good relations between Christianity and Islam. Those principles could help us all to focus more clearly on establishing peace. First, there must be a rejection of generalisations when speaking of each other's religions and communities. Secondly, we must cultivate the ability to be self-critical. Only if those two requirements are met can there be solid ground for tolerance, mutual appreciation and open dialogue.
It seems to me that those two fundamental principles—avoiding generalisations and being open to self-criticism—are essential if an honest exchange of views and opinions is to take place. If progress is to be made in living with one another more peaceably, adherence to each statement is surely a necessity for all in any position of leadership, whether political or ecclesial.
It is my conviction that, if peace is ever to be a tangible experience for our world, we as individuals must make the commitment to practise those principles in our daily lives. It is not only in Iraq that there should be tolerance and understanding, but in Inverness, Irvine and Islay. Choosing to act in a manner that gives witness to our commitment to pursuing peace in daily living can only help to spread the effects of peace more widely.
Today we are united in fearing possible loss of life. Any destruction of life and of property can give rise only to hopelessness and desolation. The God whom Jesus Christ revealed is the God who loves all people, and who challenges us to live in peace and harmony with each other. Our God is one of life, not death. To follow that God requires courage and commitment.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God."