We are fortunate that Beeston was not caught up in the wave of rioting, arson and looting that has swept through London and other cities (including Nottingham) in the last few days. We must not, however, be indifferent or even complacent: we are an integral part of a wider interdependent community and not immune ourselves.
Many Methodists living and working close to these horrific events have expressed their shock at what they have witnessed and are standing alongside those who are counting the cost of the destruction on our streets. Their response is first one of prayer, and Methodists have been called to pray at 8 am and 8 pm daily for all who are caught up in and affected by what is happening. Second, the church will continue to work with ecumenical partners and community groups to respond in a positive way, for example by helping with clean-up operations.
The church which is at the heart of all the affected communities will also play its part, in partnership with others, in bringing healing and peace to the areas affected, and demonstrating that our cities are places of peaceful, diverse and vibrant communities.
Soon, if not this week, we need to face up to why this has happened. What is so contagious about violence that it spreads so rapidly? We see this in every war, every fight and every riot. In the absence of effective law enforcement or a social contract are people simply regressing to their natural state? Right from the beginning, as the Genesis myths affirm, “the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence”. Today our prayer may that of the psalmist: “Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure – you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts”, but tomorrow our thoughtful analysis will need to go further than law enforcement and initiate a radical re-think of how we organise society.
