Ten years ago on September 11 the US and the western world suffered an attack by Islamist terrorists which had profound consequences for all of us. We all remember where we were when we first heard the news or watched TV in horror as events unfolded in New York and Washington.
I was preparing to preach at the Anglican Cathedral in Blantyre, Malawi, the following Sunday, September 16 2001. I abandoned the lectionary theme and took my text from Romans 12, proclaiming a gospel of conciliation and forgiveness. “If your enemies hunger, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink”. Paul was echoing Jesus’ teaching: “Do not resist an evil-doer. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, turn the other also. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
I believe that had that Christian message prevailed, rather than an Old Testament policy of “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, burn for burn, wound for wound”, the world would be more like the Kingdom today.
Read the Methodist statement about this anniversary here.
