With
any major event, there is always a time before and after.
A silence has been held and speeches made while high-hung cathedral bells swung
in sombre tone. Salt tears from
stained, sore eyes, drizzle on the smudged make-up of cheeks, the arm-clasp of
friends and the shoulder-touching heads. A ground of moving light, scattered
flowers, photographs and pain. Stand, gaze and pray, then pray again. Hesitancy
and fear fills the morning streets, with the passing feet of city dwellers
hurrying to work amid endless dreams of cries and screams this mid November.
The events of
Paris
in recent days have had a world-wide impact. The image at
the head of this posting is taken from graffiti from the city of
Prague
. People have turned to prayer as they stand before each
memorial of terror, their faith pleading for understanding, forgiveness and
reconciliation.
Among the many thousands of images from
Paris
one was of a group of Imans who gathered in the Place de la
Republique, to sing the national anthem, the Marseillaise. They were showing
their allegiance to their country of residence, irrespective of their faith.
Prayers were said in synagogues and in Notre Dame Cathedral on the Ile de
France.
The need for a collective expression of grief was strong and still continues.
The friendly football match between
England
and
France
became a centre point for mutual expressions of consolation,
with the teams intermingling for one of the pre-match photos.
Our natural reaction is for revenge, a determination that those who caused such
pain should pay for it. Maybe we should be careful and reflect before
retaliation, questions must be asked as to the cause of such violence and how
that basic issue can be solved. World leaders who have in recent times shown
disdain for the rule of law now appear to be talking again, a sign of hope in a
distinctly gloomy time.
We must recognise that relying on absolute religious certainties has always
created heretics and destructive polarisations. A degree of elasticity and a
space to talk should lead to understanding and confidence. When violence becomes
the language that replaces talking, then we have failed.
Hans Kung, in his founding statement on Global ethics from 2005, concludes with
this statement.
“Let
me sum up my very realistic vision in three phrases:
-
There
will be no survival of our globe without a global ethic:
-
There
will be no peace among the nations without peace among the religions.
-
There
will be no peace among the religions without dialogue and cooperation among
the religions and civilizations.”
Lives
have been lost in an outpouring of violence. Now we must take every care that
the consequences are not at the expense of those whose ethnic background and
religious belief makes them easily identifiable in our towns and cities.
It
is not enough to do nothing. We have to be positive in our appreciation of their
pain and show a caring understanding of their needs. Already we have seen
attitudes towards refugees changing, both in Europe and here in the
UK
.
The New York Times ran article last week detailing an attempt to restrict Syrian
refugees following the
Paris
attack.
President
Obama’s response deserves notice. It reported that:
“Mr.
Obama denounced Republicans’ efforts: “Slamming the door in the face of
refugees would betray our deepest values. That’s not who we are. And it’s
not what we’re going to do.”
“We
also win this fight with our values.
America
can ensure our own
security while welcoming refugees desperately seeking safety from ISIL,” he
added.”
We will live with the fall
out from these days in
Paris
for many months and years.
“See
how these Christians love one another” That is our identity, now let’s
demonstrate it to others who are fearful in our midst.
END
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