A VIEW FROM THE BACK PEW
By Rev. Canon Christopher B. J. Pratt
HIDDEN in the calendar dates of your commitments is the reminder that we acknowledge that 2025 is the 80th anniversary year of what is commonly called “VE Day”.
Victory in Europe marked a moment of significant transition in the lives of many people who had been dealing with the reality of war for a number of years. It was a moment of celebration, as the prospect and hopes for peace seemed closer to reality.
VE Day marks, not simply the conclusion of military action in Europe, but also a moment when the balance of power across the globe underwent its own transformation. That process, from my perspective, continues to this day.
In the climate of a world at war, leaders spoke with energy and conviction as they called their nations to rally around shared goals. Eloquent orators declared that surrender was not an option. They offered a battle cry that declared that every citizen, no matter who they were, had a role to play in an endeavour which would lead to a brighter future, to victory and to peace.
In our day, as we gaze at the reality of life in the global village we inhabit, there are few identifiable voices of leadership whose call reaches over the cacophony of chaos and catastrophe which permeates our news cycles and social media. Although some might find it difficult to think of the world we live in as a spiritual battleground, the reality is that when individuals of faith speak up, there is a very real possibility that they will become targets and the focus of personal or even physical attack.
During a recent experience of interim ministry, I became aware of a fund generated by the provincial government which has been created in response to attacks, motivated by hate, on buildings associated with communities of faith. Places where people gather for worship are defaced and desecrated. The dollars associated with this fund are intended to deter this kind of activity and to provide some kind of safeguard for communities of faith. This is the battleground in which we live.
The atmosphere lived in by previous generations where there was respect for places of worship and communities of faith is not a “given” in today’s world. Yet that reality need not be a deterrent for people of faith. The generation that lived through the global conflict of decades past, fought for what they believed to be right. They set the bar of expectation high for those of us who have followed.
A thousand years ago, a group of knights who were in the City of Jerusalem determined that they could live out their commitment to their Lord by serving others in his name. They looked after the poor and needy, the sick and the infirm. There were no questions asked as a prerequisite to offering care. The community was identified by a White Cross and their motto reflected their purpose,” For the Faith - In the Service of Humanity”.
Today, in communities across the Diocese of Huron, the Province of Ontario and all across Canada, this working Order of Chivalry continues in the activities of those volunteers who commit themselves to the work of St John Ambulance. There are those who work as Therapy Dog volunteers as well as the Medical First Responders who wear the traditional White Cross and may be seen at a number of community events. Through many other facets in the life of the organization, offering trained medical assistance to those in need, is the way in which individuals associated with the White Cross of St John, put their commitment to serve others, into action.
Archbishop of Canterbury, William Temple offered an important vision of the identity of the church. He said, “The Church is the only society that exists for the benefit of those who are not its members”. As the institutional church undergoes significant transitions, that insight offered years ago, still rings true.
When each of us seeks to live out the commitments described through our Baptismal Covenant, Archbishop Temple’s vision of ministry reminds me of an insight that was shared with me years ago. As we step out over the threshold of our church buildings, we enter the mission field. Through your words and actions, you express your love for your Lord. You are motivated by your faith to serve others.
“For the Faith - In the Service of Humanity”.
This is truly a valid battle cry for ministry and mission for people of faith who seek to serve our Lord in today’s world.
Rev. Canon Christopher B. J. Pratt has retired from full-time parish ministry but continues to offer priestly ministry in the Diocese.