Christian Comment with Eric Massey, Rodborough Tabernacle Minister

IN THE last few days, many of us will have been looking back over the last year and for some there will be a hesitant look into the year ahead.

What is standing in the way as we look forward and what can we do about taking down the barriers that crease our community.

Isolation and loneliness are open to new initiatives as we recognise the need to be inclusive in our thinking.

In the last few years I have been taxed by the separateness that is created by organisations in tackling everything from poverty to pain.

The hospice movement went through a number of changes in overcoming barriers, it is receptive and open to all who are suffering life threatening illness.

You can self refer and share in selecting the care that is right for you.

At the heart of this wonderful organisation there was a need to re-think and renew the way of sharing more than just the end of life journey.

The barriers to spiritual journey can be removed too, the recent service for those who lost loved ones in the Grenfell Tower fire shared with us that even out of a great tragedy something good, that strengthens the community, can emerge.

Together, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs and others crossed the faith boundaries, perhaps, despite trepidation the outcome will be seen in a stronger more open community.

Not believing in God should not prevent people from engaging with those who do.

How one believes in God should not be a cause for separation rather it should be the stimulus for enquiry.

Being courageous in faith or non-faith can bring an end to separation and deepen understanding.

Meeting each other in the vulnerability of our humanity will help us understand each other.

A New Year, a new direction, the choices lie with each of us, take courage.

Happy New Year.