The genie is out of the bottle and, lamentably, in various parts of the country we have seen a rise in racist incidents since the Referendum. How can we in St Albans and Harpenden avoid similar problems?

Although these thoughts arise from experiences of trying to follow the Way of Jesus they probably will be appropriate to all people of good will living in this district.

No matter how we each voted in the Referendum, the Way of Jesus is not the way of revenge or recrimination but it is the way of forgiveness towards, and reconciliation between all people.

From the Gospel stories and personal experience the Way of Jesus is to offer hospitality and a welcome to all, especially to those who are outsiders such as refugees and those in minority communities.

The Way of Jesus includes dialogue and moderation as primary tools of peaceful community living, rejecting judging others from any perspective of prejudice.

We cannot change history but we can build a socially just future together for the benefit of all.

What a different world we would be living in if all people regardless of creed, colour or religion could work together to create the future without looking back at our particular prejudiced and often blinkered interpretations of history.

The Way of Jesus is as relevant now in the messiness of our lives just as it was when he walked in the dirt and mess of his life upon this earth.

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Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here