Sally, our co-director, along with other Red Letter folk took part in 3 positive actions last Saturday to witness to the inclusive love of the Christmas Story & stand against Christian Nationalism
Firstly, an organised ecumenical a gathering at St Martin-in-the-fields, Trafalgar Square. Sally was invited to lead the prayers.
Then, a second action, organised by “Better Story” resituating the Nativity story in today’s world of migrants fleeing for their lives. The tableau stirred lots of discussion and comments and the group gave press interviews and leaflets to counter anti-migrant narratives.
And then it was time for the real engagement to begin…Taking her “Jesus was a brown skinned refugee” placards, Sally set off to the main Unite the Kingdom event in Whitehall to offer to listen and pray with people at Tommy Robinson’s rally….and found lots of people willing to talk across the divide. And lots of press intrigued why she’d attempt it!
Writing about this in his blog, Jon Kuhrt, said
The Polar(isation) Express: reflections on Tommy Robinson’s carol concert – Grace + Truth
Faithful dialogue
I believe that the key learning focusses on the need to build bridges and do all we can to avoid polarisation – and the self-righteousness which generally accompanies it.
And the best thing I witnessed yesterday embodied this brilliantly.
It was seeing my friend, Sally Mann, a Baptist Minister from East London and of Red Letter Christians, bringing chairs and signs inviting dialogue. Sally is staunchly against what Tommy Robinson stands for, but instead of shouting or arguing, she courageously offered a space to talk and pray with those who had come to the event.
Mustard seed
Sally had a continual stream of people sitting down with her and it was beautiful to see. Away from the stage, loud mics and social media, this was the mustard seed of God’s kingdom in action. It was the most Jesus-like thing I saw all day.
We don’t have to fuel polarisation and self-righteousness. Let’s be concerned for truth – but find grace-filled ways to do it.
