A few weeks ago, I had a couple of uneasy encounters with people who were disillusioned with church. The incidents were nothing to do with the local church and nothing I had any influence over. I simply had to listen as they vented their frustration. I tried to explain where I could, but mainly I was just silent as they spoke; there didn’t seem to be very much I could say. Quite possibly I did not do a very good job but I have had similar experiences before. There are times in life when all you can do is listen and take the flak from people who may well have legitimate concerns about things that are not directly your fault. Christianity has a lot to say about love and being a good neighbour. Sometimes that means listening and absorbing what may be legitimate anger and trying, as best we, returning it not with self-defence or justification but, as best as we are able, empathy.
Rev David Poyner