REDBRIDGE: Debate sparked over 'sidelining' of Christianity

8:08am Saturday 12th January 2008

VICARS in Redbridge have joined in the row over the so-called sidelining' of Christianity.

The debate was sparked by the Bishop of Rochester who claimed certain communities were becoming no-go' areas for Christians.

The Bishop, Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, blamed a worldwide resurgence of Islamic extremism, and claimed the Government's multicultural, politically correct policies were divisive - a view shared by Rev Robert Hampson of Holy Trinity Church in South Woodford.

He said: "Multiculturalism is stirring up lots of problems. This should be a country that is tolerant of other cultures but they should be minority cultures and not equal. To expect every religion to be equal to Christainity is dangerous.

"It stirs up resentment between many people and can lead to extreme political parties and far right movements which I don't agree with."

Father Mervyn Jennings, of St Francis of Assisi Church in Fencepiece Road, Hainault, agreed that current policies were not working.

He said: "Instead of people from different religious affiliations mixing together without any problems, we are ghettoising' things."

He added the national problems weren't apparent locally, but he was worried about the future.

"This is a very multicultural parish and we have no problems whatsoever here, but I think there are warning signs."

One thing he cites as worrying is what he regards as the marginalisation of Christian values during the borough's festive celebrations this year.

He claimed the meaning of Christmas was subdued, with some councils going as far as to rename the celebrations Winterval' and dub the Christmas decorations seasonal lights.'' He said: "We are still a Christian country and, as much as people are welcome to come here and practice their faiths, I don't want mine to be sidelined.

"I don't want to impose my religious views on other faiths and I don't think they want to impose their views on me.

"They want us to celebrate our festivals as much as we want them to celebrate theirs."

Rev Robert Hampson however, thinks Redbridge got their celebrations right, despite the problems nationally.

He said, "By and large it is celebrated properly, especially in the borough. At Christmas time society takes note of the way Christianity has shaped the way we think and feel.

"But generally Christianity is being downgraded."

The Rev Robert Springett of Christchurch, Wanstead, refuted the view that Christianity was being downgraded.

He said: "I would say that, here in the parish, we are very confident in our Christianity and enjoy a good relationship with other faiths."

He added he did not believe that multiculturalism was sidelining Christianity and most faith communities appreciated the importance of his religion, adding: "I think a change in society means the church has to engage with that.

"I wouldn't want to be complacent, but I think the most important thing is that we work with people of other faiths as well as our own, and that is much more easily done if we are confident about our own religion."