麻豆约拍

Good morning.聽

I鈥檝e been to the polling booth 4 times in 2 years, twice for parliamentary elections and twice for referenda. I believe in democracy as the best means of government and, as a woman, am especially aware of the sacrifices made to enable me to put my cross in the box.聽 And, like all of us, I have sometimes been on the winning side, sometimes on the losing.聽

This weekend I鈥檝e been reflecting on a deeper belief I hold that democracy cannot solve all our problems because, by its nature, it does not always bring unity. Even to discuss the outcome of any decision in terms of winning or losing is unhelpful, especially when the result is close. The concept of victory and defeat belies the determination most of us have to forge the best future we can imagine.聽

Last week the Archbishops of Canterbury and York helpfully affirmed the importance of celebrating our society鈥檚 diversity, and encouraged us to be 鈥渂uilders of bridges, not barriers鈥�. In these coming months, bridges will need to be built with our European neighbours, with those from other countries living amongst us and, perhaps first of all, with one another. Bridge building is hard work, requires both sides to work together for the common good and takes long-term vision for connection.聽

I find it helpful to hold onto the belief that God is in control, regardless of how I vote. He鈥檚 unchanging in times of joy and trouble.聽

In Psalm 46 we read:聽

鈥淏e still, and know that I am God;

聽聽聽聽I will be exalted among the nations,

聽聽聽聽I will be exalted in the earth.鈥澛�

Lord,

In these days, give us vision to build bridges, and the ability to trust you.

Lead our nation into this new landscape we pray.聽聽 Amen.