With the British Council of Churches (BCC)

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Written October 2023

 
Much to my surprise, in the mid-1980s the Conference for World Mission  invited me to be one of the their representatives on the triennial assembly of the BCC. Here was a further step in my own pilgrimage of walking together with others in pursuit of our common purpose. Whilst I was there by courtesy of CFWM I was clearly identifiable as Salvation Army and was at times acutely aware of the fact that my accent also gave listeners a clue as to South African nationality. These assemblies broadened my own mind on a variety of national and international issues. But sometimes turmoil swirled within me.  
 
There was the report of a delegation to the churches in China - how best could we support them, and what could they do to support the church in Britain? When we met in Liverpool the emphasis was on relations with the Catholic Church; when we met in Cork, efforts on peace in Northern Ireland was the main concern. The BCC was encouraging local ecumenical projects; there was talk of churches uniting; Not Strangers but Pilgrims looked at the future of the BCC; the Lima Project on Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry had to be considered; there was the report on South Africa: 'Whose Rubicon?' Should the BCC be challenging the British government to add its weight behind sanctions against South Africa? Should I open my mouth, or not, I wondered? I knew that my own denomination avoided any hint of taking a political position; equally I knew that South African Salvationists with  a majority of Zulu and Inkata Freedom Party membership felt sanctions would hurt them, and were against them. I said my piece, but none other than Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury, howled me down. 
 
He was also in the chair when the assembly considered the Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry report. When it came to endorsing this I noticed there was no reference to the position of those who do not observe the sacraments. Our position - which we share with the Quakers - is that all of life is sacred and that this can widen understanding of the Eucharist. I presented my case. Once again Carey responded, but this time with warm support for the point. He asked to frame a motion which I did. It was carried. 
 
Take careful thought before you open your mouth was a lesson I was learning - the hard way! But equally I was learning to make a sober judgement of myself and to muster the courage to speak when I felt I should. 
 
Thank you, Lord, for the challenges which face us in the world even today. 
 
October 2023