Preamble

My chapel (https://CrossStChapel.org.uk) holds a Wednesday service. At the centre of it is a reading, short homily and prayer. Having been told oftentimes to make sure my words were accessible beyond the pulpit, I am trying something new (lighting strike): posting this kernel each Wednesday night. Ideally I will use a transcription of the homily, but as this was the first time trying something new (lightning strike), I have to rely somewhat on my memory.

Fugue

I have learned to practice reconciliation in my personal relationships … I have also been learning to practice [it] across divides in our broken culture … From this experience I have learned that reconciliation is a competency we can bring to four levels of conflict – in our own souls, between individuals .. within groups like my congregation and between groups such as people of colour like me and the dominant white culture. Reconciliation helps us to get into right relationship.
- Paula Cole Jones

My parents visited last week. In an attempt to make myself look my best, I painted my nails. I set on the bathroom cabinet three polishes, and took forever trying to decide which one best suited the occasion. I finally - frustrated with my own indecision - hastily grabbed the first one, I piercing blue.

After finishing my left hand, I realised it was the same shade as one of the colours of the University of Michigan, where my dad went to uni. This could be a nice way of honouring him; however, with that realisation came the knowledge that it was also the rival university of my mother's alma mater, Michigan State. Their colours are green and white, and I don't have a corresponding shade of either. And between my mom and my dad, I knew who would notice the choice nail polish.

This rivalry still exists in Michigan, with its mix of pride and mirth. It's not uncommon for families to have adherents to both universities, and they even make a "House Divided" flag to wave on appropriate game days. I haven't seen people take to any degree beyond fun teasing, although that may simply be the experience in my house.

Now, my adopted city Manchester has a similar rivalry, between its two main football teams (Manchester City and Manchester United). I have seen tensions rise beyond ribbing - there's no denying that. However, following the Arena bombing in 2017, we began to see posters saying we were a "City United" (with the corresponding colours - Blue and Red - to make the connection clear). As the comedian Adam Hills remarked at the time "Which one of you clowns had the great idea that you can bring Manchester down by dividing them? Have you never seen football?"

We saw this past weekend attempts to divide us. Far right protests marched through the city, accompanied by counter-protesters. We had been asked by our Quaker Friends to hold a silent vigil outside our chapel. This has often been the response the Quakers in Manchester have taken: recognising the vitriol and anger, and offering an alternative "voice" that simply witnesses to the pain and aggression. In some way, I think it seeks to acknowledge the humanity in all people, even those with whom we profoundly disagree.

Paula Cole Jones describes reconciliation as a competency that infuses all aspects of our lives. It is also a never-ending task, more about the willingness to communicate and carry on speaking. I was grateful for my parents visit, which felt restorative of our relationship; I pray our city may continue to be a haven for the marginalised, oppressed, and others injured by the world. And I hope we can seek reconciliation with those who hold anger and hatred in their hearts, as so often it is there to hide pain, fear and confusion. And who among us have not held and hidden such feelings?

Prayer

Silent Witness, observing all injuries and joys abounding in creation, whose hand is there for us to grasp, who embraces us when the world rejects us, who lifts us up when the world seeks to undermine us:

May our cause be one of peace. May we give to the orphan, widow and stranger all that we are able, not least our ears for their cries. May those who seek to injure the least among us come to see their error, and make amends. May our own hearts not be closed to their needs, as you would not turn away any seeking forgiveness.

As we have been blessed, may we bless; as we have been given, so may we give. As we have been loved, so may we love. Amen.