From the Revd John Brown
Sir, - As the Archbishop of Canterbury has warned, the nation's
well-being depends upon a "deep spiritual base in the Christian
tradition" as well as economic growth. Much will depend on the
success of the Pilgrim course (News,
4 October; Features, 11 October) in
deepening spiritual life and experience in our parishes.
I hope that those running the course will not seek not only to
involve beginners in the Christian life, but offer it to all
members of the congregation in an ongoing process, since we are all
engaged in a spiritual pilgrimage and need the support and prayers
of our fellow pilgrims (house groups are encouraged to provide an
informal atmosphere for sharing our experiences).
Such a development will help to identify and mobilise the
spiritual gifts in the congregation, relieving the stress on the
clergy as others come to share their ministry. By putting into
practice our interdependence, the national Church can provide a
working model of an integrated community to our sadly atomised and
individualistic society.
The Children's Society, in its report A Good Childhood,
published some years ago, identified the nation's culture of
"excessive individualism" as a threat, in particular, to the
well-being of children. It was defined as "the belief that the
prime duty of the individual is to make the most of her own life,
rather than to contribute to the good of others".
As a nation, we desperately need to build a more cohesive
Christian society, following the lead of our national Church as we
focus on working together for the common good.
JOHN BROWN
3 Manor Way, Middleton on Sea
West Sussex PO22 6LA