Thought for the week, 4th Oct, The common bond

The day after the killing of two worshippers at the synagogue in Manchester, a day that will almost certainly see more civilian casualties in Gaza, it is difficult for me to find any words. But this morning, I heard the Bishop of Manchester, Dave Walker, speak out about what perhaps is the worse danger of all; that moment when we forget those who are our enemies are also humans. As a Christian I believe we are all made in the image of God. Last week, I wrote about the murdered American political activist Charlie Kirk, a man noted for his controversial views. At his funeral, his widow, Erika, gave a powerful address; she publicly forgave his killer because that was the way of Christ. It was too much for some at the funeral, indeed the sentiment is too much for many. If I suffered grievous wrong, it might be too much for me. But she understood the shared humanity of victim and perpetrator and recognising this is the only way for ultimate healing between individuals or peoples.