Riots

I am sure it is with great sadness that many of you will have watched the violence erupting on the streets of the UK – firstly London then spreading to Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool. I sincerely pray that by the time you read these words that this upheaval will have ceased.

It is significant that blame is being placed at the feet of disaffected youth predominantly in inner city areas, the impact of generations of joblessness, the recession, the weather and the rapid movement of groups orchestrated through social media. Interestingly on Twitter #prayforlondon was out trending by a significant margin #londonriots .

At the same time we have hundreds of our own young people attending Summer School, Music Schools and adventure camps many of whom not only worship and socialise at the Salvation Army but also are engaged in volunteering in service in both Army and non Army settings. There are many other young people who are unemployed, get very warm and have access to social media who are not rioting and looting. There is much to be proud of within the young people of the UK.

Alongside this we have a responsibility to serve suffering humanity and see sinners saved. When people are asking questions and looking for a spiritual and moral compass this is the time when we, with all God’s people, can, and should, stand up and be counted as people who have found direction. Can I promote the idea of Salvationists and others who are aligned with the Salvation Army deliberately wearing an identifying mark? A fish, a cross, a red shield, even their full uniform when going about their daily living? And how about taking the time to be seen on the streets – available to the general public, walking to the next bus stop so that we are seen, walking to the Corps for activities? People are looking for hope – we have a God who brings hope to all. We need to be seen and be seen as having a viable message of hope for all those we meet with.