May 2012

Dear Friends,

Maggie and I have recently returned from a short city break to Instanbul, a city where western and eastern cultures mix with the obvious influences of both Asia and Europe throughout the city. It is a city that has experienced both clashes between the Christian and Muslim faiths and also great tolerance between the major religions .

Istanbul has also experienced periods of both great wealth, poverty and religious diversity, but at present although a vibrant city, there is great unemployment and poverty. Although Turkey has a secular government it has a very strong underlying Islamic faith. We found we had to challenge ourselves and our own personal beliefs and prejudices in a culture which was very different to our own and learn to understand and respect it, even though there were certain issues we found difficult to come to terms with.

The secular Turkish government is keen to join the European Union and bring the obvious commercial and economic benefits to its country. However, with the trade benefits that Turkey wishes to gain, it will also be joining a group of countries with broad religious and cultural backgrounds encompassing members of all faiths and both genders. Religious tolerance is one of the fundamental foundations of Western Europe where love and equal opportunity should be available to all. Although in many Western European countries we read daily of the struggle between various faith groups, we also are aware of the great advances of inter-faith tolerance and discussion quietly being carried out throughout the nations.

When we join with other faiths and countries in both our personal and economic lives, we should not forget that the only clear way for Europe to progress is through respect and tolerance of all faiths and none, as Turkey has shown in its past . It is clear that there are also still many poor examples of this in evidence in the existing European Union . This love and tolerance to all was clearly exemplified in the life and teaching of Jesus, where love was offered to all human beings, whatever race, creed, colour or gender.  Our uncertainty of other cultures should not be clouded by our short term prejudices and possible lack of understanding but be influenced by loving examples of the past.

David Lamey
(Reader)

PS During Douglas’ study leave please address any enquiries to the Church Office at speldhurst.church@btopenworld.com or on 01892 861187 or at The Rectory, Southfields, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0PD.