No thanks

The request to remove a traditional grace from a charity event in the City of London last week is a sad reflection on our unwillingness to acknowledge the giver of all good gifts.

According to a report in the Times the City of London told the Lord Mayor’s chaplain to give a secular message at a black-tie event held at the Mansion House last week for the charitable Dragon Awards, which recognise corporate community involvement.

Grace would have normally been said by the City’s chaplain, the Rev Canon Roger Royle, but instead he read out a few words about the awards.

Although grace may be said rather formally without most people engaging with it, it is nonetheless a wonderful opportunity to give thanks to God and acknowledge him as the provider of every good thing. The sad fact of the cutting out of a Christian grace at this event is a reflection of the reality that most people are not Christians and furthermore, we are less inclined to jump to the defence of Christian practices.

What we need to do as churches is be thankful people ourselves – not just a meal times but in all of our lives, and to tell people about Jesus so they have something monumental to give thanks for.

 

Graham Nicholls