Message from Bishop Richard

To: The DSAMAT Community

Dear Colleagues,

You and those you love are very much in my prayers at this time. I add my thanks to those of the rest of the Trust Board and the Central Team for the manner in which you have responded to the changing circumstances – including the latest news that most schools will close by the end of the week.

This is a testing time that will both challenge us and, at times, bring out the best in us. Our shared commitment as a Trust to enable all to flourish and to be rooted in God’s love is for the good times and for the hard times. In a time of anxiety and fear we are invited to find ways to support one another and those we serve.

Some weeks ago when the level of threat of Coronavirus was starting to be recognised, my colleague Bishop Alan, the Bishop of St Albans, put together four Golden Rules for this time. Although events have moved on apace, they still hold good and I commend them to you.

Golden Rule One. Each one of us can think about how we can protect and support our neighbours. So much of the public rhetoric is sowing fear about the danger of other people. So, taking all the official precautions, offer help and reassurance to others – and don’t demonise anyone or any group.

Golden Rule Two: Think about who may be suffering more than me. For those of us who are healthy there is much less to worry about but the elderly, the housebound and those with chronic health conditions may be very anxious. There’s nothing like a friendly voice to offer solace when someone is worried. A smile can bring cheer, even on the phone. 

Golder Rule Three. Don’t give into panic and start hoarding food. There is plenty to go around, so practise the Christian discipline of sharing. Ask your neighbours what they need and do you best to help them get it. If you are self-isolating you will of course need some supplies.

Golden Rule Four. Live today to the full. None of us ever know what the future holds. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6. 25 – 34), Jesus challenged his followers to live each day fully and not be afraid. Every time we are tempted to give in to fear we need to make a conscious choice to respond in trust and openness.

Again, and again, in the Bible God says to his people ‘Do not be afraid; for I am with you’. Whatever comes in the next weeks I hope and pray you will know the love of God and his presence with us.

The Right Revd Richard Atkinson, OBE.
Bishop of Bedford and Vice-Chair of DSAMAT