Your leading article concluded that “the next archbishop of Canterbury will also need to be loud and clear in their defence of basic Christian principles” (The Guardian view on Christianity and the UK far right: churches must stand up to the false prophets of division, 17 March).
I am a priest serving in the Church of England, wrestling with my conscience to decide whether or not to join the silent protest in Parliament Square next month organised by Defend our Juries against the ban on Palestine Action. On Thursday morning last week, I was profoundly challenged by the Gospel reading featuring three people: Simon the Pharisee, Jesus and a woman referred to as a sinner.
The woman demonstrated an outpouring of love for God revealed in Jesus Christ. Her actions opened her to harsh judgment and condemnation, not least by Simon. While educated in the scriptures and the rules of his Jewish faith, he was unable to recognise the extravagant, abundant love of God in the man he had invited to sit at his table and eat. Adherence to the law was all-important, a sign of faith.
I am outraged at the persecution, starvation and suffering experienced by the Palestinian people in Gaza, now identified by the UN as genocide, and by those in the West Bank. I have written to my MP urging stronger action. Like others, I have given in support of the Palestinian people. I have preached about the God who weeps at the pain and suffering endured, encouraging others to do what they can. Still, I feel powerless to effect meaningful change. Many people of all faiths and none share this pain and outrage.
If I attend the march and am arrested, I will lose my licence to function as a priest in accordance with church regulations. If I don’t attend, and comply with national and church laws, am I no better than Simon the Pharisee? Jesus Christ reached out to the marginalised, taught us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit those imprisoned and welcome the stranger.
Ultimately, it is God who called me through Christ, and him that I must follow. We can do no less to be loud and clear in our defence of basic Christian principles.
Rev Canon Lesley McCormack
Chelveston, Northamptonshire
• Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
