The week in focus
From January 2021, we're offering three new resources, published each Thursday - helping you connect the Bible passages with what's happening in the world right now.
In touch: For the common good?
The uses and abuses of authority: leadership, protest and repentance (Mark 1.21-28).
Context
We see authority being taken up and challenged in many contexts this week.
There is recognition that in picking up the mantle of leadership, we rise from an historic legacy, as Kamala Harris pays tribute to her mother and the women activists, especially black women, that made her election possible. And young poet Amanda Gorman recites a vision of responsible democracy at President Biden’s inauguration: ‘For there is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.’
Around the world people challenge authority in different ways:
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
- Where does authority actually lie? And how do we hold it to account? From tractors to music, people are taking their own power and protesting their rulers’ authority in different ways. Jesus challenges abuse of authority directly (Mark 11.15-18). In Mark 1 it is his teaching and his action that counts; an action for the good. We might ponder where we find such leadership over issues such as food poverty at the moment. How should the church use its influence in such political (with a small ‘p’) matters? Surely everyone supports churches running foodbanks. But what about Bishops speaking to further reforms to the Domestic Violence Bill? We know it’s much needed, as one MP calls for a count of the hidden deaths. But should the church to be involved?
- What about when the Church abuses its authority? How should we respond? The long-awaited report on mother & baby homes in Ireland is accompanied by an acknowledgement of society’s responsibility by the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin: "As a society we embraced judgementalism, moral certainty, a perverse religious morality and control which was so damaging. But what was so very striking was the absence of basic kindness." Survivors have called for action: access to records, apology and a redress scheme. In England, as we wait for the delayed report into abuse by John Fletcher, evangelical David Ould reminds us that godly repentance doesn't wait until it’s forced, and is a sign of a change of heart. Something Anglican survivors like me are pondering as Archbishop Carey’s permission to officiate (at services) is restored.
- Mention of ‘unclean spirits’ reminds us that the church’s language and actions around mental health have often been misinformed and have added to the stigma faced by people in mental distress. With recent Mental Health Act reforms highlighting glaring inequalities, for example, rates of detention for black people are four times those of white people, it is good to find Christian organisations supporting good mental health and challenging stigma. Responsible authority protects the common good: Sanctuary offers churches resources to help us deal with the mental distress from Covid.
Questions for discussion
- What role do you think the church and we as Christians have in holding our leaders to account (both church and state leaders)?
- Where do we find leaders working for the common good, with the kind of authority we should follow?
- How do we use what authority and influence we have, for the common good? As Amanda Gorman asked, are we brave enough to be the light?
Jane Chevous is a sailor, writer and activist, and co-founder of Survivors Voices. She researches and writes about abuse, theology, mental health and the sea.
Check-in
The question of authority has been prominent across many news stories in recent weeks. President Biden is into his second week and has issued many Executive Orders to use his authority to implement the platform he was elected on. The UK has passed the grim milestone of 100,000 deaths from Covid-19, and questions have been asked of how those in positions of authority have handled the crisis. How do these global news stories make you feel? What qualities have you been impressed by?
There are also news stories appearing each day of celebrities who have received their Covid vaccination. David Attenborough, Billy Connolly, Tyler Perry and even the Queen have released media statements sharing their experience and encouraging others to do the same. (There’s a running list on the Entertainment Weekly website.) The authority of politicians and medical experts only goes so far in persuading some people – the influence of a celebrity example provides an example of a different type of authority. Why can celebrities often have more authority than those in positions of power? Who are the influencers you look to? What gives them authority?
In this week’s passage (Mark 1.21-28), Jesus demonstrates an authority the crowd were not expecting. It comes from his words and actions, not from any position he holds. Which of the contemporary examples do you think he is most like? What qualities of authority does he show? Notice which individuals and voices hold more authority for you during the coming week: consider why that is.
Darren Philip is a Youth and Children’s Development Worker with the Church of Scotland, based in Livingston United Parish Church – www.lupc.org.uk.
ROOTS publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MO