based on Tim Harrold’s talk given at Thurrock Faith Matters (Inter-Faith Forum) AGM, 20 September 2016

There is a proverb that says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he.”

When society loses vision, uncertainty and fear take over. When communities lacks sense of direction, they start to break up. When people have no sense of absolutes, they lose sight of purpose. Vision is important for individual and collective responsibility.

Transformation Thurrock tries to bring cohesive vision to the Christian Faith Community. There are many different expressions of Christianity which all purport to follow the same Person and demonstrate their faith in Him – growing trust and maintaining unity isn’t always an easy thing!

No doubt it’s just the same for other faiths represented in Thurrock.

Thurrock Faith Matters has tried to bring community cohesion as well. But on what basis?

LOVE! Love is the Bridge – the Bridge is Love.

When the proverb says, “He that keeps the law, happy is he”, it’s not referring to the law of the land or religious law – but to the law of Love!

A wise man once wrote, “Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law.” He also wrote, quoting Jesus, “The entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one commandment: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’”

Love is the only bridge to build truly effective community cohesion.

Because Love gives itself away. Because Love has no hidden agenda.

Because Love contains forgiveness, empathy, compassion, healing, hope, understanding, truth, freedom, and a whole lot more.

Because only Love can cross the dividing boundaries that hate puts up. Love’s law trumps all other laws.

Thurrock Faith Matters has endeavoured to build bridges across the borough – bridges made of Love. Because God IS Love.