The world's leaders and financiers worry about the evidence for economic growth. But growth is happening in other aspects of life. We know the world's population is growing, which has now passed beyond 7 billion.
Global faith communities record growth in the numbers of their adherents, especially amongst Muslims and Christians.
Sadly, in some parts of the world, there is also a growth in violence between faith communities, whether in Nigeria and Pakistan, and people of many faith communities are persecuted by those in power.
It is not only Christians who are persecuted - in places like Pakistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Members of other faith communities also face the reality of discrimination and violent oppression. Buddhists in Tibet, Shia communities in Bahrain, or Pakistan, and many others face suffering on account of what they believe, when it is different from the views of the ruling elite.
In his day, the prophet Micah, spoke of God's promises to make a better world. 'The Lord will mediate between peoples and will settle disputes between strong nations far away.
They will hammer their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war any more.
Everyone will live in peace and prosperity, enjoying their own grapevines and fig trees, for there will be nothing to fear.
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has made this promise!' (Micah 4.3-5)
As we approach Armistice Day, and Remembrance Sunday, we do well to recall the promises of God to bring peace and justice to His world. Can we imagine a day when there is a growth in world peace?
We can pray that this will happen, and play our part in being peace-makers wherever we can.
Best wishes,
Richard
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