Children have always been the most vulnerable members of any society. Pictures of children facing starvation, or as victims of bombing or earthquakes, are familiar scene in the media. It is for good reasons that the post war charity was named 'Save the Children'.
Jesus had many encounters with children, and some of his most challenging comments referred to children and their care.'One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.
When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.' (Mark 10.13-16)
Not only does Jesus see children as worthy of the highest value, he also sees in their helpless dependence a model for the way in which all of us must come to Him. Many are the adults who will not become childlike in their reception of Jesus. Adult arrogance is a besetting sin.
But Jesus also sees that adults have a high responsibility in their care of children. “But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck.' (Mark 9.42)
It is in this matter that the Rotherham report demands decisive action to remove those adults who have so obviously failed in their care of children.
It is because St. Andrew's Church takes these words of Jesus seriously that we invest heavily in our Youth & Children's ministry. We want many more children and young people to discover the wonder of being friends with Jesus. And there is no better way to be active in protecting children that to share the Good News of Jesus with them and their families.
Best wishes,
Richard
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