The secular world, driven by commercial desire no doubt, has proclaimed this day ‘Father’s Day’ and dedicated it to fathers everywhere. I suggest this is one secular day which the Church should not hesitate to gatecrash, grabbing the opportunity to heartily applaude any commitment to family life, whilst encouraging people to consider God as loving father of us all.
This year Father’s day has double meaning for me personally. Not only am I blessed with my gorgeous daughter, Jemima, but on Friday I accompanied Hayley to Pembury Hospital for a scan of our second child, who is busy developing in the womb. What incredible technology is available today; we were able to see baby in all his/her glory and even noted with amusement that the profile of the child’s face has something of ‘daddy about it’ even at this early stage (poor thing!). Indeed Hayley and I were so connected with our child that we now know its sex and can speak to them by name, which is very exciting. You, dear reader, in unity with all our family and freinds, will have to wait for the big day itself for that particular piece of information!
As ever I left hospital with a profound mix of emotions. On the one hand unadulterated joy at the gift of life and the miracle of creation. On the other an overwhelming sense of responsibility and fear that I am not really fit for the purpose, fallen son of Adam that I am. Nonetheless I AM the child’s father and mst dedicate myself to doing the best job I possibly can.
Which is why I am delighted for the gift of the Church. Which means that through baptism I can ensure that the responsibility and joy of raising my child will be shared with the wider community. I can place my child in the haven of the Christian faith, safe in the knowledge that such faith will help them grow into the people God calls them to be. That is such a reassurance for I know, that if I teach them what I know of God’s love, they will be fine. Yes- the greatest gift I can give my children, is to teach, by example, how to live the Christian faith.
Statistics back this up, demonstrating that a child’s faith is predominantly influenced by their parents. For research has shown that, where both mum and dad attend church regularly, 74% of offspring will be worshipping in church during adult life (33% regularly, 41% irregularly). If the mother is regular in attendance but the father infrequent this drops to 62% (3% regularly, 59% irregularly). If the father is non-practising but mother attends it shoots down to a feeble 39% (2% regularly, 37% irregularly). Studying these statistics – especially as regards regular and committed worship- leaves us in no doubt that children look to their parents, and especially their fathers, as examplars for the spiritual life.
On this Father’s day then let us encourage good parenting. Let us ensure that fathers are valued and supported in the role GOd has given them and let us oppose the over-feminisation of the church which is occuring in our time. A healthy church needs men and women, young and old, if it is to reflect the kingdom of God.
Hello Father Ed! Congratulations on the news that you are going to be a Dad again (and congrats on your first too!) Been a long time! Lisa and I went to St James’ ‘150 years of serving the community’ on Saturday. It really wasn’t the same without you there. (I looked up at your friend Mary, still on the wall in the hall and smiled…) Lisa and I hadn’t seen each other for 5 years so we had a lot to catch up on too! Really hope you’re well; you sound it. Still can’t quite get my head around you being a vicar and with your own church/parish! All the best,
Marienne