Connections
John Murdoch (Rev), Perth
In the Big Question article I was invited to write for last month’s issue (October), about what I found most surprising in the lockdown, I began with, “Only connect…”. As those two words unfortunately were not printed, with apologies from the Editor, the connection with what then followed was obtuse.
I used those words from the frontispiece of EM Forster’s Room with a View, for they seemed particularly apt in lockdown times- surprising times which I call new expression times/open up times.
I then indicated that connections by online worship have opened up wonderfully new, innovative channels of communication with a broader, multi-national congregation. Those of faith and many uncertain have been drawn together from across the world into the global village of the ‘Community of the Baptised’, as we reach out towards the unknown and connect with many in virtual reality and, perhaps surprisingly, without the need for a building.
I concluded that in these diflerent days of lock-down/open-up, surprised by joy, faith and love we are mysteriously connected not virtually but really to our fellow citizens and most of all to our Father who art in Heaven.
I am grateful for this chance to clarify what “Only connect…’ has meant for us in Perth and for many across the globe.
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