Rector’s Letter

Last week, I stood in the nave of Sunderland Minster and felt a familiar, electric buzz. It wasn’t just the architecture of the ancient church; it was the sound of democracy in action. As part of Tyne and Wear Citizens, we held a local election assembly that brought together leaders from all the major political parties. Many of our church members were there (including our very own amazing timekeeper!) and members of our Space4 community Project team. I had the profound honour of co-chairing the evening alongside representatives from the Sunderland University Students Union and the Bangladeshi Centre. Seeing such a diverse tapestry of our city—students, faith leaders, and community activists—all demanding better for our neighbours, was a powerful reminder of what it means to be “Prophetic” in the 21st century.

As a church, we are often asked why we “meddle” in politics. The answer is simple: we are non-party aligned, but we are deeply political because the Gospel is political. When we talk about housing,
social justice, trying to build bridges across division and our community projects that support the vulnerable, we are talking about the very things Jesus prioritised. Whoever wins the forthcoming local elections will have a significant influence over the lives of people in Houghton-le-Spring. To remain silent
would be to ignore our calling to seek the flourishing of our community.

We find ourselves in the Easter season, a time of radical turns and unexpected appearances. In John 14:1–14, Jesus speaks to his disciples during a time of great anxiety and political tension. He tells them, “In my Father’s house are many rooms,” and famously declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Often, we treat these words as a private map to heaven. But in the “messy stable” of our current world, I believe Jesus is offering us a way of living now. If there are “many rooms” in God’s kingdom, then our local politics should reflect that same radical inclusion. The “Way” of Jesus is found in the way we treat the marginalized; the “Truth” is found in holding power to account; and the “Life” is found in a community where everyone has the chance to thrive.

As we approach the polling stations, I am not here to tell you which box to cross. But I am here to urge you to engage. Voting is an act of stewardship. it is a way to look at the “stories that matter” in our town and say, “I care about how this story ends.” When we vote, we bring the values of the Gospel—compassion, justice, and righteousness—into the heart of our civic life. So, whatever your political persuasion, please get out and vote. Let us be a people who participate in the shaping of our world, rather than just observers of it.

I look forward to seeing you at the polling station!

With my prayers and very best wishes.