Keep The Faith magazine - Britain's leading publication about Black faith

Rev Ade Omooba writes that a primary cause of the riots was a disunited Black Church, and why the community and society needs black churches to work in a more united fashion

Scripture describes the Church as a body with many parts, all working harmoniously to ensure that the body functions smoothly and to its fullest potential, fulfilling its mandate on the earth. It would be catastrophic for a human body if its internal organs were not working together; in the same way, it has been catastrophic that the Church has neglected to be fully united. This must change.

A disunited, fractured church will never reach its potential, and will ultimately be void of lasting impact or influence on this nation. It is for this reason that Jesus prayed so fervently in John 17 that the Father would keep the Church as one, just as He is one with the Father.

I believe one of the primary causes of the recent UK riots was the disunity in the Church, which has hampered our efforts to transform society. This was also reflected in the disunity within our communities and within the Government. We all share this blame, yet it is the Church which must address this issue as a matter of urgency, as the nation itself is a reflection of the state of the Church. If we have a sick church, then we will have a sick nation.

The kind of criminality that was on display during the riots is a result of deep, neglected and underlying problems within our communities that have not been addressed by the Church, which could have been far more proactive in addressing social issues, rather than reacting after the event. Had the Church been engaged within their local communities in a united way, then such destructive behaviour could have been vastly minimised.

The Church could not speak as a united, credible, authoritative and prophetic voice during the riots, because it has historically been a team of talented players, all playing as individuals, rather than as a team. As a result, the various responses from church leaders to the riots came across as solo voices, rather than as a choir. Society will only be influenced by a strong, united voice.

Notwithstanding these problems, the Church has a wealth of skills and experience which are rich, varied and durable. This treasure within the Church must now be selflessly given to the community, with a common goal to help transform our nation.

I am part of a forum, currently at an embryonic stage, which hopes to be representative of Black Christianity in the UK. We are working towards being a coherent, authoritative and prophetic voice to the nation. We cannot disregard the gallant efforts over the years to try to pull the churches together, but we must now ensure that a cohesive voice is established, and is supported by as many churches as possible.

The Lord will build His united Church as He promised. But will our generation grab the privilege of playing our part in it? If we are too engrossed with bitter jealousy and selfish ambitions, be reminded that God is no respecter of persons, and He will surely raise up ‘stones’ that will do the job.

We have a nation that is seriously declining in righteous direction; the UK currently lacks a moral compass. Our young people, particularly from BME communities, are victims of a culture clash who are seeking care, identity, a sense of belonging and love. The family structure, as we know it, and as it is prescribed in Scripture, is fast being eroded. The guiding hands of parents are being undermined, and we now have a culture that encourages the empowerment of our youth with knowledge of their rights, but with no knowledge of how to handle responsibility.

We had a Labour Government that took pride in being a fervent advocate for social welfare, but spent excessively and recklessly. Now we have a Coalition Government that seems to believe that cracking a nut with a sledgehammer is the only way to recover the nation’s debt. We are a nation in deep crisis, and if the Church believes it has a role to play in resolving this crisis, then it will have to consolidate and pool its resources together as a united force to help bring change to the United Kingdom. It is righteousness that will exalt this nation.

Where is the authoritative voice that will speak to the mind of this nation? A united church voice must speak truth rather than political correctness. Scripture tells us that the truth sets us free. Yet political correctness binds our ability to speak truth, and is used to manipulate truth tellers with the fear of man.

“I believe one of the primary causes of the recent UK riots was the disunity in the Church, which has hampered our efforts to transform society.”

The Church must move to a gracious embracing of each other in love and in truth. Each local church must make a conscious effort to at least know, and where practically possible engage with, the other churches in their parish or immediate vicinity. Churches should enquire about tried and tested local Christian networks, and be participants within these networks. Find opportunity to connect your network to national networks with similar objectives. 

As a UK-based Christian leader, it is expedient to keep informed of the affairs of this nation, and to engage your church with both the statutory, voluntary and private sector. A united voice, which is disengaged with the realities of the communities it seeks to serve, is not a voice which will carry any knowledge or authority. To lead, we must serve, and in serving, we hear, listen and are equipped to speak. In speaking, we know we have the served communities behind our voice, as we speak and act in unity.

THE CHURCH MUST BE THE PROPHETIC AND AUTHORITATIVE VOICE THAT SPEAKS AND ACTS AS ONE.

Rev Ade Omooba is co-founder of Christian Concern For The Nation. Visit www.christianconcern.com for more details