20 June

Dear Friends,

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to hear Sam Wells, the Anglican priest of St Martin-in-the-Fields, speak at De Waalse Kerk. His talk, titled “Faith in the Public Square,” was deeply inspiring. Drawing on the book of Isaiah, Sam offered a compelling reflection on the role of the church in contemporary society.

He outlined Isaiah’s vision as fourfold:

(i) a society that is truly for everyone;

(ii) a society grounded in values that endure;

(iii) a society in which relationships—rooted in trust—are central; and

(iv) a society that leaves room for mistakes, recognising that those who have failed often have the most to contribute.

Reflecting on how the church might relate to such a vision, Sam suggested three possibilities. The church could align itself with the powerful, seeking to influence change from within—being “in the room” where decisions are made. Alternatively, it could stand in opposition to the powerful—through resistance, protest, and critique. Or, as he prefers, the church can embody the vision itself: simply live it out, modelling the society we hope for in our own life together.

This final option, of modelling an alternative community, strongly echoes the influence of his long-time colleague Stanley Hauerwas, who has written extensively on this theme.

Whatever path we take, Sam’s message is timely: in this season after Pentecost, we are reminded that the Spirit is already at work, creating a better world and empowering us to be part of it. Or, in Sam’s striking phrase, “the Holy Spirit is Jesus out of control.”

Marius Louw