Today sees the lifting of plan B restrictions which some will welcome and some will fear. I want to say thank you to all of you who have taken such care for those within your communities, schools and churches over these past two years. You have not only cared for yourselves and those you know and love but also for all with whom you may come into contact. We have lost much - family and friends, jobs and livelihoods, fellowship and social interaction. And, we have gained new insights into the faithfulness of God, how we might be Church in new ways, and some have found a deepening of prayer and faith. Hope is being renewed.
We still have some way to go however so do continue to take care. I would encourage you to think about the needs of your own context, remain aware of the risks locally and take precautions accordingly. I personally shall continue to take regular lateral flow tests, and will be wearing a mask, keeping space, sanitising hands etc. as appropriate. Please be aware not only of your own situation but also of those who remain most vulnerable to the virus. It is in so doing that we exemplify something of the kindness and love that is Christ-like, as we are reminded by the Colossians passage we reflected on last year.
Let us also continue to pray for all those who have faithfully committed to care for all of us whilst putting themselves at risk. Those who serve us in our hospitals and care homes; schools and colleges; shops and businesses; and in so many ways. We owe them a huge debt of thanks and so I encourage you to find ways to express that ‘thank you’ to them personally. And as we do, may we return our thanks also to God.
With gratitude and prayers for you all!
+Ruth
Bishop Ruth's message follows the message from Bishop Sarah Mullally, who chairs the Church of England's Covid Recovery Group on Tuesday, 25 January when she stated, "Your sacrifices have saved lives."