Britain is a modern, multicultural and multi-faith society. Nevertheless its complex diversity can never be used as a pretext to sideline, even minutely, its outstanding and indubitable Christian heritage.
In his 17th apostolic journey outside Italy, which took him to the United Kingdom, Pope Benedict XVI accentuated that for the last millennium, Christianity has always underpinned the British identity.
When addressing the Queen and British statesmen at Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh, Her Majesty’s official residence in Scotland, the German pontiff blatantly recognised that British society has been founded on and evolved thanks to the Christian faith.
“The name of Holyroodhouse, … recalls the ‘Holy Cross’ and points to the deep Christian roots that are still present in every layer of British life. The monarchs of England and Scotland have been Christians from very early times and include outstanding saints like Edward the Confessor and Margaret of Scotland. As you know, many of them consciously exercised their sovereign duty in the light of the Gospel, and in this way shaped the nation for good at the deepest level. As a result, the Christian message has been an integral part of the language, thought and culture of the peoples of these islands for more than a thousand years. Your forefathers’ respect for truth and justice, for mercy and charity come to you from a faith that remains a mighty force for good in your kingdom, to the great benefit of Christians and non-Christians alike.”
In front of the malicious threat of relativism, which essentially annihilates any historical connection with Britain’s Christian cultural roots, the Pope encouraged all Christians to work collaboratively in order to consolidate the Christian fabric of the British society. In his homily at Bellahouston Park, the Holy Father said to the Scottish Catholics: “Let me encourage you to continue to pray and work with them (the members of the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church and others) in building a brighter future for Scotland based upon our common Christian heritage. … Let us give thanks to God for the promise which ecumenical understanding and cooperation represents for a united witness to the saving truth of God’s word in today’s rapidly changing society.”
Scottish Catholic intelligentia, together with politicians, are duty bound to commit themselves to promoting both a healthy and a promising dialogue between faith and contemporary culture. Thus, the Pope urged them to “never … lose sight of their calling to use their talents and experience in the service of the faith, engaging contemporary Scottish culture at every level”. Even the lay faithful are leading protagonists in the re-evangelisation of the British culture in order for the latter to guarantee a truthful understanding of liberty, respect, and equality. “For this reason I appeal in particular to you, the lay faithful … not only to be examples of faith in public, but also to put the case for the promotion of faith’s wisdom and vision in the public forum. Society today needs clear voices which propose our right to live, not in a jungle of self-destructive and arbitrary freedoms, but in a society which works for the true welfare of its citizens and offers them guidance and protection in the face of their weakness and fragility. Do not be afraid to take up this service to your brothers and sisters, and to the future of your beloved nation.”
The beatification of Venerable Cardinal John Henry Newman is the ultimate confirmation that Britain’s Christian roots not only are existentially present but bore fruit in abundance. As Pope Benedict XVI said: “John Henry Newman, … was one of many British Christians of his age whose goodness, eloquence and action were a credit to their countrymen and women. These, and many people like them, were inspired by a deep faith born and nurtured in these islands.”
Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap
San Gwann