'If we want a better world, change has to start with us'

The optimism that came from the better weather and the gradual lifting of restrictions has given way to fear. Hoping for a better future seems pointless.

It is easy to feel powerless at times like this, but the truth is that if we want things to be better we all have a part to play. Every day, in all our words and actions, each of us has the power to make the world a better place by the choices we make and the way we interact with others.

In doing that, we do not have to be bound by the mistakes of the past; we can be better.

Elwin Cockett is feeling richer from listening during Black History Month. (Image: Elwin Cockett)

Recently, a report highlighted the things the Church of England must do to tackle systemic racism. It made for difficult reading and has given church leaders much to think about. But dwelling on the past doesn’t solve anything unless it is followed by a determination to do better.

One early sign of that is the arrival of the new Bishop of Chelmsford, the senior Anglican cleric in east London and Essex. Her name is Guli Francis-Dehqani. She was born in Isfahan, in Iran.

She will bring a new approach and new perspectives because of who she is and what she has lived through, not least as someone who came here as a refugee in her teens. That is exciting!

Change is possible, even in the Church of England.

Many people have turned out to be heroes in our communities over the past year, running foodbanks, helping neighbours with their shopping, looking out for the needs of others and going the extra mile, living out the Bible’s call to "love your neighbour as yourself".

They have been examples to us all. Now, as we emerge from the pandemic, we all have the opportunity to play our part in making our communities safer, happier places. We don’t have to be bound by the past. Change is possible.

The world really can be a better place if we want it to be.