Pilgrim's Progress column with Dick Davies: Anger

I do have a problem with anger – I see it in others, and in myself. Anger is not always wrong! But we do see it far too often in politics, and on the streets these days.

I was reminded of Sir Patrick Stewart who passed away recently. And his comedy sketch about The European Convention on Human Rights. (Go on google it!) It’s a story of anger being undermined by the facts. We could do with more of that for sure!

We are surrounded it seems by so many people telling us what or who to be angry about. Sometimes we need to ask ourselves if our anger is directed at the right things or people.

Love and care are not the opposite of anger – but they can have the opposite effect. I think you’ll agree that we do need a bit more care and love these days. We can get angry – but let's aim to let care and love last longer.

Recently we saw marchers on the streets of Wakefield shouting angrily about refugees staying locally. It is so easy to believe people telling us to be angry at migrants. My experience tells me they are not the problem. They can be part of the solution to our angry society. Just visit one local drop in for vulnerable and homeless people, and there you’ll see migrants volunteering to serve local folks in need.

Our British heritage is one of love and welcome for the stranger. World War 2 reinforced that for us. Let’s not forget it.

Dick Davies, Wakefield Baptist Church and the City of Sanctuary