Churches rising to the challenge

SIR, - In reference to the letter “God save us from idiot churchgoers” (Letters, March 26). I know of no independent evangelical churches in Aberdeen that were open on Sunday March 22.

Rather there has been an overwhelming commitment to submit to the governing authorities, as Romans Chapter 13 Verse 1 commands Christians to do. Technology such as Zoom has enabled churches to hold services online, and the ease of dialling in has ensured that those with minimal IT ability can listen in.

Many Aberdeen churches are helping with the Covid-19 community support effort. Before the lockdown began on Monday March 23 my own church, Fernielea Gospel Hall, managed to distribute 2,500 helpline cards in the neighbourhood.

Since then we have helped the vulnerable with shopping, prescriptions, food parcels and chats. Doubtless this effort will

continue for many weeks. All this shows a practical expression of God’s love for this world. Rather than being “idiotic”, the church is demonstrating “wisdom” in helping the vulnerable.

Paul Coxall, Rosewell Park, Aberdeen

doubt be glad to do, and to cease the payment of bonuses, which they will probably not do if past experience is anything to go by.

The role of a private banking system, that milks society when tasked with helping it, must surely be called into question.

Malcolm Parkin, Gamekeepers

Road, Kinnesswood, Kinross

or cyclist, wearing the specialist kit and moving adeptly and confidently, enjoying the fresh air. Indeed, many are just out wearing what they have and getting on with indulging in their outdoor experience, often with families and a happy dog for company.

It would be great if this is one positive effect that this very nasty pandemic has had on some of the population, and if this trend of getting outdoors into our beautiful countryside continues once it has gone.

Perhaps this situation has allowed many of us the time to appreciate the simple pleasures of a trip outdoors and an opportunity to reflect more deeply on our own values and lifestyles.

Both as individuals and as a society I believe that we have to take much better care of our health and wellbeing, the environment, the animals and of course our fellow human beings, now and in the future. I hope the politicians are listening, too.

Graham Hugh Calder, Redwood Court, Inverness