Many years ago I can remember talking to a man who said he had been asked several times if he would stand as a local councillor. He had never taken up the invitation as he wanted to have a quiet pint in his local after a long day at work. He thought that as a councillor he would be at the beck and call of the locals and never have a moment of peace. In many ways I take my hat off to those who offer them-selves to serve in parliament or as local councillors. I am sure it has never been an easy undertaking but how hard it must be in today’s social media world where arm-chair pundits feel it’s their right to be abusive to those in public office and we have even had MPs murdered for their beliefs. It must take some soul searching to offer oneself to serve in this way and we are all thankful that people still stand to serve.
I am writing this before the general election on the 4th July and after the dust has settled, MPs will be getting ready to take up their place in parliament and a new government will take shape and be sworn in. I wonder what you look for in the person who serves your constituency? When I was ordained many years ago one of the people who had overseen my training was asked “if I met the test of character.” In other words, was I fit to take up the office to serve as a priest in the Church of England and the people I was called to serve.
Looking back, the run up to the election has not so much been dominated by personality or policy, but rows about selection of candidates, D-Day, betting scandals, racists remarks…the list goes on. In other words, many of the top news stories have been about matters of character. I wonder therefore what would be in your list of character traits for our new MPs? For me they would include, integrity, trustworthiness, resilience, endurance and a desire to serve all people.
To hold office to serve the nation is indeed a very high calling and our MPs need our prayers and support. Here’s a prayer for your own personal prayer time as our new government and opposition take up office:
Endue the High Court of Parliament and the ministers of the Crown with integrity, wisdom and understanding. Bless all those called to government and opposition; guide and guard them in their public service. Amen.
Take care and God Bless and hope to meet you over the summer at many of the wonderful events taking place across the benefice. Also, please continue to remember Revd Diane and her family as they move into Wrenthorpe vicarage in August and Diane prepares for her licensing service at Outwood Parish church at 7.30pm on Tuesday 10th September.

Rev Glenn Coggins, Vicar of the United Benefice of North Wakefield