Faith Matters: The power of friendship
Writing this month, Bishop Martin of Chichester, reflects on current world events and the difference true friendship can make.
Christmas should be a season of peace and goodwill, rather than a shopping bonanza. But January news headlines indicate that the Christmas season has now definitely ended.
On an international level, in Iran and Venezuela, and in British politics, we see evidence of profound disturbance. Words and actions explore new levels of antagonism as trust breaks down.
We are captivated by headlines that feed our appetite for a dramatic story. The boundaries between fact and fiction get a bit blurred. Are we watching the News, or a political drama commissioned by Netflix? This blur is an arena that breeds the potential for fake news.
Reports of conflict at home and abroad chip away at our personal sense of trust in human relationships. When people in public office make statements that decry the rule of law, or trample on a legitimate sense of national pride, each of us takes a hit. Good behaviour, collective responsibility, and accountability for what we say and do are consequently diminished in importance.
By contrast, Pope Leo started 2026 with a teaching session about the Church and the importance of friendship.
The Pope quoted an ancient saying: ‘Friendship is either between equals, or it creates equality’. This asks us to invest a lot in what we mean by friendship.
It must be a relationship of trust and respect.It refuses to allow manipulation and jealousy. It comprehends the honesty of saying sorry and being forgiven. It nurtures mutual happiness.
In the context of contemporary relationships, we need people who can model this kind of friendship and create an appetite for more.
Jesus Christ said to his disciples, ‘I call you friends’. In the Christian tradition, we believe that Jesus is the Son of God who is also perfectly human. As imperfect human beings we are obviously different from him. But friendship can give that difference a new, hopeful, and truly amazing equality.
This friendship could indeed make the world a better and a happier place.
Why not start off the new year by going to church? ‘A Church Near You’ (www.achurchnearyou.com) enables you to easily see what services and events are being held by churches in your local area.