We can survive the virus and flourish with spirit of togetherness - Leslie M Newton

The emotional and economic costs have already been severe and we can’t yet begin to anticipate the full costs to individuals and our wider society.

On a very personal level, people have not been able to care at the bedside of the sick; others have mourned the death of loved ones from a distance; others have had to wait and wonder about their livelihoods; some businesses have already been forced to close, and others struggle to see a future.

Those with barely adequate incomes and poor housing face even more hardship and vulnerability.

The stories of sacrifice, concern and anxiety are many and diverse.

Remarkably our society has so far borne this turmoil with heroic stoicism, action and sacrifice. How has this been possible? Surely, at least in part, it’s because we have been able to embrace sufficiently a sense of being in it together.

We have recognised that the way every one of us behaves individually – when added to how everyone else behaves – will collectively reduce the impact of the coronavirus. This reminds me of just how relevant for us is the South African word “Ubunto” commonly translated as “I am because we are”.

Amidst the huge challenges of the pandemic, we have seen some deeply hopeful signs for our society; indications that we are acknowledging more deeply the profound truth of Ubunto. We have been powerfully reminded of just how key our key workers are.

We have got to know our neighbours better and build new patterns of community. An army of volunteers has been supporting those who are vulnerable and shielding. We have clapped our appreciation for those in the NHS every Thursday evening.

‘I am because we are.’ We need to be clear that our society now and in the future can only feel wholly comfortable and fully thrive when that statement feels true for every person. Whether that is so depends on several key factors.

Firstly, a cohesive and strong society can only develop when there are strong bonds of trust and integrity. That is certainly so during these pandemic days, but also applies to other longer-term challenges such as climate change.

A sense of confidence between all parts of society is a potent force that can inspire the costly sacrifices that continue to be needed as we fight this coronavirus.

I have been inspired by the countless ways Yorkshire folk have been proving this in recent weeks. We have seen groups of people coming together, generating trust and displaying huge integrity as they support mental health and wellbeing, feed the vulnerable, support online home schooling, keep in touch with those who are shielding and much more besides.

That is why the political controversy and public outcry of the past week has been so troubling. It has felt as if those vital bonds nationally have been stretched towards breaking point.

It has raised the fear for many that those in power have been acting as ‘rulers’ rather than ‘leaders’. The leadership we need seeks to lead by example, integrating words with deeds.

Crucially, it acknowledges when that’s not happened as it should. Good leadership is not about being perfect and only the harshly unreasonable expect it to be so. But it is about never forgetting that “I am because we are” is just as applicable to those with power. As Jesus modelled, good leaders grow in stature and influence by their humility and servanthood.

Secondly, a cohesive and strong society can only be achieved through a thorough commitment to social justice and the common good. As others have right said, we are all in the same Covid-19 storm but we’re in very different boats.

Many are struggling in boats that are barely sea-worthy, never mind storm-proof.

In all our thinking about how to weather the storm and plan for the future it’s critical that investment and energy is deliberately prioritised towards those in the greatest need.

The easing of lockdown was always bound to be complex. So it is proving.

The sacrifices and disruption of our lives are here to stay for a long time yet and we can’t really imagine how the future will look.

But we can maintain hope, and look ahead with confidence, if we fully commit to the value and truth of Ubunto. We are all in this together: every single person, every nation on earth.

All made in the image of God, uniquely precious, and with the potential, as Jesus put it, to discover ‘life in all its fullness’.

None of us can do that on our own. But together we can not just survive the storm but enable us all to flourish. “I am because we are.”

The Reverend Leslie M Newton is Chair of the Yorkshire North and East District of the Methodist Church.

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