Dear Friends,

There is nothing quite like the destructive power of religious fanaticism, but religion can also be the most tremendous power for good.  In Elstead we celebrate St. James, one of the first Christian martyrs.  It is perhaps worth pointing out that Christians conquered the Roman world by being willing to sacrifice their own lives rather than compromise their faith, but that they most certainly did not take the lives of others (indeed, early Christians appear to have been largely pacifist - all that began to change with Constantine, and radically so with the Crusades).

The London bombings have heightened the real gulf between mainstream Islam and the small groups of extremists who cause so much mayhem around the world, and that in itself is a good thing; however, it will do nothing to alleviate the root causes of such terrorism, for they are grounded in a deep-seated hatred of western capitalism and its (perceived) effects upon Islamic countries.

Several people have asked me about the particular religious motivation of Islamic suicide bombers - some mindful of atrocities carried out by Christians over the years, but also that there is a difference here in the willingness of the perpetrators to give their own lives whilst committing acts of violence.  Again, it is certain small groups of Islamic extremists that preach this as a religious duty - one that is extrapolated from the general responsibility of all Muslims to pursue `jihad`.  Those who die pursuing jihad are promised immediate (and considerable) pleasures in heaven.

But jihad can be a spiritual struggle within oneself, a war against evil in one's own inner life, every bit as much as it could be a `holy war` against those who attack Muslim nations, and there is a world of difference between a `war` and terrorism.  These terrorists come from the ranks of those in society (or, in this case, the whole world community) who feel otherwise totally powerless in the face of overwhelming strength or apathy.  They have nothing left to lose, and they cannot be beaten, so they have to be `loved` back into society - that is, their fears and grievances must be understood and addressed - or the cancer grows.  It can only be a long struggle...

I would like to pay tribute this month to my United Reformed Church friend and colleague, Rosemary Pullen, who ceases to be the Minister here in Elstead on 31^st August.

Rosemary came to what was then the pastorate of Elstead, Hindhead and Beacon Hill straight from college, just at the moment at which the Elstead URC's original redevelopment plans were scuppered, and has worked hard to build up the congregations committed to her charge.  It was, however, always going to be an uphill challenge, and it is to her credit that Elstead has succeeded in its second rebuilding attempt and Beacon Hill has been recognised as having real potential for growth.

We shall miss her, and wish her well in the future.

William Lang.

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