The Politics of God

On Friday I attended the inaugural annual lecture organised by the Wandsworth Labour Party. The lecture, presented by Revd Dr Giles Fraser, vicar of St Mary's Putney, was entitled The Politics of God and was a stimulating, engaging and entertaining exploration of what I think could be described as the politics of God and church.

As you might imagine given the breadth of views within the audience, from atheist to confirmed believers, the debate was lively but moderate. The event was, by unanimous aclaim, a great success, attended by over 80 residents, many of whom were not members of the Labour Party.

The lecture begun with an exclusive preview showing of Giles' 20 minute documentary on The Putney Debates, focussed on footage shot last October when St Mary's Church celebrated the 360th anniversary of this historic event.

After the lecture and my presentation of a thank you gift to Giles (picture), Putney Labour Party and I hosted a drinks reception upstairs in the Cromwell Room which gave everyone a chance to continue the debate that has begun earlier in the evening. I was pleased to be able to make contact with representatives from a number of local churches, including Southfields Baptist Church in Wimbledon Park Road and Our Lady of Pity & St Simon Catholic Church in Hazlewell Road.