YOU may remember in 2009 the Humanist UK movement spent a lot of money for the words “There’s probably no God, now stop worrying and enjoy your life” to be placed on the side of buses up and down the country.

This campaign was seen as part of a wider cultural shift, and more broadly reflected the rise of secularism in the UK which we have seen over recent decades. But over that same period, we have also witnessed a growing sense of anxiety, division, and anger in society.

Seen through the rising demands for mental health services, increasingly divisive public rhetoric, and the growing pressure on our justice system.

Our country desperately needs to rediscover its Christian roots.

It needs to return to its rich and deep legacy of Christian belief and with it, our Christian values.

You won’t be surprised to hear me say then, that the very best thing for this country will not be ‘another’ change of Prime Minister or change of government, no matter how good or bad we might perceive that to be, but instead a revival of our Christian belief, Christian practice and Christian service.

Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind; and to love your neighbour as yourself.

This means putting God first in every part of our lives and calls us to place our attention on the care of others with the same compassion we desire for ourselves.

And I think it is for the Church in all its many forms, to lead this renewal in thought, faith, and practice.

For Methodists, Anglicans, Evangelicals, free-churches of every expression to lead in this together, with a renewed boldness in sharing the Good News of Jesus for our time, and for the future of our children.

There is no more important time than this for the Church to live out it’s commitment to do what is faithful, and to do what is best for the spiritual wellbeing of our community, and our country.

And if you happen to be reading this as someone who values our Christian heritage and longs to see a renewal of our common life, I encourage you to pursue an interest in the person of Jesus Christ.

There is no better thing to do with your time and your future. It is simply life changing.

So why not find your nearest church and go ahead and meet with other Christians, and read the Bible with them, and pray with them, and together in humility, learn what it means to love others like Jesus did.

Rev Jeremy Putnam

Diocesan Mission Enabler

Diocese of Exeter