The Tower of London

Peace be to the whole community, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who have an undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ - Ephesians 6:23-24

England in general, and London in particular, has a long history of cultural diversity. Since the time of the British Empire, the English people found themselves in contact with people of different colors, beliefs and lifestyles. While this didn't initially lead to a more tolerant, diverse community, it certainly has influenced it today. For all the trouble the US has with racism and intolerance, the effect seems considerably less in the UK. This little country appears to have assimilated well.

However, its history with religious tolerance is considerably more checkered. Starting with Henry VIII's break with the Catholic Church in 1533, England fell into a Protestantism of his own devising. What started as a way for Henry to expand his personal power in the country and shift of his old wife quickly became a dangerous, oppressive system whereby adhering to Catholicism or questioning Henry's status as head of the church was treason and punishable by death.

Nowhere does the checkered history of Henry VIII and his influence on faith and politics in England become more apparent than in the Tower of London. Here much of England's early history plays out; in particular, the imprisonment and execution of a few famous people and countless unnamed victims of religious divisiveness. As a central fortress of the kingdom, it symbolized the country with all its strength and power. Therefore, it was also the place where the heads of traitors were showcased and the highest-profile criminals were killed, away from the prying eyes of the public.

After months in Rome, it should come as no surprise that a state-run church can wield such unquestioned and corrupt power over peoples' lives. However, it still amazes and frightens me. While I have never questioned the value of faith in individuals of power and authority, situations like these have always made me flinch at the suggestion of established state faiths. After all, the religious divide between Protestant and Catholic continued to play out in recent memory between Ireland and England. In the name of religion, but likely only in the name of power, people continue to die.

Christians killing people of other faiths is horrifying enough, but when Christians attack those who believe in Christ as they do with just a few differences the shock is incredible. Our faith calls us to unity, yet we place ambition, power, and greed above even Jesus himself. May our past remind us of the need for unity.

God of the nations, while we call out to you we deny others their place in your Kingdom. Forgive us our selfish assumptions that we deserve you more than others, and grant us the grace to love our neighbors as we love you. May all who call you Lord be able to call each other Sister and Brother. We pray this in Christ's name, Amen.