When the King was crowned, he began the service by saying that he came, after the example of Jesus Christ, not to be served but to serve. His is a life of extraordinary privilege, but also one of significant responsibility—about which, quite rightly in a democracy, we hold differing perspectives. I am deeply thankful for his example of leadership not rooted in personal gain but in service, an example we rightly expect to see mirrored in all who exercise leadership in the King’s name: in the wider royal family, in ministers of the Crown, and in His Majesty’s representatives who serve as ambassadors of our nation to the nations of the world.
It is therefore not surprising that, with the publication of further details of links between those called to public service and the late Jeffrey Epstein, there is an increasing sense of anger and indeed betrayal. We understandably feel let down by those we look to in our national and political life. The stories that have come to light speak of individuals who have used high office for personal gain rather than in the service of others and we rightly expect that those who have failed in these ways should be held to account as we priorities care for those who are victims and survivors of abuse. The prophet Micah reminds us that we are to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God—and as followers of Christ, called to service, we know that on this we will be judged.
Of course, such failure in service is not the preserve of any one element of society or any political tradition; nor is the Church exempt. The Body of Christ is formed of those who are all too human and frail. We know too the failures of our own lives—the ways in which we have fallen short of what God asks of us. As the Book of Common Prayer reminds us, “we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts… left undone those things we ought to have done and have done those things we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us.” Our promise to follow Christ has turned to dust, which is, of course, why we keep the season of Lent we are soon to begin: that we may be remade again and restored in the image of Christ by the one who is indeed merciful, who restores those who are penitent.
My prayer as we enter again into this season of reflection and renewal—disciplining ourselves through works of self‑denial and service, and by being attentive to our walk with God—is that we may play our part in a wider renewal of our national life. We ask of our leaders an example; might we, in this season in our turn set them an example of who we expect them to be, fashioning our lives after the pattern of Christ and playing our part in the renewal of our communities and our nation.
In the face of all we have heard in recent weeks, it is easy to feel despondent. Yet I am hopeful, even excited, about the opportunity this coming season gives us to help shape how we might live as a nation in our discipleship—not seeking to be served, but to serve. This invitation is offered to us all, that all may see Christ in us and turn from the pursuit of self to the Kingdom Jesus proclaims.
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