We need to get that back, don’t we? The last time I remember feeling that togetherness was when I was in the English speaking church in Nice, twenty-five years ago. There was a Dutch- South African,  a Romanian, a man from the Faro islands, an Italian, a man from Singapore, an English woman and me! We sang songs in English but the majority spoke a different language for the rest of the time. That feeling of being part of something greater, sharing a small bit of faith with people who were from a different part of the world, I will always treasure it. Surely we need more of that right now?

Watching thugs trying to burn down the houses of people who deserve to live here breaks my heart. To know that everything diverse, colourful and multicultural is being stamped out is a tragedy, never a victory. I saw a teenager on the news a couple of nights ago, looking around fearfully, not sure where she could shelter that night. Shame on the people who caused her that terror.

There is one huge thing that we have the individual power to change, even in a small way. Look around, find someone different to you and invite them into your home for a cup of tea. Community starts with tiny acts of welcome.

What can you do today?