Presbyterian Brown?

Recent reports on the unenviable situation in which Gordon Brown (currently Prime Minister of the UK government) finds himself, have made barbed comments with regard to his Presbyterianism, and his alleged Christian beliefs.

However, as I frequently point out to pupils, there is a great deal of truth in the old adage that “Words are cheap”? The very Jesus Who is the Centre and Foundation of the Christian faith said, in the context of discerning character, that “You can detect them by the way they act, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit. You don't pick grapes from thorn-bushes, or figs from thistles.” (Matt.7:16). The words were originally spoken about false prophets but, surely, they are applicable to others as well?!

Mr Brown’s actions, both as Chancellor of the Exchequer and as Prime Minister, do not, I would suggest, stand up to very much scrutiny. Whether it be the ‘robbing’ of pension funds, or the abolition of the 10p rate of Income Tax; his support for the illegal invasion of Iraq, or his failure to ensure adequate equipment for the forces who have been sent there; his failure to support the Ghurkas, or his apparent support for some of his fellow-members who have blatently fleeced the British taxpayers; his actions have not been easily seen as compatible with the teaching of the Carpenter from Nazareth!

As far as Presbyterianism is concerned, the basic difference between that denomination and some others is, not as much doctrinal as governmental. Presbyterian churches have a structure that has the basic ‘power’ in the pew rather than in the pulpit. The clergyman is referred to as ‘the minister’ because he is there to serve (minister to) the congregation; and the various courts of the church take their power from those below – in spite of what the grandees of the General Assembly sometimes seem to believe!

It is in the Episcopal churches that ‘power’ cascades from ‘the top’. In this sense, Mr Brown’s government has been consistently, and increasingly, episcopal. “Listening to the people”, has been a convenient sound-bite – but the lack of a referendum on the European Constitution/Lisbon Treaty, in spite of a manifesto commitment, shows that the people’s clearly-expressed wishes have been totally ignored.

However, the coming days may well illustrate that Mr Brown has failed to read – or, at least, understand – the injunction of Paul, in his letter to the followers of Jesus, living in 1st century Corinth: “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!” (I Cor.10:12).