Living in harmony with God’s

and generosity – because God dares us to join a whole new way of being, and the Holy Spirit gives us the power to take up the dare. . . A world where people do not suffer because of where they where they were born, where the scandal of poverty and huge inequality does not exist, where people are not persecuted for their faith, gender, sexuality. Where we do not allow our brothers and sisters to be told that they matter by the wealthy and then to be ignored materially.” Let us hope and pray that where others failed, the Lambeth Conference would be able to remind the Anglican Communion and the world that ‘we are all in it together’ by listening, reimagining by sharing the stories from different cultures and Christian traditions.

Whether it is moral degradation of society or faithful believers, or increase in the number of ‘religious nones’, pews are empty and church buildings are sold off, ‘we are all in it together’ for this erosion of faith in Lord Jesus, and we may not blame the Church leaders or clergy alone for this, but we – as members of the royal priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9) – are also responsible being the part of the body of Christ, which is the Church. As Hebrews 10:25 says: “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

The theme of the October issue of the FOCUS, ‘we are all in it together’, is providentially an appropriate theme for sharing the sorrow of the citizens of the UK, commonwealth and the whole world. The late Queen once said that ‘Grief is the price we pay for love.’ This is absolutely true in the expression of grief felt in the UK and abroad. We express our grief, condolences and solidarity with Her Majesty’s Children, family and others in the world over the sad demise of her Majesty the Queen.

Her Majesty was known and respected world-wide for her faithful adherence to the constitution, traditions, Christian faith, her tireless service to the UK, the Commonwealth, and indeed the wider-world. She is quite simply unmatched in her legacy, having served faithfully and joyfully as Monarch for over seventy years, longer than any other monarch in British history; a testament to her character and deep Christian faith. It is good to remember that she kept her royal prerogatives and power within the shell of the amazing love of God. Let us thank God for her service to humanity. During the pandemic she assured the nation with her hope in Christ and gave the message: "We will be with our friends again, we will be with our families again, we will meet again.” We thank God for the promise of eternal rest. May her soul rest in peace and rise in glory. We pray for His Majesty King Charles III as he not only mourns the loss of his beloved mother, who is called to carry a new responsibility as Monarch of the United Kingdom and the head of the Commonwealth.

God lavished us with His love, even if that meant giving up His son for us to live eternally with God. If we remain in God, remain in His love, then we know that all things will be for our good. “And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28). God calls His people to live in unity with one another, so it is important to make every effort to live together in harmony with everyone. Regardless of beliefs and differences, God commands us to do all in love. As we journey together, we need to I look forward to walking, listening and witnessing together.

On behalf of FOCUS Editorial Board, I congratulate Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos, the Diocesan Bishop of Adoor Diocese of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church being elected to the executive committee of the WCC. We pray that God may keep Thirumeni in His providence to continue the faith journey of Mar Thoma Church and also to reach the wider ecumenical world to glorify His name.

On behalf of Editorial Board, I express our sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to this issue. May your articles help the readers of FOCUS online magazine to re-think themselves that ‘we are all in it together’ whether it is the failure to love our neighbor or social injustice, assertiveness or aggression by the stronger upon the weaker. It is a process described as “a journey of walking together, praying together, and working together,” Father, where we are in need, meet us with your loving care, where we are weak and feeble give us courage to reach out in your name and in your love. Amen.

Lal Varghese, Esq., Dallas For the Editorial Board

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Disclaimer: Diaspora FOCUS is a non-profit organization registered in United States, originally formed in late Nineties in London for the Diaspora Marthomites. Now it is an independent lay-movement of the Diaspora laity of the Syrian Christians; and as such FOCUS is not an official publication of any denominations. It is an ecumenical journal to focus attention more sharply on issues to help churches and other faith communities to examine their own commitment to loving their neighbors and God, justice, and peace. Opinions expressed in any article or statements are of the individuals and are not to be deemed as an endorsement of the view expressed therein by Diaspora FOCUS. Thanks.