19th April 2009
Now is the time for Forgiveness and Reconciliation
By Mark Hanson
The police have faced severe and serious criticism over the past few weeks. Rabel has joined in that criticism over the handling of the G20 protests and other instances where the police have seemingly failed in their role as defenders rather than attackers.
I now believe, however, that there needs to be a time of letting these wounds heal. Christ came to bring sinners to repentance. The conduct of the police of late has left much to be desired, and the wrong-doing was wrong. Yet, the issues are beginning to be addressed. The Metropolitan police have ordered a review of police tactics, and today it has been reported that the Independent Police Complaints Commission has taken on board the serious failings of the police and is seeking to redress this.
These are welcome developments.
So now, there is a real need that the “us and them” attitude be relaxed. There are many police officers for whom the recent events are as hideous as they are to the public. And it must be remembered that the police do have possibly the most difficult job one can have. We must not excuse the abuse of power, but neither must we condemn those who have made mistakes.
Although the slide into what has been called a “police state” does seem to be continuing, we must also be aware that we have all done wrong and need forgiveness ourselves.
There remains much to be done in highlighting the serious slide into totalitarianism that is taking place, but the slide will only be sped up by branding every policeman as an oppressor.
Much of the blame is to be laid at the Government for their increasingly draconian measures aimed to prevent terrorism. Yet, now is the time for a call to forgive.
The head of the IPCC has called for parliamentary and public debate on policing in the UK. That call is welcomed, and Rabel supports that 100%.
An atmosphere of accusation and counter accusation will not help. The excesses of the Government, the police and the people must be admitted and dealt with, yet without fingers constantly pointing.
It was right, at the time, for the media to highlight the injustices. They have been highlighted, and are being investigated and reviewed.
So now, forgiveness needs to take place, in order that together, police and citizens, we can discuss and debate the issues involved.
