8 May 2026, 09:00Dr Kirk Thomas, South England Conference PresidentWatford, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom
Being Good Neighbours in Troubling Times
Pastoral Letter, 8 May 2026
Dear Church Family
Connections often go deeper than we think. One theory is that there are always no more than 6 degrees of separation between us and anyone, or in other words, 6 socially connected people on the planet or fewer to count between us and anyone we can think of. More importantly than that, our understanding of the Biblical concept ‘fellowship’ tells us that one thing every human being has in common is our important shared need of Christ. Furthermore, He told the story of the Good Samaritan who helped a hurt man by the roadside and taught on the theme of loving our neighbours (Luke 10:25-37). Through teaching and actions like this, He challenged us to elevated levels of compassion that involve upholding the common humanity of others. This was not for any personal gain because the injured man was not able to reward him. This also calls us to “go the extra mile” for fellow bearers of the image of God (Genesis 1:27 and Matthew 5:41).
How do we view notions of connection and compassion when it comes to the challenges faced by groups within society today? One recent example comes to mind. Sadly, this has involved numerous incidents. Four ambulances owned by a Jewish community organisation were set alight in an arson attack in Golders Green, North London. Then news broke of yet another crime against members of the Jewish community in Golders Green. You may have heard that a stabbing took place in which 2 Jewish men were seriously injured, and a 3rd man was charged with attempted murder. Then yesterday, there was yet another report that 2 unsuspecting young teenage boys from the Jewish community found themselves having to jump out of the way of a car that had mounted the pavement and was driving towards them in Finchley, also in North London. These individuals were attempting to carry out the everyday action of simply walking down the street and crossing the road. These shocking cases were just 3 of the most recent cases.
In the shadow of these incidents, it is little wonder that some members of the Jewish community in London are actually deciding not to wear items that reflect their Jewish identity in public or even have them outside their homes (BBC News, 01.06.25, “Jewish Community in South Fearful After Attacks”). There are differences within the community about doing so, but apparently some have been made to feel such fear that they are removing their Star of David items, their Kippah hats and mezuzah scrolls (portions of the Torah that simply contain verses found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21 of our Bibles) from outside their homes.
Hate crimes against Jewish people are being linked to the war in Palestine and Iran, which represents more individuals who have nothing to do with this, who were trying to go about their business, becoming targets.
These attacks were just the latest in a long list of heinous incidents against Jewish people. Yesterday, the ITV news reported concerning information from the Metropolitan Police that the number of reported crimes against Jewish people has increased sharply, more than doubling just since March of this year. They also shared that different police forces are taking extra patrol and surveillance measures because of this increased volatility (“ITV News”, 6 O’clock, 07.05.26)
Looking at shifts throughout history, we see that one party may be a social target today, but it could be someone else’s turn to be affected by similar challenges tomorrow. Based on understandings of related Bible prophecy, this is something we as Adventists are particularly aware of. I hope our churches nearby and individuals who have connections within Jewish Communities reach out to local leaders and individuals in their circles. Seventh-day Adventism and Jewish teachings share much common ground. This is a moment for offering support and solidarity, and it would be appropriate to show our genuine care at this difficult time. The all-inclusive, all-embracing action of our God is found in Jesus Christ and is reflected in the vertical and horizontal beams of the Cross. On the Cross, Jesus brought God and humankind together and humankind back in true fellowship with each other through Him. This is God’s will for everyone.
Ironically, these incidents often take place in public spaces, such as the streets, that Jesus taught us all to share. May we be good neighbours who sensitively make connections in the manner taught by the Good Samaritan, just because it is the right thing to do. The Good Samaritan is ultimately Jesus, who reaches out to all, so when it comes to those who are hurting around us, let’s “do likewise” (Luke 10:37).
Last week I shared that the South England Conference has now officially passed 30,000 members. Among our newest members are 5 precious souls from the Oxford International Church and the Wantage group baptised recently by Pastors Charles Nyambane and Timothy Zestic. Let us rejoice with them and continue moving forward together in faith.
GO SEC! INSPIRED FOR MISSION
Dear Church Family
Connections often go deeper than we think. One theory is that there are always no more than 6 degrees of separation between us and anyone, or in other words, 6 socially connected people on the planet or fewer to count between us and anyone we can think of. More importantly than that, our understanding of the Biblical concept ‘fellowship’ tells us that one thing every human being has in common is our important shared need of Christ. Furthermore, He told the story of the Good Samaritan who helped a hurt man by the roadside and taught on the theme of loving our neighbours (Luke 10:25-37). Through teaching and actions like this, He challenged us to elevated levels of compassion that involve upholding the common humanity of others. This was not for any personal gain because the injured man was not able to reward him. This also calls us to “go the extra mile” for fellow bearers of the image of God (Genesis 1:27 and Matthew 5:41).
How do we view notions of connection and compassion when it comes to the challenges faced by groups within society today? One recent example comes to mind. Sadly, this has involved numerous incidents. Four ambulances owned by a Jewish community organisation were set alight in an arson attack in Golders Green, North London. Then news broke of yet another crime against members of the Jewish community in Golders Green. You may have heard that a stabbing took place in which 2 Jewish men were seriously injured, and a 3rd man was charged with attempted murder. Then yesterday, there was yet another report that 2 unsuspecting young teenage boys from the Jewish community found themselves having to jump out of the way of a car that had mounted the pavement and was driving towards them in Finchley, also in North London. These individuals were attempting to carry out the everyday action of simply walking down the street and crossing the road. These shocking cases were just 3 of the most recent cases.
In the shadow of these incidents, it is little wonder that some members of the Jewish community in London are actually deciding not to wear items that reflect their Jewish identity in public or even have them outside their homes (BBC News, 01.06.25, “Jewish Community in South Fearful After Attacks”). There are differences within the community about doing so, but apparently some have been made to feel such fear that they are removing their Star of David items, their Kippah hats and mezuzah scrolls (portions of the Torah that simply contain verses found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21 of our Bibles) from outside their homes.
Hate crimes against Jewish people are being linked to the war in Palestine and Iran, which represents more individuals who have nothing to do with this, who were trying to go about their business, becoming targets.
These attacks were just the latest in a long list of heinous incidents against Jewish people. Yesterday, the ITV news reported concerning information from the Metropolitan Police that the number of reported crimes against Jewish people has increased sharply, more than doubling just since March of this year. They also shared that different police forces are taking extra patrol and surveillance measures because of this increased volatility (“ITV News”, 6 O’clock, 07.05.26)
Looking at shifts throughout history, we see that one party may be a social target today, but it could be someone else’s turn to be affected by similar challenges tomorrow. Based on understandings of related Bible prophecy, this is something we as Adventists are particularly aware of. I hope our churches nearby and individuals who have connections within Jewish Communities reach out to local leaders and individuals in their circles. Seventh-day Adventism and Jewish teachings share much common ground. This is a moment for offering support and solidarity, and it would be appropriate to show our genuine care at this difficult time. The all-inclusive, all-embracing action of our God is found in Jesus Christ and is reflected in the vertical and horizontal beams of the Cross. On the Cross, Jesus brought God and humankind together and humankind back in true fellowship with each other through Him. This is God’s will for everyone.
Ironically, these incidents often take place in public spaces, such as the streets, that Jesus taught us all to share. May we be good neighbours who sensitively make connections in the manner taught by the Good Samaritan, just because it is the right thing to do. The Good Samaritan is ultimately Jesus, who reaches out to all, so when it comes to those who are hurting around us, let’s “do likewise” (Luke 10:37).
Last week I shared that the South England Conference has now officially passed 30,000 members. Among our newest members are 5 precious souls from the Oxford International Church and the Wantage group baptised recently by Pastors Charles Nyambane and Timothy Zestic. Let us rejoice with them and continue moving forward together in faith.
GO SEC! INSPIRED FOR MISSION
