National anthem at church this morning

[alban]

Today is the anniversary of the end of the war, and as usual we sing the national anthem. Today however that seemed to take a sort of a 'step up' in its significance- the whole congregation facing past the altar towards the cross asking for, in essence, the salvation of Britain. Very poignant.

[Cjwinnit]

I've always been a little wary mixing patriotism with religion, but I try not to critisize those that do.

[SeenAndUnseen]

I think that's highly appropriate given what's just happened. I remember right after our country was attacked, a lot of churches turned to God with national interests in mind. I found it comforting. It gave me strength.

[Papist]

I used to love singing "Jerusalem" back in England -- expressing a love of my country while not ignoring the challenges. Here in NZ, sometimes my church has it on or near St George's day -- it's always one of those 'tingle' moments.

[thejesusfish90]

I wouldn't be too worried about it CJ.... after all even the St Andrews Cathedral in my city gave a couple of renditions of God Save the Queen in remembrance of what happened to you guys in London (God Save the Queen was actually our national anthem up untill I think 1974), although I am too weary of intermingling of religion and patriotism, I believe that its more a statement of national (even international) solidarity supporting your country in its time of peril/suffering ie we as a church aknowledge the horrible acts which have been committed against the country and feel for those who have suffered physically and emotionally from it, than a call for death and war in response to the crimes committed, which would be my biggest concern in this particular situation....

YBIC

Chris