Bishop Trevor's Videocast

Lady Joanna Thornhill's Primary School - Tuesday 27th April 2010

One of the most fascinating things about my deanery visits, and by the way I'm here in Westbridge today, is actually engaging and coming into schools. It's something I enjoy doing immensely and I visit one or two schools every week.

This morning we've been talking together in different classes here in Lady Joanna Thornhill School, about what it is to be a human being. And I've been asking the young people here "what's good about this school?" Whilst the children talked about some things academic, they have talked first and foremost about caring for one another.

Someone said to me when I said "what's best about this school?" replied "when you hurt, somebody looks out for you. Somebody cares for you." So, being a human being, in its best sense, is actually looking outside of one's self and actually looking after one another - looking after the world.

And during these experiences of coming into schools I meet it time and time again through the faithfulness of teachers, through the care of governors, through our work as a Church, as a faith community engaging. Here in this school is Ravi Holy, because actually this is a place he comes to once a fortnight, not just to lead assemblies, but actually to help fashion ourselves as God's people, as human beings.

In one of our classes this morning I was asked a question "what difference does being a Christian make to you, to me, as Bishop?" It's a question we might well do, to all answer. What difference really does it make? I talked about again, that humanity, that way in which we care for the world. The way in which we acknowledge that we are not the centre of the world, that the God who creates us, calls us to be servants of his world and his people. So partnerships, working together, exploring faith in communities is hugely important for all of us.

I am very privileged that I come to schools - but perhaps if you are listening to this, this morning or watching this today and you've not been into your local school, find a good chance and go and listen to some of our young people and hear their real commitment to build a community, a world which is worth living in.