The Coastal Group of Parishes News Sheet - May 2005
02 October 2005
Happpisburgh, Hempstead with Eccles and Lessingham, Sea Palling with Waxham, and Walcott (together with the Parishes of Bacton, Ridlington and Witton)
Forward by The Rev'd Dr Richard Hines:
'I was there... when God ordered the waters of the sea to rise no further' (The Bible)
The end of April marks the close of a consultation period on the controversial draft Shoreline Management Plan (SMP), which includes proposals for the part of the coastline which borders our parishes. It is an anxious time for us all, not least for those whose property and livelihood is under immediate threat. For many others, including those of us with responsibility for our Parish Churches and Churchyards, the future is very uncertain. Is it really possible that future generations won't see or remember Happisburgh Church Tower, which has stood as it is now for well over 500 years? Is it really possible that scores of dwellings in Bacton, Walcott, Happisburgh and elsewhere, will be left to tumble into the sea? Will everyone then simply have to fend for themselves, as best they can, without government support or financial assistance?
The Old Testament book of Proverbs has one section which portrays personified Wisdom recounting how God created and sustains the world, and continues as the ultimate authority over what happens throughout his creation. Such vivid poetic declarations cause us few theological or philosophical problems on warm spring days when it feels great to be alive. Our questions begin when a tsunami strikes; or when the next few metres of cliff tumble into the sea, in what we call coastal erosion. And for some it's hard to trust in a loving God when - despite heroic efforts by many on behalf of us all - no apparent help, understanding or hope is received.
But local Christians are not yet disheartened as they continue to pray for those whose heavy responsibility it is to make crucial decisions. For they pray to the God who is also the source of all justice and compassion. Indeed, they pray to the One whom Jesus made known as our Heavenly Father, who knows our needs before we ask, and who - we can be sure - has heard our prayers and will answer in a way that will be good for us all. Let's trust Him for our future!