The church of the 21st century must be “a church of passion to stir up society”, the Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Alan Harper, said recently, declaring that people had a religious obligation to be “passionate advocates of a vision for all humanity”.
“Men and women of faith cannot sideline passion and purpose,” he said. “Knowing God and being committed to the things of God means being passionate; passionate about cultivating a personal relationship with God through the church; passionate also about justice … protection for the vulnerable, empowerment for the powerless and socially excluded … and healing for this wounded earth.”