蜜芽传媒

Bore da.

Good morning. A few years ago, I was on a train leaving Birmingham New Street, heading for Mid-Wales where I live. The carriage was packed, with many lively conversations taking place. Gradually, I became aware of maybe about seven different languages being used, including British Sign Language. It was fantastic, being surrounded by such a wealth of communication. The memory still makes me smile.

Here in Wales, we have two official languages, Welsh and English. Language can sometimes divide, but it can also enrich and unite, helping to create peace in our world, our communities and ourselves. We鈥檝e found this to be true in the Methodist Church in Wales where we鈥檝e been a single bilingual Synod since September 2022. Simply learning how to greet someone in their own language can make a huge difference and be the start of relating positively. Talking and negotiating must surely be the best way, to bring peace between people and nations. But there is a language beyond words which Mother Teresa called 鈥渢he language of love,鈥� spoken silently in her work of caring in Calcutta. Simply sharing a smile can speak much louder than words. So I pray to God today that I may listen with an openness of heart and mind that helps to foster unity and speak words that make for harmony and peace.