Saving the world with a click

I don't know about you but I have my doubts about those constant requests to go on line and sign a petition. Three clicks of my mouse and the world gets saved! How powerful am I? Friends send me links so I can save a nature reserve from motorway invasion, a country from civil war and a child from starvation - just enter my name and click, and then you can return to the comfort of life in Oxford. I take the requests from organisations like Avaaz somewhat more seriously but even they tend to flood my in box. Well three weeks ago a friend sent me one of those links - Tony, a ten year old from Congo about to be deported from the UK, held in prison in the Congo when he was only six, a popular pupil at his school in Didsbury - an obvious threat to UK security? Today I heard that only 2,100 of us clicked on that petition but it worked - Jacqui Smith (or more likely here staff at the Home Office) have given Tony and his mum (pictured) indefinite rights to remain in the UK.

Is my belief in democracy restored? Will I be able to ignore any of these requests in the future? And what about the ethics of sitting comfortably at my computer, drinking good coffee, and clicking my mouse to save Congolese children, whales, or even Wales?

Civilised flying

Like many who spend too much of their time travelling, the novelty of airports and aircraft wore off years ago. In fact I find it hard to think of a more inconvenient place to be than an airport lounge or an economy seat at 30,000ft. This said I was delighted to find this sign when travelling in China a couple of years ago. If only the reality had matched up to the promise. I was reminded of this photo today whilst talking with the person who runs the 'China desk' at Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. (Here it is Lawrence!) Perhaps after Easter it is a good reminder that the Christian faith has often been seen as bringing a 'civilising' influence into societies, although I would prefer 'humanising' (in the full Christological sense). As an 'expert' on airport endurance perhaps I ought to devote my next years of ministry to evangelising airports and making them 'God friendly spaces' - 'civilized airports'?