Two contrasting moments this week have led me to a reflection.

The first is the appointment of the first female Bishop in the Church of England.

My initial reaction? Woohoo!

Then sadness that it is a newsworthy moment at all.

Then disappointment that there is still a male majority in terms of ministers in the Baptist Union of Great Britain.

And then… unease about something I could not quite articulate.

The second is the news that women may well be allowed to be ‘front line’ troops in 2016.

My initial reaction? Woohoo!

Then sadness that in 2014 we are still having to work at this.

And then… unease about something I could not quite articulate.

But this morning as I chugged down the A12 I had an epiphany. It’s okay, I didn’t crash. You see there has been something niggling away in the back of my mind about both of these stories, and indeed other ‘equality’ issues. And that crystalised for me when I was driving along and realised that I am unhappy about equality for equality’s sake.

Hold on, put those stones down… at least until you have heard me out.

Equality is a good thing, I am not denying that. But is this about equality? Or is it about justice?

I think it’s about justice. It is about doing what is right because it is right not because of legislation or rules or social conventions. Equality laws are needed because there is injustice and we need to work against it wherever and whenever it rears its ugly prejudiced head.

So while I still rejoice when there is equality I will be much happier when there is justice.

Feel free to lob rocks now.

Be blessed, be a blessing

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