Bishop Steven answers big questions on faith, communion and the world today

People across the Diocese of Oxford asked thoughtful, and sometimes difficult, questions about faith, as part of this year’s Come and See journey through Lent.  

In a special question and answer session, The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft and Generous Giving Adviser Joshua Townson responded to a wide range of topics. Questions ranged from the meaning of communion to how Christians should respond to global conflict. 

 

This year’s theme was discovering Jesus through the Eucharist, also known as Communion. Communion refers to the bread and wine that are given during many church services. They represent the sacrifice Jesus made when He died on the cross. The bread represents Jesus’ body and the wine His blood.  

Welcoming children to communion 

One of the first questions explored whether children should receive communion, and whether confirmation is required. 

Bishop Steven encouraged parishes to welcome children, with the right preparation and agreement at local level. 

He also clarified that, in the Church of England, baptism, not confirmation, is the key requirement for receiving communion. 

What does communion really mean? 

A deeper theological question followed: when Jesus says, “this is my body”, should this be taken literally? 

Joshua acknowledged that Christians understand this in different ways. But whatever the interpretation, he emphasised a shared truth: 

Communion is about becoming the body of Christ together, the Church. 

How do we know God’s will? 

Another question tackled a common challenge: how to discern God’s will in everyday life. 

Bishop Steven pointed to three key elements: 

• Scripture 
• Prayer 
• Conversations with trusted others 

He stressed that discernment is rarely done alone, but through community, reflection and guidance. 

Wrestling with difficult theology 

Some of the most searching questions focused on how Christians understand God. 

One asked how to reconcile the idea of the wrath of God with a belief in a loving God. 

Both speakers acknowledged the complexity. Bishop Steven suggested that, rather than focusing on wrath being satisfied, it can be more helpful to see Jesus’ death and resurrection as restoring a broken relationship with God. 

At the same time, he noted that anger at injustice and suffering is not incompatible with love: “God’s anger can be understood as a response to what is wrong in the world, alongside deep love for creation.” 

Should Christians take sides in global conflicts? 

A number of questions reflected concern about the state of the world, particularly conflict in the Middle East. 

Joshua said Christians are called to take sides in terms of justice and peace, rather than violence: “The first word of the resurrection is peace.” 

Bishop Steven agreed, but highlighted the complexity and sensitivity of modern conflicts. He cautioned that: 

• Situations are often unclear and fast-moving 
• There may be wrongs on multiple sides 
• Public statements can affect community cohesion in the UK 

He encouraged Christians to: 

• Pray for peace 
• Stay informed 
• Speak out against injustice 
• Work for understanding in their own communities 

What should faith feel like? 

Another honest question asked whether becoming a Christian should bring a clear emotional change. 

The answer: not necessarily. 

Both speakers reflected that faith can begin in different ways. Sometimes with a powerful moment, sometimes as a gradual journey. What matters is a growing relationship with God over time. 

How should Christians relate to people of other faiths? 

In a diverse society, this question resonated strongly. 

Bishop Steven was clear that the starting point is always love of neighbour. Christians are called to: 

• Build relationships 
• Listen and understand 
• Share their faith openly, but respectfully 

Holding disagreement and inclusion together 

The final question addressed a live issue for many churches: how to hold differences of opinion alongside a commitment to inclusion. 

Bishop Steven said he does not see these as opposing ideas. Instead, he pointed to the example of Jesus and the teaching of St Paul: “Because we see in part… we need to continue to be charitable and inclusive and welcoming to everyone.” 

He emphasised that welcome and love must come first, even where there is disagreement. 

Continuing the conversation 

Thank you for journeying with us through Come and See. 

It’s been a joy to explore so many themes together over the last six years and we hope you continue to deepen your faith and stay curious in the years ahead. 

Come and See resources are still available should you find them useful.