Love is seldom considered ‘a political virtue’. But, as Edgar Brook points out, ‘the world languishes because love is being tried so little.’ Hence, he joins his voice to the growing chorus of people around the world who call for love to be put onto the political agenda. ‘It is imperative,’ he cries, that love should not be left out of the process, but ‘that it should be admitted to the field of politics.’[1]

If love were not only to be put onto our political agenda, but actually put on top of our political agenda, as the starting point for dealing with all the issues we need to deal with on our political agenda, it would profoundly affect the way we do politics.

First, love would remind us that ‘politics is all about people – ordinary people and, for the most part, very ordinary people.’

Second, love would help us remember that the practice of due process in politics starts here and now with us. ‘If I don’t let it start in my own heart, I cannot expect it to start at all.’

Third, love would help us to make sure that we never forget that, while due process in politics may start with us, it can never be consummated without the full, free and frank participation of others, including all those who may oppose us. ‘Everybody needs to be understood and involved in the negotiating process.’

Fourth, love would help us to continue to recognize the humanity of our opponents in the midst of disputes and to forgive the enmity that often erupts out of those unresolved disputes. As South African Michael Cassidy says, ‘Unless we build [on the basis] of forgiveness, we will lose the day!’ [2]

We Believe.

The secret of the universe is in the heart of God.

The secret of heaven on earth is in that heart of love.

Love that breathes reality into our sacred dreams,

Stirs forgotten memories, and sets our spirits free.

We believe. Yes. We believe. God’s love is all we need.

   We believe in the love of God. God’s love is all we need.        

Don’t trust much in religions. Don’t trust much in creeds.

Only believe in the love of God. God’s love is all we need.

Don’t trust much in politics. Don’t trust much in schemes.

Only believe in the love of God. God’s love is all we need.

We believe. Yes. We believe. God’s love is all we need.

   We believe in the love of God. God’s love is all we need.

We believe (

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) (sheet music)

Dave Andrews

 

[1] Edgar Brook, quoted in Michael Cassidy, The Politics of Love (Hodder & Stoughton, 1991), 124

[2] Michael Cassidy, The Politics of Love (Hodder & Stoughton, 1991), 125-35