Wear Your Faith Fortnight

Are you like me? I’m currently hooked to watching the new Beckhams documentary on Netflix. I love their unapologetic authenticity. They seem to be comfortable with who they are.

It got me thinking about ‘Wear Your Faith Fortnight.’

Christians across South Yorkshire are being encouraged to wear a symbol of their faith for the two weeks either side of Halloween. It could be a pin badge or necklace, a hoodie, bag or water bottle. As the season changes and the nights get darker, amidst the spooks and fear of Halloween, it’s a simple way to share the hope and light that Jesus brings.

As a Christian myself, I remember high profile new stories a few years ago of NHS nurses, often of African descent, being disciplined and even sacked for wearing a symbol of their faith – a cross – on a chain or earring while at work. It shocked people to think that they could be intimidated and forcibly denied from expressing something that is fundamental to who they are: their faith; in the space that they spend most of their time: the workplace.

Often the things that we can wear speak volumes about the things that are in our hearts. In the Beckhams documentary, Victoria appears sporting a huge cross on her necklace, David has a crucifix tattoo on his neck and one of their sons is called Cruz, which means ‘cross’.

People sometimes say that faith should be a private matter. That is to misunderstand the very nature of the Christian faith, which says we are all created in the image of God, and that the hope of Jesus is very good news for others to discover.

Our country has a long tradition of free speech and free expression. Wear Your Faith Fortnight feels like Christians breaking free from cultural pressure to shine out across Sheffield. Of course, we don’t need to wear a symbol of faith to show that we’re followers of Jesus – our words, actions and attitude speak volumes.

I’m wearing the ‘Forgive’ badge, designed by 11-year-old Ezinne Ehosiem, winner of the Bishop’s Badge Competition. It’s a simple word, with huge implications. I hope it may inspire others to engage with me, about the everyday hope which comes from my faith.