I Know the Plans I have for You………
Geography & Economics
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland form part of the United Kingdom along with Scotland. Although there is much that we share, we are also diverse, with different languages, cultures and governments. We are steeped in history. Many of our cities have beautiful ancient buildings, dating back to medieval times, including cathedrals and churches built by our Christian ancestors. Since the 1600’s the UK has grown economically through its trading exploits and this brought a great deal of governmental benefit and economic stability to our trading partners, as well as to ourselves. It resulted in industrialisation and enabled great discoveries in science, maths, medicine and industry to be made. The culture of the UK has radically changed since those days with the emphasis now on aid and encouragement.
People & Culture
Our population is approximately 65 million people mostly living in the dense urban areas of the cities. These populations have been enriched over the centuries as the influence of economics attract people from both far and near. Integration of all peoples constantly weigh on the mind of government with legislation in place to discourage discrimination.
Finding our Place in the World
In 2020, having left the European Union (EU) the people of the United Kingdom face new challenges to establish our place in the world. The emphasis being on taking care of the world and making it more sustainable for the future. With a downturn in religious observance, like much of Western Europe, the church continues to be at the forefront of projects to help those in need, both locally and on the world stage.
Women and Family
Since the 1950’s the birth rate has fallen and infant mortality now stands at 4 per thousand. Social services and other groups have been formed to help improve the lives of those living in poverty and to support those with disabilities, whether they be mental or emotional. In education, women have made greater use of the universities, now making up more than half of those studying for first degrees. Life expectancy for women in the UK is 82 years.
Artwork
Our chosen artist for the EWNI Service: Angie Fox, from Norfolk, is an embroiderer and vestment designer.
Married to an Anglican Priest and having lived in various places (including two times in Papua New Guinea), Angie says she gets ideas for her best designs when she should be listening to her husband’s sermons!
Having participated in many WDP services, she is ‘thrilled to be chosen to provide the artwork for her own country’.
Artist’s Statement: Following the theme given, I have used several images to depict the key words as follows:
Freedom: an open door to a pathway across an endless open vista
Justice: broken chains
God’s Peace and Forgiveness: the dove of peace and a peace lily breaking through the pavement
Over all a rainbow which has come to represent all these things from the story of Noah through to the modern day. From a sign of God’s covenant with man to a symbol of unity between different sections of our modern community.
