DEVOTING your life to God might seem like something of an unusual choice in our modern society but the irony may be that young people need a faith now more than ever.

The latest figures for full time equivalent stipend (or salaried) clergy were released in early June and showed, perhaps unsurprisingly, that the number of young people choosing to work in the church is still relatively low.

National statistics showed that just 13 per cent of the clergy are under the age of 40 and Cumbria contained even less. The Diocese of Carlisle recorded that just nine per cent of their clergy was under the age of 40 but measures are being taken to interest more young people and generally get the next generation more involved in faith.

In a recent service at St George's Church in Barrow, Canon Gary Cregeen, mayor’s chaplain and rural dean of Barrow, said: "The despicable shootings in Orlando which led to the deaths of 49 people; the murder of a police officer and his wife near Paris, leaving an orphaned child; and then the horrific murder of Jo Cox MP has left everyone shocked and saddened.

"In the midst of sadness and shock, let us repent of our thoughts, words and actions which perpetrate evil rather than good; and let us seek comfort, help and strength from God who said: ‘Let light shine out of darkness’ and who provided that light in Jesus Christ, a light who will never perish or fade.

"In the word’s of St Paul’, who himself encountered his share of difficulty and ‘persecution’, not least as he exercised the freedom of speech, he wrote: ‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

His words are bound to resonate with people both young and old and although many young people are sceptical of religion and wouldn't usually think about going to church, there are still those who use their faith to make a positive difference in the world. And it seems as if the world needs that now more than ever.

Robin Ham, 31, of Holbeck Road, Roose, moved to Barrow to work as a pioneer curate and his eventual mission will be to set up a new church in Holbeck and Roose. Mr Ham studied theology at Durham University before making up his mind to become a member of the clergy.

He said: "I wanted to go to university and wrestle with my faith, to decide what I really believed but, when I graduated, I realised that there is nothing better than knowing Jesus, knowing what he has done for us and dedicating my life to him.

"A common misconception with faith is that religion dictates to people how they should live their life, but Christianity is about spreading good news, not good advice. It can change everything for some people and is usually relevant at any age.

"I am very involved with the Believe in Barrow project and the Wave of Prayer that has been such a success in the town. I have worked in London and Cheltenham and now my family and I have moved to Barrow we are very settled. It's a great place with a tight-knit community. It's a beautiful area and I hope I can set up a new church here. It won't necessarily be in a drafty old building, it could be in a school or a pub. Faith is about getting together and supporting each other as a community."

Living in a troubled world with so much violence, keeping faith in God acts as a crutch to many people and the teachings of Jesus have always promoted peace. Instead of obsessing over social media, perhaps time would be better spent reaching out to help others and supporting each other as a community. Instead of leaving a nasty comment on somebody's Facebook photo, it would be a good idea to think 'what would Jesus do?' and do something kind instead.

The Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Reverend James Newcome, said: "I think it is terrifically important that young people get involved in the church. Roles in the clergy have changed so much in recent years, even since I was ordained, and the benefits are enormous.

"Our Network Youth Churches are proving enormously successful because they are bringing young people together from all over the county, which is extremely positive because young people are at the forefront of the church."

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