We live in a particularly challenging time of, international, national, and local conflict. All within a planet that is overheating and where biodiversity is declining.

Some decades ago, I used to be optimistic that the trajectory of the world was positive – a sense of optimism within a framework of an ever-increasing number of democracies.

What I hadn’t considered was that: democracies would start consuming themselves from within; conspiracy theories of the QAnon variety downwards would divide nations and communities; that language would be co-opted into this conflict – so that “freedom” is defined as the right to publish and promote racism and bigotry.

What to do? I would suggest that democracy cannot be maintained passively – that it needs increasingly to be asserted – not of course in a violent way. As a friend said – “be kind - but challenge”!.

An example of this is the Whiteshill and Ruscombe Community Solidary Group who this Thursday held a vigil against the local performance of Katie Hopkins who is known nationally for her controversial views.

The Whiteshill and Ruscombe Community Solidarity Group promoted a message of anti-racism, inclusivity, and anti-hate in a peaceful and positive manner.

It was also good to see the involvement of the local St Paul’s church and the statement from the Rev Simon Howell representing Stroud Parish Churches:

"The parish churches of Stroud are dedicated to building bridges, not walls, and we reject any message that seeks to sow discord and animosity. We know that hurtful and discriminatory messages have a significant impact on members of our communities. We express our solidarity with them, providing support, love, and a firm commitment to consistently confront racism and bigotry."

I would suggest this positive assertive action by a well-informed local community backed by the local churches, anti-racist groups and others who recognise the real challenges we face in our democracy is a positive way forward. All within a challenging kindness that seeks to bind wherever possible - rather than creating silos. For we need community not division as we address the very real challenges of climate change and loss of bio- diversity.

Erik Wilkinson

Stroud