Fathers’ Day -Sunday 16 June 2024

Anyone can father a child, but being a dad takes a lifetime.
Fathers play a vital role in every child’s life.
This role can have a major impact on a child and help shape him or her into the person they become.

We live in a world that is broken in many ways.
Society is in need of a foundation of security, justice and trust.
Emotional, spiritual and physical well-being may be provided by stable family life and parental love.

Father figures are role models for their children.
A girl who spends time with a loving fathering parent grows up knowing she deserves to be treated
with respect by boys and she learns what to look for in a partner.
Boys and girls learn what is important in life as parents demonstrate honesty, humility and responsibility,
in providing comfort, nurture, protection and support and in showing respect for all members of the family.
Being present is a vital aspect of “fathering” and necessary in the building of a good relationship.

As we think about our community here in Beckenham,
we acknowledge with gratitude those who act as parents and carers,
especially those who take on the responsibility of “fathering”
whether or not they are in a traditional or conventional fatherly position.
We give thanks for all who have loved us and nurtured us.

But in our society there are many who have not experienced the love of a responsible adult.
There are those who have suffered, in mind, body or spirit,
at the hands of those they should have been able to trust and rely on.

May we be bold to share all the good experiences we have profited from and all the love we have received.
We all need to grow as carers to those who need us and to be examples
of responsible, mature, trustworthy and steadfast parenting to the next generation.

All of these perspectives make a day on which fathers are celebrated special and meaningful.