From royal events to churches – how do we welcome?

Recent media coverage of the Royal Family has included concerns about racism, including one event at Buckingham Palace.

Lady-in-waiting Lady Hussey’s role had been to put guests at ease at a reception. Unfortunately, whatever her intentions, the opposite happened. There were also allegations from Prince Harry and Meghan about related areas. I’m not going to comment on those events which have received so much coverage and divided opinion. However, it makes me think about the difficulties we have trying to connect with one another.

The English are well known for talking about the weather as our way of communicating in a friendly manner without ever saying anything. Dog walkers have a special kind of conversational dance. It is entirely acceptable to ask what’s your dog called? What type of dog are they? How old are they? This conversational chatter continues while the dogs introduce themselves to each other in canine mode. Dog walkers get to know each other through their dogs. We recognise each other and may meet daily over weeks, months, and even years, yet the next step in this complicated dance of getting to know a stranger feels risky. It is a significant move from what is your dog called to asking someone their name!