I’m Rodney, this year’s JPIT/House of Commons Intern. I live in Welling, which is the second largest area of Bexley. I recently completed an LLM in Constitutional Politics, Law & Theory at Birkbeck, University of London.
Growing up in a Christian family has taught me that, as God’s children, we are called to serve, spread His love and meet the needs of others. Seeing people prosper inspires me, and knowing a big source of human misery is poverty motivates me to seek out ways to alleviate such hardships. Whilst I could have been disillusioned by conventional politics, I have always believed in being the change I want to see in this world.
Studying Politics at university opened my eyes to the complexities of parliamentary government and fuelled my curiosities about the relationship between politicians and the public. The chance to work with an MP provides the opportunity to answer the questions I have long held about the quality of public policy, the accountability and effectiveness of government given the social and economic problems ordinary people have to confront daily.
My life has had its obstacles both professionally and personally, but I’ve always been able to overcome them through hard work and persistence, which has been very rewarding. However, in my frequent moments of self-reflection I’m often led to think deeply about those who have not been afforded the opportunities to even persist. Social justice is an issue I am passionate about as I believe in the humanness of every individual and the right to the basic necessities of life.
Growing up, I saw the Church as being confined to its services and events. I would regularly comment on the length of the sermons and if not that, I would discuss my favourite hymns such as ‘O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing’. The realisation that the Church had a far wider reach and ability to transform lives, be an agent of change and play an effective role in civil society quickly became apparent whilst serving as a Pastoral Assistant. In my role I witnessed the church exhibiting charity in prisons, education, hospice and social work. The vivid memories of the prison bible studies and prayers still fill me with a sense of comfort.
I feel privileged to have this opportunity and I hope within this year I will be able to contribute to ensuring we are alert to the racial injustices existing in society and how we can tackle this injustice through intentionally praying, listening and reflecting on this issue with humility. The pandemic has shaken the lives of many people and it is important as Christians we pray for the peace and faith of those affected to be abounding.
