Over the last few days there have been many meetings and discreet conversations around our country about municipal coalitions. We're not included in those discussions, but in public we are hearing political parties committing to working together for the sake of local communities. In a couple of weeks we will see how well politicians are able to put aside differing ideologies to achieve that goal. It won't be easy, but what an attractive vision - people coming together to serve the needs of the whole community.

We have been praying for the elections that took place in our country this week and now our people have sent clear instructions to our leaders that they are to work together for the sake of local communities. That working together will necessarily involve co-operating with their political enemies. May all of our leaders maturely rise above political point-scoring to fulfill this vital task that we have entrusted to them!

This Sunday is All Saints Day - when the church traditionally remembers those who have gone before us, who have showed us the way along the path of faith, and who are now among the cloud of witnesses who cheer us on (Hebrews 11-12).