Over the last few days people have been asking me what I think of Halloween. They are perhaps expecting that as a Vicar I am going to have some strong opinion about it. But I don’t. As it is, I view it as an entirely secular festival that borrows a bewilderingly confusing range of symbols and ideas, largely from popular culture. And actually, I celebrate the fact that for one dark October night children fill the streets, have fun and are safe. Wouldn’t it be good if children and families could always feel safe on the streets? Here’s to more winter street festivals for children! It’s just a shame that almost everyone has forgotten that it means All Hallows’ (i.e. Saints’) Eve. It is thus the night before we celebrate the heroes of our Faith: those who, like Jesus, dared to love even their enemies and suffered for it. It would be good if we focussed on that too!

Rev Richard