We all know that judging right from wrong is a challenging task. The field of ethics is diverse and multifarious. Therefore, in a knowledge-based society, determining right from wrong is not an easy feat.

A recent incident has sparked discussions. A new immigrant, Ezedi, with a record of sexual offences, claimed to have converted to Christianity, stating that he would face death if he returned to his home country. The immigration department overturned the decision of the interior ministry and granted political asylum to this individual. Subsequently, he committed even more horrifying crimes by splashing corrosive liquid on a mother and her two daughters, causing harm to those who came to their aid. The behaviour is outrageous!

Many online comments have criticized the immigration department's screening standards, and some have pointed fingers at Christianity, suggesting that it easily shelters wrongdoing. Reports also indicate that many questions whether converting to Christianity should be advantageous in seeking asylum, as if after professing faith, crimes should receive special treatment, exempt from accountability. These remarks undoubtedly put the church in an embarrassing position.

Should converting to Christianity increase the chances of applying for political asylum? This is a dilemma. There are indeed countries that persecute Christians. If a person genuinely turns to the Lord and flees such a country, should they receive protection in a Christian nation? I believe this is not a difficult question to answer. However, the devil is in the details.

As in the case of Ezedi, authorities made judgments based on collected information. There were pastors who testified to his conversion, but after the incident, reporters asked Ezedi's neighbours, who claimed he was a devout and law-abiding believer but not a Christian. The former immigration minister also mentioned that some asylum seekers are helped or even incited by well-intentioned but naive pastors. In this way, the initially correct policy is exploited by malicious individuals. Of course, whether Ezedi falls into the category of pastors mentioned or if he successfully concealed his true nature from the pastors remains uncertain. However, it does prompt reflection for those who believe that Christianity is all about love and that love can change everything.

The God of Christianity is a God of love but also of justice and severity. God does not show favouritism to those who belong to Him. Even if God's servants like David and Moses committed sins, the punishment imposed by God did not diminish. The Reformed faith believes that Christians are only those who repent and receive grace but are still sinners, not perfect, and still need others to watch over them. Paul strongly demands that believers be sincere in their salvation and not accept the misuse of forgiveness to continue in sin (see Romans 6).

In this era that extols freedom, believers should connect with each other. While valuing privacy, there should also be a concerted effort to deepen mutual understanding. It is certainly good for the church to have close-knit relationships where members enjoy a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. However, one should not close the gate of the sheepfold, preventing other sheep from entering the circle.

There is a Chines proverb: 'Mend the fold after the sheep are lost.' (better late than never) Even good systems require people to use them properly to achieve the correct results. Hopefully, the flaws revealed by this tragic event will awaken more people to the need for a balance between love and justice, friendship, and the public interest.

I came across sad news about an incident in Coventry. It made me think about a series of obvious or hidden tragedies.

An 18-year-old drove his car aggressively into another man, around 30 years old, with whom he had a prior dispute. We can't fully understand their conflict, but even though, life can be very complicated, leading to such unfortunate events.

The person who got hit by the car is suffering the most. Although he didn't lose his life, he was seriously injured. It's expected that his friends or family are deeply worried, sad, and angry. Even after rushing to the hospital, it's hard for them to ease their anxiety and sorrow.

Beyond the news, there's another sorrowful aspect, concerning the young person who committed the crime. He's going to lose his freedom for six years, which is a fair punishment. But who is born with the desire to harm others so seriously? Committing a crime is unquestionably wrong, but who would believe someone who claims to find joy in it, with such bitterness in his heart? People prone to losing control can create significant problems in society, but ultimately, they harm themselves the most.

I believe every person in Coventry feels something when they read this news. Some might say that every place has its problems, “Is it worth discussing such incidents?”.  Or should some just focus on their own lives, following the Chinese saying, "It's not my concern, so I don't need to worry"? “While I may not be able to change anything?” “Not engaging in criminal activities is already a form of help, isn't it?” But are these issues truly unrelated to us?

Even as someone new to Coventry, I'm aware that young people in the city can sometimes act recklessly, which leaves me somewhat disheartened. There are undoubtedly various factors behind this incident, such as family issues, societal problems, security concerns, or educational challenges. However, when Jesus was in the world and encountered a man who was blind from birth, his disciples wanted to discuss complex philosophical and theological questions about the man's condition. Yet, Jesus took the most practical approach: he healed the man's eyes.

Coventry was once considered the second most dangerous place in Europe. While some may argue about this statement, is it acceptable to turn a blind eye to it? Statistics show that over 40% of the population in Coventry is Christian. Can't we pray more for Coventry and consider what we can do to address these crime issues?