(Photo of an earlier demonstration held by members of Fathers4Justice)
Campaign group Fathers4Justice member, Tim Haries, 41, from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, is accused of causing more than £5,000 worth of criminal damage.
While I was recently in the UK a beautiful portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was unveiled at Westminster Abbey.
The oil on canvas by Ralph Heimans is a real treasure and has been put on display for all to enjoy.
Tim Haries decided that he would spray paint this picture in order to advance the campaign of the group Fathers4Justice!
I have over the years seen a number of imaginative demonstrations by this group including scaling all kinds of high-rise buildings. I've never really explored to deep what the group is all about; I do however recall what has been shared via news reports covering their earlier campaigns. They want to see Justice for father's, particularly when husbands and wives divorce and there are children involved. A worthy campaign purpose I feel.
My question is:
"Has this senseless act, by this lone individual, helped Fathers4Justice in their mission?"
Well, they've gained some press, but at the same time they have lost a lot of people's respect and support!
I'm not sure, as I write this post whether the group Fathers4Justice sanctioned the action taken by Tim Haries. If they didn't, then I feel it would help them to have a spokesperson publicly declare it. At the same time, the leaders of this group need to make sure that all members know that such a horrible act is un-acceptable.
If Tim Haries is a father trying to regain his children, I believe that he will have hurt his cause by what he has done.
What kind of example has he set a child? Why would you want to trust a man with the welfare of a child if this kind of act is acceptable in his thinking?
As a Christian, as a man of God I am outraged by Tim Haries' actions. I would want to say to him, that fighting for those who are often unfairly treated is a noble thing; but you need to choose your fights wisely. Particularly as a father; what example are you setting the next generation?
Proverbs 3:32 says:
For the LORD detests a perverse man
but takes the upright into his confidence. (NIV)
Its Father's Day this coming weekend (16th June). Many will celebrate and remember their father's, the example they've been. I close this post with this quote by Clarence Budington Kelland, a U.S. writer:
"My father didn't tell me how to live: he lived, and let me watch him do it."
A father has the responsibility of teaching the next generation. Do it wisely!
