Hidden Figures

Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson worked for NASA in the early 1960s. The recent film Hidden Figures tells the story of their contribution to American success in the Space Race. The film, based on a book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly, is an inspiring account of the obstacles faced by these three African-American women in a workplace dominated by white male culture and expectations.

Katherine, Dorothy and Mary were not human rights activists. They were three talented women who had to fight for the right to use their abilities not just to earn a living but also to contribute to their society. Breaking down the barriers that prevent individuals from achieving their potential is not only a matter of fairness, justice and equality. When ideology or prejudice stands in the way of those who simply want to do what they were put here to do everyone loses.

Jesus had little time for the structures and systems of his day. His ministry was characterised by actions and teaching that sought to release individuals, not institutions, to be and do what God intended. Ethnicity and gender were unimportant - a Samaritan (Arab)woman and a Roman (Italian) soldier were no less worthy of his time than members of his own Jewish community. And the religious elite were roundly condemned when their traditions or interpretations of the faith created barriers of any kind.

Hidden Figures is an inspiring film. It is sad to realise that although much has changed in western societies since the 1960s the barriers are still in place. Even sadder is the recognition that the Christian Church is one of the places where inequality remains a fact of life for many. Too often inherited doctrine and church tradition stand in the way of those who want to do what they believe God put them here to do. And we all lose as a result.