Maybe you think I'm being overly sensitive. After all, I met my earthly demise due to a systemic intolerance of 'the other'. 

However, reports of a vicious racially aggravated assault in Partridges over the weekend are deeply distressing in and of themselves. 

The fact that the victim, who was punched to the ground and then kicked in the head whilst he lay prone, is a well-known Hadleigh businessman, liked and respected by hundreds, if not thousands, makes the attack even more appalling. 

Hadleigh is, by and large, a kind town. According to Father Derek, the Police have received lots of tip-offs as to who the assailant might be. Messages of support for the victim have been torrential. 

We all need to examine carefully how such a vile incident came to happen in our town and who is responsible. 

Obviously, the main culprit is the Neanderthal thug who, using racist epithets, cravenly struck down an innocent man. I pray to almighty God that he is arrested, charged and, if found guilty, shipped off to an especially nasty jail. 

Yet, whether we like it or not, many more of us are culpable in creating – or conniving in  - an environment where such attitudes are harboured and expressed. 

How ironic that the pitiless attack happened in Partridges. I recall sometime ago, the concern expressed by a number of residents at the store's decision to sell golliwog dolls. The then manager or owner – I forget which – blithely brushed off such concerns. Most people rather looked the other way. 

I feel terrible for the store's lovely staff who are being laid off as the shop faces closure, but maybe what goes around, comes around for the owners? 

I also hold to account the minority of admins on local social media noticeboards who dally and dither over whether to take down blatantly racist comments by some posters, including those grotesquely channelling the very worst lies about refugees. Perhaps now they will reflect as to how quickly they intervene in future? 

I certainly condemn those who post such comments and those who 'like' them, giving such 'opinions' the appearance of acceptability. 

In Galatians 3: 28, St Paul writes: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." 

In short, to be a Christian means recognising that all are equal before our loving creator, regardless of differences in outward appearances. 

Some ne'er-do-well groups delude themselves – and occasionally others – into believing that they are 'defending' Christianity. 

Let me put it in clear, simple terms. If you are a racist: You ain't no Christian, bruv. You ain't no Christian, sista. 

You're the Devil's own. 

UPDATE: Suspect hands himself in to police