Christians The latest INSIDE caring for arts and God’s media creation, reviewed, p10 p11 THE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2013 No: 6197 www.churchnewspaper.com PRICE £1.35 1,70j US$2.20 CHURCH OF ENGLAND THE ORIGINAL CHURCH NEWSPAPER ESTABLISHED IN 1828 NEWSPAPER Commissioners take over Bank

By Amaris Cole The board of RBS announced in the sum- invest in an exciting opportunity for the RBS chief, Stephen Hester, to account last mer they would favour the bid of this con- benefit of the serving and retired clergy, year, for failing to explain the Bank’s ‘duty The Church Commissioners are part of sortium, which includes the Corsair Capital bishops, cathedrals and the wide work of to society’, in relation to lending. a consortium of investors taking over investment fund, Centerbridge Partners the Church of England throughout the The Most Rev Justin Welby’s ‘war on 314 Royal Bank of Scotland branches and the Commissioners, with a focus on country especially in areas of need and Wonga’ and desire to see the finance indus- across the UK, now holding a 10 per ‘ethical standards and servicing the needs opportunity.” try become more socially responsible was cent stake in the bank. of retail and SME customers’. One way in which the Commissioners believed by some to be the motivation RBS was ordered to sell the portfolio of Lord Davies, former Labour minister and hope to influence the ethics of the bank is behind this bid, but those close to the deal high street banks by the European compe- boss of Standard Chartered, lined up the through bonuses. say the Archbishop was not involved in the tition authorities in 2008 after receiving group, which competed against other bid- Speaking on Radio 4’s Today Pro- initial decision to enter the consortium and £45.5bn in state aid, which left taxpayers ders for the branches. gramme, Mr Brown gave assurances that obtain these RBS stores. with an 81 per cent stake. The new bank, resurrecting the name bonuses of the bank’s employees would be Bruce Van Saun, RBS group finance The consortium paid £330m, and was Williams and Glyn (W&G), will be a ‘vigor- negotiated with the Church’s Ethical director, said that the deal was a ‘very com- backed up by a £270m loan from RBS. ous challenger in UK business and retail Investment Advisory Group. petitive process’, showing ‘Williams & Glyn Andreas Whittam Smith, First Estates banking sector with a projected five per The other members of the consortium is a viable and attractive business which Commissioner, said: “The Church Com- cent market share of the small and medium have agreed to this term. will be positioned as a strong, customer- missioners are excited to have the opportu- sized enterprise (SME) and mid-corporate The Church Commissioners spoke about focused challenger bank’. nity to be involved in creating a UK banking markets, and a two per cent share their decision to bid during July’s General Santander UK were originally set to pro- challenger bank operating to the highest of UK personal current accounts’, the Com- Synod. cure the portfolio of branches, but with- ethical standards and giving consumers missoners claimed in a statement last They currently manage an investment drew their bid, dubbed Project Rainbow, in more choice. week. fund of £5.5bn, held mainly in a diversified October 2012 after a series of IT failures by “We are delighted that the Royal Bank of Andrew Brown, Secretary to the Church portfolio including equities, real estate and RBS. Scotland recognised the strengths of our Commissioners, said: “This is a great alternative investment strategies. The successful bid allows RBS to benefit bid and the consortium’s vision.” opportunity for the Commissioners to The Archbishop of Canterbury called the if bank valuations improve. Conservatives ‘do good’ as Conference opens CHRISTIANS FROM service was one of the largest said in a statement issued tem and increases set below across Greater Manchester fringe events that took place before the service. the level of inflation. joined members of the at the Party Conference and “The CCF does a terrific job “As Christians we have the Conservative Party for that many looked forward to in bringing the Christian com- privilege to pray for those in their Conference Service attending. munity and our Party togeth- government both national on Monday evening. The “I am extremely impressed er and I am sure that the and local, conscious of the theme of the service was by the impact churches and service is going to be a truly weight of responsibility they ‘Greater Hope, Greater Christian organisations from enjoyable and memorable hold,” he said in a statement. Love, Greater Manches- across the different denomi- evening.” “We also need to hold our ter’. nations are making in Greater The Bishop of Bolton, the politicians to account to The service was organised Manchester through a variety Rt Rev Chris Edmondson, ensure that the policies they by the Conservative Christian of initiatives and I value the who took part in the service, promote contribute to human Fellowship (CCF). The Prime extraordinary efforts the CCF is among those who have crit- flourishing for all, especially Minister, David Cameron, and their partners have made icised the Government for the most vulnerable and the said that the annual church to host this celebration,” he changes to the benefits sys- marginalised.”

JAMES CATFORD 6 • COMMENT 6 • LETTERS 8 • ANDREW CAREY 9 • ANGLICAN LIFE 13 • CLERGY MOVES 14 • PAUL RICHARDSON 20 2 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday October 4, 2013 News Inside... The original Church newspaper Mr Speaker hails News ...... 1-5 Your Church ...... 2 UK News ...... 1-4 World News ...... 5

Comment

Leader ...... 6 new Church school James Catford ...... 6 Letters ...... 8 By Amaris Cole Andrew Carey ...... 9 Whispering Gallery ...... 9 THE SPEAKER of the House of Commons opened a Animal welfare ...... 10 special free school last week, a partner of a celebrated Books ...... 11 London Church of England school. Arts and Media ...... 11 The St Marylebone C of E Bridge School was opened due Janey Lee Grace ...... 12 to the ‘multicultural ethnic and polylinguistic community, in Crossword ...... 12 which speech language and communication needs are accentuated’, the Governors say. The Record The Speaker, John Bercow, had particular interest in this Classifieds ...... 13 opening, after discovering his own son, Oliver, had speech, Anglican Life ...... 13 language and communication issues at the age of three. Clergy Moves ...... 14 Being able to communicate through gesticulation only, Mr Spiritual Director ...... 15 Speaker said his family received help from the Westminster Sunday Service ...... 15 education authority, which has supported this new school, Alan Edwards ...... 15 but that in other areas, ‘you often have to battle’. Paul Richardson ...... 16 His personal interest led to the then Labour government People ...... 16 to commission The Bercow Report, released in July 2008, ‘A Milestones ...... 16 review of services for children and young people with Next week’s news ...... 16 speech, language and communication needs’. In his speech at the opening of Bridge School, which will cater for the children with the Special Education Needs examined in the report, Mr Speaker said the transfer from primary level to secondary level often saw children with these difficulties left to ‘sink or swim’. Online this week The specialist centre, which has admitted 12 pupils into Year 7 this year, was described as an ‘excellent and innova- tive new venture’ by the Speaker, who said he will inform the Hope: Education Secretary, Michael Gove MP, of its successful start. New resources to build youth Partners of the Bridge School, St Marylebone CE Girls work in your parish School, are also celebrating outstanding GCSE results, which place them joint first in England for the 55 schools in their category, Women bishops The school was top of the charts for 2012 GCSE results in a report by DFE published early in September, achieving 92 will dominate November’s per cent of 5+ A*-C GCSEs (or equivalent) including English General Synod, with the new and Maths GCSE. legislation due to gain First Consideration. Read the full story online Church News from Oliver Barclay Your your diocese remembered Derby: On Sunday 29 September the Bish- ties anywhere in the world who are subject- a new Church of England School in Hamp- op of Derby presented his “Bishop’s Badge” ed to violence because of their faith. Some ton. St Mary’s Hampton Primary School at two services to people in the community Muslim leaders were also present as an opened to 30 children. The Bishop presided who have shown an outstanding contribu- expression of their ongoing support for the over a service before unveiling a large tion to their community or church. A total of Pakistani Christian community. Since Sun- watercolour painting by local artist Trudi 123 people from all over Derbyshire had day there has been a designated prayer area Murray. To mark the birth of the school been nominated to receive the Badge and in the south transept that will remain open family, Richard Chartres joined the school’s some were introduced in a video published until Remembrance Sunday on 10 Novem- recently appointed Headteacher Catherine on the diocesan website www.derby.angli- ber. Dean of Bradford, the Very Rev Jerry Davis in cutting a cake, which was then can.org. The Bishop of Derby, the Rt Rev Dr Lepine, said: “The bomb attack killed at shared with the guests, staff and children. St Alastair Redfern, said: “The Bishop’s Badge least 80 people and is said to be the biggest Mary’s Hampton School has been the result “Oliver Barclay relished above all is an important event each year for the Dio- attack on Pakistan’s Christian community in of a successful joint tender between St the things of our Lord and cese. It’s a moment when we stop to say many years.” Earlier last week, the Arch- Mary’s Church, Hampton and the London Saviour Jesus Christ. He sought thank you to people who selflessly, week bishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: Diocesan Board for Schools. The Education to serve him with all the energies after week, just get on with doing what the “Pakistan’s blasphemy laws have been often Funding Agency also wants to make the of his clear mind and with the Gospel is about. Nobody can apply for it. used as an excuse to attack minorities. […] project an example of what can be achieved physical strength which has only You are nominated by your community. It’s a We call on the government and the security given LDBS’s success in delivering the proj- in these later years abated.”Read real pat on the back to people who aren’t forces to ensure that all people are treated ect to deadline. the full reflection by Pamela looking for recognition.” equally under the law. As Christians, we’re Richardson online, in whose life deeply committed to justice ... but we’re also Southwell & Nottingham: Six churches in Dr Oliver Barclay featured Bradford: Last Sunday, 29 September, called, as Jesus did at the cross, to pray for the Bestwood area have been working importantly for 68 years Bradford Cathedral was holding a silent those who are doing us harm.” together with the Citizens teams from Not- prayer vigil following the bomb attack the tingham to tackle the biggest concerns of Visit www.churchnewspaper.com week before on a church in Peshawar, Pak- London: On 25 September the Bishop of the community. Currently they are working for exclusive online content istan. They prayed for the Christian victims London, Richard Chartres, took part in a on areas such as mental health, jobs, debt of this recent atrocity and for those minori- special event celebrating the start of term of and the Living Wage.

[email protected]/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Friday October 4, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 3 Bishop comes out against wind farms

OPPONENTS OF WIND FARMS, who include Chan- mental impact that the significant growth and cumulative wind farms may actually increase CO2 emissions rather cellor George Osborne, have gained a new ally in the effect that wind farms are having in Northumberland’. than decrease them. shape of the Bishop of Newcastle, the Rt Rev Martin He quotes the Northumberland and Newcastle Society Bishop Wharton’s letter is likely to encourage cam- Wharton. call for a better balance between renewable energy devel- paigners against wind farms in other rural areas as well as In a hard-hitting letter in the October issue of the New- opments and care for the landscape on which the tourist in Northumberland. Large areas of the county are covered castle diocesan newspaper, ‘Link’, the bishop warns that ‘in industry depends. by a national park or designated as being of outstanding parts of Northumberland our landscape is becoming “Our countryside needs to be protected and preserved natural beauty. A prominent opponent of wind farms, Vis- marred and disfigured and turned into one industrial site for ourselves, for our children and our grandchildren as a count (Matt) Ridley, is a local land owner. after another’. place of refreshment and renewal for the spiritual health “We are blessed to live in an area of outstanding natural Conceding that this is a subject that causes differences and well-being of all,” the bishop writes. beauty,” the bishop concludes. “We enjoy a wonderful of opinion, Bishop Wharton argues that ‘there are critical He warns that there is no evidence that wind farms ‘will physical and spiritual heritage in this land of the Northern questions to be asked not only about the efficiency of wind ever provide the reliable, controllable energy that is Saints. Is not now the time to say ‘enough’ to any further turbines in general but also about the massive environ- required by our society’ and refers to studies that show blots on our landscape?”

NEWS IN BRIEF By Amaris Cole THE ARCHBISHOP of Canterbury is ‘delighted’ to have been invited to con- Archbishop’s After delivering their 100 millionth shoebox last year, Samari- duct the christening of HRH Prince tan’s Purse is calling for help from churches, schools, busi- George, Lambeth Palace announced nesses and individuals across the UK to bring joy to another last week. one million children this Christmas. Kensington Palace revealed that the After 23 years, the global efforts of Operation Christmas Prince will be christened on Wednesday 23 Child have enabled Samaritan’s Purse to surpass their goal of October at the Chapel Royal, St James’s service delight reaching 100 million needy children in 156 countries. Now Palace. the charity is hoping to send another 100 million shoeboxes Archbishop Justin said on Friday: “I am within the next 10 years. delighted to be invited to conduct the bap- Samaritan’s Purse UK Executive Director Simon Barring- tism of HRH Prince George. It is a great ton is asking for help to continue this great work: “We’re so privilege and honour and will without doubt thankful that despite such challenging times people from a be an occasion of immense joy and celebra- wide range of communities throughout the UK generously tion. I am looking forward to welcoming contributed gift-filled shoeboxes and helped us deliver our him into the family of the church.” 100 millionth shoebox last year. The decision to hold the service at the “As international aid continues to be impacted by the glob- Chapel where Princess Diana’s body lay al economic crisis, now more than ever the most vulnerable before the funeral was said to be a ‘very children around the world desperately need to know some- personal’ decision by the Royal couple. one cares for them.” Only closest family and friends will be invited to the Christening, which usually As part of the Us Harvest appeal this year, On 5 October a happens in the Music Room at Bucking- the international church-based charity ‘Us’ wide range of ham Palace. is asking people to look at what they are charity Christ- It is understood that the Queen and Duke good at and see how those gifts might be mas cards is of Edinburgh, along with Prince Charles used to make a difference locally and going on sale at and the Duchess of Cambridge, will attend. across the world through raising money to Derby Cathedral Carole and Michael Middleton will also be split 50-50 between ‘Us’ and a cause Bookshop. They be invited, but the godparents have not yet closer to home. Making the start, staff are available been announced. from the Southwark-based charity have Monday to Sat- The Royal Mint has announced they are formed a choir and sang at St Pancras urday from to issue a special set of coins to commemo- International railway station on Wednes- 9.00am to rate the Christening of Prince George, the day 2 October. For more information 5.00pm in the first time coins will be designed to mark please visit: Cathedral Cen- such an occasion. http://www.weareus.org.uk/harvest/ tre.

The majority of single Christians say With the original aim to simply engage with local people it ❏their church does not know what to do was the fourth year for the Rev Christ Rushton to host a with them, so a special event in Bedford this beer festival in the Minton Halls behind the church of Holy weekend, Saturday 5 October, looks to pro- Trinity, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent. vide insights and answers. The first year of the festival surprised the Church of More than half of all single churchgoers England minister when feel their churches think there is something they made a small prof- wrong with them, a key finding in a survey of it with only eight guest 3,000 single Christians, to be discussed at ales. It has then Single Christians - Life, Love and the increased year-on-year Church, shows. until this year where The day workshop at Priory Methodist there were 14 ales and Church in Bedford follows on from a suc- two ciders. cessful series of lectures at a London church. The beers and facili- Leading online Christian dating site Chris- What can a ties were provided tian Connection is sponsoring the workshop- through the local Titan- style event, designed to get people thinking red ribbon ic Brewery that has and talking about single people in church also brewed a special beer in honour of organiser Mr and sharing positive experiences. And with do for children Rushton. ‘Rambling Rev’ as it is called recognises not the one in three adults neither married nor quality of his sermons but the fact that he is author of a cohabiting, the issue is not going to go away, in poverty? series of books for walkers. the site says. Find out at: Earlier this year the Centre for Social Justice set up a Criminal Justice Programme to find public policy solutions to entrenched criminal justice problems. The publication of their first paper www.christingle.org came this week: The New Probation Landscape - Why the voluntary sector matters if we are Charity Registration No. 221124 | Photograph modelled for going to reduce reoffending. It sets out the make-up of the voluntary sector working in criminal TheChildren’sSociety |©Jon Snedden justice, their strengths and their perspectives on the reforms, and it is hoped it will help those in A better childhood. For every child. www.christingle.org the voluntary sector.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 4 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday October 4, 2013 News Concern builds over Pakistan church blast CHURCH LEADERS have continued to speak out about the attack on All Saints’ Anglican Scottish preacher Church in Peshawar. Interviewed on BBC Radio Four’s World at One programme, the Archbishop of Canterbury said that Christians were ‘crying out vigorously’ for jus- tice and protection after the worst attack on Chris- tians in Pakistan’s history that killed 85 and injured under arrest again more than 120. But he also pointed out that people in Peshawar A STREET PREACHER in Perth for the police to sort this out. Officers freedom that is crucial to a thriving also spoke of forgiveness immediately after the has now been arrested a second are routinely misapplying the law and democracy. The arrest, along with attack took place. time by the police for a breach of needlessly arresting people who are other recent arrests, shows that this Describing the bombings as ‘an absolutely the peace. sharing a message of good news. freedom is being eroded more quickly appalling attack’, the Archbishop called for Pak- The Rev Josh Williamson of the “Freedom of speech is a fundamental than many people realise.” istan’s government to make sure minority citizens Reformed Baptist Church recorded The Christian Legal Centre has are given proper protection and that people are the incident on camera and made an announced that it has been invited by treated equally under the law. audio recording on his phone of the the College of Policing to give feed- “When you look at what Christians teach, we are trip to the police station in the police back on guidelines to help the police deeply committed to justice – we pray for justice for car. use their powers of arrest under sec- the victims, justice to be established,” the Archbish- So far his video has had over 10,000 tion 5 of the Public Order Act of 1986. op said. viewers on YouTube. The recording The guidelines follow a recent “But Jesus at his crucifixion prayed also for those shows his conversation with the police amendment that removed the term who were ill treating him. And that has been the in the street and his arrest. ‘insulting’ from section 5. This previ- pattern of Christian witness throughout the cen- After his second arrest, the Rev Josh ously made it an offence to use ‘threat- turies.” Williamson was held for five hours in ening, abusive, or insulting words or He described those killed for testifying to their the cells. Prompt action by the Chris- behaviour’ with intent to cause harass- faith by going to church as ‘martyrs’. tian Legal Centre prevented him from ment, alarm or distress’. Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, Bishop being held for a longer period. The term ‘insulting’ has been quoted Michael Nazir-Ali called on the Government in Pak- Andrea Minichiello Williams, CEO by the police to justify the arrest of istan to do more to protect the country’s Christians. of the Christian Legal Centre, said: street preachers. New guidelines will “This is part of a pattern of attacks on churches “There is no law against what Rev be issued to the police when the that have been taking place over a number of Williamson was doing and he has now amendment comes in to force early in years,” he said. “This is the worst example of it by been wrongly arrested twice. It’s time 2014. far. I’m absolutely horrified at what these people (ie the terrorists) are capable of doing to innocent wor- shippers. “The question now is: is any place of worship safe? These places are not defended and these peo- Fewer Scots are believers ple are defenceless.”

THE 2011 census for Scotland sounds a wake-up call The reasons for the decline in the number of professed Church welcomes tax break for churches, the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Christians was “clear”, Bishop Chillingworth said. DAVID CAMERON and the Archbishop of Can- Church said last week. “Traditional patterns of church life have difficulty attract- terbury may have clashed over same-sex mar- In a statement released on 27 September in response to ing people in a mobile, fast-changing and increasingly riage but they are singing from the same hymn the publication of the 2011 Census returns in Scotland, the sophisticated society. Congregations are communities of sheet on a tax break for married couples. Most Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, affection which gather in time-hallowed buildings and they After the Prime Minister unveiled plans to give mar- Dunkeld & Dunblane, warned the “figures for religious find change challenging. “ ried couples and people in civil partnerships a tax affiliation in Scotland are a significant challenge for church- However, “all is far from lost. A majority of people in this break worth up to £200 a year from 2015, the Arch- es. Nominal membership of traditional churches is swiftly society still identify themselves as Christian. Their faith, bishop put out a statement welcoming the decision. changing into ‘no religion’.” their hopes and their interest are a mission opportunity for “We welcome all support for family life and we’re Ninety-three per cent of those responding to the census open and attractive faith communities which are creatively pleased that this initiative includes both married cou- answered the question on religion. Of these the largest sin- led.” ples and those in civil partnerships,” said the state- gle category were those who stated they were non-reli- He added that the “rising levels of interest in spirituality - ment released from Lambeth Palace. gious: 37 per cent. The non-religious group also had the evidenced by growing interest in pilgrimage, prayer and Many Labour and Liberal Democrats have attacked highest rise, with those of no-faith growing from 28 per cent other faith-related activity — show that many people are the plan as unfair to widows and single parents. Liber- in 2001 to 37 per cent in 2011. searching for depth and meaning in their lives. al Democrat MPs will abstain and not vote against a Approximately 32 per cent stated they were members of “Many are open to exploring discipleship even if they are measure that was contained in the coalition agree- the Church of Scotland, a decrease of 10 per cent from 2011 unlikely to become church members in the traditional ment. and 16 per cent were identified as Roman Catholics – sense.” Before the Government announced that the level at unchanged from 2011. Other Christians including the Scot- However, churches “need to change and I welcome that. which a working husband or wife (on the basic rate of tish Episcopal Church comprised 6 per cent of the popula- We need to become more creative and flexible. We need to tax) could transfer £1,000 of their income for tax pur- tion in 2011, compared with 7 per cent in 2001. think less about surviving and more about thriving. We poses, a number of religious leaders, including the Rt Other faiths included 77,000 Muslims, or 1.4 per cent of need to help people to develop their experience of the spiri- Rev Peter Forster, Bishop of Chester, and the Rt Rev the population, 16,000 Hindus, 13,000 Buddhists, 9,000 tual. And we need to learn to work together in mission to Michael Nazir-Ali said that there was a danger that the Sikhs and 6000 Jews. this new kind of society,” the Primus said. sums involved would be too small. Together with Sikh and Mus- lim leaders they signed a letter asking for the tax allowance to be more than an ‘empty gesture’. “Family breakdown costs the taxpayer an estimated £46 billion a year,” the letter stated. “It is therefore clearly in the interests of government and the taxpayer to work to counter the devastat- ing trend of family breakdown and backing marriage in the tax system is a sensible first step.” Bishop Nazir-Ali said the sum involved should ‘be significant enough for what marriage and the family represent’.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Friday October 4, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 5 India gets its first woman bishop

By George Conger 1984. A Telugu speaker, she minis- and treat all humans the same. tered in several villages before “I hail from a village and my par- The Church of South India has serving as the director of Vishran- ents sold their land to educate me. I consecrated its first woman thi Nilayam in Bangalore and as the want every girl from such a back- bishop. administrative head of the CSI’s ground to get the best education On 28 September the Rev E women’s fellowship. possible. Only education can Pushpa Lalitha was consecrated In a statement released on her change lives,” she said. Bishop in Nandyal in the Southern behalf by the CSI, Bishop-elect “As a priest, my primary respon- Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Lalitha said: “My parents had sibility was towards my congrega- On 25 September the CSI’s decided to dedicate me to the Lord tion. As a bishop, the Synod Executive selected Bishop- even before I was born, as they had responsibilities are much more,” elect Lalitha from among four can- already lost two sons. My life has she said. didates shortlisted by the diocese been God’s mercy, and I wish to be Women were first ordained for to succeed the Rt Rev PJ Lawrence. his servant for life.” the Church of South India – a unit- Bishop-elect Lalitha (57) was Among her priorities is the ed Church formed from the merger born in Diguvappad village in the empowerment of women. “Be it any of the Anglican, Presbyterian, Bap- Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh institution, women are always given tist and other Protestant denomina- in Southern India. Educated at second-rung treatment. We need to tions in 1947. Andhra Christian Theological Col- change that by promoting values The Church at present has 110 lege, she was ordained a priest in that teach us to not to discriminate women clergy. Occupy prayers at St Paul’s New rules on Listed Places of

ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL the event were Labour MP Siobhan Grimes, a renewed its link with and Anglican layman, member of Christianity Worship unveiled by Government Occupy London last Michael Meacher, and Uncut involved in Saturday when the Dean, Muslim journalist organising the THE GOVERNMENT has changed the addition to an unlimited number of claims the Very Rev David Ison, Mohammed Ansar. Westminster event, said Listed Places of Worship grant scheme where the value of eligible work carried out led prayers at a Five members of that she and her enabling parishes to claim VAT back on is £1,000 or greater. multifaith act of Christianity Uncut were colleagues were ‘really repairs and alterations to bells and bell Eve van der Steen, acting Church Build- remembrance for people removed from the steps of pleased to be working ropes, pipe organs and turret clocks. ings Adviser and DAC Secretary for the who have died or St Paul’s by the police alongside David Ison to Professional services such as architect Diocese of Exeter, welcomed the news, not- suffered as a result of when they were praying hold this act of fees that are related to eligible building ing the items now covered had historically the cuts. during the eviction of remembrance and work also became eligible when the been “very expensive items to repair or The service was Occupy London from the solidarity’. changes came into effect on 1 October. restore and this is likely to make a huge dif- organised by Occupy space near the cathedral. She added: “I hope The new regulations are also supposed to ference to PCCs trying to maintain them for London with support from The Dean’s appearance more church leaders will simplify the claims process and shorten the future generations.” other groups, including at the interfaith service follow the Dean’s example time it takes for the government to dis- Full details of all these changes, how they Christianity Uncut. It took has brought reconciliation by speaking out publicly burse funds. In any 12-month period, each will apply and new application forms are place in Parliament Square and Christianity Uncut has about the death and place of worship may submit one claim with now available on the Listed Places of Wor- last Saturday. been quick to praise him destruction the cuts are a value of less than £1,000, but more than ship grant scheme website: Among the speakers at for his action. bringing.” £500, excluding the VAT paid. This is in www.lpwscheme.org.uk Bishop reveals battle with cancer IN A LETTER to the Diocese of Bristol posted start of side effects. “One of my teeth has come on his blog on 26 September 2013, the Bish- loose and I have had to start some antibiotics. Also op of Swindon, the Rt Rev Lee Rayfield, has the vein in which the first two slugs of chemothera- described the physical and spiritual highs and py were delivered has become inflamed. Fortunate- lows of undergoing chemotherapy. ly I have plenty of other good vessels so we can On 2 September Dr Rayfield reported that he had avoid using that one again.” been diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, a can- His illness had also given him an appreciation of cer of the lymphatic system, and would undergo a Psalm 139:14. “I praise you because I am wonder- course of four cycles of chemotherapy in the Great fully and fearfully made.” Western Hospital in Swindon followed by a short “It may sound strange but illness is increasing course of radiotherapy in Oxford. my appreciation of the psalmist’s words,” he said. He noted that “although this is highly effective “The human body is a marvel of homeostasis the drugs used have a number of side effects, with with a myriad of regulatory feedback mechanisms Can a candle weakening of the immune system holding the most ensuring that everything works in harmony; any potential danger.” imbalance is corrected and stabilised. The cocktail !#%$ "!&% In his 2 September letter, Dr Rayfield noted he of cytotoxic drugs used to blast my Lymphoma has had “no idea” how the treatment “will leave me feel- been the equivalent of a tsunami hitting Littlehamp- for children ing as people respond differently. Fatigue is an ton beach and the physicians have had to step in to obvious side effect and the risk of infection makes try and dampen down the shock waves. They are in poverty? it necessary to absent myself from public ministry. doing brilliantly but having to take manual control “The plan is to engage as much as I can from reveals just how beautifully tuned the normal sys- home and the office, following medical advice and tems is.” Find out at: ensuring I have plenty of rest and appropriate lev- The bishop also offered thanks for the cards and www.christingle.org els of exercise. As the treatment and its impact notes of prayer and support he had received as “peo- Charity Registration No. 221124 | Photograph modelled unfold I will be better placed to know what is wise, ple have said some things to me which have helped forThe Children’sSociety |©Jon Snedden desirable and sustainable.” me to see how much I am loved and appreciated and In his letter of last week, the bishop reported the this has been both humbling and uplifting.” A better childhood. For every child. www.christingle.org

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 6 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday October 4, 2013 Leader & Comment Comment Politics and Church Lessons in loving

The Party Conference season is never very edifying, and this year it draws to a rather sad close, as parties try to toss sweets to electors in preparation for the 2015 general election. Mr Clegg preached that coalition governments were the way forward for the future and that his party is always a necessary ingredient. Mr Miliband announced an old- our neighbour fashioned socialist agenda, with land nationalisation and price controls on energy, harking back to pre-Thatcher, old Labour, politics. Soaring they will be next. If Egypt were to fall apart then the energy bills are indeed a painful point for millions of families and this implications for the West would be very difficult to was a very shrewd pitch. UKIP provided their own piece of theatre and anticipate. real naïveté in terms of handling the predatory media with one of the What can we do in response? MEPs calling women sluts, apparently intended as wry humour but James We can pray not just for the presidents and prime immediately used as a spear through UKIP ideology and pushing their ministers of these great countries but for their civil serious proposals off the news. Conservatives were rather cornered by and military advisors. In some cases even the fami- Mr Miliband’s energy policy and had to open up the issue of green ly members of those in charge wield the greatest taxes as too expensive. Mr Osborne’s disdain for welfare scroungers Catford influence. was declared, and Ms May’s hopes of cutting down avenues of appeal We can give; certainly for the humanitarian needs against deportation was supposedly red meat for those sorely tempted of every person who is displaced, detached from to vote UKIP. Nothing here was remotely raising the sights of the peo- their loved ones, or lacking in physical goods. But ple to higher and nobler things. If anything, Labour and UKIP were the not just that. The spiritual needs for Christians and parties offering major choices, socialism or an independent UK, as against the bureaucratisation of politics offered by the Lib Dems and Conservatives. For many of us, Jeremy Bowen of the BBC is the Old Labour seems to have arisen from its comatose state, and UKIP interpreter of the Middle East. His daily reports as old Conservativism likewise is scaring Mr Cameron. from street corners and hotel balconies in Syria and What is the role of the churches in this political debate? Most of the Jerusalem are now a staple of our news diet. policies announced by the parties could be given some sort of moral Yet he would be the first to say that the events he justification. Love and truth might be taken as a continuum on which is trying to cover are far more complex than a two policies could be placed, for example benefit-cheating could be or three minute breaking news story will allow. deemed to offend fairness and truth, while a focus on that as a policy Centuries of shifting relationships between peo- might be deemed unkind and unloving, demonising a whole class of ples, nations, borders and religions do not fit neatly people unfairly. into the rapid fire questions posed over satellite Or again, green taxes on energy can be measured in terms of an links from Broadcasting House. imperative to love the planet, or in terms of practicality and affordabili- For praying Christians concerned about the ty in the face of the fact that global warming has slowed down. Chris- Bible lands, more texture is needed to be able to tians have to make moral choices in how they vote, often coming down better understand the reality of life on the ground. to what configurations of love, justice and truth they find most con- The news is not all bad. vincing and possible. Bishops sit in Parliament and so the Church has In Algeria, the Arab Spring has resulted in better others are also considerable. If you have lost every- a real voice in policy, but since they disagree so much they merely conditions for congregations of believers than thing, what you want to know the most is that God reflect popular disagreement. existed before. Churches are being registered with still loves you and cares for you. Bibles and other Even in areas of direct theological and pastoral relevance, such as the authorities and offered legitimacy and protec- resources are a huge comfort when the storm is at health care, the Francis Report, social services’ concerns, their Lord- tion they have not enjoyed before. its greatest. ships arrayed in purple are not exactly vociferous in speaking up for In Jordan, King Abdullah has made efforts to The approach of Christians in Britain could be to patients dying for lack of water or real failures in protecting children encourage the Christian community there, even encourage our leaders to speed up the supply chain from savage violence. Archbishop Welby has spoken up against profi- sponsoring a conference for all of basic relief that has been teering against the poor and is trying to do something concrete about denominations to discuss their lagging behind the move to it – hearty thanks to him, and may he prove a stimulus to his brother concerns and to offer solidarity Much as Jesus lived and military intervention. To bishops! and encouragement. ‘love bomb’ the region would In Lebanon, often the cru- taught himself, what we have a profound effect on the cible of conflict between differ- can do here is to seek wellbeing of the people there The Church of England Newspaper ent factions in Syria and Iran, as well and enhancing our with Celebrate magazine incorporating The Record and Christian Week an uneasy stability remains. It’s contact with people who standing amongst the ordi- Published by Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd. as if the great power brokers nary Muslim or Christian Company Number: 3176742 have decided not to let this tiny do not share our faith alike. Publisher: Keith Young MBE state slide into chaos once Here at home we can do more. more as well. Christians are To say life is normal for many Christians is sim- leaving places like Palestine at an alarming rate to Publishing Director & Editor: CM BLAKELY020 7222 8004 ply to say that they have become accustomed to find work and to escape the troubles. The result is Chief Correspondent: The Rev Canon GEORGE CONGER 00 1 0772 332 2604 daily hardships and constant risks to their lives. Yet that contact between Muslims and Christians is Reporter: AMARIS COLE 020 7222 8700 for many, life does go on. I understand that some falling all the time. This contact has often helped Christian children in Aleppo have even been able to local people to see other communities as human Advertising: CHRIS TURNER 020 7222 2018 start a new school year this week. beings and not enemies of their faith. Advertising & Editorial Assistant: PENNY NAIR PRICE 020 7222 2018 Yet this is not the whole story. Between 750,000 Much as Jesus lived and taught himself, what we and 1 million refugees from Syria have recently can do here is to seek contact with people who do Subscriptions & Finance: DELIA ROBINSON 020 7222 8663 filled the streets and doorways of Beirut. Imagine if not share our faith. Graphic Designer: PETER MAY020 7222 8700 that were to happen to London or Edinburgh or According to the Centre for the Study of Global Cardiff. Christianity, Christians in the West are less likely to The acceptance of advertising does not necessarily indicate The authorities seem unwilling to set up camps have personal contact with Muslims or Hindus than endorsement. Photographs and other material sent for publication for them because of the experience of Palestinians people of no faith. Muslims are less likely to have are submitted at the owner’s risk. The Church of England Newspaper who escaped to the country almost 50 years ago relationships with Christians than with Jews, and it does not accept responsibility for any material lost or damaged. now and don’t look like going home. is more probable that Christians have personal con- Christian Weekly Newspapers Trustees: Robert Leach (020 8224 5696), The sheer volume of people moving across bor- tact with agnostics and atheists than they do with Lord Carey of Clifton, The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, The Rt Rev Pete Broadbent, ders tells of the human cost to families who not people of another faith. Dr Elaine Storkey, The Rev Peter Brown, The Rev Cindy Kent only lose their homes, but also their history and Our part in reaching out to our neighbours sense of identity. Christians are being caught in the around the world can begin with getting to know The Church of England Newspaper, crossfire and the depopulation of Christian towns our Muslim neighbours here at home. And if they Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd and villages is considerable. Relationships between are not physically near us, then let’s go and find 14 Great College Street, London, SW1P 3RX religions that have lived side by side for centuries them and love them as Jesus would do. The Middle Editorial e-mail: [email protected] are being broken. And the religious geography of East is closer than we think. Advertising e-mail: [email protected] the region is unlikely to look the same again. Subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] Even Egypt, long held as the most stable country James Catford is Group Chief Executive of Bible in the area, is in trouble. Bible Society bookshops Society. Email him at Website: www.churchnewspaper.com have been attacked and believers live in fear that [email protected]

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper NEW Feature Friday October 4, 2013 7 HALLOWEEN Doing Theology as a Bishop: Sacrament HARMLESS OR By Graham Kings

Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, which was split into various factions (1 Corinthians 11:17-20), about the importance of considering one another in HARMFUL? love and of the profound significance of Holy Communion as a focus of that love. ‘As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes,’ (1 Corinthians 11:26). In doing this, we are all included in ‘doing’ theology: eating, drinking and thus pro- claiming. It is both deeply personal and corporate: for it involves ‘discerning the body’ (verse 29). In travelling around the countryside of Dorset, most of services I lead are of Holy Communion and they raise deep memories of rural Kenya. In A Kenyan Service of Holy Communion, there is a key sentence: ‘We are brothers and sisters through his blood.’ In Offerings from Kenya to Anglicanism, I commented: “With the phrase ‘We are brothers and sisters through his blood’ we come to the hid- den heart of the [Eucharistic] prayer. In many African ethnic groups there is a tradi- tional concept of ‘blood brotherhood’, whereby friends bind themselves together, in a sort of covenant, through rubbing blood together from slight cuts in the arm. This concept here resonates with the new covenant through the blood of Christ and includes women. “The phrase has a double meaning: through the blood of Christ, we are brothers and sisters with him and also with each other. This is underlined with the following responsive echoes of Romans 6:4-11: ‘We have died together, we will rise together, we will live together’,” (p. 22). It was said that this phrase was particularly poignant at the opening Eucharist of the Lambeth Conference 1998, for the night before, the bishops had heard stories of their fellow bishops undergoing persecution. The bishop who influenced me most concerning the sacraments is David Stan- cliffe, Bishop of Salisbury 1993-2010. He was chair of the Liturgical Commission from 1993-2005, and was the architect of the series of seven liturgies of Common Worship. He has written God’s Pattern: Shaping our Worship, Ministry and Life and The Lion Companion to Church Architecture. The theologian who has especially shaped my thinking concerning sacraments is David Ford, Regius Professor of Divinity, in the University of Cambridge: he preached at my consecration. His introduction to The Modern Theologians has become a classic. In his book, Self and Salvation: Being Transformed, chapter 6 is entitled ‘Do this: a Eucharistic Self’. His later major work is Christian Wisdom and in 2013 friends in the academy published, The Vocation of Theology Today: A Festschrift for David Ford. At the Ordination Service in Salisbury Cathedral on 8 October 2011, I had a sur- prise for the congregation. After my opening greeting, an oboeist, hidden in the choir, played Gabriel’s Song from the 1986 film, The Mission. The haunting music threaded around the Cathedral, rising and falling. BY J.JOHN Ordinations are openings for sensitive mission. Many people who do not usually go to church accompany their friends and relatives, who are giving themselves com- pletely to God. At the end of the service, as we stood for the blessing, again the oboe played: this time from the balcony above the great west door of the Cathedral. We were being called out in mission.

Is Halloween just harmless fun? Or is there The Rt Rev Graham Kings, something more sinister that we should be Bishop of Sherborne aware of? J.John explores the subject with surprising conclusions. Available individually or in multipacks, these pamphlets are the perfect resource to share with friends, neighbours or your congregation. Available from www.philotrust.com/shop

J.John is a speaker, teacher and broadcaster based in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire, England.

@CanonJJohn @CanonJJohn J.John 8 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday October 4, 2013 Letters

THE OF CHURCH ENGLANDNEWSPAPER Write to The Church of England Newspaper, 14 Great College Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3RX. or you can send an E-mail to [email protected]. Tweet at @churchnewspaper If you are sending letters by e-mail, please include a street address. NB: Letters may be edited

which is used to demonise Homophobia Israel. In Israel all Christians Sir, Andrew Symes offered defini- The Pope’s record are free to practise their faith tions of homophobia in his letter Sir, I am somewhat surprised that you published an article by Peter as they wish. Israel is the only last week. His first was the nasty, Mullen criticising the new Pope. He asserts that the last two popes country in the Middle East vindictive bullying people who were ‘great’ but that Pope Francis’s view on non-believers is ‘a con- where this is true. The only Your Tweets bully those with “same-sex attrac- fused mess’. His argument in support of these statements is sadly oppression and persecution of tion” or “practising homosexu- incomprehensible to me, and, I suspect, to at least 95 per cent of Christians in the so-called “occu- als”. Andrew had already stepped your readers. pied territories” is that practised God loves women beyond acceptable language for For example he asks what Tertullian and Athanasius would have by their fellow Palestinians, who @God_loves_women those of us who are lesbian or made of the Pope’s arguments, not realising that most people will are of course Muslims. I do not Its so depressing that competing gay. I do not accept the label not know who these gentlemen are. I am afraid that is intellectual doubt that Palestinian Christians to look attractive is actually a “same-sex attraction’ or “practis- snobbery. Let me take one sentence as an example. He says that suffer, but it cannot be all put thing. And then they wonder why ing homosexual”. Both phrases ‘Collingwood (who is Collingwood?) is simply following his teacher down to Israel: it is not Israelis there’s so many depressed come from someone who is in this existential approach to theological understanding, and who have caused the 90 per cent children. homophobic. Augustine in turn took his cue from the Epistle to the Hebrews.’ He reduction of the Christian popula- Andrew offers a second possi- uses Latin phrases and words that I do not understand (like neotic) tion of Bethlehem for instance, The Church Mouse ble definition of homophobia: a and even manages to have a dig at modern music and modern litur- but persecution by Palestinian @thechurchmouse sense of being uncomfortable gy as if that has anything to do with the argument. Muslims. Finally good to hear church with difference that is not fully I think Pope Francis has been a wonderful breath of fresh air. I As for the “occupation” being a arguing that allowing church understood. Emotional discom- can understand what he says and he empathises with the person in “sin against God”, how can it be schools to expand is the best way fort is certainly an element of the pew with his humility, simplicity and warmth. The most impor- since the land was given, in per- to remove selection issues what can make people homopho- tant attribute of any Christian leader is to reflect the love of Christ petuity, to Abraham and his bic. Christians who exhibit this rather than worry about being ‘theologically correct’ whatever that descendants through Isaac by Christian Guy tendency may nevertheless do means. that same God? @ChristianGuy_ their best to display love and lack Dr Chris Chatfield, Also technically the land is not Cut through the tough headlines of discrimination towards gay Bath “occupied” but disputed. It can- and ‘work for dole’ policy looks people. Indeed some do, and I not be “occupied” because it has like it could actually bring real often feel patronized by them. never belonged to a nation state. help to people a long way from a Andrew offers a third possibili- that the vast majority of Chris- Speaker,” she mentioned to me, It was illegally annexed by Jor- job 1/3 ty. What about those who tians are homophobic and a “I am not bowing to him, but I am dan after the war of independ- through settled, rational, shocking scar on the face of remembering that the altar of St ence despite having been David Walker @BishopDudley thought-out decision, after reflec- Christ’s Church. Stephen’s Chapel is situated granted as a Jewish homeland Heading to High Leigh for C of E tion on Scripture and after listen- Prejudice, bullying and harass- behind the Speaker’s chair.” (which specifically did not Ministry Council today. Creating ing without prejudice to the ment throughout society of The Rev Adrian Benjamin, exclude Arabs from living there) the framework for ministry in a experiences of gay people, LGB&T people will only stop Prebendary Emeritus of St Paul’s by the San Remo agreement of missionary church. decide that the traditional inter- when all teaching that reinforces Cathedral the League of Nations in 1920, pretation of the church is correct: homophobic attitudes is over- which was subsequently adopted Mike Pilavachi @mikepilav God’s intention for human flour- come. by the UN on its formation. “Hardships often prepare ishing as sexual beings is either The Rev Colin Coward, Disgusting As for the land being “their ordinary people for an celibate singleness in community Director of Changing Attitude Sir Channel 4’s plan to show cou- [the Palestinians] land”, it never extraordinary destiny.” - CS of friendship, or monogamous England ples having sex is disgusting. has been. Yes Arabs lived there Lewis heterosexual marriage? The Campaign For Real Sex is prior to 1948, but it was never Does holding this opinion con- insulting common decency in “their land”, it was ruled by the Kerron Cross @KerronCross stitute homophobia, asks Treats pretending it will encourage “a Ottoman empire, and then man- Work for your dole? Nice to see Andrew? Yes, it does, and yes, it Sir, Do any readers have any frank conversation” and “reclaim dated to Great Britain. Most of that Tories don’t understand idea is what we in Changing Attitude ideas for small inexpensive Chris- sex from pornography”. It the Arabs who lived in 1948 of social insurance or would like the Church to apolo- tian gifts to give to ‘Trick or is exactly this sort of thing that arrived from the 1890s onwards interdependence whatsoever. gise for. We recognize the integri- Treaters’ who come to our door will encourage greater accept- as Jewish immigrants began to #cpc13 ty of the Biblical faith held by on Halloween, instead of the ance of pornography in society utilise the land for agriculture. those who hold to their own tradi- usual sweets or money please? and debase what is meant The Arabs arrived for the jobs. Mark Russell @markrusselluk tional interpretation of scripture A Wills, to be beautiful. There has never in the whole of Delighted to see the Grand but the result is a prejudiced atti- Ruislip J Longstaff, history been a Palestinian state in Opera House in a Belfast tude to those of us who are les- Woodford Green that area. featuring in #Downton bian, gay, bisexual and As to the separation barrier, I transgender. It is homophobic. Thatcher’s life know it is ugly and causes a huge Jack Palmer @jackpalmer88 Their attitude is alienating the Sir, “Mrs Thatcher was known to Kairos issues amount of inconvenience to both Just walked past a guy wearing a majority of Christians in the West pray often”, says Amaris Cole in Sir, I must take issue with Jeremy sides, but why is it there? It was red bobble hat. Was so tempted who do not share their prejudice your columns last week. Very Moodey and Chris Rose regard- built to prevent Palestinian ter- to run up to him and yell “I or their reading of scripture, one often in fact: she prayed privately ing Kairos and Israel, (Letter 20 rorists and suicide bombers FOUND YOU” #whereswally that has never been a universal yet publicly at the same time, by September). They claim that the freely entering Israel after more interpretation. The homophobic the simple act of bowing her assertion that Kairos “seeks to than 1,000 Israelis (Jews and Catherine Fox @FictionFox prejudice of the vast majority of head. undermine the legitimacy of Arabs) were killed in the second Where have you hidden my Christians worldwide are against She was adopted as candidate Israel” is “simply not true”, but intifada, so don’t put the blame settings, O dastardly new iPhone LGB&T people (if they are the for Finchley & Friern Barnet in then proceed to trot out some of for its existence on the Israelis. update? Speak now, or I will hide majority), is to be deplored. It is the church hall of All Saints’ the usual mantras that do just I am not claiming that Israel is YOU down the back of a sofa one of the major causes of hatred Friern Barnet where I was Vicar that. perfect because it isn’t, but by somewhere in the NW. and violence against gay people during the time she was Prime They say that it is the authentic claiming to be not seeking to and has to be confronted. It is a Minister; and when she returned voice of “Palestine’s small Chris- undermine the legitimacy of Peter Ould @PeterOuld shocking distortion of the Gospel to our parish, the sniffer dogs tian community”. Fair enough, Israel, Kairos Britain, by the way Apparently my @klout score is of love, truth and justice pro- inspected each hassock… proba- but the rest of the statement it presents itself as the champion falling. I need to start arguing claimed by Jesus the Christ. The bly making ours on such occa- “who have borne the brunt of the of Palestinian Christianity whose with people on Twitter again.... majority has been wrong about sions the safest church in the oppression and dispossession undoubted woes are all the fault other major issues and it is realm. But her most frequented resulting from Israel’s 46-year of Israel, does just that. follow us wrong about God’s attitude to church was the House of Com- occupation of their land” simply Alan Bowell, @churchnewspaper on Twitter LGB&T people. It is a tragedy mons itself. “When I bow to the trots out one of the old mantras Southwell, Notts.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Comment Friday October 4, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 9

couple who orientate their outcomes for children than Parliament for this tax lives towards their off- any other form of family. break to become a fixed spring, rather than the ‘me, The married tax part of the Treasury land- me, me’ union of a couple allowance is a step in the scape. The signs are that a AndrewCarey: who want a special day – is right direction. However it future Labour government that it provides much better is probably too late in this would probably abolish it.

ViewfromthePew because they were Christians. In many ways he is right. Christianity is Rights awareness indeed universal and inclusive. God loves Over the years, I have sometimes heard the whole of humanity without exception. Christians argue that we should support Similarly, as Christians we are called to love human rights generally, rather than give our neighbour, and the Gospels teach us Marriage incentive specific support to organisations concerned that the meaning of ‘neighbour’ is not just with the specific rights of Christians facing those who are like us. persecution. Yet, as Christians we are called into love I doubt that the announcement of a small because it’s an institution that he likes Stephen Hough, a concert pianist and and fellowship with each other. The Church married tax break for some couples will and thinks others should have access to. Telegraph blogger (‘Is it Christian to single is the body of Christ and we are called to do much to regain the Prime Minister This is presumably why he supports a out the Christians?’, 30 September 2013, value each part of the body – especially the the votes he has lost over same-sex mar- tax break for some married couples in www.blogs.telegraph.co.uk) says that as weakest. riage. the face of much opposition from those Christians we should be equally horrified Then there is the support given by Chris- Matthew D’Ancona claims in a new who were allied with him in supporting by attacks on Hindus or any other groups. tians in the earliest church to the saints in book that Cameron has expressed some gay marriage. Harriet Harman said that He writes: “We may not like it, but Chris- Jerusalem who were suffering famine. We regret for bringing in gay marriage. the creation of a tax allowance was ‘stig- tians are not God’s ‘favourites’; and we may are encouraged to pray for each other, and Cameron however has denied these sec- matising’ and ‘moralising’ and ‘Victorian like even less the fact that God loves terror- we are part of a universal church in which ond thoughts, merely conceding that finger-wagging’. And Julianne Marriott, a ists as much as he loves well-behaved little barriers of time and geography are all bro- he’d underestimated the scale of opposi- campaigner for alternative families, said: me.” ken down. tion to gay marriage. He still attributes “It’s not going to help single parents and He admits that this doesn’t mean that This will make no sense to those who live this to the fact that he feels misunder- cohabiting couples.” Christians should be glib about evil to turn in an ‘either/or’ universe. It is perfectly pos- stood. His opponents, he claims, do not The one thing that Cameron has a blind eye, but the fact that any feelings of sible to deplore violence against Muslims, understand that his reforms were to civil grasped in spite of his enormous failure solidarity about the bombing of Christians Hindus and any other individual or group, marriage, not to religious marriage. to comprehend what marriage is actually in Peshawar should be because those killed but also to have a particular feeling of iden- His defence of same-sex marriage is ultimately about – the selfless union of a were human beings, not specifically tification with Christians who are suffering. Back in the spotlight Theologian and cook Unlike Pope Benedict, Rowan Williams did not promise to be hidden from Only one obituary appears each week in The Economist. Rarely is it devoted to a the world when he retired from Canterbury and he is continuing to have a religious leader other than a Pope or an Archbishop of Canterbury but two role in both church and national affairs from his new base in Cambridge. He weeks ago an Anglican priest was featured. Robert Capon, who was ordained in was the preacher on 25 September at the service in Westminster Abbey to the Episcopal Church in 1949, died at the beginning of September aged 87. He consecrate the new bishops of Ebbsfleet (his former chaplain, Jonathan wrote 27 books, mainly on theology or New Testament interpretation but he Goodall) and Tewkesbury (Martin Snow). Bishop Williams recalled Lancelot became famous for The Supper of the Lamb: A Culinary Reflection, which Andrewes, who died on September 25, 1626, and told the new bishops that received rave reviews when it was first published in 1967 and in 2002 was their ministry was a ministry of unity because it was a ministry of hope. “You reprinted as a Modern Library Classic. The Economist reported that Capon was are ministers from the future, speaking of a future to which the path is often no fan of appetisers before dinner. He called them ‘de-appetisers’, especially bitterly and painfully unclear, and yet which is given in that great sacrament when served with cocktails. He believed that food shaped the way people live of unity,” he said. Meanwhile in this month’s issue of Prospect the Archbish- and he urged his readers to ‘aim high’. Don’t buy junk food, he pleaded, buy the op can be found reviewing Paul Collier’s new book on immigration. He is less best. “The realm of the irreplaceable is not place to count the cost,” he warned. enthusiastic than some other reviewers, notably David Goodhart in the Sun- “God invented cream,” he wrote. “Futhermore having made us in his image he day Times, but praises Collier for seeing migration against a background of means us to share his delight in excellence.” Dinner parties, he preached, are an global inequality. He also accepts a major point Collier makes that ‘we should act of love so you must think hard about the guests, their seating and the food not, out of a misplaced generosity, foster a migration pattern that systemati- you will serve. But it need not be fancy: the greatest blessing, he thought, was a cally deprives other nations of their best and most creative people’. Any bish- long evening with friends with good wine, dark bread and strong cheese. For all op in a developing country who has spent scarce resources on clergy training his love of food he was no materialist. He once began a sermon by burning a $20 only to see bright young priests move to the US or elsewhere in the West will note. “I have just defied your God,” he told the congregation. echo that. The Whispering Gallery A Palace Reborn Faith still their strength

Fulham Palace was home to the bishops of London until 1973. One of the The motto of Tristan da reasons for moving the bishop out was that it was said to be hard for people Cunha, the most remote to get to the palace. In fact it is reasonably close to Putney Bridge District inhabited archipelago in Line station and is well worth a visit. Several rooms have been restored, the world, is ‘Faith is our there is a museum, a shop, an excellent tea shop and a magnificently par- strength’. With only 275 tially restored walled garden. The trustees have done a superb job. There is permanent inhabitants, still more ground to recover but they have set their sights on raising £2.5 there probably isn’t much million to complete the job. Special events, some with a focus on families, demand for postage lectures, historical tours, films, jazz concerts and an outdoor theatre are all stamps but Tristan da part of the programme. The palace remains the property of the Church Cunha has long spe- Commissioners. It was originally let to Fulham Council (now busy restoring cialised in producing well-designed stamps that appeal to collectors. A new set the surrounding Bishop’s Park to its former glory) but is now administered of Christmas stamps has been issued to celebrate the two chief places of wor- by a body of trustees. This is a model that should be used to secure the ship in Tristan, St Mary’s Anglican Church, which is celebrating its 80th future of Rose Castle to retain the historic home of the Bishops of Carlisle anniversary, and St Joseph’s Catholic Church built in 1995. Two stamps cele- for the people. With a site on the edge of the Lake District it should be pos- brate the Anglican Church with pictures of St Mary’s (35p) and Canterbury sible to make such a project viable. Meanwhile the CEN contributor who Cathedral (£1.10) and two of the Catholic Church of St Joseph’s and St Peter’s has been sampling afternoon teas in a number of cathedrals pronounces the in Rome. Between the stamps on the sheet are photographs of Archbishop tea on offer at Fulham Palace in the top league. It is reasonably priced and Justin Welby and Pope Francis. Both churches are without priests and the offers a very good Victoria sponge cake. Anglicans have advertised the position. The people of Tristan da Cunha are proud of the two churches. The bell for the Anglican church came from a ship- wreck and the Catholic church has a stained glass window with Our Lady, Star of the Sea, a Tristan long boat in full sail and a Yellow-nosed albatross. 10 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday Octobe r 4 2013 Feature Christians caring for animals

By Amaris Cole And the charity has. Every 30 seconds someone calls the RSPCA for help, and The United Kingdom has always been at their investigators deal with 150,000 the forefront of the animal welfare issue, complaints of cruelty every year. being the first country in the world to Christians have sometimes been seen implement a law in 1822 to protect to ignore animal suffering, though. animals. While this only sought to stamp Some thinkers said that as humans had out the improper treatment of cattle, a dominion over animals, they were more general law followed years later. greatly superior to them and able to treat Since 2007, tougher penalties are now them as they wish. in place for those who mistreat animals, Christians have recently taken a lead with fines of up to £20,000, a maximum in the protection of animals though, with jail term of 51 weeks and a lifetime ban the biblical vision of creation clarified in on some owners keeping pets. Enforcers the 1988 Lambeth Conference of the such as the RSPCA have more powers to Anglican Church affirming the intervene if they suspect a pet is being importance of Creation as a web of inter- neglected. dependent relationships and human But is this all enough to keep beings being co-partners with the rest of vulnerable pets and farmyard animals creation. safe? And as Christians, do we have an The work of groups such as ASWA and increased moral duty to care for these Catholic Concern for Animals has creatures? highlighted the plight of these suffering When the updated Animal Welfare Act creatures in the UK and abroad. The was given Royal Assent, Jack Ballard, charities work to educate Christians on the RSPCA director general, said: the difference between ‘dominion’ and “Every single day RSPCA inspectors ‘domination’. have to watch in frustration and sadness On the whole, the abuse of animals is as the neglect of numerous animals at decreasing, but it is only through the risk turns into suffering. The Animal continued work of these organisations Welfare Bill would mean we could act and the support of those in the Church before that suffering actually happens.” who care for the safety of animals. Widening the Circle of Compassion

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1 mals. With the huge amount of human suffering in the ) & ' & (%& -2/+ world, some may feel it inappropriate for Christians to be involved in animal welfare. Like the environ- mental movement it has taken time for Churches and conferences in this country to embrace the cause - speakers from organisations including A Rocha now present at Greenbelt and New Wine. Our prayer is for a Christian animal welfare representation to be similarly invited to give the case that the suffering of animals should be a Christian concern. In 2000 ASWA launched Animal Welfare Sunday to raise the profile of animals on the Christian agen- da. Animal Welfare Sunday is set as the nearest Sunday to St Francis Day and ASWA provides resources and speakers for Churches to bring focus on the animals who share our planet. It is an opportunity to celebrate the amazing diversity of species, thank God for their beauty and to repent of mankind’s abuse of so many of them. This year’s theme is ‘Endangered Species’ – with resources available free online to assist those plan- ning a special service including children and youth resources. Species considered as endangered grows constantly. We all tend to identify with the higher profile - Pandas, Tigers and Rhinoceros — but in the UK too there is a growing list of vulnerable species needing A  !    of our protection including Red Squirrel, Water Vole, Natterjack toad and Dartford Warbler. More recently we include both Bumble and Honey Bees.        @ % The Rev Hugh Broadbent, writing recently for the Diocese of Truro, said: “The attitude which deter- B             mines the value of an animal or insect simply on the basis of its ‘usefulness’ to us as human beings is widespread. I am aware that such thinking is widespread within the Church, and indeed it is reflected in            0 the Church of England’s authorised Harvest Collect, where we are invited to pray only for the relief of 7(&71)@)(%35(530) human need and for our own well-being. But I am convinced that such a human-centred, utilitarian morality has more in common with Humanism than with Christianity.” !       , In placing God at the centre of our lives, we inevitably see everything he has made as ‘good’ and pre- #            cious to Him in its own right. Our horizons will broaden and our circle of compassion widen. A passage from Exodus 23:10-11 provides practical advice: CCC'&AC&'8@1'B4 “For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield; but the seventh year you shall let it rest  ( #%, ! 8D #M, 884, &69A23@), "! $ and lie fallow, so that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the wild animals may eat. Do the same with your vineyard and olive grove.” $)5 %#!I!*KM%M 6&35 71#8'%)5736&5A&85''86 Surely we should want every creature to flourish and share the fruits of the earth and fulfil God’s ambitions.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Arts/Books Friday October 4, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 11 Celebrating Knight Woody jazzes it up Jazz music, the distinctive font for an extension of less intrusive forms of Laura Knight Portraits the credits – it’s a new Woody psychotherapy, bought as a fashion National Portrait Gallery Allen film. Blue Jasmine (cert. item just like the jewellery and design- [until October 13] 12A) owes more than a bit to Ten- er clothes. nessee Williams, as Cate A habit of talking to herself out loud Blanchett’s Oscar-worthy “Jas- reduces her chances of holding a job mine” channels Blanche Dubois (she doesn’t want anything menial) or – a sister, full of airs and graces attracting a new man (she doesn’t want but impoverished, descending on anyone cheap). She rejects advances her sibling and disrupting her from a dentist (Michael Stuhlbarg), relationship with her man. and when she does find Dwight (Peter Her sister Ginger (Sally Sarsgaard), a diplomat with political Hawkins, likely to get a support- ambitions, it’s under several false pre- ing role nomination) has tences, not least over what happened to divorced first husband Augie her husband Hal after his frauds came (Andrew Dice Clay) – one factor was a bad investment encour- to light. aged by Jasmine’s crooked businessman husband Hal (Alec A revelatory moment in the script – a very unlikely chance Baldwin). Ginger’s new boyfriend Chili (Bobby Cannavale) is meeting with Ginger’s ex-husband Augie – results in a forced not too pleased at Jasmine’s arrival, especially when she’s less but funny collapse of the edifice she’s built on sand. It does lead than fun on a double date with his friend Eddie (Max Casella). to a scene where she tries to reconcile with her son Danny Much of Jasmine’s life seems false – her given name was Jean- (Alden Ehrenreich), which in turn reveals more of her author- nette – and Ginger is right to question how, when she is suppos- ship of her own downfall. The first female painter to become in 1936 a edly “tapped out”, she has flown in first class and still has Ginger meanwhile is having her own troubles as boyfriend Royal Academician since founder-members expensive habits, including a good supply of tranquilizers and Chili (Bobby Cannavale) resents the disruption Jasmine brings Angelica Kauffmann and Mary Moser in alcohol. Still, as Jasmine points out, her Louis Vuitton luggage is to his plans to move in with Ginger, which extends to Jasmine’s 1768, Laura Knight (1877 - 1970) was one of old and has her initials, so who’d want to buy that? suggestions that Ginger could do better. Chili has a destructive Britain’s leading 20th century artists. Espe- Although there’s a bit of flashing back to New York (or at least Stanley Kowalski moment but it’s not quite the Streetcar with cially famed for vivid Cornish landscapes to the Hamptons where Jasmine and Hal once lived in luxury) Desire sort of sexual tension. and distinctive portraiture, her rejection of this is largely set in San Francisco, where Ginger lives. Unlike It’s complicated if sometimes contrived story-telling, and the both Modernism and Abstraction caused Allen’s recent European excursions to Barcelona, Paris and flashbacks, though not typical Allen, work well to fill in Jas- her work to be neglected over recent Rome, there’s not much of the picture postcard about the film, mine’s history. You do start to wonder where the story is going, decades. reflecting Ginger’s (and now Jasmine’s) reduced circumstances. and the ending is so open as to seem a bit of a cop-out. Now the National Portrait Gallery’s pres- In fact, Jasmine may largely be to blame for much of her own Jasmine may be destitute, but she may recover and avoid the entation of the first major exhibition of her misfortune, though it is hard to work out whether her mental ill- worst possibilities of being penniless and mentally ill in America portraits, re-asserts her significance in mod- ness is caused by stress or whether some of her stressful choic- (and California does fund mental health programmes with a one ern-era British art. Forty-plus top-quality es are because of mental illness. The casual reference to per cent tax on the wealthy). The only certainty is that she will works across the spectrum of her subjects “Edison’s medicine” – electroconvulsive therapy which may need to rely on more than the kindness of strangers. from debutantes to gypsies, ballet dancers to now be more sophisticated and less brutal as a treatment than in circus performers, and the celebrated World One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest – almost comes across as just Steve Parish War Two paintings, enthral for their strong imagery, satisfying colour range and serious The Testing of Vocation: male, public school graduates (a long and ernance of the CofE – with the National compositional style. 100 years of ministry selection in the hard-fought campaign) Assembly (following the 1919 Enabling Knight’s working method reveals her total Church of England • the appropriateness of pro-active Act) giving way in 1970 to Synodical Gov- dedication to both capturing her subjects by Robert Reiss encouragement by the Church (and espe- ernment, and then the development of and giving them full dignity: she immersed CHP, pb, £25 cially its clergy) to encourage Christians the Archbishops’ Council at the end of herself, often for long periods, in their work- to consider the vocation to authorised the 20th Century. The nature of episco- ing and living environments, before present- If anyone has among their family, friends ministry pate has also changed significantly, but ing them on canvas. Backstage at the Ballet or fellow church members someone who • the early suspicion of bishops about a one of its enduring characteristics has Russes in London led to delightful studies of has applied, but not been selected for national process and the new theological been the concern to retain the final word dancers Lydia Lopokova and Barbara Bon- training for ordination, they may have a training courses in selection. Thus, the word advisory has ner; for several months she toured with degree of suspicion, even cynicism or • the considerable support (often led by been prominent in the title and/or terms Bertram Mills Circus painting big-top per- hostility, towards the selection processes lay people) of the growing need to pro- of reference of the national bodies. formers as in ‘Three Clowns’ (1930); psycho- in the CofE. It is a very human reaction. vide substantial finance for selection and The book essentially works to the close logically penetrating portraits of But can you imagine a time (only 100 training of the century, and there have been sig- weather-beaten Gypsy faces were fruit of years ago), when there was no national • the debates about numbers of clergy nificant developments since then. There several months’ visits to a Gypsy settlement system? Each bishop did what was right that are needed and/or affordable are numerous appendices with details of in Buckinghamshire; sojourn at a Baltimore in his own eyes. Furthermore, there was • the debates about and developments of key documents and statistics. Also a bibli- hospital resulted in deeply sympathetic stud- little organised theological college train- new kinds of ministry – chaplaincies in ography and index. The author is now a ies of Afro-American children, and concern ing, except for some maligned non-gradu- schools, universities, the Forces, hospi- Canon of Westminster Abbey, but was a to promote inter-racial understanding. ates. tals and prisons, and various types of non- member of the ABM selection staff. Your Knight was strikingly creative as a War This history of selection marks the cen- stipendiary (or self-supporting) and local, reviewer has been a bishops’ selector, Artist. ‘Ruby Loftus Screwing a Breech Ring’ tenary of the national bodies (variously and lay inspector of Colleges/Courses, and was (1943), the factory worker hunched danger- known as CACTM, ACCM, ABM and • the development of theological colleges Chief Secretary/Director of ABM/Min- ously over a spinning machine tool, became MinDiv) that were commissioned by the (and decline and closure of many), and of istry Division 1996-2006. an iconic Home Front image, while her big- national Church to bring some coherence “non-residential” courses available across Apart from minor errors, there is a scale study of a bomber crew about to take and thoughtful rigour to the process. the country strange omission in the list of chairmen off - unsentimental yet hinting deep personal Though explicitly concerned with selec- • the development of a set of criteria and on p304. The omission is Michael Turn- thoughts - followed several months at an tion, there is also considerable history of of residential selection conferences to bull, Bishop of Rochester and then RAF base. the closely related developments of train- facilitate the advice from bishops’ selec- Durham who was chairman 1998-2001. This richly engrossing exhibition also cel- ing. tors to the sponsoring bishop Then the date for his successor must be ebrates the centenary of ‘Self Portrait’, of the Amongst the complex detail of the • strategic proposals of a broader charac- amended. Some of the statistics in the artist with a nude female model, its contro- story, certain issues recur – ter (involving patronage and freehold, main text would be easier to appreciate versially innovative subject reflecting • the relation of a candidate’s sense of etc) – including Paul, Fenton Morley, through a graph or chart. With these rel- Knight’s readiness to challenge convention internal call to the external call of the Tiller and Sheffield Reports and atively small caveats, there will be a wel- to develop the portraiture genre. Church (both Reiss and the CofE have • the role of women – both in ministry come for this solid work. It will be of real Brian Cooper generally backed the latter) and in the selection processes. interest to those involved in selection, • the substantial effects of the two world Change and development may seem training and financing today, and to histo- Laura Knight Portraits is at National wars of the 20th Century and the associ- slow and contested, but now seems very rians of the period. Portrait Gallery, Trafalgar Square, until 13 ated social upheavals considerable since the Second World October. • the pressures to broaden the pool of War. The story is told against the back- Admission: £6.30; Concessions. candidates beyond primarily young, ground of significant changes in the gov- The Ven Dr Gordon W Kuhrt

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 12 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday October 4, 2013 Comment

If you saw BBC Watchdog recently and you read the newspapers you will be well aware that the ‘dangers of chemicals in cosmetics’ story is still alive and well. A few months ago it was all across our Janey Lee Grace new stands and I said at that point – I’ve been shouting about this for years! Dermatologists raised concerns about a chemical routinely used Live Healthy! Live Happy! in moisturisers, shampoo and tissue wipes. Methylisothiazolinone (MI) has been linked to allergic reactions. It’s a clear, colourless liquid (also used to preserve paint) and can lead to eczema and contact dermatitis. BBC Watchdog picked up on the preservative and investigated thoroughly, loudly naming and shaming some leading brands of sun cream and moisturisers (ouch!). The companies responded saying that safety was important to them and they would be considering reformulating their products, Cosmetic dangers as leading Dermatologist Dr Ian White from St Thomas’s Hospital London said: “With such a high rate of allergic reaction, it’s up to the companies to do the responsible thing and simply stop using it.” My take on it all is a little stronger – MI, worrying chemical though it is, certainly isn’t the only fly in the ointment. I’d wager that whether or not the big companies bow to pressure and reduce or take out the offending preservative, it will have little or no effect on the ‘epidemic of allergic reactions’ Why? Because it’s not any one chemical in isolation – it’s the cumulative effects of the thou- sands of different chemicals that are creating a kind of toxic soup. When an ingredients list includes the word fragrance or Parfum – that can mean not one or two drops – but a huge number of dif- ferent synthetic chemicals can be added and don’t need to be indi- vidually named. Talking ingredients by the way, another interesting news story this week was that Snail slime face cream is flying off the shelves. Well, at least you know what you’re getting! The answer is so glaringly obvious I’m amazed so few can see it. Avoid ALL synthetic chemicals in skincare and beauty products. There is a 100 per cent natural, in many cases organic and eco alternative, to everything from sun cream to moisturiser, shaving foam to baby wipes (without the snail slime). Check out my rec- ommended products at www.janeyleegrace.com

PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 868 by Axe

Across

1Scottish Church court (10) 7'What can mere ------do to me?' [Heb/NIV] (7) 8'A person's own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart ----- against the Lord' [Prov/NIV] (5) 10 'He spoke, and the locusts came...they --- -- every green thing in their land...' [Ps/NIV] (3,2) 11 David's rebellious third son [2 Sam] (7) 12 'But when you pray...close the door and pray to your Father, who is ------' [Matt/NIV] (6) 14 Place where Abraham's father, Terah, settled on leaving Ur [Gen] (6) 17 'You are a mist that ------for a little while and then vanishes' [Jas/NIV] (7) 19 'I said I would scatter them and ----- their name from human memory' [Deut/NIV] (5) 21 'Wear sandals but not an ----- shirt' [Mark/NIV] (5) 22 Native of a biblical country, capital Susa [Ezra] (7) 23 Symbolic battlefield [Rev] (10)

Down 1'Do not take a ----- or bag or sandals' [Luke/NIV] (5) 2'...Christ suffered for you, leaving you an ------, that you should follow in his steps' [2 Pet/NIV] (7) 3Og's kingdom, given to the tribe of Manasseh on his defeat [Deut] (6) 4'But whenever anyone ----- to the Lord, the veil is taken away' [2 Cor/NIV] (5 5'Day by day the king gave Jehoiachin a ------allowance as long as he lived' [2 Kgs/NIV] (7) 6Descriptive of the RC dogma that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin (10) 9Apostle sometimes referred to as Cephas [John & various Letters] (5,5) 13 Son of Pyrrhus from Berea who travelled with Paul to Macedonia and Greece [Acts] (7) The first correct entry drawn will win a book of the Editor’s choice. Send your 15 French philosopher and theologian, lover of Héloïse (1079-1142) (7) entry to Crossword Number 868, The Church of England Newspaper, 16 Kind of ascetic Jew sometimes associated with John the Baptist (6) 14 Great College Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3RX by next Friday 18 One of two rivers running through Damascus [2 Kings] (5) 20 'They...count me for a stranger: I am an ----- in their sight' [Job/KJV] (5) Name

Solution to last weeks crossword Address

Across: 6 Aeneas, 8 Armour, 9 Gaza, 10 Stipends, 11 Fathers, 13 Astir, 15 Hosea, 17 Ben-Ammi, 19 Bythynia, 21 Iona, 23 Aegean, 24 Shaker. Post Code Down: 1 Geba, 2 Seraph, 3 Magi, 4 Embers, 5 Buddhism, 7 Sisera, 12 Acolytes, 14 Cedars, 16 Echoes, 18 Ahijah, 20 Nuns, 22 Noel.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Classifieds/Anglican Life Friday October 4, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 13 The voice of prayer is never silent

Church musicians from as far away as Australia you’re not familiar with the Royal School of and South Africa were in York recently, for the Church Music (RSCM) we’re hoping to get to Royal School of Church Music’s International know you, as a new contributor to Anglican Summer School and Conference. Singers, Life! We support the work of thousands of organists, conductors, cantors, music group church musicians throughout the world leaders, composers and clergy came together through education, publishing, magazines and to share experiences, gain fresh ideas and learn other printed matter, and by running local new skills by participating in a busy pro- events. Although Anglican in our outlook when gramme of workshops covering anything from founded by Sir Sydney Nicholson in 1927, we chorister recruitment and publicity, to worship are ecumenical nowadays, and also support a songs and the use of time, space and music in the good number of Roman Catholic, Methodist liturgy. The course of daily worship reflected a and Presbyterian churches. variety of music styles; several services were held You may have noticed choristers wearing in the Gothic splendour of the city’s Minster. coloured ribbons and medals – the chances are If that they are following our Voice for Life train- ing programme, which is popular with singers of all ages. Our Church Music Skills pro- gramme offers modules for organists, choir directors and cantors through distance learn- ing and workshops. Just last weekend (28 Sep- tember) we congratulated the first graduates from our Foundation Degree in Church Music, run jointly with Canterbury Christ Church Uni- versity. We also run educational courses, and will soon be announcing our programme for 2014. Much of our mission would not be possible without the invaluable work of our many volun- teers around the world; in the UK alone we have 50 area committees. Each organises work- shops, social gatherings, choral festivals or other events for RSCM individual members and affiliated churches on their patch. The RSCM is also a publishing house, pub- lishing the work of composers who write music for choirs both large and small, as well as schol- arly and practically informed new editions of choral classics. We are also engaged in making arrangements of congregational music for instrumental ensembles, and the second vol- ume of our Instrumental Praise series is cur- rently in production. In fact, the latest collection of music for singers, organ and/or instrumental ensemble has just been pub- lished; Margaret Rizza’s Officium Divinum is a musical journey through the morning, midday, evening and night prayers from the Daily Office. There’s a video interview with Mar- garet, and more, on our website www.rscm.com. After a busy international conference involv- ing seminars, services and even at one stage singing plainsong in the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, it was clear that many delegates left York re-energised and inspired to return and play their part in the worship of Almighty God in their home churches. ‘O’er each continent and island… the voice of prayer is never silent’, whatever the tune.

Stuart Robinson is the RSCM’s Media Relations Organiser, and Coordinator in Wales. www.rscm.com [email protected] 14 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday October 4, 2013 Register

THE 2013 ANGLICAN CYCLE OF Associate Priest of Breadsall, Dio- with Tytherton Lucas in the Dio- BIBLE CHALLENGE cese of Derby, transferred to hav- cese of Bristol will resign/retire PRAYER ing the Bishop of Derby’s on 31 December 2013. Permission to Officiate. The Rev Dr Genny Tunbridge, The Rev Joanna Naish, Vicar of Gosforth All Saints (New- Assistant Curate of Woodford Val- castle), to retire (Birmingham) Day 277 Ezekiel 5-6, Psalm 72, 1 Friday 4 October. Psalm 113, Jer 38:14-28. St Edmundsbury & ley with Archers Gate, is to be The Rev Margaret (Margi) Joy John 2 Ipswich - (Canterbury, England): The Rt Rev Nigel William Stock; Associate Priest of Amesbury and Walker, Day 278 Ezekiel 7-8, Psalm 73, 1 St Edmundsbury & Ipswich – Dunwich: The Rt Rev Clive Young Associate Priest of Woodford Val- has moved away and her PTO in John 3 ley with Archers Gate (Salis- the Diocese of Canterbury has Day 279 Enjoy hearing the Scrip- Saturday 5 October. Psalm 114, Jer 39:1-10. St Helena - (Southern bury). ceased with effect from 27 Sep- tures read aloud in church Africa): The Rt Rev Richard Fenwick; St Mark the Evangelist - The Rev Eleanor Rance, tember 2013. Margi will also Day 280 Ezekiel 9-10, Psalm 74, 1 (Southern Africa): The Rt Rev Martin Breytenbach currently holding Permission to cease to be a Bishops Selector. John 4 Officiate in the Diocese of Black- Day 281 Ezekiel 11-12, Psalm 75, Sunday 6 October. Pentecost 20. Psalm 115, Lk 10:1-24. Sunyani burn, is to be Priest in charge of 1 John 5 (Ghana) - (West Africa): The Rt Rev Dr Festus Yeboah-Asuamah Chitterne, Orcheston, Shrewton The Most Rev Bernard Long- Day 282 Ezekiel 13-14, Psalm 76, and Tilshead (Salisbury). ley, 2 John Monday 7 October. Psalm 116, Lk 10:25-42. Swansea & Brecon - Roman Catholic Archbishop of Day 283 Ezekiel 15-16, Psalm 77, (Wales): The Rt Rev John Davies Birmingham, has been made an 3 John Honorary Canon of Worcester Tuesday 8 October. Psalm 117, Jer 39:11-18. Swaziland - (South- RETIREMENTS & Cathedral. ern Africa): The Rt Rev Ellinah Wamukoya RESIGNATIONS Mrs Sarah Tennant, APPOINTMENTS Head of Religious Studies, Citi- Wednesday 9 October. Psalm 118:1-18, Lk 11:1-13. Sydney - (New zenship and Personal, Health and South Wales, Australia): The Most Rev Dr Peter Jensen; Sydney – The Rev David Larlee, Social Education at The Lakes Liverpool: The Rt Rev Peter Tasker; Sydney – North: The Rt Rev Dr previously Honorary Assistant School, Windermere, has been The Rev Berhane Asmelash, Glenn Davies; Sydney – South: The Rt Rev Robert Forsyth; Sydney Curate of Battersea Rise, S Mark appointed Warden of The Peak previously Honorary Assistant – West: The Rt Rev Ivan Lee; Sydney – Wollongong: The Rt Rev Al has resigned and moved to the Centre, Diocese of Derby. Curate of Dalston, Holy Trinity w Stewart USA (Southwark). S Philip and Haggerston All The Rev Canon John Pedlar, READERS Saints in the Diocese of London Thursday 10 October. Psalm 118:19-29, Jer 40. Tabora - (Tanza- Vicar, Bedford, St Paul (St was licensed as part-time Assis- nia): The Rt Rev Elias Chakupewa Albans) to retiring to the Bristol tant Curate in the Plumstead Diocese from 1 November. Chichester Common United Benefice by the The Rev Martin Russell, Mark Alderton: St Mary, South- Archdeacon of Lewisham and Vicar of Halifax Holy Trinity and gate; Joy Gilliver: The Annuncia- Greenwich on 18 September. Benefice & Chaplain Thames Val- Church (Oxford) St Jude will retire with effect from tion, Brighton; Alison Hassell: St The Rev Fiona Ballentyne, ley Police (Oxford), to be Assis- The Rev Alan Deboo, 30 September 2013 (Wakefield). Mary the Virgin, Battle; Char- Co-ordinating Chaplain to Her tant Curate (to be known as currently holding Permission to The Rev John Scott, maine Hill: St John the Evangel- Majesty’s Prison Sudbury and Associate Priest (NSM) Thame, Officiate in the Diocese of Salis- presently Priest-in-Charge of ist, Hollington; Steve Moyise: St Her Majesty’s Prison Foston Hall, (Oxford) bury, is to be Associate Priest of Reigate, S Philip and also Chap- Wilfrid, Chichester; Carol Shep- Diocese of Derby, until 31st The Rev James Robert Cook, Savernake. lain to St Bede’s School (South- herd: St Nicholas, Itchingfield; December, 2012, to be Assistant Assistant Curate, Benefice of Wal- The Rev Dr Barbara Isobel wark) retired as Chaplain with Clive Simmonds: Holy Trinity, Curate (to be known as Interim bury Beacon, Newbury Deanery Mary Durkan, effect August 2013. Cuckfield; Alec Synge: St Mary Priest) within the parishes of Wal- (Oxford), to be House for Duty has been given Permission to The Rev Timothy Scott, the Virgin, Ticehurst ton-on-Trent with Croxall, Roslis- Priest, Christ Church, Totland Officiate in the Diocese of Canter- presently Rector of Southwark ton and Coton in the Elms, and Bay (Portsmouth) bury for three years with effect Christ Church resigns with effect Assistant Curate in the benefice The Rev Philip Corbett, from 8 October 2013. 19th October 2013, his last Sun- DEATHS of Immanuel Stapenhill (Derby). presently Chaplain and Priest The Rev Dr Jennifer (Jenny) day being 7th October 2013, to The Rev Ronald Reginald Bar- Librarian at Pusey House and also Helen Edith Manners, study at Sarum College and will rett, Acting Chaplain at Lincoln Col- has been given Permission to hold Permission to Officiate Permission to Officiate lege in the Diocese of Oxford to Officiate in the Diocese of Canter- (Southwark). The Rev Canon Malcolm Grif- (Sheffield) be Priest-in-Charge of Lewisham, bury for three years with effect The Rev Katherine Seagrave, fith, The Rev Ian Blyde, S Stephen with S Mark (South- from 1 October 2013. formerly serving her Title curacy Rural Dean of Yaxley in the Dio- Appointed to the Crown living of wark). The Rev John Morris, at Balham Hill, The Ascension cese of Ely, has died at the age of Brixham with Churston Ferrers The Rev Peter Andrew Day, Royal Naval Chaplain, has been (Southwark) left with effect 70 after a long battle with cancer. and Kingswear in the diocese of Assistant Curate in Training, appointed Chaplain to Lord August 2103. The Rev James Tabern, Exeter. Benefice of Wokingham St Paul, Wandsworth College (Winches- The Rev Canon Simon Charles formerly vicar of Litherland St The Rev Geoffrey Borrowdale, Sonning Deanery (Oxford), to be ter). Tatton-Brown, Paul, died on 21 September 2013 Assistant Curate known as Asso- Priest in Charge, Reading Christ The Rev Diana Morrison, Vicar of St Andrew, Chippenham (Liverpool) ciate Priest in The Churn Benefice, Wallingford Deanery, to be Priest in Charge, St Anselm, . 9'7.) );=7 )D 4>.<97 *D"' 4.'8 Hayes (London) The Rev Stephen Bradberry, '2H9EE ADG/!9 D29 DI +"9HG)JA (9D(H9 94*9!E: )/26?"9!!AC7M)J5 +"ME E+D)J 2/$D2-M<98 >DE+ The Rev Hilary Ann Campbell, )/!E +"9AEG((HA"/.9LGE+D29 D-29! /2<)D49-M+" /IGHH Team Vicar, Kidlington with E9!.M)9 "ME+D!A: %G/HM+A /2<(!9(/!/$D2 /!9(/!/4DG2+ +D +"948 Hampton Poyle (Oxford), to be KDG)DGH< LDM2 +"9HD2@ HME+DIE/$E;9< )GE+D49!E-"D "/.9 H9+ Vicar Shires’ Edge Benefice 7!MD!AHD)/+9+"9 (9!I9)+ )/!ID! +"94: +"9M! +9/4 "/E D.9! 13 (Oxford) A9/!E9B(9!M92)9 /2< /!99B(9!+E M2 +"ME ;9H<8 The Rev Paul Howard Cawthorne, >DE+ DI +"9M! *GEM29EE )D49E I!D4 (!9.MDGE )GE+D49!E /2< Team Vicar - Wrockwardine !9I9!!/HE: -M+" /I9- E4/HH /<.9!+E (H/)9

Faithful Lord, living Sav- is a faithful Lord and living iour, in youth and old age, Saviour is a powerful wit- SUNDAY SERVICE from the womb to the grave, THE SPIRITUAL ness, especially when it is may we know your protec- embedded in a lifetime of tion and proclaim your great experience as in this psalm. 20th Sunday after Trinity salvation to the glory of God DIRECTOR We need to encourage one the Father, Amen. (Prayer another in God from a place (Sunday 13th October) accompanying Psalm 71) of real experience. The Jeremiah 29:1-7 psalm is not saying that the 2 Timothy 2:8-15 In medieval Christendom By the Rev Dr Liz Hoare person who knows God will the Church was present in be free from adversity but Luke 17:11-19 every aspect of life and tinue always to praise God the whole psalm and it is rather testifies to God’s affected every person from for his righteousness and embedded in reality. Read- faithfulness in it. In each of the readings this week, the people of God are the cradle to the grave. his care of him. His great- ing the psalm gives the This prayer asks that we found in uncomfortable places. What we cannot know is est and most heartfelt impression that he is deter- would know God’s protec- Jeremiah writes to the exiles of Judah who find them- whether every person was desire is to praise his won- mined to praise God to his tion and also proclaim his selves in Babylon, the enemy’s capital city. His message conscious of God’s pres- derful God. dying breath and despite great salvation. Praise is the to them is surprising: seek the welfare of the city. They ence with them in the same But it seems that old age various troubles that have key that draws people are not to sit around moping, or hoping that the exile way that this prayer desires is now approaching and this come to him during his life together in focusing away will end soon. It will not. They are there for the long to experience. brings new challenges. Old he is confident that God will from ourselves towards haul. Just as the people increased and multiplied when In Psalm 71 there are two age means a lessening of not fail him. God, no matter what is they were in Egypt after the days of Joseph, so now places where the psalmist strength (v9) and his ene- The testimony of some- going on around us. It they are to increase outside the land in the days of Neb- meditates on the way God mies are still lurking one who has lived a long life brings glory to God as the uchadnezzar. Building houses and planting gardens are has been with him in his (v10ff). They wish to take and known God’s loving prayer points out. both endeavours which take more than a little plan- youth. ‘Upon you have I his life but they are also and sustaining presence True praise is not ning, and significant amounts of time, so the Lord’s leaned from my birth, when determined to undermine through all its ups and whistling in the dark as command is to settle down, not panic, and build some- you drew me from my his confidence in God’s downs is a powerful one. someone on the outside thing that will last. mother’s womb’ (v6) and deliverance. So he prays for Perhaps church fellowships might think, but stems The worry, of course, is that by doing this they later he says ‘O God you God to stay close (v12) and should make more space from a deep confidence that appear to be abandoning any thought of returning have taught me since I was he repeats his praise for the for them to speak of their ‘yet you will turn and home to Jerusalem, or even to be aiding and abetting young’ (v17). It is because way that God has kept him experiences and be blessed refresh me and bring me the enemy. They may find themselves swallowed up or of this that he declares that thus far. by them. from the deep of the earth indoctrinated by an alien culture inimical to their he has always and will con- Praise is the keynote of To be able to say that God again,’ (v20). covenant with the Lord. The challenge, as always for the people of God away from the true home, is to be a positive force for good in the place the Lord has put them, without losing sight of the impermanence of that world and their citizenship of another. Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem takes him through the almost alien territory of Samaria, in the Gospel reading this week. Yet even in this uncomfortable place, he Out of line online? finds the sort of faith that puts Israel to shame. Ten lep- Alan Edwards wailed ‘Power cut. Won’t last long.’ bills. Also important is the loss of ers, keeping their distance, cry out for mercy and heal- ‘Never mind’ I said picking up the another opportunity for face-to-face ing. Ten lepers are healed and restored to their paper and giving the exact money to contact in our increasingly deperson- communities. Yet only one – and he a Samaritan – The newspaper placards as I left the Amanda at the till. ‘Sorry, can’t sell alised world. Soon no cash or card returns to say thank you. There is more than a lesson village shop reminded me why I’d you the paper. Till doesn’t work; it’s payments but phone apps. Revelation here about “remember your Ps and Qs” (pleases and walked down to it. To get a newspaper electronic and I have to scan items.’ 13:17 achieved? thank yous). It is not just a story about etiquette. After for my wife. It had slipped my mind in Full marks to Amanda, following Online shopping: time saving again, all, Jesus told the others to “go”, so it may have seemed the excitement of seeing that bottles the shop’s procedures. No inconven- but what’s being lost are high streets, disobedient to come back! Yet the lesson is that our sal- of Kentish ale had been added to the ience to me in this latest computer hard hit by super stores. Small shops vation rests on the work of God – so praise and glory shelves by shopkeeper Jacob. cop-out because Jacob gave me a used to provide conversation, impor- are due to him. So I turned back to get Margaret glass to sample one of the ales I’d tant for many of the lonely elderly, as The man in the story is not the “Good” Samaritan, her ‘Daily Wail’. She prefers its puz- bought, while waiting for power to be well as commerce. but the God-glorifying Samaritan; from him we learn to zles to those of our regular reading, restored. Come on, say social media fans, prostrate ourselves at Jesus’ feet for all he has done to ‘The Daily Torygraph’. I used to read I sat on a bench overlooking the Facebook gives you more friends than save us. That is true faith: not to focus on ourselves and ‘The Daily Shirker’, finding it a perfect sea, basking in the autumn sunshine. you’d meet in a week of High Street what we might contribute, but on the one who has example of the Anglican via media, As I watched the sun’s reflection on browsing. Yet how many are friends in mercy on the undeserving. balancing savage criticism of the gam- the water I reflected how the trivial the real sense? Teenage bullying has The Apostle Paul is in a stinking, dirty, shameful moved from the playground to the prison cell, on trial for his life because of his public computer and suicides by the elec- preaching of the gospel. Like the Lord Jesus himself, tronically humiliated are all too fre- he suffers hardship and rejection by the world, for the quent. Add social media grooming by sake of the elect and their salvation. If we died with paedophiles - some friendship. him, we will live with him: our lives are bound up in the Also the exposure of children to death of a crucified Master who called us to follow him. website pornography has raised the Comfort is not something we should ever expect as concern of politicians, urged on by the Christians. Anyone who wants to live a godly life (as press, but the online editions of some opposed to a quiet one) will be persecuted (2 Timothy newspapers are occasionally vehicles 3:12). for mild versions of the sleaze that Timothy is told to remind his congregation of these print editions condemn. truths, for a time is coming when he and they will be For individuals, financial institu- tempted to self-censorship for the sake of an easy life. tions and governments, hacking and In such a context, they are to put aside the unedifying e-crime remain a fact of life. word-battles that do not strengthen their faith to E-mails speed communication, but endure. Rather, Timothy is to handle the word of truth how much time and money is spent correctly, to aspire to be a reliable and solid worker, ensuring that we’re not importing whose teaching builds something that will last forever viruses or scams? – faithful disciples of the suffering servant who died Vlad Putin I’m not normally a fan of Russia’s and rose again. answer to Arnie, Vlad Putin, but he’s bles of capitalism with the best racing incident of the till could be a parable made a breakthrough in the battle Lee Gatiss is Director of Church Society, and Editor of page of any of the dailies. Also it had of our electronic age. Benefits yes, but against hacking by deciding that the NIV Proclamation Bible only 8 pages, just enough to stock the balanced by a downside, and there’s secret documents are to be typed and outdoor privy and give visitors some- normally not a glass of ale to compen- not put online. Whereas a computer thing different to The Farmer & Stock- sate you. can be easily hacked, you’d have to HYMN SUGGESTIONS breeder, which normally did service in Supermarkets are moving to break into the strong room or safe our neighbours’ domestic outposts. replace their Amandas by self-service where Russia’s top secret documents Entering the shop again I saw that it checkouts. Customers hope for are now to be stored. Britain couldn’t was now in darkness. At first I speed, though surveys show that it’s imitate Russia. We no longer manufac- Come and see, come and see thought it was a ploy by Jacob, a fel- often quicker to go to a manned ture typewriters. Thank you for saving me low member of the Campaign for Real checkout. Typewriters in the age of the tablet! For I’m building a people of power Ale, to prevent unbelievers buying the Firms see lower labour costs, but How out of touch am I? Soon I’ll be A mighty fortress is our God ale before his regulars had a chance. unemployed Amandas mean more suggesting that we should revive The Glorious things of thee are spoken The truth was revealed when he benefits payouts, reflected in our tax Book of Common Prayer. Milestones

J John, whose early ministry was in Nottingham, is returning to the city this autumn to head up a Preaching Festival as part of the 150-year cele-

brations of St John’s College, as part of the Fes- tival, being presented under the title “God’s Word to the City”, a series of exciting events is planned to take place at three Nottingham churches – St Nic’s, Cornerstone and Trent Vineyard. The organising team also includes Talbot Street Christian Centre, launching on Fri-

day 15 November with an evening led by J John specifically for church leaders, both lay and ordained, at Trent Vineyard... Derby Cathe- dral’s exhibition by Julia Vaughan, entitled “Harbour Portals and Thresholds,” is being dis- played until 31 October in the Sir Richard Mor- ris Lounge in the Cathedral Centre, Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm... ‘

P A U L “You are ministers from the future, speaking of a future R I C H A R D S O N to which the path is often bitterly and painfully Church and World unclear, and yet which is given in that great sacrament of unity,” Rowan Williams at the consecration of new Changing bishops growth is fuelled by immigration and evangeli- ‘ cal and Pentecostal churches now make up the People views in society biggest group of Christians in the capital. Many of the people from Uganda, Nigeria or The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, is Kenya who attended black majority churches visiting St Wilfrid’s church, Monk Fryston, on How are we to interpret the finding institutional church, are growing in are from an Anglican background and the Sunday 6 October at 10am to lead a service of of the British Social Attitude Sur- number but research indicates church needs to ask why it has been less suc- Thanksgiving and Rededication for recent vey (BSA) showing that the num- these people still believe in God cessful than the Roman Catholics in retaining restoration work at the church... The Bishop of ber of people identifying and practice various forms of members from immigrant groups. This is an Worcester, Dr John Inge, has announced that the themselves as Anglican has gone prayer. area where the Catholics have made a big Rev Nikki Groarke is to be the next Archdeacon down from 40 per cent of the popu- On the Woodhead interpretation effort, notably with immigrant chaplaincies. of Dudley, coming from London where she is lation in 1983 to just 20 per cent one factor fuelling change may be But not all growth in London is coming from Vicar of St. Stephen’s Church in Canonbury, today? discontent with the stand taken by immigration. It is very significant that the Dio- Islington... Bernard Longley, the Roman Those who believe in the church leaders on such topics as cese of London has grown since 1990 with an Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham, has been inevitable march of secularisation euthanasia, homosexuality or the increase of 71 per cent in Electoral Rolls. made an Honorary Canon of Worcester Cathe- will claim this is just one more sign ordination of women. Research According to one estimate there could be as dral. In a special service to represent the commit- that their analysis is correct. Those undertaken for the Westminster many as 130,000 regular attenders (weekly and ment of Worcester Cathedral and Diocese to who argue that what we are seeing Faith Seminars showed church Sunday). Across the river in the more liberal Christian Unity, he became an Ecumenical mem- is not religious decline but a membership out of sympathy with Diocese of Southwark the statistics are very ber of the Cathedral Foundation... Graham change in religious practice will the leaders on these issues. different. Miller began work as Chief Executive of London point to evidence showing an If Woodhead is right, Archbishop Professor John Wolffe attributes London’s City Mission on 1 October... The Minister for Civil increase in belief in reincarnation, Welby and the bishops need to ask growth to a change of culture that came with Society, Nick Hurd MP visited a unique back to a growth of yoga classes or the pop- some basic questions. Do they Bishop David Hope. There was an increased work volunteer programme run by Manchester ularity of various forms of alterna- accept that in the long run the stress on evangelism in making appointments, Cathedral on Tuesday 1 October, which launched tive spirituality. establishment is unsustainable in a mission action plans were introduced, and in April 2012 in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, The religious scene in Britain is situation where less than 20 per instead of paying what was effectively a poll tax and has supported over 100 job-seeking residents complex and it is not cent are nominally parishes were asked to decide what contribu- from some of the most deprived areas of Greater easy to work out what aligned to the tion to make to central funds. Much of the Manchester with over 60 per cent of the partici- is happening. One church and seek to growth in London comes from large evangeli- pants moving into paid employment... Field Mar- conclusion suggested Much of the create a body with cal parishes like Holy Trinity, Brompton, shall Bernard Montgomery of Alamein, St by the BSA figures is growth in well-defined which feel very much part of the diocese. Francis of Assisi and the founder of the Mothers’ that an interpretation boundaries and Evidence from London suggests that Union, Mary Sumner, are among the subjects of much favoured by London clearer beliefs? churches can grow but many of the churches an innovative new series of sermons in Bristol’s St Church of England comes from Do they con- that have grown have adopted a fairly conser- Mary Redcliffe Church this autumn - based on the bishops may no clude that the vative stance on controversial issues. If Wood- theme Heroes and Heroines of the Faith, they will longer accord with large Woodhead analysis head is right, this may have turned off many be delivered by guest preachers during six of the the facts. Grace Davie is too optimistic nominal members and led to a drop in those Sunday choral evensong services between now has argued that peo- evangelical and that under- identifying as Anglican. and early December... Taking over this month, ple in Britain treat the parishes neath secularism is In responding to a complex religious situa- Sam Ward will lead Eden Network in the next church as a public continuing its tion church leaders can’t be influenced by mar- chapter of its growth; he joined Eden as a volun- utility; they like it to advance and will keting considerations. They have to be guided teer in 2000, when he was working in the field of be there when they need it; but for only be checked by clear conviction by the gospel and the claims of truth. The accounting… most of the time they choose to and strong Christian witness? tricky question is to decide when develop- believe but not belong. The fact Or do they launch a campaign to ments in the secular world enable us to come Next Week’s News that only 20 per cent of the popula- persuade people to return to the to a fresh understanding of what the gospel is tion now identify with the C of E church, taking a leaf out of the actually telling us about a particular matter Moscow will mark the seventh anniversary of the indicates this is ceasing to be the Pope’s book and playing down such as human sexuality. When is it right to murder of journalist Anna Politkovskaya on 7 case. It is a finding that is also teaching on matters where their take note of the signs of the times and when is October, whose human rights activism opposed borne out by the steep fall in bap- message is out of touch with the it necessary to resist secular pressures? the Chechen conflict and President Putin... the tism figures. popular mood? In the end theology has to decide but it has G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Linda Woodhead and those who Just to complicate the picture to be theology thought through in dialogue Governors will meet on 9 October to discuss the push the growth of alternative spir- even further there is also evidence with the culture. This is what makes mission current global economic condition... the 2013 ituality as an explanation of what is of church growth, notably in Lon- so exciting but it remains to be seen if the cur- Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and happening point to the US where don, as revealed by the London rent group of church leaders are going to be the International Monetary Fund are also the ‘nones’, those who belong to no Church Census. Much of this able to rise to the challenge. scheduled for next week, Friday 11 October...

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