Colin Beat the INSIDE Bennetts toxic remembered alerts, p5 p12

THE SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2013 No: 6186 www.churchnewspaper.com PRICE £1.35 1,70j US$2.20 CHURCH OF THE ORIGINAL CHURCH NEWSPAPER ESTABLISHED IN 1828 NEWSPAPER Synod vote ‘encouraging’

TRADITIONALISTS are still assessing gested that the amendments proposed in , as chairman, and by Dr endorse even the drafting on that basis. what happened at the York General Synod. the debate drew enough support to be Lindsay Newcombe, as Vice Chairman, The logical conclusion is that to do so Although they all expressed disappoint- taken seriously by the Committee. also welcomed the decision that the Steer- would result in a repeat of last November’s ment that amendments they proposed “Space has now been created for those ing Committee should be ‘representative of failure.” failed to pass, they drew strength from the who are concerned that those with tradi- a broad spectrum of opinion and should The Forward in Faith statement reiterat- fact that significant minorities did vote for tional understandings of church order in draft legislation to which all can subscribe’. ed that it had no desire to prevent women secure provision for those who cannot ministry to flourish in the church and “We note the preference expressed by 40 becoming but reiterates its opposi- accept the of women. engage with the process of framing legisla- per cent of the House of Laity and over 30 tion to any legislation which fails to offer In a report to the American Anglican tion,” he wrote. “The final draft presented per cent of the Synod as a whole for provi- the minority a ‘greater sense of security’ Council, Canon Chris Sugden said the to synod will depend on the agreement of sion made by Measure or by regulations than the previous draft Measure. small groups that met before the debate all parties.” under Canon,” the statement said. Forward in Faith also questioned the were valuable in helping Synod members He argued that senior Anglo-Catholic, “In later votes,” the statement continued, proposal to end the right of parishes to pass to understand each other better. evangelical and central church incumbents “even larger minorities, especially in the Resolutions A and B, a proposal that was He thought it significant that the Steer- who want to secure a place for traditional- House of Laity, rejected key elements of also criticised by Mrs Margaret Brown of ing Committee charged with the task of ists all saw the outcome as ‘encouraging, the approach preferred by the House of the Third Province Movement. She called producing legislation was increased in size hopeful and a breakthrough’. Bishops and by the most uncompromising for retention of the three existing PEVs and from eight to 15 to include representatives A statement from Forward in Faith, supporters of women bishops. In the end, the appointment of an additional evangeli- of all the different points of view and sug- signed by the , the Rt Rev 25 per cent of the Synod declined to cal PEV. Lindisfarne celebration MORE THAN 2,000 Christians gathered in the included the Rt Rev Frank White, Assistant ruins of the Priory on Holy Island last Saturday Bishop of Newcastle, the Rt Rev Seamus Cun- to give thanks for the Lindisfarne Gospels at a ningham, RC Bishop of Hexham and Newcas- special open-air service. tle, and the Archdeacon of Sunderland, the Ven The service was organised by six Christian Stuart Bain. denominations to celebrate the return of the Many pilgrims took advantage of the warm 8th-century Lindisfarne Gospels to the North weather and the receding tide to walk to Holy East for exhibition in Durham throughout the Island across the sands rather than use the summer. road. A facsimile of the Lindisfarne Gospels The address was given by the Rev Ruth Gee, book was carried in procession through the pri- President of the Methodist Conference, who ory during the service together with several spoke of the centuries of light brought to the banner-sized reproductions of the title pages of North East by the Gospels and music was pro- the four Gospels. vided by the choirs of Newcastle Cathedral, At the end of the service every pilgrim was pre- Hexham Abbey and the New Life Christian sented with a DVD commissioned by the Centre in Morpeth. Churches of the North East about the signifi- Church leaders taking part in the service cance of the Lindisfarne Gospels.

ALAN STORKEY 7 • COMMENT 7 • LETTERS 8 • ANGLICAN LIFE 13 • CLERGY MOVES 14 • SUNDAY 15 • PAUL RICHARDSON 16 2 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday July 21, 2013 News Inside... Religious freedoms highlighted The original Church newspaper By Amaris Cole work of Baroness Berridge, hoping the their religion and beliefs. group would continue to work to ‘name and The ‘catalogue of abuse’ the report’s sum- THE ALL PARTY Parliament Group on shame those in religion and politics who mary states, covers Shia Muslims in International Religious Freedom released a abuse religious freedom’. Bahrain, Baha’is and Zoroastrians in Iran, report this month discussing Article 18 to Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Christians across much of the Middle East ‘highlight the situation of millions of people Human Rights states that everyone has the and Sufi Muslims from the Sunni tradition around the world who face persecution or right to freedom of thought, conscience and in Somalia, amongst others. discrimination because of their religion or religion; this right included freedom to The recommendations in this publication, beliefs’. change his religion or belief, and freedom, range from complex to ‘really simple’, its At the launch of Article 18: an orphaned either alone or in community with others endorsers say. right, in the House of Lords, Baroness and in public or private, to manifest his reli- The Government is being asked to con- Berridge, the chairman of the group, said gion or belief in teaching, practice, worship sider appointing an Ambassadorial-level the DNA of the group was ‘about all faiths and observance. focal point on the issue, to ‘spearhead the and those who have thoughtfully decided This benchmark is not being met though, implementation of mainstreaming, country not to have a faith’. the group asserts, in many parts of the and thematic work within the FCO and The group that produced this report was world, in places like Egypt, as highlighted across relevant departments, and to assist drawn from not only all political parties, but by Bishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthodox the FCO in projection and implementation also of the various faiths represented in the Church, which is a stakeholder in the of its strategies’. Houses of Parliament. APPG. Calling on DfID to identify freedom of The authors, too, were from a variety of Unlike many human rights, there is no religion and belief as a new priority in its News ...... 1-6 religious backgrounds. United Nations Convention directly work is another recommendation, as is the Your Church ...... 2 “The point of this report is not to gather addressing the subject of freedom of reli- formation of a sub-group of the Human UK News ...... 1-4 dust,” the chairwoman said. “This is a prop- gion and belief. Rights Advisory group to focus on this World News ...... 6 er human right.” While treaties have been drawn to ensure issue. The Baroness added: “It’s clear from what the goal of universal religious freedom is Baroness Berridge concluded: “We hope Comment we have been monitoring that the issue of assured, it has become somewhat of a this report will achieve its aim of raising Leader ...... 7 the basis of persecution of belief is unfortu- ‘residual’ right. awareness of the urgent need to promote Alan Storkey ...... 7 nately increasing in profile.” Figures show almost 75 per cent of the ‘Religious Freedom for All’.” Letters ...... 8 Lord Singh, another member of the world’s population live in countries with For more information, please visit Andrew Carey ...... 9 group, commended the report, and the high levels of government restrictions of www.anorphanedright.net . Whispering Gallery ...... 9

Fresh Expressions ...... 10 Arts and Media ...... 11 Diocesan reorganisation plans approved by Synod Books and Media ...... 11 Janey Lee Grace ...... 12 By Amaris Cole scheme, welcomed the decision of the during the reshuffle, with existing archdea- Crossword ...... 12 Synod. “Synod’s historic decision confirms conries and deaneries being reorganised. THE GENERAL Synod approved the draft the Commission’s judgement that the radi- The said after the reorganisation scheme to see the creation cal creation of a new diocese centred on vote: “I am grateful for the generous and The Record of a new Diocese of Leeds, serving West Leeds offered the best way of meeting the understanding debate today in General Anglican Life ...... 13 Yorkshire and The Dales. mission challenges facing the Church in Synod, and thank all those who spoke. Clergy Moves ...... 14 The vote means that the current Dioceses West Yorkshire.” “Wakefield Diocese will work together Spiritual Director ...... 15 of Bradford, Ripon & Leeds and Wakefield The new Diocese will be served by the with Ripon & Leeds and Bradford to make Sunday Service ...... 15 will be replaced, which will come into force Bishop of Leeds and four area bishops of sure of a good outcome, despite our reser- Bob Mayo ...... 15 once the Queen has confirmed the scheme Bradford, Huddersfield, Ripon and Wake- vations before the vote. Paul Richardson ...... 16 through an Order in Council. field, and include the Cathedrals of Brad- “Please pray for the people and clergy of People ...... 16 Professor Michael Clarke, chair of the ford, Ripon and Wakefield. the three Dioceses as they come to terms Milestones ...... 16 Dioceses Commission that prepared the A small number of parishes will transfer with these new arrangements.” Next week’s news ...... 16 News from Your Church your diocese

Bradford: The Diocese of Bradford has been praised for Liverpool: More than 100 voices from the world- O’Shaughnessy, CEO, Shaw Trust and Tricia Hartley, its work in the local community, in a major new report renowned choirs of Liverpool’s Anglican and Metropolitan CEO, Campaign for Learning. Inclusion’s annual Welfare from the Prime ’s former policy guru, Phillip Cathedrals joined together for a summer concert. The to Work UK Convention and Exhibition is the premier Blond. The report, which was launched last week by the Two Cathedral Choirs Concert took place on Sunday at event for employment and skills. This year’s convention , , argues the gov- Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and the programme includ- had a particular focus on disability employment and local- ernment must do more to unleash the power of the church ed several greats from the choral repertoire such as Han- ism, as well as employment and skills. Lauren Bailey- and the millions of regular churchgoers if it wants to build del: ‘Zadok The ’, Parry: ‘I Was Glad’, and the Rhodes said: “As ERSA adviser of the year, I work across the Big Society. And Bradford’s Diocese has been lauded ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ and ‘Worthy is the Lamb’ from Han- town at Manchester Cathedral and would like to take this as a great example of the potential for further positive del’s Messiah. The choirs sang individually and together. opportunity to welcome you to our city. I’m really proud of action. Mr Blond sets out a blueprint for how the Church The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral choir sang anthems the work we do to support unemployed people, we all want of England can kickstart the Big Society, which was a cen- by Lauridsen, Rachmaninov, Tallis and Benjamin Britten. to understand more about what works, be part of a strong tral part of David Cameron’s political agenda. While the David Poulter, Director of Music at Liverpool Anglican team and forge new partnerships, so together we can government is criticised, churches and churchgoers, like Cathedral said: “This was an opportunity to hear the best achieve so much more”. those in Bradford, are praised for the huge range of activi- young voices from both Liverpool cathedrals all in one ties they lay on. The report found 80 per cent of Anglicans place, together with the adult singers from both choirs. Southwell & Nottingham: Strong links between St volunteer. Mr Blond, Director of the think tank ResPubli- They sang a range of music that really shows off their John’s Theological College and the Diocese of Southwell ca, said: “The Diocese of Bradford exemplify the merits of vocal ability.” & Nottingham were recognised on 13 July, when the Min- the Big Society. The people involved are a shining light in ster hosted a service of Thanksgiving for 150 years of mis- our community and we need more like them.” The Bishop Manchester: Manchester Cathedral opened the UK’s sion and ministry. Other events to mark the occasion of Bradford, the Rt Rev Nick Baines, said: “It has come as 2013 Welfare to Work UK Convention this week. Lauren include a Preaching Festival, run in conjunction with some no surprise that the Diocese of Bradford has been praised Bailey-Rhodes, adviser of year, extended a warm welcome of the larger Nottingham Churches and featuring the evan- in the Respublica report. On request, we sent a number of to the UK delegates. In attendance was Mark Hoban MP, gelist and preacher J John, an alumnus of St John’s. This examples of good community work through churches, and Minister for Employment; Neil Couling, Work Services will take place over the weekend of 15-17 November 2013. some of what is going on in our parishes is heroic.” Director, DWP; Kirsty McHugh, CEO, ERSA; Roy An academic conference will take place next summer.

[email protected]/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Sunday July 21, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 3 NEWS IN BRIEF Welby inflation Radicalisation trend examined Representatives of Britain’s African and said Bishop Simon Iheanacho, Chair of Minor- claims rejected Caribbean Christian communities met in Lon- ity Ethnic Christian Affairs (MECA). don on Wednesday, following the killing of Church leaders are responding to concerns army drummer Lee Rigby, who was hacked to that there may be a deliberate attempt by ter- A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN The Archbishop also condemned death in broad daylight on a London street last ror groups to recruit vulnerable young men in ‘completely rejected’ allegations by the huge difference in per capita gov- month. The two young men charged with prisons and elsewhere. This comes in the Archbishop Justin Welby that politi- ernment spending between the North Rigby’s murder, Muslim converts Michael wake of evidence that some converts to Islam, cians are pursuing inflationary poli- and the South of England. “Between Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, are of of African or Caribbean heritage, are radi- cies to reduce the national debt. 2010 and 2012 per capital spending on Nigerian Christian heritage and church lead- calised. Speaking to the Methodist Confer- infrastructure in the South East was ers are concerned about an apparent trend Dr Eric Brown, Presiding Bishop of the New ence the Archbishop compared con- over £2,000 per head,” he claimed. “In towards radicalisation of former Christians. Testament Church of God said: “We need to temporary politicians to Henry VIII, the North East it was just over £5 per “In the first place, we are interested to find out understand how to help steer young people who debased the national currency head. why a number of young people brought up in away from destructive, radicalised lifestyles; with copper coins instead of silver or “There is a danger of the radical our churches are converting to Islam, and as well as to uncover what churches need to do gold to deal with debt. individualisation of our society, mean- what is the nature of the journey some make better in areas where we may have failed A government source rejecting the ing whole sectors dismiss other sec- towards radicalisation, violence and terror,” young people in the past.” analogy with the Tudor king was tors,” he warned. “Economics has to quoted in the ‘Evening Standard’. be our servant, not our master.” Inflation has been above the 2 per He urged the Church to become a The Liturgical Commission of Archbishop backs prayers for Zimbabwe cent target for a number of years now ‘footwashing Church’ and stand ❏the met at , Dr John Sentamu, has this week but the responsibility for seeing that alongside the poor, not just talk to Cathedral this week joined the campaign by Viva, an international Christian targets are met rests with the Gover- them. He expressed his concern with over 250 worship leaders, charity, for the UK Church pray for peace and stability in nor of the Bank of England, not with about the rise in foodbanks in the UK. liturgists, lay people and clergy to Zimbabwe ahead of the elections there. Dr Sentamu said: politicians. Attacking Government cuts, he criti- discuss and share the challenges “The children of Zimbabwe need your prayers and giving Speaking to the Conference the cised those who were unable to see and opportunities for worship in at this critical time. I urge you to join Viva to stand togeth- Archbishop said: “Inflation is a tax on beyond purely economic calculations. the 21st century. er and help bring lasting change – to give children a future the poor. It is the worst tax on the He spoke of the challenge of work- The conference looked at three and a hope.” poor – because inflation at the ing for the common good in a aspects of worship in a community: moment is higher on food and fuel changed economic climate but how worship engages with the pub- than on any other area. What are the warned that economic hardship bears lic square, how music, literature Working near the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, things that nobody can do without? down most severely upon the worst and art are used to unlock the ‘mys- Hebrew University of Jerusalem archaeologist Dr Food and fuel. It is fuel poverty that off and increase the number who fall teries of God’, and the approach of ❏Eilat Mazar has unearthed the earliest alphabeti- drives people to the food banks very into that category. mission-focussed services such as cal written text ever uncovered in the city. often.” baptisms at a local level. The inscription is engraved on a large pithos, a neck-less The Archbishop of Canterbury, ceramic jar found with six others at the Ophel excavation Justin Welby, said last week: “The site. According to Dr Mazar, the inscription, in the Canaan- tasks before us in the Church are ite language, is the only one of its kind discovered in Prayers urged for Syria and Egypt worship and a generous sharing of Jerusalem and an important addition to the city’s history. CHURCH LEADERS have called for prayers for both Syria and Egypt. The the good news of Christ in word Dated to the tenth century BCE, the artefact predates by Archbishops of Canterbury and York have written to the Coptic and Anglican and deed. Through this conference 250 years the earliest known Hebrew inscription from leaders in Cairo pledging their ‘committed solidarity’ amid the recent turmoil I pray you discover afresh how litur- Jerusalem, which is from the period of King Hezekiah at and the Bishop of Wakefield, chair of the Liturgical Commission, has wel- gy may unlock our human flourish- the end of the eighth century BCE. comed the release of three special prayers for Syria. ing.” In their letter the two Archbishops write that they ‘join the call to prayer for Egypt for unity and reconciliation and the ending of all violence, in praying that Lebanon ‘is paying the price for Syrian violence’ parties may work together for a common future’. Families fleeing violence in Syria continue to announce £50million funding for the ‘host com- They end their letter with the words ‘May the Lord grant you grace and pour into neighbouring Lebanon – a country munity’ there – as well as the refugees them- strength in this ministry of reconciliation’. half the size of Wales where a million refugees selves. In his statement Bishop Platten welcomed a call to prayer issued by the will make up a third of the entire population by World Vision has revealed how the tables are Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and urged support for Christmas. turning: some Lebanese families now feel they Christian Aid’s emergency appeal for Syria. World Vision has released a report this week are worse off than the refugees. They face a “This conflict has persisted for too long and caused much unnecessary suf- examining the extent of suffering in this tiny double economic crisis as rents quadruple with fering,” he said. “The international community must redouble its efforts n country. Until now, the needs of Lebanese peo- Syrians clubbing together to hire rooms; and breaking the diplomatic impasse and in meeting the humanitarian costs of the ple have often been overlooked as efforts focus wages plummet because refugees who have conflict. It is high time we saw peace, security and stability restored in Syria.” more on the refugees themselves. lost everything are prepared to work for a pit- Two prayers asking for Reconciliation and for Peace in Syria and a third It comes days after UK Development Secre- tance. Communities say they’re at ‘breaking prayer for the victims of the conflict can be found on the Church of England tary, Justine Greening, visited Lebanon to point’ and children are scared for their future. website. Vicar’s son is ‘Rising theologian’

MATT WALMSLEY has been named the winner of a nationwide search to find a theologian. He is the son of the Rev Derek Walmsley, Vicar of St Mark’s, Utley, near Keighley - where Matt was a P$41 AA7 A2 A99A@ member of the youth group. He’s now on the leadership team of Christian charity, Agapé UK. !C'I1C 5D&AFC 1C5E'31Q ‘The Rising Theologian’ competition is held by the London School of Theology (LST) in part- 18B FD C1E'5@5ED )A@E5@F10 FD12AC 2FEFC1 nership with the Evangelical Alliance and Christianity magazine to find the UK’s most imaginative 31@1C'E5A@D*A5@ E41 !C'I1CAA7 #A)51EI* theological mind. From over 100 entries Matt won the prize of a fully-funded MA in Theology from LST – worth around £20,000. $A 25@0 AFE 9AC1'(AFEE41 HAC7 A2 ' #A)51EI E4'E '0G'@)1D ' )1@EFC51D,A80 The three finalists unpacked their thoughts on ‘The Future of The Christian Church In The UK’ DBC5EF'8319* at the recent LST In The Park event. Mr Walmsley said: “Obviously we’re very proud that Matt has won this award. He’s always A@E')E '@ %AA041'0 A@ '%!' ' !T been very articulate, especially about his Christian faith, but this is a lovely surprise. We knew he AC 6A5@ A@85@1 HHH*B(DH*AC3*F7 wanted to do a degree in theology so we’re especially glad that we won’t have to help him pay for $41 !C'I1C AA7 #A)51EI "135DE1C10 4'C5EI A* %'#R* A* 595E10 (I F'C'@E11 A*TP! it!”

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 4 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday July 21, 2013 News Church music Bishops bid to amend ‘boosts UK tourism’ THE has highlighted the importance of church music to tourism to the UK. gay marriage laws Bishop Alastair Redfern said his diocese had recently launched a tourism website to BISHOPS in the House of Lords have ed by the ghosts of section 28”. flict” between a school’s trust deeds and advertise churches in the area. called for changes to the Government’s But he added: “Let me be crystal clear: its need to have regard to guidance. She “A key bit of that is music, because church- gay marriage legislation to make clear the this amendment is categorically not about said the amendment was “unnecessary” es are among the few places that you can go position of religious schools. turning back the clock to those regret- and could also be “unhelpful”. where there will be a guarantee of music of The warned of a table times. It is about reconciling two Bishop Stevens withdrew his amend- some sort or other,” he said in a House of potential conflict between sex and rela- principles that have been the cause of ment on the basis of the undertaken given Lords debate. tionship education guidance issued by the many heated debates in this House: the by Lady Stowell that trust deeds overrode He pointed to music festivals at churches Education Secretary and the trusts under- principles of equality in marriage and the guidance. and the extensive musical programme in pinning religious schools. respect for religious freedom.” Earlier during report stage, peers Derby cathedral. A series of bishops raised the issue dur- He said without the amendment gov- rejected by 314 votes to 119 an attempt to “I go to a lot of these things and I spent 10 ing debate of the Marriage (Same Sex erning bodies would be left in a dilemma split marriage into two classes, one called years working in a cathedral,” he said. Couples) Bill in the Lords. about how marriage should be taught and marriage (same sex couples) and the “Something that strikes me all the time is The issue was raised as the legislation may potentially come up with a policy that other called marriage (opposite sex cou- that when one goes to the door after a con- moved closer to being law following a “ignores the existence of same-sex mar- ples). cert, particularly of the English choral tradi- string of overwhelming defeats for riage entirely”. The , Peter Forster, tion, it is people from overseas who want to amendments to the Bill during report “What I am trying to do is to ensure voted in favour of the amendment, while say how amazing that kind of music is. It is stage debate. that the Bill prevents faith schools from Bishop Stevens voted against it. something they rarely experience live in Bishop Tim Stevens called for a change opting out of teaching about same-sex Bishop Forster said: “An element of other cultures. to the Bill to “ensure that there is no con- marriage,” he said. recognition of difference within equal “The English choral tradition and English flict between the guidance issued by the He added that the amendment, which treatment in law is entirely consistent church music are a great jewel in our musical Secretary of State on the teaching of sex clarified the legal position, was “neces- with the purposes of the Bill.” armoury and we need to ensure, as part of a and relationships education, which sary, moderate and eminently sensible”. He also spoke in favour of giving regis- tourist offer, that we can make them available includes teaching on the importance of The , Tim Dakin, trars an opt-out from having to conduct and support them in small ways.” marriage, and the obligation of schools of said it was “no homophobic Trojan gay marriages. He called for the Government to help to a religious character to teach in accor- horse”. “As I understand it the principle in this encourage the English choral tradition and dance with their trusts”. “God willing, we will move beyond country is that we do not legislate retro- English church music. Putting forward an amendment to clari- homophobic attitudes, and this amend- spectively unless there is a compelling “I think our musical heritage is a key ingre- fy the situation, he told peers: “It is impor- ment is one way to do that. It would reason to do so,” he said. dient for encouraging international tourism,” tant to stress what this amendment is not ensure that true diversity is taught in a “I do not think that a compelling reason he added. “In an age of terror and despair, we about. It is not about seeking opt-outs for faith context,” he said. to force existing registrars to conduct have a rich gift to offer and we must do all we teachers, pupils or schools of a religious The called on the Gov- same-sex marriages has been demon- can to make it available and to secure its sus- character from teaching about marriage ernment to consider the “advantage of strated in our debate.” tainability.” as the Bill defines it. having a potential conflict between trust However, that amendment was rejected “I, personally, would have no part in and educational law dealt with in the Bill, by 278 votes to 103. proposing that. Nor is it about seeking so- rather than leaving it to a jurisdiction Peers also rejected – by 267 to 89 - a called protections for schools or teachers which may well be beyond the High move to include in a review of civil part- Bishop calls from the need to promote same-sex mar- Court or Parliament”. nerships the possibility of extending them riage.” For the Government, Baroness Stowell to family members who live together and He said many people remained “haunt- of Beeston said there was no “legal con- people and their carers. for Royal Mail Spiritual care of elderly ‘needs more attention’ reassurance By Brian Cooper Scotland’s Spiritual Care Strategy, chaplaincy services were THE BISHOP of especially remote being developed for GP surgeries. Where introduced, this provi- Exeter has called for and sparsely populat- THE SPIRITUAL needs of elderly people should be ‘taken far sion had “reduced GP prescribing and hospital admissions.” reassurances that a ed areas, face higher more seriously’ by churches, which should also ‘affirm and nur- Discussing the conference theme of ‘Creativity, Resilience and privatised Royal Mail costs for public serv- ture’ their distinctive contribution, according to the Rt Rev Bruce Spiritual Care for Older People’, keynote speaker the Rev Prof would continue to ices.” Cameron, former Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, and Elizabeth MacKinlay, Director of the Ageing and Pastoral Stud- provide universal He asked business chair of Faith in Older People. ies Centre at St Mark’s National Theological Centre, Canberra, pricing. minister Viscount Interviewed by The Church of England Newspaper at the fifth said from mid-life onwards, many people had a sense of ‘interior- Business Secre- Younger of Leckie: International Conference on Ageing and Spirituality, held at ity’, which ‘made them open to spiritual development’. tary Vince Cable “Can you affirm Edinburgh University recently, he said: “The church must be an This led to a shift from awareness of ‘time lived’ to ‘time left to said in a statement unequivocally that a inter-generational community.” live’. on the floatation of privatised Royal Mail With many churches now having few children and young peo- Pauline theology made clear that “the inner spiritual being can the organisation on will be required to ple, there was often a strong drive to attract families with young- continue to grow, even though the body becomes more frail”. the stock market maintain a universal sters, but such efforts should not mean neglecting the needs of “We must affirm older people’s creative skills. Even having that it would contin- pricing structure ‘those of mature age’, who formed the majority of many congre- dementia does not close off creativity and spiritual develop- ue to be a universal and that residents, gations. ment.” service provider to whether of Westmin- “There is an inter-generational challenge: how can the maturi- She believed ‘the spiritual search for ultimate meaning in later urban and rural ster or of west ty and wisdom of older people be a resource for the whole life’ was best mediated through reflection on Creation, the divine areas. Devon, will continue church?” creativity in nature; personal prayer and participation in a wor- But in the House to pay the same Older people, within and outside church life, often needed shipping community; intimate relationship with God and other of Lords Bishop price for the service spiritual guidance “to find a sense of meaning for their lives, and people, and creativity especially through the arts. Michael Langrish that is offered?” for even those without religious faith, questioning could be part “We must affirm the possibilities of elderly people”: such asked: “May we be Lord Younger said of spiritual exploration.” would be a counter-cultural action against public agendas assured that not only stamp prices for the Addressing the opening ‘celebration’ at St John’s Episcopal focused solely on problems associated with older people. will there be univer- universal postal Church, Bishop Cameron said the Church should reject media- The conference, which held sessions on dementia issues and sal coverage but service would “con- driven notions of ageing as just a ‘a problem’. “Ageing should not 22 specialist workshops from Finding Meaning and Sustaining there will continue tinue to be regulated be ‘a problem to be solved’, but something society should cele- Purpose in Later Life and Transcending the Changes of Ageing, to be uniform pric- by Ofcom, which has brate.” to Caring for the Spirit at the End of Life and the Spiritual Care of ing? a duty to ensure that “Spirituality and successful ageing go together”, stressed Ms the Deeply Forgetful, was co-organised by Faith in Older People, “Too often the res- they remain afford- Ros Moore, Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland. As part of NHS Methodist Homes for the Aged and Edinburgh University. idents of rural areas, able”.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Sunday July 21, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 5 The Rt Rev Colin Bennetts day conferences and an impres- thermore reopened the church sive network of home groups, this here in Baghdad, establishing a Bishop Colin Bennetts 1940-2013 all helped to create a solid Chris- major clinic and school which tian community which offered resulted in a church of over 6,000 inspiration and solace in equal people, though over a thousand Debonair, fun, risk-taking parish in the modern era who was not measure.” have been killed in the past few priest and bishop also Tutor in Theology. He made When Colin moved to Chester, years. Bishop Colin knew that if Colin James Bennetts was born in a very considerable contribution he left behind a vibrant, flourish- something was of God it would 1940 and spent his early years in to the life of the College. Atten- ing church that was genuinely work and the funding would Cornwall and London. He was dance at chapel increased appealing to those outside it. For come. educated at Battersea Grammar markedly, and the chapel music many, St Andrew’s in the 1980s “He could relate equally well to School, at College, Cam- was strengthened. His main con- would prove to be an unforget- the religious leaders or evil dicta- bridge, where he read Modern tribution was in ministering to table experience.” tors. It did not matter how com- and Medieval Languages and everyone in the College commu- Lord Carey notes: “He was an plex the diplomatic crisis was that read Theology at Ridley Hall. nity. ideal chair of Springboard we were working in, he always He met his wife, Veronica, “At the end of four years, he because he had an instinct for understood that the solution while they were members of the took with him an enormous stock mission and knew what would or needed to both be diplomatic, Cambridge University Musical of affection from the College, of Dorchester) became the part- would not work. He was respect- political and spiritual. Society. Married in 1965 they from non-Christians and Chris- time , the dream team of ed by those he was supervising Whilst driving through the were to have four children during tians alike.” the two Colins put in place an and brought to the work a sense bush in Africa we discussed the their 48 years together (Duncan, Canon Bruce Gillingham who ambitious youth programme of realism and knowledge. In the nature of our growing reconcilia- Katie, Jonny and Anna). They succeeded Colin as chaplain of which flourishes to this day. House of Bishops he made an tion work. It was clear that if our were also blessed with “almost Jesus College, recalls: “Colin “Colin had the gift of holding effective contribution because of work were to continue to develop enough grandchildren for a foot- made himself available to people together a congregation of widely his wide and varied ministry. He I would need a co-director. Bishop ball team”. over the Friday fish and chip differing views, from conserva- was one of the very few who had Colin asked me if I could choose He was chaplain to the Oxford lunch and in the evening bar, both tive to liberal. He encouraged lay had a successful parish ministry anybody for this position who Pastorate 1969-79 under Keith de for relaxation and fun but also to ministry in all its forms, and and therefore was respected by would it be? Berry and Michael Green, during listen to stories of pain, perplexity together with clergy from other his clergy. “ “I answered that the only per- which time he was also Assistant and uncertainty in studies, faith evangelical churches in Oxford Canon Andrew White recalls son I thought would be suitable Chaplain and Chaplain of Jesus and relationships.” led a pioneering training course his time on the staff of the Inter- was the vicar of Southam. On College. He went to St Andrews The Rev Paula Clifford recalls: for people across the city and national Reconciliation Centre at return to England Bishop Colin Church, Oxford, as vicar from “When Colin came to St beyond, the Christians in Oxford : “We would regularly asked the vicar of Southam to 1979-1990. After being Diocesan Andrew’s, Oxford, a church hid- Lay Training (or COLT) course. talk about the issue of being pre- take on the role as co-director. Director of Ordinands in Chester den away in the residential streets “At St Andrew’s, many young, pared to take risks rather than Thus Justin Welby was appointed under Bishop Michael Baughen of North Oxford, in 1979, the and not so young, people came to take care. Taking risks and not to his first senior position in the from 1990-1994 he became Bish- seeds of growth were already in faith and there was a steady care became my motto but was Church of England. op of Buckingham in Oxford Dio- place. But Colin’s arrival from stream of vocations to the also something, which was very “Could it be that whilst travel- cese in 1994 and Bishop of Jesus College, together with ordained ministry. much in the character of Bishop ling through the bush in a Jeep Coventry from 1998-2008. Veronica and their four children, “Veronica’s gifts as a singer and Colin. Throughout our years of that Bishop Colin chose the While at Coventry he was chair led to a joyful explosion of new composer were an integral part of working together not once did we future Archbishop of Canter- of the International Centre for life. It was a time of fun and laugh- Colin’s ministry, and resulted ever have any conflict between bury?” Reconciliation at Coventry Cathe- ter, for serious reflection on new in some memorable musical pro- us. Colin Bennetts was diagnosed dral, and with the team there liturgical forms and a building ductions in the 1980s which drew “We built a multi million pound with a brain tumour in 2011 and worked personally in Baghdad, project. in children from local schools and school in Bethlehem, held the died at home on 10 July surround- Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nige- “St Andrew’s rapidly became a musicians from across the county. first major inter-religious summit ed by his family. His funeral will ria. church for all the family, and Along with the more conventional of Jews, Christians and Muslims be in Coventry Cathedral on For six years he was co-chair of when Colin Fletcher (now Bishop church activities of house parties, from Israel and Palestine and fur- Tuesday 23 July at 12 noon. Springboard, Archbishop ’s initiative for evangelism. He chaired the Partnership for World Mission Committee. In his farewell address at Gen- WHEN ONLYTHE BEST WILL DO eral Synod Archbishop described him as “the Buying aused car can be aminefield, so why take any chance most debonair and dashing mem- when parting with your money? Beware not all used cars are ber of the House of Bishops”. the same!Can you tellifone has been in an accident,orifit still has finance owing on it, or even if it has just had some Bishop John Pritchard of fresh paintwork to cover the rust? Oxford, who attended St Aldate’s as a student, writes: “Colin as a Priory Automotive can and they also do much more too, as wise young Pastorate Chaplain suppliers only to Church members and Clergy you can be wonderfully complemented the assured of getting the very best car for your money. charming eccentricities of Keith Priory fully history check every car they supply,each one is de Berry. He offered a splendid independently serviced in an RACapproved garage, afull MOT model of discipleship and min- is put on those needingone, and theythen undergo afull day’s istry for young students. His pres- interior and exterior valet,even the enginebay is cleaned. ence signalled reassurance and Quality is paramount (justview their customer testimonials on Godly common sense.” the Priory website),only the very best will do forthem, so you Michael Green, rector of St the customer benefit. An underwritten 12 month warranty is included, your car is taxed and then delivered to your door, no Aldate’s from 1975-82 writes: hidden costs at all. “Colin guided me through the intricacies of that incumbency Part exchange of your old car is welcomeand they can also what with town work, student handle theChurch Commissioners Clergy loan for you too. work, Catacombs, Common- With their team having over 30 years experience, you will be in wealth House, over the first year. safe hands. He was an unfailing support, the ideal partner in ministry and I do For anyfurtherinformation, please not think we ever had a cross call 0114 2559696 or visit word.” Donald Hay, fellow of Jesus Col- lege, Oxford writes: “Colin was www.prioryautomotive.com the first Chaplain of Jesus College

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 6 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday July 21, 2013 News Mursi overthrow welcomed by religious leaders in Egypt

CHRISTIAN LEADERShave wel- Egyptian people - through the other political leaders, to discuss ago, we Egyptians experienced increasingly challenging through comed the overthrow of Presi- idea of Tamarod and its youth – the roadmap for the future of divisions, exclusions, sectarian a state of fragmentation, a failing dent Mohammed Mursi and his taking back their stolen revolu- Egypt. clashes, fanaticism, a decrease in economy and a weakened state of Muslim Brotherhood govern- tion in a peaceful way.” “After this meeting, it was tourism and a bad economy. This law and order,” he said. ment in Egypt. Following four Shortly after the Army gave announced that the head of the is an answer to the prayers of so “With the age-old scourge of days of nationwide demonstra- President Mursi 48 hours to constitutional court will be an many people from around the illiteracy and poverty unad- tions that saw an estimated 20 respond to the protesters’ interim leader of the nation. The world who were praying for our dressed and the development of a million Egyptians take to the demands, Pope Tawadros plead- current controversial constitution beloved country Egypt,” the bish- cohesive sense of national pride streets on 3 July 2013 the Egypt- ed for a solution that “listens to is now suspended. The new gov- op said. and unity unrealised, the people ian army seized power, arresting the voice of the people” and gave ernment will involve capable peo- On 4 July Bishop Angelos, Gen- of Egypt took to the streets to fol- President Mursi and suspending his support to the opposition, ple from different backgrounds. eral Bishop of the Coptic Ortho- low their desire for dignity and the country’s Islamist Constitu- tweeting “I pay tribute to the big “As soon as Field Marshall dox Church in the United social justice in the way that tion. three of Egypt: the people, the Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced Kingdom released a statement proved successful just over two “At last, Egypt is now free from army and the youth.” this, millions of Egyptians on the saying the overthrow of Mursi years prior,” Bishop Angelos the oppressive rule of the Muslim Dr Anis reported the army had streets went around rejoicing, regime was the second wave of wrote. Brotherhood,” wrote the Angli- “responded to the invitation of the singing, dancing and making a lot the Arab Spring. The path ahead was not clear, can Bishop of Egypt, the Most people to intervene and force the of fireworks. I have never seen “What has been seen in the Dr Anis warned, noting there Rev Mouneer Anis, on 3 July. President to step down at the Egyptians rejoicing in such a way! streets of Egypt over the past could be a “violent reaction of the At the start of the demonstra- request of the people of Egypt. They deserve this joy as they week would have been consid- Islamists.” tions, Pope Tawadros II – spiritual Field Marshall Abdel Fattah el- insisted to write their own histo- ered by many as impossible, espe- “Pray for Egypt,” the Bishop leader of the Coptic Orthodox Sisi invited His Holiness Pope ry,” the bishop wrote. cially when set against the wrote. Pray for “unity and recon- Church tweeted his support, writ- Tawadros II and the Grand Imam “Since the Muslim Brother- backdrop of two years which com- ciliation after more than one year ing: “It’s wonderful to see the of Egypt Dr Ahmed el-Tayyib, and hood ruled the country a year menced joyfully, but became of divisions.” London church can sell its valuable altarpiece Ordinariate is THE CONSISTORY COURT of the The court noted the case “if nothing else, is an object has granted a faculty to St Stephen Walbrook Church lesson of the consequences of incumbents behaving as to sell Benjamin West’s altarpiece, Devout Men Taking though the church building is a sort of personal doll’s Away the Body of St Stephen (1776). house for them to play with, without reference to the On 10 July Judge Nigel Seed, chancellor of the con- parishioners.” extended to sistory court, ruled that the City of London parish may When hung behind the altar, the painting “severely sell the painting for $2.85m to an anonymous founda- compromised the integrity of the Wren building in tion, which will lend it to the Museum of Fine Arts in scale, visual appearance and by the damage to the orig- Boston. inal fabric,” it stated. St Stephen Walbrook was rebuilt in 1679 by Christo- However the court said it was “satisfied that the peti- lapsed Catholics pher Wren after it was destroyed in the Great Fire of tioners have made out the necessary financial need to London. In 1776 the Rev Thomas Wilson commis- dispose of this painting, that any connection it may be The Anglican ordinariates have been given permission by Pope sioned the painting from West, an American artist who said to have had to the parish was illegally established Francis to evangelize lapsed Catholics. had immigrated to England. The painting was installed and to the aesthetic detriment of the church and that it On 31 May 2013 the Pope amended Article 5 of the ordinari- behind the altar but moved in 1848 to the north wall of should be sold to be displayed in the Museum of Fine ates governing Norms, widening its base for evangelization from the church. Arts in Boston.” ex-Anglicans to include those Catholics who had fallen away In 1987 the Rev Chad Varah had the painting placed The Church Buildings Council had opposed the sale, from the church before being confirmed. in storage while a new marble altar by Henry Moore asking that the painting be placed back on display. The new Article 5 §2 of the ordinariate’s Norms states: “A per- was installed. The court noted the original display of After the court handed down its decision, the Council son who has been baptised in the but who has the painting and its removal in 1987 had been done released a statement saying it was “deeply disappoint- not completed the Sacraments of Initiation, and subsequently without a request for faculty permission. ed” by the ruling. returns to the faith and practice of the Church as a result of the evangelising mission of the Ordinariate, may be admitted to membership in the Ordinariate and receive the Sacrament of Primate backs death penalty Confirmation or the Sacrament of the Eucharist or both.” ACC chairman resigns In a statement released on its website, the Ordinariate of Our THE PRIMATE of the ence, the bishops Lady of Walsingham explained: “This confirms the place of the Church of Nigeria, the described the executions THE CHAIRMAN of the Malawi Council of Personal Ordinariates within the mission of the wider Catholic Most Rev Nicholas Okoh, as “a clear departure Anglican Consultative Churches and the Public Church, not simply as a jurisdiction for those from the Anglican has reaffirmed the moral- from modernity to sav- Council, the Rt Rev Affairs Council (PAC). tradition, but as a contributor to the urgent work of the New ity of capital punishment agery”. James Tengatenga, has On 11 July 2013 Dr Evangelisation.” telling reporters last “We believe that the resigned as Bishop of Tengatenga told The Roman Catholics “may not become members of a Personal week the execution of actions aimed at reform- Southern Malawi to Church of England News- Ordinariate ‘for purely subjective motives or personal prefer- convicted criminals by ing criminals will do bet- accept a lectureship at paper he had “given ence’”, the statement said as “enrolment into a Personal Ordinar- the state did not contra- ter good to the society Dartmouth College in the notice of resignation to iate remains linked to an objective criterion of incomplete vene Christian ethical than capital punishment,” United States. my archbishop. It is just initiation”, when baptism, Eucharist, or confirmation are lacking. teaching. the Catholic archbishop On 10 July the Nyasa unfortunate that the news The “new evangelization” is the Roman Catholic Church’s On 21 June 2013 four said. Times reported Dr Ten- got out this way. Yester- campaign to bring the Gospel to formerly Christian nations in men were hanged in Overseas organiza- gatenga, the senior bish- day I was giving a heads Europe and the Americas and includes outreach to people who Benin, Edo State, after tions, led by Amnesty op of the Province of up to my core leadership were baptized as Catholics but who never completed the process they exhausted their International, also con- Central Africa, would so that they do not get of Christian initiation. appeals following their demned the hangings. take up a university post surprised when the arch- Mgr Jeffrey Steenson – the former Episcopal Bishop of the Rio convictions for murder. However Archbishop in the United States and bishop sends the news.” Grande and ordinary of the Chair of Saint Peter, in North Ameri- In a statement signed by Okoh told reporters on 5 will relinquish his leader- Dr Tengatenga stated it ca — welcomed the clarification from . “Particularly in Archbishop Ignatius July 2013 “government ship of several Malawian was unfortunate an North America, with large percentages of ‘unchurched’ peoples, Kaigama of Jos, president should not allow anybody civil society groups unnamed source at the it is inevitable that we will encounter those who have no formal of the Nigerian Roman or organisation to teach it including the National provincial office in Zam- ecclesial relationships but who are seekers of truth,” he said. Catholic Bishops’ Confer- what morality is.” AIDS Commission, bia had leaked the story.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Leader & Comment Sunday July 21, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 7 Comment Denial and the fate of the Uncivil Wars whistleblowers ence as democracy is formed in another election. It may just be that the power of political parties is one major reason for The omens are not good. The United States’ link the decline in public respect for MPs and reluctance to allow realistic with the Egyptian military will not go away. The US pay increases. The tradition of the independently minded MP who Alan and Britain talk democracy, but sell arms and there- would stand up in the Commons and speak for the ordinary person fore back militarism. The military may not back seems almost dead, although that is less than fair to MPs such as down. The Muslim Brotherhood has been inducted Frank Field, Kate Hoey and Gisella Stuart for Labour and those Con- to the ways of fighting. We hope and pray for peace. servatives voicing public unease at the EU and losing party prefer- Storkey But when we pray for peace God requires consis- ment. Who is questioning the huge hikes in energy bills for example? tency. It may be that praying for peace and selling The scandal revealed decisively by the Francis Report on large-scale arms is not God’s way. God’s word seems to be lack of basic care in the Stafford Hospital has not been followed up and turning swords into ploughshares and spears into more or less allowed to die. But another report is due out, rumoured to pruning hooks. Arms will be used. Cars are not pur- generalize Stafford much more widely, indicating the steep decline in chased and then sit immobile in people’s drives for care about patients in our much-vaunted NHS, into which New Labour the next 20 years. If you sell arms, they will be used poured billions – but somehow missing the target of basic care. The Two civil wars dominate the news – one in Syria to kill and maim people, and destroy. Children of scandal is making Andy Burnham, shadow health minister, ‘fed up’, as and the other, incipient, in Egypt. The reflection on seven can understand that, and it is not beyond the the events described by Francis were on Labour’s watch. He says the these events in the news is odd. We are presented intellects of Putin, Cameron and Obama. Yet, the Tories are unfair in blaming Labour. In reality all political parties are to with the normal sense of fatalism – this is war and munitions’ establishment drives on sowing the blame for smashing up the old ward-based nurse training system with this is dreadful, but almost nobody steps back and seeds that sprout into wars, and we wring our Project 2000, and transferring it the glass and steel polytechnics, ditch- asks Why these wars? We wring our hands and fail hands like imbeciles saying, “Where do these wars ing that ethos of paramount focus on the patient in favour of the to think. come from?” ‘autonomous’ nurse, ‘empowered’ over against the doctors. The answer is simple. In Syria President Assad Labour and Conservative did this, they are to blame, but it is far too has been liberally supplied with weapons by Russia. big an issue for the parties to admit, and no MP will stand up and say In 1990 the USSR suffered a vast collapse in its the obvious, notwithstanding the vast extra cost of the Project 2000 arms production as militarism bankrupted the system, its decisive re-orientation of nursing ethos, and the devastating USSR. The military tried a coup that mercifully decline in recruitment it caused, leading to the need to steal nurses failed, and Russia emerged. It tried to put together from around the globe. Party politics has failed us in this, and still some arms exports and Syria emerged as one of the does. successes, buying weapons avidly from Russia. In total contrast, the individuals who risked all to expose the true sit- Arms corrupt, and when the Arab Spring uation, the ‘whistleblowers’, what of their fate? The NHS paid off and emerged Assad responded with weapons rather covered up numbers of internal employees: the top management could than the reflective changes that would undoubtedly not afford the truth, it affected their jobs and pensions. Likewise with have been possible. He was, of course, backed by the nursing elite in the universities: they cannot afford to admit any the groups who control and run the weapons’ sys- merit in Francis, that is just a mistake in their eyes. tem, always threatened by democracy. The fate of Julie Bailey, who campaigned against all the mighty In the face of his atrocities the United Nations forces of the NHS and government, is shocking. It was her efforts that was unable to act, because President Putin was out got the Francis Inquiry up and running. But some bitter locals have to protect this major source of arms exports. hounded her out of Stafford, boycotted her café, sent her threatening Indeed, western nations were waiting in the wings letters, and desecrated her mother’s grave. A political party activist has looking for this source of exports if Arab Spring joined in this appalling mob of hate. What she did was to insist that the democracy had been successful. We also have to truth be revealed, and for that she has been hounded out of town. She ask where the rebel arms have come from when deserves an OBE, but lost her living and home instead. The prophets Saudi and other money has funded them. The EU suffered likewise, telling the truth to their communities. At the heart of and the US rightly held off from directly supplying our faith, we could say, is a crucified whistleblower. arms to stoke the Civil War, but they can always be bought, or traded on, indirectly. So this is a war for which Putin has direct respon- The Church of England Newspaper sibility. Yet, because the right to sell weapons is with Celebrate magazine incorporating The Record and Christian Week seen as sacred in the West, he has not been chal- Published by Religious Intelligence Ltd. lenged. Clearly, Russian weapons, turned by Assad Company Number: 3176742 on his own people, are directly causing this Publisher: Keith Young MBE appalling bloodshed and destruction. But this is not all the picture. Selling arms in the Middle East divides. Syria and Iran buy mainly from Russia, Publishing Director & Editor: CM BLAKELY020 7222 8004 while the Saudis, the Gulf States, Israel and Egypt Chief Correspondent: The Rev Canon GEORGE CONGER 00 1 0772 332 2604 buy from the United States, The Reporter: AMARIS COLE 020 7222 8700 (or the ununited queendom) and France. In Egypt when democracy reared its head, it was Advertising: CHRIS TURNER 020 7222 2018 against a long-term military dictatorship built up Advertising & Editorial Assistant: PENNY NAIR PRICE 020 7222 2018 through a process of subsidy and arms provision from the United States. The arms companies loved Subscriptions & Finance: DELIA ROBINSON 020 7222 8663 this trade, set up shortly after President Carter’s Graphic Designer: PETER MAY020 7222 8700 Camp David Accord. Because Mubarak relied on the military, he resis- The acceptance of advertising does not necessarily indicate ted democratic tendencies and they built up President endorsement. Photographs and other material sent for publication towards the Arab Spring. When it arrived, David Assad are submitted at the owner’s risk. The Church of England Newspaper Cameron was caught in Egypt with his trousers does not accept responsibility for any material lost or damaged. down on an arms sale trip with a plane load of arms Christian Weekly Newspapers Trustees: Robert Leach (020 8224 5696), companies trying to persuade the military to buy Jesus insists on talking about hypocrisy and it is Lord Carey of Clifton, The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, The Rt Rev , even more weapons. not difficult to apply Jesus’ words. We are whited Dr Elaine Storkey, The Rev Peter Brown, The Rev Cindy Kent The Egyptian revolt was against Mubarak and sepulchres, talking about democracy, but inside we against the rich, self-serving military. By default, in are dead men’s bones, promoting weapons and mil- The Church of England Newspaper, the absence of other democratically formed parties, itarism. Religious Intelligence Ltd the Muslim Brotherhood came to power. They had He insists on ending hypocrisy and goes to the 14 Great College Street, London, SW1P 3RX been persecuted by the military. They adopted the cross for our salvation and also to overthrow the Editorial e-mail: [email protected] normal autocratic, self-serving Islamic model, and Roman Imperium with the gentle kingdom of God. Advertising e-mail: [email protected] they in turn have faced a revolt of people power. The ruler of rulers is the lamb on the throne. The Subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] Again the military steps in. This time, perhaps, it time has now come for his disciples to publicly chal- knows that it cannot hold on to power. The rich gen- lenge the way of the sword, for always “those who Website: www.churchnewspaper.com eral and colonels can eventually retire in afflu- take the sword will perish by the sword.”

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 8 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday July 21, 2013 Letters

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Equal marriage Liberal Christians and their beliefs Sir, I wish to reply to the letter by Alan Minchin (14 July). Sir, Since Peter Mullen has named me several times in his article this week, and The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) bill indeed claims to quote my words, (although he does so inaccurately and out of con- will achieve its third and final reading in the text) may I, please, offer my reply? Your Tweets House of Lords on Monday 15 July. It will His main point of attack remains his contention that liberals do not believe in the have received royal assent before this paper Incarnation, the Resurrection, the Ascension of our Lord, or in the miracles. May I Paul Butler @BishopPaulB is published. Alan Minchin of Stratford therefore refer him and your readers to what I actually wrote: “Liberals ..... believe in Sorrowful at the loss of Richard upon Avon took issue with an article I wrote the Incarnation, Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord... also believe that Jesus Goodhand, priest, who died yesterday on 30 June. He thinks I have missed out an made the lame walk, the blind see and the deaf mutes hear and speak...” (16 June). after a long battle with cancer. But important part of the equation on gay mar- I also said (26 May) “...liberal Christians have no difficulty in believing in, for exam- joyful that He is with His Lord. riage, that is how it is consummated. I ple, the Incarnation, but are unwilling to commit themselves to the exact details of the would like to answer on two grounds; virginal conception,” to illustrate my statement that, in many cases, liberals can and do Children’s Society (i) Is consummation required for a lawful believe “that...” but not necessarily every word of the verbal pictures of “how...” God, @childrensociety marriage and how might consummation be whose ways are so far above our ways and understanding, effected his saving work, More than 1,300 children ran away deemed to have happened anyway? I don’t since all such accounts are inevitably expressed in concepts which mean something to from home last week. Support our recall the marriage liturgy asking the cou- the writer and the envisaged reader at that time. I hope I nowhere implied that Jesus special appeal & help ple before them to undertake a sexual act, and his contemporaries “were stupid,” but I think we shall understand better what they #MakeThemSafe: ow.ly/mUg2Z and indeed what would be a sexual act? were trying to convey when putting Mary’s unique and inexpressible experience of Surely the giving of two people to each God’s presence into words, if we remember that, at that time, it was generally accepted Paul White @revpaulwhite other with sexual desire and intent is that the mother had no input into the child’s physical or mental characteristics, being @deanwestminster I tried leaving the enough? We are judged on our love after all. merely the “incubator” or “fertile ground” in which the father’s seed was sown. dead to bury the dead once...the I guess any infertile heterosexual couple Later theologians have declared that Jesus was both “fully human” and “fully divine.” family complained to the bishop... would fail Alan Minchin’s consummation So perhaps it is not so outrageous that (to quote again my letter of 26 May) “... every- test. one is at liberty to understand the story of (eg) the annunciation quite literally, or to John Hall @deanwestminster (ii) I know of no Bible proscription leave the details as a divine mystery...” Am I alone watching #TheReturned? against the use of our genitals, they serve a I have already refuted once the assertion that I suggested that there are two, mutu- (I tweeted #LesRevenants) Bizarre variety of functions, most of which are not ally exclusive ways of believing in the miracles: either as taking place in every detail as and beautiful but does meaning sexual. Are they only to be seen in a sexual a particular gospel writer describes or understanding their significance. It seems to me emerge? Leave the dead to bury the context? We use them to urinate, to stay that we are meant to try to do both, but I do not denigrate those who get along very dead? alive, we might find them pleasurable for well, knowing and believing the story as it stands, and letting it influence their faith by our purposes, but perhaps Alan Minchin a sort of “osmosis.” Miranda T-Holmes thinks masturbation is as much of a sin as Again, I hope I didn’t imply, as Peter Mullen accuses me, that “‘liberals’ believe in a @MirandaTHolmes gay marriage is, even the Medieval Church superior way...” or that what “plain believers believe” is, in our view, “unbelievable.” Is it bad that my main reaction to the in England would not have imposed this That is his free translation of my wording. story about JK Rowling was to viewpoint. Finally, I would suggest that the liberal acknowledgment that each generation is mentally file away the info that sales I have not turned my back upon the Lord called to proclaim the Gospel in its own terms and concepts which convey the original of 1500 are fairly OK? God, The Lord Jesus Christ or the Holy significance of God becoming one of us and his saving action at a particular point in Spirit, neither have I overlooked the Holy human history, surely indicates that we do believe in Jesus as both the incarnate and Evgeny Lebedev Scriptures. I know Jesus commands us to eternal Son of God and a 1st century Son of Man. @mrevgenylebedev be faithful, loving and stable in our relation- I am not trying to belittle Peter Mullen’s beliefs but I am anxious to disabuse him Worrying dispatch from Cairo, where ships and to care for the upbringing of chil- and many others who have a presumed view of liberal Christianity that is wide of the Muslim fundamentalists are attacking dren, which is why I rejoice that In vitro mark. We all would want to bring new disciples to Christ, and it would be good if we Christians. fertilization and adoption is available to gay could all work together in the spirit of the hymn, “There’s a wideness in God’s dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2… couples. I pray for Christ’s blessing on mercy...”, particularly the second and third verses. every loving act that happens in every bed- When liberals say that they (firmly) believe that “God was in Christ, reconciling the Chris Rock @chrisrockoz room and that Christ sees two people giving world to himself” (2 Cor. 5:19) - but without reference at any point to the virginal con- CNN BREAKING NEWS: Don’t be of themselves to each other, as their wed- ception, Peter Mullen has decided that this is just another way of saying that we don’t black in Florida. Don’t be a woman in ding vows asked of them. believe in the Incarnation. Are we to assume from this interpretation that he regards St Texas. Don’t be poor in America. The Rev Marcus Ramshaw MTh, MA, Paul, also, as “an unbelieving liberal”? #nojustice MPhil, Mary P Roe, Via email Bicester, Oxon Graham Tomlin @gtomlin England gritty winners. Aussies gracious and plucky losers. Can’t quite get used to this. #Ashes Palestinian views tian community in Israel is increasing in parties can be honest about what divides Sir, In his article on behalf of Palestinian numbers, while there has been a consider- us. My letter in no way sought to encourage Mark Russell @markrusselluk Christians (12 July) Jeremy Moodey makes able exodus of Christians from the West Christians to drop or domesticate ortho- Shocking story in @thesundaytimes some good points but also some inaccurate Bank; and this exodus dates from the time doxy, including belief in the divinity of about our 5 day NHS. Being ill at a ones. The security barrier, however incon- the municipality of Bethlehem, among oth- Christ as celebrated in our creeds. Rather I weekend shouldn’t put you at risk venient, has been necessary and successful ers, came under Muslim control. was suggesting that according to those #need7dayNHS in preventing suicide attacks and murder Harry Lesser, creeds it is difficult to equate the Son with (and no international court has ever official- Bowdon, Cheshire the Father, or by extension with YHWH. @lambethpalace ly declared it illegal). Its siting has caused Indeed, orthodoxy was born out of ques- Royal baby will bring ‘great cause for problems; but appeals by Palestinians to the tions such as: if Jesus is God the Father hope,’ says Archbishop of Canterbury Israeli courts have been successful before incarnate, to whom did he pray? I can reas- @ABCJustin dailym.ai/13aVot5 now, and this may yet happen with Interfaith encounter sure Mr Lewis that theological debate in Cremisan. Sir, I am grateful to the Rev Tim Lewis for candour and depth is a growing part of Jew- James Townsend @Jimmytee The reluctance to issue residence per- his letter (14 July) responding to mine, on ish-Christian dialogue, and CCJ in particu- What is protocol for ringing church mits to Palestinians, even if they are mar- Jesus and the interfaith encounter. Most of lar would not have it any other way. bells in event of #RoyalBaby? ried to Israeli citizens, is an understandable what he writes deserves a detailed The Rev Patrick Morrow, @deanwestminster @Sadgrovem response to the problems of security, and response beyond the scope of a letter. But Programme Manager might be able to advise? applies equally if the Israeli citizen were allow me please to clarify that I wholly The Council of Christians and Jews Jewish. agree that Jewish-Christian dialogue should London, follow us Finally, let us remember that the Chris- be characterised by friendship in which all @churchnewspaper on Twitter

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ed the idea that it was consulting to lift the ‘ban’ on gay marriage. Of course there was no such thing as a ‘ban’. It was only a few years ago that it was universally accepted that intrinsic to the definition of marriage was the complementarity of the genders. The government has refused to accept that its proposals amount to a redefinition of ‘mar- AndrewCarey: riage’ itself. And now ‘marriage’ is no longer accepted universally it is instead Balka- nized and disputed. I wish also that there was more honesty about the future. The government has pre- tended that it can guarantee religious freedom yet at the same time takes a view that ViewfromthePew ultimately will have to foreclose that very freedom. This is a two-stage process because the powers-that-be view sexual orientation as an immutable characteristic akin to race or gender. The inevitable logic is to ban discrimination entirely. The only uncertainty is whether this takes place within one or two decades. So what is to be done? There are personal and political decisions to be taken by Christians. I cannot see how any Christian who opposes gay marriage could possibly consider ‘rewarding’ political leaders such as Cameron with their vote. That however Coming to terms must be a personal decision. There are other more far-reaching individual decisions to be taken especially by public sector workers about whether they keep quiet about their dissent or risk their careers. The churches should also consider abandoning the ‘marriage’ business altogether. with gay marriage The partnership with the state in registering ‘marriage’ has gone sour. We should seri- ously debate moving to a system in which all marriages are state registered and then opposite-sex couples can choose to opt-in to Christian marriage. This will leave ques- The Parliamentary progress of the same- almost impossible to imagine court action tion marks over establishment links between the state and the Church of England. sex marriage bill continued this week being brought against clergy, at least in the I’ve always been an advocate of establishment viewing the Church as ‘servant’ to the inevitably and inexorably to its foregone short-term. people of this country. However the relationship will become increasingly unstable and conclusion. Yet it has been thoroughly disheartening difficult in future and Anglicans should be discussing urgently whether it is now unten- I admire all the campaigners who have to see the government refuse to even con- able in its current form. worked so hard to thwart the bill’s progress template protections for public sector work- but at the same time have always believed ers and especially registrars and teachers. that the campaign for gay marriage was an We can fully expect litigation in these areas A tarnished Test Match unstoppable cultural juggernaut and all that and a continuing culture war for decades to could be done was to ameliorate its effects come. It is disappointing that the consensus among most professional cricketers seems to be on religious freedom. The main casualty of this bill has been that batsmen should now never ‘walk’ if they’ve nicked the ball to a fielder. I am, of One part of this has been achieved ‘truthful language’. The idea of Orwellian course, referring to Stuart Broad’s decision after edging a catch to stand his ground as through the government’s so-called ‘newspeak’ is often over-used as an analogy though nothing had happened and await the umpire’s decision. It is often pointed out ‘quadruple lock’, which appears to safely but entirely appropriate in this case. As the rather superstitiously that good and bad decisions in cricket will eventually even out preserve the right of religious bodies to government announced its consultation on during a series. Yet I can’t help feel that Stuart Broad has rather let himself down and a refuse to conduct same-sex ‘weddings’. It is same-sex marriage, it dishonestly promot- truly fascinating and heroic test match has been tarnished.

Back in the News Political Archbishop

Bishop Rowan Williams wrote a poem to support National Transplant Justin Welby is fast becoming the most politically influential Archbishop of Canter- Week last week. The poem was commissioned by Fleshblood, an interde- bury since the war, according to The Spectator’s political columnist, James Forsyth. nominational campaign that encourages churches to promote organ According to Forsyth both the Conservatives and Labour think he is secretly one of donation. It was the first poem the former archbishop has published them. Unlike Rowan Williams, whose views Forsyth describes as ‘not of this world’, since he left Lambeth. Entitled ‘Host Organism’, it is a rather obscure Welby is noticed at Westminster by those interested in power rather than prayer. work that pictures surgeons as gardeners and donors as ‘unnamed birds’. Forsyth made his comments after reading an interview with Welby by his Eton con- The poem imagines the donated organ as a seed dropped anonymously temporary, Charles Moore, which was published last Saturday in the Daily Tele- that disturbs the heaviness of the soil, a heaviness that has come to be graph. In the interview, Welby kept the politicians guessing about his allegiance. accepted however unhappily. “Essentially it’s a poem about hope, and His grandmother was Rab Butler’s sister but his stepfather is a Labour peer. Asked about the sort of providential accident of one life being planted in another by her biographer what he thinks of Margaret Thatcher, Welby replies: “Genuinely and making new things possible,” says the former archbishop. Before he I don’t know the answer.” He admired her when he worked in the oil industry; he became Pope, Benedict XVI carried a card giving his consent to the use had doubts when he was at Durham. Pressed by Moore on welfare dependency, he of his organs in a transplant in the event of his death but Rowan Williams’ half acknowledges the criticism but says this is a bad time to be cutting the bills. successor as , the Most Rev Barry Morgan, has But while political commentators like Forsyth noted Welby’s political balancing act, made clear his opposition to a law passed by the Welsh Assembly that what interested Moore, a convert to Catholicism, was Welby’s revelation that he presumes a person is willing to donate an organ after death unless he or regularly speaks in tongues and that as a ‘spiritual magpie’ he makes use of a Swiss she has said otherwise. The archbishop, who carries a donor card him- Catholic priest as his spiritual director and practices Eucharistic adoration. He was self, says that such a law will turn volunteers into conscripts. He led the thrilled to meet and tells Moore the pontiff ‘has Ignatian and Francis- opposition to the new law, which comes into force in 2015. can spirituality’. The Whispering Gallery... Sydney Election Faith and Health

Peter Jensen bowed out as Archbishop of Sydney last week and the elec- Research on the impact of faith on health keeps coming. Most of the findings show tion to choose his successor is seeing divisions in his own family. Two can- that faith is definitely beneficial. Recent research in the US suggests that belief in didates have been nominated, the Bishop of North Sydney, Dr Glenn God helps people to respond positively to mental health treatment. Researchers at a Davies, and a Sydney rector, the Rev Rick Smith. The Archbishop’s son, hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts, asked 159 men and women undergoing treat- Michael, author of the apologia, ‘Sydney Anglicans’, is backing Davies and ment for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and other forms of mental illness to his brother, Philip, an influential Sydney outrider who is Dean of the say whether they believed in God. Belief was unrelated to the severity of the initial Cathedral, is backing Rick. An energetic social media battle is being symptoms but those who rated their belief as most important to them appeared to waged by supporters of the two candidates. It is GlennDavies.info versus be less depressed after treatment compared with those with little or no belief. They WhyRick. Although Davies is a highly regarded bishop and can be seen as also appeared less likely to engage in self-harming behaviours. “Patients who had the establishment candidate, there are some observers who put Smith in higher levels of belief in God demonstrated more effects of treatment,” David Ros- pole position. Despite the role Davies played in promoting church planting marin, director of the Centre for Anxiety in New York, told the New York Times. in North Sydney it is Smith who has been portrayed as the ‘mission’ candi- “They seemed to get more bang for their buck, so to speak.” One possible explana- date. Inside Sydney Smith is also seen as the man to take a strong line with tion seems to be that people who put their faith in God were ready to put their faith the national church. Davies is regarded as too emollient. Both men are in treatment. Cynics will say this shows credulity can have beneficial effects but Reformed conservative evangelicals and whoever is elected the general believers can argue that faith in God helps people to be more hopeful. There is now stance of Sydney Diocese is very unlikely to change. Mark Thompson, research that associates church attendance with increased life expectancy and, in Principal of Moore College, is backing Smith. Elsewhere in New South some studies, with a reduced risk of depression. According to the polls, 92 per cent Wales Newcastle and Riverina dioceses have failed to elect bishops and the of Americans believe in God but only 65 per cent of psychiatrists (compared with a Bishop of Grafton has resigned over the handling of child abuse. figure of 77 per cent of other physicians). 10 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday July 21, 2013 Comment

Fresh expressions of church are now developing in many denominations and traditions and Fresh Expressions Taking a holy risk is delighted to have welcomed the Church of Scotland and The Salvation Army as its most recent partners… says Bishop Graham Cray, in fresh expressions Archbishops’ Missioner and leader of the Fresh Expressions team.

t its heart, Fresh Expressions is an ecumenical, missional, movement encouraging and resourc- Aing the rediscovery of creative, contextual mis- sion as a norm for local churches. It is true that official reports, senior leaders and gov- erning bodies have endorsed and commended local ini- tiatives and promoted them across their networks. It is also true that the Mission-Shaped Church report told the stories of local projects which had the potential for national significance but…. the fact is that Fresh Expres- sions has grown and developed from grassroots level. However counter-cultural it may seem in our individu- alistic society, the Christian faith is essentially corporate and we belong to one another in Christ. From the beginning, the life of the early church was characterised by fellowship (koinonia) - a generous mutual sharing of lives and gifts (Acts 2:42). This gen- erosity was not just an internal matter but was demon- strated in mission as well. Paul thanks the Philippian church for their sharing (koinonia) in the gospel, which involved prayer and sending both finance and co-workers for his pioneering missionary work. It is this sense of partnership that is characteristic of fresh expressions and the mixed economy at its best. At the local level, churches are releasing some leaders and resources to develop fresh expressions to establish a mixed economy of outreach where each contributes to the whole church’s mission by engaging people unreached by the other congregation. As one part is blessed so is the whole. At an area level, churches can combine ecumenically or within a deanery to supplement their existing work with a new missional community, such as a network church or a youth congregation. Regionally, Fresh Expressions Area Strategy Teams (FEASTs) allow the sharing of prayer, resources and training, and ensure that we never church plant competitively – out of ignorance. Nationally, denominations partner one another so that each can benefit from the learning of all. We are on a learning curve about contextual church and we have the privilege of learning new things for one another and all benefitting together In the words of the movement’s first team leader, Bish- those fresh expressions will have grown quickly. They do involved, another four are drawn in - but there is a lot of op Steven Croft, we have been learning to ‘join the centre not provide a quick-fix to overturn years of decline but work to do to help many more parishes understand the to the edge’. The models of fresh expression that have are part of the Spirit’s call to long term, patient, incarna- possibility. proved to be ‘viral’, such as Messy Church, Contempla- tional mission. Networks of pioneers are forming for mutual encour- tive Fire and some forms of café church, all began as In a variety of different ways, often drawing on disci- agement and mutual learning, and there is now the local initiatives. plines and traditions from previous eras of the church, beginnings of a learning community of dioceses. More generally, the publication of local stories has fed the call to mission is also becoming a call to deeper disci- The partnership of mission agencies - and the 24/7 the imagination and given the courage for imaginative pleship. The term ‘ancient future’ church is evocative of Prayer Movement - alongside the denominations in this mission in many different forms in many different con- much of this. country is another example of this shared missionary texts. Many local churches are paying new and closer The Spirit is stirring up the same concerns in a range of life, which the Holy Spirit is inspiring and empowering. attention to the work of the missionary Spirit. denominations and traditions with the mission-shaped This is even developing internationally as fresh expres- The Fresh Expressions initiative came into being in ministry course proving to be an appropriate form of sions work gets underway in various parts of the world, response to an emerging pattern of the Holy Spirit’s activ- learning together ecumenically. Pioneers from different providing new sources of learning. ity. In celebrating God’s leading, we shouldn’t forget that denominations easily recognise a similar DNA among The crossing of cultural and other barriers is very the Spirit is not only the instigator of creative mission but their peers with stories from one tradition inspiring new much part of this generous shared life. As fresh expres- also the sustainer and maturer of the Church. That’s why imagination in another. In many places, FEASTs are sim- sions are established in communities and networks previ- we can now see further indications of this as a movement ply a more formal recognition of a partnership that is ously untouched by the church, so the church locally of the Spirit - with the capacity to last - through growing already developing. becomes more diverse, and in the mixed economy its interest in: Fresh expressions are here to stay because: unity can have more of the breadth that God intends for • whole life discipleship They are now a proven part of the mission of the his Church and Kingdom. • rules or rhythms of life churches in this country. The movement is making a sub- Something which first came to the attention of the • missional communities stantial numerical difference, and helping hundreds of national Church through a report to the Church of Eng- • new monasticism local churches to engage in new ventures of creative mis- land has turned out to be a rich partnership of partner- sion. It is part of the emerging mainstream. ships – experiencing the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, the We shouldn’t be surprised by this because those who The task has hardly begun. New ecumenical partners leader of the Church’s mission. May this partnership pioneer the ‘new things’ quickly find that they need deep- are just starting this work. A recent study of six dioceses deepen, grow and extend, for the sake of the gospel. er spiritual roots to sustain them. It is wonderful to hear shows 14,000 people in fresh expressions of church, of increasing numbers of fresh expressions but few of about 10 per cent of total attendance. For every person Fresh Expressions (www.freshexpressions.org.uk)

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Arts & Media Sunday July 21, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 11 Creatures from the deep

Pacific Rim (cert. 12A) brings A night on the town – drinking, giant sea monsters up against a fight - precedes the before-dawn human-operated giant walking departure from the harbour on machines. Guillermo del Toro is Iceland’s Westman Islands, which one of our more imaginative were still recovering from the directors – Pan’s Labyrinth (2008) eruption 10 years earlier of the is one of the most intriguing films local volcano. Miles out to sea, the of recent times – but any intrigue net snags, a winch jams, and with- here is sacrificed on the altar of out time to send a mayday mes- whizz-bangery and special sage, the Breki turns over. effects. In air temperatures below freez- From deep within the earth, ing and water not much above, through a fissure in the sea-bed, Gulli survives. Is this down to mir- emerge “Kaiju”. These Godzilla- acle, or some physiological freak ish monsters, all different, attack of metabolism? coastal regions round the Pacific, He’s a fat man, and scientists so – in an unlikely show of world want to test the conditions – so unity – the nations of the earth Gulli, accompanied by super-fit pool resources to meet this apoca- special forces control samples, lyptic challenge. sits in icy water in a lab wired up The answer is the Jaeger (from to various machines. The special the German for hunter), operated forces guys last 20 minutes before by two people making a “neural hypothermia sets in. link” and usually enough to see The writing is credited to Jón off a kaiju, but they can’t make Atli Jónasson (who had written a enough jaegers to keep up with one-man play based on Gulli’s the number of kaiju appearing. An time in the sea) and director Bal- alternative of a wall to keep out tasar Kormákur. In the film, that the beasts (the option used in time in the water is punctuated by British low budget 2010 film Mon- small-frame flashbacks to his sters) is an epic fail, and a mission childhood, to the volcano’s lava to seal the fissure with a nuclear and ash, and evacuation to the blast is the last hope of mankind. Comic relief is in the mad scien- the 2D – and for all the CGI that English subtitles), based on the mainland, to all the things that Raleigh Becket (Charlie Hun- tists Newton Geiszler (Charlie goes into the spectacular clashes remarkable true story of Guðlau- might go through a man’s mind nam) has already lost his brother, Day) and Manfred Gottleib (Burn between jaegers and kaiju, it gets gur Friðþórsson, who in 1984 sur- before he dies. killed when they were operating a Gorman) but some of that seems repetitive. Using containers off a vived six hours in the cold waters His prayer as he struggles jaeger together, but he is now re- to derive from Honey I Shrunk the ship as weapons and then wield- of the North Atlantic after his fish- toward shore is to ask for “one recruited by programme leader (I Kids. Hannibal Chau (Ron Perl- ing the ship itself as a club helps ing vessel sank. In the film, more day”. Friðþórsson, now in kid you not) Stacker Pentecost man) is a crook doing well out of get the scale of things, but size “Gulli” (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson – his 50s, is still alive (and not (Idris Elba). Mako Mori (Rinko selling bits of dead kaiju, and – if isn’t everything (unless you’re and whoever were his stand-ins happy about a film about a Kikuchi) is a Japanese woman you stay for the end credits – he taking the kaiju powder). for what looked quite dangerous tragedy in which four men died) responsible for training crews, gets the last line. wave-tossed moments) is on a but it is a story worth telling, and Raleigh wants her as his part- I watched the 3D version, A more discerning treatment of a routine trip on their boat “Breki” about those in peril on the sea. ner but Stacker refuses – there’s a which really doesn’t merit the tale of the sea is The Deep with other crew members includ- good backstory there. extra £2 – things look clearer in (Djúpið, cert. 12A; Icelandic with ing his father and brother. Steve Parish New book asks if Calvin really was a Calvinist

Calvinism: A History major part in the foundation and growth of the US. admirer of Machen to whom he has dedicated one of his DG Hart Hart is good at explaining how political factors as well as books and he is a member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Yale, hb, £25.00 theological ideas influenced the spread of Calvinism. In Church but he is open to the charge of giving too much Germany Reformed Protestantism depended upon the prominence to Machen in this work. At the end of this survey patronage of electors but in Scotland and Holland it Undoubtedly Machen was a brilliant polemicist who won of almost 500 years of became identified with emerging national consciousness. the grudging admiration of HL Mencken and Walter Lipp- Calvinist history, Darryl In Geneva, Zurich, Scotland, Holland and even England it mann but he was not a great theologian and his following Hart tells us that in 2000 was a force for the renewal of civic life but in Germany its was not large. Charles Hodge, the Princeton theologian Reformed Churches influence was confined more to the life and worship of the who was in his day known as the ‘Pope of Presbyterian- around the world num- church. ism’, receives only two brief mentions from Hart. bered 26,000,000 mem- A number of stages can be identified in the story of It is also open to question whether a liberal theology bers, far behind the Calvinism as Hart narrates it. There are the early years in necessarily entails a readiness to defer to secular authori- number of Pentecostals which Reformed Christianity emerges followed by the ties, as Hart seems to imply. Karl Barth, to whom Hart and even fewer than the wars of religion in the 17th Century. After that a period of righty devotes considerable attention, was certainly con- number of Anglicans decline sets in, in which churches came under challenge vinced that failure to live under God’s Word led to the idol- worldwide. But the fig- from the natural sciences and philosophy. State churches atry of Nazism but in South Africa and among the religious ures can be misleading. were under pressure to moderate their beliefs so that they right in America we can see how the rhetoric of religious There are many Chris- might be more in keeping with the Age of Enlightenment. faith and obedience can be used to support secular politi- tians who broadly consider themselves Calvinist who are But then the fires of revival began to sweep through the cal allegiances. Too little is said in this book about the sig- not members of a Reformed Church. The Southern Bap- Calvinist world. There were Reformed Christians who nificance of apartheid. tists in the US have just produced a report on how Calvin- were suspicious of revivalism as a product of Arminianism Hart criticises the inclusion of the Barmen Declaration ist members of that denomination and non-Calvinists can but one of the greatest Reformed theologians, Jonathan in the US Presbyterian Church’s Book of Confessions coexist in one body and there are many Anglicans in Syd- Edwards, gave it his blessing. because he believes this became a pretext for church- ney and elsewhere who would claim a Calvinist allegiance. In the 19th Century a renewed Calvinism started to based social activism. The US ‘capacity for proclaiming The term ‘Calvinist’ is not without its problems as Hart shake off the control of the state. Hart sees Chalmers in church dogma could not withstand the American predilec- recognises. There were Reformed Christians in Switzer- Scotland and Kuyper in Holland as key figures. Although tion for activism’, he tells us. But if people seek to live land before Calvin came upon the scene. As Hart writes: Chalmers and the Free Presbyterians were committed to under God’s Word this should surely influence their atti- “Calvin, who was by no means the defining character for an established church they did not want the state to exer- tude to discrimination, war or poverty. Calvinism as Luther was for Lutheranism, had no ambi- cise power over the church and broke with the Kirk over This is a good survey of the history of Calvinism but tions for a church with global proportions.” Eurocentric the question of lay patrons. readers need to beware that the same opinions that have Christians, Calvin included, who merely wanted to reform Hart introduces a controversial note into his narrative made Hart a trenchant commentator on American religion the church in their own countries ended up founding a when he attempts to fit the conservative American theolo- are on display here. movement that was to spread to every continent and play a gian, J Gresham Machen into the same pattern. Hart is an Paul Richardson 12 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday July 21, 2013 Comment

face cream and one lipstick would have been it – today the average woman puts about 500 chemicals a day on her face, has a bathroom cupboard holding in excess of 50 different products and another 20 lan- guishing in her make-up bag, add to that the 10 or so cleaning products in the average home and you can see why we are creating a toxic soup Janey Lee Grace in our personal environment. However I bring good news! It’s easy to save yourself, your skin and Live Healthy! Live Happy! the environment by simply switching to 100 per cent natural and organ- ic products: there is huge choice available now. In fact a recent Mintel report said the rise in spending on organic skincare had gone up by 40 per cent in two years. And you can go DIY, make your own cleanser, exfoliator, face masks, even shampoo and conditioner with everyday kitchen cupboard ingredients, many of Beat the toxic threat which I covered in my book ‘Look Great Naturally’.

Some of the tabloids last week declared that Britain So what might happen now? If put under pressure is in the grip of a skin allergy ‘epidemic’ stating that some companies may remove those particular millions of people are being exposed to toxic chem- preservatives from their products but will the prob- icals. lem be solved? Nope. The particular culprits are M1 and MC1, preserv- Ironically I agree with one statement from the atives used in a wide range of products including Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association say- moist wipes, cleansers, and guys are not immune - ing that: “Every cosmetic product must undergo a it’s in some shaving foams too. A consultant derma- rigorous safety assessment that covers all the ingre- tologist, Dr John MacFadden, said: “...many of our dients...” Yes technically all synthetic chemicals patients have suffered acute dermatitis with red- must be rigorously tested and passed safe for use – ness and swelling of the face.” but no one can do the equation as to what happens Dr John English, consultant dermatologist at Not- when those chemicals interact with each other – tingham University Hospital said: “Patients don’t when left in sunlight for example, and with other realise it’s the cosmetics that are causing the prob- chemicals used in other personal care products or lem so they keep on using them.” The press reports in cleaning, air freshening...the list goes on. say that the consultants are looking to raise the The Ecologist magazine once looked into issue with the UK cosmetics industry. whether this equation could be done. They declared I’m trying to remain calm and not run into TV stu- it was possible but would take around 200 years to dios, newspaper offices, doctor’s surgeries et al complete – and I’m guessing the cosmetics industry shouting.;. I TOLD YOU SO! Once calm, I’m glad wouldn’t be up for funding it! the media have caught up with what I have been I give many talks on these topics and people often banging on about for years - Its time ditch the chem- say... ‘My mum and grandma used a face cream and icals in everyday products ranging from shower gel a red lipstick, they also used a washing up liquid and deodorant, make up and skincare. with no allergies prevalent.’ That’s true but that one

PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 857 by Axe

Across

5Residences of religious communities (11) 7Religious teacher of 6th and 5th centuries BC (6) 8'He...overlaid them with gold hammered ------over the carvings' [1 Kgs/NIV] (6) 9Church tower (7) 10 Food that God gave to the Israelites during the Exodus (5) 11 'Thou shalt not ----- the Lord thy God' [Matt/KJV] (5) 13 Penitential discipline designed to strengthen one against sensible pleasures (7) 17 '...you have no authority to ------taxes...on any of the ...' [Ezra/NIV] (6) 18 Priesthood (6) 19 The 'Wilderness' alongside Sinai [Exod] (5,6)

Down

1'The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set ------' [Jer/NIV] (2,4) 2Name God gave to Jacob [Gen] (6) 3Husband of Jael who killed 4 [Judg] (5) 4Canaanite commander who 3 killed by driving a tent nail through his head [Judg] (6) 5Possible site of the 'high mountain' in Christ's Transfiguration [Matt] (5,6) 6Anglicized version of a 19th century Austrian carol (6,5) 12 'No one who puts a hand to the ------and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God' [Luke/NIV] (6) 14 One meaning for 'vaults' in relation to churches (6) 15 Egyptian capital city upon which both Jeremiah and Ezekiel pronounced judge- ment (6) 16 'But I will punish the nation they ----- as slaves...' [Acts/NIV] (5) The first correct entry drawn will win a book of the Editor’s choice. Send your entry to Crossword Number 857, The Church of England Newspaper, Solutions to last week’s crossword 14 Great College Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3RX by next Friday

Across: 7 Nazarite, 8 Evil, 9 Attack, 10 Untied, 11 Naomi, 12 Outside, 15 Highway, 17 Lions, 19 Name Depart, 21 Cast up, 22 Nave, 23 Surplice. Address Down: 1 Napthali, 2 Balaam, 3 Kirk, 4 Zebulun, 5 Deaths, 6 Nile, 13 Denounce, 14 Baptism, 16 Heaven, 18 Insult, 20 Esau, 21 Cart.

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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS Celebrating a victory 020 7222 2018 ads@ churchnewspaper.com By CLERICAL They often say that writ- ers should begin a piece with an arresting first sen- tence. Like Tolstoy who begins Anna Karenina with the line, “Happy fami- lies are all alike; every Leckhampton Hospice, Cheltenham, Glos GL53 0QJ. unhappy family is unhap- py in its own way.” Or Chaplain George Orwell in 1984, “It Salary: SR Band 6 £17,331.60 – £26,847.60 per annum depending on was a bright cold day in experience. Part time 30 hours over 5 days per week. April, and the clocks were Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice is committed to providing excellent spiritual striking thirteen.” care to patients, families and staff. We are looking to appoint a Chaplain to lead So I was wondering and develop this work. what arresting first line I Working within a multi-disciplinary team the successful candidate will have a could fashion, and after a relevant qualification and experience in providing spiritual care to people with while I came up with, “You complex palliative and end of life needs. miss so much if you do not For an informal discussion, please contact Maureen O’Hara on 01242 230199. realise that the language We are in an exciting stage of redevelopment and growth and the successful candidate will work towards forging links with local clergy and other faith groups of the Bible is analogical.” within the community. Now is that not indeed To apply and for further information – please visit our website and arresting? Of course I complete our online application form – www.sueryder.org/careers realise that by now this is (On the Job Search, enter 2179 under key words and press the by no means the first line. search button). And sadly, it may be more of a turn off than a turn on, and cause you to turn quickly to another page altogether. I had Closing date: 2 August 2013. better quickly explain myself. Post subject to DBS and satisfactory references. I’ll start with the Bible. The Bible is not like a novel or any other book for that matter, even though it has the most We are an equal opportunities employer. famous opening line ever, (“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”). And it’s not even because it is a library of books – 66 all rolled into one big volume. What is unique about the Bible, yes totally unique, is it is God’s one-off communication to all concerning his rescue plan. It’s focussed on the world that he loves so passion- Sue Ryder is a charity registered in England and Wales (1052076) and Scotland (SC039578). ately he has sent his son Jesus Christ as rescuer, and in a real sense the Bible is all about him. So far so good. But what about the put-the-paper-down stuff about the language being analogical? May I suggest you could kindly keep reading, because this is no turn off. Take the language applied throughout the New Testa- ment about the nature of God. Jesus and the other Bible writers weren’t trying to simplify a difficult idea by calling Diocese of Sheffield God Father or even Daddy. Yes it is about familiarity. But at heart it is an analogy, a deliberate comparison. Think of the best, most fantastic Dad you can think of (maybe or maybe not your own) and God is like that, only Holy Trinity an inexpressible number of million times more wonderful, brilliant, wise, and powerful. Always there for you. Always Wentworth, S. Yorkshire forgiving. But super strong in his values and purity. I am so pleased God is like that. But I recognise it is the analogy, the comparison, that takes me into the fuller, richer, deeper reality of God’s Priest in Charge uniquely purposed communication concerning himself. I will now come clean. What got me thinking about this was the Wimbledon men’s final. It seemed the whole (plus honorarium) nation held its breath for Andy Murray. The Times newspaper on Monday called him, “the History Boy”. And that he A dynamic, thoughtful, inspirational leader is sought to engage in all aspects is. What a player, what an athlete! The crowd certainly held its breath, as was evident did his parents, and girl friend, of this active parish to develop the traditional Christian values underpinning and serious looking coach, Ivan Lendl. But when he scored, and when he won, what a reaction. The noise of the the whole community. crowd could probably have been heard in Australia! People were on their feet, waving their arms, screaming, ecstat- An enthusiast of BCP and traditional music, able to adapt informal family ic. It was hardly British at all. It was a magnificent, ultra-joyful response to a wonderful and well-deserved victory. services; and committed to building strong relationships will find a happy, So the Bible? The Bible often speaks of the victory of Jesus Christ on the cross. The word victory of course is ana- warm welcome and a supportive P. C.C. in this attractive, rural village. logical, a comparison word. And for me, watching that final was a great insight, not into the why of the cross. Not For further details please refer to: why Jesus died. But into the magnificence, the sheer amazing wonder of what the cross achieved. Something, if I am www. sheffield.anglican.org/key-information/vacancies not to be too buttoned-up-British, to make me at least in my heart, jump to my feet, and wave my arms in an ecstasy further information from the Archdeacon of Doncaster (01709) 309110 of joy and amazement at what God has done. Closing date 31st August 2013 But it’s even better than it seems. It’s as though Andy Murray were able to make all the crowd at Wimbledon vic- tors too. How beyond possibility would that be! I hope then you find the comparison inspires. Because that’s what The post is subject to enhanced D.B.S. the Bible says, ”The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the vic- tory through our Lord Jesus Christ,” (1 Corinthians 15:56). That may not be the first line of the Bible, but has to be CHURCH one of its best! TEAS/LUNCHES HOLIDAYS Michael Lawson is Chairman of the Church of England Evangelical Council -),,!,#(+'' -'(".$!*( %"&+%" /H;; ;0A* 7@F@C -K"D:' 7::@<:6

At a first glance, could this be a wine from Kenya? Well, 1-5C@;8>8.?16H/4 Kenya does have vineyards. But no, that’s spelt Masai. This unusual white originates from the Veneto, inland %$ !##$" from Venice. A blend of Pinot Grigio and a very local grape, ;<@CC (KK=F J#I DEK !IB$K #J ;3H Verduzzo, it comes from a well-regarded producer, fantastically good marriage of fresh lemony dryness Masi, who use a traditional method to obtain the and orchard fruits, peaches and apricots, both )99 !KI FB%G:K $#:A'% $K%DB'KDIK Verduzzo juice: following bunch picking, the grapes are expanding together towards the refreshing finish. A laid on racks, to partly dry, concentrating it. After “Supervenetian” indeed. winemaking, it is blended with the Pinot Grigio, vinified The process of drying the Verduzzo grapes is known 3KK=:& "K7":B%K+ 9*7' 0#%"7& earlier. as “appaxximento” (or “apassimento”), the former used In the glass, light gold with a hint of green. On the on the bottle without explanation. A splendid aperitif, C'7B: AF 7D+ nose, aromas of white flowers and citrus, a hint of an appropriate choice for Italian light first courses or honey, too. The palate then encounters, in a medium with fish.. Alcohol by Vol. 13%. 7"F2$EAI$E%K(F!7!KI,$#' body, something enjoyably different: there’s a Graham Gendall Norton 14 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday July 21, 2013 Register

APPOINTMENTS ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER The Rev Michael Hewitt, Rector, Ridgewell with Ashden, Birdbrook Sunday 21 July. Pentecost 9. Psalm 119:65-80, Mt 25:14-30. Pennsylvania - (III, The and Sturmer (Chelmsford): to retire with The Rev Kevin Barnard, Episcopal Church): The Rt Rev Charles Bennison effect from 19 July 2013. Vicar, Bolsterstone (St Mary), and Bish- The Rev Colin Johnson, op’s Adviser on Issues Relating to Ageing Monday 22 July. Psalm 48, Mt 25:31-46. Oyo - (Ibadan, Nigeria): The Rt Rev Jacob Priest-in-Charge, Charlton-in-Dover (Can- (Sheffield): to be Priest-in-Charge, King Ola Fasipe terbury): to retire with effect tom 30 Sep- Cross; and Deanery Interfaith Officer tember 2013. (Wakefield). Tuesday 23 July. Psalm 49, Mt 26:1-16. Pankshin - (Jos, Nigeria): The Rt Rev Olu- The Rev Canon David Titley, The Rev John Cotterill, muyiwa Ajayi Vicar Clacton St Paul (Chelmsford): to NSM (Assistant Curate), Berkswich (Lich- retire with effect from 31 August 2013. field): to be NSM, Stafford St Mary and Wednesday 24 July. Psalm 50:1-15, Mt 26:17-35. Perth - (Western Australia, Aus- Marston; and NSM, Stafford St Chad; and tralia): The Most Rev Roger Herft; Perth - Goldfields-Country Region: The Rt Rev Chaplain, Commerce in Stafford Town Tom Wilmot; Perth - Southern Region: The Rt Rev Kay Goldsworthy LAY & OTHER Centre (same diocese). APPOINTMENTS The Rev Marie Edwards, Thursday 25 July. Psalm 51, Jer 17:9-18. Peru - (Southern Cone): The Rt Rev Dr NSM (Assistant Curate), Middlesbrough Harold William Godfrey; of Peru - (Southern Cone): The Rt Rev St Agnes (York): to be also Chaplain, Michael Alexander Chapman The Rt Rev Kieran Conry, South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust (same Bishop (Arundel and Brighton): to be also diocese). Friday 26 July. Psalm 52, Jer 18:1-12. Peshawar - (Pakistan): The Rt Rev Humphrey Ecumenical Associate, Guildford Cathedral The Rev Prorenata Emeka Ejinkonye, Peters (Guildford). NSM (Assistant Curate), Victoria Docks St The Rev Canon Paul Maybury, Luke (Chelmsford): to be NSM (Associate Saturday 27 July. Psalm 53, Jer 18:13-23. Peterborough - (Canterbury, England): Vicar, Ossett and Gawthorpe; and Rural Priest). The Rt Rev Donald Spargo Allister; Peterborough – Brixworth: The Rt Rev John Hol- Dean, Dewsbury Deanery (Wakefield): to The Rev Paul Harford, brook be Spirituality Co-ordinator and Bishop’s Assistant Curate, Stokesley with Seamer Missioner, South East Cyprus Chaplaincy (York): to be Vicar, Bishop Thornton, (Cyprus and the Gulf, The Episcopal Burnt Yates, Markington, Ripley and South (Derby): to be Rector, Whittington (same Training Adviser; and Diocesan Director of Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East). Stainley (Ripon and Leeds). diocese). Ordinands (same diocese). Lady Elizabeth Toulson CBE: The Rev Sarah Hayes, The Rev Paul Rush, The Rev Simon Wearn, to be Lay Hon Canon, Guildford Cathedral Assistant Curate, Chipping Campden with Adviser in Evangelism and Parish Develop- Assistant Curate, Great Faringdon with Lit- (Guildford). Ebington (Gloucester): to be Vicar, Horsell ment (Bristol): to be Assistant Curate tle Coxwell (Oxford): to be Rector, Hinck- (Guildford). (Associate Vicar), West Sheppey (Canter- ley Holy Trinity (Leicester). The Rev Alan Humphrey, bury). THE 2013 NSM (Assistant Curate), Kirby Muxloe The Rev Alison Shaw, RETIREMENTS & BIBLE CHALLENGE (Leicester): is now NSM (Priest-in- Assistant Curate, Ormskirk (Liverpool): is RESIGNATIONS Charge). now Assistant Curate, Warrington St Barn- The Rev Michael Leyden, abas (same diocese). Day 202 Enjoy hearing the Scriptures Assistant Curate, Rainhill (Liverpool): to be The Rev Malcolm Roy Shaw, The Rev Canon David Ainge, read aloud in church also Tutor of Theology, St Mellitus North NSM (House for Duty Assistant Curate), Rector, Great Dunmow and Barnston West, The Aidan Centre (same diocese). North Ainsty (York): to be Vicar. (Chelmsford): to retire with effect from 31 Day 203 Proverbs 1-3, Psalm 10, Galatians The Rev Prof Adrian Low, The Rev Christopher Simmons, July 2013. 6 NSM (Assistant Curate), Alrewas; and Retired (York): to be Canon Emeritus, York The Rev Canon Christopher Bishop, NSM (Assistant Curate), Wychnor (Lich- Minster (same diocese). Chaplain, Stansted Airport; and Priest-in- Day 204 Proverbs 4-6, Psalm 11, Eph- field): to be NSM (Associate Minister) to The Rev Juliet Stephenson, Charge Manuden with Berden and Quen- esians 1 both Benefices. Vicar, Newnham with Awre and Blackeney don with Rickling (Chelmsford): to retire The Rev Warrick Martin, (Gloucester): to be Vicar, Chapel House with effect from 3 September 2013. Day 205 Proverbs 7-9, Psalm 12, Eph- Assistant Curate, Little Heath (St Albans): (Newcastle). The Rev Christine Brooks, esians 2 to be Assistant Curate (Associate Minis- The Rev Lisa Temperley-Barnes, Rector, Whinlands (St Edmundsbury and ter), Terrington St Clement (Ely). Assistant Curate, Newbold de Verdun, Bar- Ipswich): to retire with effect from 21 Octo- Day 206 Proverbs 10-12, Psalm 13, Eph- The Rev Canon Michael Mitton, lestone and Kirkby Mallory (Leicester): is ber 2013. esians 3 NSM (Priest-in-Charge), Derby St Paul; now Assistant Curate, Bosworth and The Rev Keith Duckett, and Diocesan Fresh Expressions Adviser Sheepy Group (same diocese). Spiritual Care Lead, John Taylor Hospice Day 207 Proverbs 13-15, Psalm 14, Eph- (Derby): to be Fresh Expressions Officer. The Rev Richard Walker, (Birmingham); and Chaplain, King’s esians 4 Remaining NSM (Priest-in-Charge). Vicar, Elloughton and Brough with Branti- School Wolverhampton (Lichfield): has The Rev Joanna Morris, ngham (York): to be Priest-in-Charge, Bev- resigned as Spiritual Care Lead with effect Day 208 Proverbs 16-19, Psalm 15, Eph- Assistant Curate, Riddings and Ironville erley, St Nicholas; and Archdeaconry from 4 June 2013.Remaining Chaplain. esians 5

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A Vision for 21st Century Anglicans - stands with the ‘international reformed movement’, which it is his responsibility to build his church. Christ knows his included notable reformers such as Martin Bucer and church’s strengths and weaknesses, and he tends them by Church Society Conference Report Peter Martyr Vermigli. Lee then outlined the various speaking to them through his Word. Church of England formularies (Canons A2 and A5, and the Secondly, under six headings, Peter encouraged us to By David Meager Declaration of Assent) where the Articles are cited – refer- take our responsibility to reform the church seriously. ence to the Articles is still required by all clergy today! First, we must continue to evangelise the nation. Second- On Saturday 1 June, approximately 80 people gathered at Lee then explained how the Articles can be of use today. ly, we must recognise the influence that ordinary lay peo- Oak Hill College for the Church Society annual conference He encouraged us to sharpen our evangelical identity by ple and clergy can have in the re-reformation of England and AGM. The Rev Lee Gatiss, Church Society Director, studying and applying them – at the very least an Anglican from below. Thirdly, we must engage and work hard in the spoke on the 39 Articles - this year is their 450th birthday, evangelical should be Anglican – that is, theologically structures of the Church of England – ‘democracy is whilst the Rev Dr Peter Adam, former Principal of Ridley Reformed. We should also use the Articles when engaging demanding, and what it requires is engagement.’ College Melbourne, spoke on the topic of how to reform in current debates in the Church of England, such as the Fourthly, we must apply Paul’s instructions about how to the church today. women’s ministry debate. Article 20 – Of the authority of relate to false teachers (2 Tim 2:22-26) - we must aim to win Lee Gatiss opened the conference by speaking on “con- the Church, is particularly pertinent. people, and not just arguments. Fifthly, we must remember fessional” , and the usefulness of the 39 Arti- Following Lee’s talk, Church Society held its Annual that reformation takes time – ‘reforming a church takes 20 cles. Lee began his talk by outlining the history, and work General Meeting, Chaired by Viscount Brentford, the Soci- years: reforming a denomination or association takes of Church Society, and the strategic role it plays in seeking ety’s President. During the AGM the Council election was longer.’ Sixthly, we need to engage in a godly manner - we to reform the church today. held resulting in several new members being elected. The need to honour and pray for those in authority over us. Following his introduction, Lee then explained how the Council now consists of men and women in all kinds of Peter then closed his talk by praying that our lives, and Church of England, at the time of the Reformation, had ministries, lay and ordained, with a broad spectrum of ages the life of the church would be reformed according to come to embrace “The True Profession of the Gospel… (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s). God’s word. the Protestant Reformed religion,” and how this is still our Following a short break, Peter Adam then spoke on the Overall the day was a great encouragement as we were official constitution today, even after the many ups and topic of reforming the church today. Peter first outlined the reminded by Lee about the truly Reformed nature of the downs of church and national history. positive aspects within the Church of England, such as the Church of England’s confession of faith, and by Peter, Following this historical outline, Lee then examined in many thriving parish churches, and the good theological about how to reform the church today. It was also a good more detail the theological character of the Articles. The training that many receive. Peter explained that the root time to meet fellow Church Society members, and other Articles are ‘catholic’ (in a universal sense), Trinitarian, problem of the church is sin - including our sin - which we visitors, and to encourage one another in gospel ministry, Protestant, Reformed, Not Anabaptistic, and Established. need to take account of when analysing the current Angli- for the glory of God and the good of England. They also take sides on some of the key debates of the Ref- can landscape. Both talks are available to listen to on the Church Socie- ormation. Peter then outlined two areas that need to be kept in ty website. For example their view of the sacraments are Calvinist, view if the church is going to be reformed today. Firstly, we David Meager is a member of the and not Lutheran or Zwinglian. In short, their doctrine need to trust our sufficient Saviour, Jesus Christ, because staff team of Church Society SUNDAY SERVICE Thinking about death

Ninth Sunday after sage shows us the tenderness and kindness Bob Mayo programme, is not just for what happens Trinity (Sunday 28 July) of God, despite our sins (for which we are at the moment of death but for the need Hosea 1:2-10 instructed to ask forgiveness) and the fact There are (inevitably) no experts in for control in the lives leading up to that that we are evil (to use Jesus’ own description death but it becomes a parish priest’s point. Scripture teaches us that life is by Colossians 2:6-19 of us here). It is also fascinating to see all specialist subject and so it is mine. Over its very nature haphazard and to be Luke 11:1-13 three persons of the Trinity together, as the last eight years going in and out of entered into as such – why worry about Christ prompts us to ask the Father for the people’s homes it has been a privilege tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry God’s relationship to his people is viewed in Holy Spirit. for me to accompany people through about itself (Matt 6:34). intimate and personal ways in today’s read- In Colossians 2, Paul urges us to continue the process of death. I have also in the You can keep your Dignitas and care- ings. He appears both as Husband and Father with Christ in the way we began, and not to last three years been three times with ful planning. I pray for naïveté. I want to to his people, just as Christ is the head united move away from him into deceptive philoso- friends who have died of cancer and be kept foolish so that things that hap- to his body, the church. phies. In a terrific piece of applied systematic each occasion has left me wretched. pen constantly surprise me. I like the Was Hosea’s wife unfaithful to begin with theology, Paul interweaves various biblical These will become more common in our fact that the reason that a real flower is (perhaps even a prostitute) or did she become themes — baptism, circumcision, incarnation, society. The Macmillan Cancer Support more beautiful than a plastic flower is so? Either way, the Lord knew, and wanted angelology, atonement — and exhorts the reckon that, while there will be a better because it dies. the marriage to be a picture of his own rela- Colossians to hold fast to Christ because of survival rate, half of Britons living in At the point of death there is still an tionship to Israel, his wayward people. Some- who he is and what he’s done. He is our head, 2020 will get cancer. There has never element of choice. People will some- times marriage is used in a positive way to our victor, our fullness. We have everything been more need for a clear and coherent times wait until family members leave illustrate that relationship, such as in Eph- we need in him, who is the inexhaustible foun- theology of death. the room before they die. We are wed- esians 5:22-33. But here the picture is much tain of all good things. So much so, that if we In Les Miserables the question of ded to the picture of the family sitting more bleak. are “in him” it does not matter whether we are death is a question of life. The story round the bed waiting for their loved Hosea and Gomer’s children are also part of “in” anywhere else — we cannot be disquali- begins with Valjean staying overnight one to die but to spend one’s last a divine message: Jezreel is a portent of fied or condemned by others for not being with the Bishop after 19 years in prison. moments with people watching to see doom; Lo-Ruhamah tells the world that part of their groupings or cliques, nor for The Bishop says to Valjean: “If you leave whether your next breath is your last Israel’s time is up; Lo-Ammi says the covenant falling short on their unbiblical shibboleths. your place of suffering with hatred in might seem highly intrusive. ‘It is a deci- of love has been broken. Yet verse 10 enig- To be led astray into a new legalism or mysti- your heart, and anger against men, you sion between her and the Almighty,’ matically declares that the living God will cism or asceticism, or into human ways of will be deserving of our pity; but if you said the staff when my beloved aunt was somehow take back his people, his children, thinking which take their lead from the sur- leave with good will, in gentleness and spending her last days in a quiet hos- and keep the promise made to Abraham that rounding culture instead of from Christ, is to peace, you will have risen above any of pice. We would leave her alone during his descendents would be as numerous as the flee to the shadows and away from the sub- us”. By the end of his life Valjean had the day to see whether she wanted to stars of heaven and the grains of sand on the stance of our salvation. All we need is found in gone from a living death as convict die and when she did it was in her own seashore. How this will come to pass is not yet him, our head. ‘24601’ to being prosperous Mayor of time in the quiet of the evening with all clear to Hosea’s listeners, but the prophecy of Montreuil-sur-merends and ending his others gone and only her son and sister restoration should not be allowed to dent the Lee Gatiss is Director of Church Society, and life as surrogate father to Cosette and present. impact of the very real judgement being faced Editor of the NIV Proclamation Bible. saviour of her husband Marius. Val- Death is God’s crowning mercy; it is by the people. God will be God, and keep his jean’s life is redeemed and he tells not a tragedy. It is through death that word; but this cannot mean we will go floating Cosette that “It is nothing to die; it is God in Christ draws us to himself and it up to heaven on flowery beds of ease regard- dreadful not to live.” is in death that we learn to appreciate less of how we treat him. HYMN My concern over the attitude to death the life that we have been given. Death In Jesus’ teaching on prayer in Luke 11, we that we have in our society is that we is very likely the single best invention of are taught to pray to God as Father. He is a SUGGESTIONS have substituted redemption for control. life, said Steve Jobs in 2005. Mortality is hallowed Father, holy and different to us, yet Redemption is a belief in the ultimate what helps us to make the big changes intimately concerned for our welfare. His providence of God in which we play our in life. Time is short and we are not to overarching plan to covenant to us a kingdom part. Control is the belief that the only waste it living someone else’s life. should be a matter for daily prayer, but he God of love, you freely give us truly definitive relationship is that we The Rev Dr Bob Mayo is Vicar of St knows that we need our daily bread too and is In Christ alone have with ourselves. Assisted suicide is Stephen’s and St Thomas, Shepherd’s delighted when we ask him for it. Like a Lift high the cross the ultimate belief that one can have Bush, with St Michael and St George friend, God hears our persistent pleas and the What a friend we have in Jesus control over one’s life. White City. ([email protected] cries of our heart. Like a father he knows how Thy kingdom come, O God My sadness for those who participate can.org / www.ststephensw12.org / fol- to give good gifts to his children. This pas- in Dignitas, the Swiss assisted suicide low Bob on Twitter @RevBobMayo) Milestones

On Monday the House of Lords voted at the Third Reading of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill. This marks the final stage of the Bill’s progress in the House of Lords... It should not be “direct discrimination” against gay cou- ples for bed & breakfasts to have a ‘married couples only’ policy for double rooms, accord- ing to the Court of Appeal in a ruling published last week, but the court felt it had to follow pre- vious rulings in similar cases, despite being “reluctant” to do so...The ‘benefit cap’ came into force this week, which charities claim will affect thousands of families across the country...

individuals rather than of the Government. A common factor behind both libertarian

PAUL attitudes to moral questions and to social welfare is an increased emphasis on individ- RICHARDSON ualism and personal choice. This is the product of a number of factors. The post- Church and World war welfare state helped foster communitar- ian values; government cuts have hit young people more than seniors and impressed upon them the need for self-reliance. The ‘ digital revolution has expanded the range of choice available to them. High rates of uni- versity attendance appear to promote liber- The challenge of al values and more young people in Britain have gone on from school or university to set up their own businesses than in any young people today other European nation. Some opinion polls now put support for “Pope Francis is a When it comes to attracting young per cent today. No other group tops the Tories among the 18-to-24-year-olds miracle of humility people the churches know they are 50 per cent. According to Pew ‘the higher than for Labour - a striking contrast in trouble. A YouGov poll for the Sun rise in support for same-sex mar- with the situation in the past. in an age of vanity.” revealed the majority of 18-to-24- riage over this period is among the It is very easy for the churches to throw Elton John year-olds have no contact with a largest changes of opinion on any their hands up in horror at all this. There is church and have no religious beliefs. policy issue over this time period’. something to offend everyone. Conserva- Only a quarter said they believe in Ten years ago 58 per cent of Ameri- tive Christians will be alarmed at attitudes God and nearly half said they cans opposed gay marriage and 33 to morals; liberal Christians will be alarmed thought religion was a cause of evil. per cent supported it; today it is sup- at an apparent lack of concern for the poor. People‘ More young people belong to gyms ported by 49 per cent and opposed Anyone who wants to find reasons to crit- than are members of churches. by 44 per cent. icise the Millennials does not have to look In some cases, differences in The views of young people on far. In the words of a recent article in Time The , the Rt Rev Dr David this is ‘the Me, Me, Me Generation’. ‘Mil- Thomson, has been appointed interim bishop for lennials’, the headline screamed, ‘are lazy, the Diocese of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich, fol- entitled narcissists who still live with their lowing the appointment of the Rt Rev Nigel parents’. Stock as . The Archbishop of As the children of the baby boomers they Canterbury has invited Bishop David to serve in have taken the values of the ‘Summer of Suffolk until a permanent bishop is selected... Love’ to their logical conclusion. A recent Roger Davies will be standing down as Chief op-ed in the New York Times by Simon Executive of Methodist Homes (MHA) in 2014 Critchley and Jamieson Webster spoke of a after 15 successful years’ service... The Queen ‘therapeutic culture of well-being’, a ‘per- has approved the appointment of the Rev Dun- sonal ethic of authenticity’, and ‘a liturgy of can James Dormor, BA, MSc, as a Member of inwardness’. They referred to a ‘naive belief the Churches Conservation Trust for a period of in authenticity’ that eventually gives way to three years from 21 May 2013... Anglican evangel- a ‘deep cynicism’. ical mission agency CPAS has appointed the Rev The article in Time ended on a more pos- Pam Macnaughton, a pioneer minister and itive note. Millennials may be big on self- diocesan adviser for pioneer ministry, to the role promotion but they can get things done. of leadership specialist... The , The figures for start-ups of small business- Dr Steven Croft said in his Presidential Address worldview are now more pro- moral questions are generally es in the UK are significant. Millennials to the Sheffield Diocesan Synod on Saturday (13 nounced between generations than acknowledged but their liberal views may want constant approval and suffer from July) that “world hunger is created and sustained they are between cultures. If church- on economic and political issues are a fear of missing out but they are pragma- by institutionalized greed. There is enough food es are to minister effectively to the not so widely appreciated, although tists rather than dreamers. They may dis- for everyone but some are denied because of the Millenials (young adults born since it was this libertarian creed that led like big institutions but they are not greed of others to consume”, telling bishops, cler- 1980) they need to know what many young Americans to support inactive. They are pro-business, financially gy and laity gathered for the summer synod: “the makes them tick. Some reasons for the presidential candidacy of Ron responsible and have less debt than any only path to a better world in this moment of their alienation from the churches Paul. previous generation. change, is to find an antidote to human greed”… are well known; others are less well In Britain The Economist has Churches need to listen to them and appreciated. hailed the ‘strange rebirth of liberal involve them. They are more likely to value It is widely understood that young England’, citing polls that show a church than runs a food bank or a credit Next Week’s News people take a much more liberal line young people aged between 18 and union than they are to respect one that sits on many moral questions than the 24 take a less rosy view of the wel- on the sidelines and tries to lecture every- older generation and certainly than fare state than previous generations one on economic issues. Monday 22 July sees the Second Anniversary of those aged over 65. Opinion polls on and are more likely to be opposed to So much conflict in the world appears to Norway bombing and mass shooting at youth a range of issues showed this to be the government spending more on have its roots in religion that you can’t summer camp on the nearby Utoya Island where the case for the Westminster Faith benefits to the poor if it leads to high- blame young people for being hostile. It 77 people killed... 28 July is World Hepatitis debates. er taxes. This is another issue that takes time to see beyond the religious rhet- Day, which hopes to raise the awareness of all In America it is Millennials who puts them against most of the oric to the actual roots of violence. What the types of the virus, and educate people about the have fuelled the dramatic shift of churches. churches need to do is to tap the energy of symptoms... Also on Sunday 28, the 99th anniver- opinion on gay marriage. A Pew sur- More young people than members the Millennials, engage them in worthwhile sary of the beginning of World War 1 will be vey shows support among this group of previous generations think social projects and give them time to work out remembered... rising from 51 per cent in 2001 to 70 problems are the responsibility of their real beliefs.

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