THE E UROPEAN A NGLICAN

F OND FAREWELLS I N G IBRALTAR AND R OME

L ENT COURSE IN L IÈGE TALKING THE FAITH

T WELVE MONTHS OF GREEN AWARD IN THE H AGUE

V IRTUAL D IOCESE F ELLOWSHIP ONLINE

C APITAL SHARE A MSTERDAM TO PARIS LINKS

FREE No.37 SPRING 2008 2 CROATIAN CHURCH JOY

THE E UROPEAN ROATION CON A NGLICAN C FOR TODD The Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe Members of the Anglican church in Zagreb are The Rt Revd Geoffrey Rowell Bishop’s Lodge, Church Road, celebrating an award to their Reader, Todd Becker, Worth, Crawley RH10 7RT Tel:+44 (0) 1293 883051 who has been honoured with a human rights Fax: +44 (0) 1293 884479 Email: recognition from the Croatian Helsinki Human bishop@dioceseineurope. org.uk Rights Organization (HHO), the oldest and largest The Suffragan Bishop The Rt Revd David Hamid human rights organization in Croatia. Postal address: Diocesan Office Tel:+44 (0) 207 898 1160 It is the first time the HHO has presented The work involved furthering and Email: any of its awards to a non-Croatian supporting the development of [email protected]. org.uk citizen. It was presented by the Prime governmental and non-governmental The Diocesan Office Minister of Croatia, Dr. Ivo Sanader, in offices, institutions and organizations to 14 Tufton Street, London, recognition of Todd’s seven years as ensure human rights development as well SW1P 3QZ Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to as working with the government, Tel:+44 (0) 207 898 1155 Croatia promoting and protecting human parliament, NGO’s, political parties and Fax: +44 (0) 207 898 1166 rights in Croatia. (OSCE is the minority groups to strengthen the legal Email: diocesan.office@europe. Organization for Security and Cooperation framework for human rights, particularly c-of-e.org.uk in Europe, the 56 nation security minority rights, in Croatia. Todd says “The organization based in Vienna). award, given to me for my personal work Diocesan Secretary Mr Adrian Mumford Assistant Diocesan Secretary migration patterns are very different. Mrs Jeanne French E ASTER PEOPLE There are challenges about establishing Finance Officer new congregations and providing more Mr Nick Wraight ON THE MOVE intensive support for Archdeacons. But Diocesan Website Campaigners for a permanently fixed with attendance and membership figures www.europe.anglican.org date for Easter are much encouraged which buck the general trend within Editor and Diocesan this year because of the quirks of the the we are still Communications Officer lunar calendar. No sooner had churches moving forward – as our front page The Revd. Paul Needle around Europe celebrated the cover picture reminds us – even if the Postal address: Diocesan office Presentation of Christ in the Temple road ahead is sometimes a little uncertain. Email: (or Candlemas) on February 2nd when The calendar may be rushing us into [email protected] Easter this year but – whether early or Tel:0034 662 482 944 three days later we marked Ash Wednesday and Lent was underway. late – there will be many processions Design Apparently Easter this year is the around Europe during Holy Week Adept Design, Norwich earliest date it can possibly be – at least offering visible reminders that God’s people are on the move. In these pages Printer until the year 2160 when many of us Norwich Colour Print may not be taking a great interest in it! you will find news of God’s Easter This edition of the European Anglican People fired and inspired by the good Distribution news of the risen Christ. CoDEStorm plc has an Easter feel about it with stories about a church on the move.The Dean Cover photo: Christians on the of Gibraltar and the Head of the Costa Del Sol were encouraged to see this gospel truth illustrated in a Anglican Centre in Rome have both jumble of road signs near Estepona. moved on – one new appointment has “Heaven” is the name of a local been announced and another is awaited. bar which decided to advertise But the life of the church does not itself after road works left locals stop because of changes in personnel wondering whether “Heaven” and leadership.The future of the had been cut off during the is much changed improvement project. from when it was formed in 1980 and YORK COURSES IN BELGIUM 3

GRATULATIONS

ministry as Reader in St. Boniface constantly reach out to find new Anglican Church at Bonn, Germany, members, as well as be present for the Anglican Church in Athens, Greece tourists and others. We have a small where he was Reader in charge of number of resident Croatians and Kifissia chapel. For the past eight British citizens, mostly married to years he has served as reader in St. Croatians, who provide a strong Joseph’s Chapel, Zagreb, Croatia (part backbone to the congregation. of the Chaplaincy of Vienna). “Normal attendance is about 18- The Zagreb congregation is 20, with a “record” of 35. We are primarily made up of English speaking present each week (with a summer ex-patriots, diplomats and break of about 6 weeks) even when businesspeople. Weekly worship at St. only “two or three are gathered Joseph’s Chapel in the Jesuit Training together,” which happily happens only Academy in Zagreb includes Morning occasionally. The congregation is self Prayer 3 or 4 times monthly and sustaining spiritually and financially, Eucharist about once a month including the payment of an organist, celebrated by the Vienna based cost of travel by the Chaplain and also reflects the extensive successful Chaplain, Patrick Curran, or a locum locum to celebrate Eucharist, and work of the OSCE Mission as a whole priest from England. other diocesan related travel.” in all of these areas. The guiding Todd adds; “We are blessed with He says that as he leaves after principle for all my work is the life and numerous younger families with seven years, “the Spirit has called teachings of Jesus.” children. We have a Sunday School, forth several members of the Todd was born in Washington D.C. led by volunteers from the congregation to take over leadership but has lived in Europe for most of his congregation, for school aged children duties on the Parish Council, as adult life, working for a total of 43 up to their early teens. The worship leaders and teaching Sunday years in the United States diplomatic congregation is transient, with most School. The future for Zagreb is a service and the OSCE. His participation members staying in Zagreb from 1 to challenge, but it appears exciting in the Diocese in Europe includes 2 years. Consequently we must and viable.“

never found people so involved in H OW THE GOOD NEWS the service, with everyone engaging with the teaching. CAME FROM YORK TO L I ÈGE The format we used was a 2 minute introduction, where we Rev Paul Yiend from Liège on how an English based picked two or three questions to be Lent course works in Belgium discussed and “answered” by the big-names.We fired them at the The “York Courses” of study which Does the standard “sermon” really congregation to discuss in twos and we used in Lent offer a surprising link communicate effectively in this threes where they sat, then shared between the beautiful ancient walled context? our thoughts in plenary after 2 or 3 city with its Minster and post- I ordered the Lent Course material minutes, then played an answer (or industrial Liège, where the English forgetting that midweek courses were two) from one of the experts on the Church is a bit of a Melchisedek not possible in our church as people CD.With a short 2 minutes church: nobody really knows quite were not free to attend then – so summary conclusion that would where it came from, it just appeared things needed to happen on Sunday. be the sermon. when it was needed and blessed people The whole series is based around Of course it can feel as if you – as bishops also do! It is very much an listening to an indexed CD and haven’t done any theological ecumenical church. Most come answering and discussing questions. teaching. Possibly true, but I often because it is English speaking rather You can instantly skip to the part of had the impression that far more than because it is Anglican. Many find the CD you want with a stimulating theological learning was going on the ordered pattern and liturgy of variety of 1 or 2 minute answers to the than was often the case with the Anglican worship “not quite what they questions everybody wants to ask from traditional style sermon.And would do at home”. Add to that the people whose answer everybody would although the course affords more fact that English is second or third like to hear. time for discussion than our language for many and an Oxford (or “Dare we use it in the main church setting allowed it worked in my case Plymouth) accent is not morning service?” I thought “Why for us and proved to be a course what they are used to; and you have a not? Let’s give it a go!”We did, and the that fitted the church rather than teaching challenge on your hands. result surpassed expectations. I had the alternative. 4 NEW FACE FOR THE FRIENDS

The Friends of the Diocese in Europe were formed in 1995 to support N EW the Diocese and share in its life and work. ECRETARY BY THEIR INTEREST IN RETURN S • in discovering something of its • Friends receive a regular mailing history and its work from the Diocesan Office, including OF T HE • in visiting its chaplaincies whenever THE EUROPEAN ANGLICAN possible four times a year, the Diocesan • in talking about it to others and Yearbook and other information as F RIENDS introducing new Friends it becomes available. • in coming to the annual reunion and • There is an annual reunion, usually F HE other activities in London, consisting of a service O T • in reading The European Anglican followed by a reception: this is an opportunity for the Friends to D IOCESE BY THEIR PRAYERS meet each other, the Bishops and God bless our Diocese other clergy and lay people from Inspire its worship around the Diocese and the Sanctify its people and Diocesan staff. Make each of its churches and chaplaincies HOW CAN I BECOME A home for all who need or seek You. A FRIEND? Amen There is an online application form with more details at We welcome BY THEIR GIFTS http://www.europe.anglican.org Rev Philip Friends pay an annual subscription /links/links_friends.htm Warner, who (minimum £20, but most pay rather Or write to:- has succeeded more).The proceeds are used to The Friends of the Diocese in Rev Paul support a wide range of diocesan Europe, 14 Tufton Street, Topham as projects for which funds are short or London SW1 3QZ Honorary Secretary to the Friends of are not available from other sources. the Diocese in Europe. Philip is a native of the Sussex coast, who has spent much of his ministry in London, and now has charge over the parish of St Magnus the Martyr by London Bridge. For three years he was chaplain in Belgrade (covering in addition Sarajevo and Skopje) and Apokrisiarios to the Serbian Patriarch.This was a time of rapid political and economic change within the Balkans with various challenges and opportunities. “Having had a parish of three countries,” he says,“I now have one of three streets, and although I knew some of the warlords in the Balkans, they were nothing compared with those in the City of London.” However, he is pleased that in serving the Friends in this capacity he will stay in touch with the Diocese and all those who have a concern for its mission and ministry. Fr Philip’s interests include travel, which last year saw him in India, Sardinia, Spain, Morocco, China,Tibet and Nepal; the last three as a member of a group led by Bishop Geoffrey. Although on a steep learning curve when it comes to computerised technology, as good a way of getting hold of him is through email: [email protected] SHRINKING OUR FOOTPRINT 5

G REEN CHURCH IN T HE H AGUE AND H AMBURG As education and concerns a calendar of twelve ecologically about the environment grow conscious initiatives revealed to the congregation on a monthly basis. around the diocese church Every project was given a catchy title, members in The Hague are like “Print it Once!” or “Ban the proud winners of an award Bag!” and launched to the congregation as a lifestyle challenge. and in Hamburg principles We addressed everyday issues of paper were turned to practice with consumption, carbon-conscious an innovative double travel, water conservation, power glazing scheme. conservation, green ways of heating, and shopping for recycled and fair Church Wardens (from left) Ellen Tsunamis, carbon footprints, fair trade products. Halfway through the Ziesmann and Heidi Thomas, with trade shopping – nearly a decade into year, we collected money for an Chaplain Roger White, admire the the new millennium, environmental anti-malaria water sanitation project new double-glazing in the galleries of concerns have become everyone’s in Uganda, then closed the year with St.Thomas à Becket Hamburg. business.What was once assumed to the congregational purchase of a be an interest of activists and the odd, Water Buffalo through Christian Aid. Birkenstock-clad vegetarian has In November the Church was We decided last year to really try and finally attracted international political recognized for its campaign at the do something to reduce our energy and social acclaim. From Oscar Church Times Green Church Awards consumption as a church community. approbation for An Inconvenient Truth ceremony in London, tying for first So we insulated the 300 square metre to LiveEarth and your universal prize in the category of “Changing roof space with mineral wool to the choice of organic macchiato latté, Lifestyles.” Short listed for the awards required 15mm and then turned to hopping on the environmental with fourteen other churches in an the attractive but single-glazed bandwagon has never been trendier. interdenominational, international windows. Our Architect Peter Wilkens The Anglican Church of St. John competition, we served as the obtained a generous grant for both & St. Philip in The Hague,The singular representative from contracts from the Hamburg Heritage Netherlands, has responded by taking continental Europe. Authority, the Denkmalschutzbehörde. environmental awareness a step In 2008, we will continue to They wouldn’t let us go the whole further. It, too, has put ‘creation promote environmentally conscious way with modern sealed units but we consciousness’ on the map. But we living following the close of its came away with a 50% grant for didn’t adopt the issue to attract “Green Year.”While encouraging secondary glazing in new frames. popularity or members who ride members to continue practicing First signs are that energy demand bikes and wear flowers in their hair the green habits adopted throughout is going down.The Church is rather than recognizing our last year’s campaign, our next considerably warmer, with the help of responsibility as a community of initiative involves participation in a mild winter to date, meaning that faith to work towards ecological and the international Lenten “Carbon our gas boiler isn’t on for as long social sustainability. Fast” led by the Christian before creating an adequate warmth, We began in January 2007 with a organization,Tearfund. especially for Sundays. year long campaign for green living. The Church Roof looks well “Twelve Months of Green” produced Anastasia Hacopian suited to a solar panel system, with its south-facing aspect. It would be wonderful to combine that with the heating system. However, more The Bishop of urgent items demand our attention Ely, Dr. Anthony fabric-wise.We musn’t forget what Russell, presents we are really here for either! At the award to present, we are studying the ‘Fresh Hague representatives Expressions’ material to see what we Mark Jones, might do to reach out to the Anastasia unchurched in this cosmopolitan City Hacopian, and with world-wide connections and a Carola de kaleidoscope of peoples. Muralt Roger White, Chaplain in Hamburg 6 SHARING CITY TO CITY

premises of the British School, and I had the privilege of preaching there on the Sunday. Much was familiar - A TALE OF people of all ages gathered from across the world to be there, newcomers just popping in for the first time, the music rehearsal TWO CITIES beforehand (‘how does this song go?’).What was really impressive It all started over a leisurely lunch at the ICS conference last year. Mark however was to remember that this Collinson, Chaplain in Amsterdam, and Philip Mounstephen, from St. church simply hadn’t existed a year Michael’s Paris were comparing notes - and then decided that if they ago. Some were there from Christ really wanted to know how each other’s church ticked, they needed to Church in the city centre, but others arrange an exchange. So one weekend in November Mark, along with wouldn’t be going anywhere were it Assistant Chaplain Alastair MacDonald and Churchwarden Matthijs van not for this new Church. Engelen, arrived at the Gare du Nord in Paris. And a week later Philip, Much else was impressive - the together with Council member Sarah Hardenberg and Churchwarden boat trip round the city, the Janet Maybank, arrived in Amsterdam. precipitately steep stairs Dutch houses Philip reflects on their time in Amsterdam, and Mark on what they have (to make up for the lack of found in Paris. hills?), the warmth of the hospitality we received, and the obvious warmth Philip Mounstephen: church planting, and I remain very between members of the church The first surprise was being taken impressed by Mark’s vision for there.There’s a very strong and from Amsterdam's Central Station establishing churches in strategic impressive sense of common into the heart of the red light district! places across the Amsterdam area and commitment to one another - and But we went there to visit a beyond.And he’s led the way in that to the work of the gospel in Christian community who live and by going out from Christ Church, Amsterdam. work there - a real oasis of calm and the old church in the city centre When he was down with us the peace amidst some terrible where Alastair now ministers, to lead weekend before Mark gave St. exploitation. In an extreme way, it the Amsterdam South plant himself. Michael’s a lovely print of Christ highlighted the issue I wanted to There are all sorts of prices to be Church.As I pass it I often pray not reflect on, and the reason for the paid in doing that - no doubt it’s only for Christ Church in the city exchange itself: how do we, as the easier to remain together and expect centre but for Amsterdam South too people of God, proclaim the people to come to you (which I fear - and indeed for those other Kingdom of God at the heart of is what we may do in Paris), but it’s a churches, not yet planted, that in the these great international cities? price he and they are willing to pay. goodness of God we trust will spring For Amsterdam part of the answer is Amsterdam South uses the from them in the future.

Mark Collinson: The answer, we found, was in Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send We visited Paris on the weekend of investing in a church staff team who out workers into his harvest field.’ Remembrance Sunday when Philip can minister to different people Like all of us, St Michael’s lives each was leading a service in the afternoon groups, in different worship styles. year, by faith, trusting that the Lord in Notre Dame, with distinguished We counted at least six full-time staff will supply the needs of those he ecumenical, civic and governmental positions, consisting of a team of calls to work his fields.We representatives. St Michael’s has a people with complementary gifts.We Amsterdammers were encouraged by long historic relationship with the were extremely jealous of the quality the faith and ministry of our British Embassy, just a stone’s throw of music produced by the organist Parisian friends. away from the church building. It was and 3 different music groups. Seeing impressive to see how the Chaplain young people using their musical continues to play such a significant gifts was particularly encouraging. role in Anglo/French relationships. This investment in staff meant that We were surprised to hear that they could ‘work’ the building with very few church members live close maximum effectiveness, without to the church, given that Paris is such relying on a ‘one man ministry’. a residential city…. but then few Anyone with spiritual gifts is people would live close to the Elysée encouraged to use them.The Palace! The question we wanted administration and office staff answering, therefore, was how does St release the clergy to devote more of Michael’s attract so many people to their time to supporting leaders in Exchanging the canals for the Seine. three English speaking services, and one lay ministry. Amsterdammers in Paris. French speaking service on a Sunday? Jesus advised his disciples,‘Ask the NEWS FROM THE NORTH 7

F OCUS ON G OTHENBURG St Andrew’s in Gothenburg celebrated bilingual meditation on texts from the 150th anniversary of their church Dag Hammarskjöld’s Vägmärken building on 30 November, the (Markings) illustrated by photographs culmination of a week of activity. Above: A bevy of bishops with the from the Dag Hammarskjöld pilgrim new Ikon. Some of the highlights included: trail in Lappland; and a St • our two bishops, David and Carl Andrewstide service of hymns and Axel, on St Andrew’s Sunday, when prayers for the mission of the church. Carl Axel presented us with a We also had an evening of African beautiful ikon of St Birgitta, song and drumming, and two talks painted in Porvoo, and told an on the history of St Andrew’s – one excellent anecdote in his “thank from nonagenarian and former you for the lunch” speech; committee member John Ashton, • Eva Palmgren, who led us from who has devoted much of his church to lunch with a virtuoso retirement to writing about the bagpipe solo of Scottish melodies; British community in Gothenburg, • the farmhouse Wensleydale and one based on my own research cheese, specially imported by among registers and minute books on friends of a member of our the relationship of St Andrew’s to the committee for wine and cheese wider church, with especial reference after a poetry reading; to visiting bishops. • and finally, receiving our new hymn books (Common Praise) just Chaplain Barbara Moss in time for the last event of the week, Come and Sing with St Andrew’s Choir. The church was open every weekday afternoon during the week, with refreshments and a Christmas mini-market selling, among other things, Christmas pudding, mincemeat and stuffing from the English Shop; Fair Trade chocolates and wooden puzzles; home-made Christmas cards featuring our stained glass windows, and a Books stall with four books on the history of the church, two CDs, Above: Scots bagpipes in Sweden fridge magnets, and our special herald poems, wine and souvenir programme leaflets. Wensleydale. There were two special services during our open afternoons: one

N ORTHERN L IGHTS Archdeacon Mark Oakley travelled into ancient cathedral where Norway’s royalty the north of his archdeaconry, to used to be crowned.As Archdeaon Trondheim, on the Feast of Candlemas Oakley pointed out in his sermon, the to licence Mary Strømmen (pictured relationship between Trondheim and right) as Assistant Chaplain and to give a English clergy goes back further than the priest from the Church of Norway, Porvoo Agreement.The diocese used to Ragnhild Jespson, permission to officiate include the Isle of Man, the Orkneys and in the chaplaincy. the Shetlands and English clergy served The service took place in the the cathedral when it was first built as magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, the priests and bishops. CYCLES IN CORFU AND 8 A SICILY MEMORIAL

Whilst taking part in a pilgrimage ‘Walking in the Footsteps of St Paul’ Lesley Berridge, a Reader at Costa del Sol (East) in Spain, met Rev Walter Earl Mullins from Sykesville, Maryland who was undertaking the same pilgrimage as part of a four month sabbatical.As a result of this meeting Mr Mullins spent five days touring the Costa del Sol and shared a service with the chaplain Rev David Sutch.

Although it takes 45 minutes by air from Corfu to Athens, Rev Clifford Owen covered the 280 miles on his bike – sponsored by his former churches in the UK – to draw attention to and support the Anglican churches along his route. After posing with his wife Avis he began the journey by ferry! The Books of Acts may have ended differently if St Paul had gone by bike!

When Rev Ian Falconer went as locum chaplain to St. George’s Taormina, Sicily he did not know his duties would include re-dedicating a refurbished war memorial to the Durham Light Infantry in Catania. He was joined by 87 year old Harry Lidster, Major Chris Lawton of the DLI Association and 87 year old Dick Atkinson. STAINED GLASS IN BRUSSELS AND 9 A FIERY FURNACE IN ZURICH

The “Great East Window” in Holy Trinity Brussels has the unique location at the West end of the church.The Diocesan Bishop dedicated the work of art which depicts in abstract form the three persons of the Trinity above Brussels’ Grand Place, with the Holy Spirit descending. Inscribed within it is “Go into all the world and preach the good news to every nation”.

Canon John Newsome, chaplain in Zurich, was photographed on his knees for something other than prayer.The church’s Child Safety Committee organised a First Aid Course including dealing with children choking, epileptic fits, burns, cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR and how to use everything in our First Aid boxes. John was an enthusiastic volunteer – and perhaps prayer had Pentecost comes in many churches in the Diocese its part to play. in Europe with a multiplicity of tongues and languages to be heard in worship.The congregation of St. Peter and St. Sigfrid’s in Stockholm enjoy an occasional special African Eucharistic service, encouraged by the Chaplain Rev Nick Howe who has also been heard chanting in Yoruba!

Church leaders in Zurich assure us no children were harmed in the making of their away weekend project when youngsters recreated the fiery furnace where Daniel and his friends are beginning to feel the heat! 10 ARRIVERDERCI ANGLICAN CENTRE

A FAREWELL TO R OME IN THE with hope as the friendship between have tested my linguistic resources to SUMMER OF Pope Benedict and Archbishop Rowan the limit. The existing tensions in the 2000 I had a Williams has grown warmer with each Anglican Communion meant that I had telephone call visit. They speak personally and gently to learn the phrases “ordinazione from the then with one another in both German and delle donne” and “sessualita umana” Archbishop of English. It is a revelation. Reunion very quickly indeed. Canterbury, Dr between Anglicans and Catholics may I have received strong support from George Carey. I still be a long way off, but over the the two Anglican churches and was shelling years we have made deep friendships parishes in Rome, All Saint’s Anglican peas at the with one another, even at the top of in the Via del Babuino and St Paul’s- time, so the call came as something the pyramid. within-the-walls Episcopal in the Via of a shock. “Do you speak Italian?” he The city of Rome has weaved its Napoli. I am grateful to them for their asked. “Well” I replied, “I can order a enchanting spell as I visited and care and affection. And I have made cappuchino in Pizza Express”. “I’m revisited the viewpoint on top of the wonderful friends in the Roman sending you a cheque” he said “to go Janiculum, with its fabulous view of Catholic church and among all the and get some Italian lessons”. The line the city. I climbed to the top of the English-speaking churches in Rome. went dead and I was left standing dome of St Peter’s, and descended Non-church friends and acquaintances puzzled in the kitchen of my house into the depths of the Scavi. I have have been important, and helped me in Ely. been on several breathtaking rooftops, to keep my feet on the ground. A few months later all became including taking supper in the loggia of What next for me? I am going clear. The Archbishop wanted me to be the Palazzo Pallavicini, where the home to my wife and family in the city his representative in Rome, and British Ambassador to the Holy See of Peterborough. I shall become an Director of Rome’s Anglican Centre, in currently resides. I have woken in the assistant Bishop in the stunning the impressive Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. mornings to the soft siren sound of medieval Cathedral there, as well as I arrived in Rome early in 2003, still church bells ringing for early Mass, the parish priest of four villages just trying to sort out my “da’s” from my mingled with the screeching siren outside the city. So I shall be returning “della’s”. On my first day in Rome I sound of Roman ambulances. I have to my first calling, that of an ordinary visited the Roman Forum for the first even visited the Villa Doria Pamphilj in parish priest - a most fulfilling task for time and revived cogs in my brain the hope of watching some cricket, me, although I also know the which had lain dormant since my to no avail (in earlier days I was a memories of Rome will never fade. university classical studies 40 years Yorkshire League cricketer for over earlier. And my first evening – sitting 30 years). Bishop John Flack outside on a street pavement eating One of the great delights for me Director of the Anglican Centre in supper - was simply amazing – so far has been learning to speak Italian - a Rome 2003 – 2008 from Ely, shelling peas and beautiful language, with its stresses Pizza Express. and rhythms and sheer poetry. Italians I have had an unforgettable five have the ability to make the most years. My term of office has included mundane conversation into a dramatic NEW being present at the Funeral of Pope interlude, with the body doing much of REPRESENTATIVE John Paul II and the Inauguration of the talking. A mobile phone TO THE HOLY SEE Pope Benedict XVI. I have had the conversation can be as dramatic as a opportunity to engage with popes and Shakespeare speech, with hands, eyes The Very Rev David cardinals and archbishops, with and shaking of heads all being part of Richardson, Dean of St Paul’s ambassadors and senior politicians – it. Listening to the radio, watching the Cathedral, Melbourne and even more importantly with news and sport on Italian television Australia, previously Dean of ordinary Roman people, at all levels. and finally trying to answer the St Peter's Cathedral, Adelaide With Monsignor Don Bolen, my telephone with will follow Bishop John Flack opposite number in the Vatican, I have understanding are and takes up his appointment masterminded four visits to the Vatican all challenges I after Easter. A more detailed by the present Archbishop of have had to face. feature on him will follow in a Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, the And several future edition of the European current head of the world-wide interviews on Anglican. Anglican Communion. I have watched Vatican Radio GIBRALTAR FAREWELL 11

D EAN SENT OFF IN STYLE Sunday 6th January marked Amongst some of the highlights of the time in Gibraltar were the thrill the final services for the Very of the Gibraltar Tercentenary Reverend Alan Woods as celebrations, the Diocesan Silver Dean of Gibraltar. As the Jubilee and the centenary of the pictures show it was an event creation of the Deanery, and the setting up and launching of the Rock marked in the best Cathedral of Ages Campaign. traditions and afterwards The final service on the feast of Alan recalled his time in the the Epiphany will be long remembered as we welcomed visitors Diocese in Europe. from some other chaplaincies, members of the King’s Chapel as well It seems a little strange to return to Anglican community but as our own Gibraltar congregation England to live after spending the ecumenically and within diplomatic who all gave us a very generous last twelve years working in the circles.A truly fulfilling ministry. farewell.We are now back in England Diocese in Europe but retirement The opportunity of staying in the coping with the weather and all the has called. wonderful Mediterranean climate problems of a move but looking It has been a great joy to have followed with the privilege of being forward to less travelling spent these years within not only the the Dean of Gibraltar, with all the and a quieter life. largest but perhaps the most diverse opportunities that gave.The people of and interesting diocese certainly in Gibraltar were so welcoming and the Church of England if not made one feel at home straight away. worldwide. Then the additional responsibility We spent eight years living in of the Archdeaconry with its many Malta in an island situation which in joys but at times its sorrows. It was itself was fascinating – everyone so good to be able to go to the seemed to know what everyone else chaplaincies to licence new clergy, was doing and the Anglican Church to try to give some pastoral care to was held in high esteem by the ones’ colleagues in far flung places as majority Roman Catholic well as dealing with the various community. Opportunities were problems which arise from time there for working not only with the to time.

V ISIT FROM M OTHERS’ U NION W ORLDWIDE P RESIDENT Rosemary Kempsell, the Mothers’ Union Worldwide President made her first official visit to the Diocese from November 29 to December 2 when accepted the invitation of the Malta & Gozo branch to join their 10th anniversary celebrations. Rosemary was accompanied by the Diocesan President, Barbara Woods, who started the branch. Although Barbara has now moved back to England (following her husband’s retirement as Dean of Gibraltar) she is continuing as Diocesan President and looks forward to the continued development of Mothers’ Union work within Europe. She is particularly delighted with the prospect of new branches being formed during this year and would encourage anyone who is interested to contact her on [email protected] 12 WIDER ANGLICAN INSIGHTS FOR THE AQUITAINE

reconciliation, which will be so important whenever the country achieves peace and stability. (We S RI L ANKAN worked together on preparing the talks, and also shared the presentation, as well as all the times of ministry. People seemed to appreciate our SABBATICAL ‘team work’, as a model for shared ministry.) In addition to these activities, Rev Michael Selman, Chaplain of Aquitaine in Michael preached three times - at the France, is also the Bishop’s Adviser on Healing English service at Colombo Cathedral and at two predominantly Ministry. He and his wife Jo found a Sabbatical Tamil churches, Christ Church Kandy and All Saint’s Pettah, a district trip to Sri Lanka became a busman’s holiday of the capital.At both the latter churches we offered prayer ministry with spiritual rewards. after the Communion, and we busy for nearly and hour and a half each It started in 2006 with discussions the one-hour flight. But it was worth time, praying with many people, of all about a planned sabbatical/study it; Jaffna has a large Christian ages, for a great variety of needs (to leave, which we eventually took in population and many feel isolated grasp which we needed the help of Singapore last autumn. Contact was and forgotten, as so few visitors go interpreters.) It was a wonderful made, through the Bishop of Europe, there.We spent one night with the privilege to be trusted in this way by Geoffrey Rowell, with his friend Archdeacon and his wife, met a people we had never met before – Bishop Duleep de Chickera, the number of Anglican priests and saw and it highlighted the importance Bishop of Colombo. He expressed an just a little of the life of the church and relevance of our belief that interest in our sharing some teaching there. Providentially we were there Christ stills brings his healing touch on Christian healing ministry with for the monthly healing service at St to his wounded and burdened clergy in his diocese.That eventually John the Baptist church, which people. (How often do we short- led to a formal invitation for us to Michael was invited to share in, change our congregations by keeping conduct the clergy retreat for the administering anointing to around 30 this truth a closely guarded secret?) diocese of Colombo and for its sister of the congregation.We briefly We prayed with a number of other diocese Kurunagala. Our Chaplaincy visited the two Anglican schools in people (including one young Hindu Council generously agreed to release the city – at one of which we were woman, who longed to get us for a month, as an expression of invited to plant a mahogany tree pregnant).We visited the only inter-responsibility within the beside the cricket pitch (certainly the convent in the country, run by sisters Anglican Communion; this first and probably the only time we of the Society of St Margaret (whose generosity was compounded by will be so honoured!) mother house is in Sussex), and generous gifts from individuals and The main purpose of our visit was prayed with the ‘elders’ whom they the Chaplaincy itself which covered a the two retreats, which were look after. Michael also gave a talk on good proportion of our travel and effectively compulsory, which meant Healing of Memories under the other costs. we had access to virtually all the auspices of the Cathedral Institute for So at the end of July, we went. Anglican clergy of the country.The Education and Formation. After four days in Western comfort in first retreat, at a Catholic conference It was exhausting and exhilarating, a hotel to get oriented, we were into centre in the forested hills above the and gave us both a real insight into work.The first assignment initially ancient capital of Kandy, was for the some of the problems and caused us some anxiety as it involved smaller diocese, Kurunagala.We gave opportunities in this beautiful a short visit to the northern city of 6 addresses, conducted a service of country.We heard stories of Jaffna, which has borne the brunt of prayer with laying-on of hands for oppression and discrimination, of the 25 year old conflict between the healing, and met about 15 priests for threats and actual violence. By the Tamil Tigers and the (Sinhalese half-hour listening/counselling end of our visit we had got used to dominated) Government.This civil sessions.The second, at the (former the security checks and road blocks – war has caused 100,000 deaths and CMS) Ladies’ College in Colombo, but they can be quite threatening for the large scale displacements of was for a larger number of priests. many Tamils, especially as almost all Tamils: many thousands live in This involved 2 more addresses the military are Singhalese.We met refugee camps, and others (often the (which we gave as Bible studies); and prayed with many who suffered most able) have left the country in a again we saw around 15 priests.We from stress and the effects of poverty world-wide diaspora. Getting to tried to cover some of the essentials (mostly unnecessary in this well- Jaffna took hours, with check-ins and of Christian Healing, and also spent resourced land, with its mostly well- delays and long waits before and after time on the issues of forgiveness and educated people.) Others shared their EXHAUSTING AND EXHILARATING 13

Above: The best fellowship is almost always at a meal table.

Right: The worldwide Anglican church in practice. Michael pauses for a blessing prayer during the Eucharist.

concern and pain for the divisions at Bishop Geoffrey’s request, to help of Ceylon is the third largest within the country that cause so the Diocese of Colombo.They denomination with around 60,000 much suffering and unhappiness. received considerable funding from affiliates. However, the Anglicans have We have a great store of all over the world, and they achieved the advantage of avoiding ethnic memories, mostly enjoyable, though a remarkable amount. More polarisations better than some of the we both agree that we never want important, they seem to have avoided other denominations.They will face fish curry and rice for breakfast the dangers of corruption and misuse real challenges, if there is not to be a again! (However, our hosts’ provision that can arise in relief work. But legacy of bitterness and hatred. So of early morning ‘bed-tea’ was much there have been frustrations and healing and reconciliation in all its appreciated.) Being driven around disappointments, with continued forms will be called for.We hope that was an experience in itself – the rule fighting in some of the worst affected our small contribution may bear of the road appears to be, sound your coastal areas. some fruit. horn and take avoiding action at all Most of the church leaders we met The Church often feels ignored times.Taking a motorised trishaw (a impressed us, with their commitment by the wider Anglican Communion: tuk-tuk) was a little nerve-racking, as and courage. Bishop Duleep the conflict has lasted so long that it they weaved in and out between especially is not afraid to speak out in gets little attention, and on the scale larger vehicles. Sri Lanka is a criticism of the some of the activities of things this small, two-diocese beautiful country, and the people we shown by both sides of the conflict – church, is not given much support. met, particularly the Christians, were and this does not make him popular But they deserve our concern and delightful and welcoming. Even the with either.And when peace is finally encouragement. Pray for them, the soldiers who from time to time achieved, the church will have an bishops, priests and people – frisked us always did so with courtesy, important role to play, as the only especially those ministering in the smiles – and some embarrassment. faith community that truly transcends worst affected areas of the north and We saw something of the efforts the ethnic and linguistic divisions. east, those trying to speak of to reconstruct after the 2004 tsunami, Christians are only 8% of the forgiveness and reconciliation in the for which our Chaplaincy like others total population, most of whom are face of ongoing divisions. within this Diocese had raised money Buddhists.And the Anglican Church 14 PEOPLE AND PLACES

O N THE MOVE

W ELCOME TO M OVING AROUND FAREWELL TO

Rev Jan van Handenhoven, Rev Gabriel Amat Torregrosa, The Rt Rev John Flack, Rector of the Old Catholic Assistant Chaplain of the Anglican Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Congregation in the Province of Church of St Andrew, Zürich, Diocese of Peterborough retired Zeeland (Old Catholic Church of Switzerland (Europe) is to be as Director of the Anglican The Netherlands,Archdiocese of Priest-in-Charge of All Saints’, Centre in Rome, is to be Priest in Utrecht) is now also Mission to Marseille, France from March. Charge of Nassington,Apethorpe, Seafarers’ Chaplain in Vlissingen, Woodnewton and Yarwell from The Netherlands. April, while remaining Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Rev Simon Hobbs, Priest-in- RDINATION O Peterborough. Charge, Grosvenor Chapel, Mayfair, London will become Rev John Philpott, Chaplain of St Boniface, Bonn Rev Engin Yildirim was Priest-in-Charge of St Clement, and All Saint’s, Cologne, Germany ordained priest by the Diocesan Prague, Czech Republic is to in April. Bishop on 12 January 2008 in the retire from 15 April. Chapel of the Dutch Consulate Very Rev Walter Raymond General, Istanbul,Turkey to serve The Very Rev Alan Woods, OGS, Dean of Quebec and as Bishop’s Chaplain to the Dean of the Cathedral Church of Rector of the Parish of Quebec, Turkish-speaking Congregation in the Holy Trinity, Gibraltar; Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Beyoglu,˘ Istanbul. Archdeacon of the Archdeaconry Quebec City, Canada (Church of of Gibraltar; and, Pastor of the Canada) is now Chaplain of St Cathedral Parish has retired. Paul, Monte Carlo, Monaco.

H ONOURED

Rev Canon Dirk van Leeuwen, retired, is now a Canon Emeritus of the Cathedral Chapter of the Diocese. The Venerable Ian Watson, Archdeacon of Coventry is now Canon Emeritus of the Cathedral Chapter of the Diocese. The Very Reverend Alan Rev Paul Yiend in Liège relaxes with members of the congregation after Woods, (see above) is now Dean one of their unusual Lent services, using material from York courses on Emeritus of the Cathedral CD, rather than the more traditional sermon. For story – see page 3 Chapter.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in January was celebrated in a variety of ways around Europe where many of our congregations enjoy the hospitality of other church buildings and close fellowship with other Christian groups. The Rev Canon Debbie Flach in In the English Church in Oostende a joined by a fellow General Synod service was presided over by the representative Ann Turner as the Orthodox Bishop Athanagorus. His brother Fr Bernard Peckstadt Diocesan Bishop officially Orthodox Priest of Oostende and Brugge is on the left of the picture. welcomes her as Priest-in- Also present are the Protestant "Dominee" and Anglican priest Fr Howie Charge of Christ Church, Lille, Adan seen here offering the blessed cake bread to the congregation. France in a service of Collation”. FACES OF THE DIOCESE 15

EW APPOINTMENT AT C HARLES VANE N T EMPEST

On 5 January, Charles Vane Tempest THE HEART OF THE EU MBE a reader in St Nicholas Helsinki, Mission and Ministry. Ordained died, aged 86. Charles was a steadfast, The Diocese in Europe is at the heart faithful and much loved servant of the of a new initiative to ensure the voice in 1988 and priest in 1989 in chaplaincy. His ministry and presence of the church is heard in EU the Diocese of Bath and Wells, he was will be missed by the members of the corridors of power. The Rev Dr Director of Studies and then congregation. Gary Wilton has been appointed to Associate Principal at the Church Fr Rupert Moreton, the Chaplain the newly created post of Church of Army’s Wilson Carlile College from of St Nicholas, included the following England’s Representative to the EU 1998-2005. tribute to Charles in his Epiphany Institutions and will take up his post As the Church of England’s sermon: It is entirely in character that our in Brussels in April this year. Representative to the EU, Gary Wilton will be responsible to the dear brother Charles should depart this Since 2005 Gary has been a earthly life on the eve of the feast of member of the Theology Department Europe Bishops’ Panel for promoting the Epiphany. For Charles was surely at York St John University where he the Church of England’s engagement our very own magus, a wise seeker is currently Head of the Postgraduate on European social, political and after truth, who devoted his life to the Programme in Theology and environment issues. Gary will be an worship of the Christ he loved with the Religious Studies. He has a long- Associate Staff Member of the same extravagant simplicity of those standing interest in the relationship Conference of European Churches’ first Magi. Like Charles, they journeyed; between the Church and Church and Society Commission and and like Charles they laid their treasures at the feet of the Christ-child. For contemporary society and teaches a Canon to the Pro-Cathedral Church of Holy Trinity Brussels. Charles had his own treasure to give: Christian Ethics and Christian his simplicity and wisdom, already mentioned; but also his deep faith; his gentle, patient humour; his at times reckless generosity; his stoic N EW MAN IN M ONACO forbearance as old age advanced and illness began to take its hold; his Father Walter refugee sponsorship programme almost childlike, always infectious joy; Raymond is during his tenure as dean; and his his deep love for his remarkable wife a native of greatest delights were the acquisition Liisa, their children and for Christ. His California of a 1790 Chamber Organ (a sister of long association with this community who has the one in Kenwood House) for the and his years of service as reader, treasurer and church warden were his lived in Cathedral’s bicentennial in 2004 and great gift to us; and his greater gift to Canada since the full refurbishment of the God. Let us leave it there for the 1969. He Cathedral’s ring of eight bells – moment: there will be time to say more was ordained which involved shipping the bells in due course, today and later. But let in the back to the Whitechapel Foundry us rejoice and give thanks, for we have Anglican Diocese of Toronto and where they were first cast in 1830. been truly blessed in God's gift of served as a parish priest and as a Father Walter is a member of the Charles to us. school chaplain before his Oratory of the Good Shepherd, an appointment as the Dean of the international community of Anglican Cathedral in Quebec City, in 1999. men who share a common spiritual Walter first settled in Quebec City “Rule of Life”, and he has served as in the 1970’s and completed an Secretary-General of the Oratory undergraduate degree in Linguistics since 2002. He is fond of golf; and at Université Laval in 1979. He loves travel and the arts. He says he is moved to Toronto in 1983 to work as looking forward to the challenge of a teacher in French Immersion for adjusting to life in continental the Toronto Board of Education Europe and most particularly to before beginning work on the becoming a member of the Master’s degree in Divinity in 1988 community at St. Paul’s, contributing and seeking to the to the life of the English speaking priesthood. community in Monaco. He greatly enjoyed his ministry at He was particular moved (and the Cathedral where he worked in surprised) by a “leaving present” the context of a particularly when the Archbishop of Quebec welcoming and engaged community honoured him with the title of of Anglicans. He is perhaps proudest “Dean Emeritus of the Cathedral and of the development of a strong the Diocese.” 16 AND FINALLY

S AUCEPAN, SPOON AND MITRE YOUR CHURCH NOT MENTIONED Enterprising members book is entertaining as well as ? of St Bartholemew’s informative and imaginative. Early If you are not reading about events Anglican church in copies have been well received and in the life of your church in the Dinard, France have are available (cash with order, please) diocese – or of churches near you, enlisted the help of a from Julian Thompson, Red Hall, are you sending stories and pictures hundred bishops, Redhall Lane, Chandlers Cross, and ideas for articles to us? including our own Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 4LS. Please email Bishop Geoffrey, in Cost – £10 including post and [email protected] compiling the Bishop’s packing in the UK, 15 Euros within with your contribution and make Cookbook.With a foreword by the Europe. More details by email sure your story is published in our Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe the [email protected] next issue – copy deadline 20th April for publication 1st June. E VENSONG IN E STERGOM Becket. I hear (though I am finding Sam Keyes from a group called A RE YOU Covenant writes . . . . this hard to confirm) that these are It’s not every day that you get to the only known relics of the saint READING US? since his shrine at Canterbury hear Hungarians singing from the Apologies to readers of the Cathedral was destroyed in 1538. Book of Common Prayer, much European Anglican in some Unfortunately, you’ll have to skip less praying for the Queen. So I churches in Spain where copies of past a minute and a half of encourage you to seize the day and the December issue arrived Hungarian ads to get to the music – listen to this lovely little recording extremely late or not at all.We are and the radio announcer interrupts from December 29 – the feast of St. trying to correct an apparent and edits out the lessons. But you still Thomas Becket – at the Primatial distribution problem and if you are get most of the music – sung by the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary reading this it will have been Gabrieli and Magnificat choirs – and of the Assumption and St.Adalbert remedied. If it is of consolation the the prayers (including the one for (a.k.a. the Basilica at Esztergom, the church on the Costa Azahar did not the Queen, which is interesting). seat of the Roman Catholic get copies either – somewhat http://covenant- Church in Hungary). In attendance: embarrassing as their Priest-in- communion.com/?p=378 Bishop László Kiss-Rigó of the Charge is the magazine editor! Roman Catholic diocese of Szeged-Csanád, Bishop Geoffrey Rowell of the Church of England’s Diocese in Europe, and Canon Denis Moss, chaplain of St. Margaret’s, M ISSED BUT NOT Budapest (my former church). FORGOTTEN Why, you ask, would such a service happen? Well, the Basilica at In our Winter issue of European Esztergom houses relics of St.Thomas Anglican, published in December, we included a humorous look at the continent with reminders V IRTUAL CHAPTERS AND COMMITTEES about how the diocese has a limited income and aims to With our concern to reduce our voice systems are showing that manage it wisely. carbon footprint experiments in time consuming, costly and Churchgoers on the Canary “Virtual Chapters” where groups of environmentally damaging travel is Islands and Morocco in North clergy meet on a conference call not always needed.The system Africa pointed out that they did using webcams and computer based currently being used is based on not feature in the map which was Skype which can be downloaded limited in its scope.We assure these over a broadband connection and church members that they are not offers cheap telephone calls, or free forgotten and recommend a copy conference facilities with others on of the full colour diocesan map the same system. produced 2 years ago by the For more information contact Fr. Friends of the Diocese in Europe Kevin O’Brien, Bishop’s Chaplain or – but which is itself slightly email outdated with the development of [email protected] a few new congregations. and he will be pleased to offer advice.