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THE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013 No: 6202 www.churchnewspaper.com PRICE £1.35 1,70j US$2.20 CHURCH OF ENGLAND THE ORIGINAL CHURCH NEWSPAPER ESTABLISHED IN 1828 NEWSPAPER Row over Bishop unveils new Pilling review

GENERAL SYNOD Secretary General William Fittall has sought to quell press speculation that the Pilling Group on human sexuality has been scrapped. He has Living Wage rate announced that the group is still meeting and will complete its report in time for the December meeting of the House of Bishops. By Amaris Cole But Mr Fittall stopped short of denying rumours that the report will recommend the THE BISHOP of Southwell and Not- Church of England introduce a liturgy for the tingham announced that the rate of blessing of same-sex couples, saying that ‘the the new nationwide Living Wage is to Pilling group cannot be expected to provide a be £7.65. running commentary on a report it is still work- Calculated by the Centre for Social ing on’. Research at Loughborough University The Rev Peter Ould has reported on his blog for the CitizensUK campaign, the Rt Rev that a final draft of the Pilling report has been Paul Butler released the new figure in completed and that it does propose a liturgy for the hope of lifting many families out of same-sex blessings. “This is not spin,” he writes, poverty. “this is not trying to influence the outcome, it’s The Living Wage campaign started 12 the real deal. Whilst the committee did not rec- years ago, set up by families and com- ommend adapting our service of Holy Matrimo- munity groups in East London. ny to include same-sex marriages, I am led to Since then, it has won over £290mil- understand that it will propose a formal rite that lion in extra wages, lifting 45,000 people will provide an alternative to those in a formal from working poverty. same-sex union (Civil Partnership or Marriage) Over 100 people came together on on the basis that we cannot presume such a rela- Monday morning to hear Bishop Paul tionship is sexual. Once that happens we will for- announce the new figure in Nottingham, mally have declared same-sex unions to be holy.” which has only recently adopted the Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali has said that a move scheme. to celebrate same-sex relationships would be a The number of accredited Living ‘red line’ for traditionalists. He warned that cler- Wage employers rose from 60 to 400 in gy and laity would reject the authority of any the last year, marking a shift for many bishops who supported such a move. struggling on low incomes. The Rev Arun Arora attempted to kill specula- The Rev Karen Rooms, Chair of Not- tion about a liturgy for same-sex relationships by tingham Citizens said: “Is this the new describing it in a tweet as ‘pure nonsense’ and normal? Five million people working for saying ‘all drafts have recommended against less than it costs to live? That’s simply liturgy for these’ but the Fittall statement has not good enough. is about who we want to be as a society, claimed back by firms under the propos- given new life to the rumours. “Working people are struggling hard- about respecting the importance of work als, amounting to £445 a year on average In his statement Mr Fittall said that in estab- er than ever and deserve to make and recognising that every individual liv- per worker. lishing the Pilling review in July 2011 the House enough to get by. In these statistics are ing below the poverty line is a moral fail- Business leaders have given a cau- of Bishops was looking for a consultation docu- real people, working two or three jobs ing for us as a community. tious welcome to the proposals, but ment offering proposals for further discussion in with no time to see the kids, stacking up “The Living Wage is a cornerstone of object to the drawback of only being able the light of the ‘listening process’ on sexuality. the debts and under more and more the common good: good for families, for to claim back this tax for one year. “The Pilling report will be a report to the pressure. employers and the communities they The Conservatives have called this House of Bishops and it will then be for the She added: “The Living Wage makes serve.” ‘electoral bribery’, with former Justice House to decide, in the light of the report, what good business sense, employers report The announcement came days after Secretary Ken Clarke arguing that few proposals and process of consultation it wishes to major gains in productivity as well as Labour pledged tax breaks for Living employers could afford this rate in the launch.” reduced costs in staff training and Wage firms. long term with the current economic cli- Members of the group chaired by Sir Joseph turnover. What’s more, we know that Ed Miliband hopes to encourage firms mate. Pilling, former Permanent Secretary to the when employers shirk their responsibili- to pay their lowest paid staff more pro- Conservative chairman Grant Shapps Northern Ireland Office, are the Rt Rev Michael ties it’s us, the taxpayers, who have to vided it did not cost jobs, if his party added: “Labour got us into a mess with Perham (Bishop of Gloucester), the Rt Rev Keith pick up the pieces with the working tax wins the next election. too much borrowing and too much debt Sinclair (Bishop of Birkenhead), the Rt Rev credit.” A third of the cost of raising staff and now they’re calling for yet more bor- Jonathan Baker (Bishop of Fulham) and the Rt Bishop Paul Butler commented: “This members’ wages would be able to be rowing and more debt.” Rev John Stroyan (Bishop of Warwick).

PETER MULLEN 7 • COMMENT 7 • LETTERS 8 • ANDREW CAREY 10 • CLERGY MOVES 14 • PETER BRIERLEY 15 • PAUL RICHARDSON 16 2 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday November 8, 2013 News Inside... Christians more likely to adopt, The original Church newspaper

UK News ...... 1-4 World News ...... 5-6 but urged to consider more Comment A NEW STUDY carried out on behalf of well as whether or not they already have WATCH ...... 6 the Department of Education found that children. First4Adoption reiterates that of Leader ...... 7 more than half of all potential parents those who are active in their faith and are Peter Mullen ...... 7 who consider themselves “certain” or also “certain” or “very likely” to adopt 52 per Letters ...... 8 “very likely” to adopt a child are also cent are men, 33 per cent are over the age of Andrew Carey ...... 9 “actively practicing a religion.” 35, and 34 per cent are single or unmarried. Whispering Gallery ...... 9 What that means is that more than 2 mil- None of which, they say, are valid reasons to Vocations ...... 10, 11 lion potential parents can give some of the discourage adoption. Janey Lee Grace ...... 12 4,600 English children, who are in need, a For those who are considering adoption, Arts and Media ...... 12 home. Many of those 2 million, however, are but are unsure about their qualifications apprehensive of going forth with that effort First4Adoption has set up an information because of myths and misconceptions con- line 0300 222 5950, as well as an informa- The Record cerning adoption. tional website, Classifieds ...... 13 The religious-based charity First4Adop- http://www.first4adoption.org.uk. Reform ...... 13 tion, on behalf of Home for Good, hopes to The numerous benefits to the child and Clergy Moves ...... 14 correct those misconceptions and last Sun- the parent “are astounding and leave a last- Crossword ...... 14 day they held the very first “Adoption Sun- ing impact on the newly formed family as Spiritual Director ...... 15 day”. well as the community around them”. Sunday Service ...... 15 National Adoption Week will follow, and They say that raising a child through Peter Brierley ...... 15 will challenge those who are of active faith home,” a spokesperson for First4Adoption adoption, especially those who are consid- Paul Richardson ...... 16 to consider fostering or adopting a child. said. ered “hard to place,” in a loving household People ...... 16 “We want people of faith and non-faith com- Many of the misconceptions about adop- is a truly rewarding experience and those Milestones ...... 16 munities to know that they’re needed and tion concern not only the religion of the par- interested are encouraged to consult the Next week’s news ...... 16 that children are in need and waiting for a ents but also their age, marital status, as resources listed above. Married vicar sacked over eight- Your Church month affair with teenager who News from your diocese attended church youth groups

St Edmundsbury and Ipswich: “Colours of the Land” based on when a warm house and hot food The Ven Dr David Jenkins, the work by Cheshire artist Jean are essential. For some people in Archdeacon of Sudbury, whose Mayo. Despite the chilly Novem- society, however, these things we son has autism, is competing in ber weather Mayo’s works will often take for granted are just 10 races in a year to raise aware- provide warmth with the bright beyond their reach. The staff and ness and funds to help families and glowing landscapes and volunteers at the Booth Centre, whose loved ones experience the scenes she creates with pastels. based at Manchester Cathedral, joys and sorrows of the condition, The exhibition is open from Mon- believe that life on the streets that affects one in every 100 chil- days to Saturdays 9-5, closed on shouldn’t be the norm for any- dren in the country. The clergy- Sundays, from 1-30 November. body. Amanda Croome, Booth man will compete in 10k Centre Co-ordinator said: “Any competitions from January to Leicester: One of the last remain- one of us could lose our home if December in various East ing buildings from the lost things in our lives started to go Anglian locations including medieval village of Welby has wrong. People who end up sleep- Wymondham, Framlingham, won the support of the Heritage ing rough have reached the end Dedham, Newmarket, Hadleigh, Lottery Fund. St Bartholomew’s of the line and the effects can be Bungay, Brandon, and Colchester Church has been awarded a grant devastating for their health, well- - even competing in a 10k while of almost £190,000 to restore and being and self-esteem. At the The Rev Paul Meier on holiday on the Isle of Mull, expand the functions of the over Booth Centre we help people to during August next year. 830-year-old building. The church put their lives back together, to By Amaris Cole conduct after the tribunal heard Archdeacon David, 51, who lives is currently open as a place of find somewhere to live, to get how he abused the trust placed at Great Whelnetham near Bury worship that performs religious help for medical and addiction A MARRIED vicar has been in him by his family, the girl and St Edmunds and belongs to the services such as baptisms, wed- problems and to join education suspended for at least eight her family. running club Bury Pacers, will be dings, and funerals. The planned and training courses that enable years following an eight- The tribunal heard the girl joined by a team of supporters. refurbishment and reconstruc- people to get back into work. The month affair with a teenager was later admitted to a psychi- The Archdeacon, who is married tion will not only enhance the cur- money raised through the Sleep- from his congregation. atric unit after she displayed to Sarah with three children, rent functions of the building, but out will go directly to helping peo- The Rev Paul Meier, aged 47, worrying and bizarre behaviour. including Ben, 11, who has also allow St Bartholomew’s to ple to get off the streets and will met the 18-year-old at youth Judge John Lodge, who inves- Asperger’s Syndrome, said: “My link with historical bodies such as give people a small taste of what it groups he ran while he was tigated the allegations, said in a lovely son Ben is autistic and a museums, heritage societies and is like to sleep on the streets.” A youth missioner in the deanery report: “One day he kissed her real gift from God, although an schools to share and learn about number of ‘willing’ volunteers, of Storrington, West Sussex. and a full sexual relationship occasionally challenging one! My the historical significance of the including a team of Cathedral The father-of-two, who was last between them developed. family has been very grateful for former village of Welby. The Her- staff braved the elements to sleep year suspended from St Mar- “Mr Meier told the com- support from Autism Suffolk and itage Lottery Fund is funded by outside the Cathedral. You can garet’s Church, Hordsmonden, plainant he wanted to leave Sask- I am very committed to repaying the National Lottery, which has sponsor the Cathedral staff via Kent, was ruled in a church dis- ia and be with the complainant. some of their kindness. Autism is supported over 35,000 projects JustGiving (http://www.justgiv- ciplinary tribunal to have acted “Saskia did not know of her one of those misunderstood con- that invest in the UK’s unique ing.com/Manchester-Cathedral) in a way ‘inappropriate to the husband’s adultery at that time, ditions and I am very keen to heritage. or by sending a cheque made work of a clerk in Holy Orders’. but his attention towards the raise its profile for those who payable to Manchester Cathedral The clergyman told his wife, complainant distressed her.” have autistic children, and the Manchester: On Friday the to Jo Hooper, Manchester Cathe- Saskia, he wanted a divorce The Judge credited Mr joys and sorrows this brings.” Booth Centre organised a spon- dral, Victoria Street, Manchester, because of the relationship with Meier’s attempts to rebuild his sored Sleepout to raise funds for M3 1SX. To find out more about the young person, who he said marriage and noted that he had Derby: Derby Cathedral will be the charity. The nights are getting the Booth Centre, visit their web- he wanted to be with. received many letters of support opening an exhibit called colder and it’s this time of year site: www.boothcentre.org.uk. Mr Meier admitted gross mis- for the clergyman.

[email protected]/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Friday November 8, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 3 NEWS IN BRIEF Our courts are secular, The Children’s Society has called for “a fundamental shift in attitude” to the treatment of asylum applications made by unaccompanied children. Peter Grigg, the Director of Policy and Campaigns at The Children’s Society, said: “We know from our work with these incredibly vulnerable leading judge declares children — who have fled war, violence and torture — that too often the authorities are failing to take their needs into account, leaving them feel- ing frightened and confused.” A LEADING JUDGE “These are topics on judges had long Sir James claimed was He warned: “It is worrying that key regulations that exist to protect has said that British which men and women stopped claiming to be ‘neutral’ favours certain them are frequently being flouted.” courts are secular in of different faiths or no ‘the guardians of public values over others. character rather than faith at all hold starkly morality.” “In our context ‘secu- An investigation has shown that only 22 per cent of local coun- Christian. Sir James different views. All Reactions to the lar’ has become short- cils now have prayers at the start of their meetings, following a Munby, President of these views are entitled Judge’s speech were hand for ‘atheist’, a high-profile legal challenge to the practice of praying at the start the Family Division, to the greatest respect, divided. The Archbish- value framework that of meetings. made the comment but it is not for judges op Cranmer blog ultimately only offers in his keynote to choose between asked: ‘What are the us a ‘survival of the An inspection report has Dr Andrew Crome, lecturer in the address to the first them. foundations of British fittest’ ethic and the pri- ❏commended the South History of Modern Christianity at the annual conference of “We live in this coun- notions of virtue and macy of power and Central Regional Training University of Manchester, claims that the Law Society’s try in a democratic and morality if they are not might,” said Ms Partnership (SCRTP) on its the popular TV show Doctor Who, family section. pluralist society in a Christian? What is the Williams. work across four local min- which celebrates its 50th anniversary “We live in a society, secular state, not a basis of English law if Giving support to the istry training schemes. in late November, has contributed sig- which on many of the theocracy.” not Christian?’ judge’s comments The report acknowledged an nificantly to the religious culture of medical, social and reli- He added: “Happily Both Melanie Philips Frank Cranmer asked admiration for the accomplish- the UK, offering to the shows fans an gious topics that the for us, the days are past and Christian Legal ‘if people really want ments the SCRTP reached understanding of many religious tra- courts recently have to when the business of Centre Director chief ‘Christian’ law, then with minimal resources and ditions. grapple with, no longer judges was enforce- executive Andrea precisely what kind of admired the involvement of the In light of the show’s Golden Jubilee, speaks with one voice,” ment of moral or reli- Williams warned that Christian law do they SCRTP in the Local Ministry Dr Crome, himself a Dr Who fan, has he said. gious beliefs and that the secular system that want?’ Framework Project Group. edited a book on the cultural impact of The report, which surveyed 16 the show, published by Darton, Long- areas of ministry for the local man and Todd. Churches back mandatory reporting of child abuse training schemes, stated: The show has alluded to multiple reli- “SCRTP and the Local Min- gions and faith systems during its his- BOTH THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND and the also said there should be ‘immunity for individu- istry Framework have, tory, containing allegories to the Roman Catholic Church have come out in als’ if they did report. between them, created a sense Christian faith as well as to Bud- favour of mandatory reporting of child abuse. The Rt Rev Paul Butler, who is head of safe- of bonding and purpose which dhism, and has portrayed elements of The former Director of Public Prosecutions, guarding at the Church of England, said: “We have is very strong, influential and Greek and Egyptian mythology. As Dr Keith Starmer, has said that under a manda- to think of the child first, not of ourselves, not the creative for the staff of the dif- Crome stated: “In many ways, Doctor tory reporting law those who failed to act institution, what’s best for the child.” ferent diocesan projects that Who charts British attitudes to reli- could be sent to jail. The Roman Catholic Church has also supported are brought together under its gion over the course of those 50 years Mr Starmer made the comments in a BBC mandatory reporting but the Government says it umbrella.” and this is a way of recognising that.” Panorama programme broadcast on Monday has no plans to change the law. The Department of evening. This programme revealed that schools Education claims that other countries have tried and hospitals have repeatedly failed to protect chil- mandatory reporting and there is no evidence that The announcement that the public will have access to information dren against abuse. it is a better way to protect children than the sys- ❏about oil, mining and gas companies that are listed in the UK, Statutory guidance has been issued urging pro- tem currently in force in the UK. both in foreign and domestic operations, has been met with support by fessionals such as doctors and social workers to “Professionals should refer immediately to Tearfund, campaigners of which have pressed for openness and trans- report child abuse but failure to do so is not a social care when they are concerned about a child. parency in an attempt to inform communities about how their taxpayer crime. This happens every year in many thousands of money is being spent. Mr Starmer said that a penalty such as a fine or cases and the numbers of referrals have increased Melissa Lawson, who leads Tearfund’s work regarding anti-corruption a jail sentence would ‘focus people’s minds’ and he over recent years.” in governance, said: “At last people will have clear infor- mation about what London- listed extractive companies pay to foreign governments '$ K$( C<$9 ,JN =$,$L ,L&'N ,LF>CI# whether in the form of taxes, :N," 02A )H!*"0E9 ADH .02, ,D =90I .N," ED39D29 N2 ."D3 royalties, licences and other payments. ADH*02 ,!HE,; 02= ,"NE NE 9E)9*N0IIA N3)D!,02,."92 +HAN2@ 0 “This means poor communi- HE9= *0!8 6D! 9B03)I9; =D ADHL2D. ."0, 5?0, =4 3902E N2 0 ties – often exploited by *0!0=/9!, 0ID2@EN=9,"9 INL9EDJ7(K 02=?1C$ :9II ?0,=3902E their own governments and ,"0, ,"9 *0! "0E +992 02 N2EH!02*9 .!N,9 DF 02= ADHE"DHI= 2D, unscrupulous businesses – ,DH*" N, .N," 0+0!@9 )DI9; ,"9 D,"9! ,.D0!9 <29; MHE, )D.9! will know what is paid and E,99!N2@02= *92,!0I ID*LN2@8 GJ ADH=N= 2D, L2D.,"0,EH*",!N*LE be able to ask the right ques- 9BNE,; +9 *0!9JHI8 -"92 ,!A7!ND!A(H,D3D%/9; ,"9!92D.29= tions of their MPs and offi- cials about how that money ?"!NE%02 *0! EH))IN9!E; ,"9A 0!9 0 ,D,0IIA ,!HE,.D!,"A ,903 02= is spent. .NII D2IA EDH!*9 ,"9 /9!A +9E, 3D,D! *0!E8 “It is a real result for them that should make a differ- 7!ND!A"0E !0NE9= ,"9E,02=0!= DJ HE9= *0! )!9)0!0%D2 ,D 0 29. ence to the lives of many I9/9I8 O/9!A *0! EH))IN9= .NII "0/9 N,E )!9/NDHE "NE,D!A *D3)I9,9IA people who lack basic serv- *"9*L9= DH,;+9JD!9+9N2@ JHIIA )!9)0!9= 02= HEN2@ ,"9N! 56!99 ices.” >0%D2.N=94=9IN/9!AE9!/N*9ADH *02+9EH!9 ,"0, ,"9!90!9 2D "N==92 *DE,E8 70!, 9B*"02@9 DJ ADH! DI= *0! NE EN3)I9; 0E ,"9A The 50th anniversary of *02&HN*LIA 0@!990J0N! )!N*9 02= ,0L9 N, 0.0A8(II ,"NENE=D29 +A the death of CS Lewis, beloved author and apol- 02 9B)9!N92*9= 02= J!N92=IA ,903 'E99 ,"9 ,9E%3D2N0IE D2 ,"9N! ogist, is being marked on .9+EN,9# .D!LN2@ ,D @9,ADH ,"9/9!A+9E,*0! JD!ADH!+H=@9,8 22 November. To commemorate the FH @BG 0!8 *B4DM;8!M4? *"04?M4? @BG! *0!: cherished scholar, a serv- -"@ 4B+ ?M/8 +"86 0 +!@# ice to dedicate a memori- al to Lewis in Poet’s 6D!JH!,"9!N2JD!30%D2; *0II 5331 2..AEAE Corner is being held on that day in Westminster D! /NEN, ---7)!MB!@0G+B6B%/87*B6 Abbey.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 4 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday November 8, 2013 News Bishop outlines Call for religious food bank demand

FOOD BANKS are no longer just being used by the “normal suspects” but by families whose income is too low to afford to eat every day, the Bishop of Derby has said. freedom ambassador In a House of Lords debate on living standards, Bish- op Alastair Redfern said in Derby a remodelled food THE GOVERNMENT should Egypt, Coptic Christians are targeted tolerance and freedom—of security in bank system had been launched to meet the growing appoint an ambassador for reli- for the part they played in the over- their own core values—with the ability demand. gious freedom in an attempt to throw of President Morsi and the sub- to be more generous to minorities.” He said: “Over the past 12 months in the city of help protect minorities in Arab sequent return to quasi-authoritarian He praised the “concentrated work” Derby, we have seen a 100 per cent increase in the use Spring countries, the Bishop of rule. of ministers on the issue, but added: “I of food banks. Wakefield has said. “In Syria, churches are politically wonder whether the machinery of the “The shift has moved away from the normal suspects, Bishop Stephen Platten used a targeted, just as they were in Iraq at Foreign and Commonwealth Office who are, tragically, homeless people, towards families debate in the House of Lords to high- the time of the fall of Saddam Hussein, might be further strengthened in this who are housed, but whose incomes are so low that light the plight of Christians and other having been seen in the past as sup- respect by the appointment of some they cannot feed themselves seven days a week. minorities in the Middle East and porting a brutally repressive regime. sort of ambassador at large for reli- “The increased demand has been seen among occa- North Africa. Either way, the result is the same. gious freedom. sional users who pitch up several times a week in order He said the record of religious toler- “In Israel, Arab Christians are flee- Bishop Platten, opening the debate to secure a proper meal for the family that day. ation in Arab Spring countries was “all ing their ancestral land and homes.” in the grand committee of the Lords, “It is the same situation with treats. Today, many peo- too often weak and troubling”. He said freedom of religion and warned of the need to be aware of a ple are living on such stringent budgets that they can- “As just one more human being, I belief was a “primary barometer of the “growing sense of Middle East fatigue not afford any treats. St Peter’s Church in the middle of am concerned about the fate of all social health of a nation”. that might lead to international disen- Derby runs something called ‘Christmas Lunch on minorities in the Middle East, reli- “States that respect this freedom are gagement”. Jesus’. gious or otherwise,” he said. more likely to respect other crucial “As a country, we should never for- “The project has some 400 volunteers who send a “As a bishop, I am understandably freedoms, particularly because an get our own deep involvement in set- meal out on Christmas Day. Last year the meals were concerned by what is happening to the individual’s sense of his or her identity ting the boundaries and establishing sent to 1,500 families, and this year the project is budg- Arab Christians.” is generally fundamentally driven by the states that are now struggling to eting for 2,000 families. Bishop Patten said Arab Christians their beliefs and religion, if they have cope with these complex problems,” “People do not have the wherewithal even to cele- had a claim to be seen as the oldest one,” he said. he said. brate Christmas in the way most of us would take for Christian communities. He added: “If freedom of religion is “Alongside that, as a member of the granted. There is a real issue here.” “The Assyrian Christians in Iraq, the in many ways the fundamental right United Nations Security Council, our Orthodox Christians and Melkites in upon which all other rights turn, it is responsibility is to foster international Syria, the Armenians in Iran and the important for our and other Govern- peace and security. Coptic community in Egypt, not to ments to remain actively engaged “The longer these problems linger, Bishop calls for more mention the Arab Christians in Pales- over the long term, pressing for the the greater the risk of further destabil- tine, all fall into this historic back- rights of all religious minority com- isation—in Jordan, Lebanon and even ground,” he said. munities. Saudi Arabia. I suppose the lesson is action on Syria crisis “They can easily find themselves “At their best, such nations can offer that no country is an island unto THE BISHOP of Coven- vention would have been,” caught between conflicted forces. In something of their own experience of itself.” try has praised the he said. efforts of the UK in And he warned that helping to deal with the “without more interna- humanitarian crisis in tional generosity and a Bishop urges Government ‘Heavy-handed’ Syria but urged other greater commitment to countries to do more. honour their promises of action to cut electricity demand Bishop Christopher support” Syria’s neig- Asbos Cocksworth, opening a bours would be “less THE BISHOP of London has He told peers: “I have taken a NEW GOVERNMENT plans to tackle debate in the House of inclined to keep their bor- called on the Government to keen personal interest in the vari- anti-social behaviour risk being Lords, said that despite ders open”. adopt ambitious plans to cut the ous efforts and our churches have “heavy-handed”, the Bishop of Lich- “admirable” recent diplo- “Even with a political country’s consumption of elec- actually achieved a 22 per cent sav- field has warned. matic activity the conflict solution, the scars of this tricity. ing in energy consumption The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and showed no sign of abat- conflict will take many Bishop Richard Chartres said if between 2005 and 2011. Policing Bill aims to bring in quicker and ing. generations to heal,” he demand was cut by nine per cent it “I represent the voice of the con- simpler powers to crack down on the “As violence expands told peers. “It will require could save the equivalent to the sumer - a rather small consumer. behaviour. exponentially and cruelty the continued generosity electricity produced by four power Nationally, through the environ- But Bishop Jonathan Gledhill said there abounds, no one can fail to of the international com- stations. ment campaign of the Church of was a need to steer a course between “tol- be moved by the scale of munity in a sustained and He said the Government had esti- England, which I chair, we have erating bad behaviour on the one hand, and the crisis, which is noth- strategic humanitarian mated demand could be cut from invested in a mixture of retrofit on the other hand taking an overly punitive ing short of a catastro- commitment.” its 2009 level by 69 terawatt-hours measures to address the heating and controlling approach to those whose phe,” he said. He said he had recently by 2020 and he called for ministers and lighting of a stock of buildings behaviour can just be annoying”. Bishop Cocksworth asked a Lebanese humani- to publish a strategy setting out that were not originally built with During second reading debate on the Bill said the Government was tarian worker for his how the aim could be achieved. energy efficiency in mind. in the House of Lords, Bishop Gledhill at the forefront of the advice on what the British During debate in the House of “Renewable technology and added: “I am not here thinking of street humanitarian battle and Government should do. Lords on the Energy Bill, he said: behavioural change have helped an preachers or those who sing hymns very should be “applauded for “His response was an “Many of those in fuel poverty, a institution such as ours, which loudly - though a balance has to be struck orchestrating the UK’s impassioned call to invest substantial percentage of whom emits as much carbon as a large even in those instances - but chiefly of largest ever response to a — a word he used advis- live in London, pay inflated prices supermarket chain, to use energy young people and the more vulnerable humanitarian crisis”. edly — our aid through through meters in their homes, and more efficiently while maintaining among adults. But he said other Gov- locally based bodies the current position whereby the open buildings at the heart of the “The very broad definition of anti-social ernments needed to be whose scale and agility more energy you use, the more local community countrywide. behaviour as that which is ‘capable of caus- “pressed to commit to the give them immediate likely it is that the tariff will be “I am particularly proud of the ing nuisance and annoyance’, doubtless pledging conference that access to need on the reduced, is surely unsustainable as fact that our new vicarage at St has its place in the social housing context the United Nations Secre- ground that makes them well as unfair. John’s, Wembley, was awarded the to which it applies in the 2003 Act, but it tary-General has called in highly cost-effective,” he “In the UK 6.5 per cent of house- highest score ever under the code could easily be used to make too many January 2014, and then to said. holds say that they cannot keep for sustainable homes at the 2012 aspects of the ‘public square’ fall silent. And fully and speedily honour “It is a plea that I have their homes warm, as against 1.5 awards.” perhaps more importantly, it would be like- their commitments”. heard from other agen- per cent in Sweden. The figures for He said the Church had learnt ly to restrict unreasonably the normal activ- “The cost of the human- cies, several of them faith- children living in fuel poverty, at 1.6 from other European countries and ities of young people. itarian aid to which we are based, which are doing million, are especially alarming.” that in Sweden the building code “The net is further widened by the reduc- committed is high, but it remarkable work in Syria Bishop Chartres said he had for new constructions had been tion in the standard of proof to the balance is a great deal lower than and surrounding coun- been trying to improve energy effi- strengthened and smart meters of probability,” he told peers in the House the cost of military inter- tries.” ciency in his own diocese. installed in nearly all houses. of Lords.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Friday November 8, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 5 Archbishop blocks Australian same-sex marriage bid THE ARCHBISHOP of Perth op Herft withheld his consent ‘all Christians reject homosexual iours.” Common Prayer’s teaching on has withheld his consent to a saying the motion could be con- behaviour’ ... we want to say Archbishop Herft, who comes marriage. “The members of synod motion affirming same- strued as being contrary to ‘that’s not the case’,” he said. from the liberal Catholic tradition, synod who passed the motion sex marriage. church teaching on marriage. “And if the government ... goes noted the theology behind the may not have intended to depart On 28 October, the Most Rev Mr Bedding brought the ahead with any kind of recogni- motion was faulty. The first part of from the Fundamental Declara- Roger Herft vetoed a motion put motion a second time to the 2013 tion, whether that’s something as the motion, which recognizes sex- tions and Ruling Principles of the forward by the Rev Chris Bed- Perth synod last month, where it simple as changes to superannua- ual diversity and differing theolo- Anglican Church of Australia,” ding that “acknowledge[s] that received a two-thirds majority tion laws or marriage equality, gies on sexuality in the diocese, but that is the “effect of the legal recognition of same-sex rela- from the clergy and laity. He told we’re comfortable with that,” Mr “gives our sexual identity and the- motion.” tionships may co-exist with legal the AAP the motion sought to Beddings said. ology on sexuality a place of Archbishop Herft stated that he recognition of marriage between counteract negative comments on In his letter explaining his rea- prominence that is not theologi- had referred the matter to a spe- a man and a woman.” same-sex marriage voiced by sons for vetoing the motion, the cally sound.” cial meeting of the Western Aus- Mr Bedding had brought the some Christian groups. Archbishop stated the word The motion could be construed tralia Provincial Council on 14 motion to the 2012 meeting of “When they come out and say “recognition” connotes “formal as being a statement in support of November 2013 for adjudication synod, where it passed on a things like ‘it’s unnatural to be acceptance. The Church cannot same-sex marriage, he added, of the dispute between bishop majority vote. However, Archbish- gay’ or ‘it’s against the Bible’ or formally accept certain behav- and this violated the Book of and synod. Australian diocese might ban weddings if same-sex marriage is allowed

THE BISHOP of North West Australia has “The post-war rise of deconstructionism impact- warned that if the state or federal govern- ed ethical thinking, suggesting that humans are ments legalise same-sex marriage, Anglican free to create their own natures and decide upon P$41 AA7 A2 A99A@ clergy in his diocese would no longer serve as their own purposes — so marriage could be marriage registrars. regarded as one social construct among many,” he !C'I1C 5D&AFC 1C5E'31Q The statement by the Rt Rev Gary Nelson follows said. 18B FD C1E'5@5ED )A@E5@F10 FD12AC 2FEFC1 the decision last month by the Australian Capital “But in forming an ethical position, you have to 31@1C'E5A@D*A5@ E41 !C'I1CAA7 #A)51EI* Territory to legalize same-sex marriage – a move decide if you are committed to a relative or that has been challenged by the federal govern- absolute set of values. For us as Anglicans and $A 25@0 AFE 9AC1'(AFEE41 HAC7 A2 ' #A)51EI E4'E '0G'@)1D ' )1@EFC51D,A80 ment as being unconstitutional. Christians, we ask what is the Bible, as God’s dis- DBC5EF'8319* Bishop Nelson told The Western Australian: “If closed word, saying on any issue.” we were compelled as marriage celebrants to Bishop Nelson told The Western Australian he A@E')E '@ %AA041'0 A@ '%!' ' !T marry same-sex couples then, as far as this diocese would be voting “no” at the 14 November 2013 AC 6A5@ A@85@1 HHH*B(DH*AC3*F7 is concerned, I would be withdrawing my approval provincial council meeting $41 !C'I1C AA7 #A)51EI "135DE1C10 4'C5EI A* %'#R* A* 595E10 (I F'C'@E11 A*TP! for ministers to act as marriage celebrants.” when the Diocese of Perth The bishop said his clergy would be permitted to motion on same-sex marriage perform marriage services according to the rites of is reviewed. the Church, but couples married in the church The Bishop said the Perth would need to go to a civil registrar to have their motion “seems benign, but marriage recognized by the state. the underlying perspective is Get a FREE copy of the Australia was in the midst of a culture war not consistent with the official between those holding a traditional Christian view of the Anglican Church * worldview and post-modernists. held recently and historically.” Christmas Bible Comic Primate rejects call for Kenyan clergy to be If the Christmas story has allowed to carry guns as violence soars inspired you and impacted THE PRIMATE of the Anglican support of the National Council of your Christian journey, then Church of Kenya has denounced a Churches of Kenya (NCCK), which last call by Mombasa clergy that they be week issued a statement saying it sup- get a free comic to allow a given guns to protect themselves ported the right of clergy to bear arms, if from the depredations of criminals they complied with civil laws concerning child to begin theirs. and Islamist militants. the registration and use of guns. “As church leaders, we should be on However, Archbishop Wabukala told the forefront preaching for peace and the congregation gathered at Bishop reconciliation. Churches are places of Hannington’s Teachers College in worship and not a battlefield,” Archbish- Mumias, guns were no guarantee of safe- Go to op Eliud Wabukala said on 1 November. ty. www.scriptureunion.org.uk/ On 20 October 2013 a pastor at a Pen- “AK47 rifle will never secure anyone’s tecostal church in Mombasa was shot to security. I beg to differ with my fellow freecomic death in his church’s sanctuary. At his pastors because even if they are issued funeral church leaders called upon the with guns, how will they protect them- government to protect ministers – or selves from a mob? They should ask and pick up give them the means to do so. Kenyans to repent and live in peace,” the The call to arms received the cautious archbishop said. your free copy today Episcopal Church attendance dips 24 per cent THE NUMBER of Epis- was 679,923 – a decline of declined by 29,679 in copalians at worship 2.6 per cent from 2011. 2012 to 2,066,710, the on Sundays in the In 2002 the ASA for the Episcopal Church report- United States has domestic dioceses of the ed on 31 October 2013, declined by 24 per Episcopal Church was with growth in baptized cent over the last 10 846,640. In 2012 the membership reported in years, statistics domestic ASA was only 33 domestic dioce- released last week by 640,142; a decline of ses. Twelve dioceses saw the Church’s national 206,498 or 24 per cent growth in their ASA in office in New York over 10 years. The seces- 2012. The Diocese of reveal. sion of the Diocese of Nevada saw the greatest *While stocks last The Church’s Average South Carolina last year percentage and numeric Sunday Attendance is not reflected in these growth in attendance. of (ASA) in 2012 for domes- figures. any diocese, 6.9 per cent tic and overseas dioceses Baptized membership or 165 people.

[email protected]/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 6 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday November 8, 2013 News/Comment Job description for bishop of Church’s new diocese is unveiled Oxford in food bank plea A JOB DESCRIPTION has dynamic ecumenical engagement been published for the new with civil, political, social and cul- OXFORD DIOCESE is the latest to organise a Bishop of West Yorkshire and tural leaders to ‘allow a Christian conference on food banks, a growing activity the Dales. A 32-page docu- voice to be heard where decisions of many parishes in the Church of England. ment has been produced by a are made and help to shape the Over 100 people attended the meeting in the St group of elected representa- local landscape’. Clement Family Centre. One of the speakers was tives from the existing dioce- The new diocese will cover an Mark Ward from the Trussell Trust, which runs ses that are to combine in one. area of 2,425 square miles and around 400 food banks around the country. According to a ‘Statement of have a total population of The Trust has recently claimed that over 350,000 Need’ the new bishop will be ‘pas- 2,614,000 people, the majority of people received help form its food banks between sionate about mission, an effec- whom live in the south of the dio- April and September in 2013, triple the number who tive communicator, experienced cese. The Crown Nominations received help in the same period last year. in managing and effecting Committee is expected to recom- The Trust says that the situation is getting worse change, wholly committed to the mend a new bishop to the Prime and called for an inquiry into the roots of food Area Scheme which will created Minister early in 2014. It is hoped poverty and the consequent surge in food bank episcopal areas of Wakefield, that the enthronement or installa- usage. Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield tion ceremony will take place Mike Ward called food banks a ‘sticking plaster’ and Ripon, and will put the local some time in the summer. needed because systems that should work haven’t church first before playing a fuller The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds done so and he warned that they would continue to because people like things for free’ but most food part in the national life of the has announced his retirement and be needed as sticking plaster for a certain part of banks only help people who have a voucher issued Church’. last week it was announced that the population because things like the welfare sys- by a professional such as a social worker. Church The Statement of Need the Bishop of Wakefield, the Rt tem can go wrong. leaders wrote to the Prime Minister to complain of describes ‘mission’ as the ‘driving Rev Stephen Platten, is to take up Liz Dowler, Professor of Food and Social Policy in Lord Freud’s remarks. force’ behind the new diocese, a new appointment as Rector of St the University of Warwick who lives in Oxford, told The Government has also tried to claim which comes into existence at Michael’s, Cornhill, and honorary the conference that ‘food banks are not the way increased use of food banks reflects the fact that Easter 2014. assistant bishop in the Diocese of ahead for food poverty’, claiming that they address more of them are now in existence but statistics It lists key priorities for the new London. some of the symptoms but not the causes. She indicate that the growth in the number of people diocese: to support and nurture Bishop Platten will continue as argued that people turn to food banks because their using food banks is greater that the growth in their church schools, challenge injus- Chair of the Governors of the income is too low or when benefits fail. numbers. tice, respond to current social, Anglican Centre in Rome and is to Many food banks are run by churches and their Although food banks collect surplus food from political and ethical issues, become Chairman of Hymns increased popularity has proved embarrassing for supermarkets they do try to give people a balanced encourage vocations for both cler- Ancient and Modern in early the Government. Lord Freud, Minister of Pensions, diet and many small banks can’t cope with storing gy and lay people, and ensure 2014. caused controversy when he said ‘they are there perishables. Comment: Are we nearly there yet? By Lindsay Southern copacy and the form of legislation we use to achieve it? undermines a woman’s true nature”. When our Master returns will we have fearfully buried our A former Bishop of London in the 1980s argued: “Mas- The normally talkative confirmation group sat in talents in the ground, and hidden some of our brightest culine is associated with giving and the feminine with stunned silence. We’d happily worked our way lamps under the darkest bushel? Will the new legislation receiving”. Janet Soskice responded: “This piece of gender through the theology of Eucharistic Prayer E until move us on, or take us back round the Mulberry bush construction is as intolerable for men as it is dishonest the phrase, ‘Bringing before you the bread of life and once again? about women and among the latter is liable to produce cup of salvation, we proclaim his death and resur- There is an increased understanding that we need to hilarity”. rection until he comes in glory’ brought the group transform our attitudes and the relationships between One of the challenges of eschatology is that we are clear- up short. women and men, rather to cling to past paradigms of what ly still making the journey of transformation in each gen- “Does that mean he’s coming back?” asked one slightly it meant to be a male or female. These frequently denied eration. We have not yet experienced what it is to be truly shocked candidate. We rummaged through the scripture both men and women the gifts, insights and vocations they human in Christian terms, though we see it modelled in for a while finding references to Jesus’ return and sat again had if they did not fit the commonly held beliefs of the Christ. in silence as they pondered the implications of this bomb- time. Are we nearly there yet? There are signs that the shell. Until someone observed: “That changes things a Our perceptions about relationships between men, Church of England is taking the need to transform seri- bit...” women and the exercise of authority often seem to be ously. In September 2011, Archbishop Rowan Williams, to Yes, indeed it does, I thought, it transforms everything. modelled upon Genesis 3:16 - ‘your desire shall be for your reflect on the lived experience of ordained women 17 years And so it should because transformation is at the heart of husband and he shall rule over you.’ Ironic, of course, as it after the first ordinations to the priesthood, initiated a the gospel of Jesus Christ. is the antithesis of the intended relationship between men Transformations Conference. Since then, the Transforma- The spiritual lives of individuals and the Church are pro- and women. tion Steering Group has met with the College of Bishops foundly shaped by past events, especially the stories of our Gendered subservience is a consequence of sin and a twice; in September 2012 and 2013 respectively, to report faith that we promise at baptism to tell our children, and curse, not a holy model of relationship, damaging to both on the research undertaken, considering what aids the rightly so. Just as importantly, however, we also need to be parties. In ‘The Emotionally Healthy Church’, Peter flourishing of ordained women and what hinders it. shaped by the eschatology of the Christian faith. When we Scazzero notes that sinful, unhealthy patterns of behaviour It will be interesting to see how far issues raised specifi- remember Jesus’ life, death and resurrection through the are often continued and exacerbated from generation to cally in connection with ordained women also turn out to proclamation of scripture and participation in Holy Com- generation in families until identified and reorientated be human issues that both men and women, lay and munion, how often do we really register the eschatology of around Christ. Just as Scazzero recommends individuals ordained, all wrestle with as we live out our varied voca- those profound words; ‘we celebrate this memorial of our examine the dynamics of the families they grew up in, so tions in the world. redemption until his coming again’? perhaps it is time for the church to scrutinise the damag- As the freshly reworked legislation for women in the It is not a trivial question. Eschatological understanding ing assumptions we bring to the table about gender roles episcopate emerges, we can hope for three things. affects the outworking of our faith quite profoundly. Do we that owe a great deal to past cultures and little to the Firstly, that the legislation contains the potential to be really believe that we are moving towards the perfection of gospel. truly transformative for both men and women, enabling us God’s creation of the world - ‘working together for that day Prof James Nelson in his book, “The Intimate Connec- to ‘work together for that day when your kingdom comes when your kingdom comes and justice and mercy will be tion”, commented that “the ancient dualistic split between and justice and mercy will be seen in all the earth.’ seen in all the earth’? spirit (male) and body (female) with its companion split Secondly, that it will break through any destructive pat- Perhaps we feel instinctively that we are moving further between man and women continues to wreck havoc (in our terns of behaviour grounded in brokenness rather than and further away from Christ’s first coming? Do we sit on time.)”. our new identity in Christ. the train of life facing forwards towards the journey ahead It is not just a contemporary issue. Women like Sarah Finally, that in seeking security for a few, it will not crip- of us, or on a rear-facing seat contemplating places disap- and Angelina Grimke (US Abolitionists circa 1838) spoke ple the church with so many hostages to fortune that pearing into the distance? out strongly in the face of hostility from the clergy. They future generations of Anglicans will be unable to follow Christ is coming back - how does that eschatological saw the divide in rigid concepts of what is masculine and where the Holy Spirit leads. viewpoint transform our thinking about gender roles with- feminine as distortions of humanness. In the 19th Century, The Rev Lindsay Southern, Vicar of Catterick with Tun- in the church, about the admission of women to the epis- Schleiermacher warned that “unnatural masculisation stall, WATCH National Committee Acting Vice Chair

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Leader & Comment Friday November 8, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 7 Comment A secular nation? Good news at last? advanced that the Catholic XI has challenged the Lord Justice Munby, in a talk about family law, has again asserted that Peter Mullen Church of England to a match to be staged, appro- the law of the UK is not Christian but secular. He has said this before priately, next year at Lord’s. Where else! when adjudicating against a Pentecostal couple who wanted to foster At a press conference to announce these plans, children but refused to accept homosexuality as a valid moral stance. It is joked of the great medieval philosopher St plates of cucumber sandwiches were served with Munby favoured the homosexual lobby in his judgement: “We sit as Thomas Aquinas, author of Summa Theologica, that pots of tea, to the total bewilderment of Italian secular judges serving a multi-cultural community of many faiths. We once at a lunch with his brother monks he took two newspaper reporters who went so far as actually to are sworn (we quote the judicial oath) to ‘do right to all manner of peo- enormous swigs at his quart of ale. When asked inspect a bat and a ball. One of them declared: “We ple after the laws and usages of this realm, without fear or favour, affec- why he was quaffing with such rapacity, he replied, hope that someday we shall be able to translate tion or ill will’.” “One swallow does not make a Summa”. I know, silly-mid-on into Italian or, for traditionalists, even The judge had no idea that he was in fact adjudicating against a cou- therefore, that we should exercise extreme caution into Latin.” The chief spokesman for the Catholic ple whose views until very recently were lawful and the norm, and so when a handful of incidents combine to suggest XI was Father Theodore Mascarenhas, a Doctor of to the public he was favouring one set of ideological views against that things seem to be looking up. I apologise if for Theology and a notable off-spin bowler. another, issuing ill will to a large segment of the population. The multi- once I might be uncharacteristically the bringer of By all accounts even the economy is on the up- cultural aspect of the case had no meaning to him: he was enforcing a glad tidings. But there are undeniably straws in the turn and, after one of the best summers on record, moral view and rejecting another. wind to suggest that the country is abandoning fan- we have been enjoying a mild and picturesque His words also rang hollow to many who see some religious customs tasy-land and returning to the reality principle. autumn. The icing on the cake – I mean of course and practices protected, even forwarded, while others are pushed back For example, how about this? “We are too left- the Christening cake - was the baptism of Prince in the name of ‘secularism’. The fact of prayer rooms in London police wing and metropolitan”. This was said the other George in St James’ Palace when, according to all stations, religious ritual washing facilities in schools and hospitals, day about the BBC. Well, that is not exactly a sur- reports, the future king behaved himself impecca- exceptions to animal slaughter welfare legislation are examples of how prise, is it? But what is surprising is that it was the bly. a religion is being granted favour and exemption from statute law, by Director General of the BBC himself who said it. This reminds me, as it should remind us all, that ‘secular’ courts. He admitted that the BBC has developed “a metro- Christenings in general are a very good thing. On the other hand, as Lord Carey has repeated with total justifica- politan bias”. Lord Hall of Birkenhead further They represent the intention to start as we mean to tion, if a Christian asks for some leeway in the face of the ferocity of admitted that the Corporation had shown left-wing go on. After all, the font is often the first object of secularist legislation, there is a thunderous crackdown and no accom- bias over issues such as Europe, benefit tourism ecclesiastical furniture one comes across when modation whatsoever. If we have a ‘secular’ legal system, then it is and the spare-room subsidy. entering the parish church. Where I used to work operating in a way that has plenty of fear and favour towards some reli- My word, the Director General might have been in the City, ours was so prominent that visitors used gions and against others. Is this what secularism means? speaking in the confessional itself! He added: “The to trip over it. And we were all proud to announce It would be more honest of the likes of Munby LJ to say openly that BBC buys more copies of The Guardian than any that Daniel Defoe author of Robinson Crusoe was law in the UK has for centuries been based on Christian principles, but other newspaper.” And he said: “In future staff baptised there. his own family courts do not, yet, accept polygamy, for example. The should read a broad range of newspapers.” Funny Since we are on the subject of good news, the truth is that the 1997 cultural revolution decreed that all public institu- that Lord Hall should have mentioned The tions should have any Christian reference removed, hoping to keep the Guardian, for at long last it appears that folk gener- fruits of the Christian tree while erecting a secularist, utilitiarian steel ally are catching on to the truth that that newspaper pole instead. So as institutions deny Christian bases or even roots, they is not the paragon of intellectual liberty, the bastion forward the cause of other faiths, and the result is injustice for the of fair-mindedness and the sole custodian of the Christians and privilege for others. public interest, but that its editorial policies often And no honest debate is had about this situation of change being amount to little more than self-indulgent, adoles- implemented, in case it attracts protest. In fact real secularism does not cent politics. deal out favours to some faiths and suppress others. France, for exam- For example, it has been widely adjudged that ple, has its post-1789 Revolutionary secularist tradition: no religious The Guardian’s favouring of the so-called whistle- garb or decoration is allowed in public offices or professions. Turkey blower Edward Snowden was not so much an was the same, but is shifting. If our judges want to be genuinely secu- impeccable example of democratic idealism as a lar, perhaps they should be so, in a properly consistent manner? genuine threat to national security. It is hard to find reasons to be optimistic about the various terrible conflicts in the Middle East. But we have recently learnt that the USA, Israel and Egypt have for the time being set aside cus- The Church of England Newspaper tomary differences in order to operate the concert- with Celebrate magazine incorporating The Record and Christian Week ed destruction of Salafist militias, members of Published by Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd. al-Q’aeda and Sunni terrorists in the strategic Sinai Company Number: 3176742 Peninsula. This good news is barely damaged at all Publisher: Keith Young MBE by our learning that “Saudis sever links with the USA over Syria” – because the reason for this fall- out between the Arabs and the US is that, com- Publishing Director & Editor: CM BLAKELY020 7222 8004 mendably, the US is refusing to accede to Arab Chief Correspondent: The Rev Canon GEORGE CONGER 00 1 0772 332 2604 demands to supply Sunni extremists in the Syrian Reporter: AMARIS COLE 020 7222 8700 opposition. Is there no end to wonders? After 40 years’ propa- Advertising: CHRIS TURNER 020 7222 2018 ganda to the effect that nice, tasty, nutritious sub- Advertising & Editorial Assistant: PENNY NAIR PRICE 020 7222 2018 stances such as eggs, butter, milk and cheese are likely to be the death of us – and the attendant sug- Subscriptions & Finance: DELIA ROBINSON 020 7222 8663 gestion that the chief motivation of our friendly Graphic Designer: PETER MAY020 7222 8700 local butcher is to murder us with a beefsteak – it is now officially announced that these delicious foods The acceptance of advertising does not necessarily indicate are good for us and that the causes of all those endorsement. Photographs and other material sent for publication strokes and heart attacks have nothing to do with Christening is the original good news. It is the are submitted at the owner’s risk. The Church of England Newspaper our moderate consumption of these natural introduction to the rest of that great panoply which does not accept responsibility for any material lost or damaged. delights. we call the Christian life. The baptism of Our Lord Christian Weekly Newspapers Trustees: Robert Leach (020 8224 5696), Of course Dr James LeFanu and a few other com- Jesus Christ in the Jordan river is one of the first Lord Carey of Clifton, The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, The Rt Rev Pete Broadbent, mon-sense medics have been telling us this for events to be recorded in the Gospels. Every Chris- Dr Elaine Storkey, The Rev Peter Brown, The Rev Cindy Kent years, only to be ridiculed by the ideological practi- tening is therefore a sign of hope and promise – not tioners of a phoney pathology who have constituted just the promises that the godparents make on The Church of England Newspaper, the heavily-subsidised medical establishment. behalf of the child, but the promise of God himself - Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd I realise at this point that I am in danger of being and the outward and visible sign of his indelible 14 Great College Street, London, SW1P 3RX carried away by all this wild optimism, but I’m faithfulness. Editorial e-mail: [email protected] afraid there’s more to come. My two chief passions The Christening of a future monarch is also a Advertising e-mail: [email protected] in life are theology and cricket (not necessarily in national symbol. It was accompanied by prayers for Subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] that order) and I have just read that the Vatican God’s continual blessing on the Prince and on the Papal State has formed its own cricket team to be whole nation. So, good news then. God bless Eng- Website: www.churchnewspaper.com called St Peter’s Cricket Club. The project is so land and Prince George!

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 8 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday November 8, 2013 Letters

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

Christian courts Opportunities for chaplains today Sir, James Munby is right to comment that the courts are no longer Christian, if Sir, In a recent article (25 October), a naval chaplain wrote: “I sometimes wonder indeed they ever were; courts should what might happen in a business if a chaplain could visit a CEO (On first-name terms, always reflect the prevailing law of the land as we can visit an admiral) and ask for instance: ‘What might happen if this company rather than personal beliefs of judges. The can’t fulfil its contracts to a major public project?’.” Your Tweets extent to which those laws reflect Christian Over the country many people are going into companies, visiting to build relation- teaching will display the extent to which ships. It is a long game, often requiring investment over many years; yet there are parliament understands, and is willing to very rewarding ‘kingdom’ moments. The ministry of presence can lead to pastoral Sally Hitchiner apply, Biblical teaching. opportunities, and, once trust is established, prophetic questions can be posed. @SallyHitchiner Reports about the possible split of the Here in Cambridgeshire, the chaplaincy is an ecumenical project, with over 30 vol- This week is the 50th anniversary Church of England on the subject of bless- unteers, and more openings than we can fill. If you go to our website www.work- of the Samaritans - set up by a few ing for same-sex couples in church shows placechaplaincy.org.uk you can watch a four-minute film showing chaplains in action. Anglican priests. Do you know the that while many members of the Anglican Chaplaincy in the workplace, which continues the tradition of industrial mission, story?ststephenwalbrook.net/sama church believe that the Bible is God’s has never been as well resourced as forces chaplaincy. Prayer and financial support ritans.htm inspired truth, applicable to all times, to be for this area of mission are really needed. accepted and applied in one’s personal life I wish many more people in churches would wonder what might happen in busi- and society, others feel it necessary to nesses if a chaplain could visit. Vicky Beeching @vickybeeching water it down to reflect prevailing social The Rev Dorothy Peyton Jones, Nigel Farage wants to ‘defend our attitudes. Both cannot be true. Team Leader, Chaplaincy to People at Work Christian heritage’. Oh the irony. J Longstaff, Cambridge Woodford Green Christian Aid @christian_aid and land travellers whose plans were You also gave a quote from the Ven Julia Violence against women was only Baptism severely disrupted. Sadly, at least four peo- Hubbard – this should be the Ven Julian made illegal in #Nicaragua last Sir, One difficulty with Philip Youngman’s ple died. Over in Europe the storm intensi- Hubbard. year, but the new law is under understanding of Baptism is that no fied. Dr Bev Botting, siege denomination actually works that way. The What was not mentioned in the storm Head of Research and Statistics, Archbish- Baptist alternative is not ‘repent, believe forecast was a new phenomenon (to me at ops’ Council, Katharine and be baptized’ but ‘repent, believe, wait least) the ‘Tail Spike’ – high-speed down- London SW1 Welby @KatharineWelby till we think you are old enough and have ward gusts caused by the Jet Stream. At As a kick start to your week I sufficient understanding, and then be bap- The Needles, just 30 miles from me, a gust recommend reading Romans 12:1-2 tized’. of 99mph was recorded! Moving on in the message version. It is both And whereas the biblical support for bap- Shame on you Andrew. Sir, In this week’s edition I am mentioned, challenging and inspiring tising children of believers may be sketchy, Andrew E Bloxham, as a former curate of the Benefice of Bury, #savedbygrace the evidence for the only alternative on Emsworth, Hampshire Houghton, Coldwaltham and Hardham offer, viz. refusing to baptise a believer on who left for Luton. Your readers may wish profession of faith on the grounds of age, is to know where I ended up: as Priest-in- Nicky Gumbel @nickygumbel non-existent. My Baptist friend (daughter Self-supporting Charge, the Church of the Holy Cross, Humility is not thinking less of of a minister) who made her first confes- bishops? Luton (St Albans). yourself, it’s thinking of yourself sion of faith aged about 3 was only allowed The Rev David Beresford, less. - C. S. Lewis to be baptised some 10 years later. Her faith Sir, How I agree with Colin Pipe’s timely Luton in that period was unwavering - it seems a letter (1 November) about the state of the shame that it was held to be invalid. Church of England. Not only is money BBC Two @BBCTwo It may be messy, it may not look like the extracted from worshippers merely to Court supremacy Exciting news - filming has started New Testament at first glance, but Church maintain structures but self-supporting Sir, Robert Ian Williams (23 August) says on a new series of ‘Rev’ today! of England best practice has the Biblical ministers are exploited in a way reminis- that Nigel Scotland, when he laments the Look out for it on BBC Two in the and pastoral high ground. cent of the treatment received by textile alliance of Crown and Parliament, should spring The Rev Peter Davey, workers in the sub-continent. I live in hope remember that it was this combination that Ilkeston of a self-supporting Bishop! ‘birthed’ the Church of England in 1559. Paul Bayes @paulbayes J Drury, However, it should be remembered that Whipping through paperwork Grafty Green ME17 the statute of Praemunire 1392 asserted the before heading off on retreat, Storm upset supremacy of the Crown in the manage- seeking a still centre & Christ’s Sir, I was very saddened and angered to ment of Church affairs in England. gyroscope in the midst of read Andrew Carey’s disparaging com- Ministry statistics An interesting additional point of princi- church/world fireworks ments about the Met Office’s storm fore- Sir, I am writing to let you know that there ple of State independence arose later when cast. Would he have commented in the were a couple of errors in your 25 October King Henry VIII wanted a divorce and same vein before the storm? He may have edition, in the front-page piece reporting on found the Pope insisted that he should Donna Birrell @bbcdonna escaped as I did, so we should count our our recently released Ministry Statistics. decide on divorce law. The King said Eng- The Bishop of Truro says there blessings, but around me sheds were lifted You reported that “The number of land should decide its own laws and they should be more support for young off foundations, fences down and trees women female stipendiary clergy has gone should have supremacy. carers. Measures going through blocked roads. up from 1,178 in 2002 to 1,263 in 2012.” The same point arises today in connec- The Lords could see this happen And not to mention the 600,000 or so It should read: “The number of female tion with the EU and its member states. @DioTruro homes without electric power for several full-time stipendiary clergy has gone up Geoffrey Streets, days and the tens of thousands of air, sea from 1,262 in 2002 to 1,781 in 2012.” Hessle, East Yorkshire Steven Croft @Steven_Croft Today the Church begins again the annual reading of the Book of Subscribe through the interactive PressReader app, to see the paper in Isaiah, the fifth gospel: “Hear and large type or even have it read it aloud to you listen” (1.2 and 1.10) Download the PressReader App on your tablet or mobile device and download to The Church of England Newspaper today. follow us @churchnewspaper on You can also subscribe to all future editions. Twitter

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about to return. On the out that some politicians and quasi-governmental bodies Andrew Marr programme campaigners wanted statuto- like the Privy Council. (BBC 1) the Culture Secre- ry regulation and the Press The danger ahead lies in tary Maria Miller was pre- Charter was an attempt to how Hacked Off and its sup- AndrewCarey: pared to concede that the head off these extreme porters in Parliament will Royal Charter may never be demands. This makes the respond. There will called upon if the Press’s government look all too undoubtedly be attempts to own regulator and watchdog weak in the face of attacks reintroduce statutory regu- ViewfromthePew proves effective. on free speech. lation by amendments. Miller is making a clear Yet it does mean that the These attempts must be admission that none of the only game in town is the headed off by effective newspapers or magazines extremely tough regulation newspaper regulation that are going to set up a regula- set up by the largest newspa- gives power back to mem- The freedom of the press tor under the Royal Charter, per groups thus keeping the bers of the public who are thus making it completely future of press freedom wronged or maligned by the More than 100 years ago Robert Louis what Parliament is, and we are all irrelevant. She also pointed away from Parliament and press. Stevenson warned us against the loss of ashamed of it... Decay appears to have freedom that is entailed in ‘a golden age seized on the organ of popular govern- the episcopacy once the priesthood was of officials’ of entrusting the state to be ment in every land; and this just at the Ombudsman fears open to them. “our conscience” to “make laws so wise, moment when we begin to bring to it, as I hate to see ‘ombudsman’ introduced into But the logic of accepting the legitimacy of and continue from year to year to admin- to an oracle of justice, the whole skein of church disputes over women bishops, and I opposing views is to allow some form of opt- ister them so wisely, that they shall save our private affairs to be unravelled, and suspect that in years to come such an out for parishes chafing under the jurisdic- us from ourselves, and make us righteous ask it, like a new Messiah, to take upon ombudsman will be very busy. Without some tion of a bishop they can never fully and happy, world without end. Amen.” itself the part that should be played by sort of jurisdictional compromise for oppo- recognise as a bishop. I hope the fact that I’m indebted to Allan Massie for point- our own virtues.” nents of women’s ordination, there is poten- this latest attempt at legislation is based on ing out this passage from the essay “The Massie rightly says that the door politi- tial for considerable conflict. broken promises can be forgotten and for- Day after Tomorrow”, which has particu- cians have opened in search of a remedy Yet this new package of proposals is given in the years ahead. lar relevance to the debate on press regu- to the disgraceful practices of the press is undoubtedly what will be put before General I also hope that the bishops will be fair- lation (‘As we stand on the verge of much more dangerous to the public good. Synod this month and hopefully will receive minded and generous to opponents under state-licensed newspaper a dreadful He writes: “Bring the press to heel and final approval next year. It is high time that their declarations and commitments in the prophecy is being fulfilled’, 4 November the power of the official is enhanced. Is women became bishops. Even for opponents future. But having watched the American 2013, www.blogs.telegraph.co.uk). this desirable?” there was no terribly persuasive theological Episcopal Church implode in acrimony, I As he quotes Stevenson: “We all know It seems that commonsense might be rationale for arbitrarily excluding them from continue to have doubts.

Rooms for let? Spotlight on a backroom man Although he finds a weekly Robert Mickens raised a laugh in a lecture on Pope Francis he gave at West- recipe for CEN every week, minster Cathedral hall last week. He was talking about the visit to Rome of Peter May will not be well Archbishop Justin Welby. The Pope lives in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a known to readers. But he guest house in Rome for clergy, but continues to receive visitors in the recep- plays a vital backroom role in tion rooms of the old papal apartments, which are now otherwise unoccu- setting the paper up for print- pied. Justin Welby was taken to the apartments to meet the Pope but Francis ing and managing the web- was late in arriving. While the Archbishop and his party and the assembled site. Last week he stepped press were waiting, Mickens heard one of the attendants comment to anoth- into the limelight when he er: “I suppose we will be letting these rooms soon.” But if there may soon be won a Facebook competition an unprecedented opportunity to live in a unique location in Rome (just imag- to meet with David Beck- ine how the estate agents will phrase the advert) there seems little likelihood ham. Peter didn’t get long of a similar opportunity at Lambeth Palace. Simon Jenkins responded to with the soccer star but he Justin Welby’s criticisms of the North/South divide by mounting a vigorous said it was long enough to defence of London and the role it plays in the national economy. “If the Arch- realise that Beckham is a bishop really felt strongly about its dominance over the nation’s life,” Jenkins ‘nice guy’. The meeting took wrote in the Evening Standard, “he should take a lead and move his resi- place in a studio in Hamp- dence back north, back to Durham or Liverpool. Of course, he will not do stead and Peter has a picture this, and he knows why. London is where the action is.” So far there has been to prove it. no response from Welby. The Whispering Gallery Remembering Romero Oscar Romero is one of the modern martyrs commemorated at the West end Lou Reed’s spiritual inspiration of Westminster Abbey so it was appropriate that this year’s Romero lecture was held in the Abbey. A large congregation packed the nave to hear Timothy Rod Liddle thought that Graham James’ Thought for the Day on Lou Reed Radcliff talk about ‘A Disturbing Truth: the Church, the Poor and Oscar was ‘beyond the parody of even Private Eye’. He described it as a ‘hilarious Romero’. In the audience were Ed Miliband’s Chief of Staff, Tim Livesey, and offering’. Rod must have been in even more of a bad mood than normal Lord Patten, chairman of the BBC Trust. Rather disarmingly, Radcliffe told his when he wrote his column because by the admittedly not very high audience that he did not think himself well-equipped to talk about poverty. standards of Thought for the Day, the Bishop’s reflection wasn’t too bad. “How can you speak of poverty?” a fellow Dominican had asked him. “You ‘My God is Rock and Roll.’ confessed the singer and James argued he have never known what it is to be poor.” But Radcliffe went on to warn in stark borrowed religious language to describe the intensity of his commitment terms that Britain is afflicted by a hidden violence inflicted on its poorest citi- to music. But fame never went to Lou’s head and his song Perfect Day zens. “If we do not open our eyes to it and respond it will destroy our society,” carries echoes of St Paul’s words to the Galatians that we reap what we he said. Praising Pope Francis’ visit to Lampedusa, he gave this as an example sow. Perhaps this is why the BBC chose the song as background music for of the kind of imaginative, symbolic actions that are needed to touch people’s a montage of clips about Pope Benedict’s visit to Britain. Lou Reed’s fan imaginations. Radcliffe attacked the denigration of the poor today as parasites club certainly reaches into the Vatican. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, and skivers and appealed for respect for the dignity and courage of the mar- president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, even tweeted lyrics from ginalised. Commenting on the fact that Christians in Britain don’t experience Perfect Day on hearing of the singer’s death – a fact that mercifully seems the persecution their fellow believers suffer in some other countries, Fr Rad- to have escaped the attention of Rod Liddle. For Graham James Lou Reed cliffe remarked: “If we stood up for the poor we might be more unpopular.” “I was not on a conventional search for God but he was on a search always wanted to follow the gospel,” he confessed, “but I did not know where nonetheless, a thought that just might have impressed the largely secular it would leave me.” The event was the second organised by the Westminster and agnostic listeners to Thought for the Day. Institute. Later this month there are lectures on Religion in Britain a number of lectures and discussions on CS Lewis. 10 www.churchnewspaper.c om Friday No vember 8, 2013 Vocations Helping you find God’s

Cranmer Hall you can study here to prepare for 21st cen- social community for all ages, deep embed- from tutors in the principal fields of Chris- tury ministry and mission. Cranmer Hall is dedness in mission locally and further tian theology and have contact with a wide Durham has been a national and interna- set in the heart of St John’s College within afield, and an excellent track-record of variety of visiting tutors who are outstand- tional centre of prayer, worship and schol- the University of Durham. It has a strong preparing men and women to follow Christ ing in their areas. For those who wish it, arship for thousands of years, and today rhythm of prayer and worship, a vibrant in the most demanding of situations. access to a rich diet of liturgy and worship With many different paths and is available, and a seat in chapel will be courses for those wishing to under- reserved on request. More information can take ordination training or simply be found on their website. study Theology and Ministry, Cran- https://www.ssho.ox.ac.uk/ mer Hall is worth researching. www.dur.ac.uk/cranmer.hall/ “St Stephen’s House is an Anglican theo- logical foundation and Permanent Private Oak Hill College Hall in the University of Oxford, offering Oak Hill open mornings are an oppor- formation, education and training for a vari- tunity for anyone thinking about theo- ety of qualifications and ministries... Our logical training to find out what life at conviction is that St Stephen’s House is the the college is like at first-hand. The place where you will be able to hear your morning includes meeting staff and calling most clearly and answer it most

go Oak Hill College deepereep

...deepenyo yourur visionvision bbyy studystudyinging fulfulll timetime,, partpart time or bbyydistance learninglearning students, sampling a selection of lec- faithfully...We welcome and honour men tures and exploring the campus and and women, Catholic, Liberal and Evangel- facilities. The next open morning is on ical, as we respect differences in church- …deepen yyoourur ministrministryy thrthroughough Saturday 23 November 2013. manship and emphasis in our Oak Hill offers a wide range of understandings of God. As faithful mem- our CerCerti=cateti=cate, Diploma,Diploma,a,, BBAA courses and degrees in studying theol- bers of the Church of England, that is our and MA prprogrammesogrammes ogy, training for ordination or becom- responsibility and our joy.” ing equipped for children’s and youth work. London School of Theology …equipping yyoouu fof orr ministrminministryi y www.oakhill.ac.uk London School of Theology (LST) is the largest interdenominational, evangelical St Stephen’s House, Oxford theological college in Europe, and com- St Stephen’s House is an Anglican bines a strong academic reputation with foundation specialising in theological faithfulness to Scripture and commitment [email protected]@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk teaching and research. to God’s mission in the world. Founded 0115 968 3203 quotquotee CEN All of St Stephen’s House under- during World War Two, London School of graduates are mature students (21 or Theology was established to counter the wwwwww.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk over) and many are training for ordina- rising tide of liberal scholarship in Western tion in the Anglican Communion. The universities and prepare Christians to ethos and profile of interact with post-war world. Today, Lon- St Stephen’s House don School of Theology continues to be make it an ideal known throughout the world as a place place for the pur- where intellectual thoroughness and suit of graduate rigour go hand in hand with a passion to studies in Theolo- see students grow personally and spiritual- gy, Education and ly. The school will host open days for visi- related subjects. tors on Tuesday 19 November 2013 (9:30 – The University 2:00), Saturday 22 February 2014 (10:30 – itself has a peerless 3:00), Tuesday 13 May 2014 (9:30 – 2:00), leadership ! mission ! practical theology ! pioneer For centuries Christians have come to Durham to study, pray reputation for and Thursday 10 July 2014 (10:30 – 2:00). ministry!preachingandcommunication! fullandpart and worship. Cranmer Hall, the Anglican Theological College research, with out- More information is available on the LST at the heart of Durham University and located alongside standing faculties website. time courses ! theological and practical excellence the Cathedral, has a rich heritage of Mission, Biblical Study, representing a http://www.lst.ac.uk/ Communication and excellence in theological study. broad range of spe- cific interests. Stu- “London School of Theology(LST) is an Come and visit this engaging and hospitable community, dents have access evangelical academic learning community rooted in the breadth and wealth of the Anglican tradition. to library facilities called to equip and encourage one another Visit, study, pray, grow, and find a home in the warm heart as good as any in to be disciples of Jesus Christ. We aim to of the North. the world, with equip Christians from diverse church back- comprehensive col- grounds and global contexts to express the lections for every message and love of Jesus wherever he Cranmer Hall, St John’s College, 3 South Bailey, Durham City, County Durham, DH1 3RJ aspect of study. Stu- calls them and in whatever task by develop- Telephone: +44(0) 191 334 3894 | Fax: +44(0)191 334 3501 | Email: [email protected] | www.cranmerhall.com dents receive spe- ing Biblical, theological thinking and prac- cialist teaching tice to the highest levels, nurturing

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PROFILE

I came to Oak Hill to train for ministry partly because of the college’s reputation for being a direction in life place of rigorous theological learning. We have a young fami- ly, so finding a place where you Christian faith, spiritual gifts, responding creatively and ener- Wycliffe Hall Oxford could do that as part of a sup- vocational skills and personal for- getically to changes in contempo- Wycliffe Hall is an evangelical portive community was really mation, encouraging creative inte- rary society in order to further theological college set within the appealing. I was looking for gration of biblical learning with missions, and is dedicated to University of Oxford, an interna- somewhere that was theological- other disciplines, supporting developing its students as disci- tional centre for the study of the- ly stretching but also pastorally dynamic innovation in Christian ples. More information can be ology, an Anglican seminary for sensitive, and that would allow research and practice, pursuing found on their website. the training of Christian ministers you to do ministry in real life. Christian excellence in all aspects www.stjohnsnottm.ac.uk/ and a centre for postgraduate of School life through academic study and research. The aim of I wanted to go somewhere where thinking matters and people discipline, practical training, wor- “Our core purpose is to inspire, Wycliffe Hall is to equip its stu- matter. ship, community life, pastoral equip and grow Christians to dents for their future ministries care and personal example in the serve and lead in God’s mission. through excellent academic What Oak Hill got me to do was think deeply about theology, but power of the Holy Spirit, for the To this end, we are a charismatic teaching, practical ministry expe- also about how it applies in real life. It made me think about what is furthering of Christ’s Kingdom community, expecting God to rience, and living as part of a going on theologically under the surface of people’s lives. What do and to the glory of God.” work today by His Word and Spir- vibrant and supportive Christian they understand? Why do they feel what they do? What is going on it, forming people in Christian community. More information in the human heart? St John’s Nottingham spirituality and practical ministr y, can be found on their website. St John’s is a worshipping, learn- wide ranging, varied, and chang- www.wycliffehall.org.uk It was wonderfully illuminating being at a college which pushed ing community, engaged in and ing, rooted in the Bible, responsi- and encouraged me to think about those issues, and that’s what preparing for ministry of many bly interpreting and living by “We emphasise academic excel- I’ve taken into pastoral ministry. kinds. Since its foundation in Scripture, committed to holistic lence, practical and ministry train- 1863, St John’s has been energeti- proclamation of the Gospel of the ing, and personal or spiritual The best days in my ministry happen when I see somebody grow cally responding to God’s call to Lord Jesus, evangelical Anglicans formation. We seek to love the in their understanding of Jesus and his grace. That might happen mission and ministr y. welcoming partnership with oth- Lord with all our hearts, souls, after a sermon, or just during an informal conversation. Sensing The college was founded in ers, critically engaging with and minds by embracing the that somebody is on the move with the Lord is really encouraging response to the opportunities and emerging trends, listening to the rigours of academic theology as because it goes to the heart of who I am and what I’m called to do. challenges of mission and pat- cultures in which we live, training an integral part of faithful disciple- terns of ministry arising from the innovatively for mission and min- ship. Our mission is to build up Paul Mathole enormous social changes of the istry, offering flexible delivery of the next generation of evangelical Associate Minister, Holy Trinity Platt, Manchester Victorian era. learning and teaching.” scholars and ministers for the St John’s is committed to glory of God.”

St Stephen’s House OXFORD

FormationEducationTraining

OPENDAY

Saturday 16th November 2013 10.00am ! 5.00pm

If you are apotential student, thinking aboutyour vocationorinterested in learning more about “We try to engage ministry in theCatholic tradition of the Church of specifically with the England youare welcometojoin us!

demanding issues 16 Marston Street,Oxford, OX44JX people are facing in Oak Hill Tel: 01865 613500 their jobs. Seeing God [email protected] at work in the heart College of Westminster is an people equipped amazing privilege.” for ministry Revd Jason Roach, curate in oakhill.ac.uk/jason workplace ministry, Whitehall OPEN MORNING AT OAK HILL 23 November 2013

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 12 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday November 8, 2013 Lifestyle Wine of the Week

Brancott Estate Janey Lee Grace Pinot Noir 2011 Waitrose £8.79 (offer, until 3 December) Live Healthy! Live Happy! www.waitrose.com/wine Pinot Noir is the great red grape of Bur- gundy’s most northern vineyards, in the Côte d’Or. It is grown with some success in the New World. This bottle is from New Zealand’s South Island, famed Marlborough. The brand name conceals that the ultimate owner is a French wine company. They can be, and I am The problem with additives sure are, proud of this bottle. Now on offer at a 20 per cent reduc- tion, I urge readers to try it. As a mum of four kids I am very much ton Seven Additives”, six E-number food to young children by the Food Standards Pour, and it is amazingly invit- behind the recent Action on Additives colourings and a preservative, sodium Agency should also apply to medicines ing in the glass, a lovely clear call to ban E-numbers from children’s benzoate. and I wholeheartedly agree, and in fact ruby. On the nose, there’s the medicines. It seems bizarre then that the same not just for children’s medicines, I’d aroma of raspberries, joined by Of course I would say try not to dark- rules (or guidelines) that apply to food carry it through to ALL medicines. flowers (red roses?) and a hint of en the door of a pharmacy in any case (the FSA called for a voluntary ban in When I was prescribed a Vitamin D3 spice. On the palate, out comes and simply turn to simple kitchen cup- 2008.) don’t apply to medicines. Four of supplement a while back, the Pharma- a sophisticated combination. board remedies for common ailments, the six colourings voluntarily withdrawn cist asked if I’d like Tutti fruity or lemon The raspberries are there, but but for parents who want to offer a well- from food and drink products because of flavour ? Alarm bells rang and I asked to more like a bowl of them, established children’s medicine they links to hyperactivity are found in chil- see the ingredient list. In addition to the some ripe, others less so. surely ought to have the reassurance dren’s medicines. They are Quinoline fact that they contained only around There are cherries too, bal- that they don’t contain colourings linked Yellow (E104), Sunset Yellow (E110), 200iiu of vitamin D (not really enough to anced by smooth tannins. to hyperactivity. Carmoisine (E122) and Ponceau 4R make a significant difference) they also The finish glowed. I can According to the report, ‘Revealed: (E124). At least one of these colourings contained artificial sweeteners, flavour- safely say that my bottle The Hidden Additives in Children Medi- is found in 19 children’s medicines. ings and I’d guess – these colourings was captivatingly deli- cines’, released by the charity Action on Three of the colourings – E110, E122 which are banned in food. Fortunately I cious. Interestingly versa- Additives there are seven additives with and E124, are being investigated by knew about an oral spray offering 3000iu tile, it can also be served proven links to hyperactivity, demon- EFSA for genotoxicity. One or more is of Vitamin D3 and happily raised my lev- lightly chilled. My prefer- strated in a scientific study carried out used in 15 medicines. els using that. ence was for room temper- by Southampton University and commis- Even medicines for babies as young as To alert parents to the research, ature, but either way, it sioned by the Food Standards Agency two months, such as Calpol, contains Action on Additives have published A makes a good aperitif, (FSA) in 2007. colourings that are withdrawn from baby Parent’s Guide to Additives in Children’s going splendidly with They found that 52 children’s medi- food. Medicines, now available at: duck or even fish. Alcohol cines contain at least one and sometimes The charity Action on Additives www.actiononadditives.org/childrens- by Vol. 13%. two or three of the so-called “Southamp- believes that the same protection offered medicines Graham Gendall Norton A real life story lights up the screen

One Chance (cert. 12A) takes its title bride prepares for bed. from the debut album of singer Paul Director David Frankel (The Devil Potts, after he won the first series of Wears Prada) has actually crafted a Britain’s Got Talent. It’s a simple biopic film that outweighs the sum of its of his life, comprising thwarted ambition, parts. It’s a heart-warming story with- love story, triumph over the odds, and a out too much schmaltz – Paul being great plug for Carphone Warehouse. bullied is a constant theme – and James Corden plays Potts, but the maybe in Justin Zackham’s screen- singing voice belongs to Potts himself. play there’s a conscious effort to The storyline has a lot of artistic licence mimic the drama of opera. – he’s from Bristol but the film has him At least Corden manages to convey growing up in Port Talbot, with Julie Paul’s enthusiasm for it, though Walters and Colm Meaney doing pass- maybe turning up for a pub talent con- ably Welsh accents as his Mum and Dad. test dressed as the clown Canio in Alexandra Roach plays his chat room Pagliacci to sing “Vesti la giubba” was- girlfriend Julie-Ann – and apparently n’t a smart move for someone used to Port Talbot was the nearest place they being bullied. But bullying and could afford a home when they married. singing seems to be at the heart of By then he’d had lead roles for ama- Paul’s story, as will be detailed in his teur opera company Bath Opera, forthcoming autobiography – also between working at Tesco and having called One Chance. been a Lib Dem councillor in Bristol and Steve Parish briefly a verger at Bristol Cathedral. Appendicitis, an adrenal tumour, and a bike accident led him to settle into his mobile phone sales job, until Britain’s Got Talent gave him he hasn’t got that. the “one chance” to fulfil his goal, and pay off his debts. Mackenzie Crook does a nice comic turn as Paul’s Many remarkable events, including music classes and phone shop manager, with Jemima Rooper as his girlfriend singing for Pavarotti, are included – but not necessarily in Hydrangea (they’re into fantasy, and are off on an elves the right order, and not all in the right place. Venice as a and hobbit weekend). It’s a decent British/Irish ensemble fictional setting does make up for the Port Talbot and cast, with Valeria Bilello adding a bit of Italian allure and Porthcawl scenes, which are unlikely to boost South Wales temptation to add to the operatic thrills of Puccini. tourism. It’s actually Nessun Dorma that Paul sings in his audition English actor Stanley Townsend plays Pavarotti – I did before Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan, blink for a moment before I remembered that Pavarotti as archive footage from the show is spliced in. The aria is had died six years ago. The film turns a minor success in also used as foreplay on his wedding night, with Paul reality for Potts into an embarrassing failure, as the maes- translating the words as an old 1920s recording from La tro tells him that a singer needs the nerves of a thief, and Scala, supposedly conducted by Toscanini, plays as his

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Classifieds/Anglican Life Friday November 8, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 13 The lessons from Gafcon

Susie Leafe can truly say that in Reform three decades of the Christian life I have The second Global never experienced any- Anglican Futures Con- thing like it. ference (Gafcon 2) was In the light of all this it not for the faint-hearted. is hardly surprising that Those amongst us while in Nairobi the Eng- who expected just anoth- lish delegation gave er Christian talking shop overwhelming support or jamboree were quick- to the following part of ly disabused of any such the Nairobi Commit- ideas: for the English ment which the whole delegation Gafcon 2 was conference adopted as a relentlessly challenging. summary of the future of It could not be any- the Gafcon movement, thing else as we spent a “We commit ourselves week living alongside to the support and those for whom martyr- defence of those who in dom is an everyday real- standing for apostolic ity. Throughout our time truth are marginalized in Nairobi we heard or excluded from formal numerous accounts of communion with other the dangers Anglicans Anglicans in their dioce- face in much of the ses. We have therefore world. One archbishop recognized the Anglican told my husband, with understandable relief, When people that after many years, the “wholesale” killing of tell you that Christians in his they’d rather province had ceased. He said, “… we are now die than see down to “retail” their church killings...”, by which he explained that he meant, become like “… two here and three there - about 50 a week”. yours, you take How could we not be notice even more challenged therefore, when such people said that we from Mission in England the West were at far (AMiE) as an expression greater risk than them? of authentic Anglicanism More than loss of life or both for those within property they feared and outside the Church that their people would of England, and wel- be lost to a “Christianity” comed their intention to like much of ours. Lost, appoint a General Secre- that is, to a faith that has tary of AMiE.” no need for the substitu- That development of tionary death of the the work of AMiE is a Lord Jesus because it significant step and is has either done away the natural outworking with a God of principled of the Nairobi Commit- anger or because it has ment’s resolve to, re-categorised that “… defend essential which is sinful as good. truths of the biblical They saw the extreme faith even when this physical risks they con- defence threatens exist- tinue to endure as sub- ing structures of human stantially outweighed by authority (Acts 5:29) …. the spiritual risks to This may involve ordina- which we have already tion and consecration if succumbed. When peo- the situation requires.” ple tell you that they’d There has been some rather die than see their suggestion in the media, church become like both Christian and secu- yours, you sit-up and lar, that Gafcon 2 can be take notice. ignored as doing noth- Thus it was only fitting ing new. Such commen- that in our final com- tators are profoundly munion service we were wrong. Later this month led in an extended and nearly 200 English probing time of repen- incumbents will meet for tance for our own and two days to consider our national Churches’ how we can best avoid failure to contend for the the failings of which we unchanging gospel and repented in the Cathe- to confront secular ideol- dral Church of All ogy concerning the Saints, Nairobi, being nature of personhood, repeated in this genera- the family and ethics. I tion. 14 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday November 8, 2013 Register

THE 2013 be Vicar of Peterlee, Durham. Priest-in-Charge, Whitley St ANGLICAN CYCLE OF The Rev Hannah Mears, James (Coventry) is to retire. BIBLE CHALLENGE Assistant Curate, St Austell, The Rev Paul Albert Edward PRAYER Truro, to be Vicar, Rugby West, Springate, St Matthew, St Oswald. Warden of the Harnhill Centre of Day 305 Daniel 5-6, Psalm 94, The Rev Oliver Mears, Christian Healing (Gloucester), is Revelation 18 Friday 08 November. Psalm 37:1-11, Isa 53:1-5. Upper South Car- Assistant Curate, St Austell, to resign. Day 306 Daniel 7-8, Psalm 95, olina - (IV, The Episcopal Church): The Rt Rev Andrew Waldo Truro, to be Associate Minister, The Rt Rev Humphrey Vincent Revelation 19 Saturday 09 November. Psalm 37:23-33, Isa 53:6-12. Uruguay - Rugby West, St Matthew, St Taylor, Day 307 Enjoy hearing the (Southern Cone): The Rt Rev Miguel Eudaldo Tamayo Zaldivar; Oswald. Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Scriptures read aloud in church Suffragan Bishop of Uruguay - (Southern Cone): The Rt Rev The Rev Patsy Kettle, Diocese of Gloucester, is to retire. Day 308 Daniel 9-10, Psalm 96, Gilberto Obdulio Porcal Martinez PtO Guildford Diocese, to be The Rev Ricarda Jane Witcombe, Revelation 20 Sunday 10 November. Pentecost 25. Psalm 119:33-48, Jn 10:1-10. Widow/Widowers’ Officer for Stipendiary Vicar of the Benefice Day 309 Daniel 11-12, Psalm 97, Utah - (VIII, The Episcopal Church): The Rt Rev Scott Hayashi Guildford Diocese. of Gloucester, St Paul and St Revelation 21 Monday 11 November. Psalm 38:1-9, Jn 10:11-21. Uyo - (Niger Stephen, (Gloucester), is to Day 310 Hosea 1-2, Psalm 98, Delta, Nigeria): The Rt Rev Isaac Orama RETIREMENTS & resign. Revelation 22 Tuesday 12 November. Psalm 38:10-22, Jn 10:22-30. Vanuatu - RESIGNATIONS Day 311 Hosea 3-4, Psalm 99, (Melanesia): The Rt Rev James Ligo Matthew 1 Wednesday 13 November. Psalm 39, Jn 10:31-42. Vellore - LAY & OTHER (South India): The Rt Rev Dr William Yesuratnam The Rev Felicity Meriel Bayne, APPOINTMENTS APPOINTMENTS Thursday 14 November. Psalm 40:1-10, Isa 54:4-10. Venezuela - Chaplain of Glenfall House (IX, The Episcopal Church): The Rt Revd Orlando Guerrero (Gloucester), retired on July 31. The Rev John Hellyer The Rev Canon Barbara Clutton, Methodist South East District The Rev David Allen, Rector, Draycote Benefice Chairman, to be also an Ecumeni- Priest-in-Charge of Thorne Saint the Parish of All Saints, Queen’s rey Heath Deanery (Guildford), (Coventry), is to retire. cal Associate of the Cathedral Nicholas, in the diocese of Park, Bedford in the Diocese of St to be Rector, St Philip-by-the-sea, The Rev Christine Garrod, Church of the Holy Spirit, Guild- Sheffield, be appointed to the Vic- Albans. Lantzville, British Columbia Rector of the Great Plumstead ford. arage of Thorne Saint Nicholas, The Rev Paul Bryer (Canada). benefice is to retire (Norwich). in the Diocese of Sheffield. Vicar, St Paul’s, Dorking and The Rev Judith Evans, The Rev Robert Ireton, DEATHS The Rev Michael Bailey, Rural Dean of Dorking (Guild- Priest in Charge of Kells and Incumbent, Benefice of the Revel Curate at St Luke, Holbrook, Dio- ford), to be Archdeacon of Dork- Chaplain of Cumberland Hospital Group (Coventry), to retire. cese of Coventry, is now: Mission- ing (Guildford). has been appointed Vicar of St The Rev Daniel John Pap- The Rev Canon Arthur Red- er at Tottenham Hale, Diocese of The Rev Lynn Maria Busfield Alban the Martyr Northampton worth, man, London. Priest in Charge - Peopleton, (Peterborough). Stipendiary Team Vicar in the Vicar of Swanwick and Pentrich The Rev Grace Sentamu Broughton Hackett, Upton Snods- The Rev Mildred (Millie) Eliza- Benefice of the North Chel- 1975-1980, Warden of Readers Baverstock, buy and White Ladies Aston with beth Hart, tenham Team Ministry (Glouces- 1978-1997, Director of the Bish- Assistant Curate, Watford, St Churchill & Spetchley, Diocese of has been appointed Associate ter) is to retire. op’s Certificate 1978-1988, Vicar Luke (St Albans), to be Vicar, Lea- Worcester to be Chaplain for Priest of The Len Valley Benefice. The Rev John Richardson, of Allestree St Edmund 1980- grave, St Luke (St Albans). Heart of England Trust (Heart- This appointment replaces her (Chaplain to Castle Howard), is 1996, Priest-in-Charge of Morley The Rev Chris Brice, lands, Good Hope & Solihull Hos- current appointment of Assistant retiring with effect from 1 Febru- 1982-1985, Honorary Canon of Priest in Charge of St Martin with pitals), Diocese of Birmingham. Curate of The Len Valley Benefice ary 2014 (York). Derby Cathedral 1986-1996, Rural St Andrew, Gospel Oak, Diocese The Rev Canon Alyson Bux- (Canterbury). The Rev Pamela Robson, Dean of Duffield 1988-1996, who of London, to be: Incumbent of St ton, Sister Dawn Margaret Hudson House for Duty Priest in Charge, retired in 1996 and held the Bish- Martin with St Andrew, Gospel Director of Ministry in the Dio- (CA) Wotton and Holmbury St Mary op of Derby’s Permission to Offi- Oak, Diocese of London. cese of Ely, is to be Team Rector To be Pioneer Evangelist, (Guildford), is to retire. ciate in retirement, as well as The Rev Sonya Brown, of Boston, Lincolnshire. Sheffield Centre of Mission The Rev Dr Brian Shand, being Honorary Curate of Bretby Curate in the Benefice of St The Rev David Chillman, (Sheffield). Vicar, All Saints’, Witley (Guild- with Newton Solney 1996-1997, Philip, Leicester, has been Vicar, St Anne’s, Bagshot and Sur- The Rev Elaine Jones, ford), is to retire. died on Thursday 24th October appointed as Priest in Charge in rogate for Marriages for the Sur- Vicar, Binley St Bartholomew, to The Rev Pamela Stote, 2013.

19 Popular name in the C of E for 12 Biblical character, in Hebrew PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 873 by Axe Provincial Episcopal Visitors (6,7) 'hawwah', meaning 'living' (3) 21 'So Simon Peter climbed back into 15 'So Jehoiachin put aside his ------the boat and dragged the net ------' clothes...and ate regularly at the [John/NIV] (6) king's table' [Jer/NIV] (6) 22 'All your ------will force you to the 16 'Go to the clefts of the rocks, and border...' [Obad/NIV] (6) to the tops of the ------rocks...' [Isa/KJV] (6) Down 17 One of the conspirators against Moses, all of whom were swal- 1---- Havens, port in Crete where lowed up by the earth [Num] (6) Paul's ship docked on its way to 18 '...be afraid of the One who can Rome [Acts] (4) destroy both soul and body ------' 2Wife of Chuza, Herod's household [Matt/NIV] (2,4) manager [Luke] (6) 20 'The lion killed enough for his 3Canaanite town, the home of cubs and strangled the ---- for his Barak [Judg] (6) mate' [Nah/NIV] (4) 4'The Messiah will ------and rise from the dead on the third day...' Solution to last week’s crossword [Luke/NIV] (6) Across: 5 Baasha, 7 Oracle, 9 Archdiocese, 10 5'"Simon," he said to Peter, "Are Amritsar, 12 Susa, 13 Omri, 15 Atheists, 17 you ------?"' [Mark/NIV] (6) Shibboleths, 19 Tiller, 20 Samuel. 6Doctrine (8) 11 'A kindhearted woman gains hon- Down: 1 Balaam, 2 Laud, 3 Gomorrah, 4 our, but ------men gain only in Elders, 6 Sacrificial, 8 Abel Shittim, 11 wealth' [Prov/NIV] (8) Scabbard, 14 Mosaic, 16 Tossed, 18 Lash.

The first correct entry drawn will win a book of the Editor’s choice. Send your entry to Crossword Number 873, The Church of England Newspaper, 14 Great College Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3RX by next Friday

Name

Across [Isa] (6,2,5) Address 10 Sermonizer (8) 7Strauss opera based on John the 13 '...someone may be chastened on a Baptist's nemesis (6) bed of ----...' [Job; NIV] (4) 8'...it will not be obvious...but only to 14 'That is why [those] who enter your Father, who is ------' Dagon's temple...---- on the thresh- [Matt/NIV] (6) old' [1 Sam/NIV] (4) Post Code 9Sobriquet given to the Messiah 16 Bits of text recited in church (8) Sunday Friday November 8, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 15

Free us, righteous God from well as those who rejoiced all oppression, and bring jus- at his trouble and spread SUNDAY SERVICE tice to the nations, that all THE SPIRITUAL deceitful lies about him, the world may know you as there were others who King of kings and Lord of were on his side. More than 2nd Sunday before Advent lords, now and forever, DIRECTOR this, however, is the fact (Sunday 17 November) amen. (Prayer accompany- that God’s righteousness ing Psalm 35). and praise is talked of ‘all By the Rev Dr Liz Hoare the day long’ (verse 29). Malachi 4:1-2a A few hours before sitting The prayer asks God to 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 down to write this I had bring justice to the nations, been listening to a news court. In verse 11 there is a scene in Lampedusa but as well as freedom from Luke 21:5-19 report about the detention reference to false witnesses many of those there have oppression for himself so centre for refugees who and trumped-up charges left political scenes where that the whole world will Central to all three passages this week is the coming made it to the island of that the suppliant did not they were oppressed with- know that God is God. He is divisive judgment of God and our response to it. Lampedusa off the coast of understand. The psalmist out cause. They need jus- given his supreme title: Malachi’s prophecy aims to convince its readers that Italy. The reporter was not turns to God for vindica- tice and someone to stand King of Kings and Lord of God’s covenant with his people still stands. Part of his allowed inside to check tion, pleading that God up for them and plead their Lords which is the title promise is an assurance that one day evil will be whether conditions were would give him justice and cause. Who will do so? The ascribed to Jesus himself in destroyed and all evildoers punished. Malachi 4 warns decent and humane but he also setting out his own woman interviewed felt Revelation 19:16. that the day is approaching, and it will burn up arro- interviewed a helper who behaviour as not deserving utterly helpless yet she had Christians are called to gance and it will purge the world, root and branch. expressed her despair and of the treatment meted out done something to offer consider questions of jus- However, in the midst of such terrifying judgment, helplessness at the plight of to him by his enemies. support. tice seriously because the there is hope. Those who revere God’s name, that is, the people there. He rests his case on the In the psalm the suppliant God we worship is a right- hear his word and respond with faith and generous She described the situa- fact that, despite having also had supporters who eous God who executes jus- hearts, will not face the doom of judgment. Rather, they tions they had fled from and treated him unjustly with- stood up for him. In verse tice on behalf of those who will see the light, as the sun of righteousness rises the disillusionment that set out cause, when his ene- 28 he says: “Let those who are weak. Standing along- upon them, the dawning of a new day. in as they were held in the mies were in distress in favour my cause rejoice and side those who are weak or The healing in the sun’s “wings” will heal their back- centre. As a result three their turn, he went into be glad; let them say always oppressed today might sliding and the remnants of sin within, which have words stood out for me mourning to plead for their ‘Great is the Lord, who mean supporting them in loaded them down with the burden of Adam’s fallen from this prayer: oppres- recovery rather than copy- delights in his servant’s prayer, in sacrificial giving race. With these chains removed, they can leap like sion, justice and righteous. ing them in vindictiveness. well-being’.” or even getting involved in calves released from the stall, and let rip with praise to Psalm 35 is one of supplica- The context is not the What a difference it must concerns of justice at home God in new and transformed lives. tion suggesting the law same as the contemporary have made to know that as or abroad. 2 Thessalonians began with a warning of impending judgment, which has not lifted throughout the epistle. At the end, these warnings against idleness must there- fore be taken in that context of an approaching day when all must give account. The apostle’s example of diligence and hard work is held up as something for all to imitate: if anyone does not work, he shall not eat. Not that this precludes us from helping the poor and UK religion today vulnerable (and children!), of course, which Paul is very clear about elsewhere. But the Christian commu- nity is not to be characterised by idleness, and full of Peter Brierley other religions has increased, with have No Religion, and many of the busybodies who have nothing to do but gossip and ben- Muslims being both the largest group ethnic community also (55 per cent of efit from the labour of others. More than just making a When the National Records of Scot- and one of the fastest growing. Even the Chinese have No Religion, as do contribution to the economy, however, we are to be land [NRS] released the Scottish with the new restrictions on immigra- 32 per cent of those from a Mixed eager to do what is right, and not grow weary in such counts by religion of the 2011 Popula- tion, this Muslim growth is likely to background). The quarter of the pop- effort. tion Census in September 2013 (sev- continue as many immigrants pre- ulation in this category in 2011 could The second coming is not to make us slack and non- eral months after those from the sumably will still come from Pakistan. well become a third, 36 per cent, by chalant, in other words, but to spur us on. Hence those Office for National Statistics [ONS] Also the birth rate within Muslim fam- 2021. who are seriously lazy can have no real hope and belief which covered England and Wales ilies is much higher than in Christian Should there be a 2021 Census, in that day, and so we are not to have fellowship with and the Northern Ireland Information families (on average 3.5 children to which is currently under discussion, them, lest such lackadaisical attitudes rub off on us too. Service), it became possible to put 2.1). one presumes the percentage not giv- As well as continuing to work hard and earn our together figures for the whole of the The main “other religion” is the ing their religion, as this is an optional keep, Jesus urges us to watchfulness as we wait for his UK. Hindus, about half of the total shown. question, will remain the same. coming in glory. He speaks of a day, which came but 40 The NRS results showed that in They also are increasing quite rapidly, Not only is the religious base within years after his crucifixion, when the Temple in 2011 the Scottish population was 5.3 but mainly through immigration from the UK changing but also of course Jerusalem would be destroyed. The disciples ask him million people, up five per cent on the India. Sikhs and Buddhists are likely the ethnicity and culture associated for a sign, so they will know when this is coming. What 2001 total of 5.1 million. Of these 5.3 to continue to grow slowly, but the with that. Gradually our Judaeo-Chris- he says is, various things must happen first: false mes- million, 54 per cent said they were Jewish population has remained fairly tian heritage is passing away, and the siahs, wars, insurrections, earthquakes, famines and Christian, in contrast to 65 per cent in static, and is likely to remain so. values and vision associated with that plagues. But worse than that, persecution of believers. 2001. These compare with 72 per cent The catch-all category of “other reli- in the process. This generation has Yet the word of God will be taken, at the same time, to and 59 per cent for the respective gions,” which includes a vast number not been here before, but our prede- kings and governors, who will hear the glorious gospel years in England and Wales. of very small groups, is likely to cessors two millennia ago, fighting for proclaimed. The overall UK results are shown in increase marginally. Non-Christian the survival of Christianity in a vio- All these things did of course happen before 70AD, the Table. religions could well be nine per cent lently non-Christian world, took their as the apostles spread out across the known world and of the 2021 population, up from seven stand and laid a foundation which has testified to who Christ was and what he had done. But The “Christian” proportion of the per cent in 2011 and five per cent in not only lasted for 2,000 years but also Jesus also described a pattern, which has repeated ever population has dropped from nearly 2001. The majority of adherents in travelled around the globe. We need since, of regular upheavals on the earth and in the three-quarters to three-fifths in these these religions have settled in Eng- to take a bolder stand before this gen- world of humanity, where believers are persecuted but 10 years, largely because so many land, but numbers are likely to grow eration carelessly discards it. the gospel goes forth anyway. The end will one day people who would have ticked “Chris- in the other countries also. come, but we are not to be terrified by the repeated dif- tian” on the Census form have died in The numbers indicating they had ficulties we face. Instead, the Lord commends this decade. Such a rate of death is No Religion have grown very greatly Dr Peter Brierley is a church endurance, and promises his protection. One day he likely to continue and the expected in the inter-censal decade, mainly consultant who may be reached on will receive us, body and soul, into his new creation. 2021 figure for “Christians” in the UK because many young people say they [email protected] is likely to Lee Gatiss is Director of Church Society and Editor of be under 50 the NIV Proclamation Bible. per cent. There is a much high- HYMN SUGGESTIONS er percent- age of “Christians” in Northern And can it be? Ireland, and fewer in Guide me, O thou great redeemer Scotland. You are the king of glory The pro- Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you portion of those in Christ, whose glory fills the skies Milestones

The Christian Socialist Movement (CSM) held a parliamentary launch for its new name last week, to be known as Christians on the Left...

One of Britain’s leading judges, Sir James Munby, has claimed that British courts are secular in character rather than Christian, declaring that ‘judges sit as secular judges serv- ing a multicultural community of many faiths sworn to do justice to all manner of people’... Prime Minister David Cameron has announced

plans for Britain to become the first non-Muslim country to issue an Islamic bond in a bid to make London one “of the great capitals of Islam- ic finance anywhere in the world”... Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali has warned that the introduc- tion of formal blessings for same-sex couples would be a “red line” for many members of the Church of England... ‘

Are wind farms an P A U L unpopular eyesore? “Renewable technology and R I C H A R D S O N behavioural change have helped an institution such as Church and World ours, which emits as much carbon as a large supermarket chain, to use energy more efficiently while maintaining open buildings at the heart of the local community countrywide.” Tackling rising The Rt Rev Richard Chartres ‘ energy prices People Getting to the truth in the great so make it easier for people to debate about energy prices is not switch. One suggestion that should The Rev Canon Professor Richard Burridge, easy and the Government has made be considered is for energy compa- Dean of King’s College London and Professor of the right decision to order the Com- nies to charge domestic consumers to the ‘green taxes’ that appear on energy Biblical Interpretation, has been presented with petition and Markets Authority to by the unit. At present energy com- bills and say they hit the rich and the poor the 2013 Ratzinger Prize by Pope Francis, as the undertake a thorough investigation. panies deliberately use complicated equally. They are right about this. It would be first non-Catholic to be awarded this honour on 26 This body has the authority to pricing tariffs to confuse consumers much better if they were paid for out of gen- October during a ceremony held at the end of a require all the companies to table and prevent them switching. eral taxation. Unfortunately few politicians three-day symposium in Rome on the work of their figures on a confidential basis It doesn’t help that the market is are ready to increase taxes in a transparent Joseph Ratzinger on Jesus and the Gospels... The and to make far-reaching recom- dominated by the ‘Big Six’ but here way. ‘Stealth taxes’, increases in National Bishop of Sherwood, the Rt Rev Tony Porter mendations. again Miliband must accept respon- Insurance or ‘green taxes’ are the preferred and his wife Lucille, were guests at a special gala An investigation into energy sibility. As Ed Davey has pointed way. evening on Saturday to celebrate the 20th anniver- prices would have taken place earli- out, the last Labour Government When it comes to finding sources of ener- sary of the Trust that oversees The Galleries of er if the last Labour Government (in allowed mergers to take place gy that do not produce carbon emissions it is Justice Museum, the Egalitarian Trust, The which Ed Miliband was Secretary between generating and supply now obvious to all except the most preju- National Centre for Citizenship and the Law of State for Energy) had listened to companies which was forbidden at diced that nuclear power is important. Off- (NCCL), The City of Caves and the Trust’s the now-defunct Energy Watch’s the time of privatisation. Under the shore wind farms are too expensive to fundraising arm, ‘Help a Nottinghamshire Child’ call for an investigation by the Com- present system the Big Six not only maintain and onshore wind farms are often (HNC)... The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev John petition Commission in 2010. sell energy, they also produce it, unpopular eyesores. Pritchard, will be one of 57 Church of England Ofgem were not keen (seeing the selling power to themselves from When Calder Hall was opened in 1955 bishops taking part in the White Ribbon Cam- call as implicit criticism of their their generating arms to their retail Britain led the way in nuclear power. Unfor- paign against domestic violence. On November 25 stewardship) and the Government arms. There are some generating tunately we went on to adopt gas-cooled reac- the 16-day campaign will begin as a global protest went along with the plea by the companies that do not have retail tors that took a long time to build, did not against the epidemic problem of violence against companies that such an investiga- arms and some small retail compa- produce at planned capacity and were women worldwide. Further information can be tion would be an unnecessary diver- nies that do not generate but these exportable. The last nuclear reactor opened found at http://www.mothersunion.org/con- sion of resources and delay small companies have a difficult job in Britain was Sizewell even though a string tent/16-days-activism-pack... investment. to survive even though there are of reactors was planned to follow. The panic Pointing out Miliband’s share of supposed to be protections in place over Chernobyl meant that nuclear power responsibility for the present situa- for them. ceased to be thought an option even though Next Week’s News tion is important because, despite One small producer seized his no reactors in the West had the same faulty the populist noises being made, all opportunity when appearing before design as Chernobyl. The Progressive Christianity Network and Mod- major political parties have made the House of Commons select com- As a result the new reactors at Hinkley ern Church are hosting a sold out weekend con- mistakes when it comes to energy mittee last week to gain publicity. Point are being built by the French and the ference, ‘Being Honest to God’, from 8-10 policy and all deserve a share of the But Stephen Fitzpatrick’s claim that Chinese and the Government has guaran- November in Swanwick, Derbyshire, with speak- blame. energy companies are taking ‘as teed a price for the power generated that is ers including Professor Elaine Graham, Richard In cases like this the churches much as they can get away with’ almost twice the current price. Some com- Holloway and the Canon Professor Martyn could help the voters to understand was undermined when it was later mentators have objected the investment is Percy… The annual UN conference on climate some of the underlying issues but pointed out that his company had too costly but the price guaranteed to EDF change, COP19, is happening in Warsaw from 11- unfortunately there are church increased prices to new customers for nuclear power (£92.50 per megawatt 22 November, and Christian Ecology Link is leaders who can’t resist jumping on in April by 5.8 per cent, citing an hour) is still less than the £155 per megawatt encouraging individuals and churches to pray for the populist bandwagon. increase in wholesale prices. hour promised to wind farms (£135 in 2018). the negotiations over these two weeks, and partic- Windfall taxes and price caps are The largest single item in bills is There could be some light at the end of the ularly during the Sunday services on 17 Novem- not the long-term solution. The the cost to companies of purchasing tunnel unless a combination of political pop- ber... World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated claim made last week that gas and electricity. It is not surpris- ulism and misdirected environmental con- every year on November 14, engaging millions of Miliband’s call for a 20-month ing that they should make broadly cern puts an end to fracking. Already this is people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and freeze had already increased costs similar increases in their charges if transforming the energy scene in the US, awareness. World Diabetes Day was created in by making it more expensive to their costs increase. What needs to making America much less dependent on 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation raise capital may well be correct. be investigated is whether these imports. Unfortunately fracking is a subject and the World Health Organization in response to What is needed are moves to costs really have increased. on which the churches in both the UK and growing concerns about the escalating health make pricing more transparent and The companies themselves point the US have a very mixed record. threat that diabetes now poses...

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