GORFFENNAF / J ULY 2008 Catalyst Confounds its Critics HE Catalyst celebration of church schools made presentations TChurch life finally went ahead to a packed house before receiving on 5th July. Despite the weather, late a certificate of attendance from the withdrawals of key speakers and archbishop. the doubts of those who thought In the main pavilion Claire Jones, the timing was wrong, the day was the Royal Harpist, was a great immediately pronounced a great success. Question Time provided success. Around 3,000 people atten- lively discussion, Riding Lights ded the event at the Carmarthen attracted great interest, the Diocesan showground, and the question on choir gave a superb performance most of their lips, as they left, was: and BBC’s Chris Needs was a “When’s the next one?” predictable favourite. The pavilion The archdeacon of St Davids, hosted the final service at which the who chaired the committee which archbishop spoke of looking forward, organised the event, said: “We and, noting the great diversity of always had confidence in the vision activities on offer, of the value of of a ‘church day’ along the lines of diversity. His address won applause. those that have been so successful Letters of appreciation have in Germany, and a fantastic effort been received from around the with lots of hard work by dedicated diocese. Archdeacon John said: “It’s people has seen it through. We are incredible to read letters that use delighted.” terms like ‘spirit filled’ and ‘life There was plenty for everyone enhancing’. The most heartening to see and do, and every tent and comments are those which say that activity area reported interested this was just what the diocese crowds. A vast range of resources needed at this point, and that and a farmers’ market added to the Catalyst might just come to be seen ambience of the day and made sure as a turning point for us.” it had the widest appeal. Several Lambeth bishops receive a Pictures and comments pages 7, 8, 9, 10 warm St Davids welcome A Royal visit to the HE bishops who visited the Hospitality Initiative. The Rt Revd Rt Revd Keith Slater, Bishop of Tdiocese over the second week- Apimeleki Qiliho from the Diocese Grafton, Australia, and the Rt Revd Cathedral Cloisters end of July certainly received a warm of Polynesia, the first indigenous Frank Brookhart, Bishop of welcome, despite the cool weather. Fijian Anglican Bishop, unfortu- Montana, USA, and his wife Susan Our diocese had been asked to host nately failed to obtain a visa and arrived as planned. – full story page 3 – three bishops as part of the Lambeth was unable to travel. Thankfully the Both bishops experienced some Welsh culture during their visit. Bishop Frank visited Welsh medium primary schools and was taken to see the memorial to the poet Waldo Williams. Bishop Keith attended a Welsh service at St James’ Church, Cwmann on the Sunday morning, whilst Bishop Frank and Susan attended St David’s, Meidrim. The bishops were special guests at the Plant Dewi service at the Cathedral. Archdeacon John Holds- worth asked them about their home dioceses. Grafton Diocese is long and thin, following the coast of New South Wales in South Eastern Australia. Bishop Keith described it Bishops Keith Slater and Frank Bookhart continued on page 2 Menter Esgobaeth Tyddewi . An initiative of the Diocese of St Davids Am ddim Free ??????????????????????? 2 Pobl Dewi, July 2008 GSUS Live New-look Governing Body A themed introduction to Jesus for young people in Pembrokeshire, September to October 2008 says ‘No’ to Women Bishops Paul Mackness reports on the proceedings N April 2008, the new look, 144- conscience, accept women bishops. detailed explanations of the pro- Imember, Governing Body (GB) There were those who wished to see cedure and contents. The order will met for the first time in Lampeter and an effective extra-territorial diocese, return to a future GB meeting for was noticeably smaller than in others who wanted no provision authorisation. previous years. made other than the Pastoral prin- A welcome relief from the heavy Prior to the business of the GB, ciples laid down by the Bench of business was the “Renewable the Sacred Synod had met to confirm Bishops, and a number who wanted Energy” DVD produced by the the election of Very Revd John some form of provision similar to that Standing Committee for GB mem- Davies as the new Bishop of which presently exists with the bers. The DVD looks at some of the Swansea and Brecon. Provincial Assistant Bishop, Rt Revd innovative ways in which Churches The main item of discussion for David Thomas. across the Province have dealt with many was the Bill to allow the It became obvious that it was the challenges of being the Church Ordination of Women to the Epis- going to be a close vote in the House in the 21st Century. It is presented copate (Women Bishops). Members of Clergy. As a “controversial” bill, and masterminded by our own had received a copy of the bill and a it needed 2/3 majority in all three Archdeacon of St Davids, Dr John number of proposed amendments. houses. The Bill failed to make the Holdsworth and copies are available Only two of these, however, had 2/3 required in the House of Clergy from Area Deans. HAT is it? – GSUS Live is be needed to present the programme been recommended by the Select and subsequently fell. Full details of the April 2008 Wan opportunity, free to to students attending the secondary Committee. The debate was very Two other items of business Governing Body can be found on the schools, to introduce young people school in their town. The only civilized, good natured and of high aroused great interest. The first was Provincial website, or in Highlights to Jesus via up-to-date, computer- qualifications are a heart for the quality – a far cry from the GB the new order for Morning and magazine (download from the ised, interactive materials contained Lord and a heart for young people. discussions on the ordination of Evening Prayer that is gradually website or hardcopy circulated to in a large lorry, similar to a super- Presenters need to be able to relate women as priests more than a decade making its way through the necessary parishes). market delivery vehicle. The class- to young people. They may be of any before. procedures for a liturgical bill. A review of ‘Renewable Energy’ room is a pod, which pulls out from age and from different churches and The primary areas of dispute Members were given a draft copy of can be found in page 16 of this issue the trailer and is supported on fellowships, although at least one arose from the provisions to be made the services, and Bishop David and of Pobl Dewi. hydraulic legs. Within the classroom should be a young person, i.e. under for those who could not, in all Revd Catherine Haynes gave very are sixteen computers and seating for 35 years. thirty two students. Seven secondary Volunteers are needed to take schools in Pembrokeshire have down the classroom, prepare the agreed to have the trailer on their trailer for transportation to the next premises for a week each. The venue each Friday afternoon and set How is a new Bishop appointed? materials are based on the themes of up ready for Monday morning. Paul Mackness explains the process Fear, Rejection and Forgiveness. The Training is available for volun- aim is to present the materials to as teers on Saturday 6 September in OLLOWING the resignation of To be a Bishop you must be a have been scheduled for 10 and 24 many young people as possible using Milford Haven School. Any willing Bishop Carl, there is a vacancy male Anglican and over 30 years July. the school’s timetable of five to six person who fits the bill should call F in the See of St Davids. But how do of age and the successful candidate The role of the facilitators is lessons each day. It will be possible 01373 823013, [email protected] we get a new Bishop? must secure at least a two thirds threefold: to impact over 4,000 students in or visit www.gsuslive.co.uk. Unlike the Church of England, majority in the College. He must 1 To meet the Electors and dis- Pembrokeshire. It is focused on Key To round off the project there the Bishops of the Welsh Church are then signify his willingness to cuss what the vacant diocese is Stage 3 (11 to 14 years), although will be a youth event on Saturday elected by a 47-member Electoral accept the Bishopric within 28 looking for from a new bishop. the materials are suitable for all 25 October in the hall of Sir Thomas College, made up as follows: days, after which a Sacred Synod, 2 To meet the Electors to discuss, students aged 11 to 18 years. Picton School, Haverfordwest, 7.00 The 5 other Diocesan Bishops consisting of all the Bishops, meets and produce, a profile of the A team of local Christians will to 8.30pm. (Archbishop is President) to confirm the Bishop Elect. In due vacant Diocese. Timetable 3 Clerical and 3 Lay Electors course the Archbishop together 3 Finally, they meet the Electors from the 5 other Dioceses with the other Bishops of the to oversee a discussion that Milford Haven School 8 to 12 September 6 Clerical and 6 Lay Electors Church in Wales, consecrate the mentions names for potential Sir Thomas Picton School, Haverfordwest 15 to 19 September from the vacant Diocese.