THE Is this the CHURCHOF answer to ENGLAND our Newspaper prisons 13.11.15 £1.50 crisis? No: 6305 p9 AVAILABLEONNEWSSTAND Jerseysenator launches attack against Bishop By George Conger the dean of not responding any clergy.However, Philip stated, adding that he currently being reviewed by appropriately toher complaints Bishop Dakin noted: “I am all believed the bishop’s actions legal and safeguarding experts. ASENIOR Jersey political that alay leader had acted inap- tooconscious that questions were“ill-judged, precipitate, Its publication isthe subject of leader has written to the Arch- propriately towards her. remain about safeguarding best unnecessaryand contraryto legal action lodged with Win- bishop of Canterburyaccusing Sir Philip reminded Archbish- practice.” theprinciples of natural justice.” chester County Court. The the of sup- op Welby that hehad written to This statement, Sir Philip “I cannot imagine that the Bishoprequires the Court’s pressing areportthat may doc- him on 26 March 2013 raising charged, left a“cloud hanging ChurchofEngland would so consent prior to any distribution ument misconduct by the questions about the fairness of over theconduct of the church casually burythe reportofadis- of the Report and all parties Bishop of . the initial inquiry, noting Dean in Jersey.” tinguished High Courtjudge on involved areawareofthis fact.” In asharply worded letter Key had not been given the He further stated that when amatter of public importance in The original complainant in dated 2November,Sir Philip opportunitytorespond to the thefinal reportwas given by the UK,” he saidnoting that he the case, “HG”, on 6November Bailache, aSenator in the Jersey criticisms beforehehad been Dame Heather to the bishop on was“afraid that, unless the net- 2015 sent an email to 15 Jersey ,calledupon suspended. 15 August 2014 no copy was tle is firmly grasped in the near political leaders, safeguarding Archbishop to Bishop Dakin reinstated Dean given to the Jersey government, future,irreparable damage will agencies and journalists accus- honour the mandate given to Key on 28 April 2013 and the as hadbeen stipulated in the be caused to therelationship ing Sir Philip of seeking to former High CourtJudge Dame parties agreed that Dame inquiry’s terms of reference. between the Church of England “destroymeagain”. Heather Steel and release her Heather Steel be empowered to This “refusal by the Bishop of andthe church inJersey.” She expressed anger of the findings into abuse allegations examine thedeaneries’ safe- Winchester to comply with his The Archbishop of Canter- States’ handling ofthe issue, made against the guarding procedures, and obligation” to pass on copies to bury’soffice did not respond to writing: “Jersey looks from the and the subsequent response by whether any disciplinarycom- thedean and island government requests for comments on the outside like alawless the bishop and diocese. plaints should be initiated hadleft the “Anglican Church in accusations. ungoverned and corrupt minia- On 8March 2013 theRtRev against members of the clergy. Jersey in limbo,” he said. Aspokesman for the Bishop tureversion of North Korea, TimDakin, Bishop of Winches- Dame Heather gave adraft of “Regrettably,Iamdriven to of Winchester told The Church and actually Ibelieve North ter,suspended the Very Rev her reporttothe diocese in theconclusion that the Bishop of EnglandNewspaper:“The Korea actually has areal gov- RobertKey,following an investi- November 2013, prompting a22 wishes to suppress the report Report, commissioned by the ernment and according to gation into asafeguarding com- November 2013 press release whichmay be embarrassing ,into the reports, it’s people arehappy, plaint made by an adult woman, from the diocese stating that no and indicate alack of good handling of asafeguarding com- while Jersey grows moreand known as “HG”, who accused action would be taken against judgement on his part,” Sir plaintmade in Jerseyin2009 is morewearyand miserable …” Mixed marriages ‘can work’ Waranimals remembered THE FORMER wife of physicist on the subject then they have a Prof Stephen Hawking has said better chance of living together that it is possible for amarriage to happily.” work even if acouple does not Speaking about her first hus- agree on matters of faith. band’s diagnosis, Dr Hawking said Dr Jane Hawkingtold Christian she could understand he would dating website Christian Connec- not be inclined to believe in alov- tion, that sharing religious beliefs ing God, “let alone the complex is not essential for couples. natureofhis researches into the “It depends whether the couple origins of the universe. He has to argueabout faith in advance or if be able to see the proof ofevery- one of them is particularly evan- thing in mathematical terms,” she gelical, or the other dismissive said. about faith,” she told Christian “He seemed delighted to tellthe Connection. media he was an atheist,” she said. “If they areboth fairly relaxed “I found this veryhurtful and dis- respectful –inJerusalem, of all places, the mostholy city in the world,” she continued. Jane was talking to Jackie Elton, the founder of Christian Connec- tion, who said one of the biggest challenges facing dating website OVER100 people attended the Animals in WarRemembrance Service on Sunday at the Animals members is whether they could or in WarMemorial in London. The service included two representatives of the RAF Police Military should marry anon-Christian. Working Dogs Unit and Ziggy the black Labrador. “It is not always easy to be The fifth annual service organized by the Anglican Society for the WelfareofAnimals wasled ‘relaxed’ about faith differences in by the Rev Dr Helen Hall (Chair of Anglican Society for the WelfareofAnimals) and included amarriage,” she said. prayers by the Rev Prof Martin Henig.

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Diocese of Liverpool

Liverpool Cathedral has launched the ‘Cathedral Chronicles’, anew THE book detailing the time from when the See of Liverpool was created to when the building of the Cathedral was formally completed, dating DIARY from 1878 to 1978. Send your events to Author Roy Redman has been Head Guide at the Cathedral since [email protected] 2009 and felt therewas aniche for a or Tw eet@churchnewspaper book that placed in chronological order events —major and minor — that occurredover theperiod. Speaking about the book, Roy 16 November said that the historical period that 7pm The Curse and the Promise: Religion and fascinates him most is the early Violence with Karen Armstrong. St Martin- period of the building of the in-the-Fields, TrafalgarSquare, London, Cathedral, when anumber of WC2N 4JJ influential people of Liverpool were inspired by Bishop Chavasse to give their time and effort—and finance 17 November —into the project. Diocese of Peterborough 10am Preaching theGospel. Wren Suite, StPaul’s Peterborough Cathedral has justpublished a2016 calendar packed with Cathedral Diocese of Southwell and photographs of Cathedral life. Nottingham The richly illustrated calendar includes pictures of the medieval Nave ceiling, the choristersand the stunning West Front, as well as more 19 November Internationally renowned author unusual shotsofOld Scarlett the gravedigger’s portrait. Dame HilaryMantel will be the 7.30pm Young people and eating disorders aware- special guest at an event to launch organised alive relay of the event The author researched her novels ness seminar.Ely College, Downham Road, ‘The Cranmer Connection’ -a (reminiscent of ‘Henman Hill’) via a Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, Ely CB6 2SH project that will see apermanent big screen in theadjacent church inAslockton. celebration of the Aslockton’s building. That will allow afurther The Rev Bryony Wood, Vicar of famous ancestor Thomas Cranmer: 100 people to hear the acclaimed The Cranmer Group, said she feels 20 November the Archbishop of Canterburywho author talk about her life and Archbishop Thomas Cranmer’s 6pm Minoritty Ethnic Vocations Conference steered HenryVIII andEngland works, her special affection for storyneeds to be better known. 2015. WilsonCarlile Centre, 50 Cavendish through the Reformation. Archbishop Thomas Cranmer,as Street, Sheffield,S37RL (until 22nd). Due to the event being well as officially launch the village Diocese of West Yorkshire&The completely sold out, the diocese has project. Dales 21 November In the run-up to theclimate change talks in Paris, the diocese has 10am FromMargins to Mainstream -National organised its own People’s AnglicanFresh Expressions Conference, Pilgrimage for Leeds on 28 Southwark Cathedral. November. People will starttheir day at a service in Leeds Minster beforea 22 November civic people’s climate march and a 7pm Conversations in Mission -mission and cre- rally in the city square. ativitty in the local church with the Rev Mike Diocesan Environment Officer, Starkey. St Andrew’sCentre, Histon,Cam- Jemima Parker said: “It’s not just bridge. our political leaderswho need to take action. To change everything we need everyone.” 28 November Churchgoers arebeing urged to pray and attend events that are 9.30am Missional Communities Workshop for taking place in the diocese over the Church Leaders and their teams. Deal, St next couple of months. George’s, Deal . The diocese has also organised a series of events around Climate Change, including, The Roadto 4December Paris: Accelerating International Action on Low Carbon Cities; From 9pm Sleepout 2015, St Albans. Cold WartoHot Planet –How Diocese of Portsmouth Important is the Paris Climate Summit? And even an event called 6January BishopFoster’s Lent Appeal has raised £31,400,through generous Towards aLow CarbonKirklees. donations and events. 9:15am Science and Religion inthe LocalChurch. The total is 50 per cent higher than the amount raised last yearand all St Edmund’s College, Cambridge CB3 0BN goes to help those struggling withphysical and mental healthproblems. Diocese of Birmingham (until 8th). The Diocese will split theproceeds raised by churchgoers to an internationaland local charity. Images from The Cathedral’s ‘Faith The Bethlehem Arab Society for Reconciliation, acharitythat works in Focus’ photography competition 16 January across the Palestinian Authority and provides surgeryand rehabilitation will be on display in the Libraryof for victims of violence, and local charities that help people with mental Birmingham until the end of 10am Islam for Anglicans, aCritical Introduction health problems, will benefit from the proceeds. November. Part1-led by Stephen Laird. Godmersham The Diocese is also working with their diocesan mental health The Faith in Focus photography &Crundale Village Hall, Canterbury, Kent. adviser,the Rev James Hair,toraise awareness of these issues and the competition was opened to the support available across the diocese. public in January, as partofthe Local charities the LeagueofFriends of Oaklands, Portsmouth Mind cathedral’s Tercentenary 26 January Offthe RecordVeterans Outreach Service, Portsmouth Abuse Rape Celebrations. The aim of the 1pm Science, Faith and God: The Big Questions. CrisisService and Independent Arts will all receive donations. competition was to encourage a Prof Alister McGrath lectures on ‘Cosmolo- The Bishop, the Rt Rev Christopher Foster said: “This is ahuge wide range of people to engage gy and Creation’ at Barnard’s Inn Hall, achievement, for which Iamimmensely grateful. It is atangible sign of creatively with the idea of faith in EC1N 2HH. Free how committed we areasadiocese to supporting the needs of people in the city. our communities and the wider world.”

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NEWSIN Proselytism warning forfaith BRIEF groups in the public sphere FAITH GROUPS have been anxiety around the extent to from the service provided. of Human Rights. “Without warned about the dangers of which faith based organisa- ‘Half fat’ is whereservices greater freedom when it Churches win Gift Aid proselytism in anew report tions feel comfortable in shar- deliveredinpartnershipwith comes to proselytism and from thinktank Theos. ingtheir faith-basedethos as aworshipping community other forms of religious concession ‘The Problem of Prose- part of theirwork, leading and ‘Low fat’, organisations expression, it is at risk of ANEW wordingfor theGift Aid decla- lytism’ outlines threemain them to ‘self-secularise’. aremorelikely to receive becoming ‘a dead letter’ in rationwas unveiled recently by the tax- dangers for faith-based agen- The effect of this leads to an statutoryfunding,and arenot some contexts,” the report man,but now,after fears that churches cies who carry out social and ‘identity crisis’, causing ‘a overtly evangelistic but states. would lose out, it has been announced welfareaction. chill effect’ around the ideas informed by afaith ethos. The latest Theos report thatthe existing Gift Aid envelopes can These include incivility, of working with faith-based Among the report’s recom- comes days after their annual be used beyond next April. sensitivity in multicultural sit- organisations because they mendations is the suggestion lecture, delivered by HMRC want new wording to be used, uations and dealing with peo- are‘distrusted’, even that agencies should be flexi- Baroness O’Neill, chair of the but this raised concerns by parishes ple in vulnerable situations. although they could other- ble between these types of Equalitiesand Human Rights thatcurrently have thousands of the One key question is wise contribute effectively to relationships to avoid placing Council. envelopes in stock and could end up as whether faith groups deliver- social needs. themselves in ‘a binary She said: “Thereisnoway waste. ingsocial services shouldbe Other results of this ‘chill approach’ which pushes the of securing freedom of Acampaign was launched,gathering secularized in order to avoid effect’ could be funding bod- agency ‘offthe radar’or expression if we also maintain over700 signatures. The scheme bene- giving offence. ies stripping organisations of places it into asituation that thereisaright not to be fitsthe Church of England by £80mil- The reportconcedes that their spiritual ethos to where‘mission’ passively offended. Speech acts that lion in tax rebates ayear. ‘proselytism’ is to some become asecular provider, becomes entwined with its incite hatred, or that intimi- As aresult last Friday HMRC extent‘undefinable.’ ‘Prose- limiting their ‘diversity’ as identity and purpose. date, or thatdefraud, or that announced anextension, but only for lytism’ and ‘proselytising’ are providers, demotivating and However,the reportpoints abuse, can be regulated with- churches. They will be allowed to use “words that think for us”. We undermining them. out the challenges of faith out putting freedom of expres- up their current stock (so long as they don’t always know exactly The report identifies three groups avoiding their reli- sion at the mercy of others. wereordered before21October 2015). what itis. types of faith-based public gious foundations. The “Butiftherewerearight Other charities that use the Gift Aid The reportsays thereislit- service: ‘fullfat,’‘half fat’ and authors point out thatthe not to be offended, this would declaration will still havetouse the new tle evidence for hardprose- ‘low fat’. freedom to change one’s reli- put everyone’s freedom of wording. lytism from public service The first group arethose gion is written into Article 9 expression at the mercy of providers, though thereis for whom belief is inseparable ofthe Universal Declaration others,” she said. New network tackles trafficking YoungChristians ‘nervousabout faith’ By Jo May ties and 46 per cent to individ- have been hurtbyachurch in church in the past, with the uals they know who arein the past. reasons ranging from the MORE THAN half of young need. When asked how theyfeel spreading of personal gossip Christians –60per cent — Thirtyper cent of respon- about their church, overall 23 to disregardand ‘the derision feel ‘nervous and awkward’ dents werebetween 22-25, per cent said they felt older of women who didn’t fit the when sharing their faith. with the next largest set (23 people in their church strug- perfect Christian woman The finding comes in anew per cent) between 18-21 and gle to relate with them, with role’,described as unmarried survey fromthe Evangelical 36 per cent arecharacterized BMEsmorelikely to identify mothers, divorced and those Alliance, which found never- as Church of England with with the statement. However with high-powered jobs. theless that 77 per cent have the next highest category 93% overall agreed that there Of those experiencing hurt shared their faith in the past being Independent Evangeli- arepeople they can look up to in their church, 36 per cent month, with 44 per cent of cal (15 per cent). and learnfromintheir werestill attending that same The ChurchofEngland has launched a these saying they have When it comes to beliefs, church. church and 27 per cent per new network of champions to combat shared their faith in the past overall18per cent of respon- Almost half (48 per cent) of cent of people said the situa- human trafficking. week. dents agree that evolution all respondents said they tion meant they ended up The first diocesan training and aware- For their survey,the and Christianity areincom- havebeen hurtbytheir leaving that church. ness day,attended by 30 dioceses as Alliance interviewed 1,703 patible and that Chris- well as representatives of other faiths, ‘Millennials’, those aged tians cannot believe in was hosted at so repre- between 18 and 37. both. Fifty seven per sentatives could raise awareness for Overall, 27 per cent say cent said that Chris- modernday slaveryintheir communi- they seize the opportunity to tians should not be ty. sharetheirfaith with eager- able to marry‘non- “It is important forchurches to engage The ,DrAlastair ness and ease, with the high- Christians’. More than Redfern, said: “The key to tackling er percentage among men, half, 52 per cent, with the Europe refugee crisis. They modern day slaveryisthrough build- while threeper cent saythey believe homosexual bring faith into the response and show ing partnerships and creating net- change the subject. activity is always works.” The survey has also found wrong, with 15 per Christ’sloveinaction.” that 47 per cent of respon- cent unsure. dents give away at least a However,47percent tenth of their money,rising to said that regardless of Davidson Solanki, Us International Programmes Manager Million pound appeal 60 per cent for Black and whether theythink Christian Aid’sRefugee Crisis Appeal Minority Ethic (BMEs) and homosexuality is right has raised £1million just two months 27 per cent give away more or wrong, same-sex after its launch in September. than 10 per cent. couples should be able Please givegenerously to the Us AdventAppeal. Forty seven percent identi- to marry,with 23 per Your donations will provide food, shelter and healthcare fytheir approach to financial cent unsure. giving with the phrase “It is Of those who do not forrefugee families in Greece. Homeless organised and Ialso give as attend aspecific www.weareUs.org.uk/advent and when Isee aneed”. One church, 39 per cent 020 7921 2200 remembered in 10 respondents have given said they struggle with Aservice at St Martin-in-the-Fields to their church in the past the way churches are [email protected] markedthe deaths of 194 homeless year,76per cent have given to runand 22 per cent Us. The new name forUSPG people who have died on thestreets of Christian charities, 61 per said theydon’t go to Registered charity number 234518 London over the past year. centtonon-Christianchari- church because they

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AHEAArDOchFtonigbisht’s Chilhodren p’scharity races to help Childrenwhichinhas parNeedtnered with the in Need, the Archbishop of local Children’s Centre and York’s online charity is rushing been able to help morethan to clear allsubmitted requests 200 vulnerable children in its children category. through Acts 435. StaffatActs 435 have been Father Paul Cartwright, vicar working against the clock this of St Peter’s, commented: “We week to process the applica- aresograteful for this opportu- tions. nity to bring some additional Executive Director Jenny supporttohelp children in cri- Herrera commented: “Chil- sis in our community.” dren in Need reminds us every The charityworks by people year of the difficulties many posting requests on their web- children face. We want to focus site that allows individuals to specifically on children in need give money directly to others. through running this appeal So far,£577,000 has been given and hopedonors who have to people in need and 91 per been fantastic in their generos- cent ofthe requestshave been ity will supportUKchildren in met in full by donors. this direct way.” Aspokesman for the charity The charitypointsout that said thatsince its launch in thereare 3.7 million children in 2010 until September 2015, the UK living in poverty and some 6,139 people have bene- they work with local churches fitted from the site. to help those most in need. The annual BBC telethon Theypoint to St Peter’s, kicks offat7pm tonight (Fri- Barnsley,South Yorkshire, day) on BBC1. Bishop who Commissionersquizzed on costs of resigned under a Pembertonemployment tribunal cloud dies BEN BRADSHAWMP, questioned the arebeing taken to addressconcerns AFORMER bishop who Church Commissioners this week why about futurerenewables’ investment resigned under acloud after announcing Church of England members arestill resulting from‘unsupportive’ Govern- that he was leaving his wife has died. unawareofthe amount paidinthe Jere- ment policy after the director ofinvest- The Rt Rev Peter Barrett, Bishop of my Pemberton employment tribunal. ments of the Church Commissioners, Cashel&Ossory,died on 28 October.He The Labour MP asked Second TomJoy,co-signed aletter to the Chan- was 59. Church Estates Commissioner,Caro- cellor highlighting the concerns. Bishop Barrett was ordained in 1981 and line Spelman, howmuch the Church of Mrs Spelman said that by talking with served his curacy in Limavady,CoDerry, England had paid in the tribunal. She the Government, the Church is ‘demon- and wasDean of Waterford when he was said she was unable to answer because strating its commitment to tacklecli- appointed bishop in 2003. it was still ‘litigation in progress’. mate change’. Less than three years after his appoint- Mr Bradshaw said itwas ‘a ridiculous Valerie Vaz, Labour MP for Walsall ment the bishop said he had written to the situation’: “He has been stopped from South, asked what assessment the ArchbishopofDublin, Dr JohnNeill, stat- being ahospital chaplain, ajob which Church Commissionershave made of inghewas resigning his post following the by all accountshedid superbly,because the effect of funeral poverty on fees breakdown of his 25-year marriage. It was of the discriminatoryapproach of the paid for funerals, to which Mrs Spelman later announced the bishop had had an Church of England. Particularly when answered that theChurch ‘does all it affair with amarried woman and the two we arecelebrating the democratic elec- can’ to keep funeral costs down. were leaving their spouses to live together. tion of the first openly gay,married ers had initiated the‘Shared Conversa- She added that she did not have the “Above all it is to my wife and children, priest to theGeneral Synod, this is a tions’. detailsofan estimate onwhether the who have to bear the burdens of anger,dis- ridiculous situation.” SNP member for East Kilbride, write-offthat some parishesare able to appointment and pain, that Iexpress my He expressed his hope that Mr Pem- Strathaven and Lesmahagow,DrLisa make for funerals is going up or down. profound sorrow,”BishopBarrett wroteto berton (pictured) would appeal the Cameron, asked the Commissioners Bromleyand Chislehurst MP, Robert his diocese in announcing his resignation. decision of the tribunal. what progress the Church Commission- Neil asked whether the Church of Eng- On 25 February2006 Dr Neilltold the Sharon Hodgson, Labour MP for ers have madeontheir commitment to land plans to introduce an annual congregation of St Canice’s Cathedral in Washington and Sunderland West, then reduce the Church of England’s carbon national memorialservice to honour Kilkenny the bishop’s decision to resign asked if Church leaders could resolve footprint by 40 per cent by 2020, to British civilians killed during theSec- was “not taken lightly.Nevertheless Bishop such matters to avoid gay clergy feeling which Mrs Spelmanreplied that it has ond World Warand whether the Peter could not sustain his ministry among discriminated against, to whichMrs almost been reached. Church could offer prayer on asystem- you in view of the direction that his life has Spelman pointed out that Church lead- Dr Cameronthen asked what steps atic basis for the armed forces. taken.”

PriBy Geormage Congerte facesinvestigationlawsuitinto alleged impramido- 12 Septemberclaimselection. ofclearelectioned by the search commit-manipulation prieties in theselection process. However,50ofthe 120 clergy tee.” AN AFRICANPrimate isfacing On 7September 2015 Arch- inthe diocese endorsed aletter Attorneys for thefourpeti- alawsuit from his own clergy bishop Wabukala prorogued the to the archbishop alleging tioners said that although the accusing himofmanipulating election of anew bishoptosuc- improprieties in the search archbishop had postponed the an Episcopal election. ceed the Rt RevIsaac Ng’ang’a, process. election, he had not responded The charges have been laid who retiredlast monthafter 15 According to thepetition filed to the allegationsofbias on the against the Primate of the Angli- years of service. with the court, Bishop Kewasis partofBishop Kewasis. can Church of Kenya, the Most Nine candidates hadbeen put had been biased. “After hoursof “Todate, the defendant has Rev Eliud Wabukala (pictured). forwardfor consideration by a protests, objections and dis- never responded.” Four members of the Mount panel under the supervision of agreements, in total disregard The petition asks the court to Kenya Central diocese asked the archbishop’s office, led by of the members at 7pm, the order apostponement of the High CourtJudge Mbogholi the Rt Rev Stephen Kewasis chairman (Bishop Kewasis) election until the charges of bias Msagha to suspend the election Bishop of Kitale, who selected announced three of the nine areanswered. Ahearing date of anew bishop pending an three candidates to contest the candidates as the ones validly has been set for 16 December.

Online at www.churchnewspaper.com: Get all the breakingnews stories as they happen NEWS Friday November 13, 2015 www.churchnewspaper.com 5 Gafcon leaders Nigerian clergy banned from marrying announce sickle-cell partnersinchurch CLERGY IN NIGERIA have pora in theAmericas and ease will likely have major to force them, especially if they retirement been banned frommarrying Europe. healthproblems. had done the traditional mar- couples whereboth arecarriers Approximately 300,000 infants Following ameeting last week riage,” he said. of sickle-cell disease. arebornwith the disease each with the head of the Association He pointed out: “Weinthe The injunction was made by year. of People Living with Sickle Cell church make surethat, as part the Bishop of Awka, who also According to the World Disorder,the Rt Rev Alex of the counselling beforemar- called on his clergy to require Health Organisation, in West Chibuzo Ibezim said the riage,weeducate the intended testing for the disease as partof African countries like Nigeria church’s responsibility was to couples on the dangers of going pre-maritalcounselling. and Ghana the frequency of the supportthose living with the ahead to marry when they are Sickle-cell disease, or sickle- trait is between 15-30 per cent. disease “in whatever way we not compatible genotype-wise, cell anaemia is acommon genet- In Uganda, however,itshows can.” because it is better to makesure ic condition due to a marked tribal variations,reach- But he said that the church thatthe person you areabout to haemoglobin disorder –inheri- ing 45 per cent among the should also take an activist role marry is somebody that is com- tance of mutant haemoglobin Baamba tribe in the west of the in preventing the transmission patible. genes from both parents —that country. of the disease to futuregenera- “Marriage is all about relation- causes life-long health problems TheWHO say that aperson tions. ship and theend product of mar- and leads to an early death. who has inherited only one It is “one thing is to make laws riage is children,unless it is a It is largely concentrated in mutant gene from one parent and another thing is for people marriagewherechildren are sub-Saharan Africa and among will lead ahealthy life, but the to obey them. The clergy cannot not wanted, then thereisno populations of the African dias- child of two carriers of the dis- follow them to their bedrooms need to worry about sickle cell.”

TWO OF thekey leaders of the Gafcon movement have announced their retirement. On 7November the former MEPs visit Pakistan to supportAsiaBibi Archbishop of theAnglican ADELEGATION from the European Parlia- They called upon Pakistan to review its Church in North America, the ment has delivered aletter of supportto blasphemy laws, stating the vast majority of Most Rev Robert Duncan (pic- Ashiq Masih, the husbandofAsia Bibi, the cases brought under the codehad nothing tured), announced he was step- Christian woman who was sentenced to to do with religion but wereused by ping down as Bishop of death in 2010 forblasphemy. unscrupulous members of the majority Pittsburgh. Thechairman of the The MEPs from the European Conserva- Muslim community to harness the power of Gafcon primates’council, the tives and Reformists Group said that the state tosettle private disputeswith reli- Most Rev Eliud Wabukala, reports of Bibi’s ill health werenot true, gious minorities. Archbishop of Kenya, informed despite her being moved into solitarycon- In October 2014 the European Commis- his House of Bishops that he finement. sion released astatement saying: “The most would retireinJune 2016 upon Bothher husband and her lawyer told the fundamental criticism levelled against the reaching his 65th birthday. MEPs, Peter van Dalen fromthe Nether- laws is that the punishment (death penalty) ArchbishopDuncan told his lands, Arne Gericke of Germany andMarek is disproportionate to thenature of the diocesan convention: “It has Jurek from Poland, thatshe was in good crime. However,another major concernis seemed to me likethe work I spirits. thataconsiderable numberofthe blasphe- wascalled to do is as complete In July Pakistan’s Supreme Courthalted my cases arebased on false claims. as itcan be. Ibelieve that this is her execution and ordered areview of her “Cases arefiled against Muslims, in the averygood moment formeto case, although she was later moved to Mul- majority of cases, as well as non-Muslims as let go and to passthe chief pas- tan prison. away to settle personal scores, or to stoke tor’scrozier to another, just as “Formillionsofpeople across the world, up sectarian and inter-faith tensions. Such we have largely passed dioce- Asia is an example of authentic and genuine misuse seems to have risen sharply in the san leadership, both clergy and Christian faith,” the MEPs said. last decades.” lay,fromone generation to another.” The primate of the ACNA, Archbishop Foley Beach, Priest defrockedoverindecent child photographs noted: “As its first Primate, AN 88-YEAR-OLD priest hasbeen Johns was sentenced to 15 months impris- material,” prosecutor Matt Hynes said at Archbishop Duncan led the defrocked by the Archbishop of Brisbane onment, suspended for two years. thetime of histrial. Anglican Church in North following his conviction of making and pos- The Johns case was unusual in that while Anative of England, Johns emigrated to America through critical stages sessing indecent photographs of children. three images found on thecomputer were Australia and joined the Society of St Fran- of its formation, and we will be Andrew Johns pleaded guilty in February of naked boys, the majority of photographs cis, helping found the order’s Brisbane prio- forever grateful for his years of to two counts of possessing over 1,000 child were“innocent” images of children that had ry.Hewas later ordained to thepriesthood courageous, servant leader- exploitation images found on his laptop beencaptioned or editedbyJohns “in such in 1968. Since 1996 he has lived at the ship.” when he tookthe computer to be repaired. away as to make them child exploitation order’s friary. Archbishop Duncan will leave officeatthe end of June2016. No formal announcement has PART been made by the Anglican RELARELAX!X! WTW , LY EXCHANGE Church of Kenyaastothe date WELCLCOMOMEE of Archbishop Wabukala’s for- mal retirement, and it is not known if he will continue as YOOUU RC FULLFULL chairman of the Gafcon’s pri- HISTORY mates’ council. CHECECKK

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[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 6 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday November 13, 2015 LETTERS

temporal, spiritual and ecclesi- astical authority derive from the Urgent action is needed on thisdebate monarch. Article 31 was simply away of LETTERS Sir,Itisgood news that the GeneralSynod will host adebate on getting around the dilemma of TO the migrant crisis on 25 November.Urgent action is needed in having afemale monarch. dealing with an enormous, complex, growing situation that is Indeed the monarch’s title was likely to continue in the future. changed to governor instead of THE Therehave been offers to accommodate Syrian refugees head,but it amounts to exactly EDITOR in private homes but thereseems to be an official reluctance the same thing. The qualifying to take them up. The 86 bishops have proposed adoubling of clause in article 31 actually the verymodest numbers, which the government is willing to destrd oys the meaning of its admit. Immigration is an emotive topic for many reasons not opening gambit. least the burden on services and the forecast of apopulation Against this usurping ofroyal explosion. Now following the Russian air crash the latest scareis prerogative, the Catholic mar- the need to keep terrorists out. International cooperation, espe- tyrs of the English Reformation cially within the EU, is essential, but not working well. laidl down their lives. Let us hope thatall members of Synod will reflect on how Read the actual episcopal Jesus would have responded to the multitude of suffering oath, Mr Bartley it is total sub- Protection tax migrantsand show Christiancompassion,leadership and coop- ection. Sir, It is reported that in a number ofUKprisons eration on the action urgently needed. RobertIan Williams, non-Muslim inmates are being forcedtoconvert TommyGee, Bangor to Islam or payaprotection“tax”toMuslim pris- Wingfield oners. The governmentreportsuggests that Mus- lim prisoners are “bullying”non-Muslim inmates Equal marriage 3RX. to pay “jizya”. Why,when even regularly David intellectual argumentruled by show offaith. This could be Sir,according to arecent Cameron statesthatthis is aChristiancountry, is the heart. imaginatively lit to highlight it. YouGov poll, 23 per cent of the henot clamping down on this practice? Whilst Imight impress myself This is away to show passers-by population do not define them- It is also reportedthatthis very samegovern- with the above argument, it cer- the real reason for Christmas. selves as 100 per cent hetero-

SW1P menthas allowed a Christianminister to be forced tainly does not get me any near- Let’s takethe opportunity to do sexual, and only 51 per cent of out of his post as aChaplain in a prisonsimplyfor er to God.Neither can Isee how this before‘political correct- those aged 18 to 24 identify with readingthe Bible.Itisclear that MrCameron has the arguments of mymoreliber- ness’ forbids it! that category. It might appear nounderstanding ofwhataChristian country is. al adversaries can draw one Ann Wills, odd to the proverbial visitor Contrast thiswithZambia where the govern- nearer to him. Further,Ifind Ruislip from Mars, therefore, that the

ondon, mentisreported to have encouraged Christian them as specious as my own question of equal marriage still charities to explain the Christian gospel in all the mathematicaldeliberation. I provokes an exchange of views ,L nation’sprisonsbecause there-offending ratein find these latter intellectually Offence of the cross in the pages of The Church of theprison where it wastested fell by 90 percent. satisfying and have no doubt my Sir,Can it really be true that EnglandNewspaper.And, if I PerhapsMrCameron should similarly encourage opponents find theirs similarly Christian churches around may repeat myself, increasingly theChristianchurchtoexplain the gospelmore rewarding. Europe areremoving crosses so the need for adebate is not fully in all ourprisons, ratherthanpunishitsmin- Colin Bricher, as not to offend Muslim apparent to people inside, as isters. Northampton migrants? well as outside the Church;any stminster edited J Longstaff, Thisisoutrageous! Do these more thanthereisaneed to Woodford Green churches not understand the debate with someone who be We Whither Sin? deep significance of this core believes the “plain teaching of Sir,Just suppose thatthe elder Christian symbol? It is what is Scripture” thatweare in the may AiWeiweiandChina brother was autistic; would this prompting them to ‘love thy year 6019 of the world. Sir, Many thanks to Brian Cooper forhis excellent alter our judgement perspec- (Muslim) neighbour’. Nevertheless, as Mrs SWil- article on the Ai Weiwei exhibition atthe Royal tive? Would the buck still firmly Is therenoend to the water- son wonders how much Ihave Street, Academy. Ashesays, AiWeiwei“is certainly a stop there, with him? ing down of the essentials of our studied the difference in Scrip- @churchnewspaper Letters global culturalphenomenon”. I was mightily If, as seems to be the case, Christian Gospel Message? turebetween the moral law,

at moved andchallenged,and hopelesslystuck for “sin” (and salvation) is in the Andrew EBloxham, which she claims is “lasting”,

NB: an answer to how Chinacan allow HumanRights, long grassnowadays, may one Emsworth, Hampshire andceremonial “which was tem-

eet without fallingapart as Yugoslavia and other large reason be that we don’t feel we porary”may Irespond? May I College groups of peoples have done.Has anyone insights are100 per cent responsible, assureher that Ihave studied Tw of theologicalreflection onthis one? culpable? So God is obliged to Misrepresentation theScriptures enough to know Andhow about the dilemma of how to help the considerour extenuating cir- Sir,Alan Bartley misrepresents thatthe distinction she makes reat address. desperate people atCalais and elsewhere,without cumstances, surely to good- me and Catholic theology over would havebeen incomprehen- .com. thereby encouraging manythousands more to try ness! his attemptedwhitewash of the sible to the authors of the Penta- 4G to come into Europe. Iknow that preachers of the role of the English monarch in teuch. treet Tony Cullingford, Crosslike John Stott maintain the structureofthe Church of Iamalso awarethatifthe ,1 as Tewkesbury that we can’t blame our genes England. morallaw is “lasting” it is cer- etc., but such areapparently fac- Authentic Catholic theology tainly not unchangeable. Out- tors that at least partly define distinguishes between the sideofsexual ethics, genocide, The sin question us, we come as apackage. Do all sacramental and jurisdictional like slavery, is nolonger accept-

include Sir,Itseemsthatwewhoholdwhatweconsiderto of us have the psychic equip- aspects of ministry. Asacrament able, but usuryis(within lim- be orthodox theologyare obsessed with a three- ment to be able to comes directly from God, its). Changes in sexual ethics letter word beginningwith‘s’. Many will jump to repent/believe? If not, is therea whereas jurisdiction comes via include the acceptance of con- Newspaper conclusionsastowhatthatmight be despite there second chance in the Hereafter? the Holy See. traception; andmost significant- please being manysuchwords such as ‘sod’toremind us Brian Allen, In the pre-Reformation ly in this context, remarriage we arefrom the dust of the earth. No it is not‘sex’ Ware Church as in the Roman after divorce, or to adivorcee. either which ouradversaries regardasthe playing Catholic Church today,nobish- And, of course, aChristian can letters@churchnewspaper field. They seem to want us to playonthissowecan op can operate as such without eat veal in cream sauce. e-mail, England to have alevelplayingfield.Imeanwhyfightahard Christmas witness jurisdiction from the Holy See Unless the anonymous priest

by uphill struggle whenwecan all play together. Sir,Inorder to keep Christ in and areciprocal oath of loyalty (andone does wonder what of No the wordweare obsessed with is sin,which Christmas Ithink it’s agood to the Pope. event in his past led him to

ers apparently stops people enjoyingthemselves. ideafor Christians to buy This was the situation in Eng- requireanonymity), or Mrs Wil- E-mail More modern theologyregards itself as enlight- Christmas cards and Advent land up until 1535, when the son, Mr South or anyone can

lett ened butwhatisthis enlightenment? According to Calendars with aChristian pic- Bishops (with thenoble excep- explain why these changes to an

Church Douglas Adams the computer hasevaluated that tureon, such as astable scene. tion of St John Fisher) gave up, the“lasting” moral law and the the answer to Life, theUniverse and Everything is Companies only produce what by royal command their papal “plain teaching” of Scriptureare 42. It canalso becalculatedthatsin=1. people buy -soifwedon’t pur- bulls of appointment. In return, acceptable but equal marriage is send The

sending A simplified definition ofsin is putting ‘I’ in the chase Christian products they they received royal appointment not, they runthe riskofbeing middle whereas a modernview seems to be not won’t be manufactured any- via the new Vicar general, accused, like thePharisees, of to can

are putting ‘I’ in the middle. This thus makessin its more! Thomas Cromwell. The word- placing intolerable burdens on owninversion, leading to theconclusion,mathe- It would also be agood wit- ing or appointment, as does the others that they do not have to ite you matically, thatsin is1. ness if Christians put aNativity later Acts of supremacy and carrythemselves. you Well, do webelievecomputers and mathemat- scene in their front window at resulting episcopal oaths, ColinDurham, If Wr or ics?Icontend that these are more reliable than an Christmas, as asilent but visible affirms theacceptance that all Viaemail

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper LEADER &COMMENT FridayNovember 13, 2015 www.churchnewspaper.com 7 Remembrance of those The practise of faith whoRemembrancedefcommemorationsendedup andusdown the land werea Søren national act of thanks to our military whosuffered and died in the Peter MULLEN Kierkegaard cause of saving our free, democratic way of life from extremely powerful aggression. Churchill grasped the extent of this threat to our verycivilization, andthe fate of nations who wereoccupied by Thelonger Iponder it, the mysteryoffaith the Nazisspeaks for itself, mass murder being normal.Whathap- becomes moremysterious. What is faith? Why pened to the peoples under Stalin’s Soviet regime is another con- do Ihave so much difficulty in understanding it? crete example of the kind of catastrophe that would have been My evangelical friends seem to have no visited on us had we lost World WarII. At this time of remembrance troublewith itatall and theyexplain it clearly. we have the greatest possible reason to give thanks for the sacrifice Faith in God and Jesus Christ is something that of those who for ‘our tomorrow’ gave ‘their today.’ we must have if we aretobesaved from our sins Both the world wars wereamilitaryresistance to imperialism and their consequences. It’s no use trying to and nationalism, despite the attempts to denythat was true for save ourselves by our own good works because, World WarI,asthe writings of Phillip Bobbitt and others show.And however good we might suppose ourselves to so we rightly remember the fallen who fought and died in terror, be, we arestill sinners in need of redemption. I bravery, panic,‘blood, toil, tears and sweat’. And it is also right that cannotpull myself up by my own boot-straps. I thisact of thanks and remembrance be set inaChristian service: can’t jump over my shadow.So, since Ican’t do this is not merely nationalist jingoism but adeeply seriousreflec- anythingtowards my salvation, Imust say tion onthe natureofsacrificeand thedepth of the threat being something instead. resisted. Ihave aproblem with this –because saying is Christianity is all about Jesus who died at the hands of an unjust doing, and our speech-acts aresome of our most regime at the point of Roman spears, one of which according to significant actions. Trusting, promising, making John’s Gospel was thrust into his side. Soldiers diced for his verbal agreements –all these areworks, doing clothes. Matthew reports on asoldier being convinced that Jesus things, surely? was the Son of God. The evangelicals tell me Imust simply trust in Jesus conquered through his death and resurrection, not by rais- God and in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. ing aguerrilla band and setting out to subdue the region: he Imust say,inall sincerity,that Iaccept Jesus absorbed violence, unlike any warrior prophet. Christ as my Saviour.But how can Idothis, Today Mr Corbyn is courting bad press by not being as enthusi- since Iamasinner bound in my sins? Ihave astic about this remembrance season as most politicians are, and of spoken to my friends about thisdifficulty and I course we can appreciate that war itself is deeply undesirableand know that Iamnot the only one to experience it. bad –ifthe cause is not right. And thereisanoble pacifist tradition Many of us cannot manufactureorinvent faith that refuses to fight, trusting that this refusal would spread and end out of thin air,asitwerepsyching oneself up to all wars. The mainline Christian tradition for the ‘just war’ asks believe. Iambeing toldtohave that verything, whether it can be ‘loving’ in any sense to watch amurderous faith, which because of my natureIcannothave. regime engage in mass extermination, and not resist it? We aresinners and one of our greatest sins is Thereisalso the veryimportant Christian imperative of reconcil- our faithlessness. That’s theproblem and it and the greatest of these is love.” All you need is iation and forgiveness, as in the SouthAfrican Truth and Justice seems to me intellectually and emotionally love, then? But it is as hard, if not harder,for me Commission and ‘restorative justice’ in parts of ouryouth justice intractable. toturnmyself into aloving person as it is to try system, whereby thevictimmeets and forgives the attacker in the Thereare variations on thistheme of faith and to turnmyself into afaithful believer. hope of turning him from his aggression and not just punishing one of these is to regardfaith not as something Wittgenstein said that we cannot come close him. that Itry to make myself have, but as the gift of to God, cannot truly learntobelieve in God, That is crucially important. But does this mean that savagery God. But, if it is agift, why don’t Ifeel as if I’ve unlesswetreat others with kindness. It looks to should notberesisted, as in theworld wars? We wereprotected been given it? me asifLudwig Wittgenstein had been reading from enslavement and extermination by our troops. We could link Or,ifyou prefer,thereisStAugustine’s another verse in the New Testament: this formofsacrifice, the resisting of evil, to that of Christ crucified recommendation: we must consistently pretend “If aman say,Ilove God, and hateth his whose self-sacrifice was the great act of resistance,and conquest to have faith until in timewediscover we brother,heisaliar: for he that loveth not his of, the power of evil. And the Gospel of Christ crucified and risen, actually have faith. This is quite literally make- brother whom he hath seen, how can he love accepted in the heartsofhumanity, is surely the greatest possible believe, and Augustine is entirely serious about God whom he hath not seen?” (I John 4:20). protection and salvation from sin and the powers of darkness. it. We must become hypocrites. Now Wittgenstein was not talking about love “Hypocrite” is the old Greek wordfor an actor. on the grand, sacrificialscale. He was So we must be like method actors and act the suggesting that we ought to startbydiscreet TheChurch of England Newspaper partuntil we become the partweare playing. Or small acts of kindness: to do littlekindnesses withCelebratemagazine incorporating TheRecordand Christian Week the model might be cricket practice or piano secretly and have them found out by accident, as Published by Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd. practice. Youcan’t scoreacenturyorplay Charles Lamb said. Company Number: 3176742 Beethoven without many hours of practice. So It all begins with sympathy,and sympathy Publisher:Keith Young MBE you shouldn’t expect to have faith until you’ve itself begins in imagination. What might just practised having faith regularly and for along prompt me, bad as Iam, to do alittle kindness, is time. to trytoenter into the subjectivity of my PublishingDirector &Editor:CMBLAKELY 020 7222 8700 Butthis sounds verymuch like hardwork to neighbour.That’s only aposh Kierkegaardian ChiefCorrespondent: TheRev Canon GEORGE CONGER 00 10772 332 2604 me, and we’retold that salvation cannot be by way of saying, “Imagine for aminute what the Reporter:JOMAY 020 7222 8700 works. other bloke is feeling.” And then get into the Calvin offers adifferent solution and says that habit of looking at those we meet in this same Advertising: CHRISTURNER020 7222 2018 some of us areeternally predestined by God to way.This is going to be atough job and it will Advertising &Editorial Assistant: PENNY NAIR PRICE 020 7222 2018 eternal salvation and others of us to everlasting take me along time –because I’m selfish. punishment. And this predestination cannot be What it all meansisthat it is these small – Subscriptions &Finance:DELIA ROBINSON 020 7222 2018 accounted for in any other way than simply to even verysmall –acts of kindness that make GraphicDesigner: PETER MAY020 7222 8700 accept it as partofthe inscrutable counsels of Godavailabletous. We cannot be saved by our Almighty God. works and we cannot screw ourselves up to have Theacceptance of advertising does not necessarily indicate Calvin says that our eternal destiny in not faith. But we just might be able to manage to act endorsement. Photographs and other materialsent forpublication decided by anything we do or say.Some of us alittle morekindly –and then practise the habit. aresubmitted at theowner’srisk. TheChurchofEnglandNewspaper does werealways goingtoheaven and others going to Then, we aretold –and only then –the veil is notacceptresponsibility forany material lost or damaged. hell, and there’s an end of it. Icannot accept this. lifted and the face of God, which is the face of Christian Weekly NewspapersTrustees: Robert Leach(020 8224 5696), It seems to metogoagainst any notion of justice Jesus Christ, appears to us and we become LordCarey of Clifton, TheRtRev Michael Nazir-Ali, TheRtRev Pete Broadbent, or grace. Ifind it repulsive. blessed. Dr Elaine Storkey, TheRev CindyKent So back to the drawing board, back to burning Iwonder if this is what St John meantwhen he the midnight oil. Surely we might turntoStPaul wrote, “Weknow that we have passed from TheChurch of England Newspaper, for alittle help? He was agreat theologian –and death unto life, because we love the brethren” (I Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd he was aterrific agoniser.Heworked out his John 3:14). 14 GreatCollegeStreet,London,SW1P3RX personal salvation in fear and trembling and Of course, we arecapable of love in asmall Editorial e-mail: [email protected] what he concludedisthat faith is near the centre way only because God first loved us in abig way: Advertising e-mail: [email protected] of the truth, but love is closer to thecentre. utterly,completely and thoroughly and “while Subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] “Now abide faith, hope and love, these three; we areyet sinners.” Website: www.churchnewspaper.com [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 8 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday November 13, 2015 FEATURE

The Ethnic Diversification

By David Goodhew, CranmerofHall, Durthamhe English Church New research shows that large numbers of new congregations arebeing founded right across England and that they arestartlingly diverse ethnically.The report, New Churches in the North East, found 125 new churches have been founded since1980 in the North East of England. In84(two thirds) of the 125 new churches a significant proportion of the congregation werefrom black and minority ethnic (BME) communities. By contrast, only 10 of around 500 Anglican churches in the North East have asignificant proportion of their congregations who arefromblackand minority ethnic (BME) communities. Ifeven the church in the North East is gettingmoreethnically diverse, that has implications for everydiocese in England. Figures from London point to moreradical change in many areasoutside the NorthEast. Peter Brierley’s London Church Census of 2012 showed that 47 per cent of London’s churchgoers werefromminority ethnic backgrounds, moreifthose from Eastern Europe arecounted as ‘minority ethnic’. The Church of England in London is markedly more diverse than much of the rest of the Church of Two CautionaryTales In the following decades, thousands of new churches England. But the London CofE remains markedly less Wilfred is from West Africa. He came to Britain six havestarted in Britain, many with substantial BME diverse than most other denominations in London. years ago with his wife and new baby.Hecame from an involvement. Most of those new churches areoutside Inall this we need to bewarethe idea that ‘ethnic Anglican church backhome, but he worships in a of theCofE. Faith in the City offered abureaucratic diversity’ equates simplistically with ‘black churches’. Pentecostal church now.When Iasked him why, he response, when what was needed was not just starting The black churches areveryimportant, but BME wrinkled his nose, slightly embarrassed. “We…just did acommittee, but starting congregations. churchgoing is far too diverse to be described as ‘the not connect,” he replied. How many people who were The new churches arenot perfect, by any means! It black churches’. Anglicans overseas have switched out of is worth saying that studying new churches reminds Thisdiversity includes large numbers of Christians on arriving in the UK? me of the many good things about Anglicanism –like whose rootsare in Asia, EasternEuropeand the Pauline is an Anglican ordinand in the North East. I its accountability structures, its commitment to the Americas. Diversity has never been so diverse. sharedthe resultsofthe New Churches in theNorth whole of public life and its ecumenism. But it would be Most of England is not as mixed ethnically as East,with her.“It is notlike thatinthe town whereI deeply misguided for Anglicans to ignore, or even London, but most of England is morediverse than the come from,” she countered. Icould only respond: focus on criticising, the new churches. North East. EveryurbanareainEngland is ‘don’tbesosure!’ Youmay live in an area which, They offer one positive and one challenge for the experiencing the same trends as found in the North seemingly,isvery‘white British’. But the evidence of Anglican Church. The positive: they remind Anglicans East –orsomethingmorepronounced. theNorth East is that appearances can deceive. that you can startnew churches in large numbers – Moreover,things are changing so fast that even if even in areas like the North East wheremany Anglican What about the CofE? thereislittle diversity whereyou live rightnow,that churches have had atough time of late. Morethan a By comparison, the ChurchofEngland is some way could well change. Ethnic minority churchgoing is a few Anglican clergy andcongregations act as if behind. Asurvey of cathedral worshippers by issue in allEnglish urban areas and, survivalisthe mostwecan do. This is not the case. Holmes and Ben Kautzer (partofthe CofE’s Church increasingly,elsewhere. The challenge: the new churches provide Anglicans Growth Research Programme) found that with lessons in how to startand nurturecongregations congregations at four verydifferent cathedrals were Lessons to be Learned –ifwecan be humble enough to learnfromthem. overwhelmingly ‘white British’, even in citieswhere Thereare,thankGod, many diverse congregations therewerelarge BME populations. There arelaudable within the Church of England. But the above data is a WhereNext? exceptions –such as Liverpool cathedral’s Iranian wake-up call –inapositive way.The ethnic Stockton Parish Church is not an obvious place to find congregation –but these arerare. diversificationofEngland is helping galvanise church ethnic diversity.But ifyou go there, you will find one of The imaginative work of fresh expressions is highly growth in England. But,atthe moment, most the most diverse congregations in the North East. In commendable. Evidence of the ethnic background of churchgoers from BME communities arein less than adecade it has moved from being largely those attending fresh expressions is limited. Asmall congregations outside the CofE. ‘white British’ in census terms to having over adozen number arehighly diverse racially.But evidence Some Anglican parishes arebucking the trend. languages spoken within its congregation. Stockton is suggests most fresh expressions exhibit limited Therecould be more. It is striking that new asurprising place to find suchamulticultural diversity,markedly less than that of the wider congregations tendtobethe most ethnically mixed. congregation! If it can happen in Stockton, it can population or that of new congregations outside of Thereissomething about starting anew congregation happen in manyother places. Anglicanism. that seems to make it easier for BME communities to All significant urban settlements have significant The Everybody Counts data presented to Synod in connect with church. If the CofE started more numbers of ethnic minority communities who areopen July 2015 showed that about 7per centofAnglican churches, (and the evidence is that it is ‘traditional’ to Christian faith. Black and minority ethnic congregations come from minority ethnic church plants that aremost attractive to minority communities areamassive missional opportunity for communities. The reportshowed that CofE ethnic communities), then it could connect better with the Church of England –ifweare prepared to take that congregations in urban areas areabout half as diverse these communities. opportunity. as the overall population. Yetthereare verylarge When thinking about ethnicity,itissobering to re- numbers of ChristiansfromBME communities in read classic Anglican texts such as the [i] Faith in the The research on new churcheshas been published by the urban areas. Cityreport. The reportlaudably stressed minority Centrefor Church Growth Research based at Cranmer The word‘inclusive’ ismuch used these days. There ethnic concerns in the 1980s -when such advocacy was Hallasareportentitled New Churchesinthe North aredisagreementsover what agospel inclusivity desperately needed. But, in termsofspecific East. The reportcan be obtained by contactingVal means.But surely all Anglicans agree that it definitely recommendations, its main suggestion concerning Strickland on: [email protected] or can be means achurchfor peopleofall races –Jew and minorityethnic communities was to startacommittee downloaded at Greek, black and white. forethnic minority concerns. This was veryvaluable in http://community.dur.ac.uk/churchgrowth.research/rese itself, but nowherenear enough. arch/new-churches-in-the-north-east

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper FEATURE Friday November 13, 2015 www.churchnewspaper.com 9 Is this the keytotackling our prisons crisis? By TomStacey positiveabout the benefits of satellite tracking; and Michael Gove is purportedly approximately half (46 per determined to change the cent) of tagged offenders status quo on the issue of the consideredGPS helped them to inexorably expanding prison ‘stay out of trouble’. population. Meanwhile in theUS, where As founder-director of the satellite tracking has been in Offender’s TagAssociation use since 1997, the penal option since 1982, Iwrote to him three is now in use in most State months ago with an informed jurisdictions. It allows the and practical proposal for offender to live anormal life, reducing prison numbers by 20 subject to whatever constraints per cent, by means manifestly the courtmay have ordered. within his command. Mr Gove Today,some 50,000 offenders has not yet troubled to reply. in America who would Yetmeanwhile Ihave a otherwise be in prison are postbag of several dozen living relatively untrammelled intelligent serving prisoners lives under 24/7 surveillance whom Ihad told of this by the GPS tracking tag. Their particular initiative throughthe compliance recordaverages at prisoners’ monthly newspaper, better than 70 per cent. Inside Time. Areportbythe US We in Britain have been Department of Justice of global leaders in the major September this year has shown penal innovation of the that, while both curfew and electronic tag for offenders, in tracking tagging reduces re- lieu of prison, in acurfew offending,the moreeffective in function, but Mr Gove and his thisrespect is thetracking tag. predecessorshave indefensibly Thisincludes both medium and failed to follow through the high-risk offenders. US tag’s vastly greater potential in experience of GPS tracking of atracking function, by means of offenders under their various effective handling of offenders, The previous two governments also as acondition of parole. GPS (Global Positioning sentencing regimes is now moreinjail thantheremight exploited the Home Detention But we of the Offender’s Tag System), operated by satellite. substantial. be, and recidivism worse than it Curfew fairly cynically,and Association remainconvinced This failureisnot acceptable. Why was Blunkett’s initiative need be. The evidence for such sometimes carelessly,asa that the tracking tag can and For the opportunity is therein not followed through by his an assessment is thereinthe means of easing overcrowding should be made available to front of us,provided by the New Labour successors in the US. Satellite tagging works and in prisons. virtually all offenders deemed foresight of our unsighted HomeSecretaryrole? is steadily spreading. Yetfrom HDC allows for low-risk willing and able to live lawfully. former Home SecretaryDavid Essentially,the answer is the beginning of the tagging prisoners to be released early Thatnumber couldwell be as Blunkett, who initiated the two- politicaltimidity; and the same initiative (which was ours), on the tag (confining them to manyasormorethan one in year pilot projects for the timidityhas afflicted the America has always had the their homes for up to 12 hours five: Iventurethat estimate tracking tag in September 2004, present government and its advantage over Britaininits in any 24-hour period). The use after 41 years of sustained covering , thenJustice Minister,Ken local devolution of jurisdictions of HDC is currently lowering prison-visiting. Hampshireand the West Clark.Though personally of a to State or Countylevels, which our prison population by Such candidates for the Midlands. liberal vein, he or his cabinet allows for relatively daring around four per cent, which is trackingtag, in the view of In 2007 these pilots were colleagues werefearful of some innovations to be randomly to say some 3,000 persons. those of us familiar with the reported on in detail by high-profileoffence being introduced without exposing Thereisaproportionate criminally convicted Stephen Shute, Professor of committedbyasatellite tagee the Federal government if financial saving. Taggingan community, constitute not less Criminal Justice at in theearly,and necessarily things go less than perfectly. offender,bywhatever method, than aquarter of those Birmingham. Shute’s report pioneering, phase of anational We here, in the meantime, is some six times less costly currently banged up in prison, was essentially favourable. roll-out of such ascheme, have confined ourselves to the than keeping him or her in which will always be acrucible Magistrates and district judges during aprevailing popular curfew tag so far.(In the Home custody. of crime. deemed tracking as ahelpful moodfor punitive response to Office an insularity prevails, The curfew tag is further TomStacey,author andpublisher, sentencing option; most criminality. and most likely the Justice used, on amuch larger scale, as isDirector of theOffender’sTag offender managers (eg Suchtimidity is out of place, Department too: it’s not for aconstraint on those serving Association,and has been aprison Probation officers) were and itsconsequences areless foreigners to teach us things.) Community Service orders and visitorsince 1974

WoBy Alan Edwarrdsds Woto text inrtseconds,hobut also therWverbosity forgetful,orjudgingthleby thelengthy Moderssn turallyWoconditionedrds?and received only that occupies the time saved. Rite Prefaces reminding him (her) in TenCommandments. Liberaltheologians have often advanced Rejoice that the Church ofEngland is detail of divine achievements. Those who Going back to books, have you the view that Jesus was culturally condi- atthe cuttingedge of this words explo- squarebashed will remember how drill reserved your copy of the successor to tioned by his first centuryenvironment. sion. Look atyour smartwatch during sergeants used repetition to aid learning. Common Worship,due next April 1st? They could be correct when one consid- the next intercessions you hear.Com- In the same way the BCP’s system of the It’s probably going to be called ‘Even ers his old-fashioned preferencefor parethe time taken for them with that same readings and collects occurring MoreGood Conversations.’ Could be brevity as opposed to verbosity. occupied by the impossibly old fash- year by year drilled folk into memoriza- launched by Rev RichardColes and Take Our Lord’s advice. “Simply let ioned Prayer for the Church Militant. tion. Such alow wordcount won’t do for Stephen Fry(who else?) in one of Rev your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’, ‘No’. Jesus also revealed his first century our verbose modern society.Therefore Richard’s chat shows. HRH Helen Mir- Anything beyond this comes from the background by condemning folk who yearly Cycles of Readings and Holy Days renmight make ararepublic appearance evil one,” (Matt 5:37). thought they would gain God’s ear by being switched to ‘the Sunday after’ - at the reception following the broadcast. Nowadays (sorry,‘at thismoment in overmuch speaking. He could never morewords. Important Health and Safety time’) Jesus’monosyllabic ‘Yes’ would be have imagined the arrival of General We have also moved from being a‘Peo- announcement. Do not open the book replaced by ‘Absolutely.Iknow where Synods, or Anglican Committees, more ple of the Book’ to beinga‘People of the until you have downloaded the brief set you’recoming from.’ Linguistic sophisti- in number than worshippers who sit in Books’. Sorry again, should have said of User Instructions (only 100,000 words cation impossible in the first century. Anglican pews. Tablets not books. Sadly most modern long) from www.c.of.e/don’tletmefal- The moderncommunicationsrevolution No doubt God,like all old men (or tablets don’t convey the wisdom that the lasleep.co.uk. is not just the technology that enables us should we now say women?) is getting Mosaic ones did but then Moses was cul- Enjoy.

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release less and saturated fats such as coconut oil, butter and lardrelease the least. The professor has urged the food industryand govern- ment to take notice of the harmful health implications of these products. Ultimately it’s our responsibility though, Janey Lee Grace the recent research around avoiding redmeat and the much-maligned bacon sarnie have left many concerned about what we can and can’t eat. Surely the answer Live Healthy! Live Happy! comes back to balance: eat plenty of dark green leafy veg and nuts and seeds and good quality protein and don’t constantly eat fried foods, but when you do -use good old lardormyfavourite (and Nigella Lawson’s) Coconut oil. Use agood quality one though, as they varyalot. Coconut oil is unique in that it doesn’t degrade at high FaWho wouldllhaveinthoughtloit -yourvegranny withwas right: flowercooil and corconutnoil, to name just acoilouple, release temperatures, itsolidifies incold weather so looks like frying food inlardishealthier than thevegetable oils toxic chemicals when heated called Aldehydes. These lard,but immediately turnstooil when warmed. The we have been told aresafe and the healthiest option. chemicals arelinked to heartdisease, dementia and purestcoconut oil that I’ve found (alsogreat for putting Therehas been much in the press around this, peo- cancer. in smoothies, having with your coffee –asper the new ple arguing around the best way to fryfood, alongside I’vebeen talking about it for ages, itisobvious that celeb trend –and even using as amoisturiser)isthe raw the many articles suggesting that barbecue chicken vegetable oilsare not meant to be heated because organic extra virgin coconut oil from Tiana fairtrade or flame-grilled burgers could also be increasing the they degrade at hightemperatures. The trend for organics. But if you don’t want your bacon and egg to risk of kidney cancer. using goodquality olive oiland linseed oil to cook have acoconutty flavour,try the coconut butteralso from The research around frying in vegetable oil was with arealso flawed, aswhile these release less of the Tiana, which is specially for cooking and has no coconut- done by De MontfortUniversity in Leicester and Pro- chemicals than the polyunsaturates they do still ty smell or taste. fessor Martin Grootveld researched the chemical release the toxins. What awaste ofgood oils: save reactions caused by heating oils. It seems that sun- them forthe saladdressings! Monounsaturated fats www.tiana-coconut.com

g gallery the Whisperin

Patriarch visits Twickenham Lessons of history Final Chapter? Judgements in history As well as spending time in Frances Knight has written anew Determining what happened in the ecumenical discussions with book about religionatthe end of the past is not always straightforward. Archbishop Justin Welby at 19th Centurythat challenges some Thereismounting unease in the Lambeth Palace, the received opinions and raises church about the treatment given Ecumenical Patriarch alarming possibilities. In Victorian to Bishop Bell. We have been told Bartholomew also found time Christianity at the Fin de Siècle she therewas enough evidence to to go to St Mary’s University in describes anumber of converts to charge thebishop but this does not Twickenham and deliver the CatholicisminanAge of Decadence mean aconviction would have been first Benedict XVI lecture, five and paints apictureofachurch that secured. Eleven former choirboys years after the Pope’s visit to was far from homophobic. One at Chichester Cathedral, who the South London campus. convert,AndreRaffalovich, wrote a include TomSutcliffe, have written Speaking to alarge audience in 300-page tome arguing that to The Times to say that in their the university church homosexuality was an orientation experience the bishop was ‘an Bartholomew,who is known as with which some people wereborn upright, entirely moral and devout the ‘Green Patriarch’, described and should be met with tolerant figure’ and that they find the the world as ‘on the verge of Doubts understanding. He was against arebeing raised about whether allegations against him incredible. ecological disaster’ and claimed Graham Billy homosexual genital activity and is in any sense the author Like many others, they fear he has that caring for creation was published of anew book a suggested artistic activities and in his name. Entitled Wher been smeared to suit apublic ‘spiritual challenge’. “God meant eIAm it is friendship instead. For many years to discuss eternity and life beyond relations need. Writing in The wants us to love all creation,” but death he had aclose friendship with Canon has most to say about hell. Billy Spectator Peter Hitchens he affirmed. He said that the appears Graham John Gray,the likely model for on the title page as the sole complained that although the most important fact about the author but Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Gray.More copyright holder is Franklin Graham. statement by the Diocese of human natureisthat we ar past In the e alarming is Knight’saccount of Billy Graham has worked with Chichester spoke of ‘allegations’ made in the image of God an pr authors to d priest-and-acolyte stories and poems oduce atext but thereisnow do the bishop has behaved as ifthey called for our communities whether ubtabout to at theend of the 19th Centurythat he is able to do that. When weretrue. Compensation has been become ‘a living icon of the Newsweek former show pederastic elements. One of editor Jon Meacham spent paid and Bishop Warner has Trinity’. He referredtothe Graham time with these stories by John Francis in 2006 he was unable to re written to the person making the Ecumenical Patriarchate as fr cite Psalm 23 a Bloxham, published in an Oxford om memory. Thereare lots of biblical allegation to apologise. We aretold ‘bridge’ between Christians, re undergraduate magazine, was ferences in the new book and Eleshna of ‘expertindependent reports’ but Muslims and Jews and devoted writing Coffman quoted at Wilde’s trial. Bloxham on religiondispatches.orgq none have been published. Clearly his lecturetothe topic of whether uestions went on to ordination in the CofE, Graham’s ability to quote the anonymity of the victim needs ‘Religion inDialogue’, arguing better scriptureis eventually becoming incumbent of St now than it was 10 years ago. to be respected but more that truedialogue is a‘gift fro ntr In the m Saviour’s, Hoxton. As Knight oduction to the new book he supposedly information about the accusations God’ and that God is always comments, it is unlikely that Bishop makes references to many bloggers against Bishop Bell should be present indialogue between heaven getting of London, Arthur Winnington- and hell wrong yet it is questionable placed in the public domain. In human beings. “A mystical far how Ingram, didn’t know of Bloxham’s he is able to read and follow blogs, 2011 an inquiryset up by the spark is lit when we commit diminished given his youthful indiscretion, given the eyesight. Grant Wacker Archbishop of Canterburyfound ourselves to dialogue,” he told super (who publicity surrounding the Wilde vised Coffman as astudent)t therehad been ‘an appalling his audience. St Mary’s has emphasis hinks the trial. She claims Bloxham was one of on hellisout of keeping with record’ofover 20 years of handling seen a10per cent increase in Graham’s theology student anumber of clergy at the time with .Graham’s emphasis was on child abuse cases in Chichester. enrolment this year. A pederastic tendencies. If true, it he love and mercy of God. Coffman Victims have their rights but so, week after the Ecumenical her reportsthat raises the possibility of asub-culture eisnow growing concernthatG too, do people against whom Patriarch spoke, Professor re raham’s in the church that was probably putation is being hijacked foride allegations aremade, including Cherie Blair was due to give purposes ological known to the hierarchy but still or financial gain. “Whatever is going those like TedHeath, Leon Brittan, her inaugural lectureon on with Wher tolerated. Present-day scandals have eIAmBilly Graham has little if and GeorgeBell who arenolonger ‘Business and Human Rights’. roots in apast culture. anything to do with it,” she writes. around to defend themselves.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper COMMENT Friday November 13, 2015 www.churchnewspaper.com 11 Andrew Carey View from the Pew

The wrong way to

Staggering sums of moneyare being expended by canon and the Church of England inconve- bycthehNHSachaplainnJergemyePembertondto onientlyc(forthim)rinsistsinuponeamale and female Will the Church sell establish acase of discriminationagainst the complementaryview of marriage. Church of England in an employment tribunal. But thecourtsare notthe place to settle doc- The ChurchofEngland is being forced to squan- trine. This is why Mr Pembertonshould stop der similar amounts, if not more, to defend its spending money on lawyers and seek to per- out to the poor? doctrine of marriage. suade the Church of England by theological Over the years, I’ve written theodd column on climate change and It isnosurprise that Mr Pemberton lost the argument and rational debate to change itsview how theChurch of England has swallowed awholly alarmist and cat- first round. The Church of England has awell- on marriage. Thereare democratic means open astrophist approach to the problem. Everytime, I’ve been surprised establishedprotection from equalitylaws, and it to him. by the visceral reaction from the campaigning green clerics. is equally well established that thereare justifi- Sadly,those who advocate for change aren’t They don’t want anyone to express adifferent point of view.Itisas able forms of discrimination. Youcan’t force a particularly wedded to the democratic approach. though,despite insisting how robust the evidence is for the theory Synagoguetoemploy anImam,nor amosque a They’dprefer to force change through legal fiat they think thatitisreally so delicate it shouldn’t be explored and bishop. than take all the time and effortthat is necessary questioned. Yetscientists areexploring the theoryall the time. In Mr Pemberton is arguing strongly that the to persuade theChurch of the meritsoftheir the past few years therehave been many papers published on the Articles of Religion insist that everycleric has case. warming hiatus. The computer modellers areseeking to improve freedom to get married and that the Church is Perhaps they arenot persuaded they could win their models all the time, taking into account apause in the warming unfairly interfering with his freedom. The prob- amajority? And perhaps their arguments have no which is now nearly two decades old. lem with his argument is that marriage is defined merit? But my columns have concentrated almost entirely on the policies that we should be adopting to tackle the problem. The Church seems to unquestioningly supportagreen agenda –which in my view neglects development and the need for the poorest countries to grow their way out of poverty and conflict. But policiesonenergy affectusall. Current policies may lead to In defence of Bell the lights going out all over Europe because we areclosing down Thereare now morevoices raised in defence of the absurd and unevidenced slurs against the power stations and replacing them with not much else besides wind great war-time Bishop George Bell, who has been dubbed apaedophile as aresult of decades-old turbines, which on some calm days produce no energy for the allegations madelong after his death. national grid. An increasing number of diesel generators (the dirti- Iwas particularly pleased to see former choir boys atChichester Cathedral, led by former est energy around) will have to be built simply to keep power pulsing Synod member and Guardian writer,Tom Sutcliffe, write to The Times (23 October) calling for the to our homes on those benighted days. facts to be brought forward. Their own testimony is that they find the allegations ‘incredible’. And these policies aredriving up the bills and risking the lives of Theywrite: “George Bell was ashy person who stammered –anupright, entirely moral and the verypoorest who can’t affordtopay for expensive subsidies as devout figurewho meant agreat deal to us as children.” partoftheir energy bills. Theycontinue: “Wefear he has been smeared to suit apublic relations need… But for us, unless My firmview isthat greenhouse gases areaproblem and that we the business is properly aired, he will remain asaintly,ifcontroversial church leader and teacher should be developing technologies to wean ourselves offcarbon. But on whom we look back with affection.” we should not do this by creating moreproblems than we solve. By backing an alarmistapproach the Church of England is in danger of failing the poor.

LIZ HOARE thespiritualdiByrtheeRevDcrLtizoHoarer

Do you also wish to go away? John 6:67 In chapter 6, Jesus fed amultitude of people only the Thereare fewmoredistressing things thanhearing previousday and isnow explaining his claim to be the of people who once professed acommitment to Jesus Therehavealways been ideas that have turned outto ‘bread of life’. This is good news, but many of his would- who no longer follow him. How couldthey not heed a be nothing morethan aflash in the pan. Fads and be disciples cannothear it.The Jews complain that he is plea like the one Jesus uttered here? Thereare all sorts ephemera arenot something new to the 21st century getting abovehimself (6:42) and argue among them- of reasons whypeople fall away fromfaith in Jesus and human beings havealways been ficklecreatures. selves over the literalness or not of what he says (v52). Christ. Even as Peter uttered his wonderful insight, Teachers of adults know that they have to retain their His disciples complain that it’s all just too difficult (v60). Jesus knew that outofthose 12 whom he had chosen, sparkleand reserve afew surprises if theyare to keep Jesus knowsthatthis is because some of themdonot oneofthem would eventually betray him, butthis did hold of the numbers of students with which they began believe (v64). not prevent him from offering his invitation to follow their courses and programmes. Spirituality is all verywell when it’s about the feel- him. Jesus’teacher was getting harder to understand and good factor and much that passes offfor Christian spir- Even Peter himself would go through aterrible also morecontroversial and so ‘many of his disciples ituality today is little morethan that. True spirituality is time of betrayal beforereturningtothe place where turned back and no longer went about with him,’ (v66). alwayschallenging, always pushing us on towards once again he could rest in the security of Jesus’ love No doubt therewereother teachers with easier mes- transformation so that the light of Christ can shine for him. sages for those with ‘itching ears’ and perhaps the nov- through us to the world.That is not to say thereare no The words he uttered at this moment areprofound elty of the rabbi from Galilee was wearing offfor some. times of rest and comfortfor in this same chapter John ones that have been echoed by millions since. ‘Lord, to After all, John has already toldusthat ‘the light has tellshow Jesus came to hisdisciples in the boat during whom can we go?You have thewords of eternallife. We come into the world and people loved darkness rather astormand told them:‘It is I; do notbeafraid,’ (v20). have come to believe and know that you arethe holy than light because their deeds wereevil,’ (3:19). Butthis is only partofthe picture. one of God,’ (68,69).

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 12 CLASSIFIEDS &FEATURE %-())!$!&" ("#&*'!)&,&+') Tel: 020 7222 2018 E-mail: [email protected] CLERICAL Grieving in acrowd

VACANCY IN THE SEE OF TONBRIDGE

Following the retirement of the Rt Revd Dr Brian Castle, the wishes to nominate asuitableperson to theSuffragan SeeofTonbridge.

Anyperson wishing to comment on the needs of the role or who wishestosuggest candidates is invited to write to the Bishop by 30th November 2015

Bishopscourt,24StMargaret’sStreet, RochesterME1 1TS

[email protected]

ASSOCIATEVICAR Anglican Life assessed the quality of pastoral careI New was receiving. TheParishofOxton St Saviour The love, careand pastoral supportI By RichardPennystan received from those around me was TheParishofOxton St Saviourisalarge,diverse, friendly,and growing exceptional, it genuinely blew me away. church setinalargely suburbanareaofthe beautifulWirralPeninsula. When the shock of sudden tragedy The senior leadership of New Wine We haveaworshippingcommunityofmorethan500,including over dramatically explodes in our lives, wereall awareofour situation, some of 100children,withbothestablished congregationsand arange of Fresh amidstthe emotional chaos we catch a them arefriends, others I’d only met Expressions. We standinthe central/catholic tradition, welcoming glimpse of our corevalues, priorities briefly,but they all went out of their way wisdomand insights from across theChurchofEngland. and relationships. to show love, empathy and kindness. This summer my wife Nells and I No one tried to control me. No one We are seekinganAssociateVicar to exercise awide andvaried drove in convoy to the New Wine tried to find areason, or make it alright. ministry withoversight responsibility. This exciting post brings the United National Gathering at the Bath Iwasn’t surrounded by trite views of opportunitytoministeraspartofamutually supportive team of clergy &West Showground, Somerset. As I sovereignty,but the Biblical revelation and layministers committedtoprayerand reflective practice,and in got out of thecar her face was in astate of acompassionate God who himself an environmentofcollaborativedecision-making. of total shock. “George has died!” she experienced our suffering. said. Our brother-in-lawhad died that Others have described that it’s hard http://www.oxtonstsaviour.co.uk morning in atragic cycling accident. to lament when surrounded by https://www.facebook.com/oxtonstsaviour Our world stopped, everything went celebration. Iwas concerned that it Parish profile, applicationform, andfurtherdetails from: numb and Iimmediately wanted to do wouldn’t be easy to process trauma in a TheRevdDrJoe Kennedy, VicarofOxton St Saviour something practical. context of ajoyfulfestival (many [email protected] or Tel. 0151 6533366 Nells left immediately to supporther introverts find festivals exhausting, see sister and Istayed with our four boys Mark Tanner’s excellent book [i] The ClosingDate: Thursday3December2015.Interview Date:tbc and church family,throwing myself into IntrovertCharismatic). Ididn’t wantto Enhanced DBSdisclosurerequired the practical challenge of being asingle ruin everyone else’s joy by reminding parent camping at afestival, processing them of grief and suffering. immense grief, surrounded by people The Holy Spirit empowers us to who wereenjoying one of the rejoice with those who rejoice andweep highlights of their year. with those who weep. In my raw grief, I Hereare afew of my reflections on stopped caring aboutwhat others God, grief and the gospel; on love, life thought of me andthat enabled those and loneliness and trauma, tragedy and around me to bear my burdens and be triumph in the midst of what was avery themselves. In the crowd, it’s OK to be unusual week. yourself. When we’rehurting we long for Charismatic worshipgets flak for intimate connection with those we can being superficial, repetitive or DO YOUWANT TO most be ourselves with. Imissed Nells triumphalist. Ifirmly refute that. Ifound hugely but Iwas so blessed to have it abit awkwardworrying whether family with me, giving me astability. strangers would be distracted by the ADVERTISE AJOB? There’s adepth of relationship in weeping bloke and Ihad all the usual healthy family wherewecan cry, be worries about unwashed arms invading brutally honest, and our unedited dark the personal space of strangers. But I ADVERTISEWITH US ONLINE* humour doesn’t get judged when it worshipped, Isang, Icried, Iraised my spills out inappropriately.Wedon’t need arms and Ideclared truth about God. FORJUST£75 YOUCAN POST YOUR JOB ON OUR JOB BOARD FORAMONTH to explain ourselves, we areknown. Because the truth about God becomes Shock and grief can cause us to feel morereal when we arepreoccupied veryalone, we want to push others with death, eternity,pain and confusion. JUST FIVE SIMPLESTEPS! away,but we need deep relationships. Ilove loud, dramatic, powerful Empathetic,listening, caring worship, because the music breaks ★ logonto friendships areinvaluable when tragedy open my hearttodeclaretruth louder www.religiousjobsite.com happens. than my feelings. Our culturetells us ★ clickonHow to advertise Iattended aseminar on the book of that our feelings determine our words your vacancy Job with Dr Michael Lloyd, Principal of and actions. If that weretrueitwould Wycliffe Hall, and agreed with every be disingenuous to sing words of ★ choose Post aJob insightful understanding of abaffling celebration in the midst of pain and ★ type in your advertdetails book, particularly the focus on grief. The tragedy of George’s death ★ pay with PAYPAL supporting those with grief, the doesn’t meanGod stopped being good, importance of giving space and not and it doesn’t cancel the glorious truth *All jobs advertisedinCEN’s blaming God. of the gospel. In myrecent book[i] Awakening I My extremes of grief andcrowds this printed version are posted to challenge thesad reality that in the summer wereawhirlwind through our jobsite British church we’reexperts at which Ibecame more convinced of critiquing. We seem addicted to some key truths: relationships matter, Email: [email protected] analysing and finding fault in how love gives space and doesn’t control and Tel: 0207 222 2018 ‘those at the front’ do things. I worship is based on truth not feelings. passionately believe that comparison www.religiousjobsite.com and criticism aredamaging the church. RichardPennystan is vicar of St Chad’s Having said that, Iconfess that at times Romiley and partofthe New Wine Idetached from the situation and Leadership Network THEREGISTER Friday November 13, 2015 www.churchnewspaper.com 13

BIBLE CHALLENGE ANGLICANCYCLE OF PRAYER RETIREMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS Day 318 –Amos 5, Psalm 111, Friday 13-Nov-2015Psalm: 41 Isa44:9-18 Matthew 13 Vanuatu - (Melanesia) The RtRevd James Ligo to retire Day 319 –Amos 6, Psalm 112, Saturday 14-Nov-2015 Psalm:42Isa 44:21-28 TheRtRev , Matthew 14 Vellore -(SouthIndia) The RtRevd A Rajavelu Bishop of Bolton, has announced that he Day 320 –Enjoy hearing the Scriptures Sunday 15-Nov-2015 Pentecost 25Psalm: 119:49-64 Isa 45:1-8 will retirenext June on his 66th read aloud in church Venezuela -(IX,TheEpiscopal Church) TheRtRevdOrlando Guerrero birthday. Day 321 –Amos 7, Psalm 113, Monday 16-Nov-2015 Psalm:43Jn 8:1-11 Matthew 15 Vermont -(I, The Episcopal Church) The RtRevd Thomas Ely TheRev Ian Brothwood, Day 322–Amos 8, Psalm 114, Matthew Tuesday 17-Nov-2015 Psalm:44:1-8 Jn 8:12-20 Vicar of Croydon, St Michael and All 16 Victoria Nyanza-(Tanzania) The Rt Revd Boniface Kwangu Angels with St James retires with effect Day 323 –Amos 9, Psalm 115, Wednesday 18-Nov-2015Psalm: 45 Jn 8:21-30 31st December 2015 (Southwark). Matthew 17 VirginIslands -(II, The EpiscopalChurch) The Rt Revd Ambrose Gumbs TheRev Michael Burn, Day 324 –Obadiah, Psalm 116, Thursday 19-Nov-2015 Psalm:46Jn 8:34-47 Assistant Curate of Wath upon Dearne Matthew 18 Southwestern Virginia - (III, The EpiscopalChurch) The Rt Revd Mark Allen All Saints (Sheffield), to resign from 22 Bourlakas Virginia -(III,The EpiscopalChurch)TheRtRevd Shannon Johnston February2016. ofVirginia -(III,The Episcopal Church)TheRtRevd Susan The Rev Fergus Capie, Ellyn Goff Priest in Charge, BureValley APPOINTMENTS (Norwich), to retire from 12 January 2016. The Rev Fr Philip Barnes, (Coventry). The Rev Philip John Robinson, The Rev RobertClucas, Vicar of St Edmund the King, The Rev Gina Kalsi, Incumbent of Rostherne St Marywith Associate Minister: The Bridges Group Northwood Hills and Area Dean of Vicar of Malin Bridge St Polycarp Bollington Holy Trinity,inthe deanery (Priors Hardwick; Wormleighton; Priors Harrow(London), is to be Interim Priest (Sheffield),tobealso Priest in charge of of Knutsford, to also be Priest in Charge Marston; Napton-on-the-Hill; Lower Administrator at the Anglican Shrine of Wadsley (Sheffield). at High Legh St John and Over Tabley Shuckburgh; Stockton), to resign from Our Lady of Walsingham. The Rev Paul Matthew Kerry, St Paul, (Chester). 31 December (Coventry). The Rev Mark Broomhead, Assistant Curate in the Benefice of The Rev Canon Dr James (Jim) Mil- The Rev Anthony Desmond Drury, Pioneer Minister to the Order of the Houghton, has been appointed Priest-in- tonRosenthal, SSM Curate at NewFerry St Mark, in Black Sheep, (Derby), has also been Chargeofthe Benefice of Moresby Assistant Curate of the Benefice of the the deaneryofWirral North (Chester), appointed part-time Priest-in-Charge of (Carlisle). Wantsum Group (Canterbury) to be to retirewith effect from 29 November Chesterfield St Augustine in the same The Rev Dr Ivan Patricio Khovacs, Priest-in-Charge (House for Duty) of St 2015, when he will be given Permission diocese. Assistant Curate of the Benefice of James, Merton (Southwark). to Officiate in Chester Diocese. The Rev Nicholas Cooper, Willesborough with Sevington The Rt Rev Roderick Thomas, The Rev Susan Hobley, Rector of The Benefice of Lympne and (Canterbury), to be Assistant Curateof , is to be Vicar of Wath upon Dearne All Saints Saltwood (Canterbury), to be Vicar of St James Piccadilly (London). commissioned as Assistant Bishop in (Sheffield), to retirefrom22February All Saints Frindsburywith Upnor and The Rev Dr Angela Lauener, theDiocese of Southwark. 2016. Chattenden (Rochester). Assistant Curate of Ranmoor St John the TheRev RichardTrethewey, The Rev Elaine MaryRichardson The Rev Patricia Millicent Cope, Evangelist (Sheffield), to be also Associate VicarofKnowle Parish retires as Vicar of Herne and Area Dean Currently Curate at KnutsfordStCross, Assistant Bishop’s Adviser in Spirituality Church(Birmingham), to be Rectorof of Reculver Deanery(Canterbury) with in the DeaneryofKnutsford, to be (Sheffield). theBenefice of Glenfield and Newtown effect from 31 January2016. Associate Priest of Rostherne St Mary The Rev Jane Eleanor Lucas, Linford (Leicester). The Rev Philip Roderick, with Bollington Holy Trinity,High Legh Priest-in-Charge of Ashwater,Halwill, TheRev Janet Turville, Bishop’s Adviser in Spirituality St John and Over Tabley St Paul Beaworthy,Clawton and Tetcottwith Assistant Curate in the Wirksworth (Sheffield), to retireon29February (Chester). Luffincott,has been appointed to the Team Ministry, (Derby), has been 2016. The Rev Barbara Cushing, Rectory of Ashwater,Halwill, appointed Priest-in-Charge of Walton-on- The Rev RosemaryClareSiebert, Assistant Curate of Anston St James Beaworthy, Clawton andTetcott with Trent with Croxall, Rosliston with resigns as Assistant Curate of The (Sheffield), to be Assistant Priest of Luffincott, (Exeter). Lintonand Castle Gresley (with special Folkestone Benefice of St Mary, St Anston St James (Sheffield). The RevPaulMackay responsibility for Walton-on-Trent with Eanswythe and StSaviour (Canterbury) The Rev Peter Whiteley Dyson, Incumbent:Vicar,StCatherine’s, Mile Croxalland Rosliston), Priest-in-Charge with effect from 25 October 2015. Rector of the North HampshireDowns Cross (Norwich); Rural Dean, Norwich of Immanuel Stapenhill, andAssistant The Rev Canon Ian Smith, Benefice (Canterbury), to be Rector of North (Norwich), to be Priest-in- Curate of Seale and Lullington with Rector of Warmsworth St Peter,Area Jersey,StSaviour. Charge, St Mary the Virgin, Prittlewell Coton-in-the-Elms (with special Dean of West Doncaster,Honorary The Rev Michael Leslie Eaman, (Chelmsford). responsibility for Coton-in-the-Elms) in Canon of Sheffield Cathedral and Priest-in-Charge of Saint Philip, Deacon The Rev KateMassey, the same Diocese. Warden of Lay Parish Evangelists and Evangelist, Potters Green, has been Incumbent,StockingfordStPaul to be TheRev Malcolm Tyler, (Sheffield), to resign as Warden of Lay appointed to the Vicarage of Saint Philip, alsoDean of Women’sMinistry Incumbent, Walsgrave St Marytobe Parish Evangelists, but remaining Deacon and Evangelist, Potters Green, (Coventry). also Associate Diocesan Director of Rector of Warmsworth St Peter,Area (Coventry). The Rev Elizabeth Newman, Ordinands (Coventry). Dean of West Doncaster and Honorary The Rev Philip Elliott, Associate Priest without stipend in the The Rev Martin John Warren, Canon of Sheffield Cathedral Assistant Curate, to be Team Vicar of Charlton United Benefice is now also Priest-in-Charge of Shebbear,Buckland The Rev Canon Julian Sullivan, Weymouth Ridgeway,(Salisbury). the Bishop’s Visitor for Clergy Spouses, Filleigh, Sheepwash, Langtree, Newton VicarofBramallLane St Mary, The Rev Veronica Gale Green, succeeding Mrs Eleanor Grant Saint Petrock, Petrockstowe, HonoraryCanon of Sheffield Cathedral Curate at BunburyStBoniface and (Southwark). Petersmarland, Merton andHuish, has and Bishop’s Urban Adviser (Sheffield), Tilston Fearnall St Jude, in the deanery The Rev Canon Charlie Nobbs, been appointed to theRectoryof to retirefrom31January2016. of Malpas, to be Curate-in-Charge of AnglicanMinister of Grange Park Shebbear,Buckland Filleigh, MarburyStMichaelwith Tushingham Church, Assistant Priest of Roade, Sheepwash, Langtree, Newton Saint St Chad and Whitewell St Mary Ashton, Collingtree, Courteenhall & Petrock, Petrockstowe, Petersmarland, LAYAND OTHER (Chester). Hartwell and Pioneer and Church Merton and Huish (Exeter). APPOINTMENTS The Rev Canon Sue Groom PlantingEnabler has been appointed The Rev JaneAnne Weeks, Currently completing aDThM (Doctor Pioneer and New Initiatives Training Rector of the Three Spires Benefice ds, of Theology and Ministry) with Durham Officer in thePeterborough Diocese. (Rochester), to be Priest in Charge of aMethodist minister in the Aireborough University, she will leave her two posts The Rev Kevin Parkes, The Benefice of Elham with Denton and and Wharfedale Methodist circuit,tobe early,asaparish priest in Henlow and Chaplain to the Kings College Hospital Wootton and Acrise (partstipended) Coordinating Chaplain, Leeds Bradford LangfordinBedfordshire, and as NHS Foundation Trust is to be Trust (Canterbury). Airport. Diocesan Director of Ordinands in St Chaplain to the Lewisham and The Rev Alan Leslie Winstanley, Dr Anthea Harris Albans, to be the new Archdeacon of Greenwich NHS Trust (Southwark). Formerly Team Vicaratthe benefice of Assistant Chaplain (Lay), University of Wilts (Salisbury). The Rev Ian Price, Shirwell St Peter,Loxhore, Kentisbury, Birmingham, (Birmingham), to resign The Rev JohnHibberd, Assistant Curate of Eckington and Arlington, East Down, Bratton Fleming, from 28 October. Mission Development Adviser,Sheffield Ridgeway,(Derby), has been appointed Challacombe and Stoke Rivers, Mr Jay Niblett and Rotherham Archdeaconry Assistant Curate (SSM -tobeknown as (Exeter), beforeretiring in 2014, to be To be Licensed Lay Worker (Sheffield), tobealso Warden of Lay Associate Priest) of the same parishes. HonoraryAssistant Bishop (Chester). (Gloucester). Parish Evangelists (Sheffield). The Rev Pamela Rink, The Revd TimWright, The Rev ChrisHolden, Associate Vicar East Malling Benefice, Prison Chaplain Glen Parva, has been Assistant Curate of theDenby Group of to be Team Vicar of Shaftesbury, appointed Managing Chaplain of HMP CORRECTIONS Parishes, (Derby),has been appointed (Salisbury). Stocken (Peterborough). Assistant Curate (OLM-to be known as The Rev GregoryStephen Roberts, The Rev JagoWynne, Associate Priest) in the same parishes. Priest-in-Charge of All Saints Associate Rector of Clapham, Holy The Rev Nicholas Cheeseman The Rev PamelaHowell, Peterborough, has been appointed as Trinity is to be Rector of Clapham, Holy is not taking up an additional post as Curate, Whitnash St Margaret, to be Vicar of All Saints Peterborough, Trinity,(Southwark). Priest in Charge at Holy Trinity Reading Vicar: Willenhall, St John the Divine (Peterborough). (Oxford). 14 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday November 13, 2015 BOOKS /SUNDAY SUNDAY SERVICE AGerman work that is agem 1st SundayofAdvent Sunday 29 November2015 Outline of Christian Doctrine move taped. People who worry about CCTV are WilfriedHarle likely to find this understanding of God frightening. Jeremiah33:14-16 Eerdmans, pb, £32.99 Harleconfronts the problem head-on. We areto 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 see God’s omnipotence and omnipotence, he tells Luke 21:25-36 Awork of ‘EvangelicalDogmatics’ of almost 600 us, in relation to his love. Only with the heart can pages by aGerman theologian might not be we see rightly. Lovethat is of the essence of God The beginning of Advent is uponus, thenew liturgical year expected to attract many Anglican readers in doesn’t make him blind but clear-sighted (rather (YearCin the lectionary). Advent is a period of waiting and Britain. In fact the main market for this translation confusingly at times Harle steers clear of personal eagerexpectation in the Christian calendar. Strangely for of what has been astandardtext in Germany for a pronouns). Omnipotence is taken to mean no power many, however,welook forwardatthispoint in the yearnot number of years is likely to be inthe US. But the is greater than love so that ‘the omnipotenceofthe to Christmasand the celebrationoftheincarnation, butto translation has been undertaken by two Anglicans love of God forbids -no, it spares us from -final thesecond coming of Christ in glorytojudge theliving and (Ruth Yule andNicholas Sagovsky) and Nicholas abandonment with regardtoourselves or any other thedead. Sagovsky has edited the text and provided an person’. Jeremiah prophesiedthat the dayswere surely coming introduction. The standard of translation is higher Itistypical ofHarle’s approach thatherejects when Godwould judgetheworldashehadalways than for many German theological works. what he calls an ‘objective theory’ of the atonement promisedtodo.Hewouldappoint a righteous“Branch” to The reviewer,who has to admit to having been while being alerttoits appeal. The idea of execute his will, someone in the lineofKing David (which heavily influenced by Catholic theology in both its substitution, of someone takingour place, is very lookedfinished,tohumaneyes, in the prophet’s owntime). Anglican and Roman forms, found muchtodisagree appealing but Harle still wants to bid farewell to ‘sin This approaching judgment day,however, is not something with but he also found many insights from which he offering’, ‘expiation’ and ‘representation’. Although that God’s people ought tofear, sinceJeremiahcalls it could learn. Despite the skillofthe translators the he refers to the work of averywide range of (literally,inverse 14) a“good thing”ora“goodword”— book is not always easy reading but perseverance English-speaking theologians, thereisnoreference justiceispromised anditwillbeequitable,exemplary, and does bring rewards.Students will probably dip into to PT Forsyth’s masterpiece, The Work of Christ demonstrably fair. the text and refer to what it has to say about although Forsyth is mentioned in adiscussion of The Lord’speopleare not perfect,andsotheir safety on subjects they arestudying but thereissomething to inspiration. that day is not downtotheir own goodness or be said for reading the bookasawhole and There weretimes when Ifound Hare’s argument blamelessness; salvation isassured, butonly becausethis grasping the total pictureHarlewants to present. baffling. He arrives at the conclusion that we can Branch, the LORD himself, is ourrighteousness, for we Agreat featureofthe workisthe author’s hold to the exclusivity of God’s revelation in Christ have noneofourownthat could be sufficient. Ourpart is to sensitivity to contemporarycultureand to the by averytortuousprocess that will probably leave a repentandtrustthat risen Branch(Acts17:30-31), theone questions raised by men and women today.Karl good many readers confused. This is one area whohas becomeforusrighteousness, sanctification, and Barth once affirmed that God could reveal himself wherehefailed to rise explicitly to the challenge of redemption (1Corinthians1:30). As Matthew Henry to be sticks and stones should he so desire. Actually relating Christianity to contemporarycultureand its comments: “‘TheLORDour Righteousness’isasweet Barth’stheology was moredirected to the mood stress on pluralism. name to a convincedsinner; toone that has felt theguilt of and problems of the age in which he was writing As so often with theologythat draws on Lutheran sin in his conscience; seen hisneed of that righteousness, than he ever admitted but Harle is quite upfront sources one of the highlights of this book is the andtheworthofit.” about his intentions. discussion of sin and human nature. Leaning on All the same, 1 Thessalonians 3 contains an excellent As Sagovsky puts it, Harle is not only concerned Kierkegaard, Harle writes of human beings created prayer for strengtheninginprogressive holiness and lovein to grasp and represent the essence of the Christian in God’s image who can fail to achieve their destiny. the light ofChrist’s coming. Pastor Paulfeels both joyand faith and save it from distortion; he also wants to Confronted with the constant need to choose and concern for his new Thessaloniansconverts. Helongsto communicate the gospel to the contemporary the danger of failureaswell as success, human teach them moreabout what they possess inunionwith world. His concernisthoroughly evangelical in the beings easily slip into fear and anxiety. Christ butfor thetime beinghehimself is separated from true sense of the wordalthough Anglo-Saxon ‘Creaturely anxiety’ is not itself sinful and can be themand can only pray.His consistent prayer throughout evangelicals will probably see this as awork of life-enhancing but it can be theprelude to sin. the letter (seealso 1 Thess 5:23-24) isthat they may be ‘mainstream Protestantism’. People attempt to banish their anxiety by sanctified completelyandappear before the returning Agood example of Harle’s approach can be seen mistrusting and disobeying God,even by becoming Christ as blameless.Yethecannottrust to theirown in his discussion of the attributes of God. gods themselves, or they seek relief in self- strength, and so he commits this cause to theLord,who is Philosophical theologians influenced by the indulgence and forgetfulness. Sin gives death a faithfulandwill surely workwithinthem. analytical tradition usually spend agood deal of time sting it would not otherwise possess. “As long as sin In theGospel reading from Luke, Jesushimself helps us discussing divine omniscience and omnipotence dominates people, thereisassociated with dying prepareourhearts for his majesticreturn. There will be without considering how what they have to say and with death the trauma of ultimate failure, of signsoftumult, with fearand foreboding.Everything will impacts on the ordinaryperson. The picture being finally lost.” seemtobeshaken. Thenhewill return in the way thathe emerges of adivine ‘Big Brother’ who has our every Paul Richardson left, “coming in a cloud”,butthis timewith evidentpower and glory. Again, it isnotaday of fearforGod’s people— our redemptionisdrawing near. Thatisagood word that The Promise of Blessing sensitively as well as dealing with Bible verses that may be used to we can relyon. Kate Patterson areas that regularly robusofthe guide prayer and reflectionand In thelight of that impendingclimax, wemustbeon our Muddy Pearl, pb, £9.99 peace that God wants for us, such to respond to what has been guard against the weightofworldly worries and ISBN: 978-1-910012-26-0 as doubt, conflict, worry and read, which makes this book allurements. AsLeo the Great oncepreached, wemust muddypearl.com issues around forgiveness. great for use as adevotional for prepare ourselvesforAdvent, “Forbydaily experience, Kate has agift of individuals or small groups. beloved,itis proved thatthemind’s edge is bluntedby Many will have communicating her thoughtsand Jennifer Rees Larcombe says of over-indulgence oftheflesh.” Yet how good it is,instead, for heardthe insights in away that isclearto the book: “I found this book so our souls to“have leisureforDivinewisdom in the palace of ‘shining’ blessing understand and her subtle and deep, so thoughtful and so the mind, where, awayfrom all the noise of earthly cares, it (Numbers 6:24- delightful use of humour,is helpful! …Averyvaluable book I may in silence enjoy holymeditations andeternal delights,” 26) time and time refreshing and engaging. will want to keepbymefor ever.” (SermonXIX).Tostand before the SonofMan we needhis again and some, Iknow Ineed reminding From the forewordwrittenby strength,toresist the temptationtolook downand around, like me, have regularlythat we haveaSaviour, Nicky and Sila Lee -“This book instead of up. perhaps Jesus Christ, who will remain could change your view of God wondered what it with us always and who can bring and change your perception of Dr Lee Gatissiseditor ofThe EffectiveAnglican:Seizing the means for us good out of theworst yourself. In fact it could change OpportunitiesofMinistry intheChurch of England, and today.Inthis beautifullywritten circumstances and Kate manages your life, now and forever.” DirectorofChurchSociety book, Kate Patterson delves to write of this amazing truth in a Itoo, have been so moved and (www.churchsociety.org) deeply and richly into this way that helps it to sink in deeply. so blessed by this book. It brings incredible blessing that was She has aclearand profound scripturealive and having read it given directly from God. desirefor people to know that morethan once, each time I Shewrites withsuch God loves them and wants to believe and understand HYMN SELECTION compassion and wisdom and bless them and for people to see something moreofGod’sdesire uses parts of her own storyand themselves as God sees them. to bless me to be ablessing to the storiesofothers to This shines offeverypage andit others. Kate writes this -“And be Lo!Hecomeswith clouds descending demonstrate God’s intent to bless must be impossible to read this encouraged -God longs to meet O come,Ocome, Emmanuel us, whatever we may be going book without being touched by it with you. God wants to make his Restore,OLord through. In this fallenworld, we in some way. face shine upon you and through The advent of our king will suffer and Kateaddresses At the end of each chapter, you to the world.” Joy has dawned thisissue carefullyand thereare thoughts, questions and Kate Webb

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[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper REVIEWS Friday November 13, 2015 www.churchnewspaper.com 15 Malala’s desire to be free FILM OF THE WEEK He NamedMeMalala (cert. hospital in Peshawar for emer- PG)isanintriguing biopic of gency brainsurgery, but was the youngest winnerofthe eventually flown to England, to Nobelpeace prize. Malala Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Yousafzai, from the Swat valley Hospital, which offers specialist in Pakistan, was shot in the face treatment for wounded British in 2012 by aTaliban “fighter” soldiers. becauseofher championing of Davis Guggenheim’s docu- girls’educationdespite the Tal- mentary is awell-crafted piece iban opposition, and their policy thatmixes the factsofMalala’s of destroying schools. storywith herfamily life now in She’d come tolocal promi- England,the background of the nence via her blog for the BBC, conflictinher hometown, which under apseudonym, but by the shemay never see again, and time of theattack, when she was animatedscenes produced by 15, shewas campaigning under Little Room of Venice, Califor- her own name. Severelywound- nia.That gives abit of afeel of ed, she was taken to amilitary the comic novel styleofPersepo-

lis (2008), Marjane Satrapi’s boyfriends. Studying for GCSEs whereas most Islamic countries storyofsimilar repression of in between meeting with world in principle supportequality in women’s rights in Iranunder leaders and addressing the education, of the quoted 66 mil- theayatollahs. United Nations, she will need lion girls deprived of education Malala’s father Ziauddin was that family normality. many areinMuslim countries himself apolitical activist – In one scene she meets par- with the worst equality. there’s aside story of hisover- ents of the girls abducted in Ziauddin’s pieces to camera coming astammer to speak in Nigeria by Boko Haram, and do cover some ofthe accusa- public. Henamed Malala after then bluntly tells President tions thathe’d put his daughter an Afghanfolkheroine, who – Goodluck Jonathan that he at risk –ifshe recovered, would like Joan of Arc–encouraged mustdomoretofind them. He she blame him for creating her fighters against the English, seems surprised. high profile? While he says he thistimeinthe 19thcentury There’s not much about her never thought the Taliban Afghan wars. faith,just that this Taliban ideol- would trytokill achild, Malala Despite the international ogy (and presumably Islamism herself declares her autonomy – fame,Malala’shomelife seems generally) is not really Islam. and the choice to rather “live relatively normal, bickering The attempts to restrict girls’ like alion for aday than aslave with her brothers, and getting education to religious instruc- for ahundred years”. coy about the possibility of tionhas some historic basis, but Steve Parish

CD CHOICE WINE OF THEWEEK Ivo Neame rhythms later taking Strata amoreSouth Ameri- Nelson Bay Whirlwind can feel, while the Pinot Noir 2011 title track develops Waitrose £12.99 (offer: £8.59, until 8December) In his liner notes, over aregular soft, Neame claims he but zingy,pulse of Nelson? In New Zealand? Well no, he never wanted to create “a synth). went there, but in the 1840s British immi- unified set of pieces, With its constantly grants took his name for their settlement. but with contrasting shifting tempos, Now it also defines the surrounding small- moods and styles, so rhythms, motifs and ish wine region of Nelson, at the tip of that the listener is moods, the10-minute SouthIsland, alittle to the north of famed engaged through- “OCD Blues” is a Marlborough. out.” He has certain- microcosm of the New Zealand, now the biggest supplier ly succeeded in that. whole album. Its sax of wines to the UK after France, is famed Theproject sug- riffleads into some for its Sauvignon Blanc. The redgrape gests adedicated fast-paced unison Pinot Noir is catching up. Here, it was a band given the sort work with the vibes, surprisingly light redinthe glass. On of freedom that lead- beforeaclassic call- the nose there weresavouryscents. ers like Branford and-response section But on the palate,held in athin body, Marsalis hand out to between the two. therewas first an earthiness, and then their colleagues. Neame’s piano then over-sharp notes, not like aPinot Noir. These musicians takes over the head- Very disappointing. Did it need time to worked on theproject over two years, and that time to-head with the vibes, giving it an almost classic open out?Itwas not until agood hour has plainly both smoothed out the compositions and retrofeel. had passed that it came up with sugary added plenty of detail. Neame works regularly with several leading young fruit, rather white/red cherry like, The musicianship is superb. jazz acts. Hereheseems to be enjoying the adventure marriedtolight tannins. The finish On top of its rhythm section, his quintet includes of Phronesis and Marius Neset, while maintaining the ditto. Very odd. vibes player Jim Hartand tenorsaxophonist/flautist lyricism of Kairos 4tet. Afood match is difficult: cherry tart? Tori Freestone to enable plenty of interplay with each This kaleidoscopic work, bursting with ideas, dis- joked the lady Itasted with. Probably a other and his piano as he establishes apatchwork of plays afine balance of composition and improvisation, duffbottle. Alcohol by Vol. 13.5 % soundscapes (“Folk Song” sees Neame picking up his and is easy to leave on repeat. Graham Gendall Norton accordion to kick the piece offwith aBalkan feel, the Derek Walker

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Christians who don’t go to Church If 5per cent of the population go to church every hardly ever attend, if at all. Some ofthese will be too percentage will have decreased as fewer childrenare week, and afurther 1per cent attend at least once a elderly to go to churchorare in care homes, but their being baptised (about athirdofall births nowinstead month, but 59 per cent in thePopulationCensus claim numbers areunlikely to exceed morethan1per cent of over half in thelatter part of the 20th century), and they areChristian, thereisclearly alarge number of of the population, leaving 17 per cent who could go, but some of them will already be included in the 5per cent non-churchgoing Christians. Who arethey? no longer do so –some 9million people. or 17 per cent figures given above. Suppose the actual Inaveryhelpful article some while ago in The “Whyshould 17 per cent of the population stop percentage of “Cradle Christians” in 2015 is 30 per Tablet,Linda Woodhead, Professor of Sociology at going to church?” Twosurveys in the Anglican cent, then that would mean that some 7per cent of the Lancaster University,identified them as in one of four in1998 and 2003 asked population would be either “Ethnic Christians” or groups: (a) “Cradle Christians” (baptised as infants), churchwardens to indicate why those leaving the “Moral Christians,” some 3million people. Given that (b) “Ethnic Christians” (calling themselves Christian Electoral Roll had done so. Both yearsgave the same two-thirds (69 per cent) of the 1.8 million black people because they areBritish), or (c) “Moral Christians” estimatethat 44 per cent had left because they had in England areChristian, some of whom probably (those whoadmireChristian ethics), though the moved away. If that percentageapplies across all would describe themselves as Ethnic Christians, that constituent percentage of each groupisnot known. England and all denominations thensome 2.3 per cent might be areasonable figure. Her fourth categorywas (d)“Faithful Christians”, of the population whoare churchgoers move every In arecent letter to the ,Ted Harrison, that is, those who do go tochurch (the six per cent year,over amillion people. former BBC religious affairs correspondent, suggests mentioned above), but thereisafifthcategoryalso Ifsome of these subsequently drop out of church, that “one of the significant causes of overall (church (perhapsdeveloping her fourth),which is Christians then that annual attrition ratewill add up until,some attendance) decline is population movement.” He goes who have stopped going to church. Theyhaven’t years later,they pass away.If, say,their average life on toexplorethe difficulties of finding asuitable stopped believing, just stopped going regularly. after moving is 25 years (acompleteguess), then 25 churchinall the turbulence of finding anew medical Patrick Johnstone, in the 1993 edition of Operation years of amillion movers is 25 millionpeople, but of practice, suitable shops, and everything else. World,estimated the proportionofevangelicals in the these only 9million end up not going. So two-thirds of What priority then should be given to continuing population as 7per cent when at best the actual churchgoers who move do end up going to another churchgoing among those who move? Presumably percentage attending (as measuredbythe 1989 church,but athirddropout. churchgoers moving to anew location will at least try English Church Census) wasonly athirdofthat Itispossible thatthe first of Linda Woodhead’s one or morelocal churches beforedropping out. The figure. Thelatest, 2010, editionofthe book putsthe categories, “Cradle Christians,”might be guestimated. welcome they receive becomes hugely important not percentage at 8.8 per cent, against alikely actual The Church of Englandused to publish estimates of just for their possible attendance at that church, but attendance of2.5 per cent. the number of baptised people living in England. The their continuing attendance at any church. Arethere He explained the difference as the number of last published estimate was for the ways in which clergy,orothers, could link up people evangelicals whohave stopped attending church. If year 1979 and given thenas40per who aremoving to asuitable or like-minded church in non-evangelicals stop attending in the same cent of the Englishpopulation, their new neighbourhood? proportion as evangelicals, then the percentageof which suggests that the When someone moves should they tryand find a non-attenders, evangelical or otherwise, could be proportionof“CradleChristians” suitable combination of “house +church”rather than as high as 18 per cent of thepopulation. This is could be quite large, as many of just “house”? not counting those who areill or whoare on these people will still be alive36 holiday and can’t go one Sunday,but those who years later. Dr Peter Brierley may be contacted on wereregularchurchgoers and now no longer Almost certainlythough the [email protected].

prophetsshould speak, Down bury(8) PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 976 by Axe and the othersshould ----- 1'He maketh the ------14 Clerical garment (7) carefully what is said' [1 woman to keep house; 16 Great prophet during the Cor/NIV] (5) and to be ajoyful mother reign of Ahab [1 &2 17 'He shall enter peaceably of children' [Ps/KJV] (6) Kgs] (6) even upon the ------places 2'The accomplices of 18 'Toeverything thereisa- of the province' thieves aretheir own -----, and atimetoevery [Dan/KJV] (7) enemies; they areput purpose under the heav- 20 '...your God will under oath and ---- not en' [Eccles/KJV] (6) come...with ------retribu- testify...' [Prov/NIV] (4) 19 'The twelve gates...each tion he will come to save 3Relatingtothe second of gate made of asingle -----' you'[Isa/NIV] (6) the twelve Canaanite [Rev/NIV] (5) 21 Underground pool; once nations [Gen] (7) 22 'Whoever finds their ---- amajor water source for 4FatherofMethuselah shall lose it...' Jerusalem [2 Kgs; Luke; who lived for 365 years (Matt/NIV] (4) John](6) [Gen] (5) 23 Philistinestronghold 5One who attempts the Solutions to CrosswordNumber where Samson died expulsion of an evil spirit Across: 7Daniel, 8Awhile,9Star,10 [Judg] (4) from aperson or place Attained, 11 Baldwin, 12 Mercy,15 24 'The ------', parable (8) Motet, 17 Vatican, 20 Opposite, 22 warning against the folly 6Sister of Maryand Adds, 23 Ursula, 24 Naaman. of materialism Lazarus from Bethany Down:1Santiago, 2Nimrod, 3 [Luke/NIV] (4,4) [Luke; John] (6) Eliakim, 4Laity,5Shrine, 6Blue,13 12 Christianincommunion Chaldean, 14 Caverns, 16 Exodus, 18 with the see of Canter- Isaiah, 19 Dinah, 21 Pure.

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N am e Across Christian calendar 11 'Eat it ------;itis (4) the Lord's A d d r e s s 46 7Recipient of alet- 9Christian reli- Passover' ter from Paul in gious teacher; [Exod/NIV] (2,5) Asia Minor (8) 'elder' in NT 13 Paul's companion 9770964816108 8Crude abbrevia- Greek (6) on his first visitto P o s t C o d e tion for an impor- 10 9, avicar's assis- Greece [Acts] (5) tant period in the tant (6) 15 'Two or three

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