European Anglicans (July 2020)

Editor: Damian Thwaites, Director of Communications damian.thwaites@.anglican.org

Pictures: Images are reproduced courtesy of chaplaincies across the Diocese and unsplash.com

Design: Amber Jackson

Contact us: [email protected]

@ DioceseinEurope Dear Friends,

Welcome to this issue of European Anglicans, our online magazine for the Diocese.

Our first two issues last year were just beginning to find a sense of balance and content. Another offering had been planned for March … and then Coronavirus lockdown came into effect. During the past three months, our web coverage has prioritised Diocesan guidance and updates on managing Covid-19, health advice from public authorities, resources for prayer and reflection during these times, information on digital resources available Damian Thwaites to support virtual worship, and great stories of chaplaincies’ digital innovations!

Given where we are with lockdown now and its very gradual easing across continental Europe, I thought it would be Contents good to focus this European Anglicans specifically on the virtual 03-06 Bishop Robert’s Diocesan Synod Gathering on 23 June, Presidential Address to the sharing perspectives and preaching from June Diocesan Synod Bishop Robert and Bishop David, and Gathering reflections from our Archdeacons on the 07-10 Bishop David’s Sermon impact of Covid-19 in their areas across the Diocese. In addition, you are invited warmly to share your experiences with Reports from 11-20 us for the video we’re planning on life Archdeacons under lockdown in the Diocese.

21-24 Bishop Robert: The I hope you like the content and new look challenges that lie ahead design of this issue, and I welcome your 25-26 Diocese under Lockdown: feedback on it. Video production With good wishes, Damian

02 Presidential Address for Diocesan Synod Gathering 23 June 2020

By The Rt Revd Dr Robert Innes

03 I remember the encounter well. through phone calls, to God and to each other during It was early March, and I was appreciative messages and acts these strange times. I want to meeting an old medical friend of kindness. Jesus is alive, and extend my sincere and for lunch in Brussels. But as so is his church. appreciative thanks to our soon as I met him, he behaved clergy and lay officers, who strangely. He refused to shake have sustained church life in my hand, instead offering me I want to very difficult circumstances. his elbow. He enquired more “ Many of you have shown an than usually about my health. extend my extraordinary ability to adapt to When I told him about my sincere thanks to an on-line way of working, and travel plans, he wanted to know all you have created imaginative whether my visits were streamed or Zoom-based acts essential and whether I couldn’t of worship. Work with children cancel them. Then he began members of our chaplaincies” has continued with on-line explaining to me in great detail and congregations who have gatherings, Godly Play and about the Coronavirus, infection adapted to these changed Minecraft. Members of rates, morbidity rates, and how circumstances with remarkable chaplaincy councils have been much all our lives were going agility, and who have sustained gathering by Zoom. I am to have to change. It was a community life through these especially grateful to locum wake-up call! At that moment I strange times. Many of us live clergy who in some cases have realised the seriousness of the in countries that are not our kept up their pastoral crisis that was coming upon us. maternal home, and that poses and liturgical responsibilities And a week later we were all in additional challenges in terms even after returning ‘home’, lockdown. of making sure we understand and to churchwardens local rules and expectations. It managing their chaplaincies So it is that, since March, for can feel particularly lonely when during a vacancy. I am very the great majority of us, our travel is banned, when you aware that this work is tiring lives have been transformed. can’t visit family or when you and that relationships are We have been physically are confined to your own home. harder to maintain over the isolated from one another, and So I am truly grateful to the ether than face to face. Thank our church buildings have been whole baptised people of God you all so much for your skilled closed. At a personal level, my in each place for the way you and patient service and niece’s church wedding has have adapted and cared and leadership during this first half been cancelled, and the funeral prayed and stayed faithful of 2020. of a priest in our family is taking place at the crem. with max 20 people present. The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have been massive on physical wellbeing, mental health, on our elderly, on our children, on our young people. Covid-19 is a social, health and economic crisis across Europe of a magnitude unparalleled in our generation.

In these conditions of fear and uncertainty, church life has been especially important. Our buildings have been closed. But the community of the church Licensing of Archdeacon has been meeting virtually and , October 2019 pastoral care has continued

04 “ 2019 was a very difficult year...and yet, in many respects our Diocese more than survived – it thrived!

2019, when things were The strengthening of our has weathered the storms” so ‘normal’, now seems a long Diocese that these new well is a tribute to a strong and time ago. But we recall that appointments represent has, cohesive senior team, and to 2019 had its own stresses, I believe, been vital for us to office staff who have most particularly the uncertainty meet the challenges of our adapted cheerfully to very of the ‘whether’, ‘when’ and time. During the crisis, both different patterns of working, I ‘how’ of Brexit. Many in our bishops, the Chief Operating am very grateful to all our Diocese faced real fears Officer and Director of diocesan staff for their regarding residence status, Communications have been dedicated efforts to support the health care rights, pensions and meeting weekly. In addition, a mission of the diocese in trying employment. It was a very wider Coronavirus times. difficult year. And yet, in many Co-ordinating Group that respects, our Diocese more includes the archdeacons have But to run an effective Diocese than survived – it thrived! Along also been meeting weekly. costs money. And two-thirds of with Bishop David, I had the Bishop David and I have been that money comes from privilege of visiting many writing every two weeks to our Common Fund contributions chaplaincies over the year and clergy, readers and from our chaplaincies. 2019 it was a joy to see at first hand churchwardens to give you represented the second of the vibrant life of our what advice we can about three years of increases to congregations and to hear operating chaplaincy life Common Fund in line with the stories of people coming to and properly and safely. We have Financial Plan approved by growing in Christian faith. At a held a number of pan-diocesan Diocesan Synod. diocesan level we continued to Zoom events for clergy, strengthen our commitment in readers, churchwardens, most I am delighted, humbled and particular to safeguarding, recently in connection with thankful that, despite the very archidiaconal ministry and Black Lives Matter. These have uncertain wider environment, communications. Andrew been well attended and have chaplaincies contributed 94% of Caspari took up his post as been important in building our the requested Common Fund in Chief Operating Officer and sense of being a part of the 2019. Susan Stelfox as Head of wider diocese. In our Brussels Finance, whilst Grace Fagan office we have had twice This is a huge achievement, and joined us as Safeguarding weekly meetings by Zoom for I am greatly heartened by your Manager. Leslie Nathaniel all staff, and in our London generosity. Moreover, some 20 and became Office these meetings have chaplaincies made contributions free-standing full-time happened daily. All contributions to the Hardship Archdeacons and Ian Tarrant organisations whether public or Fund, in addition to the was appointed to be our new private sector, charitable sector Common Fund. Please know Dean in Gibraltar. or churches have found these my deep appreciation for your last months deeply challenging. generous gifts, freely given. The fact that our diocese 05 During the crisis, we have all of staff to deliver this project and a draft of the book has felt financial stresses. Those will begin very soon. At the been sent to external readers chaplaincies that rely on income same time, we hope to ranging from academic from plate collections, special contribute to a similar project theologians to lay people in the events, bookings of premises run by Age in Spain and based Church of England to readers and visitors have been in Barcelona. from the wider Anglican particularly badly hit. Because Communion. However, of these stresses, the Diocesan I am going to say more about precisely because of the Board of Finance took the future challenges and future importance of the project, the exceptional decision to give plans a little later. But for now, bishops have felt that the work back £0.5m, made up of an the Archdeacon of Switzerland should not be published until across the board Common Fund will be talking to us shortly and the pandemic situation rebate plus hardship grants will mention the Setting God’s allows us to give it proper to those chaplaincies most in People Free agenda. This is priority and consideration. need. It is, of course, very good also being billed in the national that there is sufficient financial Church of England as ‘Everyday As we now enter a period of resilience that we can help one Faith’. We were all set to pilot deconfinement, Archdeacon another in this way. this in Switzerland and will very Paul Vrolijk has a very apt much want to pick this up again headline for restarting church And now in late June our as soon as we can. which encourages us to restart chaplaincies are re-opening. in a way that: ‘all are kept safe But with physical distancing, Those of you who are General and none are left behind’. It hygiene regulations and bans Synod members will know that is all too easy to lose people. on singing, this isn’t quite the Summer Residential There will be opportunity a little church life as we knew it. We Synod in York has been later to think about the are having to discover a new cancelled though there is to challenges that lie ahead. But I normal for life in a world where be a one day virtual gathering. want to conclude this address Covid-19 is still a threat. Having I know that members of this with one of the best known negotiated the complexities Diocesan Synod will be keen to parables: ‘the lost sheep’. around the ‘whether’ and ‘how’ know what has happened with ‘Which of you’, says Jesus, of re-opening, there are some the Living in Love and Faith ‘having a hundred sheep and matters that we will want to project relating to human losing one of them, does not pick up and issues with which sexuality. The team of 60 leave the ninety-nine in the we are re-engaging. people involved have been wilderness and go after the one continuing with their work that is lost until he finds it?’ Brexit hasn’t gone away. Many of us will need to be working out our residence entitlements, healthcare and pension status in a post-Brexit Europe. As a diocese, we have identified a particular opportunity to contribute in helping retired people in France and Spain to access national registration processes. We are in the process of agreeing a contract with the UK Foreign Office, fully funded by them, which will deliver software and telephone advice to British residents particularly in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. Recruitment for a team 06 St Thomas à Becket, Hamburg

The Suffragan Bishop in Europe Sermon

By The Rt Revd Dr David Hamid

The Anglican Church of St Nicholas,Helsinki Jeremiah 31.7 – 13; Ephesians 2.11-22

07 Location: St John the Evangelist, Izmir

Dear sisters and brothers, since our last diocesan synod a catastrophe has changed the A solitary priest might celebrate the eucharist entire world. The Church has been affected by alone, but the word “you” in “my body given this upheaval: the central activities of Christians for you”, “my blood shed for you” is plural. So, have been suspended or altered. At this virtual to be able to meet is essential for the Church’s gathering of Synod members, I hope we will worshipping life. have on our minds questions and ideas about how the experience of the last months can But our assemblies are not simply for worship. be used by God to enhance our future life and Our assemblies – and this is so important – our mission. So, at the start of our gathering I offer a assemblies are also the hub of our mission. couple of thoughts to get the juices flowing. People are not made into disciples through a zoom meeting. They are made disciples through When I was the Canadian Church’s mission the converting power of true spirit filled director for Latin America and the Caribbean community. my boss was the Canadian Primate, Archbishop Michael Peers. Michael was fond of quoting his Rodney Stark, a US sociologist, wrote about how friend Desmond Tutu who once said that the important it was in Church history that Christians most important thing about the Anglican came together to meet. He writes: Christianity Communion is that “we meet.” But that is did not grow because of people working miracles precisely what we have not been able to do for in the marketplaces. It did not grow because the past months. Emperor Constantine said it should. Christianity did not even grow principally because the Nevertheless, it is central to the Church’s life that martyrs gave it credibility and inspiration. The we meet. The elements of our liturgy – the bible, Church grew because Christians constituted an preaching, sacraments, hymns, prayers, creeds intense community. Stark says this intense – all presume an assembly of God’s people. The community gave care and dignity to the texts of the New Testament are addressed to homeless and poor. you, plural, assuming they were proclaimed in the assemblies of the Church. The Creed begins, The community gave strangers a place in a new “We believe”. We pray “Our Father”. (Private city or territory. And particularly relevant these reading of the bible was virtually unknown until days as we strive to root out racism in our the invention of the printing press, so even when societies and in our churches, Christian we open a bible or our daily office book alone in communities were havens of ethnic diversity, our room, we are actually taking up in our hands harmony and peace. And here is a particularly the whole community of voices of the people of The Anglican Church of relevant point from our history: Professor Stark God, and uniting our solitary voice with theirs). St Nicholas,Helsinki says the early Church grew because the values The sacraments of course need an assembly. of love, dedication to social service and You cannot baptise yourself – you need at least a community solidarity, before, during and after Jeremiah 31.7 – 13; baptiser as well as the candidate. pandemics was so strong that nothing could Ephesians 2.11-22 break them.

08 The local assembly in each “ place is also the one universal assembly of Christians everywhere. ” Our assemblies which we seek to restore are and the many lonely in our communities. essential to our worshipping life, but as intensive Friends, our own small taste of life in limbo has communities they are essential to our missionary prepared us to reach out to those who do not life. have the privilege of restoring normality to see how we might find ways to be with them, and Lockdown made us think about time. Normal they with us. rhythms of life are or were suspended. Gone were daily routines of going to school or work, Some have remarked, ironically, that during l our regular gatherings with friends and family, ockdown we have experienced more deeply our weekly assemblies as Church. A witty being part of the wider diocesan family. This is journalist said, in the sameness of day to day also something to carry forward. St Polycarp is in lockdown, the only differentiating factor is a great martyr of a city in our diocese, Smyrna, whether it’s time to drink coffee, or wine! or Izmir. In the 2nd century he wrote about how a local assembly or congregation is joined to the But seriously, to lose our markers of time is Great Assembly of the Church. He wrote letters deadening and inhumane. That is why torturers like this: “from the assembly of God which hold their victims in a place where they cannot sojourns in Smyrna to the assembly of God experience the passage of days or weeks. Thus, which sojourns in Philomelium and to all the in lockdown we invented new ways to mark sojournings in every place of the holy and time. In the UK on Thursday evening we went catholic assembly”. into the street to clap to show our appreciation to the NHS and other essential workers. My family Polycarp reminds us the church is more than the has virtual cocktails every Sunday evening at 5 local congregation: The local assembly in each o’clock (or more or less that time, as we place is also the one universal assembly of usually struggle to help my 87-year-old mother Christians everywhere. get her Zoom working). This is the great mystery of the Church: because So, one thing we can carry into the next phase of the presence of God, our local assembly is of our mission as a diocese is a new sensitivity also the whole catholic church of Christ at that to those for whom time is almost permanently moment. stopped. How can we be more responsive to the needs of refugees stuck indefinitely in camps? Anyone who comes into our local assembly To those trapped in vicious circles of modern meets the whole assembly of the Church in slavery? To those awaiting months and years to every time and in every place. That is why the get legal papers, bored as they cannot work even eucharistic prayer contains the words, “with though they want to, migrants like us, but angels, and archangels and all the company of completely vulnerable, stuck in an uncertain heaven”. When we meet again, the “new holding pattern? normal” should be the old normal revitalised, with a fresh sense real connection to each other; We can also be more sensitive to those who find our local communities more explicitly and joyfully time flattened and deadened: the housebound; an expression of the wider, indeed, the universal those with chronic illness or disability; Church.

09 Upon returning from exile in Babylon, the Jewish Friends, we can carry forward this optimism and people eagerly set about restoring the glory of this commitment as we move back to meeting the temple and resuming public worship there. once again.

There was a new optimism and spirit that we As we emerge from the pandemic, our Lord read in the lesson from Jeremiah; “I will turn invites us to be renewed and reformed, to be their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and that very community that Jesus envisioned, give them gladness, for sorrow”. Ephesians our more dedicated in our mission to reach and other lesson reminds us of the nature of our embrace everyone, to extend the love of God new temple – it is a community, where none are among every human being. Let us carry forward strangers, where no one is excluded because of in each congregation that sense of connection to race or origin. All are of one household, one each other congregation, so that every family, all citizens with the saints, within the sojourning community of this diocese can truly Church which our Lord has founded. be a confident and joyful manifestation of the Catholic Church of Christ.

10 Archdeaconry of Switzerland Report for June 2020 Diocesan Synod Gathering

By The Revd Canon Adèle Kelham

Picture by: Mark De Jong-Kaf Location: Lausanne, Switzerland

11 Early in 2020 Switzerland was guests from overseas, Inevitably there have also been preparing to launch a pilot others have noticed a decline in negative aspects: scheme for the Setting God’s numbers. Online worship has People Free (SGPF) initiative been particularly appreciated by • Bereavements, whether of the Church of England. The those with mobility problems. Covid-19 related or not, and the initial task involved the creation restrictions on funerals. of an archdeaconry-wide core • Other online activities include Team with members from each study groups and social • Many felt deeply the lack of Swiss chaplaincy. Over a gatherings. Geographic location Eucharist – and of hymn singing three-year period, the pilot is no longer barrier to and choirs. scheme would aim to assess participating. Cutting out the the feasibility of introducing need for travel is beneficial for • Some chaplaincies SGPF throughout the Diocese. the environment. experienced a reduced Members of the Team were attendance at online worship, attending a training and • Contact has been maintained particularly by church families, it information event in Bristol or improved by regular eNews was difficult to maintain youth when lockdown struck. (as necessary, also available by and children’s programmes. Fortunately, all were able to get post). back home. • Congregations have been The pilot scheme continues, caring in their response e.g., but at a reduced pace, as other phone and email networks/ more pressing matters assailed blogs, which include not only our chaplaincies. Despite this, the whole church community SGPF has made unexpected but also those beyond. progress as the Covid-19 Crisis encouraged some of the culture • Younger church members changes envisaged by the have offered practical help to initiative, with all church the housebound, e.g., members, lay and clergy, shopping, explaining how to working together as equal use the computer to access partners facing a common online services. challenge.

There have been many other positive experiences, no doubt common to all archdeaconries

• Online worship of various kinds has been enormously creative and meaningful; and has helped people to keep in touch. Some chaplaincies have experienced a boost in attendance sometimes with Location: St Edward’s, Lugano, Pentecost 2020

12 Archdeaconry of Eastern, Germany and Northern Europe Report for June 2020 Diocesan Synod Gathering

By The Venerable Dr Leslie Nathaniel

Picture by: Julia Solonina Location: Berlin, Germany

13 “So the Church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. For example: Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort • In some countries there are now closer of the Holy Spirit, it increased its numbers” working relationships with other churches, Acts 9:31. especially in places where we do not have our own church buildings. This narrative of the early Church continues to hold before us the model for the life and witness • The numerous gatherings of members of of the local church in our day. The book of Acts chaplaincy councils on digital platforms have of the Apostles is often described as proclaiming made business by correspondence easier. the Acts of the Holy Spirit, and in terms of its Concerns and important matters are discussed, content, is also referred to as Acts of the Local and a common mind found, before obtaining Churches. Each congregation in its specific place approvals through correspondence. was growing in faith. The energy that was generated through fellowship, prayer, hearing the • Outreach through services and bible studies via Word and through the breaking of bread, moved digital platforms to those who were the church into action-based initiatives. The physically unable to get to the usual services Church not only grew in numbers and through disability or distance, has found good geographically, it was also growing in spiritual resonance; friends of chaplaincies from other depth which led to the release of enormous local parts of the world are able to link in and be part energy. of a service in their former congregations. The local church in question for this brief report • As chaplaincies across our Diocese come out are the numerous chaplaincies in our Diocese. In of lockdown and churches are free to reopen terms of my report it refers to the two and hold physical services, a few things emerge: archdeaconries I am responsible for. All the many services continue to be livestreamed or chaplaincies are seeking, in a time of change pre-recorded; where physical services are and the enormous challenge of coping with the possible, the chaplaincies adhere to the Bishops Covid-19 crisis, to meet the local needs in an guidance; some increase the capacity of their engaged, creative manner, confident in faith, churches through use of their outdoor premises; expressing the love of Jesus, sharing furthermore, either a pre-registration or a responsibilities, discovering the potential in the ´registration at the door´ option is being used for other and moving forward with our calling to be those wishing to attend physical services. Christ´s witnesses. This is the understanding, that I elicit in all areas of our day to day life and witness, despite these trying times of hygienic guidelines, situations of stress and in some “ We have a lot cases increased relational problems. I would to be thankful for. therefore like to express gratitude for the excellent cooperation and goodwill I have experienced. The diversity of worship material which has been produced is amazing. The • People are indeed returning to church. Many” ability to respond positively and the use of digital have missed the physical gathering. They may platforms (Zoom, Skype, Cisco Webex not yet be able to sing together nor to touch Meetings, GoToMeetings, pre-recorded services, each other while sharing the peace; but as one live streaming etc.) to keep the chaplaincies of my colleagues mentioned, they are returning present and engaged in their local context, has to a beloved sacred space in which the people been an eyeopener. Some who are without a of God have been coming together and praying priest and technical support, have been linking together over the years and in some cases for into online services in other chaplaincies. many centuries. Some of our churches may not be architecturally significant, nor beautiful, but all As our chaplaincies take stock, the silver linings of them have inspired affection and people have that were obscured by the grief of the situation discerned in them a beauty which reflects the they were living through, are emerging. beauty of God.

14 Archdeaconry of France Report for June 2020 Diocesan Synod Gathering

By The Venerable

Picture by: Robin Benzrihem Location: Nice, France

15 Before the Covid-19 Crisis

Prior to the introduction of confinement in France, two areas of challenge and opportunity were already coming into clear view.

First, talking to chaplaincies in Western France south of the Loire, it is becoming evident that there is a discernible shift in the English-speaking population. Many of our chaplaincies in this part of France have served large rural areas, with worship-centres in Roman Catholic churches, serving worshippers who moved to France Since the Covid-19 Crisis (mainly from the UK) several decades ago. Some of these chaplaincies are now facing a testing The impact of confinement in France has had time in terms of resourcing and sustainability. An two broadly contrasting effects on our emerging pattern suggests that the growth in worshipping communities. numbers of English-speakers is happening in the urban centres (e.g. Toulouse, Bordeaux, Poitiers, On the one hand, it has harnessed the existing Angoulême etc). Coupled to this, we have no goodwill, energy and generosity of those who chaplaincy in some university cities that attract worship and who hold office in our chaplaincies. large numbers of international students (e.g. I sensed a real determination to maintain levels Nantes in the West – and, further afield, Reims, of pastoral care and contact, as well as Troyes, Rouen, Dijon etc). This is an aspect of impressive creativity in providing continuing the Diocese’s mission in France that could patterns of worship, prayer and nurture via benefit from a degree of strategic energy and social media and other online platforms. The resourcing – not least to support those range and depth of ministry being offered has chaplaincies that are keen to respond positively been an encouraging and engaging reflection of to these changes. Due to the Reuilly agreement, the spiritual energy and transparent humanity there is energy in the Eglise Protestante Unie de that often underscores the life of the Church of France (The United French Protestant Church) to England in France. explore some of these possibilities with us. On the other hand, the demands of virtual life Second, there is an emerging pattern that in our churches, coupled to longer periods of suggests a period of extended locum ministry in isolation than have been hitherto normal, has some chaplaincies, to bridge the period between left many people feeling tired – if not exhausted. the departure of one permanent chaplain and the With some people having more time on their arrival of a permanent successor, is beneficial – hands, coupled to the ease of electronic both to the chaplaincy and the in-coming communication, there have been some ‘hot chaplain. It is especially helpful to receive the spots’ of time-consuming conflict. For some of ministry of pastorally (and institutionally) our chaplains this has added to the strain of life experienced clergy, who can identify the issues during confinement. As our churches begin to and focus minds locally, as a community is re-open for public worship and other meetings, encouraged to resolve past difficulties and plan a even in limited form, and plans are tentatively more sustainable future. However, attention to made for an emerging future, one question we governance issues (often relating to the legal might usefully discuss is ‘How has the Gospel status of a chaplaincy in France) continues to be been evident in our life together during this challenging in some places. Engaging with our time’? That might be a question for our context of mission and ministry will always chaplaincy councils, if not the Church of England benefit from a good grasp of French. as a whole.

16 Archdeaconry of Gibraltar, Archdeaconry of Italy & Malta Report for June 2020 Diocesan Synod Gathering

By The Revd Canon David Waller

Picture by: Karl Muscat Location: Saint Julian’s, Malta

17 Italy was the first European developments and to gather nation to enter lockdown (9th a picture of how chaplaincies March) with various regional within a diverse body such as governments having instituted an archdeaconry are coping. their own regulations in the These have now moved to preceding weeks. Spain and fortnightly zoom meetings as Portugal followed soon after the lockdown is being lifted. and between them have had some of the highest Two vacancies have been filled reported numbers of Covid-19 use zoom interviews and in cases. Morocco followed suit each case this process seems but a few weeks later still and to have gone well. their lockdown has been among the most restrictive. While the Three further appointment European parts of Gibraltar processes are planned using Archdeaconry will come out of this medium. emergency regulation during Many of these have had June, for Morocco this point is previous links with a chaplaincy One further Chaplaincy in mid-July. but some have been new since vacancy has opted to wait until the beginning of the lockdown. it becomes possible to meet From mid-June Italy has candidates face to face. relaxed entry requirements into There have been several the country. Most of Spain is in accounts of an increased sense Information from our Bishops the last two week phase of the of maintain contact with and Diocesan Officers has been easing of lockdown. congregation members as well received on the whole. The people have used social hardship fund The initial phase of the media more frequently than disbursements and the well lockdown – perhaps the first they might have attended organised and swift process two months – was church. that allowed this to happen characterized by an have also on the whole been enthusiasm amongst clergy to Chaplaincies in vacancy have well received. get to grips with the new been a particular concern in challenges. From this time terms of ongoing support for The annual Synod for Italy & onwards a broad variety of worship, but Church Wardens Malta will occur in September different online worshipping have often also been very as planned but as a zoom patterns have been established creative, either accessing gathering instead of in person, and maintained, from recorded worship for others or providing to take account of proper social or live acts of holy to written prayer time themselves. distancing. This decision was material emailed out. Much of received by some with relief. A this has focused on As the lockdown has continued decision regarding the Gibraltar Sunday provision but there have the need for a sense of Synod, due in February 2021, is been some constant and well resilience among many people still pending. received daily offers as well, has become more open. although inevitably less On an archdeaconry level two Zoom gatherings will be a complicated to produce. weekly zoom gatherings have feature of future church life but been offered. One for clergy there is a fatigue that goes with Online congregations have and one for Wardens and this that affects all of us but often been rather large to begin Officers. Again both have been the clergy as point person in with, decreasing somewhat as well attended at the start but a Chaplaincy. The economy of the lockdown has continued. have reduced in number as the worship provided is a question Notably people from outside lockdown period has extended. for Chaplaincies now with the the previous congregations These ‘opt in’ forums have spectre of increased workload have participated, often from provided a chance to share for those who are called to the UK but also from other ideas, ask for information, provide this alongside worship parts of the world. discuss issues and ‘in person’. 18 Archdeaconry of North-West Europe Report for June 2020 Diocesan Synod Gathering

By The Ven Dr Paul Vrolijk

Location: Anglican Church of Luxembourg

19 Events as a result of the Overall, people have Covid-19 crisis have been responded well. Whether it’s momentous the world over. by looking after those in need When the lockdown started in or by taking on new Belgium, The Netherlands and responsibilities. Church Luxembourg mid-March, it communities have really pulled was a scramble to make the together, also in the sharing of necessary adjustments. Now, ideas and best practices. mid June, we are busy with Regular Zoom meetings with the gradual re-opening of our lay leaders and clergy have churches. Both in the been useful to support one lockdown and in the another. re-opening phase it was and is vital that everyone is kept safe • Communication: Churches The story of the Covid-19 and no one is left behind. have been creative in their crisis is a big one, but the story Obviously this is easier said communication efforts. ’One of God’s love flowing into the than done. Guidelines vary size’ does not fit all. It is world through Jesus and his slightly from country to encouraging to see various followers and friends, is an country, something that is a elderly participants on Zoom. even bigger one. The reality for the Diocese at large. However, it must be noted that lockdown period has been a not everyone has the means steep learning curve in various For North West Europe I would to thrive in the new digital areas, but we give thanks how like to reflect on activities in normal. No-one must be left God’s people have responded four areas: behind! and how God’s grace has been poured out. • Pastoral care: congregations • Finance: there are serious everywhere have tried hard to financial implications of the Chaplaincies large and small stay in touch with Covid-19 crisis: are working hard to adjust to everyone through calls, emails, new realities, but our God is WhatsApp etc. It has been 1. The most vulnerable will the same for ever…. faithful, really encouraging to see how be hit hardest. It is loving, abundant in grace and people have risen to the encouraging that church mercy. challenge. communities are mindful of this and have responded However, rapid adjustments • Worship: people have been well.This will need ongoing take a lot of mental, emotional, quick to adapt. In a matter of attention as financial spiritual and physical energy. days on-line worship was pressures will not go away Therefore I hope that everyone being provide through quickly. will be able to get a good rest YouTube, Zoom, Facebook etc. over the Summer. Coping with This continues to evolve, 2. Chaplaincy income will Covid-19 may well be with us especially as churches now take a hit this year. for quite a while. prepare for a gradual Churches have been re-opening. Many churchesare reminded of the value of working on ways to provide regular giving. Churches Rejoice always, that overly rely on plate “ ‘hybrid worship’ to cope with pray without ceasing, the social distancing giving and events have give thanks in all restrictions on numbers and to discovered how vulnerable serve those who cannot return they are. circumstances; for to church till there is a this is the will of vaccine. 3. Finally, it has been God in Christ wonderful to see how generous chaplaincies have Jesus for you been regarding Common 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ” 20 The challenges that lie ahead

By The Rt Revd Dr Robert Innes

Picture by: Hugues De Buyer Mimeure Location: Lac d’Anterne, Passy, France

21 A gathering of the members of Synod provides opportunity to look back on the year that is past, to recognise what is taking place in the present and also to look forward to the future. For our Chaplaincies: Deconfinement is good news. It enables us to meet physically, to gather in fellowship, to celebrate the eucharist together. But the ‘new normal’ will be different: pre-registering for attendance, social distancing, hygiene regulations, no congregational singing will mean a different experience of church. We won’t have the festivals with packed church buildings for the foreseeable future. We will be church in smaller gatherings.

There are amongst us those who are extremely vulnerable to the virus and who won’t be able to join us physically. It is important they are still included. So it’s likely we’ll be moving from virtual worship to hybrid worship. That means physical church services for those who can Location: Holy Trinity, Brussels attend, but with availability of streamed worship for those who can’t. So we are in the process of submitting a bid to the AllChurches Trust which, if successful, will But here’s the rub. Many of our clergy are expand our communications capacity very already working harder than we would like. significantly. It will enable us to create Online worship can be very demanding to networks for church officers and for youth produce. And the combination of providing both work, it will facilitate the rebuilding of our physical worship and streamed worship risks creaky web site; it will help us respond to the overloading of our people. demand for online lay education. I very much hope this bid will be successful because we So we will have a challenge to manage this badly need more central communications move to hybrid church. I wonder: Can we be resource. smarter at sharing online resources? Is there a way in which deaneries could ensure that there Having said that, over these past months, we is streamed worship available somewhere in have learned much that is good about being a their region but not necessarily in each digital diocese. We have found we can arrange chaplaincy? Over the next few months our meetings on Zoom very quickly. And, to our chaplaincies will be under pressure as we work surprise, we have found that we can do out what the new normal looks and feels like business meetings at least as well by Zoom as and as we keep our congregations together in a we can in person. So we will in future be using period of change. Zoom much more as a diocese. And that will save a great deal of time and money as well as At the level of the diocese, we have for cutting our ecological footprint. some time prioritised communications, safeguarding and archdeacons. Safeguarding remains a priority. Our safeguarding team continues to grow in skill Communications becomes ever more and expertise. Our senior safeguarding staff, crucial for us. We have a good number of along with Bishop David in his role as willing volunteers, but only one paid safeguarding lead, are dealing with a number of Communications Director – and he is only half complex safeguarding investigations, and these time in the role. Invariably this means he are enormously demanding. The routine receives more requests than he can meet. checking of clergy and office holders

22 continues. Amongst our clergy the level of are crucial for supporting clergy wellbeing, completed checks is close to 100% as it should addressing conflict, and developing mission. be. Amongst some lay officers, levels of En passant I re-iterate our thanks to the compliance aren’t so high, but we are working excellent and remarkable Adele Kelham who on that. This coming year we have the added has continued as Archdeacon of Switzerland on challenge of managing Past Case Review 2, a voluntary basis. for which we will bring in specialist reviewers. And a big thank you by the way to all who have I am sure we are all aware that our diocese returned their PCR2 questionnaires ahead of faces significant challenges in regard to the reviews! demographics and inclusion on a number of fronts. Firstly, in common with much of the I want to say something about safeguarding Church of England, we have much more to training. Face to face training has had to stop do in regard to encouraging ministry amongst during the crisis. Indeed, we have furloughed young people. As is often said, you are 10 the member of staff responsible for this. But times more likely to come to church if you are one thing the National Church has learned is 80 than if you are 18. A few of our churches that more of our training could be done online. have thriving ministry amongst children and We now realise that ‘face to face’ doesn’t have young people. But not enough. I would love to to mean physical presence; it can mean Zoom. see youth networks further developed so good In particular, the National Safeguarding Team practice can be encouraged and shared. is developing a Zoom based level C2 training Children are the church of the present as well course. That could be particularly interesting as the church of the future. for our diocese, with big savings on travel time and money as well as widening access to the Secondly, we face a challenge in regard to training. Overall, safeguarding has to remain a women in ministry. I am sorry to say that we priority and that is necessarily costly. have the lowest proportion of women in ministry at incumbent level of any Church of In terms of archdeacons, it is a joy to have England diocese. What is more, from my two full-time freestanding archdeacons in Leslie perspective I observe that women are not and David in post. They bring vast experience thriving in ministry in all parts of the diocese. to their roles and we are very much feeling the So I would like to look into this. Where are we benefits of their appointment. You will know getting it wrong, and what can we do to enable that the diocese has committed itself to gifted women to apply for posts and to thrive funding three full-time freestanding once appointed. archdeacons. We had to defer the appointment of an Archdeacon of France and Switzerland, Over the last few weeks, the Black Lives but that appointing process will now go ahead Matter protests and movement has reminded in October. We know that good archdeacons us all of the scandal of racial prejudice. The who are able to make skilled interventions recent Zoom service gave us all an opportunity

23 We together express our areas of buildings and travel. And I hope more “ corporate thanks for one churches will sign up to the eco-church progamme. another and to God for all that was shared and achieved in But I am quite hopeful about this. Because, 2019, and for the grace that during the Lockdown, we have seen some goes before us in 2020. remarkable changes in behaviour, not just across one or two nations but across much of the planet: behavioural change on a scale that I ” had hardly imagined possible. People to express our solidarity with those from Black, walking and cycling more. People using Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds in our aeroplanes hardly at all. That has been of direct determination to eliminate discrimination on benefit to our ecology, and I’m sure I’m not the grounds of race. only one who has appreciated the improvements in air quality and decrease in The Church of England has made frankly noise. Some of that will go back to the ‘old lamentable progress in fostering minority normal’. But some change will be here to stay. ethnic representation in its synodical structures For example, I’m convinced office staff will and in senior posts. As a diocese, we can, I be working from home more in the future and think, be proud of the progress we have made commuting less. Blended working has arrived. in generating a diverse range of candidates for The kind of behavioural change needed to ordained ministry. But there remains far more address the ecological change is possible, and I to do to encourage minority ethnic ministry hope the church will be in the vanguard of this. and representation. In the first instance, I have asked Archdeacon Leslie Nathaniel to work as a Much of this leads on to a question of money matter of urgency with our BAME reps, Smitha and resources. The Covid crisis has been very and Augustine, to look at our policies and stressful financially for all charities, mission structures in this area and to report to the agencies and churches. Some dioceses have Bishop’s Staff Meeting. only one or two months of cash to pay their clergy. Some dioceses have furloughed dozens The biggest challenge that faces us, the biggest of staff. You may have seen reports in the press challenge that faces the planet, is that of the concerning one diocese that is bringing forward environment. As is often said, to escape the plans to reduce by 60 the number of clergy it virus you can hide away in your home, but employs. there is no escape from catastrophic climate change. Last year the General Synod took a The national church institutions are very aware vote that would have committed us to of these stresses, and In response, the Church becoming a carbon neutral church by 2045. Commissioners are making available a fund of Many people in this diocese lobbied me and £35m across the 42 dioceses of the Church of our synod reps to say that wasn’t ambitious England. Our Cheif Operating Officer is in enough. Their lobbying was successful, and discussions with the Commissioners to look at Synod eventually voted for a net zero carbon our eligibility for a grant or a loan. We are church by 2030. working hard to balance the books or at least keep the deficit manageable. Many of us will That is very ambitious and means the remember Mike Fegan’s ‘Calamity Canyon’. environment now has to be a serious priority Thanks to strong financial planning and the for our diocese, and something to which we generosity of our chaplaincies, the train is still pay much more than lip-service. Those who very much on the rails. But these are difficult voted for a zero carbon church by 2030, times. And a new Financial Plan is going to be including me, will need to change our lifestyles. needed. The Diocesan Secretary has already received a lengthy questionnaire from the national church asking him to explain how our diocese is going to start addressing energy usage, particularly in

24 As featured on our A Day in the Life website of the Diocese during Lockdown

The period during which we have been in seen taken across the Diocese. We also want lockdown due to Coronavirus across the to consider life in the present, as well as Diocese has been demanding and challenging include some reflections on hopes for the for us all. future.

One of the key features of this lockdown period We anticipate producing a video with short has been demonstrated readiness across the video segments, and a large number of photos Diocese to embrace “going digital”. To which, taken together, depict what daily life of remember, record, and reflect on this period the Diocese has been like in these times. in the , and of our Diocese, we’ve decided to commission a video You might instead want to share a written production on the life of the Diocese under piece, and we welcome contributions of up Lockdown resulting from the COVID-19 global to 100 words, so they can be well-presented pandemic. digitally.

Life across all parts of the Diocese will be If you have a contribution already, please email represented in the video. We’re looking to it to our Diocesan Communications inbox at cover three main areas: [email protected].

• Prayer and worship Please get those phones and cameras at the ready! • Supporting and caring for each other • Living everyday life We’d like to receive all contributions by Wednesday, 8 July (tell us which chaplaincy Here are a few, illustrative examples of what you're from in your email) and we will then you might think about offering: produce and release the video for the Diocese.

• Prayer groups meeting virtually • a daily meditation, or excerpts from Sunday services • Talking about talking and connecting with each other during times of physical • distancing • The activities that have sustained and • nourished, what you have missed, not missed, or what you’re looking forward to doing again now that lockdown is easing. • We’re looking for contributions that look back on the period since mid-March, and you may have footage and contributions to share already from the many videos and photos we have

25 Tips on how to film a good quality video

Filming • Use an iPhone or other good quality camera • Use a tripod, get someone to hold the camera steady or rest the camera on something stable • Use the back camera of your phone, rather than the front camera because it is better quality • Position the camera landscape • Place the camera in front of a window so you are well lit and visible. See below example as to why this is important

Camera positioning Facing behind Facing in front window window • Ensure the background is clear, not messy and free from any confidential items or documents • Position the camera so that your shoulders, head and arms are in the shot. See above • example. This is not only for the quality of the video but also to ensure the audio can be picked up clearly • Pause for 5 seconds before AND after you start speaking/ start or end the recording • If someone is recording the video for you, ensure they are not covering the mic • Don’t worry if you make a mistake in a sentence. Just pause, and say the full sentence again • Be open, talkative and informal. People like videos that are reassuring, encouraging and • portray ‘real life’. Sending a video

• If you have filmed your video on a • click ‘transfer.’ (it will come up with a wheel smart phone counting the % that it has uploaded • Download the ‘We Transfer’ app or visit • Once the wheel reaches 100%, that’s it! • www.wetransfer.com • Click ‘send a file’ and choose your video • If you have filmed it on a camera • Once it has been added, follow the • Transfer your video file onto your computer • directions on your screen. (usually can be done with a USB cable or • Click next > send an email > in the ‘email to’ • Apple Mac users can put the memory card box: directly into the computer) • [email protected] • Visit www.wetransfer.com and follow steps followed by adding your email address in the to the left. ‘your email’ box. 26