<<

THE E u r o p e a n A n g l i c a n

C a n t e r b u r y C o n s e c r a t i o n A p p l a u s e F o r O u r N e w B i s h o p

M o r e T h a n A S i n g l e T o p i c G e n e r a l S y n o d R e p o r t

P r i e s t l y T r i o O r d i n a t i o n s I n C o l o g n e

A G r i m M em o r i a l A u t u m n 1 9 1 4 R emem b e r e d

S w i s s S k i S e r v i c e 1 5 0 Y e a r s W i t n e s s

.anglican.org No.63 AUTUMN 2014 2 CONSECRATION IN CANTERBURY

THE E u r o p e a n E u r o p e a n , E c u me n i c a l a n d E n c o u r a g i n g A n g l i c a n B i s h o p R o b e r t ’s

The of in Europe The Rt Rev F i r s t St e p s The in Europe The Rt Rev Postal address: Diocesan Office Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1160 Email: [email protected] The Diocesan Office 14 Tufton Street, London, SW1P 3QZ Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1155 Fax: +44 (0) 207 898 1166 Email: [email protected] Diocesan Secretary Mr Adrian Mumford Appointments Secretary Miss Catherine Jackson Finance Secretary Mr Nick Wraight­ Diocesan Website www.europe.anglican.org Editor and Diocesan Communications Officer The Rev Paul Needle and boys voices together, and with the Postal address: Diocesan Office backing of trumpeters they did justice to Email: the old German hymn Praise to the Lord, [email protected] the Almighty, the King of creation. Tel: +44 (0)7712 463806 The introduction to the service was Friends of the printed in French as well as English, Secretary: Rev Canon Arthur Siddall lessons were read in German and Email: It started with a fanfare and ended [email protected] Dutch and the Lord’s Prayer was said with spontaneous applause in a multitude of native . Rev Design “It’s the sort of thing the Church of Augustine Nwaekwe, Priest-in-Charge of Adept Design, Norwich does well” was a comment after Ostend in Belgium but formerly at Holy Printer the consecration of Rt Rev Robert Innes Trinity, Brussels, served as deacon – a task Colchester Print Group, Attleborough as Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe in a two he described as a “high and unexpected Distribution hour service at Canterbury Cathedral honour”. Others taking part included CoDEStorm plc on 20th July. And it certainly was – well Katharina von Schnurbein, Advisor to the planned and choreographed and reflecting President of the European Commission the uniqueness of the diocese. Visitors and Monseigneur Johan Bonny, the had travelled across the diocese and from Roman Catholic Bishop of Antwerp in further afield for the occasion. the presence of senior representatives of A series of processions emerged from other churches with whom the diocese is the cloisters and moved to the West in partnership. door of the Cathedral shortly before Suffragan Bishop David Hamid and the service. Robes of and the stood each side of visiting clergy and diocesan dignitaries the new diocesan to present him to the Front cover picture: blew in the breeze which also flapped Archbishop and commend him for the Joyful singing as the choir of Canterbury the otherwise unruffled wigs of the office. Bishop Robert then made his vows Cathedral process at the start of Bishop Chancellor and Registrar. The Cathedral and commitments before he was ordained Robert’s consecration service in July. choir was 60 strong, augmented for the by the company of bishops. You can find the choir in a different setting on page 8 of this edition! first time with the combination of girls He was presented with a Bible APPLAUSE GREETS BISHOP ROBERT 3

E u r o p e a n , E c u me n i c a l a n d E n c o u r a g i n g Th e C h u r c h i n E u r o p e An excerpt from the ’s B i s h o p R o b e r t ’s sermon at Bishop Robert’s consecration The history of the Diocese of Europe has witnessed to an important element in the tradition of the . While seeking the health and F i r s t St e p s coherence of the whole of society we are averse to aggressive proselytism among Christians of other confessions. In most places in Continental Europe we are small minority and are glad to be in partnership with other Christians. We are grateful for the welcome presence of Katharina von Schnurbein and Bishop Bonny of Antwerp who symbolise this partnership. There is more than enough work for us all to do. But while the continues to offer a Chaplaincy to expatriates as it has done for hundreds of years, there are new missionary opportunities as the face of the Christian community in our changes radically. At Holy Trinity Brussels, for example, the congregation comes from at least 30 different countries ranging from diplomats to refugees. About 30% are from . The description of the challenges confronting the new bishop rightly emphasises the need “to explore and develop a fresh vision for numerical growth, mission and witness”. Our friends are possibly aware of a degree of Euro-scepticism in political circles in this country. The Church can hardly claim a special expertise in the detailed operation of the but we are part of Europe geographically and culturally and we rejoice in our partnership with fellow Christians in serving our continent. Europe as a concept may seem very old. The Greek 2 euro piece very appropriately bears the image of astride the bull, the disguise adopted by Zeus to seduce the maiden. But Europa in the myth had a and, after everyone had shared in Phoenician father, some say he was the King of Tyre and the place whither Communion, at the end of the service she was borne by her divine lover was Crete. By the time of the Homeric he was presented with his pastoral staff – Hymns, the term “Europe” was used only for Central Greece. “Europe” a sign of his new commitment. like Proteus has continually changed its shape and character. We should The occasion offered some extra recognise how new Europe is in its present form after the cataclysms of the interest to a BBC television crew years 1914-1989. Thomas Masaryk described the Europe of these years who are working on a three part as “a laboratory atop a vast graveyard”. Our present situation is not the documentary on the life of the result of any historical inevitabilities but just one of the possible outcomes, Cathedral, to be aired later this year and and thanks to American help one of the more fortunate outcomes of the which is likely to draw attention to the protracted 20th century European civil war. Diocese in Europe. Our task, it seems to me, is not to attempt to find a European identity At the end of the service, the organ in any common mediaeval past but to be active partners in identifying strains of Widor’s Toccata were drowned and asserting the resources of the Christian faith as a foundation for the by spontaneous applause as Bishop common values and principles of this new Europe. The bishop’s role is Robert processed out of the building, crucial. He is a knot in a net which extends throughout the whole newly ordained and commissioned to and which connects the apostles, those who first ventured out into the serve this unique and fast growing part deep to let down their nets for a catch with our own time. As bishops our of the Church of England. He will talents may not be as outstanding as many of those who play other parts be inducted in the Cathedral of the in Christian music making but our role is to keep the orchestra and the Holy Trinity in Gibraltar in September chorus faithful to the score and to balance the whole, so that together we with other services of welcome in the can make a glorious symphony. pro-cathedrals of Malta and Brussels My last word is to Robert himself with great affection and confidence. during the Autumn. He takes with him If I have learnt anything after well over twenty years of episcopal service the commission of the Archbishop of it is that the bishop must always be first and foremost a disciple with the Canterbury to “Keep watch over the beginner’s mind. As responsibilities increase so must the commitment to whole flock in which the Holy Spirit has prayer. As it says in Acts 20, we must keep watch over ourselves and then appointed you shepherd. Encourage the we shall be equipped to keep watch over all the flock of which the Holy faithful, restore the lost and build up the Spirit has made us an overseer. May God bless you richly, my brother, in body of Christ.” this new ministry. 4 READERS AROUND THE DIOCESE

Tr a v e l Tr i a l s Te a c h a R e a d e r Pat i e n c e Nigel Spencer, who serves as a Reader in the Anglican Church, Basel in Switzerland is pictured in his “Lawrence of Arabia” outfit as he learns valuable lessons about patience. He writes; “I am currently stuck in Northern by a car breakdown (an overheated engine on our Pajero caused by a failed thermostat), almost 4,000km from our home close to Basle. “This is a ministry trip in connection with my role R e a d e r s G e t E v e r y w h e r e – as Director for Eurasia with TeachBeyond, an E v e n at Sy n o d ! international Christian NGO involved in transformational education projects in around 40 countries worldwide. My It is good to see our Readers getting involved in diocesan travelling companion and I expect to be moving again in life at every level. During the busy days of Diocesan Synod 2-3 days and will proceed to Tbilisi in Georgia and then to in Cologne this year they took time out to chat to Canon in before the long drive home. Ulla Monberg, Director of Training. Note, too, that “The photo shows me Madeleine Holmes (on the left) also represents the diocese wearing my evaporating on General Synod as well as serving as a Reader in the cooling system (cotton scarf Aquitaine in France. soaked in cold water), which we adopted after the air conditioning quit with the Pajero overheating at the thermometer showing 40ºC outside! God’s ways are often not our ways.”

Q ua l i t y C h u r c h F u r n i t u r e f r o m R o s e h i l l For over 30 years Rosehill have supplied durable, well- crafted furniture to thousands of churches across Europe. Our philosophy is to provide customers with greater choice, quality and service at the best possible price. Our wooden furniture is manufactured using recyclable materials with timber sourced from managed forests, F lo r e n c e R e a d e r a d d s blending style and strength with sustainability. Our products can now be purchased on our new t h e A r t i s t ’s To u c h website www.rosehillfurniture.co.uk. For European delivery information please email your requirements to St Mark’s church in Florence, a city renowned for its artists, [email protected] has welcomed Maria Makepeace – a Painter in Residence – Rosehill products are made-to-order, for advice, fabric as a Reader. Maria hails from the North East of England and swatches or product details, please contact our helpful sales her art and paintings both of England and other European team today on 0161 485 1717. Countries are much admired. With an academic background in Art Design and History, and her work as a graphic designer and magazine illustrator, ROSEHILL FURNITURE GROUP Maria has exhibited throughout Northern England and . Europe’s leading church furniture supplier for over 30 years With a large number of ecclesiastical commissions, her work most notably contains historical or religious themes in pen To request a quote or brochure, contact our and ink, watercolour, acrylics or mixed media She was also sales team on 0161 485 1717 alternatively email Artist in Residence at Cranmer Hall, Durham University, [email protected] and trained as a Reader in Britain before moving to Italy. Buy online today - www.rosehillfurniture.co.uk Canon William Lister, from St Mark’s, Florence says Maria was formally licensed on Trinity Sunday where she We’re social too…. Worldwide Delivery preached an inspiring sermon which combined the themes of @Rosehill_Group Available Tuscany, Celtic Saints and the Doctrine of the Holy Trinity! ONLY BY GOD’S GRACE 5 AND POWER

Th r ee N e w P r i e s t s O r d a i n e d i n C o l o g n e

Three clergy were ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop David in June, at All Saints Cologne, Germany. Rev Richard Gardiner and Rev Matthias are serving as Assistant Curates in Bonn and Cologne. Rev Doreen Cage travelled from Southern for the ordination. She serves as Assistant Curate in St George’s church, Málaga.

D o r ee n Wr i t e s I simply love the story of Jesus meeting the disciples for breakfast on the beach after It’s been an interesting year with many his resurrection. He asks Peter if he loves ‘ups’ and some ‘downs’ but always such a him, not just once but 3 times. A few days privilege to Deacon at the alter and preach earlier 3 times Peter had denied Him and regularly. I believe that as the year has had often been headstrong and impulsive. passed I’ve grown into my calling as I now Jesus had called him some years before eagerly await priesting, then presiding at to follow him and fish for people. Once my first Mass on July 6th. Jesus calls he never lets you go despite the I was 16 when I felt called to the The preacher was Canon mishaps, the misleading twists and turns. William Gulliford, the Priesthood but that was such a ‘no-no’ Director of Ordinands, time. I was then never in the right place His hand has been on me all the time, who had worked with at the right time when Women Priests just as his calling remained with Peter the candidates for ‘happened’. But now it’s happening for me, throughout his ups and downs. Praise Him several years, as their 47 years after that initial calling!! and rejoice with me!! vocation was discerned and they were trained and prepared. He also led their pre-ordination R i c h a r d R ef l e c t s o n t h e C u l m i n at i o n retreat. o f a L i fe -Lo n g J o u r n e y Returning to serve in my home chaplaincy, in Cologne as well as having the pleasure where I have been a member for more than and privilege of preparing two young Bish o p David 30 years, makes my background a little children and their families for Baptism, then R ec all s unusual; otherwise my road to ordination is leading the Baptism service and welcoming typical for our diocese. them into the family of God. “At the heart of the Getting together for ongoing study is I have initiated a regular Evening Prayer ordination rite, just prior quite difficult. Two residential sessions service on Friday evenings, followed by an to the ordination prayer this year with interesting and helpful hour long Bible Study where we take the and laying on of hands, is content also provided an opportunity opportunity to look at next Sunday’s Gospel the solemn invocation of for joint reflection and study as well as reading. This has been well received with a the Holy Spirit. Richard, in establishing relationships with fellow good mixture of people attending and the Matthias and Doreen ordinands. Elsewhere a large part of my format allows those who can only come chose to lie prostrate for continuing theological study has been occasionally to still fully participate and this part of the liturgy, to individual and consisted mostly of reading. share. be reminded that they are Since my ordination to the deaconate I’ve I cannot begin to explain how incredibly completely dependent upon continued with the pastoral responsibilities humbled and privileged I feel to have been God for their ministry, that I had previously as Reader in the called to serve God in this ministry. I feel as the ordinal says ‘you chaplaincy (leading services of the absolutely at home in my role and have an cannot bear the weight of word, administering the chalice, leading increased sense of confidence that, with this calling in your own intercessions, preaching and visiting) but God’s help, I will continue to be faithful in strength, but only by the with the additional responsibilities of fulfilling my calling to serve both Him and grace and power of God.’” deaconing at the Sunday Eucharist service all those whom he calls me to serve.

Pictures by Reiner Knudsen 6 FIVE JULY DAYS IN YORK

G e n e r a l S y n o d – M o r e Th a n W o me n B i s h o p s

Newspaper readers and television viewers in July might have imagined that the Church of England’s General Synod spent five days in the abnormally warm weather discussing whether women should be allowed to be ordained bishops. The debates were passionate yet compassionate and the heat generally stayed outdoors! A number of other motions, debates and decisions affect the life and work of the Diocese in Europe. Our four representatives offer their thoughts on the big issue and other memories of the Synod held at the University of York.

team of conversation facilitators of General Synod and then went CANON DEBBIE FLACH for the July synod last year and all to the Ecclesiastical Committee of ANALYSES THE WOMEN members took part in small groups the Houses of Parliament where BISHOP’S DEBATE FROM HER PERSONAL to talk and listen to each other. the legislation will be considered. EXPERIENCE The Steering Committee was one Subject to Parliamentary approval of the largest ever and comprised the Measure will return to General Although the vote in November 2012 people from across the spectrum Synod in November where it will not to admit women to the episcopate of opinions facilitated by the team. come into force after its legal formal The legislation approved includes a announcement. The first after many years of debate was at the House of Bishops declaration, with bishop is likely to be appointed at the time a crushing blow to supporters five guiding principles and a disputes end of this year or early 2015. of women’s ministry, most of us now resolution procedure. The most As someone who joined the believe that the new legislation is obvious difference was in the tenor Movement for the Ordination better. It is simple and clear, it includes of the debate itself on Monday, calm, of Women in 1980, it was a very provision for those unable to accept reflective and sometimes surprising emotional moment as well as huge the oversight of a female bishop unlike and moving. sense of relief. I still have difficulty the legislation 20 years ago when an The vote itself was carried by believing it has finally happened and I Act of Synod was passed afterwards. the required two-thirds majority in am far from the only one! It allows a framework within which each of the House of Bishops, the Our diocese already models we and above all God’s mission can House of Clergy and the House of working well together whatever our flourish. Laity. The next step was carried out opinions and your diocesan General In the past 18 months, the same evening when the Measure Synod team are confident we will Archbishop Justin put in place a moved to the Legislative Committee continue to do so.

energy can now be redirected into whatever their individual views on LAY CANON ANN witnessing to Jesus Christ in our local this particular issue, faith and belief TURNER TOOK A communities and the world at large. DIFFERENT VIEW ON are deeply embedded and difficult to WOMEN BISHOPS. This is surely a positive outcome. enshrine in law. That has been the HER THOUGHTS The legislation that was passed problem, but we are where we are and REFLECT THE by synod is much better than that must now trust that this legislation DIVERSITY IN SYNOD proposed in 2012 but falls short of and its practical out-workings will AS MEMBERS TRIED ideal, I think for everyone. We now provide for all of Christ’s followers, TO FIND COMMON have a Measure that will be supported men, women and children, whatever GROUND by the House of Bishops’ Declaration their tradition. and a Resolution of Disputes Procedure The approval of the Measure to made under Canon that will, I pray, Yes, deep down I am concerned consecrate women to the episcopate allow me and many, many more like me and I was upset but I am now prepared brings to an end decades of debate and to flourish in the life and structure of to put my trust in what has been uncertainty for people like myself: the Church of England and ensure the achieved by the prayer, discussions I don’t like labels but most would catholic tradition can be maintained in and hard work of many. None of us describe me as a traditional catholic those parishes that desire it. after all must lose sight of the fact that within the Church of England. One This is all so legalistic – for me and we are working for the good of God’s thing is certain for all of us; our many of the readers of this reflection kingdom. THROUGH FOUR 7 PAIRS OF EYES

I felt that an opportunity was missed camps. It serves as a stark reminder. REV BRIAN LLEWELLYN to see the bigger picture. Speaker after Of course, the common good is down WRITES ABOUT HIS speaker stood to tell us of the great every street but we need to note FIRST SYNOD AFTER A things their church were organising. RECENT CLERGY the growth in the number of people So we did micro and not macro. BY-ELECTION disaffected by events in Europe, and Europe, perhaps, gives a broader susceptible to people not disposed perspective. I stood in vain to catch towards the common good. Although the attention quite rightly the chair’s eye. With my ecumenical The other debate concerned focussed on the ‘Women Bishops’ colleagues I visited the recently the ‘Armed Forces Covenant’: I debates, which were truly historic, opened Kazerne Dossin – Memorial, two other significant debates in which Museum and Documentation Centre went prepared to speak, expecting I had an interest have gone largely on Holocaust and Rights in opposition, but I need not have unremarked. Mechelen, Flanders, Belgium, and its worried. Armed Service members, and The first was the ‘Common Good’ memorial to the 25,484 Jews and 352 others spoke eloquently in support, debate. It would be difficult to vote Romany men, women and children and the result was overwhelming. against the ‘Common Good’, and yet taken from there to the concentration What a Synod to cut one’s teeth on!

once more the way we live and how I strongly recommend his book. MADELEINE HOLMES, DIOCESAN we, the church can begin to influence In The Guardian newspaper a few ENVIRONMENT the world, even politicians, to work days later was a report on the work of OFFICER, ECHOES for the good of the people and not seeking the poor and being active for SOME OF BRIAN’S for power and themselves. After the the Common Good in York. York has CONCERNS debate we spent time in groups to look an affluent image but hides hardship at these questions to discuss and share caused by low pay, high rents and “Finding common ground for the how we can be active. ‘ruinous’ credit that a local campaign Common Good” was the theme for our guest speaker at General Synod, • How does your personal Christian is trying to stamp out. Their aim is Jim Wallis who also preached on the faith and witness contribute to this to become the first poverty-free city. Sunday Morning in the Eucharist at aspect of the Common Good? Together, the council, local businesses, York Minster. Mr Wallis has written • How does your local church and charities and faith groups have had many books and he calls himself a community contribute to this their own poverty-free campaign for public theologian. aspect of the Common Good? a year. In a world which has become very • How can the Church of England However, all communities have self centred, Mr Wallis’s book is a and the General Synod contribute to work to spread the aim, in order summons to a deeper conversation, to this aspect of the Common to have an effect on national policy to bridge-building commitments to Good? changes because often the work for the common good and to a family • How might these contributions add The Common Good is hampered life that grounds active faith in a collectively to political awareness by these. Jim’s message is that we common, caring community. His talk and engagement in the run-up to can, together, change the world.... followed by a debate was to kick start the General Election 2015? Something I believe and love to hear!

other 41 and this will give ministry to the needy, and in the time ANN TURNER, us 3 members from each house. The available, reminding synod we are WHO ALSO CHAIRED number of members for the other not simply a diocese of rich expats – SOME SYNOD DEBATES ALSO dioceses has always been directly an opinion that is difficult to dispel REFLECTS ON A LEGAL related to the electoral roll figures of despite our continuing best efforts. CHANGE WHICH each diocese but ours had, for 33 years, The also spoke WILL BENEFIT THE been limited by our constitution. in the debate after us and was forceful DIOCESE This amendment did not go in his support of both our diocese through without debate as some and the change to our numbers. His Since the inauguration of our Diocese thought our number of members speech with ours was sufficient. Synod in 1980 two members elected by should remain as it was – the total voted overwhelmingly to accept the the clergy and two by the laity have members of G.S. was not set to change amendment and increase our numbers represented us at General Synod meaning another diocese would lose a to three in each house from the next (G.S.). This rule was made by G.S. member. quinquennium. when the diocese came into being in Canon Debbie Flach and I were The challenge now is for you to its current form. quickly on our feet when we heard the think carefully about standing for These numbers are set to change. objections and were called to speak. election in 2015. There is much work At York an amendment was passed We defended the change using words to be done for the diocese, perhaps to bring us more in line with the like growth, migrant populations, you can play a role.

Pictures by Keith Blundy 8 DIOCESAN NEWS FROM FRANCE, DENMARK AND THE NETHERLANDS NE WS g allERY pi c tur E S a nd s to r iE S FRO M Euro pE. a ngli c a n.o rg

O L o r d O p e n O u r L i p s The Roman Catholic cathedral in Lille, Northern France, hosted an Anglican Evensong during the S h a r i n g i n t h e S o u t h O f F r a n c e Summer when a congregation of 500 people shared the service led by the Dani Carew writes; “In St Paul’s Monaco we are in the process of reviving the choir of Canterbury Cathedral. It is ACR, (Anglican Churches of the Riviera) which brings together the clergy and an initiative that is due to be repeated laity from the various churches along this South of France coastline, from and strengthen cross channel and Marseille to Menton, including the Big Three, Cannes, Nice and Monaco. denominational links. “Planned activities range from a joint Advent Evensong, meetings during the year, and our Ascension Day Celebration with worship and bring and share lunch hosted by Rev Peter Massey of the Chaplaincy of Lorgues with Fayence which proved a great success. “For its part Monaco is distributing its weekly newsletter to the ACR and will send out invitations to their Annual Charity Monopoly competition, which is always in aid of the Bishop’s Advent appeal. Pictured here are the clergy on one of their regular lunch meetings.”

Th e Wr i t i n g ’s o n t h e Wa l l f o r C h a p l a i n ’s N e w R o l e As Rev Dr Alja Tollefsen was licensed as Chaplain for Twente at St Mary’s Weldam in the East Netherlands N o a h ’s A r k by Canon Meurig Williams, Acting Archdeacon for North West Europe, A craftsman’s ingenuity was she had a biblical encouragement in apparent when Noah’s Ark – a Dutch on the wall above her; “Come to Christian teaching vessel – moored me, all you who are weary and carry in Copenhagen, Denmark. Now we heavy burdens and I will give you rest” know how the giraffes took up more Matthew 11:28. than one storey! Picture by Lub Gringhuis

G E T t h E l at E s t NE w s Fir s t o n o W Ebs i t E o r t w i t t ER FROM SPAIN, TURKEY 9 AND SWITZERLAND NE WS g allERY pi c tur E S a nd s to r iE S FRO M Euro pE. a ngli c a n.o rg

Th e L o n g G o o d b y e Pa n o r a m a When Rev Christopher Scargill led his last service at St Peter and St Paul’s, Torrevieja, in Southern Spain, before moving to a parish in Britain more than a hundred members of the Chaplaincy congregations wished him well. Among their farewell gifts was a panoramic painting to remind them of the parish where Chris had served for 5 years. His wife Sara has taken her share of the picture watched by their son Rob.

C h r i s t m a s i n J u n e i n A n k a r a Three days after the Feast of the Ascension, in the Turkish city of Ankara a bi-lingual nativity play marked the Feast of the Visitation. Olivia Bishop played Elizabeth and Sadef Abdolvand was Mary. Since neither Olivia speaks Farsi nor Sadef English, the drama which replaced the Gospel and sermon moved seamlessly between their two languages.

S i x C h u r c h e s , Church dipped the paschal candle three times into the water and a Lutheran F o u r L a n g ua g e s minister sprinkled the congregation – O n e Ba p t i s m from the font. 100 people met in the church of Riva Prayers were said in the four national San Vitale near Lugano, the oldest languages. The text of the San Vitale Christian building in Switzerland for a Declaration was read out and then special service where leaders of the six formally signed by representatives of churches signed a new agreement on the Roman Catholic, Old Catholic, the mutual recognition of baptism. Swiss Reformed, Methodist, Lutheran The service started in the fifth-century and Anglican churches. Representatives baptistery and everyone squeezed of the Orthodox, Baptist churches and around the massive font, over two the Salvation Army had taken part metres in diameter and carved from a in the discussions on the declaration single piece of rock weighing over six and supported it in principle. The tonnes. The font is still in use today, declaration affirms the importance of although they place a smaller bowl baptism as initiation into the Christian inside it! Pastor Gottfreid Locher, faith and recognises that the rite can President of the Swiss Reformed be validly administered in a variety of Federation ceremonially filled the ways. It also confirms that people do bowl at the start of the service. Bishop not need to be baptised again if they Harald Rein of the Old Catholic move from one church to another.

G E T t h E l at E s t NE w s Fir s t o n o ur W Ebs i t E o r t w i t t ER 10 LA VIE EN 1914

C eme t e r y P i l g r i m a g e R e v e a l s S e c r e t s f r o m Pa r i s 1 Ye a r s A g o

1914 field hospital

There were also requiems for the war dead. At the time St George’s clergy were chaplains at the British Hertford Hospital and services were Canon Matthew Harrison from St George’s, Paris tells taken there for wounded servicemen. of a personal pilgrimage to a cemetery on the outskirts Temporary military hospitals were set up in the Majestic Hotel on avenue of the French capital to discover more about the events Kléber, very close to St George’s and of Autumn 1914 and try to make sense of them. at the Astoria Hotel on the Champs- Elysées and priests from St George’s Both my grandfathers served in in time of war’, as he was to do took services at both of them. But it the First War. They both joined regularly thereafter for the duration. is hard to get an impression from the up in 1914 – one went to serve in We have his intercession book for registers about what daily life was like the campaign in until those masses divided up into sections in the capital or the atmosphere in the invalided out, and the other to serve with lists and lists of names: those church. Certainly the church entered in France and Belgium until he on active service; the wounded; the this traumatic period in very good was wounded at the Third Battle missing; those taken prisoner; and heart: on Easter Day 1914 there were of Ypres in October 1917, where he the dead. The names include thirteen 713 communions: 90 at 6.30 am, 194 won the military medal. I also have ex-servers from St George’s as well at 7.30, 280 at 8.30 and 149 at the a great-uncle buried near Epernay, as ex-choristers and members of the 11.30 High Mass – and Fr Cardew who was killed in the Second Battle scout troop. Fr Cardew’s own son, a had at least two curates. By Easter of the Marne in spring 1918: he was soldier at the front, was captured by 1915 total numbers had fallen to 288. awarded a posthumous Croix de the Germans and later interned. The Other accounts record the rush Guerre book of names was laid on the altar of expatriates across Europe in Thinking about them made me during the celebrations of mass ‘in 1914, trying to get back to their turn to the St George’s archives. Of time of war’. own countries and the increasing course, Paris was never occupied shortages in the French capital, during the Great War – though especially of heating coal and some the German lines got perilously foodstuffs. Many native Parisians, close during the First Battle of the possibly half a million, left the city Marne in early September 1914, going south especially in September when 400 Parisian taxis famously 1914 when the lines got close and took reinforcements to the line just the government itself decamped east of Paris. St George’s archives to Bordeaux. Meanwhile refugees consist of service registers and they arrived in large numbers from are not chatty documents. On the northern, occupied France and from 4th August, the day Britain declared Belgium. Soldiers and a great variety war, Fr Cardew celebrated a ‘mass French front 1914 of military activity was clearly visible ST GEORGE’S PARIS IN ONE 11

C eme t e r y P i l g r i m a g e R e v e a l s S e c r e t s f r o m Pa r i s 1 Ye a r s A g o

in the capital: the Grand Palais became a barracks and a military hospital for thousands and the Hotel George V was taken over by the French army. Taxis, buses and horses were requisitioned. The only left was the métro, but that was unbearably crowded. Public buildings were closed. Columns of volunteers were marched off from Les Invalides, young men practised military drill while troops made camp in the city. British soldiers off to war 1914 Paris was declared to be in a state of siege on August 2nd and a military governor appointed to run of service personnel to the effort was it. There were still memories of the around six million. last siege, against Bismarck’s Prussians There were casualties also in 1870/1, and the terrible shortages amongst the British, which is what of food that, in the end, forced a led me to Bagneux cemetery. We surrender; so in 1914 herds of cattle have a venerable burial register at St and sheep were driven into public George’s, begun in 1884 and still in parks, and reserves of flour and other use: it has space for 3,200 entries so dry goods brought up the river by it will be going for another couple barge. Of course, for those at the of centuries. In the records for 1914 Horror in the trenches front Paris, despite the disruptions there are a whole series of soldiers’ and menace, must have seemed like a burials by St George’s clergy from of their ages, which I have just now dreamlike place to be. the first months of the war. On one written into the register, almost a I am ashamed to say I was not day in September 1914 there were hundred years later: 22, 25 and 34. aware of one aspect of the war until three on a single day, all of them We will have the duty of recently – the relatively modest wounded British soldiers, who had commemoration this coming contribution of the British land forces died at the Majestic Hotel auxiliary year. But also the duty to try to in 1914. Britain entered the war military hospital. Strangely, I suppose comprehend, to understand. There with a historic concentration on its because of the chaos at the time, are many questions and complexities, navy (by far the biggest in Europe the register gave no mention of about the cause of the conflict; about which ensured mastery of the their ages. So I went to find them. what was swept away in its wake; throughout) but with a relatively I needed the help of the cemetery about how it influenced patterns small army and no conscription. office to track down the plot of of faith and the texture of society. So, in 1914 France had mobilised British and Commonwealth graves But also about how it was lived. At 3.8 million men: the British from 1914. There are only 34 such St George’s and in our Diocese in Expeditionary Force numbered about graves at Bagneux. Later on into the Europe we have a particular vantage 270,000, apparently. And by the end war some other system must have point and responsibility, living as we of 1914, 329,000 French soldiers had come into operation as the graves do so close to what was the cockpit already been killed: the French army are all from the autumn of 1914. But of that terrible struggle. having suffered what would be its the three servicemen were there. most lethal day of the entire war. And I said prayers for them and for Things would develop rapidly, of us all, standing where one of my IN OUR DECEMBER EDITION course, during the course of the war: predecessors must have stood on that Rev Matthew Jones from Hamburg visits by 1918 the total British contribution day in September; and I made a note Gallipoli with its memories of 1914

Pictures by kind permission of Paul Reed www.greatwarphotos.com 12 BENEFITS FROM ANGLICAN THEOLOGY

Anglic an Theology is part of our Ministry too!

geographical areas of Belgium and especially interesting city to study our the Netherlands. It has concentrated particular Christian tradition. ETF on five areas: strategy; translation Leuven has a thriving exchange link of liturgy; ecumenical mission; with Cranmer Hall Durham. resourcing mission; and theological More recently, the Free University education – recognising the desire of Amsterdam (known as “VU”) in the local academic world for has authorised the launch of an Anglicans to be represented. Anglican component in three Jack McDonald’s appointment as streams of its MTh course. The Canon Theologian at Holy Trinity VU has been rapidly expanding its Brussels and chaplain to St Martha theology faculty, and now has faculty and St Mary Leuven in 2011 provided members from a number churches: the local expertise to develop various stripes of Reformed church, this. Jack is professor and head of Pentecostals, Baptists and Orthodox. history in the Faculteit Protestantse ‘Exploring a Discipline’ allows Canons Mark Collinson Godgeleerdheid, Brussels and visiting students free range in defining what from Amsterdam and Jack professor in KU Leuven, the ancient aspects of Anglicanism they wish to McDonald from Leuven report Catholic University of Louvain which study under the guidance of their has one of the largest theological supervisor. The ‘Leadership’ stream on an education initiative in libraries in the world. They have focuses on Anglican doctrines of the Benelux countries approved the launch of two master’s church order. ‘Spiritual Care’ studies courses, the first, at MA level, is an how Anglicans conduct pastoral Two preconceptions we wrestle introduction to Anglicanism required caring ministry. It is a combination of with in our diocese are the beliefs to train teachers of Anglican RE in theory, taught by Professors Peter- that Anglicanism overlaps with the Flemish schools (which preserve a Ben Smit and Jack McDonald, and Commonwealth and (even more Napoleonic system of confessional RE practical placements in Anglican untrue) that when English-speaking supported by the State); the other, at chaplaincies and missions in the white Anglo-Saxons are removed MTh level, is a more detailed study Netherlands (such as at Schiphol from the Anglican equation there of Anglican theology from Richard Airport, Mission to Seafarers, and Spe is nothing and no one left. The Hooker to Rowan Williams for future Gaudentes in the Red Light District Diocese in Europe Strategic Review professional, mainly RC, theologians. of Amsterdam). Peter-Ben Smit is Group Report of 2011 shows that, KU Leuven also signed a formal link assistant priest of the Old Catholic for example, only 45% of regular with Cuddesdon for PhD students in Church in Amsterdam as well as worshippers in our diocese are 2012. professor of New Testament at VU from the UK, and that in Benelux Also in Leuven is the Evangelische and his friendly encouragement has (Belgium, The Netherlands and Theologische Faculteit Leuven, which underlined our common Anglican Luxembourg) only 70% of our has just acquired the Lytle Library mission with Old Catholics. regular worshippers speak English from the estate of a professor at the Belgium and the Netherlands as their mother tongue. Local University of the South, Sewanee. have their divisions: of expressions of Anglican faith and This collection of 14,000 books (French and Dutch), and theology thought can be seen in European on Anglicanism makes Leuven an (RC and Reformed). Theologians universities with eleven Anglican in these countries are intrigued by professors or professors teaching Anglicans who are united in a broad courses on Anglicanism in places church and appear to cross linguistic, as varied as Prague, Munich, Bern, cultural and theological barriers that Brussels, Leuven, Amsterdam, demonstrate the unity of the Church Helsinki and Riga. found in Jesus Christ. It is a privilege In Benelux, a Mission for Anglicans to be able to contribute Working Party established by the to European academia, and as we Archdeaconry Synod of North West offer higher education in Anglican Europe in 2010 has sought to develop theology we trust that the unique our understanding of Anglican Prof Peter-Ben Smit gift of Anglicanism can build up the mission, principally focussing on the whole body of Christ. ENVIRONMENT DIARY AND 13 TWO-WHEELED TRIUMPHS

E n v i r o n me n ta l Tr av e l P i c t u r e s Madeleine Holmes, Diocesan Environment Officer, has been on her travels and sends these three inspiring postcard messages

I was reminded of these wonders when travelling in Britain for the General Synod in July when I was given the opportunity to be escorted to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland – a first for me. I wondered at the amazing lifestyle of the Romans who invaded many years ago with their comfort, health, hygiene and ingenuity. My friend and I tramped some of the wall, which stretches from coast to coast of the United Kingdom, bordering and saw the amazing forts which were built both on the wall (Housesteads Crags for instance) and also in the valleys to support, feed and house the many soldiers and their families (Vindolanda). Can you imagine at one place over 4,000 pairs of shoes were found together with beautiful jewellery and pottery. We have learned much from the Romans from their buildings and roads, waterways and baths. Durham Cathedral produced the tomb of St Cuthbert, St Oswald and the Venerable Bede, who wrote “Christ the Morning Star who when the night of the world is past brings to his saints the promise of the light of life and opens everlasting day”. It was so beautiful and finally I needed to cool my feet in the North and think about all that I had seen. May we leave plenty of good things for our children and grandchildren.... and a better world that is concerned with the caring and love of the and its people. For the Common Good. Blessings Madeleine

Costa Blanca bike ride send off in style Zurich to Canterbury for Nick and his daughter

E n v i r o n me n ta l ly F r i e n d ly b u t E x h a u s t i n g

Pedal power helps our churches community groups. A great result for a gruelling event in the Spanish sunshine A sponsored bike ride from one end of a parish to the Meanwhile, in Switzerland, St Andrew’s church in other may not sound too taxing but Fr Marcus Ronchetti Zurich are working to fund renovations to their Church of the Costa Blanca Chaplaincy in Spain and his son Tom House. Nick Leaver and his daughter opted to do their successfully completed a 135km bike ride from Gandia bit by pedalling on a sponsored international bike ride to Campello calling at all the churches used by the seven from their home, on Zurich to England, a journey of congregations on the way. The €4,000 raised helps fund the 1,107km (692 miles). The marathon raised CHF 5,000 for work of the Chaplaincy which has links with a host of other the appeal. 14 CLERGY ON THE MOVE

CL ERgy t h e n t u r y h u r c h r o w t h ONH T E 19 C C G MV O E Th a n k s t o a Ti r e l e s s C h a p l a i n WELCOME TO Rev Andrew John Bigg, Assistant Curate at St Mary Snow, skis and Sunday worship have long been a feature of life in the the Virgin, Cottingham (Diocese of York) joins Swiss mountain resort of St Moritz. Diane Conrad has been learning more St George’s, Paris, as about the devotion and determination of an English Vicar 150 years ago. Assistant Chaplain in September. “Twenty Years of Continental Work Rev Clive Anthony and Travel” was published in 1906 Fairclough, currently Rector by Bishop Thomas Wilkinson, who and Priest-in-Charge of a group of parishes in the assisted the Bishop of London caring Worcester diocese has been for chaplaincies for North and Central installed as Chaplain of Europe. Stories of church growth St Andrew’s, . fascinated him; “Switzerland is studded Rev Peter Jonathan Edward – mountains, lakesides and valleys – with Jackson, Vicar of Christ what I call my ‘button mushroom churches’, Church Southgate in North for they spring up all over that country and Early services at the local hotel London is to be Chaplain of Holy Trinity, Nice with almost in a night!” Four “mushrooms” St Hugh’s Vence, in Southern had already sprung up in the remote surprised by a snowfall some days France from October. Engadine valley by the early 1860s. earlier, when he woke “as cold as a Rev Canon Brian Maurice Comfortably-off British health-seekers French dinner plate”! Lay members of the William Stares was and travellers often stayed for the congregation at the meeting included welcomed as Priest-in- whole Summer taking advantage of Henry Ray Freshfield, lawyer to the Charge of Holy Trinity, Las the curative spa waters, high altitude Palmas in Gran Canaria Bank of England, whose son Douglas in June. climate and opportunities for exercise would become one of Britain’s foremost or mountaineering. mountain explorers. Badrutt saw a Since his first hiking visit to way in which he could provide for the MOVING AWAY St Moritz in 1860, Rev Alfred Strettell needs of his English-speaking visitors Rev Christopher Scargill, had unofficially provided services for and immediately offered a piece of Senior Chaplain of St Peter the English-speaking community. land, half way between the spa and the and St Paul, Torrevieja Although only 12 people attended his in Spain is moving to be village. Henry Freshfield and L.M: Vicar of St Thomas’ parish, first service, numbers grew and on Rate, a London banker, were appointed St Anne’s on the Sea August 14th 1864 a visitor reported Treasurers to the building committee. (Diocese of Blackburn). “There was a very crowded morning service £100 was collected there and then at the bath-house” (the newly opened spa and by 1867, £1,400 had been raised. MOVING AROUND hotel). Here congregations experienced Badrutt confirmed in writing his “the occasional hurried entrance of a waiter, Rev Robert Bates, has promise of land and USPG contributed moved from St Vincent’s in forgetful that the salon de danse of the night £100. The London architect Arthur The Algarve, Portugal to be before had been converted into the English Blomfield, son of the former Bishop Chaplain of St James’, Porto. church” or, at the afternoon services in of London and a specialist in church St Moritz village church which had “the architecture, drew up the plans. That disadvantage of being furnished with the most RETIREMENTS autumn the Strettell family’s house was uncomfortable seats that were ever devised finished, a blessing for their son Arthur’s Rev Canon Dr John for the punishment of the devout and long- Higgins, Priest-in-Charge health which had much improved of St Nicholas, Ankara in suffering Protestant”. following his stay as the first winter Turkey is to retire in January A week later, after the service on tourist. 2015 August 21st 1864, Chaplain Alfred On 1st September 1868, the Rev Canon John Keith Strettell (as he had been officially Archbishop of York, William Thomson, Newsome, Chaplain of appointed by USPG the previous year) laid the foundation stone. An eye St Andrew’s church Zürich in approached hotelier Johannes Badrutt, witness recalled “the clergymen with Switzerland is to retire at the at whose Kulm Hotel most English end of October their surplices gleaming in the dazzling visitors stayed. He was supported sunlight, the little knot of worshippers, the The Rev Stephen James by members of the Continental George Seamer, Chaplain of Italian labourers watching open-mouthed Christ Church, Düsseldorf in Chaplaincies Committee, including yet respectful; the curious natives pausing Germany has retired. Revd. Harry Jones, who had been to listen as our hymns rose upon the clear 150 YEARS OF SWISS 15 CHURCH HISTORY

19 t h C e n t u r y C h u r c h G r o w t h Th a n k s t o a Ti r e l e s s C h a p l a i n

Alfred B Strettell St John’s as it was in the beginning St John’s today

air and, above us all, the silence of the included the poet Robert Browning charge of building a new church. solemn and the infinity of the blue, and the Duchess of Teck who, with St George’s in Rappallo was converted blue sky”. In The Times newspaper her daughter May, the future Queen into a bar some years ago and is now a few days later Alfred Strettell Mary, were regular visitors. However again for sale. He died in 1904. For wrote praising the air and water of after the Second World War the this tireless priest, teacher, linguist, St Moritz and pleading for more number of English-speaking tourists trained mathematician, connoisseur financial support. His congregation dropped dramatically and USPG was of literature whose friends included had doubled in the previous year unable to finance the maintenance Charles Kingsley and Charles Dickens, and a larger church, to seat 200 of the building which had been enthusiastic mountain hiker and people, would be required. In lovingly cared for between the wars promoter of tourism in St Moritz, 1870 the builder and entrepreneur by a freelance British journalist, his congregation commissioned Nicolaus Hartmann who was newly- Mabel Madden, who acted as a memorial window. This was established in the Engadine and churchwarden and at the same time crafted by the architect and garden would thereafter build several other regularly promoted St Moritz in the designer Harry Inigo Triggs, who churches, large hotels and villas in British press, usually on the front later designed St George’s church in the fast-developing tourist region – page. USPG offered it for sale and a Taormina, Sicily. Strettell is depicted began work and the church, minus St Moritz resident whose electrical as King David, for his love of music its tower, was completed in 1871. business was opposite the church and and the opening verse The Suffragan seriously considered buying it and from Psalm 121 is the well-chosen Rt Rev Edward Parry consecrated the local council thought it could inscription. Triggs managed to transfer St John’s on 19th August, 2 weeks perhaps be turned into a theatre. Alfred Strettell’s face exactly from a after performing the same ceremony Eventually St John’s was sold in 1956 photograph, so that a true likeness of for St Peter’s church in Zermatt to the St Moritz Protestant Church the founder of St John’s watches over and 2 days after laying a foundation for £250, with the proviso that our Winter services today. stone for the next Anglican church Anglicans would be permitted to hold to be built in the Engadine valley, in their services there indefinitely. Samedan. Alfred Strettell’s tenure as first St John’s tower was added in 1875 chaplain extended over 40 summers. after a local journalist of the time had He was, during winters until 1874, likened the towerless church building Consular chaplain in Genoa – where to an ammunitions warehouse! The he was responsible for building the bell from a big Zürich foundry and Church of the Holy Ghost. From bearing the suitable inscription “Vox 1874 he officiated in England (in Clamantis Inter Montes” was hung a Canterbury and Kings Langley) until year later. 1894 when he took on the chaplaincy During Strettell’s chaplaincy of Sta.Margherita/Rapallo in Italy Strettell’s face as King David famous members of the congregation and at the age of 84 was again in 16 AND FINALLY – NEWS IN BRIEF

F o r e s t L a k e s i d e S e t t i n g f o r Ba p t i s m When Rev Tuomas Mäkipää from Helsinki planned their annual church picnic he did not expect an open Friends of the air Communion service would Diocese in Europe include two baptisms. It proved the ideal setting for the baptism of THE 2014 young Hubert Komla Deladem and for Esther Wanjiku Kamau from ANNUAL Turku who chose to be baptised by immersion in the lake. A memorable SERVICE day for the church in . A Tr i n i t y o f will be held on B i s h o p s Wednesday, They say you can wait for ages for 15th October a London bus then you find three of them together. It is not often the at 6.00pm case with bishops although this rare in St Matthew’s picture shows three generations of Church, Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe after Westminster a lunch hosted by Bishop Geoffrey in July where they were joined by The Rt Revd Dr Robert Innes, former Bishop John Hind. Bishop Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe, Robert says “There was a great will both Preside and Preach. sense of wisdom being shared and The Service will be followed experience passed on to the new by a Reception incumbent bishop.” Old and new Friends are welcome

D o n ’t M i s s t h e N e x t F o u r “A n g l i c a n E d i t i o n

Vo i c e s ” f r o m If you have copy and pictures to t h e D i o c e s e submit for The European Anglican editorial deadlines are Rev Augustine Nwaekwe from DECEMBER 2014 Ostend, Rev Sammy Masemola Copy latest – October 18th (Bergen), Pauleen Bang MARCH 2015 (Copenhagen) and Stéphane Javelle F o n d Fa r e w e l l s Copy Latest – January 20th (Marseilles) have agreed to become t o Wo r t h Sta ff advocates for our diocese in an JUNE 2015 exciting new project, Anglican With the Diocesan Bishop’s office Copy latest – April 19th Voices, covering the whole Church moving to Brussels this Autumn We are always pleased to receive of England. They will be trained and the closure of Bishop’s Lodge material which can be considered during the Autumn to speak about at Worth in West Sussex, Diocesan for publication. Pictures for the their lives as practising Christians in Synod in June took the opportunity magazine should be of good high the social and digital media. They to say thank you and farewell to resolution. will be giving a broad view on Margaret Gibson and Sue Walshe church life, focusing less on internal who have moved to new posts. The News and information for the church politics and more on the daily pair were given a standing ovation website is also welcomed at life of their communities or specialist and Bron Panter from Diocesan any time. topics which interest them. Watch Office presented them with gifts. Send to this space! We wish them every blessing. [email protected]