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Learning Newspaper from the Café Church, P9 NOW AVAILABLE ON  NEWSSTAND FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015 No: 6270 Black and Southwark clergy Asian rebuke ‘partisan’ bishop contribution to Church is By George Conger

ONE IN 10 of the Diocese of South- The Rt Rev Christopher Chessun wark’s stipendiary clergy have signed a celebrated private letter to their bishop, the Rt Rev Christopher Chessun, rebuking him for his partisan management of the diocese. Delivered last week, the letter is under- stood to take issue with the bishop’s pref- erence of clergy living in same-sex civil partnerships to senior posts within the diocese, while marginalising traditional- ists. The letter, accompanied a public state- ment endorsed by 60 priests and nine parish councils, affirms the doctrinal principles of the Church of England, which also urged the bishop to ensure that clergy he has appointed to high office conform to these teachings. The “Southwark Declaration” and pri- vate letter comes amidst a sharp financial contraction and declining church atten- dance in Southwark, coupled with the appointment of clergy living in same-sex civil partnerships to the posts of cathe- By Ashley Prevo dral dean, diocesan director of ordinands and canon chancellor. PARLIAMENT was the venue for a Complaints of bias in Southwark reception celebrating Black and Asian prompted evangelicals in 2012 to form him our concerns” including the appoint- warm welcoming meeting to him as soon enrichment of the Church of England. the Southwark Ministry Trust to divert ment of a new Canon Chancellor, who as he was consecrated. We have also had The event was organised by General parish funds from the diocese to an announced to the second year curates in three or four open face-to-face meetings Synod member Vasantha Gnanadoss organisation that would support parish October that she was in a same-sex part- where we have been very frank with and was hosted by the Speaker’s Chap- ministry costs. While Bishop Chessun nership with another woman; and the him, including one in Holy Week 2012 lain, the Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin. has recently appointed a Canon for Fresh “developments at St John’s, Waterloo” with 120 clergy and laity following the This was a follow-up to the Synod Expressions ministries to reach the where the priest-in-charge allegedly con- appointment of the Bishop of Croydon. fringe meetings that occurred during unchurched, as of year’s end the diocese ducts services of dedication and thanks- And also a number of letters back and the London and York sessions last had only one plant. giving for couples after their same-sex forth. None of this has made any differ- year. The decline in income and attendance civil marriages are performed. ence.” “This was an evening that affirmed led a November 2012 diocesan task force The organisers hoped the declaration The Bishop’s Press Officer, the Rev the enrichment that has taken place to call for the elimination of one in 10 of “will make the Bishop listen in a way that Canon Wendy Robins confirmed Bishop and strengthened confidence about the diocese’s stipendiary clergy posi- nothing hitherto seems to have done.” Chessun had received the Southwark further enrichment in future.” tions. The Strategy for Ministry report The Southwark Declaration is Declaration and was “grateful for the Former Metropolitan Police Com- recommended the diocese eliminate 30 “designed to be a positive statement contribution that conservative evangeli- missioner Lord Blair of Boughton stipendiary clergy posts over five years, about what we believe the Bible and the cals make to the life of the Diocese. presided over a programme of speak- 10 from each Episcopal area, reducing Church clearly teach about marriage,” “As you may be aware there is an ers. The Rev Calvert Prentis, Team the total number of positions from 290 to the organisers told The Church of Eng- opportunity for the whole of the Church Rector of Horley and Southwark 260. land Newspaper. of England to discuss these issues Diocesan Minority Ethnic Vocations In the cover letter soliciting signatures “Over the last few years, a number of through the Shared Conversations and Champion, highlighted the impor- for the declaration, the authors stated us have spent a lot of time trying to per- the Bishop of Southwark welcomes this.” tance of the contribution of Black and that in November 2014 “five of us” met suade Bishop Christopher to act in a Asian people in the present and contin- with Bishop Chessun to “to share with godly way as a Bishop – right from a Southwark Declaration, page 8 uing into the future.

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THEDIARY THE Diocese of Chichester Send your events to The Bishop of Chichester, the Rt Rev Martin Warner, took [email protected] the Lent custom of ‘ashing’ out into Chichester City or Tweet @churchnewspaper CHURCHIN Centre, as well as taking the opportunity to respond to prayer requests. Bishop Martin said: “The day is about prayer. It is about 14 March anything that seriously matters to people in their lives. We all have hurts that need to be healed. 10.15: Spirit in Action for the Cli- ENGLAND He added: “ By walking the streets and talking to people mate: A workshop co-hosted as they travel to work or college – or simply to do the by Operation Noah and Hope shopping or catch a train, we offer them a chance for a for the Future. St Andrew’s moment of reflection or prayer as we enter a valuable time Church, Short Street, Water- of the year in the Christian calendar.” loo, London, SE1 8LJ.

Diocese of Durham Diocese of Lichfield 16 March The Durham The ‘Mirror of the Age’, a new Cathedral Library Tour, is Cathedral shop has launching at Lichfield Cathedral this week. 6.30pm:Votewise 2015, by LICC and been honoured with Some of the items on show will include a 13th Century the Jubilee Centre. LICC, St the 2015 Hudson’s Canon Law manuscript, a manuscript with signatures of Peter’s, Vere Street, London Heritage Award. Charles 1st and a Geneva Bible dating back to the W1G ODQ, £8. Historian and Reformation. broadcaster Dan All books are housed at the top of a spiral staircase, 18 March Snow presented the normally inaccessible to the public. award to the shop’s Library Manager, Clare Townsend said: “We’re thrilled to business manager, be offering this brand new tour of the library. It gives 6.40pm Christians on the Left holds Vanessa Ward. people the opportunity to view some of our most valued the People’s Hustings Vanessa said: “It has been a proud moment today being here library treasures. Past feedback has always been extremely at Westminster Central Hall. to accept this prestigious award from Hudson’s. We have positive, and we’re hoping we’ll have another successful They’re encouraging mem- worked extremely hard over the last few years to create a shop year with the ‘Mirror of the Age’ tour. bers of the public to answer befitting of our wonderful Cathedral and thanks to the ‘What do you think is the Heritage Lottery funded Open Treasure project, we have been biggest issue facing Britain?’ able to showcase our fabulous monastic Undercroft with the installation of both our Shop and Restaurant.” 19 March

Diocese of Exeter 4pm:Show Up: prayer and book reading in Parliament Square The future Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt Rev Nick McKinnel, below, with Andy Flanagan. Prayer spoke at a service marking 10 years of Fairtrade Plymouth at St from 6pm. Andrew’s Minister on Thursday. Bishop Nick McKinnel said: “Fairtrade has been an important 21 March part of Plymouth’s economic activity over the last 10 years. It is a positive example of how we can make choices when we shop which are more beneficial to growers and producers. Fairtrade is 7.30pm Newark Choral Society pres- justice in action by providing a fairer return to those who produce ents Gioachino Rossini: our tea, coffee and chocolate, as well as other goods.” Petite Messe Solennelle. Barnaby Gate Methodist Church, Newark. Tickets £10 in advance or £12 on the door. Diocese of Guildford people are people, and all Available from RST Music have emotional and spiritual Service, Carter Gate, The tenth Bishop of needs which are powerfully Newark. Guildford, the Rt Rev addressed by the Gospel of Andrew Watson, was Jesus Christ. 25 March inaugurated at a service in “There are also many Guildford Cathedral last pockets of poverty in week. surprising places, and it’s 00.45: Radio 2 broadcasts a night- The Bishop of Dorking, sometimes hardest to time ‘Pause for Thought’ the Rt Rev Ian Brackley, struggle when others about the reinterment of anointed Bishop Andrew around you are prospering. Richard III. with oil before Bishop I’m delighted that Watson was led to his chair Christians in the diocese 27 March and handed his crozier. are running food banks and Bishop Andrew said: are involved in a huge range “Although this region of projects reaching out to 10am: Business for the Kingdom seems quite affluent those in need - the young, conference, for people from compared with my previous the elderly, and all points in all business sectors and cor- Diocese of experience in Birmingham, between.” porate structures, to all who Southwell and either long for or are Nottingham intrigued by business that Also in Nottingham, the Bishop of Sherwood, the Rt Rev embodies kingdom values. Tony Porter, took part in a question and answer session and Until 29 March, Ridley Hall, A community skipping game at a visit to Parkdale Primary school in Cambridge. Booking closes project providing Carlton. on 16 March. green space for The visit was part of an outreach weekend, which included fruit trees and a gardener’s question time and a pub-style church quiz. 4 April conservation was formally named as St Mary’s Community Bishop Tony said: “It was great fun to visit the school, to Orchard in a celebration marking the 15-year dream of meet the children and staff and to witness all the good work 10am: Come and Sing fundraising horticulturalists Adrian Baggaley and Geoff Burton. that is being done to give our children the best possible start event at St Mary’s Church, The project, realised through the Greenwood Community in life. The children were a credit to the school. Beverley, with Beverley Forest Team, was blessed by the vicar of the parishes of “The whole weekend at St John’s was terrific and involved Chamber Choir. A day-long Lowdham, Gunthorpe and Caythorpe and Greenwood Project a lot of hard work by Amanda and her congregation. It was a event. Manager, Nic Wort. privilege to be there.”

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper www.churchnewspaper.com Friday March 13, 2015 News 3 Christians urged to engage with evangelism Charity calls for Prime Minister’s THE ARCHBISHOP of The message of the lec- plans to be extended to churches Canterbury, the Most Rev ture was to ask the Justin Welby, encouraged Church to come out of its THE CHURCHES’ Child Protec- tion of travel. This must include known about, and a priest has been Christians to engage in own self-interest and tion Advisory Service (CCPAS) is everyone who works with them in moved from diocese to diocese evangelism. remember the God whose urging that Prime Minister David churches and places of worship.” rather than being reported to a Delivering a lecture at proclamation travels Cameron’s proposals to make pub- Bass expressed concern that the statutory agency.” Lambeth Palace last week, through the Church. The lic officials legally liable for the wil- proposals could be used to fuel Bishop of Durham and Lead the Archbishop spoke on Church is no place for self- ful neglect of suspected child ‘witch hunts’ against church lead- Bishop of Safeguarding for the the first of the Five Marks interest. sexual abuse, be extended to ers but explained that protecting Church of England, the Rt Rev Paul of Mission, ‘To proclaim “Our motive driving this church officials. the reputation of the Church or Butler has long been an advocate the Good News of the priority for the Church is Proposals set out by David high-profile individuals are tanta- of mandatory statutory but has not Kingdom.’ not, not, not – never, Cameron at a Downing Street sum- mount to criminal intent and yet issued a response to the recom- Welby asked: ‘What never, never – that num- mit last week included making it a should not be excused or avoided mendations set out by CCPAS. does it look like for the bers are looking fairly low criminal offence for social workers by moving abusers elsewhere in The Children’s Society have also Church in this country to and the future is looking and local councillors to neglect vic- the organisation. welcomed the new measures for find its voice in these fairly bleak. Never. This is tims or those at risk of sexual Bass acknowledged that a stan- Cameron’s proposals for tougher days?’ before outlining not a survival strategy. abuse and called for mandatory dard of statutory reporting of sus- sanctions on public workers who what “the dreaded ‘e’ “This is not to say I am reporting measures. pected abuse is not the case for all fail to protect children, but said a word” means for today’s in any way nonchalant The CCPAS welcomed the pro- religions. change of culture surrounding the Church. about the seismic chal- posal, but asked that others with Referring to the reported cases issue is also needed. It’s precisely why lenge facing the church. duties of care be equally placed of abuse within the Jehovah’s Wit- Mathew Reed, Chief Executive of today’s Anglican Church But evangelism is not a under the sanctions. nesses, where cases of abuse were The Children’s Society said: “Leg- is so uncomfortable with growth strategy. Simon Bass, Chief Executive of reported to the Elders and passed islation is not enough on its own. the word, evangelism (as “Of course we want to CCPAS said: “Mr Cameron’s through an internal inquisition, Time and again we have seen opposed to ‘mission’) that see full churches. But this announcement reflects both how Bass cited the need for a change in shocking cases of vulnerable the Archbishop chose the is not anxiety for an insti- endemic this form of abuse has attitude toward safeguarding. young people being dismissed, or subject as the scope of his tution, or worst still self- become across the UK and how Mr Bass told the Church of Eng- blamed for their own suffering – lecture. survival,” Welby said. urgently we need to address it. land Newspaper this week: “There even when they have been brave Dr Welby spoke of the The Archbishop spoke “The proposal to hold senior pub- has been a failure to act where enough to ask for help. A wholesale Good News that ‘instructs of how the Church can be lic sector officials accountable abuse has been known about. change in attitudes and culture is this community’, in its par- unaccommodating and all when they have willfully neglected We’ve known of incidents within crucial if things are really going to ticular culture, in its par- too ready to control those children is a very welcome direc- the Church where abuse has been change”. ticular Church. Speaking it seeks to change. of his predecessor, prior “So often we want to fit to his post as the Bishop people who are not Chris- of Durham, Tom Wright, tians into our church, not First woman bishop installed Dr Welby said the most make the church fit for helpful analogy he had new Christians,” he said. THE FIRST female before the Dean of church faces wonderful heard for directing the Speaking of ‘the corpo- Church of England Bish- Chester, Gordon opportunities, to proclaim evangelist’s role in the rate element’ of evangel- op, the Rt Rev Libby Lane, McPhate installed her as afresh, in this generation, Church is that of a Shake- ism, Welby said that the was officially installed at a Bishop. the Good News of Jesus speare play, which needs Church’s institutions, service on Sunday 8 Bishop Lane said her and to build his King- the final, unfinished act budgets and structures March. service felt like a ‘home- dom,” she said. written out. The Church must back up its words. Bishop Lane became coming’ and expressed The Dean of Chester, would work on the plot “Why should people the eighth Bishop of her gratitude to those Gordon McPhate, said: and development and believe what we say about Stockport on a landmark who supported her in “We were honoured to work together on what the forgiveness and grace, day at Chester Cathedral, prayer, asking them to welcome the Bishop of fifth act might be, Welby reconciliation and sacri- which coincided with continue through her first Stockport and her sup- said. fice, love and commit- International Women’s tasks as Bishop. porters to the installation “This is the position of ment, welcome and Day. “Expectations are high, service at the cathedral. It the Church. We have the acceptance, if when they Over 1,500 people and I too am excited by was a day of worship and first four acts, we have the look at the life of the attended a service in the possibilities and chal- celebration – for men and plot and characters, and Church they see some- which the Bishop of lenges ahead. I echo what women alike – as a new now it’s over to us,” he thing so diametrically Birkenhead, the Rt Rev Bishop Lane after the I said in my statement at chapter was created in said. opposed to it?” he asked. Keith Sinclair, welcomed choir sung the Introit, my announcement – the the Church of England.” Young people invited to apply Have a life-changing to join Lambeth community experience with Us. Our Journey with Us programme is APPLICATIONS for the Community of St Neuf, as Director. Anselm, a group of Christians housed at The Rev Anders Litzell, said: “This is a an opportunity to experience the Lambeth Palace, have opened for 2015. question of how we can model a life of prayer life and mission of the church in The monastic community had its opening and deep commitment shaped in the like- another culture. year in 2014, and this year invites a group of ness of Christ for people who aren’t going to 16 20-35-year-olds to take part in a yearlong be monks and nuns, but who want to We arrange short-term placements, programme of prayer, study and service. embody the monastic traditions, who want to of up to one year, for self-funding Archbishop Justin Welby, who is the Abbot draw from those deep wells and live a volunteers aged 18 to 80. of St Anselm, said: “I expect this venture to lifestyle influenced by that spirituality.” have radical impact – not just for the individ- Sister Sonia Béranger said: “My hope is Contact uals who participate — but for life at Lam- that the Community will be a place where Habib Nader on 020 7921 2215 beth Palace, across the Church and in the each person can discover their calling more [email protected] world we seek to serve. This is what we and more – their personal calling, their call- www.weareUs.org.uk/journey expect in following Jesus. I urge young peo- ing within the church; and their calling to ple to step up: here is an open invitation to be serve the world. And that this would be a transformed and to transform.” place where people really get to know Us. The new Archbishop Welby commissioned two key Christ. name for USPG members into the Community at the start of “Because it’s only by knowing Christ that the year, the Rev Anders Litzell of St we can know ourselves, and know the place Registered charity George’s, Holborn, as Prior of the Communi- in the world where we can give the best of number 234518 ty and Sister Sonia Béranger of Chemin ourselves.”

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 4 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday March 13, 2015 News Nigerian Nigerian President arrest after Cathedral ‘did not give £20m robbery

POLICE HAVE arrested the adopted son of the Nigerian Bishop of Akoko Edo, the Rt Rev Jolly Oyekpen, charging him with master- to Christian group’ minding the robbery of the diocesan cathe- dral, St James in Igarra. In the early morning hours of 4 March, two By George Conger what? What will I use the money for? leader of Nigeria’s Muslims, the situa- men broke into the cathedral, stealing We are men of God; we are to pray for tion in the north was now under con- N954,000 (£3,100) in Sunday offerings that CLAIMS the government of Nigerian the peace of the country. At the time trol. had not yet been deposited in the cathedral’s President Goodluck Jonathan gave £20 you now take money, how will God Attacks by the Islamist terror group bank. million to the leaders of the Christian answer your prayer? I don’t run after Boko Haram had prompted the Elec- Police questioned the young man, who Association of Nigeria (CAN) at its riches. I run after blessings; riches tions Committee to postpone the gen- under interrogation confessed to having told February meeting to encourage its come and go but blessings remain.” eral elections by six weeks to 28 two confederates where to find the cathedral members to vote for him in the coun- He added that taking a bribe was not March. strong box and revealed where they were to try’s General Election scheduled for 28 only immoral, it was impractical. Committee member Justice Rose meet to share out the proceeds of the robbery. March were untrue. “Even if you give me money, I would Ukeje noted: “They said that there is The police lay in wait for the thieves, who The denial came from the Rt Rev be afraid; I will not sleep because the no fear and there will be a violence-free when confronted responded with gunfire. The Peter Imasuen, Bishop of the Anglican politicians will be after you, everybody and credible election and also that two criminals were killed when the police Diocese of Benin, and chairman of the will be after you, the thieves will know there is no fear of a further adjourn- opened fire. Edo State branch of CAN. that you have money. So, I will rather ment of the election because there is On 16 February an independent pas- relax my mind and be okay with what- no room for that in the constitution.” tor, the Rev Musa-Dikwa, claimed the ever God gives me.” Speaking to reporters at the Cathe- Hailstorm costs £1m president gave each CAN state chair- The full resources of the Nigerian dral Church of the Advent in Abuja, man the money to help bring out the military and police will be used to Archbishop Okoh warned the threat to damage to cathedral vote in support of the government. ensure the country’s forthcoming gen- peace did not stem only from Boko However Bishop Imasuen said he eral elections will be free and fair, the Haram. knew nothing about the claim and had government told the Independent He urged political leaders to restrain received no money. National Electoral Committee, whose their supporters from turning their He told reporters: “I am not a politi- members include the Primate of All- political passions into political vio- cian; what we owe the country is Nigeria, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh. lence. prayer. So, I don’t know anything about On 7 March the Chief of Defence “This is the period to work for money. They didn’t give me any money Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh, integrity. So, Christians should pray for and I was not even there when we had and the Inspector General of Police, Nigeria so that people will not get into the last CAN meeting …” Suleiman Abba, told the committee bloodshed during and after the elec- Asked if he would have accepted whose members include the leaders of tions,” he said, adding: “Nigerians are money from the government he the country’s Anglican and Catholic good people and these elections are for responded: “Collect the money for churches and the Sultan of Sokoto, the Nigerians and not politicians only.’’ Episcopal Church in court setback

A TEXAS court has held that the Diocese of Fort Worth, not the national Church, holds title to the diocese’s assets. A NOVEMBER hailstorm has caused over £1.5 After six years of litigation, including a trip to the state’s million in damage to Brisbane’s Anglican Supreme Court, on 2 March, Judge John Chupp of the 141st Dis- Cathedral. trict Court granted the diocese’s Motion for Partial Summary On 27 November 2014 a major storm swept Judgment, upholding the diocese’s right to secede from the through Queensland, Australia, causing lead- national Episcopal Church and to take with it its properties. ing to insurance claims for property damage in “We are grateful for the ruling in our favour,” said Bishop Jack L the hundreds of millions. Iker. “It’s clear that both church laws and Texas laws have been St John’s Cathedral, built in 1901, but only rightly applied to this dispute.” completed in 2009, saw major damage to its In his decision Judge Chupp held that, based upon the Texas roof and copper spires. However a survey of Supreme Court’s ruling that the dispute be adjudicated by civil, the gothic building found that winds had not ecclesiastical law, all the diocese’s endowments, funds, real bowed in the cathedral’s eastern wall approxi- estate and assets were held by the Corporation of the Diocese of mately 2.5mm, leaving it in danger of structur- Fort Worth led by Bishop Iker. al failure. The leader of the loyalist faction in Fort Worth, the Rt Rev Ray- The cathedral’s dean, the Very Rev Peter ford High said he was “disappointed with this decision but quite Catt told the Brisbane Times that the cathedral hopeful for the future. was fortunate to have retained most of its “This sacred property was built up over 170 years in this part of stained glass windows. Texas by generations of Episcopalians for the use of The Episco- Dr Catt said he was in his office when the pal Church so it will be available for use by generations of Episco- storm struck and when he entered the build- palians to come as they do the work of the Church.” ing expected to find glass everywhere. While The national Church and its supporters are expected to appeal the building was soaked with rainwater and the the decision. roof and spire badly damaged, only four win- The Fort Worth ruling follows decisions in South Carolina and dows were destroyed. Illinois that have upheld the right of the Episcopal Church’s dioceses to quit the Bishop Jack L Iker General Convention of the Episcopal Church. Also available on Android

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Headline data: Worldwide annual neonatal deaths attributable to intrapartum conditions. Source: Lancet 2014; 384: 189-205 6 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday March 13, 2015 Letters

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

Necessary correction legacy of old, expensive to ‘Love never fails’. (I Cor. 13) Sir, Seldom have I read in the Pastoral Letter and unemployment figures maintain, cold, draughty and Serena Lancaster, CEN a letter that Sir, Before the media’s misleading spin on the bishops’ impossible to heat Moreton-in-Marsh comprehensively covers so Pastoral Letter gains the status of received wisdom, may I adequately, church buildings. much of where the Church of correct Andrew Carey (27 February) when he claims that Why on earth should we Day of Prayer England and its leaders — the letter includes “errors about the number of jobless”. invite the elderly from their Sir, I read Margaret Brown’s and today’s parliamentarians The letter considers the financial crisis of 2008 and warm homes to a cold, article with interest and — need correction such as comments that “it is good that unemployment has not draughty, damp building, to agree that we need a National that provided by Peter risen as high as was predicted”. partake in indifferent praise Day of Prayer and Mullen in his article ‘The At the time of the November 2008 pre-budget report, and listen to a twee sermon Repentance, but who would Agenda of the Bishops’. Both the CBI predicted unemployment would reach 2.9 million that leaves one thinking: “So come to it? A better way was in Parliament and in the by mid-2010. However in June 2010, unemployment what?” The sermon should found by Daniel, who, in his active leadership, such as it actually stood at 2.48 million, reaching a peak of 2.68 be a highlight of the service, own quiet time, said: “I is, of the Church of England million in October 2011. The bishops were making an to encourage, teach, prayed to the Lord my God there are fewer than ever entirely factual, and non-party political, point which challenge, comfort and and made confession saying those who have lived through backed up their earlier comment that “it is to the credit of reignite. Why are we afraid of ‘Ah, Lord, great and and experienced WW2 and our politicians that the impact of the crisis has been less the Gospel? It’s Good News! awesome God, keeping something of the suffering severe in Britain than in some other European countries”. Why are familiar prayers covenant and steadfast love experienced at that time. The suggestion that the letter implied a rise in rattled through instead of with those who love you and Regrettable as were the raids unemployment since 2010 originated with the comments being thoughtfully read? Why keep your commandments, on European cities they of an MP speaking on the basis of leaked extracts from are Bible readings mumbled we have sinned and done would never have been the letter and without having had access to the full text. when they should be wrong, acted wickedly and necessary, certainly not The Rev Dr Malcolm Brown, pronounced? Why - it seems - rebelled, turning aside from initiated by the RAF, until Director, Mission and Public Affairs are we ashamed of our faith? your commandments and Europe as a whole, including The Archbishops’ Council, Church House We really do need a ordinances’…” (Daniel 9:4-5). those in neutral lands, was in shaking up. I would add, Please God conflagration and threatened Harry Hicks, convict us of those things by an insufferable tyrannical Ungraciousness the life of the church”? Mundesley, Norfolk that grieve your holy worship power. Sir, Following the July 2014 Maybe any future personal and give us the grace to However it is regrettable vote in General Synod on the disagreement on this issue Slippage humbly confess them on our that some parts of the Women Bishop’s Measure, could be handled privately, Sir, ‘Love is Strange’, so I own behalf and on behalf of national media seem unable the Archbishop of rather than publicly through wonder how the Rev JJ Frais our church leaders. Please to distinguish between Canterbury addressed the your columns. would receive a couple at the may we humbly rethink our ‘regret’ and ‘apology’; the synod setting out the five Mrs F Hanson, Lord’s Table, who were Church situation at the foot latter impression, I believe, principles from the House of Duffield, Derby already in a legal, same-sex of the Cross and ask the Holy the Archbishop did not Bishops on how to proceed. marriage and, perhaps, Trinity to reveal to us, and convey although as a “Today this legislation Refreshing accompanied by their give us the will and strength Christian he no doubt allows us to move forward Sir, How refreshing and children. Margaret Brown to change our ways where expressed sympathy for together, all of us as faithful timely to read Margaret would not be alone to be needed, and wisdom to know those who had suffered. Anglican Christians and all of Brown’s article (27 appalled by any ‘slippage’ on the right motions to propose Where Peter Mullen in his us committed to each other’s February). Strong stuff, but his part. She and many to Synod. article really scores as a flourishing in the life of the much needed. Of course others would also disapprove, To a great number of pastor is in observing the church,” (A Risky Journey, there must always be room however, if he re-ordered the humble and contrite hearts inverse proportion we now p15 August 2014). for the forgiving and church building, despite the God will listen and act. have in the number of It is sad, therefore, that receiving of sinners who fact that naves were once Margaret Mankey, Bishops in the Church through your recent letter repent, but the church used for social purposes. Bromley compared to the number of columns we see should always uphold the To become perfect, one parochial clergy. In an article ungraciousness already ideals given by Christ. In must necessarily change Good disagreement I wrote for the former St creeping in; a denial of the particular, our leaders are often. Society has changed Sir, Even by generally agreed Aidan’s Theological College Archbishop’s aspirations. called to set an example. but gay Christians, as was criteria, there are several students magazine I posed DT Phillips (All about Let’s hold together the facts once the case with non- major flaws in the idea of this question. It is one I Jesus? 6 February) writes an that God loves us as we are, persons like slaves, still have ‘good disagreement’. occasionally pose to my long- unnecessarily harsh attack on but that he wants us - expects to live with traditional First, if (polarised) retired colleagues. the service of episcopal us - to change. Church teaching. To dismiss conclusions are presupposed, “In all your years in the ordination at York Minster Gwen Young, loving relationships as a there is no onus on anyone to parochial ministry how many for Bishop Libby Lane. Walton on Thames distasteful ‘lifestyle’ is research honestly whether times did the Bishop ever In his defence, the Rev dishonest but, then, ‘love is the evidence matches their (ring) or call by just to see George Lane responds (No Bravo, Mrs Brown patient.., It is not rude; it is own preferences (and why you – even at times of delusions in the Minster, 13 Sir, Bravo Margaret Brown! not easily angered. It always would it?). That breaks the sickness or bereavement – in February) in a letter not She is absolutely right on protects, always trusts, cardinal rule of debate. A your home, to meet you and without unkindly innuendo every point she makes! always hopes, always conclusion comes at the end: your wife over a cup of tea, to and sarcasm. The church seems to have perseveres.’ the very last place it can ask and to learn how things Whatever position one may abandoned its core of Perhaps those who pursue come is at the start. The were going, the joys and hold on Women Bishops, the believers and has failed to an ‘apparently never-ending unquestioned assumption disappointments being status quo has to be recruit more. I have found campaign’ for the full that everyone has ‘views’ on encountered. Quite simply I recognised. We now have a that there is still a huge inclusion of gays in the Body the topic is the problem. ask these questions because woman bishop, and will desire and demand for the of Christ have a dream of the Some ‘views’ are researched rarely do I encounter undoubtedly have more. Book of Common Prayer, and Kingdom of God as an and uninfluenced by personal colleagues who can answer in So where is the spirit of arguments made against it altogether ‘more splendid bias; others are mere the affirmative.” understanding, tolerance and are usually very shallow. thing’ than the Church ideological preferences. The Rev Frank Bovill, grace, which will strengthen We also have the problem presently conceives. Martin Wigton, Cumberland “each other’s flourishing in (and it is a problem) of a Luther King once proved that Letters continue on page 12

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper www.churchnewspaper.com Friday March 13, 2015 Leader & Comment 7 Liberal legal mistakes are at fault for putting young girls at risk How St Mark can help us Nicky Morgan, the new Education Secretary, has announced that schools will be teaching children about sexual consent in a new syl- labus. This, she says, will be a major help in preventing the pimp- ing, grooming and sexual abusing of girls that has now become a make the most of Lent normal part of our cultural life rather than an abnormal horror. So common is this phenomenon that recent cases of sex gangs in Banbury and Sunderland were not reported on national news. This legacy of the policy of cultural relativism has roots going further PETERMULLEN back into the liberal attack on age limits for sex, particularly in the educational professoriat. Victoria Gillick in 1982 realised that schools were helping underage girls to equip themselves for ‘safe How are you getting on with Lent? All the people sex’ contraception, hidden from their parents. She took the policy I speak to tell me what they have given up. I to court and there faced the full weight of a liberalising judiciary, haven’t given anything up, but I confess I toyed which rejected her complaint in 1985. Their lordships, basically with giving up listening to news and current doing away with the hard and fast age limit protecting underage affairs programmes on the BBC: The Today Pro- girls said: “...whether or not a child is capable of giving the neces- gramme in particular. Though I’m proud – sary consent will depend on the child’s maturity and understanding should I exhibit pride during Lent? – that I have and the nature of the consent required. The child must be capable managed to give up listening to Thought for the of making a reasonable assessment of the advantages and disad- Day. I do miss its social-gospelling, galloping pro- vantages of the treatment proposed, so the consent, if given, can be gressivism and regular flurries of non sequitur – properly and fairly described as true consent,” (Gillick v West Nor- because these irritations, along with the early folk, 1984). cups of tea, served to get me going in the morn- Readers now, in the light of the alcohol- and drug-fuelled groom- ings. ing by exploitative, enslaving sex gangs, can only regard their lord- There are problems about giving things up. If ships’ nostrums as naïve liberal fantasy. Of course ‘consent’ will you give in to temptation and fail, you’ll feel mor- always involve conditioning contexts, and this is what the lordships tified, abject. It’s worse if you succeed, because utterly failed to grasp. then you start to feel smug and self-satisfied. Giv- Their simplistic law making, overturning what was a firm, clear ing something up for Lent is not to be confused protective line, supporting parents and scaring off pimps, came to with dieting or improving your looks, your sense control school teaching on sexuality in a kind of unofficial hidden of well-being or that disgusting self-esteem all the curriculum. Nicky Morgan knows full well that schools have life trainers say we should be full of. The whole indeed been inculcating this confused message that the law can be point of Lent is to turn away from self and to look Precisely: you know the phrase the practice of ignored. But she has issued no apology to parents on behalf of to Christ. Anything that distracts from that out- religion. It means just that. Why don’t we under- politicians, lawyers and schools for this has been the ward gaze should be avoided. So, if your stand this as we should? You would laugh at the muddy basis weakening the law of consent, giving abstemiousness makes you concentrate more on absurdity of someone who claimed to be able to encouragement to the pimps, and an excuse to the yourself and your feelings, then abstain from play the piano expertly without ever having police for their craven politically correct inaction abstemiousness. learnt or practised. As Dr Suzuki puts it: “Only against the criminals. This naive wishing away of the Other of my friends ask me if I’ve come across practise on the days that you eat.” It’s the same age limit was a real de-Christianisation of a much safer, the latest in theological gimmickry in some new with your religion. So practise learning the Col- clearer, rule: better to have kept it, and dealt with hard big fat book. No. I reply by inviting them to read lects and Psalms, practise reading St Mark’s cases in sentencing. a bit of St Mark’s Gospel every day in Lent. The Gospel. The context pressing Ms Morgan to announce new Bible isn’t meant to be there as a doorstop, but to Think of this as an actor thinks of learning his teaching on consent is that of the sex gangs, and this is be used. Chesterton tells a story about his grand- part. The Greek word for ‘actor’ is the same as another distracting initiative by a guilty establishment. father who used to walk about carrying a Bible the world for ‘hypocrite’: someone who pretends The real focus should be on cracking down on the all day on Sundays, though he had no intention of to something until, by dint of perseverance, he abusers, hard, and on their religio-cultural norms, not in going to church. A friend asked him, “Why do achieves and becomes it. This is the way recom- effect blaming victims and their assumptions about con- you do it, Chessie?” He answered: “I do it to set mended by St Augustine: be a hypocrite for sent. In fact the politically correct chill factor that put off an example.” Christ’s sake – that is, pretend to be good until police action against the abusers for so long is now evi- It’s shocking to discover that so many Chris- you actually become good, or at least a little less dent in governmental initiatives in relation to underage tians hardly ever read the Bible. But they read all bad, a little better. The good news is that one can Comment sex education, rather than enforcing the law on crimi- manner of ecclesiastical reports from councils, drift into good habits as well as bad ones. nals. synods and multifarious religious committees. I ‘Lent’ is just the old word for ‘springtime’. have given all those up. As for the bishops’ 52- Christ began Lent in the wilderness. Lent is the page letter, I admit I’m like Harold Wilson when springtime of the soul that promises the harvest The Church of England Newspaper he was asked by a heckler if he’d ever read Das of salvation to eternal life. There is something with Celebrate magazine incorporating The Record and Christian Week Kapital. He replied: “Only as far as that footnote shocking about Christ as he goes into the wilder- Published by Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd. on page two. A lot of people gave up there, you ness. And he doesn’t just wander into the wilder- Company Number: 3176742 know.” ness and get lost, as if it were all some Publisher: Keith Young MBE Read St Mark. How long is it since you read unfortunate accident. St Matthew tells us that brilliant, sparse, fierce, sparkling recollec- straight: ‘Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into tion of the Son of God? Read it again. You will be the wilderness to be tempted of the devil’. Publishing Director & Editor: CM BLAKELY020 7222 8004 surprised to discover how much of it you had for- It was God’s will that his Son should be tested Chief Correspondent: The Rev Canon GEORGE CONGER 00 1 0772 332 2604 gotten. 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[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 8 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday March 13, 2015 Feature The Church of England Evangelical Council: The Southwark New vision, new structures and new leadership Declaration By John Dunnett In order to address this key dioceses and to facilitate ‘road show’ CEEC challenge a number of CEEC evenings around the members have been working over regions/dioceses re relevant issues. As clergy and lay people in the Diocese of South- the last 18 months to bring Thirdly, CEEC will advocate the wark: The Church of England Evangelical evangelical groups together and to presence and engagement of We affirm the divine inspiration of the Holy Council (CEEC) was founded in 1960 clarify how CEEC might strategically evangelicals in the structures and life Scriptures and their supreme authority in all mat- by John Stott and key personnel from contribute to the evangelisation of of the Church of England. Whether ters of faith and conduct. We affirm with Canon CPAS and Church Society. Its the nation at this time. in Synods, senior posts or A5 that ‘the doctrine of the Church of England is “calling” was to be a body that united The outcome of this has been the Committees, evangelicals have grounded in the Holy Scriptures, and in such evangelicals within the Church of re-launch of CEEC with new much-needed gifts to bring to the teachings of the ancient Fathers and Councils of England for the sake of the whole leadership, new structures and a new Church and CEEC is intending to the Church as are agreeable to the said Scrip- church and nation. vision. support, advocate and mentor tures.’’ As such, its vision echoed the voice The Council has elected the Rt Rev individuals to enhance evangelical We affirm, with Article XX, that ‘it is not lawful of a previous generation of Julian Henderson (Bishop of ministry at every level and in every for the Church to ordain any thing that is con- evangelicals including Bishop Ryle Blackburn) as its new President and corner. trary to God’s Word written.’ who in his address to the Islington the Rev Hugh Palmer (Rector of All The fourth component of the new We affirm the teaching of Scripture (Genesis Conference in 1868 implored Souls, Langham Place) as Chair and vision is to promote and pursue unity 2.24, Mark 10. 7, Matthew 19.5), the Book of evangelicals of the time to come the Council membership now amongst evangelicals in order that Common Prayer, and Canon B30 (‘Of Holy Matri- together in order to strategically includes groups such as Awesome mutual mission and evangelism mony’) that marriage is the union of one man and contribute to the life and witness of and Fulcrum. All of this signals the might flourish. one woman for life. We affirm it is the one God- the church. positioning of CEEC to be a ‘network This will involve facilitating ordained context for sexual intercourse. We Over the intervening years CEEC of networks’ fit for purpose in the gatherings of evangelical leaders in affirm resolution 1.10 on human sexuality of the has supported National Evangelical 21st century. regions/dioceses and encouraging Lambeth Conference (1998). Anglican Congresses (NEACs), Top of the recently endorsed more interchange amongst existing We call upon all the Bishops, Archdeacons, and resourced evangelicals for Synodical strategic vision is a commitment to networks. It will lead to the the senior staff of the Diocese, alongside all cler- and other debates, and issued support the flourishing of mission coordination of national prayer gy and licensed lay ministers, to affirm these statements (eg the St Andrew’s and and evangelism by helping keep it a around evangelical concerns, the truths, live by them, and to teach in accordance St Matthew’s Day statements). priority in churches. This will involve development of a strategy for with them. During that same time, CEEC in facilitating national offering support for evangelicals We call upon the Bishops to appoint to positions evangelicals have grown in number conferences and gatherings on experiencing discrimination and/or of teaching authority only those who hold to these and presence in the Church of mission and evangelism in order to opposition from church or other truths in good conscience. England and as a consequence share good practice and celebrate sources, and the nurturing of links Signatories include: birthed a number of other networks success, promoting church planting, with the Evangelical Fellowship of The Executive Committee of the Southwark and organisations (including New defending and advocating an the Anglican Communion. Diocesan Evangelical Union Wine, Reform, Fulcrum, apologetic for conversionism, In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus is The Parochial Church Councils of Morden Proclamation Trust, Awesome and partnering with the Evangelical recorded as saying: “The harvest is Team Parish; St Michael, Blackheath Park; St others). One unintended Alliance and other national networks plentiful but the workers are few. Ask John’s, Felbridge; St Stephen’s, South Lambeth; consequence of this bourgeoning of and various other initiatives. the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to St Nicholas, Tooting; Holy Trinity Wallington; evangelical life and interest has The second ‘strand’ of the new send out workers into his harvest Holy Trinity with All Saints, Wandsworth; sometimes been an increased vision is derived from the continuing field”. Emmanuel, Wimbledon; St Luke, Wimbledon ‘distance’ between evangelical evangelical passion for scripture and It is CEEC’s conviction that the Park. groups: something that Ryle, Stott its study and preaching. In order to harvest remains and that now is the And the following clergy and laity of the Dio- and others could be forgiven for not support a resurgence of this time for evangelicals to work cese of Southwark: predicting. nationally, CEEC is intending to together with fresh vigour for the The 21st century is likely to commission resources on live issues sake of the gospel and in order to Mojee Ajeneye, Janet Arnott, Rev Hugh Balfour, Christ Church Peckam, present evangelicals with a number facing local church leaders, to build the Kingdom. Revd John Birchall, Christ Church, Surbiton, Kevin Bover, Nikki Bover, Molly of challenges – the primary one of facilitate the establishment of Bridges, Colin Campbell, Revd Sandy Christie, St Michael & All Angels, Black- which must be how to present the working/study groups on key issues, The Rev John Dunnett heath Park, Elizabeth Coe, Rev Steven Coe, Holy Trinity, Wallington, Rev Sue gospel afresh in a postmodern and to provide reading/resource lists for Member of CEEC and General Synod, Clarke, Furzedowm Team, Revd CJ Davis, St Nicholas, Tooting, Gloria Dean, unchurched society. different audiences across the General Director of CPAS Rev Jos Downey, St James & St Anne, Bermondsey, Michael Edser, Mary Edser, Rev Bart Erlebach, Emmanuel, Tol- worth, Revd Jonathan Fletcher, Revd Mark Francis, St John’s, Felbridge, Revd Francis Gardom, Revd Ian Gilmour, Holy Redeemer, LOVE IT OR LOATHE IT? Streatham, Peter Gray, Suzanne Gray, June Hallsworth, Revd David Heath-Whyte, St Lawrence, Morden, Revd John Hall, Revd If you are the sort of person who really enjoys visiting all the different car Mick Hough, Holy Trinity, Redhill, Rev showrooms, then haggling with each salesmanover his managers very best offer,whilst all the time being pressured to “do the deal now”, and Christopher Idle, Revd Stephen Kuhrt, Christ ”sign the order today”, then Priory Automotive are probably not for you, Church, New Malden, C Lazzeri, Revd Canon so it is fairly pointless to read on. Andy Lines, Mission Director Crosslinks, Revd Tim Linkens, St Nicholas, Kidbrooke, However, if you have neither the time, nor the knowledge to be absolutely Revd Canon Gary Jenkins, St James & St sure that any car is fault free, and also able to negotiate a fair and honest Anne, Bermondsey, John W Martin, Gillian E price, then they most certainly are the business for you to try. The Priory Miller, Norma Mason, Marion Maynard, team has over 40 years experience in supplying cars to Clergy and Revd Dan McGowan, St Martin’s. Morden, Church members, so let them use their skill and experience to supply you Revd Charlie Moore, St Mary’s, Bermondsey, with the very best value car for your money. As they reject more cars Geoff Nunn, Anthony Reeves, Jackie Pass- than they buy, (they really are that fussy), you can be sure of receiving a more, Sylvia Stockbridge, Mary Orpin, Peter top quality car, with no dark secrets and in superb condition. Orpin, Revd Paul Perkin, St Mark’s, Battersea Rise, Revd James Paice, St Luke’s, Wimble- Free nationwide delivery to your door is included, and part exchange of don Park, Revd Rob Powell, St James, West your old car is welcome. Their reputation is excellent and something that Streatham, Revd Greg Prior, All Saints with they are rightly proud of, please take alook at their website to view some Holy Trinity, Wandsworth , Revd Peter Ron- of the customers testimonials, and see why so many Church of England ayne, Revd David Ruddick, Emmanuel, Mor- Newspaper readers have previously used them. den, Rev Roger Ryan, St Mary, Summerstown, Revd Robin Thomson, Jill With Priory there are no hidden charges, they are honest, ethical and Tijou, Maurice Tijou, Jeanne Vernette, Keith won’t let you down. One telephone call may change the way you buy Walshe, Revd Robin Weekes, Emmanuel, cars forever. Wimbledon, Revd Leslie Wells, St George’s, Morden, Revd Bill Wilson, St Stephen’s, Visit www.prioryautomotive.com or call 0114 2559696 South Lambeth.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper www.churchnewspaper.com Friday March 13, 2015 Feature 9 Is there room for forgiveness in the Middle East?

By Jeremy Moodey atrocity: “This only makes us stronger in our faith because the Bible told us to love our enemies and bless The seven-week Marriage Course was created by Holy those who curse us.” Trinity, Brompton, and based on the same model as the Last week, with the unmasking of the London-born Alpha Course. The fourth session is on forgiveness and ISIS terrorist known as ‘Jihadi John’, we heard the pow- follows evenings on communication and resolving con- erful words of the Roman Catholic mother of James flict. Foley, the American journalist kidnapped in Syria and At one point in the evening the leader shows what then apparently beheaded by ‘John’ in August of last true Christian forgiveness looks like. She takes a spiral year. notebook on the successive pages of which are written Diane Foley said of the terrorist, now identified as lists of offences and grievances. She notes that forgive- Mohammed Emwazi from St John’s Wood in north-west ness is not just turning over to a new blank page; it is London: “It saddens me, his (Emwazi’s) continued about tearing out the previous pages, so that there is no hatred. He felt wronged, now we hate him - now that longer any record of them. Christian forgiveness, mod- just prolongs the hatred. We need to end it. As a mum I elled on the perfect example of Jesus, is about forgiving bizarrely said of her Arab enemies, as if she were not forgive him.” and forgetting. wholly responsible for her own actions: “We can forgive We should be thankful that there are still signs of for- It has been pointed out elsewhere that the Greek you for killing our children, but we can never forgive giveness amidst the turmoil and violence of the Middle word used for forgiveness in the New Testament, aphi - you for making us kill your children”. East. But, to return to the Marriage Course, is this mi, means literally to ‘send away’. It is used when can- Yet there are places where forgiveness survives in about turning over a new blank page or about ripping celling debts. So it conveys a sense not only of the Middle East. One thinks immediately of The Par- out and tearing up the previous pages, with all their forgiveness, but also of removing the very cause of the ents Circle Families Forum in Israel/Palestine which accumulated hurts and injustices? offence. So human forgiveness must echo divine for- promotes forgiveness and reconciliation between As with the sectarian tensions in Northern Ireland, giveness. As the King James version of the Lord’s Israeli and Palestinian families who have lost loved ones collective memories in the Middle East are very long, Prayer puts it (Matthew 6:12): “forgive us our debts, as to violence and terrorism. and past offences are not easily forgotten, least still we forgive our debtors”. There is a transactional ele- Then there is the forgiveness modelled by Christians. ‘cancelled’ as a debt might be written off. ment to forgiveness as much as an emotional one. Our own patron at Embrace the Middle East, His Grace Palestinian refugees still commemorate their dis- I wonder if HTB has thought about trying to replicate Bishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the placement in 1948, what they call in Arabic the nakba the Marriage Course, or a version of it, in the Middle UK, raised eyebrows recently when he told a US news (‘catastrophe’), by bringing out the original keys and East? It is a region that is desperately in need of better network that he forgave the ISIS killers of 21 Coptic title deeds to their homes in what is now Israel. At communication, of good conflict resolution, and of Christians in Libya. around the same time in May of each year (sometimes course of forgiveness. His words echoed the Christian conviction (although on the same day), Israelis celebrate their independ- A later session in the course, about managing rela- it is not of course based on a direct quote from Scrip- ence, when was achieved in the aftermath of the Holo- tives and families, might also be handy, given that the ture but on the sayings of St Augustine and Gandhi) caust and in the face of violent Arab resistance. people groups of the Middle East, whether Arab, Jew- that we are to love the sinner but not the sin: “We don’t Until the people of the Middle East start looking for- ish, Druze, Samaritan or Maronite, are nearly all inter- forgive the act because the act is heinous,” he told ward to future co-existence on the basis of forgiveness related, coming from the same Semitic roots. CNN. “But we do forgive the killers from the depths of and reconciliation, there will never be genuine peace in Yet forgiveness has been in short supply when it our hearts. Otherwise, we would become consumed by the region. Christians must surely lead the way, and comes to the Middle East. Japanese video journalist anger and hatred. It becomes a spiral of violence that people like Bishop Angaelos, Beshir Kamal and Diane Kenji Goto, kidnapped by ISIS last year, was a commit- has no place in this world.” Foley are doing exactly that. ted Christian. Yet following his brutal beheading by his The sentiments of Bishop Angaelos were reflected in Islamist captors in Syria in January, Japanese Prime the amazing testimony of a brother of two of the mur- Jeremy Moodey is Chief Executive of Embrace the Middle Minister Shinzo Abe vowed that he could “never for- dered Copts, Beshir Kamal. He called in to a TV chat East (www.embraceme.org), the Christian development give” the terrorists who committed the act. Israeli show run by the Arabic Christian SAT-7 and movingly charity that tackles poverty and injustice in the lands of Prime Minister Golda Meir once famously and prayed for his brother’s killers. He also said of the the Bible.

Matt Ward, Anglican chaplain at the Universities’ Chaplaincy in Leeds, also oversees Emmanuel Café Church there. He explores why the fresh expression of church is inspiring young adults to consider their vocation…

Last summer I attended the ordination service of a community, you sometimes get a sense that you need former member of Emmanuel Café Church to ask a sharp question. It’s important to be bold with (http://www.leeds.ac.uk/chaplaincy/cafechurch/) and Vocation at the that. That question at times has been, ’Have you I am looking forward to going to another this year. thought about ordination?’ And sometimes you have to Two previous Café Churchgoers are also currently in ask the question more than once and, as you ask it, training and at least two more are actively exploring equip people to listen for the answer from God via vocation to ordained ministry. Café Church others around them. We’re a small community that has been worshipping together for nine years, based in the chaplaincy at By creating an atmosphere that allows vocation to be Leeds University and meeting every Sunday during community we want you to be involved. Some people seen as normal. If you have never met anyone who has term time at Claire Chapel, Emmanuel Centre. In have come for the first time and the next week have sailed round the world, the thought of doing so is many ways we’re fragile, losing a significant number of been taking an active part in leading the session. almost too much to comprehend, but - if you’ve spent our community each year as they graduate and move Others take a bit longer to feel that confident but are time with people who sailed round the world - it on. How have we managed to end up regularly seeing drawn into discussions and reflections. What’s key is suddenly becomes less extraordinary. I think that the young people going forward for ordination? It wasn’t that people are gaining experience and discovering same is true around Café Church. If you never meet something that we set out to achieve but it has what leadership might be like. We also benefit from anyone like you who has thought about being ordained certainly become part of our story. learning from each other and regularly experiencing then it seems like a strange thing to consider, but I think that it is quite simple. It’s all about different styles of leadership. when it’s just one of a whole range of things that is encouraging people. mentioned when we’re talking about vocation then it’s Looking back, there are probably four things that we By listening to them, in many ways the joy of being a not so weird. have done which are important in encouraging people small community is that you can get to know people to think about vocation - and although I started by really well, but the key to that is giving time to people We talk about vocation in a very ordinary, matter of talking about ordinations it’s important to think of and listening to them. It is about discovering who fact way. We talk about it in a wide range of contexts vocation in the widest possible sense. It starts with people are, what excites them, what worries them, and with a sense that it might have a wide range of out- recognising that we all have a vocation to be disciples, what their hopes and aspirations might be. Above all, workings for people. As we’ve done that over the past to be growing in our faith and working out how to live it’s about taking people seriously. When you do that, few years we have been privileged to see people that - whatever the career path. you begin to know when something is a real possibility respond to God and move on in their lives following So what are the four things we have been doing? or simply a wild dream. him. Basically, we have encouraged people: To be involved. If you come to Café Church you are By challenging them. As you get to know people, as Fresh Expressions: www.freshexpressions.org.uk part of our community, and if you’re part of our you pray for them and see them become part of the

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 10 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday March 13, 2015 Comment

I interviewed Patrick Holford, author of The Stress Cure and he says in order to ascertain your stress levels ask yourself: * Do you check your phone or laptop for messages every few minutes? * Do you ‘need’ a coffee, tea or cigarette to get going in the morning? Janey Lee Grace * Do you feel guilty when relaxing or find it hard to relax or switch off? * Do you get impatient or angry if people or things Live Healthy! Live Happy! hold you up? * Are you competitive with a constant need for achievement? Wired and tired: Brits are hooked on stress * Do challenging situations trigger anxiety or panic? Three in four people in Britain frequently feel stressed, While modern stresses are rarely so extreme, they * Do you often do two or three tasks with declining energy levels, and two in three are far more frequent and relentless. Feeling simultaneously? experience frequent anxiety and tension, according to a overwhelmed at work, money or relationship worries, * Do you avoid exercise because you feel too tired? UK survey of 51,000 people detailed in a new book The being stuck in traffic, for example – all these cause us to * Do you have difficulty getting to sleep, or staying Stress Cure. release the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, asleep? Chronic stress has dire long-term health and to keep releasing them hour after hour. * Do you have afternoon energy dips or wake up consequences, increasing risk for heart disease by five Another key piece of the jigsaw is understanding what feeling tired? times and doubling the risk for obesity, dementia and your stress triggers are and either changing them or If you said yes to three or more questions it’s diabetes. In fact, chronic stress is as bad for you as reframing how you react. Many successful people have time to sort out your stress… I’m stressed just smoking, according a study in the Journal of the learnt how to face life positively, without letting stress thinking about it! American Medical Association. The very same ‘fight or take control. Famously, Winston Churchill said: “The flight’ mechanism designed to promote our ancestors’ pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The The Stress Cure by Patrick Holford and Susannah survival – while they were hunting and being hunted by optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” But Lawson is published by Piatkus, and for the predators – is today responsible for reducing our life pessimism isn’t in your genes. Optimism is a mind-set nationwide seminars visit expectancy. you can train yourself into. www.patrickholford.com/stresscure Our Faith’s Future Defender Senior Staff Prince Charles has announced that he will, after all, be ‘Defender of the Faith’ but no one who reads Catherine Mayer’s new book about him can be Catherine Mayer is silent about the Prince’s views on women priests but she has no in any doubt that he has his own highly idiosyncratic understanding of ‘faith’. complaint about his attitude to women in general or towards gay people. His friend, Mayer describes him as a High Anglican with a taste for mysticism but she Richard Chartres, has not ordained women and didn’t attend the consecration of Libby also outlines a personal philosophy that stresses holism (or ‘whole ism’ as Lane but even his ability to walk a tightrope may soon be challenged. According to the Charles prefers), harmony, the interconnectedness of all belief systems and Daily Mail an all-female shortlist has been drawn up for the vacant post of Bishop of being at one with nature. He likes a Sufi aphorism that states that although Kensington. But Chartres is a skilful politician and it seems unlikely such a shortlist there are many lamps there is only one light. Prayer is as much part of his has been drawn up without his tacit agreement (even though he may not choose to daily routine as his red boxes and his friend, Richard Chartres, has broadcast the fact). One of the women on the list, and probably the favourite, is Lucy consecrated a hermitage at Highgrove where the Prince can read the Winkett who is well-known to Caroline Chartres. Lucy contributed to a book of essays, Philokalia, a collection of Greek Orthodox spiritual texts (he has paid several Why I Am Still An Anglican Caroline edited. Another contender is said to be the visits to Mount Athos). Meyer thinks that in Charles ‘the Church of England Archdeacon of Hackney, Rachel Treweek. Meanwhile this column has to reveal that a stands to gain a Supreme Governor who takes his spiritual duties extremely candidate previously tipped for Newcastle has little chance. We had thought Rose seriously.’ The fact that he is knowledgeable about Islam and respected by Hudson-Wilkin would be a hot contender for the vacant diocese in view of the fact that Muslims is a plus and he has not hesitated to speak out in defence of her husband hails from the North East. Alas, it transpires that he belongs to the wrong persecuted Christians. One wor ry is he does seem to have a weakness for tribe. He actually comes from Sunderland, and is reported to be a fan of the local team. charlatans. He wasn’t alone in being taken in by Jimmy Savile but the That definitely rules Rose out for Newcastle. Meanwhile the latest on Westcott House is influence of Laurens van der Post (also guilty of pedophilia) suggests a that the college is approaching Richard Coles to be Principal. It has not been revealed if certain naivety. Chartres is the only Anglican church leader Mayer mentions. he is the choice of the headhunters hired by the college. She doesn’t refer to radical Cambridge theologian Har ry Williams (later a Mirfield monk) who contemporaries say was a big influence. Prince Har ry is said to have been named after him. Still Running With Jesus

Malcolm Boyd, a Episcopal priest and author of the best-selling book of prayers Are You Running With Me Jesus? has died in Los Angeles at Age of Superstition the age of 91. Although Fr Boyd’s death was reported at length in the American press it has received little attention in this country although his work was well known here in the 1960s and 70s. In America he was A wide range of studies are quoted in this month’s issue of the American magazine The high profile as a campaigner for civil rights and a peace activist who Atlantic to show that even hardened atheists can be superstitious. One study quoted opposed the Vietnam War. Appearing on national TV programmes in shows that non-believers break out into a sweat when reading aloud sentences the US he became as well known as other radical clerical icons of the asking God to do terrible things such as ‘I dare God to make my parents 1960s such as the Berrigan brothers, Yale chaplain William Sloane drown’. When asked whether scientists should accept the offer of a witch to Coffin and Bishop Paul Moore. Before ordination Boyd worked in cast a spell on them, about half the number of British students questioned Hollywood and in 1966 he appeared for a month at a San said the offer should be accepted although they all said that they Francisco nightclub alongside Dick Gregory reciting prayers personally would decline the offer.A survey of scientists at MIT and from his famous book. The performances were standing room other elite American institutions found that they instinctively ascribe only with many cheering and some heckling. He gave all his some kind of purpose to natural events. The trick was to get them to earnings to a civil rights group. Boyd continued to answer questions about this quickly. This exposed an uncensored campaign for radical causes all his life, given confidence bias that was corrected when the scientists had more time to by his background as the scion of an elite New York think things through. In one study psychologists found that family that lost a fortune in the 1929 crash. He was an belief in the soul is widespread. Among people who said that early supporter of the ordination of women and in 1976 consciousness ends in death, a third were prepared to attribute he stunned the Episcopal Church by announcing that he

ongoing thoughts and feelings to characters in a fictional story The Gallery was gay. He continued to serve as an Episcopal priest after those characters had died. There are ways in which faith and in 2004, the 20th anniversary of their domestic may be a definite plus. A recent paper from the University of Whispering partnership, Boyd’s union with Mark Thompson, an British Columbia reported that the better participants were at author and therapist, was blessed by the Bishop of Los reading others, the more strongly they believed in God, the Angeles. They married in 2013. paranormal and the idea that life has a purpose. The same study found that the more autistic traits a person has, the less likely he or she is to believe in God.

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The phrase ‘good disagreement’, matters of faith. For some it is View from the Pew coined by the Archbishop of Can- about disobeying clear gospel com- terbury to help the Anglican Com- mands and for others it is about munion find some future way of justice. These are non-negotiables. coexisting in spite of deep fissures Of course, there can be a degree over human sexuality, is an impos- of co-existence. We all have the sible dream. experience of friendships across The example in front of us is the deep divisions. I’ve known a few Anglican Communion, which since Christians who say you cannot be 2003 and the consecration of a friends with non-Christians for practising homosexual as a bishop example, but they don’t seem to be in the Episcopal Church of the following the example Jesus sets USA, is effectively fragmented and for us. broken. For many so-called ‘conserva- While it is true that there are net- tives’, the idea of ‘good disagree- works and relationships that ment’ is impossible because it enable there to be some degree of legitimises apostasy and false communion internationally, there teaching. For many so-called ‘liber- is no longer any realistic chance of als’ good disagreement is ultimate- mounting any fully representative ly impossible because it legitimises pan-Anglican summit. A third of all homophobia and the abuse of Anglican bishops absented them- human rights. selves from the heavily controlled There will be huge damage in 2008 Lambeth Conference. There spite of all the facilitators and medi- has been no meeting of the Pri- ators that these rather secretive mates’ Meeting since 2011. The ‘shared conversations’ can throw at Archbishop of Canterbury hasn’t us. My prediction is that the ‘Balka- even attempted to call one, know- nisation’ of the Church of England ing that the authority of the office is about to happen with increasing- of Canterbury to invite and preside ly entrenched networks refusing to is largely spent. do much in the way of business Anglicanism has been about rela- with each other. There will be David Cameron tionships, meetings, common some who leave but I suspect the prayer and interchangeable min- common experience will be of a istry rather than primacy and church within a church, increasing authority, but many direct relation- disobedience and resistance, Those leaders’ debates ships are now gone, meetings are redrawing of boundaries and bish- infrequent, our liturgies have ops hopping across geographical diverged and for a long time we divisions. Leaders’ debates should take place a month or two before a General Election rather than within haven’t always been able to accept The other great danger is that days of postal votes and polling. one another’s orders. the phrase ‘good disagreement’ is We do not have a presidential system of government and many of us vote to elect a Member of The breakdown of the inter- used dishonestly to marginalise Parliament rather than to propel a political party into government. Anglican family is a salutary warn- the wrong sort of view. Those who The idea proposed by Labour that you can somehow force party leaders into a debate with each ing of times ahead for the Church cannot accept the premise of ‘good other is laughable. The Conservatives however have failed to recognise the part that such of England. There can be no ‘good disagreement’ and those who are debates play in re-engaging the electorate. disagreement’ on primary issues of not invited to the ‘shared conversa- The lesson from Scotland’s referendum is that direct engagement with political figures through faith. Both sides view these mat- tions’ are those who will be air- various media raises people’s interest in voting. But there should be more debates on television, ters as primary and not secondary brushed out of the picture. radio and even social networking sites and not just with the party leaders.

LIZHOARE thespiritualdirector By the Rev Dr Liz Hoare

‘I don’t have a sense of needing anything regarded as luxuries and now are held economic value of contemporary west- ing what we have as gift, and thus the personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite as necessities. Built-in obsolescence ern society. It is sobering to acknowl- freedom to share what we have with content whatever my circumstances. I’m only makes things worse and adds to edge that Jesus had so much to say others. just as happy with little as with much, the complication of trying to make do about money and wealth to what then, The discipline of simplicity requires with much as with little,’ Phil 4:11-12 with less. by comparison with today, was a rela- grace not to set ourselves up as superi- (The Message). The discipline of simplicity is a huge tively simple society. What would he or because we are living with less. challenge while at the same time hold- say to us now? Looking down on someone who has ing out great rewards. How much of Doubtless he would still say: ‘Seek more pairs of shoes than we do is not our identity is bound up with our stuff? first his kingdom and his righteousness what it’s about. We all have too much stuff. So says a What would it be like to let it go? Sim- and all these things shall be yours as One of the most liberating experi- newly published book called Stuffoca- plicity is a discipline with inward and well.’ ences of my own life was a trip to the tion, though I think that in the western outward dimensions. Inner simplicity Many people are calling attention to Sinai desert. Inevitably I took a large world, we know that already. It is what results in outward reality. the excess of materialism, the author of bag full of things I might need. About to do about it that is the challenge. Richard Foster points out that when Stuffocation included. But as with all 12 hours in I realised all I really needed In our house we certainly have too we lack a divine centre, our need for the spiritual disciplines, it is the under- was the packet of wet wipes. My bag much stuff: accumulated items from security drives us to an attachment to lying motive that matters. felt like a burden. Without it I felt free. parents, grandparents, discarded items things. As Christians we have a respon- The desire to de-clutter needs to be One day I will not need anything, not that have not made it to the tip (yet), as sibility to counteract the attitude that focused on the deeper desire to make even the wet wipes. The little foretaste well as all the things we keep ‘just in defines people by how much they pro- more room for God. There will be many of being so completely free encourages case.’ That’s without the material goods duce or by what they possess. side-effects: a greater spirit of trust, me to try a bit harder to live more sim- that once upon a time would have been The Bible challenges almost every freedom from anxiety, the joy of receiv- ply.

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Where was Jesus? Sir – I was surprised that James Catford, Group Chief Executive of Bible Society, could write an article headed ‘Opening the Bible for everyone’ without once mentioning Jesus Christ. I was taught many years ago that ‘The word of God’ – the Bible – ‘points us to His Word’ – Jesus Christ. James Catford quotes with approval Dallas Willard’s definition of the Bible as ‘a unique source of essential knowledge about the most Diocese of Egypt important things in life’. How feeble is that. Surely we should see the good The Episcopal/Anglican Diocese of Egypt book as ‘an inspired collection of writings that point us to Jesus Christ as with North Africa and the Horn of Africa the human face of God’. After all, St John wrote his gospel so that ‘we might believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing Minister for the we might have life in his name’ (John 20:31). English-speaking congregations James Catford concludes his article ‘The Bible. We’d be lost without it.’ Yes, the Bible is much the most important book ever written, but only because it contains the good news of Jesus Christ. He is the one who All Saints’ Cathedral, Cairo has procured salvation for us sinners through his death and resurrection, not the Bible itself. Hallelujah, The Bishop seeks to appoint an ordainedAnglican what a Saviour! Minister for the English-speaking congregations of All Charles Hanson, Saints’ Cathedral, serving multi-cultural and multi- Carlisle denominational congregations. This is a senior role and will involveworking closely with the Bishop and others in this dynamic Diocese. The new Minister will have a Tackling extremism missionary vision, a heart for evangelism, be a good Sir, The government seems at a loss to know how to counter the negative influences on young people which teacher, a gifted pastor and a team builder who has leads them to join terrorist groups such as IS. Perhaps it should look at its own failure to introduce positive cultural sensitivity. attitudes from a society which used to instil the very “British values” it claims it wants British citizens to This is a challenging role but not without its rewards. have. Interested? Contact the Revd Richard Bromley at the Through encouraging materialism, consumerism and pluralism the government has destroyed the Intercontinental Church Society for an informal conversation foundation of the caring society that used to be based on Christian principles. It is, therefore, on 024-7646 3940 or email: [email protected]. understandable that modern young people reject what is now offered and seek real values to fight for. Closing date for applications: Monday 20 April 2015 Unfortunately, they reject what they are told is a Christian culture, and yet in reality is not because the Interview: TBC government has increasingly sidelined the Christian church and those organisations that are founded on its ideas and beliefs. The threat of imprisonment or armed force is insufficient action: there needs to be a philosophy which can change the hearts of young people and give them real hope of something better in this life as well as in eternity. J Longstaff, Woodford Green Living wage Biblical texts Sir, Giles Fraser HOLIDAYS Sir, Once again we are hearing the tired old argument wrote about this in that those against homosexual practice are “fixated on last week’s YORKS/LANCS BORDER:- static 4 a few lines of text”. Surely the Very Rev David Ison has Guardian. This week berth caravan, working farm, read the Bible enough to know that far from this being we are taken to task panoramic views Ingleborough, central lakes and dales. the case, the whole tenor of the Bible is to celebrate by government for 01524261784 sexual activity only within the bond of heterosexual challenging others to marriage, and nowhere is homosexuality spoken of in pay the living wage anything but negative terms. and failing to do so &(1*6"4( .2 The fact that heterosexual ministers commit adultery ourselves, at a time 1*+(0."/( "4 4($. is sad and sinful, but that is no reason for going on to when General Synod %((!)/ "//-( "/ say homosexual practice is normal and something to agreed a report that ',15 324*1# be included. We cannot dialogue about what the proposed “that Scripture plainly teaches, no matter how far the world church resources has moved on, as the Church should be counter- should be focussed with a strong bias to the cultural if the culture is godless. poor”. So what better time to do it now, when the Continued from page 6 I think the Apostle Paul would have something to say poor need our help rather than “after There’s a world between the two. to the Dean’s viewpoint after founding a church in consultation with dioceses, theological colleges, Second, there’s no requirement on participants even to be Corinth! training institutions and others is concluded” familiar with, let alone address, the startling statistical Mrs S Wilson, (Synod round-up in CEN of 20 February). evidence on the comparative average results of Tandragee, Co Armagh Tommy Gee, homosexual and heterosexual practice (in life expectancy, Wingfield STIs, promiscuity, risky practices). But those who don’t know the evidence are obviously not in a position to ‘conclude’ anything - much as my own ‘views’ on Spiritual vision rightful provision of clean water, provided where needed in astrophysics would be rightly accounted worthless. The Sir, It is said that our country education, health and food pregnancy and terminal illness. same applies to the exegetical discussions of two needs a fresh moral vision. This is production. The family unit would be millennia: no requirement to know about them before true, but a fresh spiritual vision is Prayerful encouragement would safeguarded, valued and given a stating a so-called ‘conclusion’. even more important. What effect be given to Members of higher priority, especially to help Third, it is impossible that an opinion-graph with peaks might this have on our way of life Parliament to pass laws that parents look after their own at both poles and none in the middle (ie, the very opposite and the growth of God’s kingdom would provide help and promote children in the early years. of normal distribution) represents honest reading of the in our society? justice, particularly for the poor, While a strong economy is evidence. Such a graph accurately plots people’s polarised We are to be peacemakers. the sick, the alien, the disabled, important, materialism and ideologies and preferences as opposed to their evidenced While acknowledging that the the homeless and outcasts of consumerism can become idols. conclusions. But ideology is not evidence-based, and is the defence of the realm is always a society. Instead as a nation we would seek enemy and opposite of scholarship. Unbelievably, the priority, we would not become Children and young people to serve God, not mammon. shared discussions are in danger of shunning research involved in overseas conflicts that need to be protected from abuse Those in positions of power, and embracing its enemy. do not directly concern us, unless in all its forms, including authority and responsibility would Fourth, the homosexual issue is getting preferential for UN-backed humanitarian pornography and inappropriate set a high standard of integrity, treatment if it is the only issue where people are granted reasons. sex education. A higher profile and would gain respect because the luxury of ‘good disagreement’. Whereas if it is not the Immigrants and asylum-seekers would be given to promoting of this. only such issue, then a free-for-all beckons. Where to stop? from poor and war-torn countries healthy lifestyles, chastity and We are called to be good Fifth, it is a strange issue to select for such preferential would be generously welcomed, marriage. stewards of the world God treatment. There are plenty of controversial issues in but their numbers restricted to So-called ‘strong’ language and created, and this would require a theology and exegesis, but through two millennia it has enable ease of social integration gratuitous violence pervade much wise use and unselfish sharing of scarcely been noticed that this is one of them, since the and to avoid excessive pressures of the entertainment media. How the earth’s resources. Scriptures seem plain and forthright. Even when this is on public services. much better it would be to While respecting the views of finally ‘noticed’, the timing and cultural location of this Overseas aid would rarely be encourage those comedians, followers of other religions and of development suggests that social conformity is the driver. given directly to foreign authors and script-writers who those with no religious beliefs, we It is passing strange that Christianity, in origin so counter- governments, but instead money, prefer to use their talents more would proclaim boldly the cultural, should be thus upturned and domesticated. goods and expertise would be wholesomely. uniqueness of Christ as the For these five reasons, ‘good disagreement’ should be channeled to truly needy people The sanctity of human life Saviour of the world. firmly rejected. through reputable aid agencies, would be upheld from conception Geoff Powell, Dr Christopher Shell, especially those that focus on the to the final breath, with support Seaton, Devon Hounslow, Middlesex www.churchnewspaper.com Friday March 13, 2015 Register 13

BIBLECHALLENGE has resigned from her appointment as ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER Associate Priest of Charminster and Stinsford. Her appointment ceased 1 January 2015. She has Permission to Day 73 – Deuteronomy 25-27, Psalm 61, Friday 13 March. Psalm 86:1-7, Job 29:18-25. Missionary District of Oeste-Brasil Officiate in any parish in the Diocese of Luke 19 - (Brazil): Vacant Salisbury until 4 December 2017. Day 74 – Deuteronomy 28-30, Psalm Saturday 14 March. Psalm 77:1-15, Ro. 12:1-8. Milwaukee - (V, The Episcopal The Rev Michael Howard James, 62, Luke 20 Church): The Rt Rev Steven Miller; Mississippi - (IV, The Episcopal Church): The Assistant Curate with the title of Day 75 – Enjoy hearing the Scriptures Rt Rev Duncan Gray; Mississippi - (IV, The Episcopal Church): The Rt Rev Brian Associate Minister in the Benefice of St read aloud in church Seage Alban, Westbury Park, Bristol, will Day 76 – Deuteronomy 31-33, Psalm Sunday 15 March. Lent 4. Psalm 131, Ro. 12:9-21. Missouri - (V, The Episcopal resign on 19th April, 2015. 63, Luke 21 Church): The Rt Rev Wayne Smith The Rev William Duncan Mac- Day 77 – Deuteronomy 34, Psalm 64, Monday 16 March. Psalm 49:12-20, Ro. 13:1-7. Mityana - (Uganda): The Rt Rev Dougall, Luke 22 Stephen Kaziimba Transition Minister and Priest in Charge Day 78 – Joshua 1-3, Psalm 65, Luke 23 Tuesday 17 March. St Patrick’s Day. Psalm 112, Ro. 13:8-14. Mombasa - of Holy Trinity, in the conventional Day 79 – Joshua 4-6, Psalm 66, Luke 24 (Kenya): The Rt Rev Julius Katio Kalu; Assistant Bishop of Mombasa - (Kenya): district of Bradley Stoke, Diocese of The Rt Rev Lawrence Dena Bristol, will resign from 8th May, 2015. APPOINTMENTS Wednesday 18 March. Psalm 139:4-12, Job 30:1-8. Monmouth - (Wales): The Rt The Rev Christopher James Pickles, Rev Richard Pain resigns as Assistant Curate of Thursday 19 March. St Joseph. Psalm 139:13-18, Job 30:9-19. Montana - (VI, Canterbury, St Peter with St Alphege New Bishop of Hertford The Episcopal Church): The Rt Rev Charles Franklin Brookhart and St Margaret and St Mildred with St The Rev Canon Noel Michael Roy Mary de Castro and Canterbury, St Beasley, Dunstan with Holy Cross with effect Director of Mission (Oxford), has been Vicar of Burgess Hill St Andrew The Rev Andrew Poppe, from 1 March 2015. appointed to the Suffragan See of (Chichester), to be Director of Mission, Assistant Curate of Clarendon The Rev Martin Ronald Poolton, Hertford, (St Albans), in succession to Discipleship and Ministry and (Salisbury) to be Vicar of St Mary’s and resigns as incumbent of Jersey, St Peter the Rt Rev Paul Bayes on his translation Residentiary Canon of Durham Holy Trinity, West Cowes (Portsmouth). with effect from 31 December 2014. to the See of Liverpool. Cathedral. The Rev Richard Radley, The Rev Stanley Royle, The Rev Dr Ian Jorysz, Vicar of Doncaster St Mary and has retired from his appointment as The Rev Rachma Abbott, Incumbent of St Peter, South Weald Wheatley Park (Sheffield), to be Team Associate Priest of the Bridge Parishes Priest in Charge of Westfield St Peters (Chelmsford) and rural dean of Vicar of Billingham (Durham). and as Associate Priest of Spetisbury and Chaplain to Norton Radstock Brentwood, has been appointed senior The Rev David Railton, with Charlton Marshall and Blandford St College (Bath and Wells) is to be chaplain to the Bishop of Manchester. Vicar of Hazlewood, Hobrooke and Mary. His appointments ceased 25 June Associate Priest of Lyneham with The Rev Richard Kirlew, Milford (Derby), to be Vicar of 2014. He has Permission to Officiate in Bradenstoke and Priest in Charge of Incumbent of Colwyn Benefice Blackwell and Coniscliffe (Durham). any parish in the Diocese of Salisbury Woodhill (Salisbury). (Swansea and Brecon) is to be Team The Rev Dr Andrew Sangster until 25 June 2019. The Rev Suzie Allen, Vicar of the Three Valleys Benefice continues to have PTO in the Diocese of The Rev Sheila Thomas, Assistant Curate of the Wareham (Salisbury). Norwich. has retired from her appointment as Benefice, is to be Associate Priest of The Rev Andrew Mackenzie, The Rev Richard Selby-Boothroyd, Associate Priest (Salisbury). Her Wimborne and Associate Priest of Rector of St Lawrence Effingham and All former Associate Priest of Royal appointment ceased 30 November 2014. Stanbridge and Long Crichel with Moor Saints Little Bookham (Guildford) is to Wootton Bassett, is now Priest in Charge The Rev Ronald Wiffen, Crichel (Salisbury). be Associate Priest of Bradford Peverell, of Lyneham with Bradenstoke and Norwich, is to retire from 3 May. The Rev Anthony James Barnshaw, Stratton, Frampton and Sydling St continues as Associate Priest of The Rev FA Wookey, Team Vicar of Ramsbottom St Andrew, Nicholas and Associate Priest of Woodhill (Salisbury). retires as Vicar of Hanley Castle, Hanley St John and St Paul and Edenfield, Charminster and Stinsford (Salisbury). The Rev Jonathan Triffitt, Swan & Welland and Priest-in-Charge: (Manchester), to be Assistant Curate The Rev Elizabeth Moore-Bick, Vicar of Southbroom St James and Rural Upton on Severn, Ripple, Earls Croome (known as Associate Vicar) of Cheadle Team Vicar of Clarendon, is now also Dean of Devizes, is to be Rector of w Hill Croome & Strensham Hulme St Andrew (with responsibility Chaplain to Salisbury Cathedral School. Blandford Forum and Langton Long and (Worcester) on 1 March. for Emmanuel), in the deanery of The Rev Grant Naylor, Assistant Rural Dean of Milton and Cheadle (Chester), with effect from 13 Curate of Auckland St Helen, to be Blandford (Salisbury). LAY AND OTHER APPOINTMENTS April 2015. Priest in Charge of St Matthew, Sheffield The Rev Canon Judith Wilson The Rev Canon Stephen Batty (Sheffield). has been given Permission to Officiate is resigning from his appointment as The Rev Gary O’Neill, in the Diocese of Norwich. Vicar of Branksome St Aldhelm to be Director of Studies for Ordinands in Captain Christopher Chesters CA, Rector of the Bride Valley (Salisbury). Chester Diocese, and now also Bishop’s RETIREMENTS & RESIGNATIONS Senior Chaplain, South Yorkshire The Rev Vicki Burrows, Adviser for Ministerial Development Workplace Chaplaincy (Employed by the Priest in charge of Royal Wootton Review. Sheffield Diocesan Board of Finance) Bassett, is to be Vicar. She will remain The Rev Christopher Mark Painter, The Rev Evelyne Atherfold, (Sheffield), to be Senior Chaplain, South as Rural Dean of Calne (Salisbury). Assistant Curate at Hale Barns All Saints Honorary Assistant Curate, Fishlake St Yorkshire Workplace Chaplaincy The Rev Ian Cooper, with Ringway, in the deanery of Bowdon Cuthbert with Sykehouse Holy Trinity (Employed by the SYWC) (Sheffield). Is to be Chaplain - HMP Wayland (Chester), to become Priest-in-Charge of and Kirk Bramwith St Mary with Charles Clayton, (Norwich). Calstock St Andrew and of St Dominic, Fenwick and Moss (Sheffield), to resign executive director of Oxford Leaders The Rev Peter Craig-Wild, Landulph and St Mellion with Pillaton from Sunday 5 April 2015. Ltd, is a former chief executive of World formerly Team Rector of Maltby (Truro), with effect from 13 May 2015. The Rev Wendy Fobister Vision UK and former national director (Sheffield), to have Permission to of World Vision in Jerusalem, West Bank Officiate (Sheffield). and Gaza, to be chair of trustees of The Rev David Fisher, CMS. Assistant Priest of St Laurence, Long Eaton with Holy Trinity, Ilkeston Lay Canons (Derby) is to be Priest in Charge of Portsmouth Sarum St Martin (Salisbury). Margaret Chappell, The Rev Rhona Floate, churchwarden of St Peter and St Paul, Priest in Charge of Wool and East Stoke, Fareham. is to be Vicar of Wool and East Stoke Neil Pugmire, and Rural Dean of Purbeck (Salisbury). Diocesan Communications Adviser for The Rev William Hill almost 15 years. continues to have PTO in the Diocese of Norwich. DEATHS The Rev Keith James continues to have PTO in the Diocese of FOR JUST £75 YOU CAN POST Norwich. The Rev Michael Lindsay-Parkinson, The Rev Enid Jones-Blackett YOUR JOB ON OUR JOB BOARD Retired Priest. Formerly Incumbent of continues to have PTO in the Diocese of FOR A MONTH Alsager St Mary Magdalene, in the Norwich. deanery of Congleton (Chester), Mr The Rev Nicholas Haigh, Lindsay-Parkinson retired with PTO in Mission Priest, Crookes St Thomas Chester Diocese in 1993. (Sheffield), to be Vicar, Haydock St The Rev Canon Barbara Wollaston, Mark (Liverpool). Canon Emeritus of Southwark Cathedral The Rev Sophie Jelley, died on 27th February 2015.

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A book that was certainly worth the wait! SUNDAY SERVICE A Kind of Sleepwalking tabloids and Hello!, but the kind of sacrificial love Judy Hirst that should mark Christians out. This chapter is Darton, Longman and Todd, heart-warming as Hirst lays bare her own, very 5th Sunday of Lent — Sunday 22 March 2015 pb, £9.99 human, struggles, to even pass first base in being Jeremiah 31:31-34 more loving. At times I laughed out loud as she Hebrews 5:5-10 This little book took Judy Hirst six explains her own shortcomings in this department John 12:20-33 years to complete. It was worth the – ones I am sure we all share. Her Bible analysis wait. here is pungent too, as she unpacks her wrestling Our focus this week is on the depth of eternal salvation So good a book is it, that I read it with God’s command to love – something that which Christ our great high priest gloriously achieved on the in one sitting and have already should always be part of our free will. cross for us. passed it on for someone else to read. Hirst’s prem- I have long felt that the best Christian books in Jeremiah prophesied a new covenant between God and his ise is that we spend much of our lives not really liv- the last few years have been the short ones. I have people. The Sinai covenant was smashed to pieces by the dis- ing. But with God we awake and this changes also felt that Spirituality is a way of cracking the obedience of the people, their spiritual adultery even, against everything. code of postmodernism and radical atheism. God their “husband”. The Babylonian exile, which the What stands out here is the real wisdom of this This book is a gem. It helps us to live better with- prophet speaks about throughout the book, is a clear sign book. Hirst begins by unfolding her thesis. Certain out coming over all preachy and macho. It doesn’t that the covenant curses have fallen upon Israel. Even within life events wake us from our complacency – God is overload on Bible quotes to knock the reader into the Mosaic Law, however, there are signs that God knew this in these moments. We have the chance to get closer submission. It is full of poetry and things that will would happen, and had planned a way for Israel to be to God if we take these moments seriously and make you laugh and cry. restored and saved. grow. This is all well and good, but from Chapter 2 Above all Judy Hirst is a wise woman. As someone The other prophets also spoke of a new and eternal on, this book takes off. who has benefitted from the advice and guidance of covenant by which God would transform and redeem his Hirst explains that suffering is God’s clarion call many wise women in my life, I am glad that yet people, and Jeremiah outlines some of the benefits of that (a point also made by CS Lewis). This chapter takes another has stepped forward. Interestingly, the fresh compact: he would write the Law on their hearts not suffering seriously and Hirst is as bewildered as the women who surrounded Jesus were much wiser just on tablets of stone; he would expand the knowledge of rest of us by its icy grip. Her chapter on joy and than the men. One of the reasons I never bought God so that even the very least in the new kingdom would transforming moments is beautiful. As you read it the male headship model was because of the amaz- truly know the Lord; and most importantly, he would forgive you’ll find yourself counting your blessings and liv- ing women who have loved me and helped me over and forget their sin, wiping it out. ing in the moment. the years. They also tended to be far better leaders. Yet this was no easy task for God. It involved the appoint- She moves onto death – again, done with great If you only buy on spiritualty book this year, make ment of a new high priest, in the order not of Aaron but of sensitivity. And each chapter here is laced with won- it this one. I hope Judy’s next book comes along a Melchizedek. And for the new arrangement to stick, the new derful quotes and poems. You’ll find yourself taking lot quicker than this one did. Judy, could you man- high priest would need to stick around. If sins are to be for- notes. age one a year? gotten forever, then the priest must also similarly endure in After death comes love – not the pappy love of the Steve Morris glory. To prepare and equip such a great high priest, there would be suffering, tears, and death as he stood in the place of his condemned and sinful people. “And having been made Neil Ormerod is a highly regard- became a Catholic. Stewart questions such a ministry raises. perfect,” says Hebrews, “he became the source of eternal sal- ed Australian theologian with an Goetz, an American philosopher vation for all who obey him.” ability to write good books in an who has written on ‘Spirituality’ is very Now, looking to Jesus and following him, we have eternal accessible and readable style. In the philosophy of reli- much an in-word but it is and complete salvation in our eternal and complete high A Public God: Natural Theol- gion, raises the ques- not one that really priest — whose own blood sealed the new covenant for his ogy Reconsidered (Fortress, tion in A appeals to Allan Chapple people. As Hebrews makes clear elsewhere (eg 7:24), in the pb, £25) he makes a claim for a Philosophical Walk- of Trinity Theological words of Athanasius, Christ “has a priesthood that does not new look at natural theology that ing Tour With CS College in Western Aus- go by succession to others.” We have and need only one such avoids some of the pitfalls of the Lewis: Why it Did tralia. He prefers to talk Melchizedekian priest, because he lives forever, incorrupt- past. Ormerod leans Not Include about ‘devotion’ because ible and unchanging — utterly sufficient for all our needs. heavily on the work of Rome it is this word that We glimpse some of his suffering on this earth in the Bernard Lonergan (Bloomsbury, should describe our atti- Gospel reading from John 12. Jesus knew once the Greeks but he also gives pb, £19.99) tude to God. In True started to ask for him, that his hour was almost upon him; some attention to and his answer Devotion (Latimer the time for him to die, in order to be glorified and draw all Alister McGrath. Any- sheds a good Briefings, pb, £10.99) he people to himself. The depth of his sorrow becomes more one who likes this deal of light on sets out to show how and more evident, yet he says here, with a troubled soul, book should look at Lewis’ thinking. Basical- God’s word should shape and “What should I say? Save me? No.” He knew what he had to Creator God, Evolv- ly Goetz claims Lewis rule our devotion to him. undergo, for the glory of the Father. He would be lifted up for ing World (Fortress, was not sympathetic to us and for our salvation, to usher in a new world. As George pb, £11.99) which the viewpoint of St It is often pointed out that Herbert puts it in “The Sacrifice”: Ormerod co-authored Thomas Aquinas, some- while religion increasingly fig- with US Episcopalian thing that becomes ures in public debate and gets Lo, here I hang, charged with a world of sin, theologian, Cynthia apparent when Lewis’ more and more attention in the The greater world o’ the two; for that came in Crysdale. They clari- understanding of happi- media there is not a great deal of By words, but this by sorrow I must win: fy supposed tensions between ness is considered. A book all understanding or knowledge Was ever grief like mine? religion and science and show interested in CS Lewis will want about religion. Rethinking how theology and evolution can to read. Biblical Literacy, edited by Such sorrow, as if sinful man could feel, fit together. Katie Edwards (Bloomsbury, Or feel his part, he would not cease to kneel, As social media pb, £22.99 or £21.84 from the Till all were melted, though he were all steel. Well-known jour- becomes more and more CEN Shop) looks at what it Was ever grief like mine? nalist Peter Stanford important churches are means to be biblically literate. Is gives us in his new increasingly trying to knowledge of the Bible on the By his suffering, by his blood of the new covenant, what book Judas (Hodder, promote their ministry wane or is it increasing due to Jeremiah prophesied changes from promise to eternally hb, £20, or £16 from through the internet. the recycling of biblical themes secure reality. the CEN Shop) not The Rev Pam Smith is a in popular culture? A variety of just a biographical ‘virtual vicar’ who has contributors from Britain, Ire- Dr Lee Gatiss is author of The Forgotten Cross (Evangelical study of the gospel been priest-in-charge of land and New Zealand examine Press) and Director of Church Society figure but an illumi- www.i-church.org since the issue. (www.churchsociety.org). nating analysis of 2008. She was how Judas has been previously a In Staying Fresh: regarded in different curate in the Serving With Joy (IVP, periods of history. Diocese of pb, £10.99, or £10.68 HYMN SELECTION Highly recommend- Coventry. In from the CEN Shop) ed. Online Mission and Paul Mallard takes an Ministry (SPCK, pb, illuminating look at how Given the fact that CS Lewis £9.99 or £9.98 from the Christian leaders can How deep the Father’s love for us was friendly with a number of CEN Shop) she offers keep their relationship From the breaking of the dawn Roman Catholics, including JRR guidance about setting with God alive as they go From heaven you came Tolkien, some people have up an online ministry about their professional Lift high the cross asked why Lewis himself never and tackles some of the duties. With joy we meditate the grace

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[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper www.churchnewspaper.com Friday March 13, 2015 Reviews 15 Alice’s experience is what really scares us all

FILMS OFTHE WEEK

Still Alice (cert. 12A) comes laden with prizes – most to its leading lady Julianne Moore, for her portrayal of a linguistics professor who finds her facility with her “wordstock” destroyed by early onset Alzheimer’s Dis- ease. Worse, it’s a familial type with implications for her grown-up children. Alice Howland (Moore) and her academic peer hus- band John (Alec Baldwin) have a good life in New York, with an apartment in the city and a beach house on Long Island. Her 50th birthday party reveals that elder daughter Anna (Kate Bosworth) is a lawyer, son Tom (Hunter Parrish) is a doctor, and younger daughter Lydia (Kristen Stewart) has gone to Los Angeles as a wannabe actor. Privately, Alice visits neurologist Dr Benjamin (Stephen Kunken), before picking the moment to tell her husband the diagnosis. John tries denial, but is soon wrapped in a struggle to realise that as Alice loses memory, so he loses Alice. Alice, who wrote “From Neurons to Nouns”, and did work on how infants learn the past tense of irregular least as she uses her condition as a final attempt to get Glatzer has motor neurone disease, bringing his own verbs, now can’t remember words, can’t always remem- Lydia to go to college. Lydia shows where her career empathy to the production, with the opposite problem ber where she is, and doesn’t realise how badly her heart lies in a performance in Chekhov’s Three Sisters, of a body shutting down while the mind remains intact. tutorial classes have been affected. When she says “I and her family heart in moving to New York to help There are particular scenes which perhaps reflect the wish I had cancer”, John says “Don’t say that”, but Alice care for her mother. experience of diagnosis: when Alice first meets Dr Ben- knows that the prognosis for cancer is better, and the It’s adapted from the 2007 novel by Lisa Genova jamin, the view is over the unseen doctor’s shoulder at worse is death rather than the “hell” she fears, plus you (whose day job is a neuroscientist) by directors Richard her as he probes and tests her cognitive skills, and it is get pink ribbons for cancer. Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland. They are a same-sex unnerving. Her fears lead her to draft a suicide plan for her future married couple, and use Tony Kushner’s play Angels in Even with the awards, distributors have clearly self. Moore’s awards may be grounded in the scene America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes as the deemed this too depressing for a wide general release – when future Alice finds the computer file prepared by only meditation on a spiritual aspect of the story: “Souls you might have to travel, and it’s not showing at all in Alice in the time when she “could almost pass for a nor- were rising, from the earth far below, souls of the dead, Wales, until the end of the month at Cardiff. It’s odd mal person”. of people who had perished, from famine, from war, that horror movies find an audience, but we shy away The strain on John, offered a new job at Mayo Clinic from the plague, and they floated up, like skydivers in from a film about what really scares us. in Minnesota, is underplayed by Baldwin, but Alice’s reverse, limbs all akimbo, wheeling and spinning... relationship with Lydia takes on new dimensions, not Nothing is lost forever”. Steve Parish

space, but the lines meet and interweave to create a beautiful, mesmerizing pattern. WINE OFTHE WEEK CD OFTHE WEEK Probably best known for their three genre-blend- ing collaborations with jazz saxophonist Jan Gar- Transeamus barek, The Hilliard The Hilliard Ensemble Ensemble has been a Felsner Moosburgerin (ECM) leading vocal quartet for Grüner Veltliner much of its history. This Waitrose £12.49 On paper, there might not be a swansong showcases www.waitrosecellar.com huge market for music from the their calm, clear (and Middle Ages, especially when pretty faultless) vocal per- Here is Austria’s classic signature white grape much of it is by anonymous formances. Grüner Veltliner. This bottle comes from Kremstal composers and some of it – as The final track is a fit- on the northern bank of the river Danube. It is a the first three tracks here – is ting conclusion to 40 certified Quality wine. Don’t, whatever you do, about the martyred Thomas years of work. James serve straight from the ‘fridge—you will be over- Beckett. writes in his liner notes of whelmed by its sharp bite. This is no shrinking Even the back of the CD box Sheryngham’s “Ah Gen- violet. Decant, sip at intervals, and that dry- eschews a track listing in favour tle Jesu,” that “on paper, it ness will emerge lighter and more welcoming, of a simple summary, “English is a simple dialogue balanced by the sweeter fruit lurking behind carols and motets by John Plum- between Christ on the it. A light golden colour in the glass, on the mer, William Cornysh, Walter cross and a penitent sin- nose there’s green grapes and plums. On the Lambe, Sheryngham, a. o.” as if ner; however, the intensi- palate, an attractive crispness with light white the titles are irrelevant. ty of the music is so peppery notes adding some zest to green Maybe they are here, where overwhelming that, from apple and a hint of ripe lime, giving pleasing the tapestry of sound holds together – at least after our experience in concert, both listener and per- complexity. A wine that is quite versatile in the brisk initial piece “Tomas Cesus in Doveria,” former are left in stunned silence.” food matching. Ideal with prawns and scal- which sounds too poppy to be an old work. Once it It may not be quite as stunning on record, but lops, it could also go well with salads and has passed, the measured, reflective beauty begins. once the exquisite music has finished, a ghostly asparagus, and, say Waitrose, “almost any Like a breeze-rippled, sun-dappled spider web, after-sound echoes through the brain for some food”, including pork and chicken. where each thread is a voice, the simple, unaccom- while. Graham Gendall Norton panied harmonies each enjoy plenty of Derek Walker

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper COLLEGE STREET SW1 Reflecting on God’s love CITY OF WESTMINSTER during Lent

By Ashley Prevo include a brief synopsis of sight of the purpose of this the reflection for the day. season: to put God first Looking for another way, Don’t worry about and to reflect on his love. besides your Lent starting in the middle of “’The time will come for resolution, to reflect on the season. All of the fasting,’ Jesus says. But let God’s love during this previous reflections are us never forget to season? The Archbishop of still accessible; therefore celebrate the love the York, John Sentamu, has you can read the new Father has for us.” been releasing daily reflections along with the If you are doing well reflections, during the first ones you may have maintaining your Lent few weeks of Lent and will missed. resolution, why not take on continue to do so until In the first reflection, the this additional daily Saturday 4 April. Archbishop summed up challenge and reflect on Each day, a new the reason that he is doing the love of God? Each reflection becomes these daily readings and reflection takes a relatively available on the commentary, and why short time to read, so Archbishop’s website. He people should take a consider adding this to starts off by providing moment out of their day to your morning routine participants with the book read them. during Lent so that the and verses of Gospel “In our otherwise ideas from the readings Reading for that particular crowded lives we need may stay with you day followed by the moments of stillness throughout the day. commentary. In case where in quietness and “I encourage you today readers do not have their confidence we hear again to find moments of Bible present or simply God’s still small voice stillness in Lent. Find a want to reread the speaking to us of peace time and a place each day. passages for the day, the and welcome,” he said. Make the most of this Archbishop has also Archbishop John quietness – it will help you included the text of the Sentamu also urges to refocus your vision on Gospel Reading below the readers to not forget that what is important as reflection. Archbishop although Lent is a time opposed to what is urgent. Sentamu has also been that revolves around Prayer changes things: releasing daily tweets that fasting, we must not lose changes us.”

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book (4) in Haydn's landmark the border of Moab' PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 941 by Axe 8Clergy (8) oratorio of 1798 (3,8) [Isa/NIV] (6) 9'...Hoshea, who had 13 'Standing on the ------of been Shalmaneser's ------Down the Levites were, and had paid him trib- Jeshua, Kadmiel...Bani ute' [2 Kgs/NIV] (6) 1'Because of the present - and Kenani' [Neh/NIV] 10 'It ------the hills for its -----, I think that it is good (6) pasture and searches for a man to remain as 14 Name taken by Roman for any green thing' he is' [1 Cor/NIV] (6) emperors of NT times [Job/NIV] (6) 2'Every firstborn male in (6) 11 '...of lions and lionesses, Israel, whether human 15 Papal ambassador (6) of ------and darting or ------, is mine' snakes...' [Isa/NIV] (6) [Num/NIV] (6) Last week’s solutions: 14 Son of Ham [Gen] (6) 3Another name for Baby- 16 Village near Bethany lonia [Gen] (6) Across: 1 Cana, 4 Joshua, 8 from which Jesus rode 4Israelite who performed Keturah, 9 Amish, 10 Ripen, 11 into Jerusalem [Matt; herculean feats against Tidings, 12 Ishmaelites, 16 Mark; Luke] (8) the Philistines until he Abishai, 18 Drive, 19 Beast, 20 17 'My ---- will be great was betrayed by his mis- Invaded, 21 Scrape, 22 Lays. among the nations, from tress [Judg] (6) Down: 2 Antipas, 3 Aaron, 4 John where the sun rises to 5Divine order (11) the Divine, 5 Shaddai, 6 Union, 7 where it sets' 6'Ye cannot ----- God and -- Thus, 8 Kirk, 13 Mahatma, 14 Evil [Mal/NIV] (4) ----' [Matt/KJV] (5,6) day, 15 Seed, 16 Ambo, 17 Isaac, 18 Part of Genesis featured 12 'Their outcry ------along 18 Devil.

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