Inter-faith INSIDE action: what would Jesus do? E4,5
THE SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013 No: 6181 www.churchnewspaper.com PRICE £1.35 1,70j US$2.20 CHURCH OF ENGLAND THE ORIGINAL CHURCH NEWSPAPER ESTABLISHED IN 1828 NEWSPAPER Thousands flock to Hyde Park in call for hunger action
By Joe Ware ty to reach our full potential, is the preserve of some and not others THOUSANDS OF people is a place that has failed to put descended on London’s Hyde people at the heart of politics and Park on Saturday to call on the business.” leaders of the G8 to take action on He added: “Our world and our global hunger. global family were not made so The Enough Food For Every- that some could feast while others one IF campaign, a coalition of hungered. Everyone has a right more than 200 organisations to his or her daily bread.” including the Church of England, A video message by the Arch- Christian Aid and Tearfund bishop of Canterbury, Justin among others, estimated that Welby, was also relayed. He said: around 45,000 people had attend- “The G8 is the centre of financial ed the rally and heard speeches resource and power, in all kinds of from a range of famous faces ways. including Bill Gates, Danny Boyle “My prayer would be that in this and Rowan Williams. country, and across the world, The G8 meets on Monday June that we are deeply committed to 17 in Enniskillen, Northern Ire- enabling people to be self-sustain- land, and campaigners are calling ing, so that global hunger can be on them to tackle tax dodging in ended in our lifetimes.” developing countries, stop poor After the service, congregants farmers being forced off their took part in a Walk of Witness to Christian Aid/Tabitha Ross land and ensure greater trans- Hyde Park where they joined parency in corporate and govern- thousands of others to hear rally- ment decision making. ing speeches from the likes of The day began with an ecu- David Harewood, star of hit US menical church service in drama Homeland, TV presenter Campaigners angry over gay marriage move Methodist Central Hall, which Mylene Klass and anti-poverty saw 3,500 worshippers packed campaigners from around the THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT bishops in the Supporters within the Church of England of same- into the Great Hall and overflow world. House of Lords have accepted that same-sex mar- sex marriage accused the bishops of being on the venue leaving latecomers trying The former Archbishop of Can- riage is now inevitable has angered campaigners. back foot, in the words of the Dean of Durham, ‘at to listen in from the street out- terbury and Chair of Christian In a statement the Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev first resisting social change that is wanted by the side. Aid, Rowan Williams, led the Tim Stevens, who is Convenor of the Bishops in the majority and then coming round to it slowly and In his sermon the Archbishop crowd in a minute’s silence. After- House of Lords said it was now the task of the bish- grudgingly’. According to Ekklesia, the Church of of Westminster, Vincent Nichols, wards he said: “We’ve got the ops to see how the proposed legislation could be put England’s stance on marriage and sexuality is ‘still spoke against the injustice of resources in our world to tackle in better shape rather than work for its rejection. unclear’. global inequality. the problem of hunger. We’ve got Christian Concern singled out for criticism the In the House of Lords debate on same sex mar- “That millions go hungry every the technology of food produc- Archbishop of Canterbury’s commendation of the riage nine bishops voted for Lord Dear’s amendment day is a responsibility we all must tion, we’ve got the financial Bishop of Salisbury’s letter to Lord Ali and his state- to deny the bill a second reading. In addition to the share. These are our brothers and resources, so the question is why ment in the debate that ‘it is clearly essential that sta- Archbishop of Canterbury, they were the Bishops of sisters and their suffering is also aren’t we doing it?” ble and faithful same-sex relationships should, Bristol, Birmingham, Chester, Coventry, Exeter, ours,” he said. This Saturday, 15 June, thou- where those who want it, be recognised and support- Hereford, London and Winchester. The Bishops of “There is little justice in a world sands more supporters are ed with as much dignity and the same legal effect as Derby, Guildford, Leicester, Norwich and St where the few are allowed to expected to meet in Belfast fol- marriage’. On its website Christian Concern also Edmundsbury and Ipswich abstained. hoard spoils earned on the backs lowed by a church service on Sun- urged its supporters to write to the Bishops urging of the many. A world where day in Enniskillen led by the them to continue their opposition to the bill. Parliamentary report, page 4 human flourishing, the opportuni- Archbishop of York, John Sentamu.
LETTERS 8 • ALAN STORKEY 9 • COMMENT 9 • CLERGY MOVES 12 • ANGLICAN LIFE 13 •S• UNDAY 15 • PAUL RICHARDSON 16 2 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday June 16, 2013 News Inside... The original Church newspaper Legal aid changes attacked GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS ernment,” the submission or a number of other matters on restricting access to legal aid states. involving important human have been criticised by a The Government has previ- rights issues in prison. The sub- Church of England submission ously committed itself to giving mission says this falls short of to the Ministry of Justice con- victims of human trafficking natural justice. sultation ‘Transforming Legal access to free legal advice and The Government is proposing Aid’. representation when they are that prisoners with learning dif- As part of its attempt to unable to pay for it themselves. ficulties or mental health prob- reduce the deficit, the Govern- New proposals mean that there lems who wish to make a formal ment is proposing a 12-month would be no free legal aid until complaint but are unable to residence test for legal aid. the claimant had been legally write it down could make their According to the Church of resident in the UK for 12 complaint orally to a member of England this will mean that vic- months, except where there is staff or seek help from another tims of human trafficking and an exceptional case determina- prisoner. News ...... 1-7 domestic abuse, asylum seekers tion. The submission argues that Your Church ...... 2 and prisoners with learning dif- Those granted official status vulnerable prisoners could be UK News ...... 1-4 ficulties or mental health issues as asylum seekers would also influenced or intimidated by World News ...... 6,7 could all be denied legal aid pro- be refused legal aid until 12 others in these circumstances visions. months after their status was and points out that Prison Serv- Comment “Our concern is that good granted. The C of E submission ice Instructions say prisoners Letters ...... 8 legal advice and advocacy claims this contravenes Article making complaints should not Leader ...... 9 should be readily available to 16 of the Refugee Convention, be seen by a member of staff Alan Storkey ...... 9 all who need it, especially which says that they should be involved. those whose vulnerability treated the same as nationals as “Given that these are the cur- England on Sunday places an obligation on society far as courts and legal assis- rent arrangements in prisons,” Manchester bishop ...... E1 to ensure that they are not tance are concerned. the submission states, “it is rea- write down their complaints Andrew Carey ...... E2 defenceless against unjust Under the proposals prison- sonable to expect that those should have access to legal aid Whispering Gallery ...... E2 treatment by any person, ers will have no access to legal who, especially through disabili- to make a complaint, including Nigel Nelson ...... E3 organisation or agent of gov- advice on solitary confinement, ty, are not able to formulate or complaints about treatment.” Nigel Scotland ...... E4, 5 Arts & Media ...... E6 Books ...... E7 Campaign urges parishes to cherish their graveyards Janey Lee Grace ...... E8 Crossword ...... E8 JUNE 8 marked the start of a responsible for more than and sometimes only small part of this dedicated week.” week for cherishing grave- 10,000 graveyards, many of changes in their care can make Among the activities recom- The Record yards. The observance is spon- them providing a home for a big difference to wildlife. mended are beginning a list of Faith and Film ...... 10 sored by ‘Shrinking the birds, butterflies, bees, flowers, “A week spent cherishing plants and animals to be seen in Classifieds ...... 11 Footprint’ (the Church of Eng- lichen and ferns. At a time when graveyards is an excellent a graveyard, perhaps with pho- Clergy Moves ...... 12 land’s national environmental research shows 60 per cent of opportunity for everyone to tographic records. This will be Anglican Life ...... 13 campaign) and the conservation the UK species are in decline take stock of these special useful for future conservation Connections4Life ...... 14 charity ‘Caring for God’s Acre’. graveyards taken together pro- places,” claimed David Shreeve. and also help spread word in Spiritual Director ...... 15 Events to mark the event vide what David Shreeve, the C Andrea Gilpin of ‘Charing for the community. Sunday Service ...... 15 included a World War 1 grave of E’s national environmental God’s Acre’ said: “Churchyards ‘Caring for God’s Acre’ is a Bob Mayo ...... 15 tour, a family day ‘Going wild in adviser, called a ‘huge national are wonderful places, often membership charity, which Paul Richardson ...... 16 the graveyard’ and training in park rich in biodiversity’. right on our doorstep, and individuals and community People ...... 16 the skills of scything and lime- They are a natural resource every year more and more groups can join. The President Milestones ...... 16 mortared walling. that is often strategically placed groups are holding events and is the Prince of Wales. Next week’s news ...... 16 The Church of England is at the heart of the community celebrating their graveyards as News from Your Church your diocese
Derby: A new project to support charities poverty, so each new situation takes for- white rose, which was such a potent sym- and Crematorium is already a Grade I list- across Derby and Derbyshire to feed the ward our twin objectives of fighting hunger bol in the War of Roses, now becomes a ed site – and a simultaneous Green Flag hungry was launched on 7 June at Derby and tackling food waste.” sign of our unity and of our desire for peace and Green Heritage holder - and these Cathedral as part of the East Midlands as we prepare to lay King Richard III to wonderful chapels really complete these Hunger Summit. FareShare is a national Leicester: To mark the discovery of the rest”. historic grounds.” charity that takes good quality surplus food burial place of Richard III, Leicester Cathe- The traditional crematorium opened in from the food industry and passes it on to dral is running a competition in association London: After 40 weeks of renovations, 1904 and was the first municipal crematori- organisations working with those in need, with Coles Nurseries to find the Loveliest the City of London Corporation – which um in the UK. The building was closed in rather than perfectly good food being sent Leicestershire White Rose. The competi- owns and runs the renowned City of Lon- 1974 when the modern crematorium to landfill. The charity works as a distribu- tion is open to rose growers living in don Cemetery and Crematorium in Manor opened, but was reopened in 1996 as a tion service alongside pre-selected Com- Leicestershire and to gardeners amateur Park, East London - is celebrating the con- chapel for cremations due to public munity Fareshare Members who take the or professional in the city and county. clusion of repair works to two of its tradi- demand. food delivered to them by FareShare and Entries do not have to be new strains of tional chapels. The entire site was pass it on to people who are either in, or at white roses, as the judges will be looking purchased by the City of London Corpora- Sheffield: Doncaster Faiths Together serious risk of, food poverty. The increase for the most perfect specimen. The dead- tion in 1853 because new burials in the (DFT), an initiative that is being led by the in economic hardship in recent years has line for entries and judging date will be 6 Square Mile have been banned since 1852 Bishop of Doncaster, Peter Burrows, was had a dramatic effect on those working July, which is also the anniversary of the due to congestion. officially launched on Tuesday 4 June at alongside the poor and disadvantaged. Yet coronation of Richard III in 1483. The prize The cemetery is the largest municipal The Hub, Doncaster College with around vast amounts of food are wasted in this will be £100 in Coles vouchers and the win- facility in the UK and Europe and has seen 100 people attending from all faiths and country. John Willetts, the Project Director ner will also be a guest of honour at the nearly one million cremations and burials sectors across Doncaster. DFT is a plat- for FareShare Leicester, said: “We are simple anniversary service that will be since it opened in 1856. John Tomlinson, form for collaboration and dialogue delighted to be working with Growing held on 22 August 2013. This year, the win- Chairman of the City of London Corpora- between the faith communities of Doncast- Communities Together in Derby, which ning bloom will be displayed at the memo- tion’s Port Health and Environmental Serv- er at a strategic level with statutory agen- extends our service into a new area. About rial stone to King Richard. The Rt Rev Tim ices Committee said: “I’m delighted to see cies and partners. A website has also been six million people in the UK are in deep Stevens, Bishop of Leicester, said: “The the end of these works... The Cemetery set up for DFT: http://bit.ly/19fQiQ4
[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Sunday June 16, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 3 NEWS IN BRIEF Church ‘is fighting the Interfaith call on hunger wrong battles’ Nine leaders representing Christians, “The continued existence of preventa- Buddhists, Hindus, Jews and Mus- ble malnutrition within the 21st Cen- lims have together sent a letter to tury is a shameful indictment of us all. By Amaris Cole cessful’ fights are doing noth- be able to ‘close their door to David Cameron supporting the gov- We are familiar with TV pictures of ing to stop the increasing sec- gay couples wanting to wed is ernment’s decision to host a ‘Hunger malnutrition caused by famine, yet it THE CHURCH needs to ularisation, but instead are as offensive as them closing Summit’ and place hunger on the G8 also occurs in countries where there choose its battles and fight to increasing the trend amongst the door to black couples’. agenda this weekend. is enough food for everyone. keep their freedom, a leading the young. Mr Montgomerie predicted They highlight the fact that many of “Even in this country malnutrition Conservative activist has “For the time being a major- this represents an impending the 2.8 million children who die each is an increasing danger as evidenced claimed. ity of Britons agree that free- risk to the ‘church’s privileged year through malnutrition could be by the rapid growth of food banks Tim Montgomerie, founder dom of religious thought and space in society’, which alive if governments were to act on a around our region. of the Conservative Christian conscience are important. exempts churches from many package of interventions recom- “The belief that nobody should Fellowship, wrote that the That’s because a majority of equality laws, including mended in medical journal The starve or suffer from the effects of Church, and in particular tra- people, despite the decline of employment laws on sexual Lancet in 2008 and fulfil the goals set malnutrition is shared by people of ditionalists, need to realise religious faith, still appreciate discrimination. by the UN World Health Assembly in all faiths and none, and we are urg- they are not just ‘fighting los- the good fruits of belief,” he The Times columnist said 2012. ing the Government on behalf of the ing battles, they are the wrong said. that ideally a new settlement The Bishop of Wolverhampton, the communities we represent to lead battles’. While noting the connection guaranteeing religious liber- Rt Rev Clive Gregory, who invited his the G8 towards decisive and positive While agreeing that some many hold of the church and ties would be supported by fellow leaders to sign the letter, said: action to eradicate this global evil.” issues, such as abortion, were great campaigns of the past: true liberals if the Conserva- right to be persevered with as slavery, reforming factory tive party drafts a replacement there can be no compromise, conditions and fighting pover- to European human rights, others, like same-sex mar- ty today, younger people, in with David Cameron’s British riage, are unwinnable and cre- particular, ‘are not so willing Bill of Rights. ate an image of Christians to tolerate religion’s more con- Mr Montgomerie claimed being ‘authoritarian’. troversial beliefs and it is this the majority of Christians in He wrote: “They are losing trend that should alarm the Church do not see homo- goodwill. church leaders’. sexuality as wrong any more, “They are poisoning public “When Ipsos MORI asked and would not want gay people attitudes towards their privi- whether religious organisa- to be treated unfairly. leged place in society.” tions should be required to He concluded: “In 1966 it The activist noted previous conduct same-sex weddings, was possible for Time to lost battles where traditional- only 17 per cent of over-55s describe homosexuality as a ists had felt it their ‘duty to supported such compulsion. ‘pernicious sickness’. But impose their morality on the But getting on for half of 18- to where is society going next? rest of the population’, such as 24-year-olds believe that It’s far from impossible that in the age of sexual consent, the churches should not have any another 50 years — and regulation of pornography and special status; and 86 per cent arguably much sooner — key the legislation of Sunday trad- of young Britons have zero religious teachings could be ing. objection to equal marriage.” seen as ‘pernicious’. We will Mr Montgomerie believes He said for this generation, be swapping one form of intol- these ‘spectacularly unsuc- the idea that churches should erance for another.”
A memorial to miners who lost their lives in one of the North East’s worst min- ing disasters has been included in a prestigious list of 100 places to see, having recently been refurbished with improved access and a colourful interpretation Cameron told he offends the poor panel that tells the story of what happened. The Hartley Pit Memorial in St Alban’s churchyard is one of only three sites CHURCHES ARE ASKING written to the Prime Minister while they hold no common in North Tyneside to be included on the website which has been designed to the Government to apologise expressing their concern. In view on welfare reform, they coincide with the visit of the Lindisfarne Gospels to Durham City, after 204 men for misrepresenting the poor. their letter they say: “We are all share the view that those in and boys were killed at New Hartley in 1862 when an engine beam collapsed Church leaders who include concerned that these inaccu- receipt of benefits are loved blocking the only escape route. the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, Bish- racies paint some of the most and valuable. The Vicar of St Albans, the Rev Andrew France, said: “We are delighted our op of Leicester, and the Rt Rev vulnerable in our society in an “What unites us is the belief memorial has been included on the list of 100 places to visit in the North East Nick Baines, Bishop of Brad- unfavourable light, stigmatis- that the debate around these and we thank those who nominated and chose the Hartley Pit Memorial for ford, have pointed out that in ing those who need support of reforms should be based on this honour. We hope many people will be inspired to visit the site this sum- recent weeks senior members the benefits system. No poli- truthful information,” they mer.” of the Government have given cies or financial imperative write. “We ask you, as Prime out misleading information can be given to make this Minister and as leader of the about people on benefits. acceptable.” Conservative Party, to ensure More than 2,000 people packed into St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednes- They ask for these inaccura- The church leaders, who that the record is put straight day 12 June, as the Archbishop of Canterbury gave a substantial pub- cies to be corrected and for an include representatives of the and that statistics are no ❏lic address on the purpose of the financial sector and discussed with apology to be made to those Baptist Union and the longer manipulated that stig- responding panel members, including the former Chief Executive of the who were misrepresented. Methodist as well as Church matises the poorest in our Office of Fair Trading and one of the UK’s most senior bankers, the question: The church leaders have of England Bishops, say that society.” what makes Good Banks?
Last week’s vote by MPs ❏against setting a decarboni- sation target in the Energy Bill is ‘deeply disappointing and a missed opportunity’ said Chris- tian Aid. The defeat of a cross-party amendment undermines the growing low carbon energy sec- tor and hampers efforts to tackle climate change which hits the world’s poorest hardest: by including a decarbonisation tar- get could have put the UK on course for a near carbon free power sector by 2030.
[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 4 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday June 16, 2013 News Bishops end opposition to plans to legalise gay marriage in Lords
BISHOPS IN the House of Lords Protestors outside the Houses of “scope”, not fundamental nature. have signalled an end to their Parliament during the Lords debate “The scope has been varied attempt to throw out plans for gay through history with regard to marriage after the legislation age of consent, number of permit- cleared its first hurdle in the ted spouses, termination, what is upper chamber by a massive allowed or prohibited and restric- majority. tions on members of the same Nine current bishops voted family group. against the Marriage (Same Sex “What has remained constant in Couples) Bill at second reading in all times and all cultures until the Lords – an episcopal turnout very recently is an understanding unprecedented in recent times. of marriage founded on the prem- Religious opposition to the ise of sexual differentiation and plans was led by the Archbishop the resulting generic potential for of Canterbury, the Most Rev procreation.” Justin Welby, and his predecessor He added: “Shorn of the ele- but one Lord Carey of Clifton. ment of complementarity of gen- But despite their strong speech- ders, all marriage will be es against the legislation, peers redefined, with consequences for voted by 390 to 148, majority 242 all.” to give the Bill a second reading. The contrary view was put for- In a statement the Bishop of ward by the former Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Oxford, Lord Harries of Pentre- Stevens, who is the convener of garth, who spoke strongly in the Bishops in the Lords, said favour of the Bill. both Houses of Parliament had He said he regretted that the expressed “a clear view by large Church had not found a liturgical majorities” on the principle of way of recognising civil partner- same-sex marriage and it was the ships. duty of Bishops to “recognise the “Sadly, too many who now say implications of this decision”. that they accept civil partnerships He said the legislation required have done so only slowly, reluc- “improvement” in a number of tantly and through gritted teeth,” key respects. “If this Bill is to he said. become law, it is crucial that mar- “Today we are not in a situation riage as newly defined is where civil partnerships are equipped to carry within it as regarded as different but equal to many as possible of the virtues of marriage. Rightly or wrongly, the the understanding of marriage it impression is inevitably created will replace,” he added. that one form of relationship is In the Lords second reading inferior to the other, and people debate, which featured more than believe that marriage is a pro- 90 speakers, Archbishop Welby marriage is a cornerstone of soci- “I have no doubt whatever that everyday life. founder and richer form of rela- said same-sex relationships should ety, and rather than adding a new should this Bill pass, marriage as “Equal marriage will bring to an tionship than a civil partnership. be “recognised and supported with and valued institution alongside it we know it will be weakened and end the one major social institu- “Most importantly, many gay as much dignity and the same legal for same-gender relationships, diminished. I do not believe that tion that enshrines that comple- and lesbian people believe this effect as marriage”. which I would personally strongly redefining marriage to include mentarity.” and want to enter not just into a But he said the Bill did not cre- support to strengthen us all, the same-sex couples will strengthen The Bishop of Chester, the Rt civil partnership but a marriage: a ate equal marriage but two types Bill weakens what exists and it, as the Home Secretary has Rev Peter Forster, said the mar- lifelong commitment of love and of marriage – same sex marriage replaces it with a less good option declared on several occasions. riage relationship in the Bible was fidelity, for better, for worse, for and opposite sex marriage – lead- that is neither equal nor effective. “Recent research in countries the “primary metaphor of how richer, for poorer, in sickness and ing to “confusion”. “This is not a faith issue, where the marriage of same-sex God relates to the world”. in health.” “Marriage is abolished, rede- although we are deeply grateful couples is already a reality shows “The relationship between God He added: “I really do not fined and recreated, being differ- for the attention that the Govern- the collapse of traditional mar- and the world is not symmetri- underestimate the linguistic dis- ent and unequal for different ment and the other place have riages alongside same-sex mar- cal,” he said. “It is not a relation- sonance set up by this Bill and the categories,” he said. paid to issues of religious free- riages.” ship of sameness, but of consequent unease felt by many “The new marriage of the Bill is dom. However, it is not at heart a Their views were backed in the difference within a deep bond of but, I warmly welcome it. an awkward shape, with same- faith issue. It is about the general debate by the Bishops of Leices- love. “I believe in marriage. I believe, gender and different-gender cate- social good. Therefore, with ter, Chester and Exeter. “That is why, in that metaphor, with the Jewish rabbi of old, that gories scrunched into it, neither much regret - but entire convic- Bishop Stevens said that during if you try to take away the differ- in the love of a couple there fitting well. tion - I cannot support the Bill as debates in the Lords on Interna- ence between man and woman, it dwells the shekinah—the divine “The concept of marriage as a it stands.” tional Women’s Day there had does not work any more. It is presence; or, to put it in Christian normative place for procreation is Lord Carey told peers: “Those been an “underlying assumption partly why people of faith feel so terms, that which reflects the lost. The idea of marriage as a of us who are resisting change that women bring a special quali- strongly about this matter. mutual love of Christ and his covenant is diminished. The fami- are not doing so because we are ty to the public square and that “There is something basic church. I believe in the institution ly in its normal sense, predating cussed or bigoted, but because of the complementarity of men and about it, something visceral, of marriage and I want it to be the state and as our base commu- the fundamental principle that women is what enriches and sta- which people feel is being under- available to same-sex couples as nity of society, as we have already marriage can only be between a bilises society”. mined and changed, and that is well as to males and females.” heard, is weakened. man and a woman. He added: “Yet, in the realm of why they react as they do, even if Lord Harries voted in favour of “For these and many other rea- “We should not fall into a trap. public discourse, assertion of sex- they do not quite know how to the Bill, while Lord Carey along sons, those of us in the churches We have heard once or twice that ual difference in relation to mar- articulate it.” with the Archbishop of Canter- and faith groups who are morality is on only one side of this riage has become practically The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt bury and Bishops of Birming- extremely hesitant about this Bill debate; it is not. Those of us who unspeakable, in spite of the fact Rev Michael Langrish, said: “We ham, Bristol, Chester, Coventry, in many cases hold that view disagree are morally concerned that it is implicitly assumed by are told that the scope of mar- Exeter, Hereford, London, Win- because we think that traditional about the issue as well. most people in the course of riage has evolved. It has, but chester voted against it.
[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Sunday June 16, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 5 Dialogue needed to prevent terror
PREVENTING FUTURE Lord Hill of Oareford: “Do address. We should also atrocities such as the you agree that preventing seek to encourage what can Baroness Warsi killing of Lee Rigby future atrocities like this in be done more broadly inter- requires “international the UK requires interna- nationally to bring pressure action to improve dia- tional action to improve dia- to bear and to debate these logue”, the Archbishop of logue, especially where issues.” Canterbury has said. there is widespread vio- The Bishop of Derby, The Most Rev Justin lence in the name of faith, Alastair Redfern, said violent Welby made his comments which tends to slide over extremism was “not simply in the House of Lords in the into our own country, often an issue for Muslims”. wake of Drummer Rigby’s with impunity, and also sup- He said across the world death following a machete porting those resisting “millions of people suffer attack in Woolwich. attacks in the name of faith from violent extremism, He said: “We join in our or suffering such violence often for political purposes sense of grief with the fami- themselves in places such and not religious ones”. ly of Lee Rigby. In the same as west Africa and else- He said that while there way as the whole country where?” was “of course a responsi- will have been shocked and Lord Hill said there were bility on those of us who felt a loss of trust in human “multiple levels and stages” lead religious and political nature at this atrocious to the problem. organisations, there are event, I am sure that we will “There are people born other factors, such as how also be reassured and have and bred in our own coun- foreign policy is perceived, a renewed sense of trust try who have been radi- that send signals and trig- when we see the support calised and we need to do gers to people that it is very that has come out from all what we can to address that difficult for leadership on sectors of the community problem,” he said. its own to deal with”. sion of foreign policy and, way in terms of the former. referred to them as ‘nutters’. for the family and also the “That is the focus of the Foreign Office minister on the other hand, what is I completely agree with the Pastor Jones is no more rep- courage of those such as work that the task force Baroness Warsi said she clearly violent extremism”. view that every religion has resentative of Christianity Ingrid Loyau-Kennett.” that was set up and had its would draw a distinction She added: “The latter its extremists. than Anjem Choudary is of He asked Lords leader first meeting today will between “legitimate discus- cannot be justified in any “I have colloquially Islam.”
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[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 6 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday June 16, 2013 News Study reveals Traditionalists cautious Christian role in over women bishops plan society MORE TRADTIONALIST “We hope that the General groups have expressed their Synod will choose a way forward By Amaris Cole reservations about the report by which builds on existing arrange- the House of Bishops on Women ments rather than one which LOCAL AUTHORITIES across the Bishops. destroys them. Such legislation country have given their insights Forward in Faith has would be far more likely to into exactly what they think Chris- announced it is ‘puzzled’ by the secure approval in the shortest tians contribute to their communi- conclusions the House of Bish- possible time,” the statement con- ties, in a new report Faith in the ops has drawn from the report of cludes. Community. the working group and warned A statement by Reform warned Just how vital faith organisations that a proposal to sweep away that the proposals of the bishops are to the work that 150 local existing legal security and intro- meant that the concerns of many authorities carry out is document- duce a system with no legally evangelicals were likely to be ed in the study, commending the binding provisions would damage overlooked. “Clergy who believe ‘cradle to grave’ service, and the trust. the Bible teaches male headship value of the groups’ deep-rooted In a strong statement signed by would be unable to take the vows relationships with their local the Chairman, the Bishop of Ful- of canonical obedience to female area. ham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, bishops and this would effective- The fact that they are faith and the Vice-Chairman, Dr Lind- ly prevent them undertaking groups, rather than just volunteers, say Newcombe, Forward in Faith much parish ministry.” to overturn such provisions, proposals of the House of Bish- matters too, the report says. describes the proposals of the Reform also expressed con- Reform claimed. ops and applauds what it calls the Evangelical Alliance, who pro- House of Bishops which involve cern about the removal of exist- Prebendary Rod Thomas ‘bishops’ sense of urgency’. duced the study with Christians in ending the right to pass resolu- ing legal provisions and the plan warned that the proposals would “Much damage has been done by Parliament, report that the local tions A and B as amounting to a to make future provision for be voted through Synod by sim- General Synod’s rejection of the authorities recognise that Chris- ‘significant shift of power in those who could not accept ple majority until the time comes draft legislation in November tian beliefs act for the good of all in favour of incumbents and bish- women bishops dependent on for voting by houses with a two- 2012 and it is important to find a this work. ops’. They warn that the propos- either an Act of Synod or a decla- thirds majority required when they way forward before more people However, there is room for als would expose lay ration of the House of Bishops. A would fail. This would be a repeat leave the Church. For the well- improvement. representatives, incumbents and simple majority vote in the House of what happened in November. being of the church, we would not “Some authorities don’t know priests in charge to the risk of of Bishops or the General Synod Affirming Catholicism has wish to cede the initiative to Parlia- how much community work faith legal challenges. would be sufficient in the future issued a strong welcome for the ment.” groups do – estimates varied from one to 70 per cent. And there are myths about working in partner- ship, which made some local authorities hesitant to work with faith groups. But it appears that Archbishop meets Pope Francis misunderstandings of faith groups could be rectified through train- THE ARCHBISHOP of Canter- Pope Francis. The meeting has financial markets so that they do Roman Catholic Archbishop of ing,” Evangelical Alliance said. bury Justin Welby will hold his been scheduled so that the heads not oppress men and women, is Westminster, Vincent Nichols, “There were also indications that first meeting with Pope Francis of the two Churches can “get to echoed in the constant teaching “will accompany the Archbishop the bureaucratic hurdles some on 14 June 2013 at the Vatican. know each other better and more of the Holy Father. of Canterbury on this visit” and groups have to jump through to The Archbishop’s official diary deeply,” he said. “Ever since his experience as that his presence is “a sign of partner with their council are a big states he “will be travelling to A press release from the Pontif- an executive in an oil company, their close relations”. turn off, and this can undermine Rome, accompanied by Mrs ical Council for Promoting Chris- Archbishop Welby has placed In addition to meeting the Pope the benefits faith groups offer.” Welby, for a personal and frater- tian Unity said the Friday great emphasis on reconciliation, Archbishop Welby is scheduled Services from dog training to nal visit to Pope Francis on 14 meeting will be an “opportunity and has continued to press for to visit the Excavations beneath anger management were noted in June … A more extended visit, for the Archbishop and Pope the resolution of conflicts within St Peter’s Basilica to pray at the the document, with debt crisis for Archbishop Justin to engage Francis to review the present the Church and society. tomb of St Peter, visit the tomb agencies, street pastors and food- with various other Vatican offi- state of relations between the “This also evokes Pope Francis’ of John Paul II and lunch with banks noted most readily by coun- cials, will happen later in the Roman Catholic Church and own call to build bridges between Cardinal Kurt Koch, president cils. year.” Anglican Communion.” people of every nation, so that of the Pontifical Council for Pro- Gary Streeter, Conservative MP On 4 June 2013 Mgr Mark The statement said: “In particu- they may be seen not as rivals moting Christian Unity at Saint for South West Devon, and chair of Langham told Vatican Radio this lar, the interest shown by Arch- and threats, but as brothers and Martha’s, the lodging house for Christians in Parliament, said: would be an “important” but bishop Welby in global justice sisters.” Vatican visitors where Francis “Local authorities will have less “informal, brief courtesy visit” to and the ethical regulation of The statement added that the lives. money and more demands in the years to come. “Faith groups are not here to plug a gap, or pretend to be part of the state, but they are vital to the Bishop’s arrest warrant is stayed by Indian court life of our communities. “Churches and other groups AN INDIAN court has stayed two arrest war- The second complaint filed by Subodh Bishop Dan told reporters that “with the stand on the side of the poorest rants issued against the Bishop in Lucknow, Kumar Srivastava of Agra alleged the bishop help of former Bishop AR Stephen, Innes and most vulnerable, they get the Rt Rev Morris Edgar Dan, after the bish- had forged documents in order to allow him had got the by-laws of society changed and started before funding bids are op’s lawyers filed an emergency petition with to the property of Lucknow Diocese Trust announced that the Bishop of Lucknow will accepted, and they stick around the Allahabad High Court. Association. Last month the bishop was not be the chairman of the Allahabad High after they are cancelled. Justices Arun Tandon and MK Gupta granted bail in two other criminal proceed- School Society.” “The Faith in the Community stayed execution of the warrants last week ings were he had been charged with theft of The bishop demanded the government report demonstrates the vibrant after two criminal complaints were filed diocesan assets. protect him from Mr Innes and Bishop and essential work of faith groups, against the bishop. The bishop’s legal battles reached public Stephen’s supporters. School leaders had and both local and national govern- On 22 April Paul Geniya lodged an FIR – the notice in July 2011 after he held a press con- sought to remove Bishop Dan after accusa- ment need to pay attention and initial complaint in Indian criminal court pro- ference accusing Mr CV Innes, the former tions of theft of school assets were levelled move on from warm platitudes to ceedings the bishop accusing the bishop of principal of the diocesan owned Boys’ High against the bishop. The cases and the bish- supporting practical partnerships threatening his life and for having held him in School in Allahabad, of conspiring to kill op’s counter claims are currently pending in that will make a difference to all captivity. him. the courts. of our neighbourhoods.”
[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Sunday June 16, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 7 Barroso calls on faith groups to tackle crisis of trust
THE BIsHOP of Exeter, the Rt Rev Michael Langrish, to bring citizens back at the heart of our common project represented the Anglican Communion last month at a of European integration, by debating why it makes sense gathering of faith leaders in Brussels. Bishop Langrish, to act together as a Union. I strongly believe that the along with 19 representatives from the Christian, Jewish, active involvement of religious communities is essential Muslim and Buddhist faiths, were invited to voice their in this undertaking. ideas about the future of Europe, about the European “The religious leaders I have invited today have an values, social issues and questions of solidarity with important contribution to make to this EU-wide debate leaders of the EU. on the future of Europe,” he said. On 30 May 2013 they joined José Manuel Barroso, The Rev Dr Gary Wilton, the Archbishop of Canter- President of the EC, Herman van Rompuy, President of bury’s representative in Brussels, said: “This year’s the European Council, and László surján, Vice-President event confirmed the high standing of the Church of Eng- of the EP to discuss the theme “Putting citizens at the land in the Brussels context as well as the clear expecta- heart of the European project in times of change”. tion that we will make a significant contribution to the In his speech President Barroso underlined his belief high level dialogue.” that religious communities had an extremely important According to a statement released by the Diocese of role in European life. Exeter, Dr Wilton reported that Bishop Langrish’s com- “As we are taking action to move Europe out of the ments about the importance of intermediate institutions economic crisis, it is clear that we also have to weather including the family were “well received” as was “his sec- another crisis: a crisis of trust, a crisis of values. We have ond intervention about virtue ethics”. Chicago absorbs Quincy diocese By George Conger ship of all diocesan and parish cases of two existing dioce- assets. A decision is pending in ses seeking to merge. The THE syNOD of Episcopal Dio- April’s civil court proceedings canon allows the dioceses to cese of Chicago has voted to over the secession. merge by vote of the bishops absorb the loyalist remnant of the Last week’s vote in Chicago is and standing committees of Diocese of Quincy. On 8 June the likely to presage the fate of the the church dioceses, while Diocese of Chicago agreed to remnant groups in the dioceses the constitution requires a accept the 755 Quincy Episco- of san Joaquin and south Caroli- vote by the General Conven- palians and their worshiping com- na as none of these groups are tion. munities back into the diocese. financially self-sustaining. The General Convention On November 7 2008 the Quin- According to a press release divided the Diocese of Illinois cy synod approved the second from the Episcopal News service, into three, creating the Dio- and final reading of a constitution- the reunion of the two dioceses cese of Quincy from the al amendment withdrawing from will be governed by Episcopal Western portion of the state the Episcopal Church and voted Church Canon 1.10.6, which and springfield from the to affiliate with the Church of the allows the reunion of dioceses south. In 1884 the Diocese of Province of the southern Cone. that were previously a single enti- Illinois was renamed the Dio- Quincy later became one of the ty, but which had split apart, and cese of Chicago. The Diocese founding member dioceses of the now wanted to come together of springfield has expressed Anglican Church of North Ameri- again, rather than Article V of the no desire to merge with ca. Constitution, which governs Chicago. One of the Us Church’s small- est dioceses, Quincy comprised 24 congregations spread across rural west central Illinois. Tradi- ,KP P&JFPJ, :&M,$?'M &>&N) tionally Anglo-Catholic, Quincy EH .LCL$1? [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 8 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday June 16, 2013 Letters THE CHURCH OF ENGLANDNEWSPAPER 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 Astonished A balanced approach to badgers Sir, I am astonished and sad to read of Acts 16 being so misinterpreted by the Presid- Sir, I was disappointed at your lack of balance in your news item “Anger as badger cull ing Bishop of the Episcopal Church – see is announced” and that you only referred to the views of Professor Linzey. the article on page 7, 2 June, 2013. Bishop He is entitled to his opinions, but his statement “The only solution to bovine TB is Your Tweets Schori is reported as denouncing the Apos- the vaccination of cows and/or badgers” is simplistic and not supported by evidence. tle Paul as a jealous bigot: he should have There is no vaccine for cattle. For as long as I can remember it has been in develop- seen the gifts of God at work in the slave- ment and promised to be ready in “about five to 10 years”. A vaccine for badgers is Arun Arora @RevArun girl at Philippi and not been annoyed at her being trialled but of course a vaccine does not cure already infected badgers. Its effec- So much evil in the world: parking for telling the world that Paul and his com- tiveness in preventing healthy badgers contracting TB is unknown. One vet told me its and the National Secular Society - panions were slaves of God. But this was a efficacy would be somewhere between zero per cent and 100 per cent. The vaccine has @Theosthinktank shar.es/whhNL demonic spirit; the girl needed deliver- to administered by injection which is not something badgers naturally cooperate with! ance; she was being used by her owners No country has controlled TB by vaccination alone. Two countries, New Zealand and UK Prime Minister for financial gain; and she was not just talk- Ireland, have made significant progress against the disease by controlling it in wildlife @Number10gov ing but screaming at them over many days. through a cull, as indeed we did in this country in the past. Congratulations to @CinnamonNet- There are striking parallels with the One of the most moving pastoral visits I have ever done was to a farmer whose cattle work - latest winner of PM’s #BigSo- story of Legion in Mark 5: the same two had been culled as a result of TB. The farmer was a single woman in her late 50s/early cietyAward ow.ly/lEnqE verbs are used (“screaming he said”); the 60s. Her small herd of cattle were like a family to her. When the herd was infected by demonic spirits recognise Jesus and TB, undoubtedly from diseased badgers, those cattle that were infected (or might be Andrew Adonis @Andrew_Adonis address him as Son of the Most High God; infected as a number of “inconclusive reactors” were involved) were slaughtered to Looks like a big majority for Mar- and Jesus doesn’t say “Thank you, it is prevent the spread of the disease. Most were taken to an abattoir to be culled. One cow riage Bill in Lords. The bishops come most helpful to have your words backing near her calving date and heavily in calf with twins was considered to be unsuitable to out badly, debating semantics rather me up”; rather he drives out the spirits and be taken to the abattoir on welfare grounds – heavily pregnant cows shouldn’t be taken than championing equal rights so delivers Legion. on lorries. So she was shot on farm. The farmer told me that watching the unborn twin Scripture widely condemns divination, calves struggle for life inside their dead mother seemed to go on for an eternity. Jack McConnell @LordMcConnell sorcery, magic arts and other forms of con- Instead of “Anger at...” you could have run the story with a headline of “Cautious Outside office today on one side tacting the world of evil spirits, in both Old relief as government finally grasp unpopular nettle.” choir singing happy songs, on the and New Testaments: is Bishop Schori not The Rev Robert Barlow, other a bloke raving about death of aware of this? Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire society. No contest. #equalmarraige In the same sermon she is reported as saying that salvation comes not from being JodyStowell @RevJodyStowell cleansed of our sins by the atoning sacrifi- for the straightforward statement of my label, in the right direction in our shared if you know any young women who cial death of Jesus Christ but through the own and other liberals’ beliefs: in the Incar- search for truth, towards which the Holy are called into church leadership, do divinization of humanity through the work nation, Resurrection and Ascension of our Spirit is leading us. But for this to happen, let them know about this event of the human will. So – out with the cross, Lord. ‘A’ must listen attentively to ‘B’ and not pre- #YWV2013 youngwome- in with human effort. But this contradicts We also believe that Jesus made the lame sume to know “ what ‘B’ really thinks and nandthechurch.wordpress.co so much New Testament teaching about walk, the blind see, the deaf mutes to hear means...” despite anything that ‘B’ might the meaning of Jesus’ death and our inabil- and speak. It is atheists and agnostics who say. Giles Fraser @giles_fraser ity to save ourselves (Mark 10:45, John are heard to say (vid. Peter Mullen) “... but May I sign off in the Peace of God which, The time really has come for there to 1:29, Romans 3:23-30, 1 Peter 1:18-19 etc). that I can’t believe!” So may I please repeat: like all other aspects of God’s love, “passes be no more ex officio bishops in the And if our church leaders so neglect Bibli- A liberal Christian believes THAT... but is understanding.” House of Lords. cal authority, what authority do they have, unwilling to presume to state categorically Mary P Roe, and what hope is there for the churches HOW God effects his saving work in the Bicester, Oxon Mark Russell @markrusselluk over which they preside? world. Delighted to hear @BBCLookNorth Andrew Killick, To define is to limit, and to confine the confirm Nick Clegg is standing again Eaglescliffe infinite creator of the universe within Born again in Hallam. I hope I’m the Labour can- words and concepts which are readily Sir, I read Dr David Trapnell’s letter on the didate to take him on! understandable by the people of any one subject of being born again (letters Sunday Error? era, seems arrogant, to say the least. 9 June) and would like to take it a bit fur- C of E Newspaper @churchnews- Sir, So now the sins of Sodom and Gomor- When Dr Shell accuses me in one para- ther if I may. paper rah are likely to earn the approval of Eng- graph of “asserting that the gospel Nicodemus said (John 3:4) “How can a Reform says women bishops plans lish law. So we shall have to consider the accounts are regularly untrue“ (is he really man be born when he is old? Can he enter would effectively prevent conserva- destruction of these cities by our holy God referring to the letter I wrote and you print- the second time into his mother’s womb, tive evangelicals from undertaking as a regrettable error of judgement. How ed?) and in a later one comments, “What and be born?” The point he makes ‘Can he parish ministry because of headship our blind leaders are rushing us down the never seems to happen in the liberal world be born when he is old?’ seems to be broad way Jesus warned us about. is that anything turns out to be untrue,“ missed every time by commentators. A Sssshh-its-me @CarolineNCG Nevertheless, the darker the back- and charges me with incoherence, the new child, toddler, teen, middle-aged or old @churchnewspaper good! ground the brighter his disciples can words that spring to mind are “pot” and person cannot enter his mother’s womb. shine. So take heart! “kettle.” While I did observe that it is possi- A Jew can be ‘Born Again’ six times. (1) Peter Saunders @drpetersaun- Adrian Struvé, ble to believe all the factual details supplied He is born, (2) Bar Mitzvah, (3) Marriage, ders Shrewsbury, Shropshire in the gospels but fail to discern the signifi- (4) Fatherhood, (5) On becoming a Rabbi The Archbishop’s speech on #gay cant self-revelation of God our creator by and (6) On becoming a Teacher of Rabbis #marriage - needless concessions & reading the miracles as simply events and (Verse10 - to be Head of a Rabbinical a lost opportunity bit.ly/18W3GGx Liberal beliefs not also as “signs” as St John intends us to School). #lgbt @churchnewspaper @Con- Sir, Dr Shell’s response to my attempt to do, at no point did I suggest that there are In the Greek, Nicodemus is spoken of, Home set the record straight as to what liberals two, mutually exclusive ways of reading by Jesus, as THE Teacher of Israel (defi- do believe is a perfect illustration of why I them. St Paul is an excellent model of how nite article). To be a member of the San- Peter Ould ☩ @PeterOuld wrote in the first place. to focus on not just the event, for example hedrin you had to be married. This stuff really saddens me. A He attributes to me words and phrases the Resurrection, but think it through to The Talmud states that Nicodemus was church is growing and people don't which I have never uttered, are not even an discover the meaning of that event for our one of the three richest men in Jerusalem. like it. http://dailym.ai/18jrabO approximate paraphrase of my letter, and lives, from his day to ours. They said he was so rich he could afford to even places one such in quotation marks, Thoughtful, prayerful, honest debate is feed the whole population of Israel for which is dishonest and misleading. In fact, the purpose of the Letters column in a eight days! What an interesting man. he has substituted all the old canards asso- church newspaper, and we hope that it will Lady Money-Coutts, follow us ciated with a false notion of liberal theology point us all, whatever our denomination or Henley-on-Thames, Oxon @churchnewspaper on Twitter [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Benjamin Britten examined, E6 SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013 The new Bishop of Manchester Name: David Stuart Walker Who is the Rt Rev Dave Walker, Born: 30 May 1957 Early life: Brought up by his single-mother from the age of 14 in a depressed part of Manchester. and what can we expect? Educated at Manchester Grammer School, competing in the International Mathematical Olympiad in 1975 in Cambridge. Studied at Queen’s College, Brimingham. Personal life: Married to Sue Walker, with two children Clerical career: Ordained in 1983, beginning his curacy at St Mary Handsworth, then becoming Team Vicar at Maltby. Ordained to the episcopate in 2000, as Bishop of Dudley in the Diocese of Worcester. Elected to the General Synod in 2005. Views: Fierce critic of the Government’s Welfare Policies and benefit reforms, criticising politicians this year for ‘scapegoating’ migrants. Has experience in this field, having served on the Board of the National Housing Federation from 1996 to 2002. He is a former Chair of South Yorkshire Housing Association and of Safe Haven (a non-profit asylum seeker accommodation service provider). He was one of 43 Bishops who signed letter arguing children would be ‘disproportionally effected’ by Government cuts. Bishop Walker has said he is ‘hopeful’ for the women bishop legislation. He said: ““I don’t start from a neutral position: I start from the position the House of Bishops has set out. Clearly ‘option one’ has the best chance of delivering for the Church of England; I think we can pastorally meet the needs of those who have theological objections.” Hobbies: Hill walking and chairing a small Special Needs Housing Association in Dudley which works particularly with faith based groups. He served on the Housing Management Policy Action Team set up by the Social Exclusion Unite, and wrote a regular column in Housing Today. Until 20120 he was Chair of HACT (Housing Authorities Charitable Trust) which is one of the leading national charities, working with the voluntary sector to help housing providers better meet the needs of tenants. He was also chair of CHADD (Churches Housing Association of Dudley and District) - Church based special needs housing associations. Twitter: @BishopDudley: “Once I get to Manchester I hope to find a role in which I can help Housing serve now & future tenants” “I’m not a politician: I do Housing, Equalities, Welfare because God’s love draws me to them. And they draw me to God’s love.” Challenges: The Manchester Statement of Needs declared the Diocese wanted their next Bishop to ‘Support family life as well as establishing positive relationships with the LGBT community’. The Bishop stated he would ‘probably have abstained’ from the Same Sex Marriage Bill. The Diocese will be watching to see how Bishop Walker engaged with the large LGBT community in Manchester, especially following the Church’s united opposition to this recent Bill. The Diocese have also asked for change, with ‘developing new models of church’ being something specifically named in the Statement. The Bishop will be expected to front this project, and build new relationships with Manchester diverse residents. Reaction to selection: “I feel very honoured to have been asked to be the next Bishop of Manchester. I was born and grew up here and I‘m delighted that I will now have the opportunity to give something back to the place that gave me my start in life. I am looking forward to working with the people and communities of what is one of the most richly diverse places in the world. I believe that the Christian faith and the Church of England have a great contribution to make to that richness and I am thrilled at being given a role that will allow me to be part of that. “I ask the people of Manchester to hold me in their prayers as I prepare to take up my new role here.” Predictions: Though the Bishop-designate will not be sitting in the House of Bishops when he is enthroned in Manchester, as only five seats are automatically given, he is sure to make even more headlines. Unafraid to speak out against Government policy he finds questionable, many wonder whether David Cameron was pleased by the See Committee’s selection of one of his harshest critics. • ANDREW CAREY E2 • NIGEL NELSON E3 • ARTS AND MEDIA E6 •B• OOKS E7 • CROSSWORD E8 • JANEY LEE GRACE E8 E2 www.englandonsunday.com Sunday June 16, 2013 your opponents of space will be played out towards a strategy of seizing church more widely over gay marriage. There are buildings or stripping Royal Peculiars of already signs that promises to Churches on their Anglican ethos in order to force gay religious freedom are to be broken. marriage on the churches? Correspondence between Parliamentary In the meantime, Tim Montgomerie in AndrewCarey: officials over the status of the Parliamentary The Times (‘Churches must fight to keep chapel St Mary Undercroft were revealed by their freedom’, 10 June) argues that the the Sunday Telegraph (‘Buckingham Palace Church has a real struggle on its hands to dragged into row over gay marriage in keep any protections or space for freedom of ViewfromthePew Parliament, 8 June). conscience. He points to polling evidence Chris Bryant, the Labour MP, who has that half of young people want gay marriage suggested during the course of the passage foisted on unwilling churches. He writes: of same-sex marriage legislation that “For them the idea that churches should be The illiberal liberals protections for the churches are robust and able to close their door to gay couples sufficient, is leading a campaign to strip the wanting to wed is as offensive as closing the Royal Peculiar of its Anglican character and door to black couples.” he reality of illiberal liberalism is all this tendency more widely in the use of tradition in favour of a multi-denominational Tim Montgomerie argues that the around us at the moment, both the judicial system to overrule space where gay marriages can be churches should not have opposed gay Twithin church and state. The rows democratic decisions. celebrated. marriage on the specious grounds that the over women bishops and gay marriage In reality, last November’s General The Speaker of the House of Commons churches should not impose their illustrate a deeply worrying trend in Synod narrowly defeated the legislation supports the move. The suggested course of conception of morality on the rest of the which majorities fail to provide sufficient on women bishops on the basis that it action is a Parliamentary vote to determine population. Yet even this argument is yet space in which minorities can flourish failed to give enough provision for the nature of the chapel. another variety of the illiberal liberalism we with integrity and freedom. traditionalists. All that it would have This exposes the bald-faced lie that the are facing. We must strongly resist the idea Monday’s edition of The Times (10 taken to pass the legislation in a short same-sex marriage bill has no effect on that the church is uniquely disqualified from June) provided ample evidence. Firstly, time was slightly greater provision that religious freedom. Is this the first step advocating for its views in the public sphere. the new appointee to the bishopric of carried the support of two-thirds of the Manchester, David Walker, suggested House of Laity. A simple step and only six No unity from the House of Bishops the possibility of dissolving General votes were needed. Instead the House of The Archbishop of Canterbury’s speech in the Second Reading debate on the Marriage Synod if agreement cannot be reached Bishops has allotted to give (same-sex couples) Bill was widely judged to be both powerful and influential. It was on women bishops. This is dangerously traditionalists less certain provision and disappointing however to see him issue a ‘welcome’ to the Bishop of Salisbury’s advocacy close to suggesting that the democratic the abolition of the 1993 Act of Synod in for gay marriage. This gives heterodox theology a recognition it does not deserve. It is clear process can be dispensed with if you can favour of mere vague possibilities. now that we cannot expect the House of Bishops to speak with any sense of unity on the best achieve your aims without it. We see I suspect the same process of starving issue of gay marriage. Spin doctor becomes the story Deserved rebuke It is a recognised principle in politics that any spin doctor who becomes the story is a liability. Andy Coulson is perhaps the most spectacular example of this principle but Alistair Campbell also realised the game was up when the Colin Podmore, former clerk to General Synod and now director of Forward in press started to focus on his activities during the Iraq War. Arun Arora, the Faith, has probably gone from game keeper to poacher as far as some of the Church of England’s combative Director of Communications, is in danger of apparatchiks in Church House are concerned but at least Dr Podmore studious- forgetting the rule. ly maintained his impartiality when he was working for the Church of England. When the Rev Marcus Ramshaw made a stupid and obscene comment on This does not appear to be the case with those officials who advise bishops in the the Archbishop of Canterbury it would have been wise for Arun to have House of Lords. They have tweeted that they are ‘looking forward to the day ignored it. It surely is not his job to monitor all the comments, however when they can tweet a photo and welcome our first female Lords Spiritual to Par- inane, expressed by Church of England clergy on Twitter, Facebook, blogs liament too’. Rebuking the officials, Forward in Faith monthly magazine, ‘New or in the press. The job would be impossible if that were the case. But Arun Directions,’ has rightly pointed out, there would be outrage in Synod if an official could not stand aside when the Archbishop was called a ‘wanker’. “Calling tweeted theological and conscientious objections to women bishops. Watch and another Christian a wanker does not work for me as a priestly response,” he Affirming Catholicism would go ballistic. The rule should be that Church offi- said, adding it was ‘outrageous’ to suggest Welby was an ‘onanist’. Arun may cials do not express a view or that they are free to express any view they may be gratified to know that his is Rod Liddle’s ‘favourite quote of all time’ but happen to hold. Since they are paid by parishes made up of people who hold he might like to reflect on how much additional publicity his remarks have many different views, it is clearly best if they express no personal view at all but given to Ramshaw. work fairly and impartially to enable the Church of England to follow its deci- Meanwhile ‘Whispering Gallery’ is concerned that so far it does not sion-making processes. We look forward to hearing from Arun Arora on this appear to have drawn forth any condemnation from Arun. Clearly we need issue. to lift our game. The Whispering Gallery God on the box Archbishops in the news Opinion varied about Justin Welby’s appearance in running kit. For many it Lord Bragg must be glowing after the review in the Daily Telegraph of his was not a very pretty sight but apparently he looks in better shape than the programme on William Tyndale, ‘the most dangerous man in Tudor Eng- Chancellor to be seen jogging around St James’ Park. Rowan Williams never land’. The reviewer praised the 73-year-old’s ‘luxuriant bouffant’ although ventured into gym kit but his formidable intellectual powers were on display at he was less fulsome about his ‘dandyish but limited wardrobe.’ But it was a forum held in the Temple Church last week to mark the launch of a book of Melvyn’s intellect that really excited admiration. The word used was ‘bril- essays discussing his notorious lecture advocating recognition of Sharia law. liant’. ‘Impressive intellect and agile mind’ shone like beacons under Bishop Rowan delivered his lecture in the Temple Church and it is included in Melvyn’s ‘coiffed locks’. By the end of the programme, the reviewer was the new book. Returning to the same platform, he mounted a robust defence of even ready to agree that Tyndale was ‘one of the greatest men of English his view that law works with existing associations and does not seek to create history’. ‘Tyndale has been justly elevated from relative obscurity’, we were them. Professor Maleiha Malik told a story that supported this view. When told. ‘Melvyn Bragg has been affirmed as one of Britain’s foremost public Muslim bus drivers in Sheffield refused to allow guide dogs on their buses the intellectuals’. It remains to be seen whether Melvyn receives a Sandford St matter was referred to a Sharia court. The court upheld the view that dogs are Martin award for broadcasting. This year the award went to the opening indeed unclean according to Muslim law but it also ruled that other principles ceremony of the Olympic Games, a decision that stunned those responsible had to be considered such as the right to help and care for people who were for the programme even though it included three hymns. Apparently the blind or partially sighted. The result was a fatwa allowing guide dogs on buses. production team, which included Danny Boyle, did not set out to write so As Professor Malik pointed out, a secular court would have come to the same much religion into the script. It just turned out that way because people in decision but it would not have had the same impact on the Muslim community. Britain use religious images without realising it. As the scriptwriter put it, Referring the matter to a Sharia court led to a genuine change of view in the ‘they are so deep within us’. Muslim community, not to the reluctant observance of a law that many believed was opposed to their faith. Sunday June 16, 2013 www.englandonsunday.com E3 was a brilliant incentive for long-term loyalty to their adopted country, and established a widely respected principle of something for something. It meant Nigel Nelson migrants were positively welcomed into the Roman fold, not grudgingly admitted, as has been the British way. View from Fleet Street The 500,000-strong Roman army was the most effective fighting force the world has ever known, not least because it was made up of volunteers not pulled his troops out. There might be a conscripts. Soldiers signed up to the lesson there for Tony Blair. legions for regular pay, excellent And the Romans, like modern healthcare and retirement benefits that Britons, seemed largely unconcerned included a plot of land for a about particular religions, worshipping smallholding to see them through their whatever gods came to hand. They Romanfootprints old age. They accepted the iron- might be the official cults of Jupiter, discipline imposed by their patrician Juno and Neptune, or the local deities of masters because they could see it was streams and forests. I came across an here are no reliable estimates of the ‘diversity’ is a kind of finger-pointing anyway; the best way to stay alive in battle, and altar to the Celtic mother goddess numbers of Romanians and Bulgarians it’s saying immigrants are different, and that would never have accepted orders that Matres in the Roman town of Corbridge, T who may come to live here next year hardly helps integration. I was reflecting on involved the wholesale slaughter of the Northumberland. But unlike when movement restrictions are lifted. Even this while spending a few days walking Somme or Ypres. Christianity’s personal God, the cold the London ambassadors of the two countries Hadrian’s Wall. Two thousand years ago Legionaries needed to believe the pagan gods were indifferent to told MPs they were not sure, though the much of this north-west frontier was fight was worth it, and mutinied twice individuals and the connection between envoys did not balk at 20,000 Romanians and garrisoned by Roman army auxiliaries from when asked to conquer Britain, which the worshipper and the worshipped was 10,000 from Bulgaria when that was put to Dacia and Thracia – that’s modern Romania seemed a strange land of no apparent more a business transaction than a them. and Bulgaria. And their job was to keep out value on the edge of the known world. relationship, paying for a desired It may turn out to be more – or less – but migrants from Scotland! The wealth of mineral deposits had yet outcome with sacrificial animals. either way it is likely to be the catalyst that What struck me was how much more to be properly discovered. Had it not I also went to visit the temple of keeps immigration at the top of the political enlightened and pragmatic the Romans were been for the persuasive powers of the Mithras at Carrawburgh dating back to agenda and UKIP riding high in the polls as in the treatment of the inhabitants of their freedman Narcissus, chief fixer to the 200AD, built to venerate the Persian god EU elections approach. Mainstream empire than Britain has been about hers. For Emperor Claudius, they would not have so popular with the legions, but politicians, both Tory and Labour, know they starters there was no something-for-nothing invaded in 43AD and the course of our despised by Christians who saw the need to address this issue but neither David benefits system that British voters so resent. history would have gone off in another taking of bread and water a caricature of Cameron nor Ed Miliband are quite sure Instead foreign-born soldiers were offered direction. our own sacrament. On the altar how. So each time they raise it they begin citizenship after 25 years of army service. Politics does not really change; only someone had left 8p, whether out of a with an apology for doing so, followed by a They were also then allowed to marry their the ways of dealing with the problems it show of good manners or belief I do not preamble about the cultural benefits of partners, who also became Roman citizens throws up are different. The Emperor know. But perhaps like the Roman habit ‘diversity’, their way of saying: “Nothing along with their children. Hadrian accepted that Roman of backing several religious horses at racist about us, folks.” The prized bronze documents they were colonisation had gone about as far as it the same time, this was a sign that 21st At some point they are going to need to be given – the equivalent of our right to could comfortably go, that the invasion Century visitors hedge their bets, too. less squeamish; the result of the next General residency passport stamps – have been of Iraq to stretch it further into Parthian Nigel Nelson is political editor of the Election may depend on it. And talking about unearthed in excavations of the wall. This territory had been a disaster, and so he Sunday People Church Typos It makes you think Lift up our Judy West’s Messianic A friend once asked Isidor I Rabi, a Nobel brothers and prize winner in science, how he became a sisters in Israel scientist. who are Rabi replied that every day after school Notes, Quotes & Anecdotes suffering during his mother would talk to him about his our prayer time. school day. She wasn’t so much interested in what he had learned that day, but she always inquired, “Did you ask a good question today?” Be prepared “Asking good questions,” Rabi said, While on a South Pole expedition, British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton left a few Have “made me become a scientist.” men on Elephant Island, promising that he would return. patience with all Later, when he tried to go back, huge icebergs blocked the way. But suddenly, as if things, but chiefly have by a miracle, an avenue opened in the ice and Shackleton was able to get through. patience with yourself. Do Urban Myths His men, ready and waiting, quickly scrambled aboard. No sooner had the ship not lose courage in A golfer who had been playing badly went cleared the island than the ice crashed together behind them. considering your own to a psychiatrist who told him to relax by Contemplating their nar row escape, the explorer said to his men, “It was fortunate imperfections, but instantly playing a round of golf without a ball. “Do you were all packed and ready to go!” set about remedying them everything you would normally do, but use They replied, “We never gave up hope. Whenever the sea was clear of ice, we rolled - every day begin the an imaginary ball,” advised the up our sleeping bags and reminded each other, ‘The boss may come today‘.“ task anew. psychiatrist.” The golfer tried it the next day. He stepped up on the first tee, imagined he got a 260-yard drive, made a fine approach shot Getting the message across? to the green, then putted for a par. The round went splendidly and as he approached the 18th hole, he met another golfer playing the same way—no ball. The Do you have a other golfer had seen the same funny story, psychiatrist. quotable quote or They decided to play the last hole sermon together and bet $10 on the outcome. The illustration? first golfer swung at his imaginary ball and Send them to The announced that it had gone 280 yards right Church of down the middle of the fairway. England The second golfer matched his drive. Newspaper, 14 The first fellow then took out his 5-iron and Great College after swinging at his imaginary ball, he Street, London, exclaimed, “Look at that shot! It went right SW1P 3RX or over the pin and the reverse spin on it email brought it right back into the hole! I win.” cen@churchnews “No you don’t,” said the second golfer. paper.com “You hit my ball.” E4 www.englandonsunday.com Sunday June 16, 2013 Engagingwithotherfaiths heavens declare the glory of God Nigel as Psalm 19 asserts. Many Hindus honour Jesus as WhatwouldJesusdo? one among many great gurus. Scotland Mahatma Ghandi, one of the holy men of recent Hinduism, found ne of the big questions we much of his inspiration from have, if we believe as the Nicodemus. He is presented to us Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on ONew Testament clearly in John 3 as an expert in the the Mount. states, that Jesus is our Great Jewish religion. Nevertheless Buddhism, which emerged six God and Saviour, is ‘What are we Jesus had to tell him straight that centuries before Christ, could to make of the other great unless a completely new spiritual almost be said to be a scheme for religions of the world’? life was born in him he would not self-improvement. The aim is to Or another way we might think even see the kingdom of God. extinguish the self by following of this issue is what exactly does In other words Jesus was the Eightfold Right and Noble Jesus think of the other great saying to Nicodemus that his Pathway. religions of the world? Does he Jewish faith had missed the most Among the eight right paths write them off or discount them basic and crucial point. are right views, right speech and altogether? In Mark’s gospel chapter 12 right acts. This personal blowing It is generally acknowledged another religious leader, a away of the self eventually results that there are five major world teacher of the law, came to Jesus in a blissful state known as faiths. Apart from Christianity and entered into discussion with ‘Nirvana’ or ‘Enlightenment’. these are Hinduism, Judaism, him about which was the greatest Jesus’ teaching clearly Islam and Sikhism. It is Jesus’ commandment of all? Jesus was resonates with the Buddhist attitude to these faiths in impressed by the fact that he notion that we need to overcome particular that are considered in knew that the commandment to our basic human selfishness and, what follows. love God and your neighbour was as far as possible, be at peace and more important than the temple live at peace with everyone. Jesus’ encounters with people sacrifices. He told the man, ‘You Clearly however, Jesus could not of other faiths are not far from the Kingdom of unnecessary extra laws, trivial he had come in fulfilment of Old agree with the assertion of the One obvious starting point is God’. ceremonies and traditions added Testament prophecies. So Jesus Theravada Buddhists that there some of the encounters that At another time when Jesus on over the centuries by Jewish clearly endorsed Judaism in a is no god! That said it is Jesus had with a number of was preaching and teaching near teachers and leaders. Such things way that was not the case where significant that the Dalai Lama different individuals who came the city of Tyre he went into a included what counted as other religions were concerned. lists Jesus as a holy figure. from a variety of religious house for a period of quiet rest. A working on the Sabbath day, how Indeed, it could be said in very Islam, which was founded by convictions. His responses to local Greek-speaking woman who far were you allowed to walk on simple terms that Christianity the Prophet Muhammad around their faiths were different in each had been born in Syria came to the sixth day and the importance and Judaism share the same God, about AD 611, professes with case but in each encounter he him with her daughter who had a of washing your hands, as well as although Jews of course do not Judaism and Christianity to made it clear that something was demon and was in a terrible state. cups and plates, in the proper accept that Jesus is the full, total worship the Old Testament God lacking in their religion. She cried out to Jesus to have way. and complete revelation and of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The On one notable occasion (John mercy. Jesus then engaged with Jesus did in fact honour and expression of Jehovah. Among Qur’an, the Muslim sacred 4) he met with a Samaritan her in a little banter saying that it respect the heart of Judaism key Jewish beliefs that Jesus Scriptures, includes passages woman in the town of Sychar. was not right to give food to the above all other religions. He told endorsed are that God is that are the same, or very similar, The Samaritans differed from dogs – dogs being a symbol to the Samaritan woman he met at Almighty, that he is the creator, a to their counterparts in the Old the Jews in that they only the Jews of people who were the well in Sychar that salvation loving father, who is holy, just and and New Testaments. Muslims accepted the Pentateuch, the first unclean. was from the Jews and of course forgiving. refer to God as ‘Allah’, which is five books of the Bible, and they The woman, realising that he himself claimed to be nothing When it comes to other world simply Arabic for ‘The God’. The erected their own temple on Jesus was telling her that she less than the Yahweh the God of faiths we would have to say that God of the Qur’an, like Yahweh in Mount Gerizim. They did not, wasn’t exactly kosher, persisted. the Old Testament so that he Jesus would be less affirming of the Old Testament, is eternal, and still do not, believe that any And she said, ‘Yes, I know I am cannot be understood as writing many of the beliefs and practices sovereign and all-powerful. prophet has arisen in Israel like one of the unclean but even dogs off the Judaism of the first they stand for. Nevertheless most Islam also believes in heaven Moses whom the Lord knew ‘face get some food when it falls off century. of them contain some truths that and hell, heaven being pictured to face’. They did expect ‘a their master’s table’. Jesus was In his teaching Jesus are in keeping with his teachings. as a beautiful garden and hell as a second Moses’ to come whom impressed by her response and deliberately spoke of himself as ‘I Some biblical scholars have place of fire. Muslims honour and they called the ‘Taheb’ which said, ‘You are a woman of great AM’, which was the very name taken John 1:9 which speaks of respect Jesus and believe him to means ‘restorer’. faith! What you want will be done by which Jehovah God had made ‘the true light, which enlightens be a great prophet who will come Jesus showed great respect for for you’. And that very moment himself know to the Old everyone’ to mean that everyone again in the latter days and this woman even though her past her daughter was healed Testament people of Israel. He has some knowledge of divine establish Islam throughout the wasn’t all that it could have been! (Matthew15:21-28). said, ‘I AM the Good Shepherd’. truth either through conscience world. They do not, however, That said however, he was clear He said, ‘I AM the Bread of Life’. or through some form of inner believe Jesus to be the divine son that her religion was inadequate. Jesus’ attitude to other faiths He said, ‘I AM the light of the light. This could therefore be of God. The idea of God In verse 22 he clearly states, ‘You From the three incidents we have world’. He said, ‘I AM the taken to imply that all religions becoming a human is felt to be Samaritans don’t really know who just considered it is plainly resurrection and the life’. He contain elements of divine truth. dishonouring to God. you worship; but we Jews know obvious that Jesus did not write made the matter even more Hinduism is a religion of many Islam does not accept that God whom we worship because it is off the Jewish faith. He said that specific by informing his Jewish gods and demi-gods which would allow the Messiah to die a from the Jews that salvation he had ‘not come to destroy the hearers that even ‘before their include animals such as Ganesh shameful death and so the comes’. Jewish law or the prophets but to father, Abraham was born I AM’ the Elephant God, sacred cows Christian belief that Jesus died a To sum up, Jesus made two fulfil them’, (Matthew 5:17). (John 8: 58). and a variety of minor reptile sacrificial death is rejected. exclusive statements to this dear Indeed he went even further Jesus also endorsed much of deities. But there is also a central Sikhism dates from the 16th woman. First, that salvation and said, ‘I tell you the truth, until Judaism in his teaching. Hindu school that teaches that century and was founded by comes from the Jews and then heaven and earth disappear, not Approximately one tenth of all there is only one supreme God Nanak. The word Sikh simply when the woman asked when the the smallest letter, not the least Jesus’ recorded teaching in the known as Brahmin who controls means disciple. Nanak was on a Messiah would come, Jesus stroke of a pen, will be any means gospels is in the form of and rules the universe. mission to bring peace between replied in verse 27 Jesus said, ‘I disappear from the Law until quotations from the Old Brahmin revealed himself in warring Hindu and Muslim am he, I who am talking with everything is accomplished’. That Testament. His great manifesto, three main incarnations – Shiva, factions of his day. So Sikh you’. said, there were many things in the Sermon on the Mount, is Krishna and Vishnu. Together teaching contains a mixture of On another occasion Jesus had first century Judaism that Jesus basically an expansion of the Ten with Judaism and Christianity Muslim and Hindu doctrine. The a meeting with one of the Jewish did take a strong exception to. Commandments. Hinduism asserts that God is Sikh ideas about God are drawn religious leaders by the name of For the most part they were Jesus also clearly taught that revealed in creation and that the more largely from Islam than [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Sunday June 16, 2013 www.englandonsunday.com E5 Hinduism. But what is Jesus’ response to country are derived. The Sikhs are believers in one god those without faith in him? Does Cambridge scholar, Stephen who is called ‘Akal’ which means all this mean that those who die Neill, wrote, ‘The teachings of timeless. There are no without a faith and trust in Jesus Jesus were not given in manifestations or incarnations of are lost for eternity? What if they systematic form but when they God. Sikhs have a consciousness have never been able to hear the are put together and analysed, of God’s presence beside them Christian message? Surely God they are seen to amount to a total and with them rather than in can’t condemn them for what was understanding of the universe’. them. no fault of their own? Third, Jesus’ claims are unique. Many people in the post- What about those heard Jesus’ Jesus was the only founder of a modern liberal-thinking world of gospel and then either rejected world religion who actually today would probably endorse his message or gave up living for claimed to be God. Moses, the the views of George Bernard him after a while because they Buddha, Mohammed and Guru Shaw who wrote in the Preface of grew tired of all the Christian Nanak only claimed to be one of his books, ‘There is only activities or had a bad experience pointers to the one true God. one religion, though there are of church? Will they be eternally Fourth, Jesus’ character is hundreds of versions of it’, lost? unique. He may have claimed to (Preface to Plays Pleasant and These are profound and be nothing less than fullness of Unpleasant (1898) Volume 2). difficult questions and they character in every human being. Genesis 22:17 we’re told that God but his life and character More recently people have demand a careful and considered Assuming Aquinas is right, who Abraham’s descendants (spiritual endorse his claims. tried to follow suit by likening the answer. A number of things need are we to judge the spiritual state as well as physical) will be as Fifth, Jesus’ death is unique. It followers of the world’s major to be said. of who follow the divine light of numerous as the stars in the sky was an unjust death. All the faiths to different groups First of all in response it is vital conscience. and as the sand on the seashore’. Roman authorities from Pilate the climbing a high mountain. They to affirm that the Lord is a just, Fifth, God clearly works in the In Hebrews 10 the Apostle give Roman governor to the centurion will all eventually reach the righteous and loving God. As the lives of particular people who a long list of the heroes of the who stood at the cross summit though they are on Old Testament Patriarch, come from other faith positions. Old Testament people of Israel at acknowledged his innocence. different pathways to the top. The Abraham, once declared, ‘Shall In Acts chapter 10:2 Luke the end of which he says, ‘These The centurion actually declared, big question of course is, ‘are all not the God of all the earth do recounts something of the life of were all commended for their ‘truly this man was the son of the world faiths climbing the right’ (Genesis 18:25). In Psalm a Roman army captain named faith’. God’. The cross was, and still is, same mountain’? Or could it be 71:19 we read, ‘Your Cornelius, a devout Gentile, who There is also a somewhat the supreme expression of divine that Christianity is a different righteousness reaches to the believed in one God and puzzling passage in I Peter 3:19- love. mountain altogether? This brings skies, O God, you have done respected the moral and ethical 20 in which we are told that after Mahatma Ghandi once asked a us to the crucial issue of Jesus great things’. It would be teaching of the Jews. Jesus’ death and resurrection He small group of Christian and salvation. inconceivable that the God we Here was a man who was not a went and preached to those who missionaries he met to sing to see in the person of Jesus would Christian but was obedient to the had disobeyed God in the time of him the song that best expressed Jesus and Salvation do or purpose anything that is light he received. Noah. It is not clear however what was the very heart of their In John 14 Jesus claimed to be unfair, unjust or wrong in any It should be noted however whether this means he preached faith and they sang, ‘When I the only way. The disciples had other way. We need have no that although Cornelius feared the gospel or simply proclaimed survey the wondrous cross on been asking Jesus the way they worries about God being just. He God and was acceptable to him, his victory over sin and death. which the prince of glory died’. could be sure of entry into the will be infinitely more just than he didn’t experience the Holy So what conclusions might we Sixth, the unique death of Father’s house. Doubting we are. On judgement day Spirit coming on him and others draw on this major issue? Jesus means that his salvation is Thomas, as usual, wanted to get nobody will be able to claim that of his household until he heard unique. Christianity is a religion everything tied down and so he Christ the judge is unjust. Peter explain the Christian Summary of grace. It’s not about humanity asked his blunt and Second, it is clear that the Lord message and trusted Jesus for You may well have reached the reaching up to God and doing straightforward question in verse has partly revealed himself to forgiveness. That said, this conclusion that Jesus certainly things to gain God’s favour. 5, ‘How can we know the way’? everyone through the creation. passage teaches us that the Lord would not, and does not write off Rather it’s about God coming to To which Jesus replied, ‘I am the As Psalm 19 puts it, ‘The heavens is often at work in the lives of the great world faiths as totally humanity and out of love and way, and the truth, and the life. are telling the glory of God and many of those who are outside godless and wholly erroneous. compassion offering us free No one comes to the Father the earth proclaims his the Christian faith. Jesus was certainly damning of pardon and forgiveness for our except through me’. This is a handiwork’. In the first chapter of Professor Norman Anderson religious hypocrisy and people sinful and evil ways. As Bishop strong and exclusive statement – his letter to the Romans the wrote in his book on Christianity pretending to be what they’re Stephen Neill put it, ‘For the ‘I am the way’, ‘No one’ and Apostle Paul is absolutely clear and Contemporary Religions, ‘Can not, but he also commends human sickness there is one ‘except through me’. that ‘ever since the beginning of we doubt that God is able to sincerity. specific remedy, and this is it. The reason why Jesus is the the creation of the world God’s speak directly to the human At the very least I believe that There is no other’. only way to God is quite simply eternal power and divine nature heart, and particularly so when Jesus sees the great world faiths But Jesus’ death, as Christians because for John Jesus is nothing have been seen through the neither human messenger nor as pointers to himself. This must know and believe, was not the less than the Father himself. things he has made’ (Romans printed page is available to bear obviously be true of Judaism and end of story because he So the reason why Jesus is the 1:20). Therefore he goes on to their testimony’ (1970, p 103). to a lesser extent of Islam. My triumphed over the grave. Jesus only way to the Father is because argue that people are without The book entitled The Heavenly personal conviction is that is the only founder of a world he is nothing less than the Father excuse. Man recounts a number of Christianity is unique but not religion who remains alive and himself. Jesus is the total and Third, it says in 2 Timothy 2:9 instances where people of no totally exclusive. Perhaps it is well. All the others lived and complete revelation of God. that ‘the Lord knows those who faith in China encountered Jesus helpful to think of other world died. They are history. They are We must take this note of are his’. We may think we do but directly in dreams and visions. All faiths as pointers to Jesus. One yesterday’s people. We could visit exclusiveness very seriously the fact is we are not God and we this might lead us to agree with writer expressed it in this way. their burial places. because Jesus made a number of don’t always know these things. the Roman Catholic Catechism The sun is shining all over the Not only is Jesus alive, but exclusive statements to the effect And in any event who are we to entitled, Light of the Gentiles world but it shines more since the Day of Pentecost he has that those who rejected his judge other people’s spiritual which states, ‘the church intensely through a magnifying been bestowing his divine message, or were unforgiving, or standing? considers all goodness and truth glass. The presence of God is presence on his people. This blasphemed the Holy Spirit Fourth, there is the matter of found in [other] religions as a shining down over the entire means that every Christian would be excluded from his conscience that is in every preparation for the Gospel and globe but it shines with the believer can have a unique presence. There would be some human being and enables us to given by him who enlightens all greatest and fullest intensity in experience of Jesus in their lives. to whom he would have to say, ‘I distinguish right from wrong. [people] that they might have Jesus. Jesus’ Holy Spirit can live in us never knew you, away from me The Apostle Paul wrote in his length of life’. and transform us little by little you evil doers (Matthew 7:23). letter to the Romans that ‘when Norman Anderson wrote in the The uniqueness of Jesus into his likeness. Jesus also warned of the the Gentiles, who do not have the same book that he had ‘never The thing that is unique about On the eve of his assassination dangers of the judgement to law, do by nature things required met a Muslim convert who Christianity is obviously Christ Martin Luther King said, ‘What come and of punishment and hell. by the law… they show that the regarded the God he worshipped Jesus himself. First, Jesus’ birth America needs is a new kind of We also need to keep in mind the requirements of the law are as a wholly false God. Instead he was unique. The birth in man’. Such new men and women point which CS Lewis made in his written on their hearts, their is filled with wonder and Bethlehem was not just another can surely most obviously be book, The Great Divorce, that consciences also bearing witness, gratitude that he has now been human birth. He was born found among the followers of there are those who deliberately and their thoughts now accusing, brought to know that God as he Emmanuel GOD with us. Jesus ‘who is God over all’ choose to be excluded from now defending them’ (Romans really is, in Jesus Christ our Lord’ Second, Jesus’ teaching is (Romans 9:5)! God’s presence and salvation and 2:14-15). (p 110). unique. The people who heard that their free-will must be Thomas Aquinas, the Medieval There is the rather more him declared that ‘nobody ever Nigel Scotland is Honorary respected. theologian, defined conscience as complex and difficult question of taught like this’! Consider the Research Fellow University of ‘the voice of God in every man’. those who lived and died before Sermon on the Mount from Gloucestershire and Tutor, Trinity Jesus and those with out faith What this means is there is some Jesus came. Here the Bible only which almost all the core values College, Bristol in him knowledge of God’s ways and gives us passing hints. In we have in this [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Sunday June 16, 2013 www.englandonsunday.com E6 Tracing the life of Britten rom a small Norfolk-based company, preaching that they should respect the Capriol Films, comes Benjamin dead by espousing peace, and by their FBritten – Peace and Conflict (cert. duty to God, “believe in him, fear him, and PG). It’s a drama-documentary by Tony love him with all your heart” – and then Britten, no relation, best known for departing in a rather nice purple car (a composing the UEFA Champions League Lagonda). theme. Britten seems to have few friends at It seems to start as a feature film with Gresham, but picked out are David Layton John Hurt doing extended narration (Jeremy Lloyd), Oliver Berthoud (Mykola duties, showing Benjamin (Alex Lawther) Allen) and Peter Floud (Bradley Hall). aged 14-16 in the 1920s at boarding school Gresham scenes end with the older – Gresham’s in Norfolk. This is a public Berthoud’s departure for university, but school producing communists, pacifists it’s one of a few scenes where and spies – one of his contemporaries is homosexuality may be hinted. Donald Maclean (Christopher Theobald) - As the film moves to Britten’s adult though it still has fags and bullies, and career, to the mellifluous tones of Hurt’s prefects “embody fascism”. narration, there are several flashbacks to It’s also a school with its own sense of Gresham, and even comments by its loss; of its old boys (Greshamians) who current head of history about those served in the Great War, a fifth were killed formative years. As Britten was not happy in action. For Britten and his in his two years at Gresham, the choice to contemporaries, the political implications dramatise solely this period may seem a parallel those in the country at large, and little odd, and the more traditional linear he is one of those excused from the documentary style of the remainder of the Officer Training Corps. film seems bland by comparison, even if (“perhaps the most significant, emotional returning to England in 1942 to register as Britten brings his music into the melting punctuated by excerpts of Britten’s music. and musical partnership of all time”), are a conscientious objector, and there can be pot, even if music master “Gog” Tony Britten says the music is the presented almost as incidentals. Of his no doubt in his music of his antipathy to Greatorex’s view of his “little pieces” is “I “narrative glue” – he includes snatches of liking for adolescent boys, there’s not a war. prefer something more effective” – but at Playful Pizzicato, full performance of vocal whisper; in this, the year of Britten’s John Hurt reads a wartime letter from least in listening to Brahms and Beethoven solos such as Britten’s setting of John centenary but also of enhanced sensitivity WH Auden to Britten, which may seem “you’re steering clear of Stravinsky then”. Donne’s poem “Oh My Black Soul! Now about such things, others may be less perceptive about the hardness needed for Of Britten’s hundred or more childhood Art Thou Summoned”, and swathes of the discreet. perfection. Hurt then narrates to camera compositions, few became part of his War Requiem composed for the Likewise, there’s not much about his the final comments, before the present-day recognised “oeuvre” so maybe Greatorex consecration of the new Coventry brand of Christian faith (liberal), but then Gresham’s choir, now co-educational, (Alastair Boag) was right. Cathedral. the film’s emphasis is the impact of war on dismisses us with Britten’s “Hymn to the Britten’s journal reveals notes on chapel Britten’s personal relationships, his life and career. Britten spent the early Virgin”. sermons. We see the Bishop of Norwich particularly his life with Peter Pears years of the Second World War in America, Steve Parish A revealing insight into the last days of Pompeii Life and Death in Pompeii and A fast-moving film juxtaposing lively visual prelude to entering the real thing - Herculaneum scenes of Naples today with Roman-era and pleasant substitute in bad weather. British Museum until 29 September 2013 images, then detailing the science of the Fresco and mosaic embellished every catastrophe, gives clue to the undramatic prosperous home: that so many survived ntering the British Museum’s highly rhythm of our show-tour of incomparable sealed in ash is truly remarkable. Among original revelation of the doomed 1st century artefacts: we are onlookers of much fine portraiture on display, most ERoman cities of Pompeii and the everyday life of Romans totally memorable is the fresco of Terentius Neo Herculaneum, engulfed in 79 AD by unaware of imminent horror, believing and his wife who ran a Pompeii bakery. scorching rocks, ash and toxic gases Vesuvius dormant. Respectively robed in white and red, they spewed from Vesuvius, one sees three The displays’ gently paced layout, from gaze at us knowingly across time, she with objects: a plaster cast of a dog in twisted street to Roman home with central court, writing implements and he a scroll, deathroes, a blackened wooden table, and living room, bedroom, kitchen and garden, declaring their partnership in business as fresco fragment of a banqueting scene. almost lulls us into forgetting the looming well as marriage. (It is amusingly Once guarding Pompeii’s House of fate. Then the final section abruptly complemented by a fresco of a politician Orpheus, the dog’s decayed body replaces ‘Life’ with ‘Death’. distributing free bread to win votes!). entombed in ash created a void which Commemorative statues in public spaces Mosaic was an intricate art form by the archaeologists filled with plaster, re- imaged the dignity and power of the ruling 1st century: the elaborate Sea Creatures creating its original form (curiously elite: we encounter stately life-size bronzes scene with octopus and lobster locked in imaged in the same house’s mosaic of a of Livia, wife of Augustus, of benefactor Bacchus, god of wine, dressed in grapes mortal combat, decorating a Pompeii guard dog). At Herculaneum, the 400C Mammius Maximus in oratorical pose — beside Vesuvius, testifies local devotion to living room, comprises thousands of tiny pyroclastic surge incinerated everyone both from Herculaneum’s theatre — and the Classical pantheon. (No references to pieces. and most household objects, carbonising marble likeness of Eumachia, Pompeii’s Christianity are extant, though Paul From wall paintings of banquets and the table; the fresco survived amid the wealthy priestess. Roberts’ exhibition book mentions graffiti loving couples, charcoal-powered food and rubble. Carbonised storage chest, huge wood Old Testament quotes). An elaborate water heaters and carbonised bread and and iron strongbox, and fresco of a lady bronze wind-chime device ranks among figs, to money box and surgical spinning, testify the atrium’s many unexpected atrium artefacts. instruments found alongside bodies of functions, including setting for family A carbonised wooden cradle and high- fleeing victims, this exhibition is a portrait busts and herms - a bust atop a backed bed grimly recall many died in brilliantly revealing, thought-provoking marble pillar: that of Lucius Caecilius their bedroom - ‘cubiculum’ - whose many evocation of the two Ancient World cities Iucundus, a Pompeii banker, is an functions ranged from sleeping to holding overwhelmed by history’s most notorious engaging presence, not least because he meetings and dressing, the latter natural catastrophe. could be a modern Italian financier. highlighted by exquisite gold ball Brian Cooper Significantly, it was given by one of his earrings, necklaces and bracelet in form of family’s freed slaves: inscriptions testify to a snake. Life and Death in Pompeii and many freedmen in the two cities. Well-to-do citizens prided themselves on Herculaneum is at British Museum until 29 Atriums also had shrines to household their gardens: three huge ‘garden room’ September 2013. deities - ‘Lares’: bronze statuettes, marble frescoes from the House of the Golden Admission £15; range of concessions. Ticket mini-altar and terracotta incense burner Bracelet, Pompeii, with luxuriant scenes of booking: www.britishmuseum.org or call illustrate such domestic piety. A fresco of abundant plants and birds, offered joyful 020 7323 8181 [email protected]/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Sunday June 16, 2013 www.englandonsunday.com E7 Authors’ bid to document the global reach of Anglicanism The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to the Anglican Scottish liturgy, he never refers to the place in it of the whom to be in communion and with whom to exchange Communion ‘epiclesis’ and the influence this has had on the ministers and sacraments within the Anglican Ian S Markham, J Barney Hawkins IV, Justin Terry, American church. Communion”. and Leslie Nunez Steffensen The opening chapters of the book deal with history Liturgical differences are another source of division. Wiley, £120, hb and structures and the concluding chapters with such This is not so much because of liturgical inculturation themes as theology, liturgy and inter-religious relations (of which there has probably been too little) but Contributor: Bishop Nazir-Ali ccording to the but more than half the book is taken up with surveys because in many provinces a Pentecostal style of preface, this book on all the provinces. These vary a great deal, so much worship has taken over in many parishes. Aaims to be a so that it would be interesting to know if the editors Crucial questions about Anglican identity are raised reference book on the actually gave the contributors any guidelines. The by Bishop Nazir-Ali at the end of his article. Questions Anglican Communion. It entry on the Philippine Episcopal Church amounts to about autonomy and instruments of communion are is not a historical survey just over two pages and includes no reference to important but fostering a sense of identity needs to nor is it focussed on the relations with the Philippine Independent Church. The start at the grassroots. current problems of the entries on Papua New Guinea and Melanesia by one of Paul Richardson Communion but it does the editors are virtually useless. The author appears to seek to reflect the be unfamiliar with the standard histories by Wetherell global reach of and Hilliard. Anglicanism. Although Taken together, however, the chapters on the it is the joint project of provinces present an illuminating and at times moving two American picture. Violence from civil strife and conflict with seminaries, Virginia and Islamic militants are problems in many provinces. Trinity School for Although he does not tell us this himself, we learn that Ministry, one which is traditionally ‘low church’ but one of the contributors, Archbishop Kwashi of Nigeria, which sees itself at the centre of the Episcopal Church, had his home invaded by militants who knocked his the other more definitely evangelical, it includes a large son unconscious and blinded his wife. range of contributors from around the communion. Many contributors draw attention to tribalism and One of the book’s strengths is that it does try to problems in electing bishops. Francophone provinces reflect the theological and cultural diversity of think the church is too Anglo-Saxon and even people in Anglicanism although many in the Episcopal Church Anglophone provinces think the Communion is will probably see it as reflecting a conservative bias. dominated by the older provinces. Colonialism may Mark Thompson, Principal of Moore College and a have ended but ‘soft power’ remains. rising star of the Sydney Diocese, contributes an article The legacy of colonialism means that Anglicans in on GAFCON and many of the African contributors places like Burma still have an establishment mentality express their dismay at developments on the issue of but in some provinces the end of colonialism has given sexuality in the Communion. the church greater freedom. Colonial governors were That said there are many contributors who reflect a often anxious not to give offence to Muslims and more centrist or even liberal position: Mark Chapman restricted the churches for this reason. writes on the Church of England, Sam van Culin on Although sexuality is blamed for many of the ACC, and Robert Wright on the Prayer Book. The Communion’s woes it is easy to see from this volume quality of the articles varies enormously. Michael that the roots of Anglican discord go much deeper. Nazir-Ali on Ecumenism, Norman Doe on the Evangelical missionaries were not greatly interested in Instruments of Communion, Andrew Goddard on the ecclesiology. Covenant, and Robert Tong on the Anglican Church in We are told, for example, that “while Anglicans in Australia are all very good. There is little to be learnt Congo are proud of their identity as Anglicans, they from the article on the Archbishops of Canterbury and have little doctrinal understanding of what is meant by it is puzzling that, while Brian Smith mentions the ‘church’: and it becomes very difficult to decide with The pick of the new paperback releases ohn de Gruchy is a The Tortoise Usually Wins who have been newly widowed. She shares her own story well-known South (Paternoster) by Brian Harris as a widow as well as the stories of others. This book JAfrican theologian, takes a new approach, making covers a great deal of ground, containing prayers as well expert on Bonhoeffer, the case for quiet leadership. as practical advice on finance and other issues. She is not and author of a number The book is aimed at ‘reluctant afraid to tackle such sensitive issues as sexual fantasies of very highly regarded leaders’ and looks at three as well as covering more familiar ground such as the books. In 2010 his son, biblical images in particular: the problem of loneliness. Steve, drowned in a leader as servant, steward, and David Cohen, who teaches Hebrew language and diving accident. Steve shepherd. Leadership, Harris literature in an Australian seminary, has written a book was 48 and showed every argues, is about helping groups to on how psalms of lament can be used by people who have sign of stepping into his decide to do and then getting on and doing it. Harris had a distressing experience in life. Why, O Lord? father’s shoes. John de himself has leadership experience as Principal of a (Paternoster) is a marvellous spiritual resource for Gruchy has now written Baptist seminary in Australia. anyone who is going through a time of grief and Led Into Mystery Wolfhart Pannenberg is one of the great figures in tribulation. It is the kind of book pastors may like to give (SCM) in which he looks modern theology but like many other German to people they are trying to help through a painful at questions posed by the theologians he appears formidable and hard to bereavement or some other difficult experience. meaning of death from a understand at first glance. John McClean from the Paul still gets a bad press, most recently from the Christian perspective. Presbyterian Seminary in Sydney has written a clear Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. In How to The book is a sequence introduction to Pannenberg From the Future Like Paul Again (Authentic) Conrad Gempf looks at with the author’s earlier work Being Human, a book that (Paternoster) which manages to make him accessible who Paul was, who he was writing to and why he wrote stimulated a research project in South Africa looking at without being simplistic. McClean is an admirer but not what he did to explain what he really meant. Paul’s letters questions raised in such areas as neuroscience and what uncritical. were written to real people with real needs and real blind they have to say about the meaning of human life. In Hope for a Widow’s Heart (Paternoster) Quin spots. Books on leadership continue to appear at a rapid rate. Sherer provides short, devotional readings for women If we see Paul in context we understand him better. [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper E8 www.englandonsunday.com Sunday June 16, 2013 Janey Lee Grace Live Healthy! Live Happy! Viablealternativesfor mums-to-be most people, perhaps even the authors of this report don’t know which viable alternatives to recommend. The truth is it’s easy to ditch the chemicals in most instances, most of us won’t have the luxury of a new purpose-built eco home or even arning for mums to be – Don’t However Professor Scott Nelson, an opportunity to do a major eco refurbishment. However we can paint the nursery,’ was the Chair of the RCOG Scientific Advisory make choices on which cleaning/laundry and personal care products Wheadline in the Daily Mail Committee, said: “There are growing we bring into our homes. It doesn’t have to cost the earth either (in recently and I’m sure you saw it across concerns over everyday chemical both senses) if you think old style, we all know about vinegar and TV screens and radio broadcasts. New exposure effects because many paper for cleaning the windows, half a cup of Bicarbonate of soda in advice to pregnant women says painting chemicals have the potential to interfere warm water will clean most surfaces (add a drop of tea tree oil for the the nursery may put their unborn babies with the hormone systems in the body, areas that require an anti-bacterial attack). at risk from exposure to chemicals. which play key roles in normal fetal A used lemon will shine a ceramic sink better than any brightly The Royal College of Obstetricians development. coloured detergent and don’t forget of course the 1950s housewife’s and Gynaecologists warns pregnant and “Realistically, pregnant women are magic ingredient – elbow grease! breastfeeding mothers to ditch the exposed to a complex mixture of To freshen the air half fill a plant spray bottle with water and add synthetic chemicals and their fumes in hundreds of chemicals at low levels, but three drops of essential oil such as Eucalyptus/Citronella (that wards paint, new fabrics and furniture, food methods for assessing the full risk of off insects too) or Lavender. packaging and cosmetics, toiletries and exposure are not yet developed.” For laundry, avoid the harsh detergents and fabric softeners and use cleaning products. He went on to suggest that women eco plant-based surfactants or opt for Soap Nuts or Laundry Balls. If This was met with some disdain by the concerned about chemical exposure it’s time for redecoration, there are some non-toxic paints available but Mumsnet chief who claimed the list’s should contact their obstetrician or as for painting the nursery, who needs one? The baby has been sheer volume made it ‘almost impossible midwife. Therein lies the main problem snuggly inside the mother for nine months – best to co-sleep (safely to follow’ and several commentators said in my opinion, I absolutely believe that and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol). there should be no more stress put on we should all be avoiding potentially So I think the warning in the Mail was right. – but next time let’s pregnant women. toxic chemicals but my concern is that have some suggestions for natural alternatives. Enter ‘Yours Truly’! PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 853 by Axe Across Babylonia (8) 6'...whoever loves wealth is never sat- 7Macedonians, the object of two let- isfied with their ------' [Ecc/NIV] (6) ters from Paul (13) 11 'A ------is more desirable than great 8'...something like a huge mountain, riches' [Prov/NIV] (4,4) all -----, was thrown into the sea' 15 'Your eyes are too pure to ------evil' [Rev/NIV] (6) [Hab/NIV] (4,2) 9Section of the Bible or other reli- 17 Woman often accepted to be the gious text read as part of a service wife of the recipient of Paul's short- (6) est letter (6) 10 Hebrew minor prophet and book of 20 'It grew until it reached the ---- of the the OT (6) heavens...' [Dan/NIV] (4) 12 'And the swine, though he...be ------footed...he is unclean unto you' Solutions to last week’s crossword [Lev/KJV] (6) 13 'I went down to the grove of --- Across: 1 Assyria, 5 Peter, 8 Scripture, 9 Elf, 10 trees...' [S of S/NIV] (3) Rhoda, 12 Ananias, 13 Battle, 14 14 'On the next Sabbath ------the whole Longed, 16 Noonday, 19 Hanun, 21 Ago, city gathered to hear the word of the 22 Mardi Gras, 24 Haydn, 25 Salamis. Lord' [Acts/NIV] (6) 16 Book of prophecies; the most chap- Down: 1 Assur, 2 Sir, 3 Raphael, 4 Abuna, 5 ters in the OT after Psalms (6) Pieta, 6 The Virgin, 7 Refused, 11 Ortho- 18 '------we see only a reflection as in a doxy, 13 Beneath, 15 Othniel, 17 mirror' [1 Cor/NIV] (3,3) Demon, 18 Yards, 20 Nests, 23 Ram. 19 'There is ------: no; for I have loved strangers, and after them I will go' [Jer/KJV] (2,4) 21 Series of services that replaced the ASB in 2000 (6,7) Down The first correct entry drawn will win a book of the Editor’s choice. Send your entry to 1'He sent... ----- the secretary and the Crossword Number 853, The Church of England Newspaper, leading priests...to the prophet Isa- 14 Great College Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3RX by next Friday iah...' [2 Kgs/NIV] (6) 2'You know that everyone in the Name province of ---- has deserted me...' [2 Tim/NIV] (4) Address 3Miracle set in Cana [John] (5,4,4) 4Offertory receptacle? (10,3) 5Term used for the dispersion of the Jews, originally to OT Assyria and Post Code Leader & Comment Sunday June 16, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 9 Comment Whose voices do we trust? Our silly nuclear weapons Who do we believe on vital issues of the day, and how can we evaluate their testimony? Our culture faces us with this question on many fronts, and the public is often perplexed about who to trust. Take the Alan question of climate change. The creation of the ‘Department of Energy and Climate Change’ has officially linked our needs for energy supply with the issue of climate change and possible causes for that. This entails the assumption that Storkey such change is heavily caused by carbon fuel burning and even closing down those power stations before they become defunct. The pro- gramme of wind turbine building is part and parcel of this policy of ensuring power supply into the future. The famous ‘hockey stick graph’ which formerly ‘proved’ a steadily rising warming of the planet was taken as a fixed datum, but now sci- entists say that no such warming has occurred since 1997, the hockey Most people are not aware that we, the British, or stick is straight. But this is not necessarily taken to disprove the perhaps later the English, are slowly committing ‘warmist’ thesis, even if warming is by solar activity for example. The ourselves to another half-century of nuclear strike situation is complex. Who should we believe? The ‘science’ has been weapons. We are going through a number of politicised, there are now deep vested interests in the industry of wind “gates” towards a Trident replacement system of turbines and nuclear power. Who to believe? submarines and nuclear missiles bought from the We can also recall the Francis Report on the Mid-Staffordshire United States, which will cost something like £100 Health Care Trust, a two-volume report that showed that the voices of billion. For this figure we can constantly have at ordinary patients and relatives, and indeed some whistle-blowers, had least one submarine prowling the sea, ready when been systematically ignored and suppressed as inconvenient to hospi- ordered to discharge nuclear bombs to vapourise, tal management. kill and induce cancer in millions of people. Nuclear We are now familiar with the testimonies of patients lying in filthy weapons only destroy and change the climate; they sheets and having to drink water from vases of flowers to avoid dehy- can do nothing good. dration. Complaints were indeed made, and were ignored. Only by the We are supposed to have an “independent” work of a local woman who persisted in taking on the over mighty insti- nuclear deterrent, a unilateral one, which allows us tutional might of the NHS Trust was the Francis inquiry launched. It to attack when the United States would not. The showed how testimonies were not deemed worthy to be heard. only purpose of this vast weapon system arises if we Volume Two of the report does publish hundreds of these state- were to be more belligerent than the United States. ments of cruel ‘care’. But still the experts and elites are often ‘in Can you imagine when that might be? We might denial’, branding the witnesses unreliable and unrepresentative. The want to attack Canada when the United States does top end of the nursing profession, desperate to keep the report from not. Of course, we are not really independent of the causing change to the syllabus of training in a more practical direction, States; they supply and maintain our nuclear is critical of the government’s idea of getting all trainee nurses to work weapons. We are like the nine-year-old puffing at a as healthcare assistants, ‘hands-on’ carers, for a year at the start of fag because the big boy does. To use a silly phrase, before the end of the Cold War to go for Star Wars training. loved by the MoD, it helps us to punch above our to zap incoming missiles and therefore make the Francis is in effect being ignored. Some say the voices of the victims weight. United States impregnable. It was a way for the should not count as they were not part of a controlled ‘study’ set up by At whom are these weapons to be pointed? The weapons’ companies to extract more money from the professionals – thus missing the whole point! Why should witness- Cold War ended a quarter of a century ago. Before the US Government. es be controlled and channelled by ‘experts’ with an agenda? then the threat was the USSR. But even here we And so we have a weapons’ system that can Likewise the voices of the victims of the sex gangs have been need to rethink. It turns out that in the 50s and destroy the world still being produced a quarter of ignored by professionals, bullied by barristers, and pushed away by early 60s the US munitions and military exaggerat- a century after its supposed cause has disappeared. political correctness. The police and CPS in particular have been ed the USSR’s attack possibilities. It embarrassed We talk of nuclear non-proliferation and then try shamed by shunning abused girls. Scripture bids us ‘Open thy mouth both Eisenhower and Kennedy who knew the exag- to rearm. We are hypocrites. Moreover, nuclear for the dumb’ [Prov 31.8]. We need to do so. geration. Kennedy was in a stronger position in the weapons have made no one in Slough, Stoke or Cuban Crisis than is usually recognized. The “Mis- Southend one iota safer, but merely a lot poorer. sile Gap” article in Wikipedia points out that when Ending the production of mass killing weapons is “classified intelligence” claimed the US had 1,370 a biblical commandment. God’s requirement, “You The Church of England Newspaper fewer Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles than the shall not kill” also means, “You shall not make with Celebrate magazine incorporating The Record and Christian Week USSR, the latter had four ICBM’s including proto- mass-killing weapons.” Don’t kill and don’t make Published by Religious Intelligence Ltd. types. That is awesome exagger- the means of killing. It is as Company Number: 3176742 ation. simple and profound as that. Publisher: Keith Young MBE Actually, the USSR was repeat- ‘We have a weapons’ We are to make swords into edly frightened by US nuclear ploughshares and nuclear superiority until the 1970s. In weapons into power stations. Publishing Director & Editor: CM BLAKELY020 7222 8004 system that can destroy retrospect, the Cold War was Jesus can be paraphrased by Chief Correspondent: The Rev Canon GEORGE CONGER 00 1 0772 332 2604 largely pushed by weapons man- the world still being the conclusion. “Those who Reporter: AMARIS COLE 020 7222 8700 ufacturers on both sides using produced a quarter of use nuclear weapons, will be scares, exaggerations and sup- destroyed by nuclear Advertising: CHRIS TURNER 020 7222 2018 posed technical breakthroughs a century after its weapons.” His original state- Advertising & Editorial Assistant: PENNY NAIR PRICE 020 7222 2018 until they had insanely produced supposed cause has ment was deeper than clouds enough nuclear weapons to of radiation, but it remains the Subscriptions & Finance: DELIA ROBINSON 020 7222 8663 destroy the planet several thou- disappeared’ central warning. These Graphic Designer: PETER MAY020 7222 8700 sand times over. Now the USSR weapons can still destroy us. has gone and Russia has a mili- The Gospel is a Gospel of The acceptance of advertising does not necessarily indicate tary budget about one-seventh of the United States. peace, and that obviously includes not having endorsement. Photographs and other material sent for publication There is no one to aim at. nuclear missiles. Christians do not threaten, try to are submitted at the owner’s risk. The Church of England Newspaper These weapons, we have been told for years, are frighten others or seek military control. “My peace does not accept responsibility for any material lost or damaged. a deterrent. Of course, no one remotely humane I leave with you” does not mean accumulate nuclear Christian Weekly Newspapers Trustees: Robert Leach (020 8224 5696), would use them, and they cannot be a deterrent weapons. The time has come for Christians, who Lord Carey of Clifton, The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, The Rt Rev Pete Broadbent, against conventional wars or terrorists. They were worship God and not weapons, to work together to Dr Elaine Storkey, The Rev Peter Brown, The Rev Cindy Kent supposed to deter the use of other nuclear replace these evil weapons with peace. weapons. Here, the understanding was that Mutual- The present vast nuclear weapons system is kept The Church of England Newspaper, ly Assured Destruction, MAD for short, would pre- in place by the arms companies who make billions Religious Intelligence Ltd vent nuclear powers from destroying one another. out of it and pusillanimous politicians too scared to 14 Great College Street, London, SW1P 3RX With some thought the nuclear powers, rather back peace. Behind militarism lies mammon. But Editorial e-mail: [email protected] than commission more nuclear weapons to get nuclear free peace is practical and for our good, as Advertising e-mail: [email protected] MADDER, could decide to close down nuclear all God’s ways are. It’s time we acted to end the Subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] weaponry for everyone. But that would have cut the nuclear era. profits of the arms companies and was not allowed. Website: www.churchnewspaper.com Instead they persuaded Ronald Reagan just [email protected] [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 10 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday June 16, 2013 Feature Exploring life - at the cinema The Life of Pi, one of the films Damaris has used Damaris Film Clubs” in their publicity). If groups don’t want to meet regularly, they can even establish a flexible ‘pop-up’ film club, which only gets together when Sophie Lister Damaris brings out a suitable new set of resources. Each film club will have its own character according to the type of group. For Cinemas, it has been said, are the new churches for many people. This is where example a Damaris Film Club in a workplace which may emphasise different types they think through the big questions of life. Whether it’s a French art-house puzzler of questions from those of interest to a neighbourhood group. But what ties them all or a special effects-laden summer blockbuster, every film has a worldview: a set of together is their use of the free official resources and the Damaris Film Club logo. ideas about who we are as human beings, and what kind of universe we live in. This helps each group as they attract new members – for example, churches may That is why the Damaris Trust helps people to explore life issues through film – find that people who have come across Damaris Film Clubs at work will then be and is now launching Damaris Film Clubs to enable community groups across the more likely to accept an invitation to a Damaris Film Club event at the church. country to help more people get more from the movies. There will generally be enough new official resources for groups to meet once a Working with film companies, Damaris creates official resources to accompany month, with a choice of which film they would like to explore. However, as well as the latest feature films, encouraging community groups to engage more these full sets of resources, Damaris also produces smaller discussion guides thoughtfully with what’s on the screen. All of these resources are free, and available exploring the latest cinema and DVD releases on a weekly basis. You can find these to download at www.damaris.org. at www.damaris.org/filmblog and they are ideal for use in film clubs when there are no suitable full sets available. The launch of Damaris Film Clubs The charity is now encouraging community groups of all kinds to establish Damaris What are Damaris film resources? Film Clubs, bringing together friends, families, clubs and communities to share, Recent films getting the Damaris treatment have ranged from fantasy adventure Life explore, reflect and discuss the latest films, their themes and the ideas they raise. of Pi, to road trip comedy The Guilt Trip, to tough thriller Flight. These films are all These clubs can be set up in any community, neighbourhood, school, workplace, very different, but they each provide a springboard to talk about big themes: church or coffee shop – or even by a few friends who get together informally. They whether these concern intellectual ideas about the nature of truth, or more can be set up specially (and use Damaris Film Club in their name) or can be emotional ones about mother-son relationships. Each set of resources is based existing film clubs or similar groups that register (and use “in association with around videos incorporating clips from the film, and accompanying guides to help shape the discussion. In the case of much-loved musical Les Misérables, the characters’ journeys raise questions about fresh starts and difficult choices, which are unpacked via two specially-produced video featurettes. The downloadable Leader’s Guide provides questions exploring these themes, as well as background information, fun themed recipes and quizzes, posters and invitations, all designed so that groups can hold a whole evening of activities based around the film. As with most Damaris resource packs, a supplementary guide for churches is also available, examining the film’s ideas from a biblical perspective. How do I get started? Just like downloading the resources, registering a Damaris Film Club is completely free. All you need is to find a handful of people who are interested in trying out the idea, perhaps do a trial session, and then register at www.damaris.org/filmclubs if you think you want to carry on. There’s no catch, and clubs affiliated with Damaris receive exciting benefits: priority access to new official resources, in addition to opportunities to see advance previews and even win tickets to red carpet premieres. Exactly how and when your group uses the resources is completely up to you. Damaris wants to support all groups in fulfilling their objectives, and engaging with the wider community. For church groups, film clubs could offer an unprecedented opportunity to really engage with the questions which are being asked by people in the culture around. Damaris co-founder Nick Pollard says: “We have been delighted to see so many different community groups use the free resources we create around new films. Now, the opportunity for them to register as a Damaris Film Club will enable us to provide ongoing support and encouragement as they enable their members to make the most of the movies.” Sophie Lister is a writer with Damaris which provides free resources for Damaris Film Clubs as well as the Damaris Film Blog. See damaris.org/filmclubs and damaris.org/filmblog. Clockwise from top: The Guilt Trip, Quartet and Flight [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 12 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday June 16, 2013 The Register End and Merevale with Bentley; and Priest- APPOINTMENTS ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER in-Charge, Kingsbury (Birmingham): to retire with effect from 31 August 2013. The Rev Francis Jakeman, Sunday 16 June. Pentecost 4. Psalm 119:17-32, Mt 20:29-34. Ogbomoso - (Ibadan, Nigeria): The Rt Rev Matthew Osunade Vicar, Bexleyheath Christ Church (Rochester): to retire with effect from 31 Monday 17 June. Psalm 21:1-7,13, Mt 21:1-11. Ogoni - (Niger Delta, Nigeria): The Rt July 2013. Rev Solomon Gberegbara The Rev Suzanne Mayes, Tuesday 18 June. Psalm 22:1-21, Mt 21:12-22. Ogori-Magongo - (Lokoja, Nigeria): NSM (Associate Minister), Romford The Rt Rev Festus Davies Ascension Collier Row; and Chaplain, HM Prison Bullwood Hall (Chelmsford): has Wednesday 19 June. Psalm 22:22-31, Mt 21:23-27. Ohaji / Egbema - (Owerri, Nige- resigned with effect from 28 March 2013. ria): The Rt Rev Chidi Collins Oparaojiaku Remaining NSM (Associate Minister). New Bishop of Manchester The Rev Canon Thomas Gordon Oliver, Thursday 20 June. Psalm 23, Jer 2:4-13,32. Ohio - (V, The Episcopal Church): The The Rt Rev David Walker, Rt Rev Mark Hollingsworth Rector, Meopham with Nurstead Bishop of Dudley (Worcester): to be (Rochester): to retire with effect from 21 Bishop of Manchester (Manchester). Friday 21 June. Psalm 24, Jer 3:6-18. Oji River - (Enugu, Nigeria): The Most Rev October 2013. Amos Amankechinelo Madu The Rev Kevin Skippon, Assistant Curate (Associate Priest), The Rev Gabriel Anstis, Saturday 22 June. Psalm 25:1-18, Jer 4:5-14. Okinawa - (Japan): The Rt Rev David Shoji Tani Upminser St Lawrence; and Chaplain, St Assistant Curate, Northwood Emmanuel Andrew’s Healthcare Birmingham, Essex, (London): to be Vicar, Highbury New Park Northampton, Nottinghamshire; and St Augustine (same diocese). Moulsham St John; and Assistant Curate to be also Assistant Curate (Associate Chaplain, Havering Primary Care Trust (Chelmsford): has resigned with effect The Rev Andrew Avery, (Associate Priest), Widford (same diocese). Priest), Galleywood Common; and Assistant Curate, Widford (same diocese). from 21 May 2013. Remaining Assistant Team Vicar, Great Yarmouth (Norwich)to The Rev Michael Holloway, Curate (Associate Priest). be Priest-in-Charge, Greenhithe The Rev Rock Sturt: Team Vicar, Bishop’s Cleeve and The Rev Rosamund Wilson, (Rochester). Woolstone with Gotherington and Oxenton to be Chaplain, HM YOI Rochester NSM (Associate Minister), Abbots Leigh The Very Rev Wendy Callan, (Gloucester): to be Vicar, Painswick, (Rochester). Sheepscombe, Cranham, The Edge, with Leigh Woods (Bristol): has resigned The Rev Stephen Taylor, Dean of Cathedral Church of Killala; and Pitchcombe, Harescombe and Brookthorpe with effect from 11 April 2013. Incumbent, Kilala with Dunfeeny, (same diocese). Priest-in-Charge, Enfield St Michael Crossmolina, Kilmoremoy, Castleconor, (London): to be Vicar. Easkey and Kilglass (Tuam, Killala and The Rev Martin McGonigle, LAY & OTHER The Ven Frederick Trethewey, Achonry, The Church of Ireland): to be Vicar, Southgate St Andrew (London): to be APPOINTMENTS Team Vicar, The Claydons and Swan Chaplain, Central London Community Archdeacon of Dudley (Worcester) to be (Oxford). Healthcare NHS Trust (same diocese). Priest-in-Charge, Brittany (France, Europe). The Rev John Chapman, The Rev Emma Dinwiddy Smith, The Rev Caroline Newbold, Assistant Curate, Hampstead St John The Rev Pauline Williams, Chaplain for International Churches Assistant Curate, Yiewsley (London): is (London): to be Chaplain, St. Martin’s, (London): to be Assistant Curate (Associate now Chaplain, Lady Margaret School Vicar, Baglan; and Diocesan Children’s Vicar) Chelsea, St Luke and Christ Church Sharjah; and Assistant Chaplain, Holy (same diocese). Officer ( Llandaff, The Church in Wales): to Trinity, Dubai (United Arab Emirates). (same diocese). be Priest-in-Charge, Costa Almeria and The Rev Susan Paddock, The Rev Matthew Duckett, Costa Calida (Spain, Europe). (London): is now NSM (Transition THE 2013 NSM (Assistant Curate), Old St. Pancras Chaplain), Upper Clapton St Matthew RETIREMENTS & (London): to be Priest-in-Charge, Friern (same diocese). BIBLE CHALLENGE Barnet St Peter-le-Poer (same diocese). RESIGNATIONS The Rev Sarah Partridge, The Rev Richard Finch, The Rev John-Henry Bowden, Day 167 Enjoy hearing the Scriptures NSM (Assistant Curate), Tunbridge Wells, read aloud in church NSM, Gidea Park; and Chaplain and Faith King Charles (Rochester): to be Assistant Priest-in-Charge, Malaga (Spain, Europe): Support Officer, Forest YMCA Curate (Associate Vicar). to resign with effect from 30 June 2013. Day 168 2 Chronicles 29-31, Psalm 130, 1 (Chelmsford) to be NSM (Associate Vicar), Corinthians 5 Shortlands (Rochester). The Rev Jane Peters, The Rev John Chandler, Day 169 2 Chronicles 32-34, Psalm 131, 1 The Rev Alisoun Francis: NSM (Assistant Curate), Shortlands Vicar, Hildenborough (Rochester): to retire Corinthians 6 (Rochester): to be NSM (Associate Vicar). with effect from 31 July 2013. to be Chaplain, HM Prison Maidstone Day 170 2 Chronicles 35-36, Psalm 132, 1 (Canterbury). The Rev Catherine Reardon, The Rev Linda Dean, Corinthians 7 The Rev Andrew Griffiths, Assistant Curate, Fixby and Cowcliffe; and NSM (Assistant Curate), Primrose Hill St Day 171 Ezra 1-3, Psalm 133, 1 Assistant Curate, Bradley (Wakefield): to Mary with Avenue Road St Paul (London): Corinthians 8 Vicar, Galleywood Common; and Rural be Vicar, Erringden (same diocese). to resign with effect from 1 September Dean, Chelmsford South Deanery 2013. Day 172 Ezra 4-6, Psalm 134, 1 (Chelmsford): to be also Assistant Curate The Rev Carol Smith, Corinthians 9 The Rev Janet Gasper, (Associate Priest), Moulsham St Luke; and Vicar, Moulsham St Luke; and Priest-in- Assistant Curate (Associate Priest), Day 173 Ezra 7-9, Psalm 135, 1 Charge, Moulsham St John (Chelmsford): Rector, Baxterley with Hurley and Wood Corinthians 10 ducing wine there from well before the French Revolution. Wine of the Week Their vineyards are close to the Mediter- ranean coast and France’s border with Spain, in Château Saint Nicolas the foothills of the Pyrenees. The grapes are Want to advertise Côtes du Roussillion 2011 those permitted to the appellation, Grenache Waitrose £7.99 (£8.19 Noir (60 per cent here), Syrah (30 per cent), the www.waitrosedirect.com) rest being Carignan Noir. What the French call in this space? the “robe” is the expected deep red colour in the Saint Nicholas? Christmas in glass, heralding dark berries on the nose. Then, June? Well, from vineyards held in a excellent medium to full body, the Email our ad team which bear his name, certainly palate encounters a rich smoothness, a touch of comes cheering warmth. spice, then more berries, black and red currants The estate (originally found- and blackberries. Yet, it also keeps an element of ed by the Knights Templar – freshness, making it a good red too for sunny [email protected] the Château dates from the XII day drinking, adding to the pleasure of its good century) is located near Per- finish. Alcohol by Vol. just under 14%. Good with pignan in south-west of grilled lamb, or, especially, a prime beef rump France: the same family has steak. owned it and have been pro- Graham Gendall Norton [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Anglican Life Sunday June 16, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 13 Syrian Christians: the forgotten casualties of war Jeremy Moodey As I write this column, the news is all about the small but strate- gic Syrian city of al-Qusayr, close to the Lebanese border, which has just been re-taken by Syrian government forces sup- ported by Hezbollah fighters from Lebanon. Held by Syrian rebels for a year, a city that was once a bustling community of some 30,000 people is now little more than a ghost town, with virtually every building destroyed and with only a few hundred inhabitants brave enough to return to what is left of their homes. As I listen to the radio, the BBC correspondent Lyse Doucet files a long and depress- ing report from al-Qusayr, describing the town as in “utter ruin”. She is particularly vivid in her description of the Greek tal civil war that has claimed confidence which is eerily remi- the Church in Need have high- crisis appeal to provide even Catholic Church of St Elias: over 90,000 lives and forced niscent of that which charac- lighted the plight of Syria’s more desperately needed sup- “This Christian place of worship over five million Syrians into terised Tony Blair’s intervention Christian minority. Our perspec- port. has not just been destroyed, it’s exile as refugees or internally- in Iraq, David Cameron and tive at Embrace the Middle East We want Syria’s Christians to been desecrated by the fighting. displaced persons. Back in William Hague seem convinced is slightly different: rather than know that they are surely not Its marble floor is now carpeted April, one agency suggested that “something must be done” see Middle East Christians forgotten. in rubble and broken glass. Reli- that over 300,000 Syrian Chris- in Syria. through the prism of persecu- gious icons are defaced, prayer tians had been forced from their But has anyone asked Syria’s tion and minority status, we see Jeremy Moodey is Chief Execu- books burnt, the altar homes by the fighting. The fig- Christians what they think? In them as active agents for tive of Embrace the Middle East, smashed.” ure is almost certainly much April the Melkite Greek change in their communities, as the inter-denominational devel- You might be forgiven for higher now. Catholic Patriarch Gregory III the quintessential ‘salt and opment charity formerly known thinking from this BBC report It is not just the suffering of of Damascus spoke out power- light’. Which is why we have as BibleLands, which tackles that it was the Syrian govern- ordinary Syrian Christians that fully against sending yet more already sent £250,000 to help poverty and injustice in the lands ment forces and the Shia fight- is being overlooked by the arms into the Syrian civil war: local Lebanese and Syrian of the Bible. Details of the ers from Hezbollah who has world’s media. There is hardly “It’s truly a pity, a great pity to Christian in their vital work with Embrace Syria crisis appeal can desecrated the church. But you any coverage now of the two not think in terms other than ‘to Syrian refugees and IDPs. And be found at would be wrong. Inexplicably, Syrian Archbishops, one Syriac arm’ or ‘not to arm’. No one is why we have launched our Syria www.embraceme.org/syria2013. the BBC provides no further Orthodox and the other Greek talking about information. In fact, the church Orthodox, who were kidnapped more serious, had been ransacked by rebel by unidentified gunmen near more realistic, That’s right, you can fighters, probably extreme Aleppo on 24 April. At the time and more effec- subscribe to the print Islamists, when they took the of writing their fate remains tive efforts for edition and have it sent to you by post city in June 2012. At the same unknown, although there are peace. We are every week for three months for just time, the city’s Christian popula- particular concerns for one of dying. Every £17.50. tion numbering some 10,000 the bishops, who reportedly day we are vic- souls, mostly Melkite Greek requires medication for high tims of chaos; Subscribe Catholics, were forced from blood pressure and diabetes. we run the risk Email [email protected] their homes by the rebels. I have written previously in of being kid- to the print or telephone 020 7222 8663 A Vatican news agency report- this column about the folly of napped, ending ed at the time that the rebel arming the Syrian rebels (Angli- up victims of edition for In addition to the print leader had ordered all Chris- can Life, 21 April). Since then some explosion edition you will also get tians in al-Qusayr to leave their the UK and France have shame- as simple £17.50 full access to our homes within six days. The rea- fully taken the lead in persuad- bystanders, an website at sons for the order were unclear, ing EU countries to lift their explosion of a churchnewspaper.com but the simultaneous desecra- arms embargo on Syria, naively school, factory, tion of the Church of St Elias thinking that throwing yet more university or suggests that the rebels’ motiva- instruments of death into the church… We tions were sectarian. The fact Syrian conflict will somehow are the victims that many Syrian Christians sup- bring about peace. In launching of your [the port the Syrian government, out the Embrace the Middle East West’s] indeci- of fear for what a Sunni Islamist Syria crisis appeal last week, I sion.” regime might do to minority urged the UK government ‘to Thankfully, rights, was also a possible fac- work for peace, not yet more there are people tor. bloodshed’ in Syria. in the West who Syria’s Christians, numbering According to press reports, are hearing the perhaps 2.5 million or around 10 over 80 Tory MPs and at least cries of Syria’s per cent of the population, con- five Cabinet ministers share my Christians. stitute the biggest Arab Chris- reservations (and those of other Agencies like tian population in the Middle agencies such as Oxfam) about Open Doors, East outside Egypt. They are arming the rebels. the Barnabas the forgotten casualties of a bru- Yet with a near-Messianic self- Fund and Aid to [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 14 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday June 16, 2013 Features Celebrating Connections Olaf Fogwill with Nick Freedom in Christ. Glowing endorsements for the Pollard, Damaris, at the CRE approach and style of the materials comes from many well-known leaders including Stephen Gaukroger, former Archbishop George Carey, Debbie Thrower, Steve Clifford, Ann Holt OBE and Jim Currin. “Whilst I thank God for all that’s happened on the journey so far,” commented Olaf, “I feel that the new internet applications open a fresh gateway for a brand new way to put contemporary tools for outreach and discipleship into the hands of everyone. C4L Connections makes this all so much easier”. The idea is that everyone has little cards for wallets and purses to give to friends or casual acquaintances when opportunities come. Using four icons, these identify the four groups of people who need God’s grace – an appropriate brief conversation prompts a person who is given the card to check out the web link they feel most suits their need. When they do so, they find a video of about two minutes with a related PDF, which is bespoke to their need. Churches can use these cards for recruiting for mission events by putting their contact details on the reverse or individuals can put their own contact details on if preferred. These resources are free and suitable for all church denominations – see http://connect4life.org.uk/. being subsequently unconnected and seeking for lost Also on the site is a section entitled ‘Church Growth New ministry Connect4Life (C4L) celebrated a second identity, value and purpose which can be discovered in Resources’ devoted to all the outreach and discipleship birthday by launching three new products to help Christ. The final words of Jesus before arrest indicated resources from church denominations and parachurch churches make connections with disconnected and his mission was to make connection with God for bodies where you can view what is recommended and unconnected people. At the Christian Resources everyone who is unconnected (John 17:20, 26). leave your own suggestions – see Exhibition, seasoned Church statistician Peter Brierley The original vision driving Olaf was to see ‘churches, http://connect4life.org.uk/church-growth-resources. visited the C4L stand in his role as one of the Council leaders and Christians connected to the person, power When this was recently shared with Reading of Reference. “My continuing research of church and mission of Christ’. University Christian Union, the response was very trends and the situation facing Christianity in the UK Connect4Life was formed as a ministry carrying the positive. The theme of connection is apt for electrical indicates that more effective connections need to be message in the name with the purpose to develop and appliances of every kind and also for all the internet made if the decline is to be reversed. share resources for outreach and discipleship for four gadgets that proliferate. Olaf says there are even more “The resources of Connect4life present an important groups – the unconnected (around 90 per cent), the things in the pipeline to help us all make many more new opportunity to help churches forge those new disconnected (those no longer part of churches or connections. connections with both ‘unchurched’ and ‘de-churched’ broken away from God), the reconnected (those open – they are worth checking out”. to restoring relationships) and the connected The genesis of Connect4Life came in 2009 when Olaf (Christians with a good message to share). Fogwill was on sabbatical seeking God as to whether it Initially, the ‘Connection Metaphor’ was applied to was time to hand on leadership of a large church in printed booklets for discipleship and outreach that fed Alton after his 11 years in that role. During seven days into two short courses for people to explore a first time of backpacking, Olaf not only became certain it was connection (The Connected Life) or a renewed time for someone to bring fresh vision to the church connection (A Better Connection). These resources “Britain needs the but he too received fresh vision with what he describes went through guinea pig pilots, then project testing Gospel more than as a ‘divine eureka moment’! and full trials before being made available just two Unsure whether he should go back into industry, years ago. Since then, they have been used in prisons, ever and so I am education or to lead another church, Olaf sensed God hospitals, universities, rural and urban settings up and pleased that there is give him this message that he needed to share widely down the country. with this generation: ‘Connection brings life’. For unconnected people the language and this exciting resource for churches For the next year, Olaf concentrated on all aspects of presentation is pre-evangelistic but the materials and connection that can be seen both in the Bible and in approach take a person from thinking about the reason to use in reaching out with the old the world around us. What emerged was a simple but for existence over seven days through to a full message in a new way” clear presentation of what happens to a person when understanding of what it means to be ‘in Christ’ using a they find connection with God through the work of 21 Day Personal Study Guide. THE RT REVD AND RT HON LORD GEORGE Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. The C4L has been successfully used to feed new people original disconnect from God led to the human race into courses like Alpha, Christianity Explored and CAREY OF CLIFTON o a PRICES HELD Subscribe to the Annual Subscription rates: UK £65, online edition for Retired: £60 (UK only) Subscribe today! just £25 a including free online edition year Europe: £90 (€140), Rest of World: £110 (US $220), I wish to pay by ❏ cheque ❏credit card ❏ debit card ❏ other Please make cheques payable to Religious Intelligence Ltd Online edition: £25 Or call 020 7222 8663 With an annual subscription you can I enclose £ ____ ($____ ) or I authorise you to debit my account with the amount of £ ……….. ($...... ) have full access to our website with regularly updated news. Card number: __ _ _/_ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ Expiry Date:…...... /…...... Issue No:...... Simply fill in the form and send it to: Valid from: ...... /...... Security Code:...... Subscriptions Department, OR: you may transfer funds direct to our Bank at Barclays Bank PLC. Religious Intelligence Ltd, Sort Code: 20-57-06. Account No: 10298034. Account Name: Religious Intelli gence Ltd 14 Great College Street, London, SW1P 3RX Name:...... Address: ...... Or visit www.churchnewspaper.com Postcode...... Daytime telephone :...... PayPal and pay via Email...... Signature:...... Sunday Sunday June 16, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 15 ‘Jesus, wearied as he was with his journey, being. Indeed, in spite of all her issues sat down beside the well,’ John 4:6 THE SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR something has got through and she dares ‘Come see a man who told me all that I ever to raise the possibility that the man talking did. Can this be the Christ?’ John 4:29 to her might be the promised messiah. The RSV quoted above expresses her All the way through his Gospel John is By the Rev Dr Liz Hoare question as having conviction whereas the showing us Jesus, God and man, the Word NRSV settles for ‘He cannot be the Messi- made flesh. We meet a very human Jesus, ah, can he?’ Whatever her own misgivings, one who gets tired and thirsty, one who Samaria we are given an instance of Jesus, long dusty journey through hostile territo- she says enough to persuade others to go weeps at the death of his friend, one who the Saviour of the world, meeting a single ry but because of the pressure from the and find out more and they conclude that enjoys the company of others. We also human being and how she was changed by Pharisees who feared and mistrusted him having heard for themselves ‘we know that meet one who can see into the human meeting him. In that encounter Jesus does (v6). When the woman came with her this is truly the Saviour of the world.’ heart with deep discernment, one who his work of transformation in the woman’s water jar, he asked her for a drink. This John believes this and he writes what he heals the sick and raises the dead, one who life in a way that gently but clearly shows simple request certainly enabled him to knows and has seen for himself ((21:24) is prepared to take on the evil forces of the us both his humanity and his divinity. turn the conversation to the living water he because he wants his readers to know the heavenly places. He deliberately passed through Samaria could offer, but it is worth pondering the truth about Jesus also. This extraordinary Ultimately, it is the cross that reveals the to get to Galilee, as if he knew that some- mystery of the light of the world humbly man meets us personally and transforms crucial importance of the doctrine of the one had a divine appointment to keep with asking a woman to meet a most basic us with his divine power. Incarnation. It shows us terrible suffering him. He sat down at the well, scene of a human need. in a human being that leads to his death number of previous important and divinely The conversation developed in such a The Rev Dr Liz Hoare (née Culling) is tutor but death not being the final word. inspired encounters, and waited. He was way that the woman came to the conclu- in prayer, spirituality and mission at In Jesus’ encounter with the woman of weary, perhaps not only because of the sion that Jesus was no ordinary human Wycliffe Hall SUNDSUNDAYAY SERVICESERVICE Sunday Readings for June 23, 2013 Learning to be an Trinity 5 - Year C 1 Kings 21:1-21 urban theologian Galatians 2:15-21 Luke 7:36-8:3 will be interested and come along. It is an Psalm 5 Bob Mayo attractional model of church drawing peo- ple in and relying on the centralized effort of the church minister. The Psalm for today declares that God will “destroy those who speak lies; the blood- I am learning how to be an urban theolo- Working-with is a collaborative model of thirsty and deceitful the Lord will abhor.” These people cannot stand in God’s sight, gian as my days as a single congregation church with people drawn together in a even though they often seem to prosper in this world, unless they repent. parish priest come to an end. I will now be common endeavour but still relying on the We see a perfect illustration and example of this truth in the confrontation between twinned with a missional community, have church leader to set a direction. There are Naboth, Jezebel, and Ahab. Ahab is greedy and covetous; his wife is infamously blood- responsibility for training the newly bills that need to be paid, fabric to be main- thirsty and deceitful. When confronted with an iniquitous demand from his earthly gov- ordained community leader in the art of tained, tasks to be done but professional ernor, Naboth does not slink off into a corner to hide, or cave in to his demands. He parish life and be running a second church skills needed for their completion. There is entrusted himself to him who judges justly and held fast, knowing that there was a on a nearby estate. a concluding stage required for a church to greater king whose laws on the matter were clear: “The Lord forbid that I should give Change is endemic to city life. My local move beyond professional demographics you my ancestral inheritance.” Jezebel thrives on the power-play and asks her sulking authority (Hammersmith and Fulham) is and become properly embedded in the husband, in effect, whether or not he is the real king in Israel. She knows what his the fourth most densely populated in the local area. power can accomplish. His sights and hers are too low, focused on the authorities of this country. The parish has five underground Being-alongside is the final stage to world and the comforts of this life alone. She achieves her nefarious purpose to enrich stations, one overground station and a bus becoming a church of place when people the king and usurp the rights of the true landlord of Israel with a dodgy judicial decision station within a square mile. Forty per cent have learnt to be faithful, vulnerable and from the lords and elders of the land. But the Lord sends his prophet, Elijah, to declare of the occupancies are single dwelling and accepting of each other. Ironically a church his own decision in the matter, and to pass sentence on the king who had sold himself to will turn over on a year-on-year basis. The congregation is at its most exposed when it what is evil in the sight of the Lord. leadership of the church is constantly is at its closest to maturity. The Christian Similarly, in Galatians 2:16 we see that the Lord’s judgment is radically different from changing shape as people move in and out language of ‘love’, ‘hope’ and ‘forgiveness’ the ways of the world. “A person is not justified by the works of the law” is a divine thun- of the area. forms the narrative and the theology is derbolt designed to rock the world of the religious legalist, even those who may be tech- Although there has been a growth in the embodied in its practices, corporate values, nically committed to salvation by grace but who effectively erect their own boundary number of churches of choice, which draw personalities, music, word and art. Local markers around the grace of God. “I live by faith in the Son of God” not “I live by faith people from long distances, there are still congregations enable people of faith to and am acceptable to God and his people through all kinds of additional rituals or shib- many churches of place (such as my own) translate the inherited wisdom of the Chris- boleths.” It is striking that the text reads “the Son of God who loved me and gave him- with strong local connections. The irony is tian teaching into the practice of disciple- self for me” rather than “the Son of God who loves me.” The love of God was expressed that as choice becomes the new orthodoxy ship. The Faithful Cities Report (2006) perfectly and beautifully on the cross of Christ, a past event. I cling to that for accept- and life choices become lifestyle enclaves talks of theology offering a rich repository ance, and seek joy there rather than through innumerable human attempts at achieving the idea of relating to people on the basis of of stories, rules of life, values and visions righteousness which may look impressive in the eyes of the world. where they live becomes the radical egali- by which people can faithfully live their The theme of being justified before God and what is right in his eyes continues in the tarian alternative to introducing people to lives under God. Gospel reading. Jesus said “the one to whom little is forgiven loves little.” The “sinner” those of a similar economic bracket that Urban theology is a resource for transfor- who loves Jesus is forgiven, and is saved by faith. The seemingly pious Pharisee, who they might have met anyhow in other cir- mation offering to the reality of city life the does not even recognise the King of kings and Lord of lords when he is standing right cumstances. riches of Christian teaching, the resilience in front of him, is rebuked and humiliated. The women in this story are a wonderful In the city if you don’t meet in church of Christian relationships and the practice contrast to the woman in the first reading from 1 Kings. Joanna, wife of King Herod’s then you won’t meet at all. Urban theology of a Christian hope. Christ is embedded in steward, stands out for me — a woman in the royal household, as Jezebel had been, but goes beyond abstract, propositional state- the lives of the people. Young parents want who knew the true king when she saw him, and rather than latching onto him for a ments of doctrine. Didactic theology taught those from whom they can ask advice. Old chance of fame, fortune, and earthly glory spent herself and her resources to maintain as theory from the front of the church and people nearing the end of their life need the preaching of the gospel in the cities and in the villages. worked out in practice through the congre- words of comfort and young people want gation relies on people staying long encouragement and friendship. Being a Lee Gatiss is Director of Church Society, enough in the area and seeing enough of church of place is properly Christ-centred and Editor of the NIV Proclamation Bible each other during the week for this to hap- and outward-looking drawing people into pen. the story of the faith and enabling them to The urban context is a moving target and live out their lives in the local area. so urban theology becomes an exercise in When Joel (2:28) says that old men will locality. There are three stages to becom- dream dreams and young men will see HYMN SELECTION ing a church of place. The first stage is visions, he is not talking about what is prac- working for, the second is working with tical or possible but imaginable, and so it and the third is being alongside. Working- will be with me. for is important in establishing a presence All I Once Held Dear but it can leave the church leader feeling The Rev Dr Bob Mayo is Vicar of St Stephen God Forgave My Sin in Jesus’ Name isolated and under pressure to do every- and St Thomas Shepherds Bush with St I’m Accepted, I’m Forgiven thing himself (or herself). Working-for Michael and St George White City (Follow Praise my Soul the King of Heaven draws together the dogmatism of church Bob on twitter @RevBobMayo/ leadership with the ethos of consumerism [email protected] And Can It Be? and puts on events in the hope that people /www.ststephensw12.org) Milestones The programme for the Together for the Com- mon Good conference, a national project looking at how different Christian traditions and other faith communities can work better together for social justice, has been announced, with working groups, panel discussions, speeches and informal sessions and speakers including the Rev Ruth Gee, Lord Maurice Glasman, Dame Mary Tanner, Frank Field MP and Phillip Blond... The Arch- bishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has been con- firmed as a speaker‘ at the Tackling Poverty Together Conference in London, 13 November, for the Church Urban Fund... Clergy who believe the what response should the Church make? One school will argue that the number of Bible teaches PAUL nominal believers in a post-traditional socie- male headship ty is bound to decline. Evidence from the would be RICHARDSON US suggests that those churches which grow are those which have clear and strong unable to take beliefs. They offer society a definite mes- Church and World sage, not just an echo. the vows of canonical One scholar who challenges this is Christopher Brittain of the University of obedience to female Aberdeen. In a recent article on the ABC ‘ bishops ‘Religion and Ethics’ website he drew atten- Reform’s response to women tion to evidence that church-going among evangelicals in the US is now in decline and bishops plans The English and argued that real growth world-wide outside the Catholic Church is only taking place among Pentecostals who draw people with People promises of tangible help in such forms as Anglicanism today healing, prosperity or a successful mar- Responding to the 2011 census fig- stream makes up 12 per cent of self- riage. Bishop David Walker ures that showed Christianity in identified Anglicans. They say they Ironically, Brittain argues, the same indi- Britain is declining at a faster rate make up their own minds on reli- vidualism which harms mainstream denom- than previously thought, a Church of gious issues although they may seek inations in Europe and American helps England spokesman said that guidance from the scriptures. In Pentecostals because their faith helps them church attendance figures remain many ways they are close to two to re-invent themselves, so that they can stable and that the ‘committed wor- other groups identified in the survey abandon former traditions and social ties, shipping centre of the Church who call themselves Anglican but do leave their old lives behind and, in the remains firm’. He attributed the not go to church. They are the ‘non- words of David Martin, ‘leap over the decline reflected in the census to the churchgoing believers’ who consti- national environment and embrace global fact that there are fewer ‘cultural tute 50 per cent of all Anglicans and modernity’. Brittain and Woodhead undoubtedly make important points but the situation is complex and it is not easy to see a way for- Downing Street has announced that the Rt Rev ward. Evidence from the census suggests David Walker, currently Bishop of Dudley, is to that nominals belong to a past generation become the 12th Bishop of Manchester, leaving when people still sang hymns at school and the Diocese of Worcester in October to take up saw the church as part of society. There are his new post. Bishop David said: “Whilst I am dangers of turning the Church into an very excited about returning to my home city as inward-looking sect that speaks a language Bishop, Sue and I will also be sad to leave so no one else understands but in a culture many friends that we have made in the Diocese of where identities are no longer inherited but Worcester. I’m grateful for the many opportuni- chosen, the Church does need to win con- ties that I have been given both to support the verts and active supporters. It cannot rely mission and ministry of the Church of England in on passive members who rarely participate Dudley and Worcestershire and to contribute to and do not appear to be handing their alle- the life of our villages, towns and communities.”... Christians’ because traditional or 17 per cent of the population and the giance on to their children. Mark Bailey, Lead Pastor of Trinity Cheltenham, inherited identities are less taken- non-churchgoing doubters who Matters are complicated in a multicultur- and currently New Wine’s Regional Director for taken-for-granted than they used to make up 33 per cent of Anglicans al society where many Christians have their their Central and South West Region, has been be. and 11 per cent of the population. On roots outside Britain. People whose families appointed from October 2013 to be the next If this analysis is accepted, it raises these figures, Anglicans make up 34 may have been Anglican in Nigeria find leader of New Wine, the evangelical Charismatic some important questions. Why are per cent of the population of Great their way in Britain to Pentecostal or other movement of churches, which began as a sum- ‘cultural Christians’ drifting away Britain but only four per cent go to churches. mer conference in 1989... The BBC’s new Editori- and how important is it to retain church and only one per cent is fully Evangelicals in America are suffering al Director Roger Mosey, who was recently their allegiance? signed up to the church’s agenda. from being too closely identified with right- appointed to lead major editorial projects and Many sociologists attribute a Commentators such as Linda wing politics. It is not enough to have a issues across TV, radio and online at the BBC, has decline in denominational allegiance Woodhead and Alan Billings are call- clear message; the message must be one been appointed as Chair of Bishop Grosseteste to a widespread belief that people ing for the church to take more that people are ready to hear and willing to University’s Council... have the right to decide for them- notice of the ‘nominals’ who rarely accept. selves what they want to believe. go to church but still consider them- The Church of England can learn from They are less prepared to sign up for selves as Anglican and see them as a the Conservative Party. Its elderly mem- Next Week’s News a set of beliefs and practices, many of potential resource. It is significant, bers are obsessed with issues such as which they cannot accept. We see a Woodhead claims, that these people Europe and gay marriage that the voters do The UN General Assembly has designated 23 similar development in politics with still identify as Anglicans and they not put at the top of their list of concerns, June as Public Service Day, celebrating the the rise of ‘single issue campaigns’ are often prepared to help if called even if many of them are Eurosceptic. ‘value and virtue of public service to the commu- and the decline of mainstream par- upon to do so. ‘Banging on about gay marriage’ may be nity; highlight the contribution of public service ties. In the light of the census findings, as harmful for the church as ‘banging on in the development process; recognize the work Research carried out by YouGov a question the Church of England about Europe’ for the Conservatives but of public servants, and encourage young people for the Westminster Faith Debates needs to ask is whether ‘nominals’ there are popular concerns the Church can to pursue careers in the public sector’... The shows that only five per cent of self- are being driven away from the address. Hearts are still restless for God Poverty Sunday Appeal, the campaign identified Anglicans take their views church by debates on sexuality and but all the churches are struggling to find launched by the Church Urban Fund, is setting on faith and morals from religious women fuelled by those who belong the right language to address the religious aside 23 June to pray for people and communities sources. The churchgoing main- to the small, committed core. If so, yearnings of the present. affected by poverty in England... © Copyright 2013, The Church of England Newspaper. Registered as a newspaper by Royal Mail. Published by Religious Intelligence Ltd, 14 Great College Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3RX, Telephone: 020 7222 8700. Imagesetting by Classified Central Media Limited, 4th Floor, Central House, 142 Central Street, London, EC1V 8AR, 020 7216 6400. Printed by Mortons Media Group Ltd, Newspaper House, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6JR. Tel: 01507 523456. Newstrade distribution: Comag Specialist Division, Tel: 01895 433800.