GRAPEVINE No 110 Autumn 2016 THE MAGAZINE OF THE DIOCESE OF BRECHIN The Bishop of Brechin writes: sponsibility to contribute our thoughts and actions locally, and of course our continuing prayers The Best Things in the Worst Times for our leaders and the nation. As Anglicans we are already We live in turbulent times to say the least. Current accustomed to relationships political and economic events in the UK, Europe and the across the world – our Companion wider world are giving rise to serious anxieties, and some Dioceses of Iowa and Swaziland worrying xenophobic reactions. Notions of belonging and exemplify longstanding support identity are being turned upside down. and friendship. Ecumenically the Churches of the British Isles have Polarisation between old and young, urban and rural, multiple affections and traditional and metropolitan; between the better educated and agreements across mainland Europe and these will not those left behind, the migrant and the locally settled, faith and disappear. the secular - these are not helpful binaries in a complex During the 17th century Civil reassessment of the world we thought we knew. War in these islands a young We have a new British Prime well that her laudable ambition nobleman, a royalist supporter, Minister and Government, that ‘everyone matters’ will not be was imprisoned and died aged 27 charged with charting Brexit – our easy to achieve. in the Tower of London, denounced for building a church, departure from the European Now is a time for calm and wise Union. As I write the Labour Party in defiance of Oliver Cromwell, the leadership throughout society. In determined Parliamentarian, Lord might be described as ‘eating my view we need some itself’. In Scotland our clear Protector of the Commonwealth of imaginative and mature people to England, Scotland and Ireland. majority vote to Remain returns harness the intelligence and the spectre of a Second Scottish courage, fresh ideas and The young man’s act of faith, Referendum to leave the UK but compassion of younger built in stone, remains to this day remain in Europe. I might as well generations to meet the many in Staunton Harold in get a season ticket for my local challenges and opportunities in Leicestershire, while his memory Polling Station. our local and global communities. lives on in an inscription inside the church which reads: Social and economic Remember, that although we uncertainty in Britain is serious. make a living by what we get, we "In the yeare 1653 When all There are likely to be short term make a life by what we give. thinges sacred were throughout ye losses before any long term gains, Helping others to flourish, nation Either demollisht or hurting those who already feel overcoming fear and hatred with profaned Sir Robert Shirley vulnerable. As a vicar’s daughter tolerance and under- standing. Barronet Founded this Church Theresa May will know only too Building enduring relationships whose singular praise it is to have across politics done ye best thinges in ye worst and race, times And hoped them in the most religion and callamitous. The righteous shall culture, cele- be had in everlasting brating divers- remembrance." ity, strengthen- “To do the best things in the ing our shared worst times”. Now there’s an humanity. inspiration for all of us. As Christians, along with those of other faiths or none, we have an Chapel of the Holy Trinity, Staunton Harold important re- 1 Reflections on General Synod and a whole lot more beside It has been a fortnight since my ‘remainers’, a political party be polarised or bipartisan, to see first Scottish Episcopal Church tearing itself apart over its that God was in the other, to General Synod and I was asked leadership (or lack of it, depending recognise that people felt strongly after my ‘freshers’ meeting if I how you view it), a new prime and differently and that was okay, would write an article for minister to be sought – chosen not to say that we see this issue Grapevine around my reflections by the electorate but from the differently, however we see all and thoughts. government itself. Europe is in with Christ’s eyes and we act out Initially my reflection was how shock, turmoil in financial markets our faith in love and grace. This is imprecise it was. There was a lack and sterling hits a 31 year low in what Synod was and is a working of exactness and that was a great currency markets. out of our faith. strength and also a weakness. It It is the personal stories that Indeed at synod where a motion was a great strength in the debate have made their impression on me was particularly one sided around around Canon 31 Of the and on others, a German the renewal of Trident (to those I Solemnisation of Holy Matrimony grandmother living in the UK since spoke to I know I said it was about producing a motion that the renewal of the comfortably passed the Vanguard class of first reading stage; submarine dubbed however it would be very ‘Successor’ and not tight as the majority Trident at all) the motion increases from 50% to was defeated as it did not 67% for the second recognise the difficulties reading next year. on both sides. In fact we were not at It is this reflection on our best when trying to be grace at synod and the exact and precise. The lack of it shown since the agenda scheduling left a referendum by all sides, lot to be desired with a that will stay with me, level of frustration indeed the personal experienced by some as grace shown to me when time became squeezed I was not at my eloquent The Primus speaking in the debate on the proposal to amend particularly on the Friday best on Saturday debates. Perhaps a lack of Canon 31 morning questioning the balance on the time it took 1973 scared to go out, that has scale of the £661K to present reports and debate the had dog excrement thrown at her transfer that had gone into Capital motions could do with being door, the young Polish girl with a Reserves. The explanation was examined as no doubt it will be. broad Scottish accent saying she kind and I thank Robert Gordon, has lived in Scotland all her life the Convener of the Standing It is none of the above that will Committee, for that. leave a lasting impression. The and doesn’t want to live in Poland, lasting impression, the true A man and his East European wife We as a church are called to reflection that I have taken away considering moving because of show the grace that was so much and continue to reflect on is grace. abuse that they are not welcome a part of synod to a divided in the UK anymore; and there are country that has little concept of When synod is compared to the many more. grace, to people fearful of an EU referendum that occurred less Was synod less contentious? uncertain future and for some than 2 weeks after synod – a Were the ramifications less? Well, feeling frightened, alone and referendum that was imprecise; yes of course they were. However abandoned. I don’t think the words that did not have exact answers to they were still serious for the SEC of Jesus in reply to the question questions; where the truth was we and the wider Anglican “Who is my neighbour?” is more don’t know what this means long Communion. Did some people pertinent. He concludes the term for the economy, for speak too much and too often? discourse with “go and do immigration, for independence – Yes they did. Could the worship likewise”. When we look on then it isn’t the lack of exactness have been more varied, ourselves in a mirror, let us see as or precision that really matters, it highlighting the breadth of the Christ sees; and when we look on is how we deal with them. church? To my mind yes, it was an others let us see as Christ sees There has been a distinct lack opportunity we missed. However, and let us act out our faith of grace in the aftermath of the what there was in abundance at showing love and grace one to referendum: acrimony and strong Synod was grace. The grace of another. rhetoric from ‘leavers’; from God to listen to one another, to not Rev'd Peter Mead 2 Ministry Conference “Faithful in Small Things” This year the lay readers were lots of participation and a On the Thursday we took back invited to join the clergy at a willingness to enter into all the our objects to return them to our Diocesan Ministry Conference, activities with enthusiasm. churches and reflected on the held at the Dunkeld House three days and what we Hotel from Tuesday 10 to would be taking back to our Thursday 12 May. churches. Twenty-three people There were many stayed for the three days highlights over the three with others coming for part days but the fellowship of Wednesday. enjoyed at the wonderful meals, the glorious It was a wonderful venue, sunshine, the lovely sitting on the banks of the paintings so expertly Tay with gardens leading explained and the down to the river. We were willingness of all at the blessed with sunshine and conference to share their the hottest temperatures in experiences with one May. Being used to another all stand out. conferences held in more basic conditions, I found the If we get a chance to go comfortable bedrooms, A break in the sunshine back next year Bishop Nigel spacious lounges, outdoor will be knocked over in the terrace and lovely garden an Most of us have suffered “death rush! added bonus.