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

R e c e i v e t h e S p i r i t O r d i n a n d s E m p o w e r e d

B e l g i a n C e l l G r o u p s P r i s o n M i n i s t r y B l ess i n g

D i o c ese f o r t h e F u t u r e S y n o d P l a n s A h e a d

F o c u s o n F r a n c e V i v e L a D i f f e r e n c e

N o C a u se t o C e l eb r a t e D i g n i f i e d R e m e m b r a n c e

.anglican.org No.59 AUTUMN 2013 2 GOD’S COLOURFUL CHURCH

THE E u r o p e a n S e i z i n g O p p o r t u n i t i es f r o m E c u m e n i c a l E x p o A n g l i c a n

Monica Schofield, from , tells how their local The Bishop of in Europe church made the most of a The Rt Revd Geoffrey Rowell Bishop’s Lodge, Church Road, biennial bonanza in their city. Worth, Crawley RH10 7RT Tel: +44 (0) 1293 883051 The German Protestant Kirchentag Fax: +44 (0) 1293 884479 Email: is a phenomenon quite like no other. [email protected] Founded in 1949, the same year as the German Federal Republic, as a movement The Suffragan Bishop in Europe The Rt Revd Hamid of Protestant lay people, it is today a huge Postal address: Diocesan Office manifestation of ecumenism that takes Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1160 place every two years. This year it was Email: Hamburg’s turn to host 100,000 full- [email protected] time visitors (most of them under 30!) The Diocesan Office and 30,000 active participants at 2,500 14 Tufton Street, , events between 1-5 . It is a platform SW1P 3QZ Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1155 for intensive discussion and a forum for Fax: +44 (0) 207 898 1166 critical debate involving people from Email: church and politics. This year’s theme was [email protected] ‘Soviel du brauchst’ – in English ‘As much as Diocesan Secretary you need’ – inspired by Exodus 16:18. Mr Adrian Mumford Kirchentag provided an opportunity Appointments Secretary for the Anglican Church of St Thomas Miss Catherine Jackson Becket, which last year celebrated its 400th anniversary under the heading English and German at which the Rt Rev Finance Secretary Mr Nick Wraight­ ‘Extending a Welcome’, to live up to this Nick Baines, Bishop of Bradford and and be very much involved in the wider Co-Chairman of the Meissen Commission, Diocesan Website community in Hamburg. The church was presided and Bishop Prof Dr Friedrich www.europe.anglican.org host to Evensong when a visiting German Weber, the EKD Co-Chairman of the Editor and Diocesan protestant choir and congregation showed Meissen Commission, preached. Communications Officer how they valued the influence of a great St Thomas Becket hosted a The Revd. Paul Needle Postal address: Diocesan Office Anglican tradition. Some 400 people afterwards, with helpers still able to get Email: attended the Meissen Service celebrating up in time for the normal parish Sunday [email protected] ecumenical relations between the Church Service with Bishop David Hamid Tel: +44 (0)7712 463806 of England and the Evangelische Kirche presiding, Archdeacon Jonathan LLoyd Friends of the Diocese in Deutschland (EKD) – a service in both present and the Very Revd Dr John Secretary: Rev Canon Arthur Siddall Email: [email protected] Design Adept Design, Norwich Printer Colchester Print Group, Attleborough A F u l l S p e c t r u m o f S p i r i t u a l V i ta l i t y Distribution In the Summer of 1969 an illusion was CoDEStorm plc shattered by television. It was my first glimpse of Wimbledon on the new fangled colour TV sets. The tones and images were not as clear as those we take for Front cover picture: granted today but, having been brought There was double delight in when up with the image of tennis on the hard Rev Lars Nowen and his wife Claire introduced their twins Samuel and Theodore courts in our local park, I had always to the congregation of Praia Da luz when heard the sounds and imagined the they were just 5 days old. Appropriately Wimbledon action on black and white TV Fr Lars is Canadian and the twins were born on day. with those hard surfaces in mind. CHURCHES IN THE 3 MARKETPLACE

S e i z i n g O p p o r t u n i t i es f r o m E c u m e n i c a l E x p o

Arnold, Dean Emeritus of Durham, with whom the Anglican Church has find some peace and quiet. The City preaching. been in full communion since 1931 has been alive with people of many The Council of Anglican and under the Bonn Agreement. nationalities and it has been great Episcopal Churches in After his first experience of for us to be able to play our part (CAECG) had a stall at Kirchentag Kirchentag, the Australian born in welcoming them to Hamburg amongst the many in the Hamburg Chaplain of St Thomas Becket together with our sister churches. Exhibition Centre’s ‘Market of Church, Rev Matthew Jones All in all a really moving experience Opportunities’ as did the Anglican- says ‘This has been an amazing that has helped us live our mission Lutheran Society which recruited a experience. Over 1000 people have statement to be A welcoming, active number of new members. In another attended worship services in our and inclusive church, growing in our nice ecumenical touch the CAECG church in the three days, and many relationship with God and the wider shared a stand with the Old Catholics others have come inside to visit and community’.

A F u l l S p e c t r u m o f S p i r i t u a l V i ta l i t y It is easy to think of our churches but they each have a beauty. A jazz in monochrome when they are, in music radio station in Britain has You may imagine the shock of fact, colourful examples of God’s work a bizarre slogan “Listen in colour!” discovering that the nets and courts across Europe. In this edition you Rejoice with us as you discover were on green grass! The world looked will find stories of how churches are more about our diverse Diocese and very different when viewed in colour. working together to demonstrate our pray with us as we face an exciting, That experience was underlined with unique contribution to worship and colourful future. the broadcast of the Investiture of the community life. It may be at a vast of Wales in that same year – religious fair in Germany, in a Belgian the first major event to be broadcast prison or in the hope and optimism in R e v P a u l N e e d l e in colour and the images of the heir recent ordinations. E d i t o r , apparent kneeling in front of his mother, The colours of Autumn offer different Th e E u r o p e a n The Queen, live with me still. hues in the North or South of Europe A n g l i c a n 4 ROMAN REJOICING AT ORDINATIONS

C a l l e d , E m p o w e r e d a n d C o m m i ss i o n e d

Ordination in ...... in Brussels

Ordinations in Brussels and Rome on the last weekend of June saw four new Deacons and two Priests join the ranks of our clergy. In Rome, Honorary Assistant Bishop Edward Holland English-speaking ‘Churches Together in Rome.’ I will ordained Rev Dana English and Rev Dr Mary Styles continue a prison chaplaincy begun with an internship; who are both serving as curates in All Saints’. Both have Mary has strengthened the regular offering of a healing enjoyed a busy year since they were made Deacon a year eucharist at All Saints’. ago in the same church where they assist Ven Jonathan Highly visible as women in ministry, there has been Boardman, who is also Archdeacon of and . intense scrutiny; some criticism, much affirmation. Our Dana writes about the two priests’ experiences; priesting together at All Saints’ Church in June saw “We arrived by two very different paths: Mary had been Bishop Edward Holland presiding with grace and wisdom a doctor in England; I had been a Presbyterian minister as we presented ourselves not only to members of the in the . Mary commuted for three years to congregation and our , from near and far, but the Eastern Training Course; I filled in gaps in many Roman Catholic friends. Mother Teodora Tosatti, my Anglican studies by travelling over the past year to of the Old Catholic congregation in Perugia, was one Salisbury. We sometimes laughingly refer to ourselves as of those participating in the service. Archbishop David “the twins,” though not having a physical resemblance, Moxon, the new Director of the Anglican Centre in and only occasionally appearing together on the altar, Rome, read the Gospel. Father Alaric Lewis, a former as Mary from the outset has focussed her energies on Benedictine monk from America and one of the clergy Footsteps, a fresh expression of church, for half of her team of All Saints’, sang the litany over us as we prostrated working time. ourselves on the cool marble floor of the sanctuary. The Our first ordination together, to the diaconate, was laying on of hands, to each in turn, was full of emotion. followed by a year of working closely, side by side, under We felt the Holy Spirit in the pressure of the hands. Jonathan Boardman’s direction to strengthen the life of All Presented with Bibles in Italian, we turned to face the Saints’ Church in distinctly complementary ways: pastoral congregation, with relief and joy, knowing how long the care; confirmation preparation and “Light at Lunchtime,” journey had been. We are conscious of this gift of much Mary’s initiative for a Wednesday study of the Bible; grace, the shaping of our priestly ministry not alone, but immersing themselves in the liturgical life of the Church. shoulder to shoulder. We grew together in our experience of the challenges It is a time of change for the church’s life in Rome: of ministering to a British expatriate congregation in a new Pope, a new Archbishop of Canterbury, a new the exclusively male and rigidly hierarchical world of bishop of the Diocese in Europe within the year and a the Christian church in Rome. I initiated an ecumenical new director of the Anglican Centre. This summer’s garden project and shared in a number of ecumenical ordination of two women priests together is perhaps a events; Mary has been a faithful liaison to the group of sign of even more change to come! NEW DEACON FOR NEW LOCATION 5

John Barker’s ordination as Deacon marks another stage in Diocesan development and helps to add to the lengthy list of countries where worship is offered. After a gap of almost 10 years, there is once again to be regular Anglican worship in Yerevan. John will serve as Assistant Curate to Christ Church (which has pastoral responsibility for Yerevan). John has already been received by His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church. His Holiness has given his permission for Anglican worship to be held in the Church of St Zoravor in central Yerevan. Services are held every Sunday evening. Worship lasts for an hour, the liturgy is based on Church of England Common Worship and designed for all ages, with activities provided for children. Already a small but faithful nucleus of worshippers has emerged, supplemented at each service by visitors and local Armenian residents. The first service in Yerevan was held in the ...in Brussels ...and in Yerevan, Armenia Residence of the British Ambassador to Armenia.

CELEBRATING www.rosehill.co.uk 30 [email protected] YEARS +44 (0)161 485 1717 In the Pro-Cathedral of Holy Trinity Brussels on 1982-2012 the Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul Richard Gardiner and Matthias Grebe were ordained, Rosehill introduces the both of them to serve as Assistant Curates in the Churchill Ultra Stacking Church Chair two centre chaplaincy of St Boniface, Bonn and Design Registration Number Churchill Ultra: 4024409 All Saints, Cologne. Richard had served as a Reader in Cologne for some years before taking Stacks 8 high the step forward to ordination. With them was Doreen Cage who had • Comfort; with a thick seat pad and curved FROM ONLY travelled from Malaga to be made Deacon. It was back pad a big step in a long standing vocation, having • Flexibility; a moveable chair with lots of additional extras such as Keyhole Links, £54.95 originally felt called to serve God at the age of 8. Arms, Extra Deep Back Pad 400+ • Stackability; 10 high for storage, 8 high She was ordained after her final training term at in general use St Stephen’s House and returned to Malaga where • Optional Sliding Bookbox available she will be Assistant Curate at St George’s. for storage

Before coming to in 2003 Doreen Features included worked for 10 years for Hounslow Social Services • Solid Hardwood Frame and became a Senior Centre Worker • Mortise and Tenon joints • Corner Blocks to enhance structural working on protection of children under 8 years. strength Before that she worked for four years in the • Side Stacking Rail provides a sturdy stack and enhanced durability probation service as a deputy warden at two bail • Try before you buy hostels. She has also served in a religious order for • Large range of Fire Retardant Fabrics seven years and worked as a Lay Pastoral Assistant. • Linking Options She actively works as a bird watching guide and ee YEAR runs a ‘home from home’ dog boarding business priced church stacking chair? an t Unique Sliding Bookbox. near her home village of Villanueva de Algaidas 6 Gua r Design Registration Number Sliding Bookbox: 4023474 in the of Malaga province. Doreen has Email your enquiry to [email protected] +44 (0)161 485 1717 www.rosehill.co.uk two sons and three grandchildren. Brooke Court, Handforth, Wilmslow, Cheshire, England, SK9 3ND Tel: +44 (0)161 485 1717

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William Temple, that it’s not enough to ask who dropped the match (i.e. A C e n t u r y o n – Germany) but also who filled the air with flammable fumes. But there can surely be no denying that from a Europe-wide perspective it was a L e a r n i n g F r o m tragedy of human loss and ensuing bitterness which sowed the seeds of future conflicts (and the results of which are still apparent today in the and parts of the ). It W o r l d Wa r O n e is a moment for Europe as a whole to reflect on the disaster that was allowed to happen, the lessons that have been and still need to be learnt from it, Archdeacon Jonathan LLoyd and also to give thanks for the extent to which European nations are now chairs our Diocesan Mission reconciled and committed to solving & Public Affairs Unit, and conflicts by non-violent means…” reports on developing plans The UK Government has announced a series of public events to mark a major centenary. in 2014 and the following four years, including the reopening of the Imperial War in London after a £35 million refurbishment of the My cousin Jack was just 20 when he diocese, prayerfully, thoughtfully, and First galleries. died on 17 October 1917 serving as a with a clear focus. I am participating in a Theological Sub-Lieutenant of the Royal Navy. At our Diocesan Synod in June Consultation hosted by Canterbury HMS Strongbow “sank with flying I put these questions to Synod Cathedral in October, and am making colours” along with 46 other officers members, provoking some lively plans on behalf of The Bishop’s and men in the Battle of . discussion. Staff Team for a Diocese in Europe His younger sister Peggy was my • A hundred years on, what does Prayer Pilgrimage in 2015 along the godmother, and she often shared the First World War mean for Front. Special prayers will stories and photos of him with me. humanity’s self-understanding, for be published by Churches Together Her tears and grief were still with her Europe and its place in the world in England for all the major events. when she was 90 years old. and our understanding of God? Some suggestions on how we can best Almost a hundred years later, I • Are the centenary years of honour and mark the centenary might often ponder what that day must 2014-2018 celebrating or be to:- have been like for him and so many commemorating? What is our • hear the stories of people from all others, as I travel to our congregations purpose and message and what place sides of the conflict in Jutland. It deeply moves me to do penitence and reconciliation • devise and use prayers that do justice remember that all this happened have? to all the feelings that are evoked by right here in these waters I cross so • What are your ideas for marking the recollection regularly in the course of my ministry the centenary – as an individual • make pilgrimages to important sites as Archdeacon of Germany and Christian, as a chaplaincy or of the conflict . As we are based in congregation, ecumenically or across • hold a candle-lit vigil on 4 August continental Europe we have a special faiths or nations, as a resident of 2014 in your local church, ending at opportunity and a deep responsibility your host country in the Diocese in 2300 GMT. to mark this important centenary as a Europe and the Church of England? • examine what are the continuing lessons to be learnt today Please take these questions to your • work with children in our Church Council for discussion, and congregations on special projects send me feedback with information • remember key Christian witnesses about what you plan locally, so we can and heroes, such as Nurse Edith build up a diocesan-wide picture. Cavell of Holy Trinity Brussels Dr Keith Clements, former • pray for forgiveness, healing General Secretary of the Conference and peace. of European Churches, has said “There will be arguments about the rights and the wrongs of the Please send your thoughts, First World War. We could perhaps reflections, ideas and plans, to recall the statement by Archbishop [email protected]

A f u l l e r v e r s i o n o f t h i s a r t i c l e c a n be f o u n d o n t h e d i o c es a n w ebs i t e FAITH UNLOCKED 7 BEHIND BARS

I Wa s i n P r i s o n a n d Yo u V i s i t e d m e

Egbert van Groesen works as a stipendiary Anglican prison chaplain in Flemish prisons and is a Lay Reader licensed to St Boniface, Antwerp. The Belgian government pays his stipend and his work is spread over several prisons. Egbert and his Brussels colleague, Grace, are the only lay prison chaplains in the Diocese who are remunerated by their government. Egbert recently told fellow Christians about his work.

One of the first questions I often get is, work to get prisoners back on their feet release by guiding prisoners to external “Why do you work in a prison?” A lot again. Their moral guidance was, next programmes but this is not always of people just cannot understand that to discipline, one of the pillars of the simple as possibilities are limited. faith is a living reality in prison. They prison system. That has all changed. We are also drawn in to the daily think that crime and faith do not belong New developments in psychology, social routine of the prisons and are faced together. sciences and medical advancement, with regular requests from the inmates: You could be forgiven for agreeing mean there are other disciplines open “Can I have: with them but faith in prison is to the authorities. This together with • a blessing? important. People in prison are the secularization of society means • a Bible? experiencing a time of crisis in their that chaplains now function in the • a rosary, a cross, an icon? Or all of lives and in crisis they, like many other margins. However we still find our work them? people, turn to religion and faith – often valuable, why? • Holy water? as a last resort. In times of need people There are biblical reasons, Isaiah • another Bible, because I’ve run out start to rely on God and to pray. In and the psalms call us to release of cigarette paper?” Belgian prisons there are many people prisoners in distress (Is 42:7, Ps 146:7), from and . For Jesus talks of Himself as being in There are of course also a lot them religion has an important place prison (Mt 25:36), and the letter to the of serious talks about faith, crime, in their and personal life. They Hebrews refers strongly to prisoners as punishment and remuneration of come to chapel just as they did when fellow human beings (Heb 13:3). God victims. Weekly services are a regular they were free. heals the brokenness of life. He doesn’t part of the prison routine and we work Christians have always taken excommunicate people. He restores our closely together with our Protestant care of the poor and the oppressed broken relationships. colleagues to arrange these. We have although this has not always been Prison chaplains are called to on average 20 at our weekly service clearly emphasized. Prisoners however participate in this Biblical vision. Even and this rises to about 30 at Christmas. are aware of this and do not hesitate the worst offender is a child of God We occasionally have to deal with to speak to the chaplains because and should be addressed as a brother crisis situations such as attempted they know they will be listened to. We or sister however difficult that might suicides and sometimes are called also have to be realistic: life inside is be. Many prisoners have difficulties on to work as a responsible person extremely dull so every opportunity to defining their identity and developing for prisoners during their trial – a very escape from the narrow confinement meaningful relationships. Chaplains privileged and challenging position. of a cell is warmly welcomed. A talk, can help them find their way and Anglican chaplains in Belgian chapel service and Bible groups are re-motivate them. prisons are much valued by Christians therefore well attended. As chaplains we try to contribute in trouble. We appreciate the prayers Sixty years ago the Belgian prison to a meaningful and well-developed and financial support provided by the chaplain was one of the most important religious life by organising talks, bible Anglican Council of . Without members of the prison staff. The study groups and services. We also this our work would be much more government relied heavily on their strive to focus on a new life after limited and difficult. 8 TURKISH TIME CAPSULE IN c a mEr a NE WS IN pi c tur E S fro m pE. a ngli c a n.o rg

A Belgian man added this moving tribute to an Open Church Weekend at Ieper (Ypres) in memory of Lee Rigby, the soldier killed in Woolwich, London. Other displays centred on Anglican traditions and worship in the church which has many visitors to its memorials and the war The church of the future played a key role as members of graves nearby. St Nicolas’ in the Turkish city of celebrated their first 50 years as a free standing church. Youngsters created a time capsule to preserve mementoes of church life and events of 2013.

Christians from Spain’s Costa del Sol East congregations A small Norwegian community has worked together to save kept their traditional day of prayer in May. In a church and restore one of the more unusual historic churches in member’s garden on a mountainside a Prayer walk uses the Diocese. Work on the 166 year old roof in Balestrand “Prayer Stations” such as this, with an icon, a receptacle was blessed on St Olaf’s Day in July (their Patronal for written prayers and shells as symbols of pilgrimage. Festival). Fundraising continues to enable more to be done to the interior.

D o n ’ t be S l o w – C at c h o u r N e w s F i r s t w i t h R e g u l a r V i s i t s t o t h e W ebs i t e ALL ABOARD THE ALGARVE 9 WEDDING EXPRESS IN c a mEr a NE WS IN pi c tur E S fro m Euro pE. a ngli c a n.o rg

Spelling out a message of unity the Anglican congregation joined the Old in The for a 75th anniversary celebration for the building. Outside the Cathedral of St Anna and Maria in Haarlem they made an impressive line-up after the service. Signatures in the Summer sunshine as Bishop Geoffrey and members of the Diocesan Senior staff were joined by Julian Henderson (Chairman) and Richard Bromley (Mission Director) from the Intercontinental Church Society to mark their collaboration on a Patronage list of churches where ICS works as a mission partner in the Diocese.

There was a novel sort of bride’s train in Portugal’s Algarve Our Readers minister in a range of locations and uniquely when Fr Bob Bates waved Sian and Michael away from David Fieldsend, from Holy Trinity Pro-Cathedral in the church in the resort of Vilamoura after their Brussels, led prayers at a conference in the blessing. They and their guests chugged off to their hotel presence of leading Cardinals. David, as chairman of the reception in the ’s and yellow tourist train. European Christian Political Foundation, attended The Human Dignity Institute which promotes the sanctity of all human life.

D o n ’ t be S l o w – C at c h o u r N e w s F i r s t w i t h R e g u l a r V i s i t s t o t h e W ebs i t e SAFEGUARDING, A VACANT SEE 10 AND HEAVENLY IDENTITY

D i o c es a n S y n o d H e a d l i n es La y and Cl ergy cha irs at a

Synod d i n n e r

Synod Singers s e renad e ou r reti ring bishop

Bishop Micha e l’s Bi b l e Studies First m eeting of Vacanc y i n Se e comm itt e e An a i rport trol l e y h e lps Da n i Ca re w get around arrived at Synod i n pa i n aft e r a fa l And re w u nrav els th e myst e ries of th e Ch urc h Commission ers A brief synopsis of the annual five-day meeting in Cologne each Summer. Just one year after the new Diocesan Safeguarding policy “Citizens of the , Citizens of heaven” was came into force attitudes to the subject have undergone the theme of three Bible Studies led by the Bishop of a climate change after reported abuse in churches in Woolwich, Rt Rev Michael Ipgrave, who drew on his Britain and the Jimmy Savile scandal. People everywhere recent experience offering pastoral support to clergy understand the need for proper procedures in our churches and people affected by the fatal knife on a soldier including checks from the Disclosure and Barring Service near Woolwich Barracks to highlight the confusion of (formerly known as CRB). identities in Britain, Where is our homeland? Which country do we serve? He quoted the words of St John Bishop Geoffrey retires in November so the process of Chrysostom “I am a sojourner on ” and explained finding his successor began during the Synod. Twenty the tensions and difficulties of the Early Church in members who were elected to serve on the Standing understanding the relationship between Church and State. Committee will also function as the Vacancy in See Committee. Following an initial meeting in Cologne At the start of the new Triennium (the three year life they plan a more formal session in early Autumn to elect of a Diocesan Synod) The Ven Patrick Curran, from someone a Chair as well as six representatives to the Crown Vienna, was elected to Chair the House of Clergy and Nominations Commission. A “Statement of Needs” will Mrs Celia Paterson from Madrid to chair the House be drawn up outlining community and church life within of Laity. the diocese and setting out the challenges for the next bishop with a person specification. Andrew Brown, Secretary and Chief Executive of the Church Commissioners spoke about the work of the Madeleine Holmes, Diocesan Environmental Officer funding body which has its roots in Queen Anne’s Bounty observed that the recent death of the actor Richard Briers (dating from 1704) and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners a had reminded everyone of the television comedy “The century later. Today the Church Commissioners manage Good Life” but the importance of environmental thinking £5.5 billion in assets to produce money for the Church’s had moved on from those days. Churches around the ministry. In 2012 more than £207 million pounds had diocese report their own local initiatives in recycling and been used to pay clergy pensions, support the work of using low energy and LED lighting and many have started bishops, Cathedrals and Parish Churches as well as making an environment page on their church websites. grants to dioceses to support mission and ministry.

A m o r e d e t a i l e d s u m m a r y o f S y n o d c a n be f o u n d o n t h e D i o c es a n w ebs i t e NO TWO DAYS ARE 11 THE SAME

L e t t e r f r o m L i g u r i a

During the Summer work has been going on to update the list of locum clergy available and authorised to assist in the Diocese. Catherine Jackson, Appointments Secretary, says “The work of Locum Priests is invaluable and greatly appreciated. Without the hard work of our Locum Priests our chaplaincies would struggle to keep going.” Canon Geoff Smith, recently returned from duty in Italy, offers a glimpse of the locum experience.

Choosing a locum in Genoa in July during a heatwave in right down to the ‘Liverpudlian’ banter between songs. the UK might seem like poor planning. But when the offer Whoever said nostalgia is not what it used to be? came in the middle of a wet Cumbrian January, it seemed And for a finale,Gezmataz , Genoa’s own Jazz festival like an opportunity. which was especially wonderful featuring as it did the The Anglican Church in Genoa, The Chiesa Anglicana, is UK’s Andy Sheppard who was born in Warminster located on Piazza Marsala, a short walk from Piazza Ferrari and who a couple of years ago played a wonderful, the central square in Genoa, with its statue of Garibaldi and benefit concert for Lanercost Priory in Cumbria. The its many roads (Vias) radiating off away to the outskirts of congregation in Genoa are hoping that he can be the city and down past the Cathedral to Porto Antico. persuaded to do the same for them! Sunday services, even in July when the City is vacated by those fortunate enough to have a house in the cooler hills, are well attended with a rich mix of English expat’s, American and European visitors together with Anglicans nEW for ADvEnt 2013 from Africa and India. On my first two Sundays the organist, Flora, was in ExpEcting christ the UK visiting friends and family and so the service was A 4-session course for discussion groups accompanied to great effect by two violinists, Hanuka and comprising CoursE BooKlEt, CD + trAnsCriPt Eleanor, from Japan and Germany and now resident in Genoa. Since my last visit to Genoa a regular Wednesday lunchtime service has been introduced, this brings together a smaller group of regular attendees for worship and mid week fellowship. But the biggest change was in the huge improvements to the ordering of the interior by the congregation with the support of the relatively new Canon Simon Stanley Bishop David Wilbourne friends group. plus contributions from a variety of My first official engagement as the Locum Chaplain churchgoers was to attend a reception given by the American Consulate Easy-to-use course material for discussion groups and individuals. in the grounds of the Palazzo Bianco in Via Garibaldi, The Course booklet is written by Bishop David to celebrate Independence Day and the close relationship Wilbourne and includes a wide choice of between Italy and the USA. There was no ‘Tea’ on offer, questions designed to stimulate lively discussion. (it wasn’t a Tea Party!) so with ‘reluctance’ I sipped my cold All you nEED to run A suCCEssful CoursE Course Booklet ...... £3.90 or £3.40 each for 5 or more Prosecco and toasted the pilgrim fathers silently. CD ...... £10.99 or £8.99 each for 2 or more The month has been spent seeking shade from the transcript...... £4.99 or £3.10 each for 2 or more CD taster Pack ...... (1 CD, booklet & transcript) £17.65 each heat, occasionally from the thunderstorms but even in the Or £15.40 online evening the temperature has been 27 degrees and at frEE 2nd class p&p in uK. mid-day as high as 37.5. subsidised postage overseas. Other snapshots of our visit were of Beat Box, a Beatles PO Box 343, York Y019 5YB UK Payment with order please to York tel: 01904 466516 Courses (cheque or debit/credit card). Tribute band playing live at a Beatles Convention in Porto www.yorkcourses.co.uk Special offers at www.yorkcourses.co.uk Antico, all four ‘Beatles’ Giovanni, Paolo, Giorgio and well EcumEnical coursEs for Enquiring minds …. Ringo? In their Beatle Party Wigs, played their parts

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R e j o i c i n g i n Fa i t h i n F r a n c e

Charles de Gaulle famously asked “How can anyone govern a nation that has two hundred and forty-six different kinds of cheese?” Our many congregations in reflect and rejoice in that variety which perplexed its former President.

When Susan Bromley was recently welcomed as a Reader, after completing her training, in the chaplaincy of the Aquitaine she was given a special memento with family links spanning almost 80 years. Her father Harold James Figg-Edgington was admitted as a Lay Reader in the Diocese of Chelmsford in 1936. Twenty years later he was ordained and served Delegates from the 32 French chaplaincies and congregations – who represent in the Buckingham area of the some 50 or more worship centres enjoy an annual chance to share news and Oxford Diocese and later in Bahrain. fellowship. In June they met for their 3 day Synod at the Abbaye of St Jacut Synod Susan’s sister Enid handed over the in . It included challenging Bible studies by Rev Dr Paul Vrolik, from Reader’s medallion given to their the Aquitaine, on the life and fortunes of Jacob. Dr Keith Clement gave a pan father at his licensing and it is being European setting to trends and developments as they affect Christians, and there worn once again in public worship in were updates on Safeguarding, Communications and Environment news. central France.

Just about everyone in a small Languedoc community turned out to welcome Rev Stafford Low as the new Priest in Charge of St Michael’s in Gard, a congregation which was first formed in the Summer of 2006 with services in the Protestant church in Boisset-et-Gaujac. A BIT OF 13 IN PARIS

Tr i - L i n g u a l W o r s h i p i n Pa r i s

Sonia Taylor reports on a growing ministry in the French capital.

St George’s Anglican Church in Paris has two congregations, the main English-speaking one which is made up of people from a range of different countries across the world, and an Anglican congregation from Madagascar, most of whom hail from churches in the capital city, Antananarivo. They have a service once a month on Sunday afternoons English-speaking congregation. some theological books were taken by in French and Malagasy (French One of his pupils was selected by people visiting Madagascar. because our Chaplain Fr Matthew the Royal College of Organists This year, we had the special Harrison it but I understand that to attend a summer course at the privilege of welcoming the Anglican he is progressing well in Malagasy!). University of Oxford in July. We Bishop of Antananarivo, Monseigneur More and more Malagasy worshippers have held joint social events, for Ranarivelo Samoela Jaona and his are also attending the English example a very popular evening when wife for Pentecost. He was on his speaking service on Sunday morning. we learned Malagasy and Scottish way back from attending the Alpha Many of these “overseas” dances and which is being repeated Leadership Week in London. He spent congregations in the diocese are this September with Malagasy and some time exchanging views with producing vocations to Ministry and English country dancing. We have our chaplain, Fr Matthew Harrison, St George’s Malagasy congregation now instituted a French-speaking celebrated and preached at our joint is no exception. Last year one of our Bible study session in Lent every year, Anglophone-Malagasy service and members, Nicolas Razafindratsima, which is attended by members of both celebrated a special Eucharist for completed the two-year process of congregations, and a number of joint the Malagasy congregation on Whit discernment for ordained ministry services are held throughout the year, Monday. He went on to Strasbourg and was recommended for training. especially at Pentecost. where there is also a substantial He will be commencing studies At the same time we have been Malagasy community before this year and will serve the two developing partnerships with the returning home. After Sunday lunch congregations at St George’s as a Church in Madagascar, particularly members of GAM met the Bishop non-stipendiary minister. It is perhaps the Cathédrale Saint Laurent and and his wife to talk about how best part of our specific charism in the the Eglise de la Trinité. Both have we could develop our friendship and Diocese in Europe to have these close large, thriving congregations and the exchanges to the mutual benefit of connections with particular areas latter recently completed a building both sides. It was also an opportunity in the wider Anglican Communion extension project as part of its 130th to learn more about the situation of simply because the Lord has brought anniversary celebrations. A group at Anglicans in Madagascar and the us together with Christians from those St George’s, called the Groupe anglo- latest developments in the diocese parts as members of His Body. malgache or GAM, is in charge of of Antananarivo. We found that the Over the last few years we have promoting joint events between our Bishop and the Paris Group were been seeking to create synergies two congregations and maintaining of a common mind concerning our between our two congregations. links with our partner churches. partnership with Madagascar, i.e. that There is much musical talent in the The aim of our relations with the it must be based on the fellowship Malagasy congregation. They have Church in Madagascar is to share our we share in Christ and on mutual their own choir and many young human and Christian experience by exchanges where each can learn people play musical instruments and corresponding and praying for each from the other on a win-win basis. given concerts. Four are learning to other, rather than establishing purely In practical terms this might involve play the organ with John Crothers, pecuniary contacts. However this does for us such things as providing the official representative of the not prevent us having the occasional information on theological courses Royal of Church Music special collection and presenting in Europe, welcoming students on in France, and a member of our small gifts. For example last year placements or sharing expertise. 14 PEOPLE AND PLACES

R e a d e r s P i c k u p o n I ss u es i n P r e v i o u s E d i t i o n s

Ms Maija Priess, PhD., a Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of who lectures at the University of Hamburg writes:- “In The European Anglican No.57, p.9 there is a picture of the Holy Cross church in Palermo with text saying “Catholic, Orthodox and Coptic churches .... , , Armenia, ”. May I comment on this as it is confusing! All are Orthodox: Greek, Russian, Armenian, Ethiopian, but only Egyptians can be as Coptic means Egyptian. So correctly, these are called and Russian O C. The following ones are Oriental D o Yo u B e l i e v e Orthodox: Armenian Church, Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, and i n M i r a c l es ? Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church – tewahido meaning Union/Unity (of Divinity and Humanity of Christ).” That was the question asked by Fr Clem Upton after his wife Sheila Thank you for this Maija – we will try to be more cautious in future reports Ed. had a routine hospital consultation Eric Stuart from the Anglican Church in Lyon, France believes there is an absence in April. In August last year Clem of an alternative view on the ministry of women in The European Anglican and he and Sheila had to withdraw from makes these points. the post of Priest-in-Charge of the three congregations of St Two of your recent articles seem to assume that the Church is “wrong” or that Christopher’s on the Costa Azahar we are suffering from spiritual “deafness” and “tinnitus” by not letting women in Spain just a few weeks before become bishops. This is unfair and disrespectful to the many people who his induction because, at the time, believe that the ordination of women to headship in the church is unscriptural Sheila had been told she would and thus contrary to God’s will. We are not mad, deaf or stupid. need major surgery. I recall the approach of the Elders of to the great leader, Samuel: When in April this year the “Make us a king like the other nations”. Samuel, quite rightly, initially refused; consultant said Sheila has made but God then said he could do so, adding, sotto voce, “And much good it will do remarkable progress and no longer them”. Israel, like the church, was supposed to be different. Like those Elders, needed such intensive treatment our leaders are trying to make the Church like the world, so we can be the the couple’s thoughts returned to same; whereas God wants us to get the world like the Church, so they can be the call they had felt to this young saved. Possibly, God will let the Church have what it wants – and see what good “parish” on the Mediterranean it does us. coastline. Once again, the church is trying to become fashionable. It is then likely to be No priest had been found in found out of step again, with egg on its face. To quote the apostles, we should the intervening period so Fr Clem not “fashion ourselves according to this world”, because “the fashions of this arrived in late June and celebrated world pass away”. As they always do. his first Eucharist in Vinaros where he was later formally inducted.

RETIREMENTS AND CLErg y o n t h E m ov E RESIGNATIONS WELCOME TO THE DIOCESE Rev Pauline Mary Williams, Vicar of Rev John-Henry Bowden, has resigned as Priest-in-Charge of St George, Malaga Rev James Hill is Assistant Chaplain Baglan, Llandaff in Wales became in Spain. of Christ Church, Amsterdam, The Priest-in-Charge of Costa Almeria and Netherlands, with responsibility for the Costa Calida in Southern Spain at the Canon Dr Gary Wilton, the Archbishop beginning of September. City Centre. He was formerly at Holy of Canterbury’s Representative to the Trinity, Coventry. Rev Clement Upton, retired, is now EU in Brussels and Associate Chaplain Priest-in-Charge of St Christopher, Costa of the Pro-Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Canon Alyson Lamb, who was Vicar Azahar in Spain. Brussels has resigned to take up a post of St John the Evangelist, Eastbourne, in the Diocese of Sheffield. becomes the Chaplain of St Michael, MOVING AROUND Paris, in September. Canon John Wilkinson, who was NEW HONORARY BISHOP The Ven Frederick Martyn Trethewey, Chaplain of St Luke, Fontainebleau in The Right Reverend Nicholas Reade, Archdeacon of Dudley will become France has moved to become Associate formerly Bishop of Blackburn has been Priest-in-Charge of Christ Church, Chaplain (Canon Pastor) of the Pro- appointed to join the team of Honorary in France in October. Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Brussels. Assistant Bishops. OUR READERS’ 15 REACTIONS

M o s t N o r t h e r ly C o n g r e g at i o n – P o ss i b ly ? When we reported on the website that the most northerly Congregation Pictured left to right are The Rt Revd in our Diocese became officially Kristjan Valur Ingolfsson (Bishop of known as The Congregation of St Skalholt), The Very Revd Birgir Asgeirsson Thorlak, Reykjavik we believed it to (Dean of Reykjavik), The Revd Maria be true. The Reverend Bjarni Bjarnason (wife of Bjarni), the Revd Bjarni Thor Bjarnason (with their two daughters), Bjarnason was licensed in June as and Archdeacon Jonathan LLoyd. Priest-in-Charge of the Congregation, by the Archdeacon of Germany and Northern Europe, the Venerable elected, Guy Stewart (from Canada) studied in both Paris and Lincoln, and Jonathan LLoyd, on behalf of The and Thorgerir Lawrence (Anglo- his feast day is 23 December. Bishop. HM Ambassador to Icelandic), and Bjarni now becomes a However, to set the record straight was also present for the service. member of the Nordic/Baltic Deanery Archdeacon Jonathan later checked Fr Bjarni is Vicar of Seltjarnarnes Chapter and Synod. his atlas and discovered the latitude of Church on the side of the city, Fr Bjarni developed close links with Iceland is between 64 and 66 degrees and leads the Anglican Congregation the Church of England after serving a North while Tromsø in lies of St Thorlak (in English) at 2pm curacy at Scunthorpe in the Diocese of 69 degrees N which makes Tromsø on the last Sunday of each month Lincoln, soon after the Porvoo Comm­ our most northerly congregation – at the city centre Hallgrimskirka. union came into being. St Thorlak although they only meet once a year Two churchwardens have been (1133-1193), the Patron Saint of Iceland, for their Christmas Carol Service!

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B u d a p es t Ba p t i s m s B r i n g i n F o u r B i s h o p s Frank Hegedüs. Chaplain in reports “The Conference of European Churches CEC held its General Assembly in Budapest in early July. Several delegates Shrinking the Footprint including four bishops attended www.churchcare.co.uk/shrinking-the-footprint Sunday service which was led by Quick, easy and informative Bishop David at St Margaret’s. The App is quick and easy to use and even includes useful info and tips on improving your carbon footprint. “We celebrated two Baptisms Focusing on 3 key areas, you can track how you’re doing and even share it via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. and three Confirmations. It was With this app you can: a wonderful occasion. I doubt if Monitor your impact on the Budapest and Saint Margaret’s has environment whilst at home, at work and while traveling ever before had four bishops and Easy to use and an excellent To Download: To Download: delegates from around the world at way to track your footprint To Download To Download over long periods of time Scan your Scan your Simply search for Simply search for worship with the Congregation!” Hints and tips on reducing iPhone here Android your footprint ‘Shrinking the Footprint’ ‘Shrinkingdevice here the Footprint’ Pictured are two of the candidates Prayers and thoughts within the App Store within Google Play Or simply search for ‘Shrinking the Footprint’ Or simply search for ‘Shrinking the Footprint’ with the porcelain baptism font in for the day within the App Store. within Google Play. readiness. 16 FAREWELLS IN YORK AND LONDON

F r i e n d s o f G e n e r a l t h e D i o c ese i n v i t e y o u t o S y n o d b i d s W es t m i n s t e r Fa r e w e l l St Margaret’s Church, Westminster stands between the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey t o B i s h o p and is used for the most special occasions. By kind permission of the G e o f f r e y Dean, St Margaret’s will host the Annual Service of the Friends of the Diocese in Europe on Wednesday 23rd October at 6.00 p.m. when Bishop Geoffrey will be the celebrant and preacher for his final farewell On the final day of the July session of General “Geoffrey is an service in Britain (He will preside Synod in York the Archbishop of Canterbury paid at another service in the Cathedral historian and he tribute to Bishop Geoffrey at his last Synod before of the Holy Trinity, Gibraltar on 1st takes a long view... his retirement in November. November at 7.00 p.m.). The Most Rev Welby spoke warmly Thank you for a Serving Diocesan Clergy are about Bishop Geoffrey’s life and work, noting invited to robe for the Friends’ remarkable especially his academic achievements and his service in the church where Bishop ministry... successful links forged with the Roman Catholic Geoffrey was commissioned as and leaders. Whatever retirement Bishop of the Diocese of Gibraltar in In the speech, lasting 11 minutes, the Europe in 2001. The Friends were may mean for you Archbishop said that generations of former students formed in 1995 and have been a may it be another of Keble College, Oxford would remember his strong support for many projects in pastoral care with warmth and gratitude. Bishop rewarding chapter in the diocese with financial assistance, Geoffrey had made great contributions by serving prayer and a personal interest in our your ministry.” first on the Liturgical and later the Doctrine ministry and mission. J u s t i n W e l b y Commission. He had written and co-authored a Friends’ Secretary, Canon Arthur Th e A r c h b i s h o p o f series of notable theological books. Siddal says they expect a large C a n t e r b u r y He praised the clarity of his final speech in the congregation for this year’s service debate on Women Bishops the previous day. He “reflecting both a wide geographical said “Geoffrey is an historian and he takes a long area of ministry, and also the unique, view... Thank you for a remarkable ministry... world-wide and ecumenical contacts Whatever retirement may mean for you may it be that the Bishop has established. another rewarding chapter in your ministry.” We look forward to this special occasion and to seeing many of you there. Further information will be available on the Diocesan website (which is supported by the Friends!) before the event.”