The Diocesan Accounts 2010 Accounts p6-7 JUNE 2011 Diocesan Gathering Bishop James attended his first we are so far behind in using the gifts of Rochester Diocesan Gathering on women in the service of Jesus Christ! I believe the mission factor is critical here. There needs Saturday 21 May. Following the to be pastoral provision for those who are AGM, the main subject under opposed, whilst avoiding creating second discussion the day was that of the class bishops. There needs to be a compromise for all parties but most here will ordination of women as Bishops. say that we must get on with making women Very well attended, the event bishops without more delay.” attracted around 200 delegates Continuity from across the Diocese. Opposed to women bishops, Preb David Prior to the event, papers relating to the Houlding stressed the need for continuity in subject were uploaded on the diocesan the Church. He said, “I want to agree with website (www.rochester.anglican.org) where Hilary in so many ways. It is time the Church they remain for people to view. Bishop of England had women bishops and it is James had invited four guest speakers to inevitable. You can’t have deacons and priests address the issue, to be followed by a but no bishops! We should move forward in question and answer session. Those this way and we lose credibility if we do not. attending could either submit a question in For me, this is a question about the identity Bishop James with the four speakers and continuity of the Church of England. It’s a writing prior to the speakers responding, or trajectory is as inclusive of women as it is of Bible, we listen to bishops, synods and ask a question from the floor. The speakers question about the unity of the Church. One holy catholic and apostolic church. It’s a men. I am content with the legislation as we church rules! These are very important, but were: Rev Dr Mark Burkill representing we must recognise that bishops, synods and question about justice and justice works both have it. So, where do we go with this Reform, Rev Charles Read from the Diocese church rules cannot take the place of God’s ways. What about theological conscience? trajectory? In the Old Testament, God calls of Norwich, Prebendary David Houlding from apostolic Church. The danger is we get Those who object must be protected! The both men and women. The New Testament the Society of the Cross and Hilary Cotton ourselves in to an awful mess! You may be in provision we have can’t be amended. In the features men and women together. A from WATCH. favour (most are) but you may end up in a way it is phrased, the provision does not do scriptural thread runs through it all. Jesus The stained glass ceiling called twelve disciples, but who was it who position that you did not want. By pushing the trick!” Reminding delegates that the through the legislation, you exclude people Hilary Cotton opened her presentation by legislation in the 1990s promised everyone in went to the tomb? The women! In the New reminding the audience that some ordained Testament, the criteria (for being an apostle) is women can be made to feel uncomfortable that you have witnessed the resurrection and and she entreated everyone to remember given testimony to it. The Bible is about them. She said, “Some ordained women feel egalitarianism. How then should we read they have to hide! There are women Bishops contradictory text? The answer is that you in numerous countries including Canada, have to study the texts very carefully!” the Church of England would have an like me! If you exclude opponents, you are ‘honoured place’, David said, “I believe this saying they are not worthy of being part of new legislation takes away that right and we the Christian community! will change by accident. This is a theological Almost 40 questions followed the issue about apostolic ministry. I don’t mean to presentations and inspired some lively insult the ministry of women – someone like discussions over lunch. Cuba, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, me has to salute women. Sadly, we do not Bishops, Synods and Church Rules Sudan and the United States. Some have A common Diocesan Vision always behave well and I regret that. This Closing the presentations, Rev Dr Mark Burkill even retired!” Asking the rhetorical question, In the afternoon, Bishop James described his provision won’t do – we have to do better!” opened by saying he wanted to speak about “Why should we have women bishops?” impressions of the Diocese to date and theology. He said, “The issue of men and Biblical perspectives outlined some of his ideas for the future. He Hilary said, “It’s the next logical step. women is very important. We are made in the tasked 11 groups to consider the following Capable women hit the stained glass Rev Charles Read spoke about biblical image of God. We already see, in both wider questions: What does/should/might a ceiling. It’s logical to choose bishops from perspectives in favour of women bishops. He society and the Church, that people find it Diocese add to local mission and ministry? these women. If we allow women to be said, “I am happy to describe myself as a impossible that equality and order can exist in priests, we must allow them to be bishops – charismatic evangelic, and I have always been the Trinity as equal, but that the Son must (What’s the benefit?) If we lost 25 this isn’t about the rights of women, we in favour (of women as bishops) because of submit to the Father. Very little thought has stipendiary posts, what criteria might we use need to catch up with our sister churches. scripture and not in spite of it. I think you need been given to this issue for provision for those for those that remain? How might we best The Methodists, United Reformed Church to take a broad overview of where the Bible who are against it and we may do something develop and deploy other kinds of ministries and Baptists all have either women bishops goes. In the creation story, God created men destructive. I believe in one holy, catholic and for mission? or their equivalent.” Hilary reminded and women together in the image of God. apostolic church. The Spirit-inspired apostolic The Gathering concluded with an act of delegates about the history of the issue Right the way through the Fall, Eve is treated teaching holds the Church together. But worship led by the Rev Canon Alan Vousden before saying, “We follow Jesus Christ but as morally as culpable as Adam. The whole instead of relying on apostolic teaching in the with Bishop James on piano! PLEASE NOTE: Copy deadline for the July/August issue of The Link is 4pm Wednesday 8 June 2 ochester Link The Bishop of Tonbridge’s Diary, The Rt Rev Dr Brian Castle What’s on 6 June 1830 Speak at Bexley Rotary Club June MEDWAY– Wigmore Gardens Weekend 18 – 19 June 7 June Bishop’s Staff Meeting with many different gardens open at various times. For Saturday 4 June 8 June 1930 Institution of the Rev Ren Harding, details visit www.southgillingham.diocese- BEXLEY - Book sale at St Mary’s Church 11am – 2pm. Joydens Wood rochester.org/stmattsmainpage.htm or contact Paul Refreshments available. Visit www.stmarysbexley.co.uk 9 June 1100 Mission Theology Advisory Group Bellerby 01634 387328. Meeting, London BECKENHAM – Singers ‘Cameo Opera’ will perform light LEAMINGTON SPA – CPAS You and Ministry weekend 11June 1500 Preach at St John’s Ambulance Day opera and musical show favourites 7pm – 10pm at 10 – 12 June for people to explore a variety of vocations Service, West Malling, St Mary St Paul’s Church. Tickets £15 including buffet and first in the Church of England at Offa House, CV33 9AS. Cost 12 June 1030 Confirmation – St Peter & St Paul, Bromley drink. 020 8650 5400 or [email protected]. 13 June 1030 Bishops’ Seminar – Church House, £160 per person or £310 for couples, including accommodation, meals and sessions. Visit London Saturday 11 June www.cpas.org.uk/exploringcall 14 June 0930 Bishop’s Extended Staff Meeting CHELSFIELD – Family Wild West Summer Fete with 15 June 1100 Attend Urban Bishops’ Panel Meeting, stalls, sideshows, prize draw and plants at St Martin of ROCHESTER – On 4 – 5 June visit St Margaret’s Church London Tours 12pm – 4:30pm. Free parking. Proceeds to and tower during the annual Dickens weekend. 10am – 16 June 1300 Preside at Eucharist – Church Schools St Martin’s Church and Christian aid. Contact 01689 5pm with a display of Bibles to celebrate the 400th Festival – Rochester Cathedral 852092. Anniversary of the King James Bible. 1400 Sevenoaks School Governors’ Meeting 19 June 0930 Confirmation – Dartford, Holy Trinity Saturday 18 June WATERINGBURY – Patronal Celebrations 25 – 26 June 1300 Preach at Service for Princess of FAWKHAM – Fawkham & Hartley Summer Fete 12pm – at the Church of St John the Baptist with floral displays Wales’ Royal Regiment Freedom 4pm in the meadow at St Mary’s Church, Fawkham. The and an opportunity to dedicate a flower in memory of a Parade, Tonbridge School theme is 1971 – Decimalisation with stalls, music and Fun loved one. Saturday 10:30am – 5pm and Sunday 2pm – 1830 Confirmation – Tonbridge, St Stephen Dog Show. Free entry, £1 parking. Visit 5pm. Also Broomscroft Garden, 143 Canon Lane will be 22 June 1030 Hospital Chaplains Meeting and Lunch www.fawkhamandhartley.org.uk.