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THE CHURCHOF ENGLAND Newspaper The films Bringing medical in line for relief to awards, Palestinians, p11 NOW AVAILABLE ON NEWSSTAND FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 No: 6210 p15 New £2 coin Baptismal anger ‘glorifies war’
A STRONG attack on an experimental ral evil, the traditional renunciation of the Writing on his blog, he condemned Baptism service by the former Bishop of devil and all his works has been replaced ‘reject’ as a weaker word than ‘renounce’ Rochester drew a quick response from with an anodyne rejection of evil in all its and argued the service was ‘semi-Pela- the Church of England over the week- ‘many forms’,” the Bishop complained. gian’ and failed to convey the sense that end. “Because of its anxiety to make every- Christ is our saviour and we are in need A spokesman was at pains to point out one feel welcome and its desire not to of being saved. that the supplementary materials for the offend anyone, the new service almost General Synod member Alison Ruff Baptism service had not been approved entirely does away with sin and the need told the Mail on Sunday that the service by General Synod but had been sent to to repent from its personal and social was ‘weak and woolly’ and lacked convic- over 400 parishes for use in a trial period manifestations and consequences.” tion. The paper condemned the service in that lasts until April. He claimed the new service said noth- an editorial claiming the Church of Eng- By Amaris Cole Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Bishop ing about Christ ‘in whom we are to put land had become embarrassed by its own Michael Nazir-Ali attacked moves to min- our trust’. “Rather than the constant beliefs. ONE OF Britain’s oldest Christian imise ‘depth and mystery’ in church wor- ‘dumbing-down’ of Christian teaching, The request for a new, supplementary peacemaking groups is concerned the ship and criticised the omission of sin whether for baptism, marriage or death, service that was more culturally appropri- launch of the new £2 coin, depicting and the devil from the new Baptism serv- we should spend time preparing people ate came from a group of clergy in the Lord Kitchener’s famous call to war, ice. for these great rites of passage,” wrote Diocese of Liverpool. will ‘glorify war’. “At a time of high interest in supernatu- the Bishop in a hard-hitting attack. One of those involved, the Ven Tim The Fellowship of Reconciliation Others gave him their support. Bishop Stratford, is now the Archdeacon of (FoR) is calling on the public to make Pete Broadbent described the experi- Leicester. He defended the new service, ‘Coins into Ploughshares’, by turning Common Worship mental service as ‘crass’ and ‘baptism- telling the Daily Telegraph that when every coin they come across an ‘invest- lite’. many people heard the word ‘sin’ they ment in a just a peaceful future’. The Decision thought of sex or the danger of eating too FoR Director, Millius Palayiwa, said: A large candle may be lit. The president many cream cakes. “We are very concerned that the addresses the candidates directly, or Alternative text to be used “We are talking about something big- launch of the new £2 coin design is in through their parents, godparents and experimentally ger than that,” he said. “There is a case danger of glorifying war and drawing sponsors for exploring whether we can talk about public attention away from the horrors In baptism, God calls us out of darkness The Decision sin more deeply without using the actual of the trenches and the continuing into his marvellous light. A large candle may be lit. The president word ‘sin’, which trips some people up.” need for peace, healing and reconcilia- To follow Christ means dying to sin and addresses the candidates through their He also argued that society was losing tion in the world. rising to new life with him. parents, godparents and sponsors its sense of the devil. “The devil is a very “In the spirit of our founders, we are Therefore I ask: In baptism God calls us to new life. strong image and the image that will calling upon Christians, and everyone Do you reject the devil and all rebellion We die with Christ to all that destroys, cross people’s minds is probably a little who wants to see the establishment of against God? and rise to live with him for ever. red creature with a pitchfork and pointed a world order based on love, forgive- I reject them. Therefore I ask: Do you reject evil? ears because that’s what popular art has ness, compassion and reconciliation to Do you renounce the deceit and I reject evil. done to the devil,” he claimed. save the new coins when they come corruption of evil? And all its many forms? The new supplementary texts have no across them and donate them to one of I renounce them. And all its many forms . formal status until they are approved by the many organisations working to Do you repent of the sins that separate And all its empty promises? General Synod. They were sent for exper- build a just and peaceful world for us from God and neighbour? And all its empty promises. imental use in parishes by the House of everyone.” I repent of them. The candidates, together with their Bishops. The new materials can be seen Do you turn to Christ as Saviour? parents, godparents and sponsors, may on the Church of England website. I turn to Christ. now turn to face the font, a cross, or the In an introductory note, the Acting Sec- PRICE £1.35 / 1,70€ / $2.20 Do you submit to Christ as Lord? large candle. retary to the Liturgy Commission says I submit to Christ. Do you turn to Christ? they are designed to express ‘God’s wel- Do you come to Christ, the way, the I turn to Christ. coming grace’. The note further claims truth and the life? And put your trust in him? that the Common Worship baptism rite I come to Christ. And put my trust in him. started from the assumption that adult Where there are strong pastoral reasons, And promise to follow him for ever? baptism within the context of Sunday the alternative form of the Decision And promise to follow him for worship would be the norm. (CWIS, p.168) may be used. ever. It did not reckon with the continuing need for ‘stand alone’ christenings that can offer a pastoral opportunity if they have the right language and tone.
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CHESTER in one hand and a Carol Drinkers at the Rake & Pikel Sheet in the other. It was CHURCHIN pub in Huntington, Chester, remarked by several in the found themselves busy pub, that it was the participating in a special closest they got to church all Carol ‘Service’, on the night Christmas. John Cheek of St before Christmas Eve. The Luke’s said: “With ‘Beer and ENGLAND pub played host to ‘Beer and Carols’, we were close to Carols’, led by members of having no room at the Inn, as nearby St Luke’s church. For people were crowding in 30 minutes, customers sang doorways and standing at the traditional Carols with a pint back.”
CHESTER SOUTHWARK Three bishops from The Rev Andrew Wakefield, who chairs Merton Chamber of Chester met the Pope Commerce, has won a Compact Leadership Award 2013. while on an ecumenical The awards celebrate the most outstanding examples of the visit to Rome for a government/voluntary sector Compact across England. The residential staff meeting. Vicar of South Wimbledon, St Andrew, has been involved The 10-strong team from with the foundation since 1992. The national Compact the diocese, included Leadership Award acknowledged not only his personal role Bishop Peter Foster and and activity but also the partnerships built by Merton suffragans Bishop Robert Chamber and Merton Voluntary Service Council. Atwell and Bishop Keith Sinclair. While in the RIPON AND LEEDS Italian capital, members Nine of the world’s major faiths joined together in Leeds of the team visited the City Centre with displays, music and prayers as part of English College, and the National Inter-faith Week. Christians, Muslims, Sikhs and Anglican Centre, where Hindus stood side by side in the city’s Merrion Centre, they met Archbishop joined by the Lord Mayor of Leeds. Each faith had members David Moxon – the there to explain what they believed. Chair of LLF, the Rev Archbishop of Charles Dobbin, said: “We aim to show that a better society Canterbury’s is possible if we understand one another and work representative to the Holy together.” See. ELY OXFORD A Vicar from Cambridgeshire has The Church Housing Trust, which helps released a booklet to help couples charities that work with vulnerable make the most of their wedding day. people, is calling on churches to help The Rev Ally Barrett of Buckden and raise funds during Poverty and Offord, lays out the words and actions Homelessness Action Week, held from 25 of the marriage ceremony in Making January-2 February. It helps more than the Most of Your church Wedding, 200 people each year through projects explaining the various parts of the including Hamble Court in Reading, service. The book also included which was recently able to fit a new prayers for the couple and a few Bible training kitchen. For more information verses they may like to include. email [email protected], Published by SPCK, this author also write to Church Housing Trust, PO Box wrote Making the Most of Your Child’s 50296, London, EC1 1WF or call 020 7269 Baptism. 1630. LONDON London City Mission is sponsoring SALISBURY PrayerMate, a prayer app to help those Celebrated author, struggling to pray. The iPhone and iPad app broadcaster, journalist previously cost £1.99, but is now free until and campaigner Kate the end of March, thanks to this support. Adie on Saturday 15 Alongside personal prayer points for friends February at 2.30pm will and family, users can subscribe to LCM’s give a lecture on the prayer diary through the app. Graham contribution of Christian Miller, CEO of the London City Mission Women in the First said: “London City Mission will only make World War. The vital and progress on our knees. I give thanks to rarely fully-recognized PrayerMate making it easier to bring our role of women on the needs to God. The technology that so often Home Front is the distracts from our spiritual walk is being subject of her recent used to call us back to a healthy daily book Fighting on the habit.” Home Front – the legacy of women in World War 1, written to commemorate the start YORK of the First World War in The Archbishop of York has announced the 1914. No tickets are appointment of John Bullimore, a retired required for The Kate circuit judge and the Chancellor for the Adie Lecture but there Blackburn and Derby dioceses, as Acting- will be a retiring Chancellor for the new diocese of West collection with a £10.00 Yorkshire and The Dales. Mr Bullimore donation suggested, with says his appointment is an interim proceeds supporting the appointment – basically to assure ‘business work of Women and the as usual’. He will act as chancellor from the Church (WATCH)*, of ‘Appointed Day’, Easter Day 2013, when the which she is a keen diocese comes into being. supporter.
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INBRIEF New Year Honours
Quentin Letts has Hereford in focus
TONIGHT (10 January) will reveal the winner of the special Christmas celebrity edition of Master- for Anglicans mind, which is being broadcast by the BBC. One of those taking part is Quentin Letts, 50, parlia- mentary sketch writer and theatre critic of the ANGLICANS in the North who was made a years ago, received the OBE. Hailing Daily Mail. Letts has chosen as his subject Here- East of England were promi- Knight Companion of the award, the Rev Steve Chalke said: ford Cathedral. nent in the New Year Hon- the New Zealand “In the history of Stop the Traffik no He is a regular worshipper at the cathedral as ours List. No less than six Order of merit. one has shown more grit, tenacity well as at How Caple parish church and describes people in the Diocese of New- Mrs Rosemary and graft in raising awareness of this himself as ‘a middle stump Anglican, frequently castle received awards. Kempsell of Abbey growing global crime. We are all prey to doubts but frequently comforted by Canon Margaret Nicholson, Town, Cumbria, who incredibly proud of what Ruth and the church visits – and an enthusiastic blaster-our of who has given many years of is Worldwide Presi- team have been able to achieve.” the great hymns of the C of E’. service to Church of England dent of the MU, As well as Fred Peacock, Church He is a member of the Hereford branch of the schools as a teacher, head received the CBE. She Music was marked by the award of Prayer Book Society and writes a regular column teacher and Director of Edu- has led the MU for the the BEM to Keith Coleman, organist for the diocesan newspaper. cation, received the MBE. past seven years and at two parish churches in Essex, and Praising England’s cathedrals he described She played a major role in the been a member for 35 the MBE to Carol Pemberton of them as ‘among our greatest architectural and establishment of the Canon Margaret years. Black Voices, a gospel group. cultural gems’ and claimed ‘they do not come Northumberland Church of Nicholson Awards to people MBEs went to David Lodge much more glorious than Hereford’s’. England Academy. involved in Church of (Friends of Essex Churches); Canon “I am glad to have been able in a tiny way to Other people in the diocese England schools and Ray McCullough (chair of Blackburn support the cathedral at Christmas – although to receive awards were Canon Alan education went to Haydn Evans Diocesan Advisory Committee); the Mastermind was a nerve-wrecking ordeal for an Hughes (MBE), Vicar of Berwick (CBE), head of Sir John Cass Founda- Rev Lionel Hopkins (Prison chaplain- intellectual plodder like me,” he confessed. until February; Elliott Ward (MBE) tion and Redcoat C of E Secondary cy in Swansea); and Brain Miles of All Glyn Morgan, Chief Executive of Hereford Per- ‘for services to education’; the Rev School in East London; Nick Spencer Saints’, King’s Heath, Birmingham petual Trust, welcomed the publicity given to the Anne Marr (BEM), for ‘services to (MBE), a teacher at All Saints’ C of E (services to young people). cathedral. “We are delighted tat Quentin chose to community and interfaith relations’; Primary School, Harwich in Essex; Awards went to Christians serving take the cathedral for his specialist round,” he Fred Peacock (BEM) ‘for services to Christopher Whitmey (Hereford dio- development overseas. OBEs went to said. “It will be tremendous coverage for the Church Music in Jesmond’; and Eliza- cese); Eileen Withrington (BEM), a Margaret Boden, chief executive of cathedral and, as Quentin has generously donat- beth Screen (BEM) for ‘services to volunteer at St Jude and St Paul C of Christian Aid in Ireland, and Rod Bull ed his appearance fee to the Trust, we will be get- Martha and Mary’s community café E Primary School in Islington; and for healthcare in the occupied Pales- ting our own Christmas present.” and to the community in Heaton’. Penelope Brookman (BEM), volun- tinian territories and an MBE was Up against Letts were the actress and singer The most prominent Anglican to be teer dance and drama teacher at St awarded to Jane Jerrard for services Clare Grogan, the paralympic champion Richard honoured was Archbishop David Mary’s C of E Primary School at Kint- to education in Pakistan. Whitehead, and the singer-song writer Newton Moxon, Director of the Anglican Cen- bury in Berkshire. Richard Buckley, who led the Faulkner, but Letts refused to reveal the result tre in Rome, co-chair of ARCIC III, Ruth Dearnley, who has led Stop search for the remains of Richard III, before the programme was broadcast. and former primate of New Zealand, the Traffik since it was founded six received the OBE.
Nuns joins the Ordinariate A GROUP OF 10 former members of the Angli- ‘Fighting poverty is a justice issue’ can Community of St Mary the Virgin at Wantage have now formally become a recognised commu- nity in the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of ARCHBISHOP JUSTIN WELBY quoted Nelson Man- holding the whole society together’ in many places. Walsingham within the Roman Catholic Church. dela’s statement that dealing with poverty was a matter of Speaking on the Today programme the Archbishop said The nuns all made their solemn vows to Mgr justice rather than charity in his New Year message. He that the church was growing in many places at the local Keith Newton at a ceremony in their convent at said the Church would continue to talk about poverty as level and that a ‘good vicar’ can make a great deal of dif- Maryvale, Old Oscott Hill, Birmingham. The part of its duty to promote Christian values. ference. nuns moved into the convent in August after it The Archbishop is believed to be discussing a joint ini- He described Pope Francis as his ‘person of the year’. became clear that it would not be possible to fol- tiative on poverty with Pope Francis and is due to visit “He has changed the sense and direction of the Catholic low their original plan of staying at Wantage and Rome early this year. Church with his personal example,” he said. looking after the elderly Anglican sisters who In a New Year message broadcast on BBC One and Taking part in a special edition of the Today programme remain there. BBC Two the Archbishop urged everyone to make a reso- edited by Antony Jenkins, chief executive of Barclays, the Mother Winsome described the day as one of lution to try to change the world where they were. Look- Archbishop said that it would take a generation for the ‘great solemnity’ but also ‘deep joy’. “We each ing back on his first year in office he mentioned his banking industry to regain customer confidence following professed our original vows separately, in the installation in Canterbury Cathedral and the baptism of the financial crisis. case of some of the sisters, more than 59 years Prince George as a high point in his year. In a New Year ‘Thought for the Day’ the Archbishop ago,” she said. He confessed that he had to ‘pinch himself’ to confirm drew a contrast between hope and optimism. Hope, he “For us to be able to renew our vows solemnly that he was really present at the baptism of the Prince. But said, came not from ‘circumstances’ but ‘from trust in the and publicly and to be able to share this profound he said that one of the ‘greatest excitements’ of his job ultimate purpose of the world’. “I believe in the purpose moment, when we have shared such a unique was being part of an organisation that is ‘the glue that’s that God has for us to know him.” spiritual journey over the last two years, felt a very special gift of God to each of us and to us corporately.” Mgr Newton appointed Mother Winsome as the first Reverend Mother of the new community for three years. Subsequent reverend mothers will be elected in accordance with the constitutions of the monastery. The sisters were all received into the Roman Catholic Church a year ago on 1 January 2013.
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ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU has called for the “The matter of the abuse and cruelty we inflict on The head of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics is an world to fight injustice to animals in the same way as it other animals has to fight for our attention in what Anglican priest, the Rev Andrew Linzey. He has recent- fights injustice to blacks, women and homosexuals. sometimes seems an already overfull moral agenda,” ly called for an international court to judge cases of cru- In a press release from the Oxford Centre for Animal the Archbishop claims. “It is vital, however, that these elty to animals and to assess the culpability of Ethics the Archbishop says that he has spent his life instances of injustice not be overlooked.” governments. fighting discrimination and injustice ‘whether the vic- He points out that animals are unable to speak up for The centre claims to be the first of its kind devoted to tims are blacks, women, or gays and lesbians’. their own interests and that unless we do so ‘abuse and study research into animal ethics. One of its projects is He says no human being should be the target of vilifi- cruelty goes unchallenged’. devoted to religion and animals. cation or be denied his or her basic rights. He concludes: “Churches should lead the way by Among its honorary fellows is the South African-born But he goes on to state that there are other issues of making clear that all cruelty – to other animals as well Nobel Prize-winning novelist, JM Coetzee. Australian justice ‘not only for human beings but also for the as human beings – is an affront to civilized living and a Anglican theologian Scott Cowdell is a fellow of the world’s other sentient creatures.’ sin before God.” Institute. Vicar’s call: Keep calm and Is the end in sight for the defend equal marriage clerical collar? By Amaris Cole By Amaris Cole Sunday, but not at every service. I don’t like breaking the law. If a bishop is coming A NORTH LONDON vicar is telling CLERICAL collars could soon be coming and asks me to wear robes of course I do,” his parishioners to ‘keep calm and sup- off as clergy could be allowed to conduct Mr Hobbs said. port equal marriage’. services in casual clothing. “But I would like some flexibility. I would Father Andrew Cain is condemning The General Synod in February will dis- like flexibility for all of us – perhaps it is a the Church of England’s opposition to cuss the proposal to change the rules deanery service, or a penitential service gay marriage with posters playing on requiring clergy to wear formal vestments when just cassock would do.” the popular Keep Calm slogan in St for services. He says he is a conservative vicar, but James’, West Hampstead and St The Motion is being proposed by the that ‘the law shouldn’t be an ass on this’. Mary’s with All Souls, Kilburn. Rev Christopher Hobbs, who insists he is However, many traditionalists fear cler- He told the local paper: “The bish- not a ‘trendy vicar’, but admits this change gy could arrive on Sundays dressed in ops have made a fuss and I’m embar- could potentially see vicars leading Sunday hoodies, shorts or even football shirts. rassed by their position. worship in shell suits. As vicars will be left to dress in a way “During the debate in England, Mr Hobbs, of St Thomas Church in Oak- they feel appropriate, some argue ‘dress- Anglican bishops made a terrible fuss wood, north London, wants to formalise down Sunday’ could lose the identity and and said that marriage is between a the current situation, which sees many vic- character of the Church. man and a woman. ars robe-less, despite current rules. The Rev Giles Fraser is not in favour of “As a result, when the government The debate will decide whether the the proposal. He described the idea as introduced the law, they took them at dress code should be optional rather than “outrageous”. their words and excluded the Church mandatory. The well-known London Vicar said: of England. “In all walks of life people are less for- “What will they do next? Maybe we will “But those who were in favour found mal. And sometimes informality is good, have Jaffa Cakes and Coca-Cola instead of themselves in a situation where we’ve take a long time. even in a very traditional parish,” he wrote bread and wine at Holy Communion.” been legally excluded from perform- “I don’t want to turn anybody away. in a letter to fellow clergy. He added: “Vestments are a very ancient ing the ceremony.” What we should be doing is extending “Yes of course most churches will wear part of the Church’s tradition and they Fr Cain said this position was ‘no God’s welcome and that’s not for us to robes. As it happens I wear robes every bring dignity to worship.” longer acceptable’. police. The Church makes a mistake He believes the Church will eventu- in thinking we’re welcoming people as ally change its views, but fears that will if it’s some kind of private club and actually God welcomes all of us. “I think you’d find that the majority of parishes agree. You will find that pri- 3/567;40 vately the welcome priests will give to gay and lesbian couples will be exactly 27<
THE CHURCH is at risk of los- ing the Archbishop of Canter- extensive vetting process. ing thousands of volunteers bury that such checks are Though the group had mini- thanks to ‘overzealous’ crimi- leaving people feeling mal contact with children, offi- nal records checks. ostracised. cials at the cathedral were The Church of England car- In 2010, Annabel Hayter concerned that fellow flower ried out 58,000 CRB checks in resigned as chairman of the arrangers had to share toilet 2013 before allowing people to Gloucester Cathedral Flower facilities with choirboys. work in parishes. Guild after being told her team Mrs Hayter said she was Campaigners are now warn- would need to undergo the ‘deeply offended’.
[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper www.churchnewspaper.com Friday January 10, 2014 News 5 Archbishop Akinola is kidnapped NIGERIA’S ARCHBISHOP Peter Akinola was kidnapped on Christ- mas Eve by armed gunmen on Christmas Eve, but was released unharmed after he refused to pay a ransom. At approximately 3pm on 24 December 2013, the former Primate of All Nigeria was “carjacked” outside of the offices of the Peter Akinola Foundation Centre for Youth Industrial Training in Abeokuta, the cap- ital of Western Nigeria’s Ogun State. Shortly after his driver pulled onto the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a car carrying four gunmen cut off the archbishop’s Toyota Primera and fired pistols into the air. Their car was forced to the roadside and the gun forced the arch- bishop and his driver to lie face down on the floor of the back seat. The car was driven west towards Nigeria’s border with Benin, while the bandit who held the archbishop at gunpoint demanded a ransom payment. Archbishop Akinola told the bandits he was a retired cler- gyman and had not the means to pay ransom. The kidnappers stopped in a deserted area near the Benin border and after stripping the archbishop and his driver of their clothes, released them into the bush unharmed. In a Christmas Day interview with the Premium Times, Archbishop Akinola said after he was released, he made his way through the bush to a road where he “saw a police vehicle coming and there were gun- shots, and the police team later came to rescue me from the spot.” The archbishop had high praise for the police and for Ogun Gover- nor Ibikunle Amosun. “I have to praise them, and I appreciate the gov- ernor who left his work to go into the bush looking for us. It’s unprecedented for a governor to personally lead a team into the bush. He risked his life and yet he didn’t mind that. I’m deeply touched and impressed,” he said. Vatican Bible Society leader arrested in Malaysia Indian bishop deposed THE PRESIDENT of the Bible Soci- A recent court ruling in Malaysia ety of Malaysia and the organiza- banned a Catholic newspaper from defines the THE CHURCH of North India has deposed the Bishop in Luc- tion’s office manager were arrested using the word “Allah”, but the gov- know. by police on 2 January 2014, during ernment had given permission for Police also arrested Bishop Morris Edgar Dan on 15 a raid on their offices in Selangor. the Al-Kitab, the Bahasa features of December 2013 after the Allahabad High Court revoked the Officials of the State Islamic Malaysia/Indonesia translation of bishop’s bail on charges of forgery and fraud. Affairs Department confiscated the Old and New Testament to use Anglicanism CNI general secretary Alwan Masih told The Church of Bibles and religious literature for the world “Allah” for the name of England Newspaper Bishop Dan had been “duly terminated using the world “Allah” in Malay and God. THE VATICAN’S Congrega- by the executive committee of the CNI synod as of 25 Novem- Iban language versions of Scripture. Muslim extremists had “poi- tion for the Doctrine of the ber 2013” following an investigation into charges the bishop The Archbishop of South East soned” interfaith relations Malaysia Faith (CDF) has defined the had sold church lands at below market prices to a syndicate Asia, the Most Rev Bolly Lapok, by demanding exclusive use of the essentials of Anglicanism that then resold the property, giving the bishop a kickback on Bishop of Kuching, denounced the word “Allah”, the archbishop said. that may be kept by con- the profits. raid as unlawful. “If an action He urged all sides to heed the “voice verts entering the Anglican Shabnam Dan, the daughter of Bishop Dan, told CEN her assumes such arrogance that vio- of reason” and for the state to Ordinariate of the Catholic father had been “framed”. She accused an influential busi- lates the Federal Constitution and “respect, honour and abide by the Church. nessman with orchestrating a campaign to ruin her father pays total disregard to the Prime guarantee of religious freedom as In an interview published after he refused to cooperate in a plan to defraud the diocese. Minister’s directive is not treason, I enshrined in the Federal Constitu- in the December issue of The criminal case continues. do not know what is,” he said. tion.” The Portal, Mgr Steven Lopes of the CDF said the Vatican’s “working defini- tion” of “Anglican patrimo- +3 23#2'+'2:3 ': 411' '51 '1+4 ny” was “that which has nourished the Catholic Faith, within the Anglican :!UH!D'M,H6H$0<> ,"< J(<)U1NUJ, )1! JM((NU .UNN *< 1=<4?U4C ,"< B"!UJ$14T
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Raising money with a man’, which was already obvious etymologi- Sir, Robert Ian Williams (15 November) writes that I The great commandments cally) must be denied. In the Centurion’s Boy story, am quite wrong in my understanding of the Statute Sir, May I assure Mr Ralph Ireland that I have far from any ‘sex-slave’ dimension (pais, an incredi- of Praemunire 1353 and states that it was for a king done my homework to the best of my ability, bly common word, only means child/boy/son!), to obtain money. The 1393 Statute did include forfei- including focusing on the Christian faith and how there’s no ‘slave’ of any kind in Matthew or John - ture for all persons who showed contempt for the to live the life of a Christian for three years, read- only in Luke, whose version (Dr Muddiman agrees) King’s exclusive right to jurisdiction in England. For ing for a degree in Theology, and, I hope, before is secondary. Matthew 19:12 on eunuchs (likewise several centuries Rome had been seeking to expand and after those years throughout my life. secondary) deals only with impotence, castration, in many fields, including temporal ways. Resistance In my letter to a newspaper which is written by and celibacy. And Jesus shows no revisionism on the was continuous, eg in 1344 the William I order for- and for Christians, I did not think it necessary to sinfulness of any non-marital intercourse (Mark bidding papal documents except by royal decree was quote the full text of the two great command- 7:21-2, 10:5-12,19, John 8:11). re-enacted. So various statutes were made to main- ments, but merely to remind readers of the sec- Dr Christopher Shell, tain independence and also action within the coun- ond. I would like to refer Mr Ireland to I John 4, Hounslow try, eg Bishop (1235-1253) Grossteste resisted a where, after quoting our Lord’s “New Command- variety of requests. ment - that you love one another” we are warned Genetic roots Legates were another example, as kings thought that “If anyone says, ‘I love God’ and does not love Sir, Andrea Minichiello Williams is surely correct they should seek permission to enter the country, his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love (CEN ‘Whispering Gallery’, 3 January) in asserting and Rome considered that they should come and go the brother whom he has seen, cannot love God that a homosexual preference/tendency is more of a as they wanted. More recently complications, includ- whom he has not seen.” developmental distortion than a genetic disorder ing financial and diplomatic ones, have arisen by I would add that my “homework” has led me to (such as cystic fibrosis), within the synergistic com- Mussolini creating the Vatican City State by the Lat- be somewhat wary of the phrase, “The Holy Bible bination of ‘nature’ and ‘nurture’ in the formation of a eran Treaty of 1929. says...” The Holy Bible - a library of books of many new human being. The ultimate question is ‘by what authority’ are genres and covering a wide-ranging period of time During the 18 months or so from the implantation laws made. In the United Kingdom it is ‘by Crown in - does not “say” anything; it records many voices, of an embryo in the lining of the womb until the Parliament assembled’, with some amendment in from before writing was invented (around the weaning of an infant from the breast (and beyond), 1973 by accession to the Treaty of Rome. time of Noah) to the words of our Lord himself the relational influence of the mother is incalculably Geoffrey Streets, and his faithful followers (who did not always profound in determining the personality characteris- Hessle, East Yorkshire grasp the full significance of his words at the time tics of a new-born baby, as demonstrated convincing- as we see from his occasional expressions of exas- ly by the published researches of the Christian A universal message peration with them). psychiatrist Dr Frank Lake (d.1982) and in America Sir, I found the idea of Canon Lawrence’s (3 January) It is up to us to read, study, partake of the sacra- by Dr Thomas Verny, in his book: The Secret Life of to remind people at weddings that God made us ments and pray humbly that we may discern the the Unborn Child (Sphere Books, 1982). male and female interesting. But why not extend this way of the Holy Spirit for us in our generation. Thereafter, the presence of the father slowly to all services? It was the Rev F Temple (later to There is still plenty of homework for us all to do. acquires increasing influence, whilst simultaneously become Archbishop) in his Bampton lecture of 1884 Mrs Mary P Roe, the relationship between mother and father also that encouraged the church to get comfortable with Bicester begins to impinge upon the growing child (see DW Darwin’s idea of evolution where there is no expla- Winnicott: The Child, the Family, and the Outside nation for sexual differences apart from a bit of World; Pelican, 1964). In the absence of the father, guess-work driven by an over-arching desire to keep Paul said on the topic is very negative. However, the child is deprived of these two critical relation- to a liberal theology. true to their radical transatlantic campus milieux, ships, so vital to healthy human development; that is, By now we have reached the stage where the evi- they divert attention from this by claiming that the unless a suitable male substitute is regularly present dence for evolution is paltry compared with the evi- central emphasis lies elsewhere (as though it were - who, however, is hardly likely to regard the child in dence for young-earth creation. Why aren’t we an either/or matter). the same way as if his own. The science of pre- peri- telling our congregations that? So what’s the central emphasis? Four revisionist and post-natal psychology seems not to be well Dr J D Matthews, suggestions. Homosexual acts are dirty but not sin- advanced in Britain (or even recognised?) - a lacuna Wareham ful, says Countryman. Only exploitative relation- that urgently needs to be remedied. ships are spoken of, says Scroggs. (These two JM Hughes, Cameron’s message ‘emphases’, far from being central, are not in the Heaton Mersey, Stockport Sir, David Cameron says that the country should be texts at all.) Paul in Romans is just sketching the thankful to the many Christians who “live out the let- Jewish myth where gentile depravity stems from ter of the Bible” by being good to their neighbours. idol-worship, as in 1 Enoch and Jubilees, says DB If he really means this he should speak out against Martin. (Few agree. And homosexual acts can those judges who have found against those Chris- only represent all depravity if they’re paradig- tians who have lived out the letter of the Bible in matically bad.) The real sin is to be judgmental other ways, such as denying those who are not mar- (Romans 2), says Furnish. (Wrong: it’s ried from sharing a bed in their home. There is a dis- both/and.) None of these four can deny the tinction in what the PM says and what happens in key point (nor can non-specialists like this country. Lord Carey is right to point out the gov- Boswell and RD Williams). This should be ernment needs to act to protect Christians in this borne in mind when planning costly confer- country as well as abroad. ences and indabas. J Longstaff, Whichever passage one looks at, the Woodford Green ‘clincher’ argument is against the revision- ists. In Romans, they are forced to ‘believe’ that Paul thinks the highly obscure sin of New Testament message heterosexuals ‘abandoning’ heterosexual Sir, Derrick Gierth (20/27 December), with Dr John activity for homosexual suitably sums up all Muddiman and the Pilling Report, claims New Tes- Gentile depravity (note: there’s clear tament scholars disagree on the key point of acknowledgement of homosexual orientation whether the NT is strongly opposed to homosexual already in Plato’s Symposium). In 1 acts. No: revisionists (who often claim Jesus said Corinthians, the origin of the word nothing about such acts - nor about incest or bestial- arsenokoites in the vocabulary of Leviticus ity, of course) can’t help but affirm that everything (so that it must mean ‘a man who sleeps
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How should the Church modernize?
The Church of God has to introduce changes to its lan- guage, practices and ways of operating from time to time Finally, persecution in order better to minister to the people of God. The Refor- mation was a large-scale act of self-criticism and recovery of the biblical faith rooted in the Trinitarian realities of the Father sending the Son and bestowing the Spirit, clearing away the thickets of semi-pagan medieval sacerdotalism. is acknowledged The Oxford movement claimed to be a counter-balanc- ing movement, and re-introduced a fair degree of priest craft, creating for many a short pathway back to the resisted and finally turned back by Christian Roman obedience in its most rigorous form. The 1960s Peter Mullen forces. We must pray and so nerve ourselves that saw the ‘liberal’ Anglican movement, given focus by JAT such courage will not be found wanting in us to Robinson’s Honest to God and the Doctrine Commission’s repel the threats we are facing today. Christian Believing, enjoining us to believe ‘that’ God Even the drowsiest people recuperating from But there is another feature, insidious and exists but not much more, with a fairly deistic and moralis- Christmas and New Year revels must have been most worrying. This is best illustrated by citing tic emphasis. Happily theology and church subsequently jolted into wakefulness by the loud crash. Have historical precedent. When the barbarians were re-awoke to the core Christian identity of being ‘ran- you heard it yet? It’s the sound of the penny bent on sacking Rome, the emperor called into somed, healed, restored, forgiven’, in and through Christ dropping – at last. I’m talking about the persecu- his private chambers his philosopher Sidonius crucified and risen. Today the phenomenon of ‘Fresh tion of Christians throughout the world. and told him: “I know what I will do, Sidonius. I Expressions’ has emerged as an attempt to give the Even Labour shadow ministers have men- will close and fasten the gates of the City.” To Church an attractive appeal through ‘expressions’ but of tioned it. Prince Charles – would-be “defender of which Sidonius replied, “Too late, Sir. There are the same Christ, the incarnate Son whose life, death and faiths” – has written about it. Most surprising of too many of these enemies inside the gates resurrection have dealt with our sin and regenerated our all – and welcome – the BBC has joined in, albeit already.” We must draw the moral from that potential for holiness. very belatedly. Over Christmas there was an precedent and not lapse back into our suicidal The Church of England, we have to note sadly, has made excellent and shocking report by File On Four political correctness. mistakes about renewal movements, notably about Wes- which for once told a straight There is a terrible sense in ley’s Methodist movement, which it failed to embrace to tale about the murderous per- which this persecution of Chris- the great loss of the cause of the Gospel in England. secution of Christians in half a It calls to mind tians is beside the point. We can Our January newspapers are aroused by a new attempt dozen African states, from resist any number of external ene- at fresh expression, in the Baptism liturgy. A new format is Somalia to Sudan, from Mali the old Fawlty mies, but once we lose our confi- being piloted, and the criticism of that very able and to Nigeria and from Libya to Towers sketch, dence in our own civilisation and robust church leader, Michael Nazir-Ali, former Bishop of Egypt where Copts are in dan- way of life, then nothing on earth Rochester, is that the new wording goes soft on sin. A sim- ger of being wiped out. “Don’t mention can save us from destruction. For- ilar criticism was made of the confession in the Alternative Moreover, the BBC report mer Archbishop Carey and Bish- Service Book, that the depth of our sin was not stressed did not mince words when it the w ar! op Michael Nazir-Ali have spoken enough, certainly in comparison with the old Book of came to placing the blame fearlessly about this greater dan- Common Prayer. A genuinely Christian view of sin must squarely where it belongs. Naturally, they used ger. But these courageous men are scorned by be radical, indeed the very fulcrum of the Gospel is that the word “Islamist” for the perpetrators, which our liberal prelates, the Synod’s progressive God himself underwent suffering and death to destroy sin made me wonder whether the word “Islamist” is bureaucrats and the cultured despisers of our and win us forgiveness, so the Church has no freedom to ever admitted to have some connection with religion. No one puts this more starkly than Pas- make light of this central plight in its teaching or liturgies. “Islamic.” Of course it does. The atrocities taking tor Wale Babatunde in his new book Great Men Whether the new pilot format does casualise sin or not place are religious persecution. and Women who made Great Britain Great. He needs to be discussed by General Synod, and members This is a rare phenomenon for usually where speaks prophetically about our national apostasy will need to beware of reflecting a western cultural mores there is sectarian strife – as there was in Bosnia and the secular terrorism which seeks to obliter- that finds sin, let alone the hostile evil of the devil, uninter- in the 1990s and in Northern Ireland for 40 years ate Christian culture from our national life. This, esting, even embarrassing. A good antidote to such a shy and continuing – the religious element masks he says, has been largely achieved by a ten and subchristian watering down of sin, affecting the very the true causes of grievance which tend to be points strategy: meaning of baptism (Romans 6), could be to read in the about land, resources and political freedom. But latest biography of Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas, describ- in much of Africa, in Syria, Iraq, Iran and Pak- 1: Remove God and prayer from state education ing his journey into a genuine faith in Christ from cultural istan, Christians are being slaughtered and dis- 2: Reduce parental authority over their children Christianity, a journey taking him to death. Christian faith possessed, their homes and churches burnt to 3: Destroy the Judeo-Christian family structure is indeed a matter of life and death, not reflection of what the ground, merely because they are Christians. 4: Make sex free and abortion universally our culture finds nice. It is a relief finally to see that the political cor- available Comment rectness which has for so long obsessed the 5: Make divorce easy western media and caused them to play down 6: Make homosexuality an alternative lifestyle The Church of England Newspaper the persecution of Christians has abated some- 7: Use the mass media to enforce this new with Celebrate magazine incorporating The Record and Christian Week what, allowing a clear picture of the horrors tak- secular mindset Published by Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd. ing place to emerge at last. For so long we have 8: Create an interfaith movement Company Number: 3176742 disgracefully ignored the persecution of Chris- 9: Debase art Publisher: Keith Young MBE tians for fear of offending Muslims. It calls to 10: Get governments to make all these laws and mind the old Fawlty Towers sketch and the the churches to endorse the changes. injunction, “Don’t mention the war!” Publishing Director & Editor: CM BLAKELY020 7222 8004 Not before time, Christian leaders have spo- Chief Correspondent: The Rev Canon GEORGE CONGER 00 1 0772 332 2604 ken about these persecutions. It would be good This was largely the agenda of the Frankfurt Reporter: AMARIS COLE 020 7222 8700 to think that the Archbishops and Bishops have School of Marxist intellectuals who sought to at last adjourned their useless everlasting talking “…undermine national institutions from within Advertising: CHRIS TURNER 020 7222 2018 shop with “moderate Muslims” and given up and so extinguish the spirit of Christianity in Advertising & Editorial Assistant: PENNY NAIR PRICE 020 7222 2018 their absurd insistence that terrorism and western man.” Subscriptions & Finance: DELIA ROBINSON 020 7222 8663 slaughter have nothing to do with Islam but are Job done, I would say – and shamefully largely only the wicked deeds of a small number of owing to the weakness and cowardice of the “lib- Graphic Designer: PETER MAY020 7222 8700 “extremists.” eral” hierarchy which rules throughout the The acceptance of advertising does not necessarily indicate In his book Without Roots, Marcello Pera, the church. But we have stoned all the prophets. We endorsement. Photographs and other material sent for publication philosopher and former President of the Italian shall pay no more heed to Pastor Babatunde than are submitted at the owner’s risk. The Church of England Newspaper does Senate says: “Christianity is so consubstantial that we paid to TS Eliot back in 1934 when he not accept responsibility for any material lost or damaged. with the West that any surrender on its part wrote in Choruses from the Rock: “Men have left would have devastating consequences.” God not for other gods, they say, but for no god; Christian Weekly Newspapers Trustees: Robert Leach (020 8224 5696), And he proceeds to ask the crucial question: and this has never happened before. The church Lord Carey of Clifton, The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, The Rt Rev Pete Broadbent, “Will the Church, the clergy and the faithful be disowned, the tower overthrown, the bells Dr Elaine Storkey, The Rev Peter Brown, The Rev Cindy Kent able to and want to be purified of the relativism upturned, what have we to do but stand with that has almost erased their identity and weak- empty hands and palms turned upwards in an The Church of England Newspaper, ened their message and witness?” age which advances progressively backwards?” Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd Many times in the past – thank God – Chris- Babatunde’s book is published by RoperPen- 14 Great College Street, London, SW1P 3RX tians rose up to defend the faith against its ene- berthy. Read him! Editorial e-mail: [email protected] mies: At Tours, Charles Martel saved northern You can hear an interview with Wale Advertising e-mail: [email protected] Europe from Muslim conquest and Don John of Babatunde on The Church of England Newspaper Subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] Austria and the papal states triumphed at Lepan- Radio Show via iTunes or on to. Three hundred years ago Muslim armies www.churchnewspaper.com Website: www.churchnewspaper.com were at the gates of Vienna where they were
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tives that can reduce much of the natural goodness found in cacao. Raw cacao powder is unsweetened though, so to sweeten it I would suggest one spoonful of the fabu- lous Tiana raw organic coconut nectar which looks and tastes exactly like brown sugar, and in my opinion it’s healthier than the processed sweeteners, even the Janey Lee Grace natural ones such as stevia. You can use almond milk, and if you have a blender make your own nut milks. But what about the Himalayan salt? Yep, buy it by all Live Healthy! Live Happy! means to sprinkle on your chips et al but you don’t need it in your warming winter drink. Spirulina? Again some form of supplement is a great idea but I’d keep it separate from a drink. If all of the above sounds way too much like a chemistry experiment A healthy detox drink then stick to a cup of tea, its health benefits are proven!
So, According to the Daily Mail self-confessed lifestyle First off Gwyneth is not wrong to opt for raw Cacao guru Gwyneth Paltrow drinks a warming winter detox Powder, its benefits are incredible, unlike conventional drink and if you were to buy all the ingredients neces- chocolate powder, which is high in hydrogenated fats, sary it would cost you a mere £50! processed sugars, soya, dairy products and additives. The recommended drink contains such ingredients Raw chocolate is renowned for its beneficial proper- as spirulina powder, chocolate flavoured protein pow- ties and long been considered a “super food”, rich in der, almond butter, coconut cream, liquid chlorophyll, magnesium and antioxidant flavonoids. Raw cacao pink Himalayan salt, raw cocao powder, almond milk powder contains over 300 nutritional compounds and and stevia sweetener. up to three times the antioxidants found in green tea . Well I’d like to issue you a challenge Gwyneth – I Unfortunately many of these nutritional benefits are reckon I can suggest a possibly even healthier (almost lost when chocolate is commercially produced as even certainly nicer tasting) winter warming detox drink that store bought organic chocolate requires processing, will hit the spot for a tenth of the price. the addition of alkalis (Dutching), stabilizers and addi- Best and worst Believing but not attending? Just when Paul Flowers thought that things couldn’t The Queen (but not William and Kate) made her traditional visit to church on Christmas morning but get much worse the indefinitely suspended Methodist President Obama and his family kept away. Once it was an American ritual to watch the first family head to Minister received a fresh blow. He came fourth on church on Christmas Day. According to the New York Times, Obama has been to church a mere 18 times GQ’s list of worst-dressed men. Ozwald Boateng during his time in the White House while his predecessor went 120 times in eight years. Obama described topped the list for the worst-dressed and Nick his conversion in ‘The Audacity of Hope’ and Joshua DuBois, who sends the President a daily devotional by Grimshaw came first for the best-dressed. But for email every day, insists he is a Christian but clearly, like a growing number of American Christians, he sits Pope Francis the good news just keeps coming. He lightly on church attendance. Maybe he is still smarting from the wounds he received from the Rev Jeremiah received the coveted award of ‘best-dressed man of Wright. When Obama does go to church he crosses Lafayette Park to St John’s Episcopal Church. One 2013’ from ‘Esquire’. The US magazine admitted it was rumour can be quashed. His grandfather did convert to Islam but neither Obama’s father nor stepfather was an ‘unconventional choice’ but argued that his mode of a practising Muslim. Barack Obama Snr attended a CMS secondary school in Kenya and managed to get to dressing reflects the mindset behind it. One fashion university in the US partly because of the support of an evangelical American missionary. Obama’s mother expert quoted by the magazine credits the pontiff with was a non-believer with a humanist bent and his grandparents who raised him were Unitarians. The hero of understanding that ‘menswear is meant to express the many American evangelicals, Ronald Reagan, was not a great churchgoer and his wife famously consulted character of the man wearing the clothes’. “No rapper- astrologers. He, too, was from a Unitarian background as indeed were a number of founding fathers. style popewear for him.” Another makes a favourable contrast between Francis’ orthopaedic plain black shoes and the ‘opulent bright red shoes’ in which John Paul II was buried. “The opulent jewellery and fur- lined capes of yore have given way to humbler dress,” the magazine announces. Hope for the rest of us? But Crowd puller then how many of us really dare to dress in such as way as to reveal our character? Heythrop’s College Loyola Hall was packed to capacity on Sunday evening for a visit from Jean Vanier, the 85-year-old founder of the L’Arche Communities. Heythrop, a Jesuit foundation that is part of the University of London, celebrates its 400th anniversary this year and is host to ‘Any Questions’ this week but it cannot have seen many gatherings as large as the one that greeted Vanier. Vanier spoke of his new book ‘Signs of the Times’, which outlines what he calls ‘seven paths of hope for a trouble world’. Drawing on Still admired his long experience of working with people with disabilities he spoke of the importance of treating everyone with respect. It Billy Graham came in third on the list of America’s most admired is when people do not feel respect that they turn to violence. men in 2013, tying with Bill Clinton. The evangelist is reported to He also stressed the need to listen to conscience and be in very frail health and his son, Franklin, has asked for follow its promptings, gave a fascinating insight into prayers. For the sixth year running, Barack Obama topped the his own autobiography when he told how at the age list of most admired people but his vote was down from 30 of 13 in 1942 he had left Canada to come to Britain to per cent nominations in 2012 to 16 per cent in 2013. Pope study to join the Royal Navy and the fight against Francis and George W Bush tied for second place. Hitler. “I told my father,” he said, “but I wouldn’t Commenting on the list, Gallup notes that Billy Graham have liked my father’s job when he had to tell my has appeared on it more times than any other man. This Whispering mother.” He left the Navy in 1950, feeling a strong year marked his 57th appearance. He has never finished spiritual call to do something else and went on to
first, a position normally taken by the sitting President, The Gallery gain a PhD in philosophy before abandoning his but he has finished second on numerous occasions. career as a university lecturer in 1964 and Ronald Reagan comes second to Graham for top 10 starting the L’Arche communities for people living appearances but he had only 31 such appearances, 26 with development disabilities and those who assist fewer than Graham’s. Hillary Clinton topped the list them. His father was a Governor General of for most admired woman with Oprah Winfrey Canada and Vanier has received the French second. Michelle Obama and Sarah Palin tying for Legion of Honour Award. He lives in the original third place. L’Arche Community in France.
[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper www.churchnewspaper.com Friday January 10, 2014 Comment 9 What makes a good parish priest? Andrew Carey View from the Pew It is simple, stupid: ‘Where a good parish priest is present, churches grow’. Am I the only one scratch- ing my head over why the Archbishop of Canter- A foolish experiment bury’s remark is seen as controversial? And in fact this comment, made in an interview on New Year’s Eve for the BBC Radio 4 Today pro- A report in the Mail on Sunday on the trial of a baptism-lite liturgy in hundreds of parishes, will hopefully signal the gramme, was intended to reassure rather than upset early demise of this experiment. easily offended clergy. He was simply expressing By way of background, General Synod agreed to pilot more accessible versions of the baptism service simply hope about the future of the Church of England and because the Common Worship christening is such a drab and wordy disaster. However, in making the new service expressing confidence in the fact that the majority of accessible they have managed to turn baptism into something weak and semi-Pelagian, according to the Bishop of its clergy are good and so there are signs of growth. Willesden’s blog (www.bishopofwillesden.blogspot.co.uk). He writes: “This is crass. It’s baptism-lite. It will not do.” The fact that his comments have provoked a fear- My own view is that the Liturgical Commission doesn’t need to pilot a new baptism service, it merely needs to revis- ful and angry reaction among some clergy is highly it the 1980s. For two decades the ASB baptismal service reigned supreme and was simple and accessible especially in revealing. There are too many clergy coasting along its baptismal promises. They are simple and convey all that needs to be conveyed: and not being challenged enough to lead their con- Do you turn to Christ? gregations into mission and growth. The Church of I turn to Christ. England’s recent Synod debated a motion on ‘inten- Do you repent of your sins? tional’ evangelism. It strikes me that to add ‘inten- I repent of my sins. tion’ to evangelism is unnecessary, but it makes the Do you renounce evil? point that a Vicar who doesn’t prioritise growth and I renounce evil. making new disciples should be looking for another The problem with the new experimental liturgy is not that it has ditched the ‘Devil’ but that it has done away with job. ‘sin’ and ‘repentance’. The 1980 service has both. I never thought I’d say this but the solution is simple – bring back There may be all sorts of reasons that churches the ASB baptism. are not growing very fast. Let’s face it, it’s much more difficult to grow churches in some areas due to poverty or rural isolation. And sometimes church- Fuel for the fire es shrink before they grow but surely we can all agree that if the intention to grow isn’t there then we The Rev Peter Ould wistfully remarks on Facebook: “Tonight I fancy curling up with an open fire and Jeffrey Archer have poor leadership. novel. And when that’s all burnt up I’ll move on to the new Church of England Baptism rite.” Making the case Paul Richardson for God Church and World An article in The Times after Christmas asking when ‘something which neither the poets nor the historians There are details like the virgin birth that might seem Justin Welby would make the case for God provoked a of antiquity ever set out to portray: the birth of a spiritu- implausible but which many scholars think can with- number of replies, including one from Bishop Tom al movement in the depths of the common people, from stand the test of historical scrutiny but there are other Wright. None of the correspondents pointed out that in within the everyday occurrences of common life’. elements in the Christmas story like the star or the his Christmas sermon the Archbishop had quite a bit to But he went on to comment that diminishing num- massacre of the holy innocents for which evidence is say about God. The trouble is these comments were not bers of Americans accept the historical details of the lacking but which nonetheless have a message for us. picked up by the press. What interested the media was story. A growing number are either secular or simply Few preachers ever try to separate not fact from fic- what he had to say about poverty, not his argument that ‘spiritual’, ready to accept ideas associated with Christi- tion but fact from imaginative additions that are meant ‘God’s way of being human shows us what being human anity such as the belief that everyone is precious in to interpret the fact. The situation is not helped by the means’. God’s sight but not a historical incarnation. continuing popularity of certain carols, especially those It’s an old problem. When I reviewed a collection of Douthat wondered whether biblical religion can by Mrs Alexander, that offer a moralistic, sentimental Easter and Christmas sermons by Rowan Williams in regain lost ground or whether the spiritual worldview picture of the birth of the ‘little Lord Jesus’. these pages I said they were likely to become a spiritual will carry all before it. Pointing to the cracks that are Any preacher who does rise to the challenge is likely classic. They are packed with theological and spiritual beginning to occur in philosophical materialism he sug- to be denounced by sections of the media as an ‘unbe- insights but you would never have suspected it from gested the future could see a ‘deist revival’, a ‘pantheist lieving bishop’. Only a few like David Jenkins have suf- media reports at the time they were delivered, which turn’, a ‘new respect for biblical religion’ or a ‘rebirth of ficient courage, theological confidence and love of the concentrated on comments that could be interpreted as the 20th century’s Utopianism and will-to-power cruel- limelight to enter the lions’ den. criticisms of the government. ty’. Fundamentally I believe Ross Douthat’s analysis of Justin Welby is not in the same league as a theologian A deist God who created the world but had no interest the American religious situation is accurate and applies as Rowan Williams. Very few people are. But contrary in his creation along the lines proposed by Paul Davies to this country as well. As such writers as Thomas to what Philip Collins wrote in The Times his Christmas does not make much sense. The incarnation and the Nagel and David Bentley Hart have made clear, philo- sermon had quite a bit to say about God. In fact reading message that God wants to enter into a relationship sophical materialism faces contradictions and questions Collins’ column I can see no evidence he actually with us and lead us to salvation offers a more coherent it cannot answer. But biblical Christianity is not making looked at the actual text of the sermon. and convincing account of the divine plan. The trouble headway. Growing numbers of people profess faith in a But this doesn’t mean that we should let the Arch- is that the story of the incarnation and the birth of ‘higher power’ and important elements of the Christian bishop off the hook completely. His sermon was work- Christ comes to us in a form that most people find ethic but decline to join any church or recite the historic manlike and made important points but it suffered from incredible. creeds. an apologetic weakness I suspect many other Christ- Luke and Matthew, who were responsible for the A YouGov poll cited by Archbishop Welby that shows mas sermons suffered from as well. birth narratives, were wonderful story tellers but few people have more respect for what church leaders say To understand this apologetic weakness we have to people today understand the Jewish concept of midrash about poverty than about faith should be seen as a turn to another, more insightful Christmas column that or realise that details about the shepherds or the wise wake-up call. When only nine per cent of people under appeared in the New York Times. men were never meant to be taken as literal history but 25 believe Jesus was the son of God can they be expect- In his op ed Ross Douthat quoted the critic Eric Auer- as attempts to convey the significance of what had hap- ed to make sense of the idea that ‘God’s way of being bach’s judgement that the Christmas story depicts pened. human shows us what being human means?’
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By Susan Hegedus much later in the 19th-century hymn, We Three Kings, shepherd or a magus, what matters is what we have now traditionally sung at Epiphany. learned along the way. Both the magi and the For many, Epiphany, which falls on 6 January every It is through the relationship between kneeling magi shepherds are redeemed after worshiping the newly- year, is remembered merely as the day the decorations and the newly born Christ, that humanity can find its born baby and both carry home the light of Christ. come down, normal work resumes and unwanted identity through relationships, definitely not through The object of the wise men’s journey was they were Christmas presents are taken back to the shops. It is presents: “The sight of the star filled the wise men with given grace, not that they could give gifts. Of course, often accompanied by a vulnerable post-Christmas delight, and going into the house they saw the child we are unaware of what they may have experienced gloom - bulging bin-liners and a plunge further into Jesus with his mother, and falling on their knees they spiritually during their journey, but undoubtedly there debt via overdrafts and credit cards. worshipped him” (Matt.2:1-12). was an air of magic and expectation. Epiphany arrives however, on the twelfth day of It would seem that grace is apparent in those who Similarly we are all on a journey and unrealistic Christmas in the Church calendar and is the first are on the fringes of society. No nativity scene would expectations of all kinds may uproot themselves chapter in the story of humanity’s salvation. It brings be complete without the shepherds. They were often around the festive season. But the tinsel-draped with it the most magical of all evocations - the wonder viewed as unclean as they failed to observe the purity consumerism that many associate with Christmas of the Nativity. laws, and yet they were first to receive the Good News. rarely brings ‘comfort and joy.’ Christmas always comes in with a rush of nativity This is in keeping with Jesus’ ministry as he scenes. But it is the three wise men traditionally consorted with those that were reviled - the poor, tax believed to have been magi from Persia bearing gifts, collectors (who were regarded as traitors) and fallen who feature heavily. women. Ironically it was three wise men from the Christmas cards are full of exotic allure. With a orient who recognised and paid homage to Jesus backdrop of the desert, these curious camel-travelling even though the long awaited Messiah was a robed kings are often portrayed as journeying towards descendant of King David, the King of Israel and the “star of light” laden with presents, often in golden the Jewish people. Consequently Epiphany vessels. stresses the inclusive nature of the Christmas In our mostly secular society, there’s a tendency for story. an over-emphasis on the magi’s gifts that incidentally The true meaning of Epiphany, however, they were giving to God, not to each other. surpasses all divisions between old and young, The word Epiphany means to be touched, to be rich andQuercus poor, the learned and the unlearned. made manifest so it is a season when we reflect upon This is evident in this prophecy of the calling of how we have been touched by the presence of God the Gentiles: All the ends of the world shall through the manifestation in Jesus. remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the It not only celebrates the revelation of the Son of kindreds of the nations shall worship before God to the Gentiles, but also Jesus’ baptism by St John thee, Psalm 22:27. the Baptist and the working of Jesus’ first miracle at What the magi witness is an event planned the Wedding of Cana. possibly for years – theirs was an intricate It was Aurelius Prudentius, a fourth century journey that has been specifically calculated. Christian poet, who established the traditional This strongly contrasts with the spontaneity meanings of the magi gifts: “Gold to symbolise Christ’s of the poverty-stricken shepherds urged to kingship; frankincense his priestly divinity, and myrrh; go to Bethlehem by direct angelic his suffering humanity.” intervention. These gifts started to appear in religious Any journey will have a number of possible medieval art and were eventually popularised routes and irrespective of whether we are a
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By Amaris Cole relays this information into Israeli to the doctor, who year.” writes notes into her file. By June, the lump had grown to 2 x 5 x 3 Every Saturday a group of Israelis meet in a small, PHRI visit a village three times to follow-up test centimetres, and she asked for it to be removed. The petrol station cafe, drinking fresh coffee and telling results and check the progress of their patients. doctor refused, saying it would disfigure her breast. each other about their week. Some of them are During this time, an important relationship forms Another doctor told her: “Everything will be fine once young, some between the physicians and their you get married”. Despite more lumps growing, older, and some patients. medical officials told her it was caused by ill fitting Tom Pilston/Christian Aid even older still – “It’s not common for Israelis to bras. the voice that mix with Palestinians, with many Eventually, a doctor sent another biopsy to the lab, makes itself heard never visiting the West Bank, and it was clear she had cancer. It was 164 days after the most belongs despite living less than half an hour first noticing the lump that Fatma began to a small, 90-year- away,” Lital explained. chemotherapy. She requested to be referred to Israel, lady, with a lot to “PHRI believe it is vital for the sending the results of her diagnosis to Tel Hashomer say. community to see Israelis in Hospital. Officials there summoned her to attend But this group another light, though. The doctors urgently, seeing the critical stage her illness had aren’t here to benefit, too, seeing the harsh reached. gossip. reality of the occupation.” For Palestinians to visit Israel though, they need a These are After a thorough examination, medical permit. Fatma applied, but heard nothing nurses, doctors back. She then asked PHRI to and other trained intervene. They had to go through the volunteers, Supreme Court to secure a permit. waiting for the Following many more months of medicine-laden coach to take them into the West battling to get across the border for Bank, to whichever village they are due to visit appointment and treatments, Fatma’s today. cancer spread and she finally died in For some, Saturday is their only day off. But that her home. does not stop them volunteering as regularly as Though stories like this are they are able to. uncommon, it was used to highlight Physicians For Human Rights in Israel has the epidemiological transition of the operated for 26 years. “We are coming to support occupied Palestinian territory – that our Palestinian brothers in their struggle to have cancer and other non-communicable their own State,” says Lital Grosman, the diseases are now the main causes of spokesperson for the group. “It’s the Palestinians’ death of Palestinian people. right to live in prosperity and peace.” PHRI are the only Israeli group who As a partner of Christian Aid, the charity can get to the Gaza Strip. Giving campaigns tirelessly for this. Tom Pilston/Christian Aid hospitals there help and supplies. Lital The group believes that as long as there is an said the support they give is occupation, Israel is responsible for the health of invaluable. the Palestinian people. But this is being ignored. Hedab is sent for an X-Ray. When the group visit After a long day treating hundreds of women, the PHRI lobby the government both politically and in again next month, the results will be used to find the doctors pile back onto the coach to travel back to humanitarian terms, to improve the situation. right treatment. Israel. Despite giving up a precious day off, the Today PHRI are running a Women’s Clinic. The The health of women in oPt (occupied Palestinian physicians are all desperate to explain how it is they majority of Palestine is Muslim, so it is vital for the territory) has long been a concern for PHRI. In 2004, who benefit most from volunteering. female villagers to see women doctors, but this is the death of Fatma Bargouth of breast cancer was a “They see me as a person,” Doctor Tal Applebaum difficult. wakeup call to many We travelled to Khirbet Abu Falah, which is of the difficulties supposed to be visited by a female doctor every two faced by those weeks. When she does come, she is there for just 2 needing medical hours. With 25,000 people living in the region, even attention in the West when she does come, this is simply not enough. Bank. Lital explained: “Women in our society have the role On April 15, 2003, of looking after the whole family: her husband and the kids and the grandparents, but she needs to look after her own health too.” This is often sidelined, especially when seeing a doctor is so rare. When we arrive, we are greeted by hundreds of women, desperate to see a doctor. They queue patiently outside treatment rooms. One of these women is Hedab Shooman. As we wait, she clutches her neck. She tells me she has been to see doctors in Palestine before. The mother-of-six travelled two hours to see a surgeon about the pain which Tom Pilston/Christian Aid spreads across her back, but the pills she was given had not helped, and it 26-year-old Fatma told me. “They don’t see me as an Israeli.” was too far to go back again. “I just discovered a lump in Like the others, she tries to help out as often as she have to handle the pain,” she says. her breast and can. “It’s not something that’s difficult; they give us so The health service in the occupied immediately went to much pleasure.” Palestinian territory ‘lacks appropriate Shifa Hospital, the To read more about Fatma Barouth’s story, visit quality of care, lacks expertise and Tom Pilston/Christian Aid largest medical centre http://www.israelsoccupation.info/sites/default/files lacks adequate equipment, PHRI say. in Gaza, where she had /Breast%20Cancer.pdf. But Hedab hopes that today she can a biopsy. But this and For more information about Christian Aid’s Christmas get help. This is the first time she has been in contact subsequent tests showed there was ‘nothing to worry appeal, or to make a with an Israeli. She sits nervously across from her, about’. She returned six times as the lump grew, but donation, visit christianaid.org.uk/christmas orcall 020 describing her symptoms in Arabic. A translator then the doctor said: “I don’t want to see you for another 7 523 2493.
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THE 2014 the new Benefice of Wigston until the end of 2014. ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER (Lichfield). The Rev Jacqueline Mar- BIBLE CHALLENGE The Rev Julian John Wilson, garet Rodwell, Rector of Baschurch and House for Duty Team Vicar in Friday 10 January. Psalm 138: 1-8, Eph. 2: 1-10. Agra - Weston Lullingfield with the Benefice of the South Day 10 Genesis 25-27, Psalm 9, (North India): The Rt The Rev Samuel Cutting Hordley and World Cheltenham Team Ministry, to Matthew 9 Saturday 11 January. Psalm 147: 12-end, Isa. 44: 1-5. Development Officer for the retire on 6 July 2014 Day 11 Genesis 28-30, Psalm Ahoada - (Niger Delta, Nigeria): The Rt Rev Clement Ekpeye; Salop Archdeaconry; to also be (Gloucester). 10, Matthew 10 Aguata - (Niger, Nigeria): The Most Rev Christian Efobi Rural Dean of Ellesmere The Rev Rachel Ross, Day 12 Enjoy hearing the Sunday 12 January. Epiphany 1. Psalm 111: 1-6, Eph. 2: 11- (Lichfield). Rector of All Saints with Holy Scriptures read aloud in church 22. PRAY for The Anglican Church of Australia: The Most Rev Trinity, Loughborough Day 13 Genesis 31-33, Psalm Dr Phillip John Aspinall, Archbishop of Brisbane & Primate of RETIREMENTS & (Leicester) will retire with 11, Matthew 11 Australia effect from 15 March 2013. Day 14 Genesis 34-36, Psalm Monday 13 January. Psalm 117, Eph. 3: 1-13. Aipo Rongo - RESIGNATIONS Rachel is leaving to move with 12, Matthew 12 (Papua New Guinea): The Rt Rev Dr Nathan Ingen; Suffragan her husband the Rev Mike Day 15 Genesis 37-39, Psalm Bishop of Aipo Rongo - (Papua New Guinea): The Rt Rev Smith who has been appointed 13, Matthew 13 Denys Ririka The Ven John Beer, as Rector of Caversham, Day 16 Genesis 40-42, Psalm Tuesday 14 January. Psalm 111: 4-10, Eph. 4: 1-6. Ajayi Archdeacon of Cambridge in Thameside and Mapledurham 14, Matthew 14 Crowther - (Ibadan, Nigeria): The Rt Rev Olugbenga Oduntan the Diocese of Ely, is to retire (Oxford). Wednesday 15 January. Psalm 105: 1-7, Eph. 4: 17-24. in March. Mr David Treweeke, APPOINTMENTS Akoko - (Ondo, Nigeria): The Rt Rev Gabriel Akinbiyi The Rev Peter Thomas Lay Chair of Shrewsbury Thursday 16 January. Psalm 113, Isa. 44: 23-28. Akoko Edo - Brown, Deanery, has retired with effect (Bendel, Nigeria): The Rt Rev Jolly Oyekpen Self-Supporting Associate from 24 November 2013 The Rev Canon Angela Bai- Priest in the Benefice of the (Lichfield). ley, North Cheltenham Team The Rev Richard Lawrence Vicar of Rowley with Skidby Elloughton and Brough with The Rev Canon Stephen Ministry, retired on 31 Williams, and Priest in Charge of Bishop Brantingham (York). Thomas Mayes, December 2013 (Gloucester). resigns as Area Dean of the Burton has been appointed as The Rev Warwick Geoffrey SSM Priest-in-Charge, Barston The Rev John James Davis, Weald Deanery with effect the Diocesan Adviser for Lay Heathcote, St Swithin, Diocese of NS Assistant Curate (Associate from 31 December 2013 Development and Stipendiary Priest in Charge of Birmingham, to have Bishop’s Minister) of Stafford St Mary (Canterbury). Archdeaconry Training Adviser the Benefice of Stratton, North Permission to Officiate, and Marston (continuing), for Cleveland (York). Cerney, Baunton and Diocese of Birmingham Chaplain to Stafford Town LAY & OTHER The Rev Helen Margaret Bagendon; and of the Benefice (Stephen remains an Honorary Centre (continuing), and Rural APPOINTMENTS Bailey, of Rendcomb, to be Stipendiary Canon Emeritus of Dean of Stafford (continuing); Curate of Christ Church, Rector of The Churn Valley Birmingham Cathedral). has resigned as Chaplain of Harrogate (Ripon and Leeds), Benefice (Gloucester). The Rev Lee Richard Plum- Abbots Bromley School to be Rector of The Rev Nicholas Peter mer, (Lichfield). Honorary canons Minchinhampton with Box and Heron, Curate of Newchapel; to be The Rev John Frederick The Rev Joyce Forbes, Amberley (Gloucester). Station Chaplain to RAF Team Vicar and Pioneer Leader Dunn, Honorary Assistant Priest of St The Rev Camilla Campling- Shawbury; to be Priest in in Central Telford (Lichfield). Vicar of Tipton St Martin and Stephen’s, Norbury and Denton, charge of Wem and of Lee The Rev Clifford Russell St Paul; to retire with effect Thornton Heath; The Rev House for Duty Priest in the Brockhurst (Lichfield). Pooley, from 25 February 2014 Trevor Mapstone, Vicar of Benefice of Washburn and Mid- The Rt Rev Christopher Self-Supporting Associate (Lichfield). Emmanuel, Croydon; The Rev Wharfe (Bradford), to be John Hill, Priest of the Benefice of The Rev Philip John Edge, Peter Moseling, Rector of the Rector of the Benefice of previously Bishop of Guildford, Coberley, Cowley, Colesbourne Vicar of Ellesmere United Benefice of Bletchingley Walkingham Hill (Ripon and to be Honorary Assistant and Elkstone, to be Self- (continuing); has resigned as and Nutfield; The Rev Andrew Leeds). Bishop in the Diocese of Supporting Associate Priest of Rural Dean of Ellesmere Stevens, Vicar of St Nicholas, The Rev Victor Richard Gloucester. The Churn Valley Benefice (Lichfield). Plumstead; The Rev Dr John Dunstan-Meadows, The Rev Carol Lacey, (Gloucester). The Ven John Barrie Hall, Thewlis, Rector of All Saints, Stipendiary Priest in Charge of Curate in the Benefice of St The Rt Rev Anthony Martin has ceased to be Assistant Carshalton; The Rev Jenny the Benefice of Up Hatherley, Anne, St Paul and St Augustine, Priddis, Curate (Minister in Charge) in Thomas, Vicar of the to be Stipendiary Vicar of the Leicester, has been invited to Previously Bishop of Hereford, Hanbury, Newborough, Ascension, Pollards Hill, all to Benefice of Up Hatherley take up the living of Christ to be Honorary Assistant Rangemore and Tutbury be honorary canons of (Gloucester). Church, Brampton Bierlow Bishop in the Diocese of (Lichfield). Southwark Cathedral. The Rev Nigel Patrick Ely, (Sheffield). Gloucester The Rev Carole Lloyd, PTO; to also be Assistant The Rev Michael Leonard The Rev James Robert Priest-in-Charge of Swanwick Anglican Chaplain to the Royal Eric Last, Rosie, and Pentrich and Diocesan DEATHS Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Rector of Adderley, Ash, Assistant Curate at Kingston Stewardship Officer, Diocese of New Cross Hospital, Calverhall, Ightfield and upon Hull St Alban; to be Derby, has stepped down as Wolverhampton (Lichfield). Moreton Say; to also be Rector of Cheadle with Freehay Diocesan Stewardship Officer The Rev Mandy Flaherty, Diocesan Officer for Rural (Lichfield). with immediate effect. Mrs The Rev Canon Christopher NSM in Alconbury (St Peter Affairs in Salop Archdeaconry The Rev Timothy Storey, Lloyd will continue as Priest-in- John Finlay, and St Paul) cum Weston in the (Lichfield). Rector of Blandford Forum and Charge. Associate Priest in the Benefice Ely diocese has been appointed The Rev David Harry Stan- Langton Long (Salisbury); to The Rev Alister Mort, of the South Cotswolds Team Chaplain of The King’s (The ley Leeson, be Team Rector in Central Team Vicar of St John’s and St Ministry; and Honorary Canon Cathedral) School Self-Supporting Associate Telford (Lichfield). Luke Bilton in the Diocese of of Gloucester Cathedral, died Peterborough. Priest of the Benefice of The Rev Trevor Thurston- Ripon and Leeds, is to retire on on 13 December 2013 The Rev Michael Andrew Stratton, North Cerney, Smith, 31st January 2014. He will be (Gloucester). Fryer, Baunton and Bagendon, to be Priest in Charge in the undertaking a voluntary The Rt Rev Albert Peter Hall Vicar of St Aiden, Southcoates Self-Supporting Associate Benefice of Broughton Astley, teaching placement with Assistant Bishop [Hon.], has been appointed as Priest-in- Priest of The Churn Valley with Croft, and Stoney Stanton Crosslinks on the staff team at Diocese of Birmingham, died Charge of the Benefice of Benefice (Gloucester). as Incumbent (designate) of Johannesburg Bible College on 28 December 2013.
Peanut, Chilli and Ginger Noodles Prep:15min Cook:10min Ready in:25min Cook Cook noodles in a large pot of boiling water until Ingredients fresh root ginger done. Drain. Serves: 4 3 tablespoons soy sauce Meanwhile, combine chicken stock, ginger, soy This 250g (9 oz) fresh Chinese 3 tablespoons sauce, peanut butter, honey, chilli paste and garlic noodles unsweetened peanut in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until 100ml (4 fl oz) chicken stock butter peanut butter melts and is heated through. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons minced 1 1/2 tablespoons honey noodles, and toss to coat. Garnish with spring fresh root ginger 1 dessertspoon hot chilli onions and peanuts. 3 tablespoons soy sauce paste (optional) 3 tablespoons unsweetened 3 cloves garlic, minced Tip: peanut butter 4 spring onions, chopped If you don't have chilli paste, use minced red chilli 100ml (4 fl oz) chicken stock 30g (1 oz) chopped to taste. 1 1/2 tablespoons minced peanuts
[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper www.churchnewspaper.com Friday January 10, 2014 Classifieds & Arts 13 2014 offers a year of art
Turner and the Sea at National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
By Brian Cooper documentation of American cultural and social life in 400 works (26 June - 25 August), Modern South American Art (5 July - 28 September), and first major Six Renaissance-theme presentations, fresh-look UK retrospective of eminent contemporary German Turner shows, and exhibitions of Rembrandt, artist Anself Kiefer. Matisse, Mondrian, Malevich, Hopper, Pop Art and Memorably innovative 20th-century British artists World War One portraits, offer world-class art for Ben and Winifred Nicholson, Christopher Wood, 2014. Alfred Wallis and William Murray are shown at National Gallery highlights the Renaissance with Dulwich Picture Gallery (4 June - 21 September); Masters of the German Renaissance (19 February - 11 National Portrait Gallery recalls 1914 with The Great May) probing changing notions of masters Durer, War in Portraits, including works by Sickert, Cranach, Holbein; Veronese: Magnificence in Beckmann and Kirchner, and contrastingly over 250 Renaissance Venice (19 March - 15 June) presents his photo-portraits by David Bailey. epic Biblical and Classical pieces, and small devotional Estorick Gallery (Modern Italian Art) presents works; Architecture in Italian Renaissance Painting Surrealist Giorgio de Chirico’s sculptures of Classical (30 April - 21 September) contrasts real and fantastical myths (15 January - 19 April); Courtauld Gallery buildings from Duccio to Botticelli. Royal Academy spans British & German Romantic Landscapes (30 shows Renaissance Impressions: Chiaroscuro January - 27 April) to Austrian Expressionist Egon Woodcuts (15 March - 8 June) and Northern Italian Schiele: The Radical Nude (23 October - 18 January). Renaissance painter Giovanni Moroni (25 October - 25 Hayward Gallery presents minimalist and installation January 2015) well complement, as does National artist Martin Creed (29 January - 27 April). National Gallery of Scotland’s Titian and the Golden Age of Gallery of Scotland continues its Colourist series with Venetian Art (22 March - 14 September). JD Ferguson’s show until June. Turner and the Sea at National Maritime Museum, Recommended exhibitions running into 2014: Tate Greenwich (until April 21), first major-scale show of Modern’s big-scale Paul Klee survey (until 9 March) - his marine art, and Tate Britain’s Late Turner: 17 rooms of utterly fascinating works; British Painting Set Free (10 September - 25 January 2015), Museum’s opulent showcase of golden jewellery, on his final innovative period (1835-50), both promise masks and other ancient American objects in Beyond fresh perspectives on his genius. El Dorado: Power and Gold in Ancient Colombia (until Tate Modern features Pop Art founder Richard 23 March); Queen’s Gallery’s welcome revelation of Hamilton (13 February - 26 May), Matisse Cut-Outs forgotten Baroque genius Giovanni Castiglione (until (16 April - 7 September), early 20th-century Russian 16 March). It features 90 drawings and prints, often revolutionary painter Malevich (16 July - 26 October) on Biblical themes, which reveal remarkably vivid and landmark retrospective of key post-1945 German draughtsmanship in oils on paper - not to be missed. artist Sigmar Polke (2 October - 15 February 2015). Notable too, are the utterly different creations of Tate Britain showcases Richard Deacon sculptures (5 French-American artist Louise Bourgeois in February - 27 April), Ruins in British art (4 March - 18 Edinburgh Modern Art Gallery’s retrospective (until May), British Folk Art including Toby jugs and ships’ 18 May): strange sculptures, half-abstract/ half-figure figureheads (10 June - 7 September), while Tate forms, witty mobiles, surrealist cloth pieces and other Liverpool’s Mondrian: Abstraction into the World, will often disturbing works. be a major event. Finally - last chance to see Honore Daumier’s National Gallery ends its year with Rembrandt: The Visions of Paris, capturing this 19th-century French Final Years (15 October - 18 January 2015), with 90 artist’s radical sympathy with the poor and biting works revealing his late genius from 1650s to 1669. criticism of political establishments (Royal Academy Royal Academy offers Dennis Hopper’s photo- until 26 January). 14 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday January 10, 2014 Sunday r r The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his well as the New Testament as we have recalled
o mercies never come to an end; they are new every God’s mighty acts of old and his promises over SUNDAY SERVICE morning; great is your faithfulness, (Lam the centuries that found their fulfilment in the t 3:22,23). birth of Jesus. Looking back at our Christian Sunday 19 January 2014 - 2nd Sunday of story helps to strengthen our faith and make us Epiphany c Many of us enjoy looking back over the events thankful. of the last year as a new one approaches. It also helps us to see just how faithful God is Isaiah 49:1-7 e Whether we do it by theme or by one month at in the face of our weaknesses and failures. Time 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
r a time we are invited to remember the highs after time the Israelites sinned and turned their John 1:29-42
i and the lows of 12 months gone and maybe faces away from God, but he did not forget reflect on where we have been and where we them or abandon his promises to them. This Sunday’s readings are about calling: the calling of
d are now. Certain images capture moods at dif- January 1st is one way that human beings God’s Servant, Jesus, and the calling of God’s saints.
l ferent times; just about every kind of public mark a new beginning. There are many new In Isaiah, we again hear more about the Servant of God
By the Rev Drre Liz Hoare miniscing will include the face of Nelson years of course, all of them artificial in one who will draw God’s people back to himself and gather Mandela from 2013 for example. Such public sense. Whether it’s the financial year, the aca- them together. He himself calls to the nations, to a reminiscences tell the story of nations, even demic year or some other new start, human announce that he has been called by God, and that in humanity’s story and give us pause for thought, beings mark out time as a way of keeping track two senses. First, he was named by the LORD himself, u but it is also something we are drawn to do as of things. but second, he was called and given the vocation of a ser-
t individuals. God’s time is always his own to mark, howev- vant. That vocation involves him in speaking God’s pow-
i What has happened over the past year in our er, and he is not bound by any of our calendars erful word, but only at the right time: he is kept like a
r own lives that we can chart as worthy of note? or dates. polished arrow ready to be revealed in due course (as
i Those of us who send out circular Christmas He holds out his invitation to us to pause and Galatians 4 puts it, “when the fullness of time had come”, greetings do this very publicly, but it’s tempting begin again whenever we hear his word and or Romans 5, “at just the right time”). to record the successes and achievements respond to it in repentance and faith. All the This vocation will be ultimately for God’s own glory p while quietly ignoring the things we’d rather same, it’s all too easy to let time march relent- and fame, but the Servant himself confesses that it forget. lessly on, so perhaps the month of January is a seems from a human perspective to be weak and empty: s In the Bible there are many new beginnings good point to look back and also look forward has he laboured in vain and spent his strength for no and God’s people are frequently called upon to in faith. earthly gain? His work might appear a failure to some e remember what God has done for them in the As we chart the highs and lows of our person- eyes, but he is confident too, that his reward is ultimate- past in order to move on into the future he has al lives, doing so consciously in God’s loving ly secure with God. He is called to be a light and the sal-
h for them. As we have celebrated Christmas gaze can help us to be honest, acknowledging vation of the nations, though this final victory only
t many of us will have attended carol services the things he has helped us to deal with as well comes to one who is deeply despised and abhorred for a which have included readings from the Old as as the things we have not done well. time. John, called the Baptizer, names Jesus in the Gospel reading. He is “the Lamb of God” who takes away the sin of the world. He is the pre-existent and supreme one, Urban v Rural Attendance who baptises with the Holy Spirit (as the Father told John when he sent him), and is himself the Son of God. The Trinity is seen acting together not just in the bap- Peter Brierley in scattered rural areas, as well as such obvious factors tism of Christ but in the Baptizer’s calling and under- as easier transport. standing too. These names not only mark out our There has always been a dichotomy between urban Does this mean that rural attendance is doomed? saviour as the long-awaited king, but also as the suffer- and rural churchgoing. Bigger, more bustling church- Not at all; there are some counties, like Leicestershire ing servant, called and destined to bear sin on our es in city centres contrast with quieter and often more for example, where rural areas well outweigh atten- behalf, to suck in all its fatal poison then carry it away in traditional countryside churches, each attracting dif- dance pro rata than in the urban areas. There may also his sacrificial death. ferent types of people. A new analysis of church atten- be other explanations or recommendations which Identified as such, Christ calls his followers. But those dance shortly due for publication, across all readers may care to suggest. who began to follow him when pointed in his direction denominations, by Local or Unitary Authority set What this means though is that wherever one is liv- by John are asked, as are all his disciples, “What are you against the overall attendance across the relevant ing, in an urban area or rural, the potential for local looking for?” They call him “Rabbi”, a teacher, and that County as a whole, gives some interesting features. growth and impact is real. Environmental context may he most certainly is, but how much more will their The Table lists a number of urban areas, mostly encourage growth but it is not the primary cause of understanding grow as the Gospel progresses! “Come towns, but including some cities, not necessarily the growth. and see,” he tells them, beckoning them into a lifelong county town or city, but the one with the greatest per- calling as followers and learners. Andrew in turn calls centage attending church. It gives church attendance Dr Peter Brierley is author of “Capital Growth” on his brother, Simon, to be a follower too. And as he as a percentage of the relevant population compared churchgoing in London; [email protected] begins his new life, Jesus calls him by a new name: with the county in which that town or city is located. Peter, the Rock. Being called and regenerated by Jesus The Table shows in each case that the difference is can change you at the most fundamental level of your mostly of the order of two per cent, although in a few identity. cases it is up to four per cent. The county percentage Paul shared in Peter’s calling to be a foundation, an includes the town or city mentioned. apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God. In 1 Corinthi- ans he writes to an errant, somewhat wild, arrogant, and In most counties, there was only one town where disobedient church. Yet nonetheless, they are “called to attendance was significantly higher than the county be saints, together with those who in every place call on average. Equally there are many counties not included the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Their identity is in in this list at all, so this is not a comprehensive state- him, and most fundamentally they are saints, holy ones, ment. Also in some counties the expected town, like because they call on the name of Jesus. It is interesting the county town of Ipswich in Suffolk, is not listed – that Paul twice mentions that this calling is not a solitary another town in Suffolk was doing better. So this list- one (in verses 2 and 9), because some of the Corinthians ing is more of a random group of towns than some gen- thought that the word of God (practically!) originated eral trend. with them, and that they in their idiosyncrasies were the Are there any particular characteristics in the towns only truly spiritual Christians (see 1 Corinthians 14:36). listed that might give a reason for their inclusion in the Yet Paul reminds them that despite their great grace and list? Several have significantly large churches, not strength, they relied upon God for their gifts and calling, always Church of England, which may be seen in Cam- and to keep them in the worldwide fellowship of his Son. bridge, Exeter, Luton, Oxford, Sevenoaks, Sheffield and Winchester for example, which obviously help Lee Gatiss is Director of Church Society and Editor of contribute to general high attendance in that town. the NIV Proclamation Bible There are also more towns in the south of England than the north. So size of church and general location have something to do with it, but somehow that does- n’t seem a sufficient explanation. There are also more HYMN SUGGESTIONS towns where the percentage of evangelicals is relative- ly high rather than relatively low, so churchmanship is probably a key factor too. Called and named before your birth It may also be that towns and cities are more attrac- From heaven you came tive propositions to emerging church leaders than God of grace and God of glory rural situations. In addition, inter-church co-operation Jesus, the name high over all will probably be simpler in centres of population than Will you come and follow me
[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper www.churchnewspaper.com Friday January 10, 2014 Reviews 15 The movies that kick-start the 2014 awards season
Award season starts here. Mandela: Long In The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (cert. PG), Trying to track down O’Connell then takes Walk to Freedom (dir. Justin Chadwick, Ben Stiller directs and stars as the eponymous Mitty on real-life adventures, to Greenland, cert. 12A) is too disjointed to pick up best daydreamer in a version of James Thurber’s flying with a drunk helicopter pilot to jump film awards, but its English stars may be in short story. Here Mitty runs the store of pho- onto a boat in the North Atlantic (he misses) the running. tograph negatives used by LIFE magazine, at and then to Iceland in time for the volcanic Idris Elba (best known in the UK as DCI a time when it faces closure of the print issue, eruption. It is possible all this is a dream, but John Luther) plays Nelson Mandela and with bad guy Hendricks (Adam Scott) put in it’s never flagged as such, rather as a call to Naomie Harris plays Winnie. Both are bril- to do the downsizing of premises and staff. stop dreaming about stuff and do it. liant portrayals, in William Nicholson’s Mitty’s daydreams extend to colleague It’s stylish, the cinematography is great, and adaptation of Nelson’s autobiography. Cheryl (Kristen Wiig) while his tendency to there is superb attention to detail. Even if the Starting with his initiation as a man “zone out” makes Hendricks think he’s a story bears little resemblance to the original, (without saying it meant circumcision), prime candidate for the chop, especially when it’s a fun adventure with a romcom sideline, the story is told of his career as lawyer, he loses a negative sent by freelance photog- and running jokes round his online dating opponent of pass laws and apartheid, and rapher Sean O’Connell (Sean Penn). O’Con- mentor Todd (Patton Oswalt). proponent of armed struggle. His state- nell describes the picture as perfect for the The background includes fake LIFE covers, ment at the “Rivonia trial” (after the region final front cover – it is “the quintessence of and in the end a “final cover” that I seemed to of the ANC safe house at Liliesleaf farm) is LIFE”. remember - or perhaps I dreamt it. much curtailed – it was over 10,000 words – but captures the choice between “submit or fight”. It is almost impossible to depict 27 years American Hustle (dir. David O. Russell, cert. 15) is a Golden there’s a false note when he suddenly becomes fluent in a in captivity; it’s not a “prison movie” like Globe nominee for best musical or comedy film. Russell language he’d earlier denied knowing) but Arab money was Shawshank (which had most of its similar shares screenplay credit with Eric Singer, and between indeed part of the shady dealings back then. 2 hours 20 minutes set in prison). Events them they’ve forged a classic scam movie in which New Jer- To avoid jail, and avoid the Mob, Irving needs a plan. outside prison – his son’s death in a road sey fraudster Irving Rosenfield (Christian Bale) teams up Without spoiling the twist, there’s an echo of The Sting accident and Winnie’s increasingly mili- with Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) then falls foul of FBI movie, and while it doesn’t match that quality, it’s a refresh- tant role – punctuate long years on Robben agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) who offers them the ingly complicated tale. Island before the government belatedly chance to work for the Bureau rather than go to jail. Finally, and probably not easy to find, is Fill The Void recognise an unstoppable wind of change All they have to do is set up a sting for the local mayor, (Lemale et ha’halal, Hebrew with English subtitles, cert. U), and move him and his fellow political pris- Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner) to prove he’s corrupt (it’s an Israeli film about a young Hasidic woman, Shira (Hadas oners to mainland prison, and then move set in the late 70s when Mayor Errichetti of Camden, NJ, Yaron, who won best actress at the 2012 Venice Film Festi- him to a house within a prison, and initiate was on the take). However, the money from allowing gam- val). When her sister dies in childbirth, pressure grows on secret negotiations with government min- bling attracts the interest of the Mafia – and, although her to marry the widower (Yiftach Klein). isters. uncredited, Robert De Niro’s cameo as enforcer Victor Tel- Secular actors play the parts but it’s written and directed What comes over is the delicate balance legio is a menacing throwback. by an Israeli woman, Rama Burshtein, who converted to between the options for South Africa, and Irving’s separated and alcoholic wife Rosalyn (another Hasidism in her 20s – after graduating from the Sam Spiegel the skill needed to create a way that looked stunning role for Jennifer Lawrence) could be the weak Film and Television School in Jerusalem. Duty, love, and the for reconciliation and not revenge. The strand in the web of deceit spun for the unsuspecting mayor habit of the men singing at meals, feature strongly, in a fas- film does justice to a great man (and does and other politicians, while DiMaso’s demands on his boss- cinating insight into a community that discourages going to not ignore an occasional darker side) but es to complete the sting get increasingly wild. Even the the cinema. barely scratches the surface of a remark- “fake sheik” (Michael Peña) seems very implausible (and Steve Parish able story.
The Oxford Movement: Europe the movement. Steward Brown demonstrates the move- evangelical in belief and this led to some tensions. In and the Wider World 1830 - ment’s influence on the Church of Scotland. the US, Peter Nockles suggests, without the influence 1930 Looking at the overall impact of the Oxford Move- of the Oxford Movement, the high church cause might Stewart J Brown and Peter Nock- ment it is possible to identify a number of trends. One have made smoother progress and been better adapted les (eds) important consequence was to give a new emphasis to to local politics and culture. CUP, hb, £62 ecumenism. Before 1830 members of the Church of The Episcopal Church is an interesting case because England looked chiefly to Protestant Churches in it was said by one observer to need the Oxford Move- According to the editors this is the first volume to Europe; by 1840, as Nigel Yates points out, high Angli- ment less than the Church of England. Tractarians examine the wider influence of the Oxford Movement cans were looking elsewhere towards the Old Catholics were encouraged by what they saw when they looked since Northern Catholicism, edited by NP Williams and in Holland or towards the Eastern and Oriental Ortho- across the Atlantic until they examined the American C Harris, appeared in 1933. This is certainly an impor- dox. Cultural and theological divisions remained and situation more closely. When they did this, they con- tant book that casts a good deal of new light on its sub- the Dutch Old Catholics were not to accept Anglican cluded that democratic fervour had led to bishops with ject although, as the editors recognise, there are orders for a hundred years but a change was set in little real power and began to harbour doubts about significant gaps in the areas covered. To some extent motion. American commitment to doctrinal orthodoxy in the these gaps are explained by the book’s origins in a con- As Yates concludes: “The legacy of the Oxford Move- face of secular pressures. ference held at Pusey House, Oxford, in 2008. Such ment eventually helped to underpin and strengthen Dean Hook detected among Americans a tendency ‘to conferences are always limited by the availability of Anglican engagement in Europe and the wider world.” yield to the prevailing patterns of the age’ – a criticism speakers. In English-speaking countries the Oxford Movement that has often been made about American religion and Perhaps the two most significant gaps are the is usually thought to have been attractive because it not just about Episcopalians. absence of a study of the impact of the Oxford Move- gave Anglicans a sense of identity in situations where A theme that does come through very strongly in this ment on Anglican missionary work or of the influence it they could not depend upon links with the state. book is the diversity of views among Anglo-Catholics. had in Scandinavia, particularly in Sweden. Canada is Authority flowed from the apostolic succession and con- Henry Manning was an enthusiast for the Empire and also ignored and little is said about New Zealand. tinuity with the early church, not from association with not at first opposed to the Jerusalem bishopric scheme; In compensation for these omissions some subjects the crown. As a result, we see Australian bishops hav- the Society of the Holy Cross did not welcome recogni- are covered that have not been discussed in standard ing the confidence to meet together and make doctrinal tion of Old Catholic rebels against Rome; Australia and accounts of Tractarianism. There are chapters on the pronouncements. America yielded fewer converts to Rome than England. reception of the Oxford Movement in Germany, Bel- But while largely true this picture needs some qualifi- Divisions in Anglo-Catholicism go back to the early gium and France. In the case of Belgium Jan de Meyer cation. The Episcopal Church in Scotland grew in num- days of the movement. and Karel Strobbe are forthright in condemning a bers and in confidence in the 19th Century but Brown missed opportunity by ultramontane Roman Catholics argues much of this growth came from immigrants Paul Richardson to appreciate the richness and significance of from Northern Ireland and England who were often
[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper COLLEGE STREET Hello! After a heavy Christmas and New Year, it seems like EVERYONE is on some kind of health-kick. From crazy diets to extreme fitness routines, SW1 January is once again being spent in misery by half the country. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Sport can be fun! And College Street is CITY OF WESTMINSTER here to prove it... Here are our favourites.
WIFE CARRYING OCTOPUSH Yep, you read it right. Basically, just underwater hockey. First imagined in Finland, This non-contact sport involves teams this weird obstacle race swimming their way to the puck, in a sees male competitors bid to manoeuvre it across the bottom carry a female teammate of the pool into the ‘goal’. The British through the course, Octopush Association (yes, that’s a including rivers, hurdles Thing), takes it all very seriously, and and a lot of mud. the Women’s Team became World Apparently it’s all the go Champions in the 2011 in Michigan, too. Talk Championships. about tough love.
TOE WRESTLING CHEESE ROLLING Toe wrestling is nothing It’s one of life’s Big Questions. It’s BEST BEARD to be sniffed at – it’s now up there with whether the I am not sure if we can an international event. chicken or the egg came first or if technically call it a sport, but it is Started in a pub in its ketchup or mayonnaise that a legitimate competition. The Derbyshire in 1976, the should be the condiment of World Beard and Moustache activity is now a choice for chips. Who is faster: Championships is a biennial competitive sport at The you or cheese? Well, it’s time to competition for men who are Annual World Toe find out. From the top of a hill, a putting their testosterone to Wrestling Competition. round of Double Gloucester good use. An amazing display of Despite the locals’ love cheese is rolled and competitors facial hair held by all involved. for locking toes, they rush to chase after it. As cheese This is one for those who prefer were unsuccessful in can reach a staggering 112km/hr, the sofa to sport. getting the sport into the the humans taking part rarely Olympics in 1997. win though.
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Crusade (7) 4Those of a religious community without PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 881 by Axe 12 'Therefore, since through God's ----- we the priestly responsibilities of ordained have this ministry, we do not lose heart' clergy (5) [2 Cor/NIV] (5) 5Tomb of a saint or other spiritual nota- 15 Unaccompanied choral composition bles (6) with sacred lyrics (5) 6'...your awnings were of ---- and purple' 17 Hill in Rome on the other side of the [Ezek/NIV] (4) Tiber from the traditional 'Seven Hills' 13 Aramaic speaker of Babylonia, like (7) Abraham [Gen] (8) 20 'He placed the lampstand...------the 14 'They will flee to ------in the rocks...' table on the south side of the taberna- [18/NIV] (7) cle' [16/NIV] (8) 16 Book of the Pentateuch (6) 22 'If anyone ---- anything to them, God will 18 Major prophet (6) add to that person the plagues 19 Sister of Simeon and Levi [Gen] (5) described...' [Rev/NIV] (4) 21 '...the wisdom that comes from heaven 23 Romano-British 'saint', maybe of Llang- is first of all ----' [Jam/NIV] (4) wyryfon near Aberystwyth whose church is dedicated to her (6) Solution to last week’s crossword 24 Syrian cured of leprosy by Elisha [2 Kgs] (6) Across: 7 All Souls, 8 East, 9 York, 10 Jonathan, 11 Replace, 12 Psalm, 15 Spend, 17 Sinners, 20 Down Jeremiah, 22 Pass, 23 Acts, 24 Onesimus. 1Patron saint of Spain (8) 2Son of Cush [Gen] (6) Down: 1 Alcove, 2 Ashkelon, 3 Subject, 4 Using, 5 3Name of King Jehoiachim before it was Lent, 6 Israel, 13 Synoptic, 14 Michael, 16 Preach, changed by Pharaoh Necho [2 Kgs] (7) 18 Rescue, 19 Simon, 21 Easy.
Th e fi rs t c or rec t en try d ra wn wil l wi n a b oo k o f th e Ed ito r’ s ch oi ce . Sen d yo ur e n try to C ro sswo rd N um b er 88 1, T h e Ch u rc h of En gl an d N ewsp ap er, 14 G rea t C ol le ge S tre et, W es tmi ns ter , L on do n, SW1 P 3R X by n ext F ri da y
Na m e
Across 9Magi's satnav? [Matt] (4) Addr ess 7'Wise and upright' judge (6) 10 '...let us live up to what we have 8'Come ye yourselves apart into already ------' [Phil/NIV] (8) Po st C ode a desert place, and rest ------' 11 Archbishop of Canterbury, [Mark/KJV] (6) 1184-90, who died on the Third
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