The Walking Welcoming Growing Vol.26 No.5 Newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Southwark June 2021 Parish news Justice for all Fond farewell From Pentecost How the Diocese Archdeacon of biscuits to virtual is working to Southwark leads pilgrimages combat racism goodbye service See pages 4-5 See pages 6-7 See page 12 Young people join the climate debate at Kingston Youth Forum Bishop Christopher speaks out on Palestine crisis In May, violence erupted in Israel and the West Bank while Bishop Christopher was in the Holy Land for the installation of the new Archbishop in Jerusalem, the Most Revd Hosam Naoum. “We learn a lot about climate Suggestions for looking after the brilliant to hear the young people’s change in schools. However, I think environment included remembering voices and opinions…how do we On 16 May, as the UN Security Council it should be discussed more in to switch lights off, walking or cycling embrace their prophetic challenge and met to discuss the Israel-Palestine conflict, church, so we further understand whenever possible and buying second- protest? How do we talk about the and while he was himself still in Jerusalem, Bishop Christopher spoke to BBC News how to take action against climate hand. The young people also encouraged societal, economic and political changes churches to become eco-churches, that are needed and the journey of about the situation. change” ― group feedback from the and consider solar roofing panels and conversion that we all need to go on?” Kingston Episcopal Area Youth Forum. He said: “I have heard the sound of stun better insulation. grenades at night, debris on the streets This was a recurrent theme in the However, they also commented that, How to get involved... during the day, and we are just a short discussion among the young people who whilst adults and organisations said distance from the Damascus gate.” attended the first Kingston Youth Forum The CYP Team and Area they cared about the environment, He spoke of the tension and locked-in on Tuesday 18 May, which took place there was little action. Aware that the Bishops invite young people online and debated climate justice. nature of Gaza, as well as the economic global climate crisis causes droughts, from Croydon and Woolwich to disadvantage and unemployment that was Churches and the CofE secondary water depletion and soil erosion add their voice to the climate causing deep-seated resentments. He schools in the Kingston Episcopal Area affecting the least responsible and most justice discussion. Saturday 19 added: “It is about the underlying issues of were invited to select up to three young vulnerable, they called for there to be June on Zoom; Croydon Youth creating a long-lasting peace with justice.” people aged 13-plus to attend, along with more conversation in both schools and Forum (2.00-3.15pm), Woolwich Asked if he felt despairing, the Bishop an adult supporter. On the day, 20 young churches around how to care better Youth Forum (4.00-5.15pm); people shared their concerns and ways in for God’s amazing creation. said: “People of faith are always agents e-mail keli.bolton@southwark. of hope, and I have been here as part of which their churches and schools could Aaron, 15, from Immanuel, Streatham, anglican.org do more to engage. that demonstration. I do not feel despair, said: “The forum had a successful first I feel extreme sadness, disappointment, Feeling challenged as to how Among those present were Bishop session. The debates we had were frustration that underlying issues are yet best listen to the children and Richard; Archdeacon Simon Gates; Ian interesting and enriching as we got to to be addressed.” Christie, Area Environment Officer; hear from different people from different young people in your church? and Laura Baggaley, Environment backgrounds. It aided my personal Check out the latest Welcoming Administration Coordinator, who are opinion and I hope has had an impact on Children and Young People More about Bishop part of the team behind the Diocesan the Church as a community.” toolkit, Decision-making & Christopher’s visit can environment policy that will be Vanessa Elston, Curate at St Anne and Inclusion: bit.ly/CYPToolkit be found on page 10. presented to Diocesan Synod in July. All Saints, South Lambeth, said: “It was Find more on our blog at southwark.anglican.org/blog or find us on social media @SouthwarkCofE 2 | The BRIDGE June 2021 A view from NEWS IN BRIEF The Help your church to win up to £7,500 BRIDGE Ecclesiastical has launched its third annual Movement for Good awards, with £1,000 to be donated to 500 charities. Only one nomination can be made per e-mail address, so Ecclesiastical urges churches to spread the word to as many The last time I wrote this Conflict is the cause of displacement people as possible. Nominations close on 13 June. Nominate your church here: editorial, it was spring and the for many people across the globe. https://movementforgood.com daffodils were in full bloom. Now, When I worked in East Africa I was Meanwhile, up to £7,500 can be won in Ecclesiastical’s Good News 2021 roses are taking centre-stage, responsible for sharing the stories of competition, which seeks to celebrate what churches have done to support heralding summer. refugees living in camps throughout the region. Some of the people I met their communities over the past year. This is open until 17 September. Find more As we start to open up more, people were waiting to be resettled in the information and enter at: www.ecclesiastical.com/church/competition are thinking of where to go on their UK, Canada, the US and Australia. Calling all clergy: get paid to take a break holidays. Staycations are likely to They attended classes to learn the be a favourite choice and I’m sure customs and ways of their soon-to- The MBAs have been running for more than 30 years and are open to all members many in this Diocese will opt for the be-adopted homes. They shared their of the clergy from Anglican Christian faiths. The awards will provide financial countryside. My children reminded stories from the point of departure, support for sabbatical breaks and projects planned for 2022. All applicants for a me recently that, during our time in but of course they continue. Churches Bursary Award must submit their application forms by 30 September 2021. Kenya, we often went camping and on play a key role in helping refugees For more information including eligibility criteria and to download an application form safari “up-country”, something they resettle. Learn more on page 8. please visit www.ecclesiastical.com/mba haven’t really done since we returned In May, I attended a service marking to the UK. the first anniversary of George Floyd’s Find out more about the Diocese’s new lay ministries We are blessed to be a Diocese that murder. Children from two schools This online event on Saturday 19 June, introduced by Bishop Christopher, is open not only includes the urban towns of in the Diocese took part, as did to those who feel they may have a calling to become a lay minister, or Incumbents South London but also the East Surrey Bishop Christopher and Archdeacon who wish to encourage lay people in their congregations. 10.00am-1.00pm, Zoom. countryside. The Revd Susie Williams Rosemarie Mallett. See page 11. Find out more and book your place here: https://southwark.anglican.org/new-lay-ministries was licensed at Diocesan Synod in As a Black British woman, racism is March as the Diocese’s new Faith in a reality. It is not as overt as it was Living in Love and Faith taster day the Countryside Officer. Read about during my childhood in the 1970s, To sign up for this online taster event from the national LLF team on 26 June, her on page 9. Caring for our planet but it is still very real. I was moved 2.00pm-5.30pm, please e-mail Zoe Skilton at [email protected]. was on the agenda at the Kingston listening to Chine McDonald speaking Youth Forum. Read what they had to LLF material can be found on the CofE website at https://www.churchofengland.org/ to Rosemarie Mallett at Southwark say on the front page. resources/living-love-and-faith. More can also be found on the Diocesan website at Cathedral about her book God is Not southwark.anglican.org/llf The new Archbishop in Jerusalem, a White Man and other Revelations. Archbishop Hosam Naoum, was Racial Justice should not be an add-on Parishes asked to respond to Protect Duty consultation installed in a beautiful service on that we do as well as other activities, As part of the Government’s plans to protect public places from terrorist Ascension Day against a backdrop but embedded in our very core as attacks, it has launched a consultation on its new “Protect Duty”, under which of conflict in Jerusalem and on the churches. The centre-spread discusses public venues with a capacity of more than 100 are legally required to ensure West Bank (see page 10). Please keep this further. preparedness for, and protection from, terrorist attacks. According to David Knight him, his family, and everyone in our We also said farewell to the of the Church Buildings Association and the Venerable Luke Miller, Archdeacon of link Diocese in your prayers. Bishop Archdeacon of Southwark, Jane Steen London, this could lead to unintended consequences for churches and they urge Christopher travelled to Jerusalem for (see page 12) and Diocesan Director parishes in every Diocese to respond to the consultation with their views.