Spotlight Jan/Feb 2017

This year’s Lent Book is in 2017’s Bishop’s Lent Appeal, [see page 3] ‘Dethroning Mammon: raising funds to support refugees and asylum Making Money Serve seekers, people forced out of stable societies Grace’ just published and still left financially excluded when they by the Archbishop of reach a place of safety.” Canterbury, Justin Welby. Following the Gospels towards Easter, “I was really encouraged Dethroning Mammon reflects on the impact to hear there was a great of our attitudes, and of the pressures that uptake of the 2016 Lent surround us, on how we handle the power Book across the Diocese,” of money. Who will be on the throne of says Bishop Michael. our lives? Who will direct our actions and “And there’s a real benefit attitudes? Is it Jesus Christ, who brings in focusing on particular truth, hope and freedom? Or is it Mammon, themes for a season. so attractive, so clear, but leading us into Grace and Money “So the 2017 Lent paths that tangle, trip and deceive? Archbishop book follows on Justin encourages us to use Lent as a time of from last autumn’s learning to trust in the abundance and grace of God. Selwyn Lecture in looking at our Dethroning Mammon features study questions attitudes to money suitable for small groups. In addition, the Diocese and the effects is producing study materials for young people. It is it has on us and available for order until 27 January 2017 from the Andy Walton from the society around us. It is also Diocese at a substantial discount of £6 per copy. Centre for Theology & Community led a theme we will pick up the Selwyn Study Day last autumn There will be a number of collection points across at which over 200 the diocese (see https://www.lichfield.anglican. people also had the org/2017-lent-book/ ) for books, which must be chance to learn about the support and paid for in advance and can be ordered in single or resources available multiple copies. Alternatively, they can be posted around the diocese to help churches serve at an added cost. For details see their communities. www.lichfield.anglican.org/2017-lent-book/

The Church of around Staffordshire, northern and the Black Country TGIThe MondayBishop’s launch Lent Appeal I was a stranger... Looking back at 2016 Looking forward to 2017 of Christians Through USPG, we will support the Gifts to the 2016 Bishop’s Lent Appeal has reduced This year’s Bishop’s Lent Appeal immediate plight of refugees arriving were split between two charities, The to less than will follow the theme of supporting in Greece. ’s Children’s Society and two per cent asylum seekers and refugees both at Friends of the Holy Land (FHL). as people home and abroad. And working with our own Transforming are forced to Communities Together partnership, Sarah Shelton, the Children’s Society’s emigrate for a We have all been shocked and appalled we will support projects working with Diocesan Representative, said: “I would like better life for by the images of refugees in the media asylum seekers in our own region. to express my heartfelt thanks for all the their children in recent years - fleeing Syria, risking and losing Diocese has done to support our work. elsewhere. life crossing the Mediterranean looking for safety Around 62,000 refugees and migrants are 2016 was yet again another amazing in Europe. And we meet those seeking asylum currently stranded in Greece. While a third are year for us - to be chosen as a charity to “FHL works from other oppressive and murderous regimes in apartments, hotels or with host families, benefit from the Bishop’s Lent Appeal was closely with in Africa and the Middle East. The lucky ones 40,000 remain in pre-fabricated containers incredible. I have been fortunate to visit all Christian may be safe, but even once in the relative safety and canvas tents which provide little many churches to give updates on our denominations of Europe are often left destitute as while due protection from cold work. Thanks for all your prayers, campaign in the region process assesses their claim, they have no right weather and which actions and generous donations. Including and especially to shelter, food or the dignity of using their skills weren’t designed the Lent Appeal, more than £130,000 with the to work and contribute to society. for long-term has been given, raised from Christingle Anglican accommodation. services, house boxes, coffee mornings to Diocese of our committees hosting local events. Jerusalem. The Diocese Meanwhile, “Sadly, it is a painful fact that many children and manages 34 different educational and medical refugees continue young people suffer extreme hardship, abuse and institutions, despite a congregation of only 7,000. to arrive each neglect. Too often their problems are ignored and The project to fund school fees for the poorest week and this their voices unheard. We are proud of our historic Christian students in ten families at Christ Church puts further and strong relationship with the Church, who plays Episcopal School in Nazareth from the generous pressure on an already stretched system a vital role in our work. We want to work with every donations across Lichfield Diocese is bringing in Greece. For example, on the island of church in the Diocese so together, we can change benefit to both the Diocese and the families. Samos, a centre designed to host 850 the lives of many, more children.” people is currently hosting almost 2,500 “I visited the school in people in lightweight tents intended for If you’re interested in having Sarah speak at November and met the summer camping. your church or want to know about becoming a Director, The Venerable volunteer speaker for the charity email Samuel Barhoum, There are many local projects run in sarah.shelton@childrenssociety and many teachers This churches and communities around the diocese and students. Eighty year’s Lent Appeal helps to tackle both urgent that count asylum seekers and refugees as Peter Rand, FHL Chairman, said: “FHL were per cent of the 1,100 and ongoing needs. their clients. So the ‘home’ portion of this year’s delighted to be a beneficiary of last year’s Lent students are Muslim. As Archdeacon Samuel told appeal will assist a variety of those programmes. Appeal. Over 90 per cent of our grants directly me, ‘they fight to have their children educated here’.” help the most needy Christians in the community. Do you support any local project that in part helps asylum-seekers and refugees? Achieving a good education is essential to secure Contact FHL’s Diocesan Coordinator, the Very Revd To nominate it as a beneficiary, use the form on the website www.lichfield.anglican.org/lent-appeal or employment and maintain a Christian presence in Adrian Dorber ([email protected]) email [email protected] before Easter with the name of your church and details of that project. the West Bank, Gaza and Israel where the number or find out more at www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk Allocations will be made in July, and we will then be providing additional resources in support of this ministry.

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The Church of England around Staffordshire, northern Shropshire and the Black Country Faith Under Fire Reaching New Generations

The start of 2017 sees the Diocese’s “Some of you recognise this story from “We found so many Christians RNG team, which supports your own church – you’re making it happen parishes in their work with yourself: the young parents that came five who daily risk their lives to children and young people, years ago to get their baby baptised and return to full strength. Jon found an extended family; the child at Sunday minister in Jesus’ name.” White describes how Club that never spoke at all six months ago, influential key adults can be but has found her voice today; the lad that on young disciples. was kicked out of the other youth groups, but thrives at yours. Others of you recognise this “My wife and I were chatting experience because you were that child or to a former young person young person some years back. Still others of of ours a while back. We you may read this and think kept in touch when she ‘I want some of that for my outgrew the youth club, church, but I have no idea and still meet with her where to begin.’ occasionally now we’ve moved to Lichfield. “Whichever group you belong to, “She was telling us how much life has changed the Reaching for her: she moved in with her best friend, New Generations learned loads about living independently Team (RNG) – myself (11s-18s), Laura Helen Gilbert, Warden at Aldridge Parish of women and girls raped or abducted and (heating costs loads when a flat is damp, Edwards (0-5s Enabler) and Libby Church, recently visited the Diocese of Jos in communities displaced, driven off their land. food shopping is cheaper when you have Leech (5-11s and Nigeria. She tells us more here: Children told of seeing their parents massacred, a list – who knew!) and is thriving in a Schools Enabler) - would love to in some cases beheaded. Some children bear the business administration apprenticeship. work with you. We exist to inspire, “I was privileged to walk in the shoes of Christian scars of machete attacks; all are deeply traumatised. Looking back over the years we have equip and support work with 0-18s believers in Jos, Nigeria. As Chair of Trustees of known her (six for my wife, three for across the Diocese of Lichfield. HART (Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust), I was the me), there have been ups and downs To see what we do, visit lichfield. guest of Bishop Benjamin Kwashi, together with (making good decisions is difficult anglican.org/rng. Alternatively, email Caroline (Baroness) Cox and members of our staff. sometimes), but we love that we’re a us at [email protected].” part of her life, and that she knows that “Early missionaries settling in Jos left a strong we’re in her corner despite living far away. The RNG team: Jon, Libby (left) and Laura (above). Christian heritage, a heritage that has been under attack since the late 1990s. The 2014 abduction of “It was deeply humbling to walk alongside Chibok schoolgirls raised global awareness of Boko Christians suffering relentless persecution yet who Haram’s militancy but the abduction of thousands demonstrate such great joy and determination, not more women and girls remains unreported. We just holding fast to their faith, but reaching out in talked to bishops, clergy, parliamentarians, human love to bring Christian and Muslim communities rights activists and a military officer engaged in “Yet, we found so many Christians who daily together in reconciliation. As we broke bread active combat against both Boko Haram and other risk their lives to minister in Jesus’ name. One together we experienced the exuberant joy in radical insurgent groups. We saw the shells of pastor who had remained in his village despite their worship but we also shared in their pain churches burned and where suicide bombers have an anticipated attack told us, ‘I am a pastor, the and sorrow. In the words of the Hebrew letter taken the lives of countless worshippers. Travelling shepherd does not leave his sheep.’ Bishop Ben these are people, ‘of whom the world is not to rural areas, we saw the ruins of pastors’ homes, reminds his people, ‘If our faith is worth living worthy.’ We must not neglect to tell their story, destroyed villages and heard personal accounts for, it is a faith that is worth dying for.’ learn from them and hold them in our prayers.”

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The Church of England around Staffordshire, northern Shropshire and the Black Country Thy Kingdom Come Warrior for forgiveness Christians across the Diocese are being You can view a short video where Archbishop Jill’s ordeal led to a change in attitudes invited to play their part in Thy Kingdom Justin explains more at https://vimeo. towards victims and ensured they get Come 2017. com/181913904 better support. She helped create a much more victim-centred approach Thy Kingdom Come is a Bishop Mark said: “As well from police, criminal justice system and global prayer movement as hosting larger-scale other agencies. which the Archbishop Beacon events, which of Canterbury is are currently being Her decision to speak out for forgiveness asking people planned in the also left a lasting impression. “Forgiveness around the Diocese, this is very gives you freedom,” she said. world to join. much a grass- He is calling on roots movement Julie Jones, Chief Executive Officer for Christians to where we’ll be the Diocese, said: “Jill was a remarkable pray that others encouraging woman who fought so hard for victims might know people to take People across the Diocese and beyond have been of sexual violence. She will be remembered as a Jesus Christ, the initiative, remembering Jill Saward who died on 5 January, warrior for forgiveness. during a focused using or building aged 51, following a subarachnoid haemorrhage. time between on prayer groups “She was someone who turned her own suffering Pentecost and and events that Jill was the wife of Gavin Drake who was the into a force for good, speaking up for the voiceless. Ascension from 25 already exist. Director of Communications for Lichfield Diocese May and 4 June 2017. between 2002 and 2011. They lived in Hednesford “Jill will be greatly missed by all of those who “This isn’t about with their three sons Myles, Rory and Fergus. knew her. Our sympathies and prayers are with The hope is that as creating more work but Gavin and their family at this tragic time.” Christians pray together they praying as you can, wherever Jill became known nationally as a campaigner will: you can, when you can so that and supporter of victims of rape and sexual Hundreds of people from across the country others might know Jesus Christ! violence after she was raped in 1986 during a were expected to attend Jill’s funeral which • be transformed through prayer burglary at Ealing Vicarage. took place at on 17 January. “It happens during half-term and we’d invite Donations at the funeral were made for three • be given new confidence and local networks, such as churches together In 1990, she was the first rape victim in the charities close to Jill’s heart: Cambrian Coast encouragement by the Holy Spirit groups, to take the lead locally UK to waive her right to anonymity and her Evangelical Mission (Nefyn Beach Mission), as prayer takes place across braveness in speaking out helped change the Ehlers-Danlos Support UK and Rape And Sexual • be effective witnesses to Jesus Christ. church denominations.” law – including making rape in marriage a crime. Abuse Centre (Merseyside).

There will be helpful resources available and more details about opportunities across From the Editor the Diocese in the near future. In the meantime, Happy New Year and using this year’s Lent Book from the visit www.thykingdom.co.uk to find out more. welcome to the latest edition Archbishop of Canterbury. Don’t forget to of Spotlight! There’s plenty keep us posted about what’s going on in Please help us to spread the word about Thy coming up in 2017 – your area using the details below. Kingdom Come 2017 locally. We’d love to hear including opportunities Pete Bate, Director of Communications. about any events or initiatives that are planned for generosity, through in your area – you can email Pauline Mack Spotlight is published by the Lichfield Diocesan Board of the Bishop’s Lent ([email protected]) with these. Finance, St Marys House, Lichfield WS13 7LD. Appeal, and reflection, t: 01543 306292, e: [email protected]

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The Church of England around Staffordshire, northern Shropshire and the Black Country Mutual flourishing Clergy honoured

Bishop Michael, will be appointing the Right Bishop Michael said: “I have worked closely with Three clergy were recently honoured for their Sarah said: “I was delighted to be asked, Revd Rod Thomas, Bishop of Maidstone, as an Rod before, and I greatly value his commitment work in the Diocese by being nominated to fill both All Saints and I felt it was an affirmation Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Lichfield. to evangelism and to partnership with other vacant Prebendary stalls in Lichfield Cathedral. of the ministry we have we have amongst Anglicans. I am sure that his skills and energy sex workers. This work has attracted some Following the passing of legislation in July 2014 will encourage and enrich our unity. This Revd Sarah Schofield, Team Vicar of All Saints criticism in the past and it was good to see the to enable women to be consecrated as bishops, appointment is about providing additional Wolverhampton and member of Archbishops' Cathedral happy to be associated with us.” the House of Bishops agreed Five Guiding support to enable mutual flourishing across our Council was installed to the Prebend of Principles as the basis for mutual flourishing. diverse diocese.” Weeford; Revd Simon Thorburn, Vicar of Simon said: “I received the invitation to become and Rector of Rhydycroesau, to Prebend of the Cathedral just before going These include an unequivocal commitment Bishop Rod, who already serves as an assistant the Prebend of Stotfold; and Revd Michael on holiday last summer. It was a lovely and to “ministry being open equally to all without bishop in several dioceses across the country, Freeman, Vicar of Horninglow and Rural unexpected surprise and it was great to enjoy reference to gender” alongside making will be commissioned by Bishop Michael in of Tutbury, to the Prebend of Freeford. sharing the news with my family while away. I provision for those within the Church of England Lichfield on the Feast of St Chad, 2 March 2017. feel this is an affirmation, not only for me but who, on grounds of theological The award of a Prebendary stall is an honour in also the ministry and mission of the churches conviction, are unable to receive Lichfield Diocese, recognising the contribution in Oswestry for which I am parish priest and the ministry of women bishops and service of the recipient to the life of the they have been greatly encouraged by it.” or priests. This seeks to order Diocese. In times past, it was also associated our life together under God in a with rights and income from a parcel of land Michael added: “I remember my mother (may way that maintains the highest after which the Prebend is named. she rest in peace) speaking in hushed tones possible degree of communion of a former vicar of a church in Burton: ‘You and contributes to mutual All three were nominated by Bishop Clive know, he’s a Prebendary!’. I might have been flourishing across the whole in one of his final acts as Acting Diocesan 15 at the time. Little did we expect...but I’m Church. Bishop and installed at an evensong service at conscious of and grateful for the huge support Lichfield Cathedral. of family, friends and congregation.” In accordance with these principles, Bishop Rod has been asked by the diocesan bishop to offer extended pastoral and sacramental care to those who stand in the conservative evangelical tradition and cannot receive the full ministry of women bishops and priests. Like the Rt Revd , , who has for several years been offering extended care to traditional catholics in the Church of England, Bishop Rod will work closely with Bishop Michael and with the Area Bishops Clive, Mark and Geoff.

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The Church of England around Staffordshire, northern Shropshire and the Black Country Fighting slavery together Telling tales Churches are getting can offer important According to the compilers of the Oxford if the Bible is a set of factual involved in the fight support to victims of Dictionary the word of the year in 2016 was propositions that can be against modern slavery Modern Slavery albeit ‘Post-Truth’. It is a word that has often been proven. across Wolverhampton many may not realise linked over the last year with phrases such and the Black Country. that they are doing so. as ‘Post -Truth politics’ or even a ‘Post-Truth In reality, truth is

0800 0121 700 0800 0121 Many of the victims that world’. a concept that we Modern slavery – or I have rescued had some should approach with human trafficking - is AVAILABLE, IS SUPPORT AND HELP contact with a local Often it has been used to help explain a great degree of the movement of a centre or church and the success of both the Brexit and Trump caution. We may well

person from one place to ON HELPLINE SLAVERY MODERN THE CALL some that have remained campaigns. Not because their campaigns were feel it, experience it,

another into conditions HERE HAPPENS SLAVERY in local areas would’ve necessarily less truthful than their opponents, glimpse it, as much as of exploitation, using benefited from the but because they depended to a greater degree know it or understand it. A deception, coercion, support that local faith on appeals to emotion and personal opinion true faith, one which is real abuse of power or the abuse of the person’s groups can provide.“ rather than factual arguments. and life-changing, will be a vulnerability. It can involve forced labour, faith that we can grasp with domestic servitude, sexual exploitation and TCT has secured a Together Grant from CUF for Hence Michael Gove famously downplaying all our senses. But it child abuse and effects women and men, girls local Christian charity Gateway To Freedom to the importance of ‘expert’ opinions in the will not be a faith and boys, UK nationals and people trafficked run awareness training in churches and schools. Referendum debate. And much of the analysis which we from overseas. of why people voted as they did in the can prove James Henderson, TCT development worker, Referendum suggests that it was indeed how to anyone Transforming Communities Together, the said: “To tackle such a complex and growing people felt about Europe and felt about their else. Diocese’s joint venture with Church Urban Fund issue we must work together. By raising the place in modern British society that led them to (CUF), is a core member of the Wolverhampton awareness of foodbank and drop-in volunteers, vote as they did. Jesus Anti-Slavery Partnership (WASP) which brings victims of trafficking have already been rescued chose to agencies together to raise awareness, support by our partners. Churches can be the vital link Post-Truth may sound very alarming and reveal victims and share intelligence. in identifying victims and getting them the help we should rightly be very vigilant for those the truth they deserve to end this harrowing and evil crime.” occasions when people in public life or those about As part of this work, several Anglican churches who air their views on social media play fast God and his coming Kingdom, principally in the Wolverhampton area have been on and loose with facts for their own advantage or through telling stories. standby as reception centres for any victims gratification. rescued in multi- In a Post-Truth world, where appeals agency housing Find out more at https://www.cuf.org.uk/ to feelings and emotions seem to visits. tct-modern-slavery Jesus chose to reveal the truth ... have the greatest traction, perhaps, principally through telling stories. following Jesus’ Revd Preb David example, it’s Wright, from St Peter’s in Wolverhampton, said: personal “We have a church which is central, open each But there is an equal danger, that people may testimony and story- day with volunteers on hand and always kept claim possession of ‘The Truth’ when they telling which are the warm so we are delighted to be on standby to are in no position to make that claim. That most powerful means receive people if needed.” was probably what lay behind Michael Gove’s of bearing witness to comments i.e that experts were lining up to the faith which, we believe, WASP Chair Linda Boyle added: “Local predict the dire consequences of a vote for ultimately, will lead us into all faith groups have played a key role in the Brexit when they could not be sure of the truth truth. development of WASP and atraining awareness of their predictions. In some Christian circles package. Places of Worship and drop-in centres it is fashionable to speak of ‘Biblical Truth’ as +Clive Wulfrun

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The Church of England around Staffordshire, northern Shropshire and the Black Country Shropshire and the Black Country The Church of England The Church of around Staffordshire, northern [email protected] your events to Please send details of information contact [email protected]. Topics8LJ). To register for the day and further 10am-3.30pm, at Blymhill (TF11 Saturday 11 February Love your churchyard

30 January 9.30-4.30: St30 January Mary’s House, Lichfield Clergy C3 Module for Readers, and Lay Ministers Safeguarding Training community involvement, and grants. projects, archaeology, trees, churchyard awards, faculties, conference on topics including mission, environmental fromJoin others across the Diocese for a churchyard St Chad’s Church Lichfield Saturday 4 March11.00am: Annual Service Community of St Chad DIARY

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