Archbishop Welby Draws Crowds on Prayer Journey

What worship music INSIDE could learn from the new hit band Of Monsters & Men p15

THE SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2013 No: 6169 www.churchnewspaper.com PRICE £1.35 1,70j US$2.20 CHURCH OF ENGLAND THE ORIGINAL CHURCH NEWSPAPER ESTABLISHED IN 1828 NEWSPAPER Archbishop Welby draws crowds on prayer journey The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, met the people of Coventry and Warwickshire on Friday 15 March during his Journey of Prayer in the days leading up to his Enthronement at the Cathedral. While visiting Coventry, one of the five dioceses included in the tour, the Archbishop met children at St John's School, Allesley Park. Credit Tim Eccleston MPs dismiss poor RE teaching as ‘unacceptable’

A REPORT by a cross-party group of MPs, The All-Party Parliamentary Group, cerned about the provision and quality of important than in today’s multi-faith socie- peers and bishops that claims ‘a raft of which has described its findings as ‘unac- RE in our schools. ty. We hope the Report is a wake-up call for recent policies’ have undermined the ceptable’, has presented the report to the “The Report shows that initial teacher the Department of Education.” teaching of RE has been welcomed by the Secretary of State for Education, Michael training in RE is inadequate and the provi- It is not only faith groups that have Rev Jan Ainsworth, Church of England Gove. The Group’s chair, Lib Dem MP sion of in-service training is drying up. We expressed concern about the declining Chief Education Officer. Stephen Lloyd said: “It is illogical to think are pleased that Church of England dioce- standards in RE. Humanists have also ‘RE: the truth unmasked’ was published we can dilute the professionalism and san education teams are still offering Con- stressed the importance of the subject. on Monday. It reported that a survey of 430 expertise needed to teach RE well and still tinuing Professional Development which is Prominent atheist and well-known chil- schools showed that 10 out of 130 second- have a generation of young people that open to all schools, but that can’t make up dren’s writer, Philip Pullman, told the ary schools were in breach of the law by understand and are sensitive to the grow- for the lack of support across the subject as Oxford literary festival last week that as not teaching RE. ing levels of religious and non-religious a whole. well as fairy tales, classic folk tales and The report revealed that 43 per cent of diversity in our society.” “RE is about religious literacy for all, Greek myths, children needed to be famil- RE teachers did not have specialist training The Rev Jan Ainsworth said the report growing understanding of the importance iar with biblical stories. He described Jesus in the subject and that in a quarter of “provides strong evidence for our continu- of faith, especially in this country, built on as a ‘great storyteller’ and said of the para- schools surveyed the subject was taught by ing concern that RE is being downgraded Christian values, to lives of individual and ble of the Good Samaritan ‘you only have to teaching assistants. as part of the curriculum. We are con- communities. It has never been more hear it once and you never forget it’.

LETTERS 8 • PETER MULLEN 9 • COMMENT 9 • CLERGY MOVES 12 • ANGLICAN LIFE 13 • SUNDAY 15 • PAUL RICHARDSON 16 2 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday March 24, 2013 News Inside... Tax justice championed Britain’ s leading evangelical newspaper TAX HAS not normally prompted celebra- not conforming with the many prosperous from Church Action on Poverty. tions, until now. companies and individuals that avoid tax by Students dressed in party hats cheered As part of their respective national confer- booking profits in tax havens while reduc- their way into a Manchester branch, prais- ences, the Student Christian Movement and ing their profits in the countries where they ing their endeavours to exist as high street the SPEAK Network student groups staged do business. businesses that pay their taxes and sets an two Days of Action focusing on the issue of This then allows the companies to allo- example for others to follow. Tax Justice. Their efforts paid homage to cate less money to those who need support. Debbie White, SCM Trustee, said: “Tax is those who collect and pay taxes that fund Andy Cope, SPEAK Campaigns Officer very important because it directly funds society’s needs in both the UK and over- said: “In a climate of increasing public rage social services that we all rely on. By paying seas. against tax-dodging, we’re all beginning to their corporation tax Costa are demonstrat- The SPEAK Network team began on realise that we actually really need tax-col- ing that it is possible to be a successful busi- Monday 25 February by paying a visit to lectors. They have an essential contribution ness whilst being ethical.” News ...... 1-7 Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to make to society.” Mr Cope added: “Jesus counted tax-col- Your Church ...... 2 (HMRC) offices in central London. The Student Christian Movement cele- lectors amongst his friends, and as Chris- UK News ...... 1-5 There the students publicly demonstrated brated Costa Coffee the following week on tians we believe all have a moral World News ...... 6-7 their gratitude to the staff working there for Monday 4 March in Manchester with help responsibility to pay our fair share of tax”.

Comment Letters ...... 8,10 Leader ...... 9 Peter Mullen ...... 9 Corruption targeted by Christians England on Sunday CHRISTIANS are coming together dying in developing countries Bishop Graham Cray ...... E1 for the Exposed Global Campaign, between 2000 and 2015. That’s Andrew Carey ...... E2 which focuses on uncovering cor- 1,000 children every day. We think Whispering Gallery ...... E2 ruption in relation to poverty. it is time for us to take action.” Cindy Kent ...... E3 The event brought members of Both are asking Christians to Judy West ...... E3 government, church, business, voice their concerns about corrup- Bethlehem hospital ...... E4 and random organizations to col- tion adding to poverty. The Rev Dr WOW petition ...... E5 laborate on what to do. Dion Forster wants people to real- Arts & Media ...... E6 Graham Power, who is the ize how significant it can be to pro- Books ...... E7 founder of the Global Day of mote awareness. Janey Lee Grace ...... E8 Prayer and Unashamedly Ethical Dr Forster, who is the Chairman Crossword ...... E8 movements, and the Rev Joel of Exposed said: “We want a mil- Edwards, the international Coordi- lion people to sign our Global Call The Record nator of Exposed, were part of the for Integrity, a call for financial Hope UK ...... 10 religious delegation during the transparency and honesty, which Classifieds ...... 11 exhibition. will be presented to leaders of the Clergy Moves ...... 12 Power noted: “We will never rid most powerful economies across New Wine ...... 13 the world of systemic poverty until the world. But that’s just the start Anglican Mainstream ...... 13 we rid it of systemic corruption”. of it.” Ian Gregory ...... 14 Joel Edwards, who previously In helping aid those affected, Spiritual Director ...... 15 ran the Evangelical Alliance, fol- they even created the appropriate Sunday Service ...... 15 lowed saying: “Over US$1 trillion resources, toolkits, and are pray- Steve Morris ...... 15 goes missing every year from the ing all week for a hopeful turn- Paul Richardson ...... 16 global economy as a result of cor- around. People ...... 16 ruption and it’s predicted that ille- Milestones ...... 16 gal tax evasion alone will be For further information visit Next week’s news ...... 16 responsible for 5.6 million children http://www.exposed2013.com/ News from Your Church your diocese

Bath and Wells: Bath Abbey will begin planning improve- Mathematics’ club (STEM) was attempting get alive video ment to recognize causes of hunger, pupils from aNotting- ments to public and ancillary facilities after the councillors feed as they hoisted a weather balloon over 100,000ft into ham school, who are supported by their local borough on the Development Control Committee granted consent. the stratosphere. Bishop Burrows added about the pro- councillor, joined thousands of people in urging immediate Over 400 people have recorded their support after seven ject’s work: “The church is enthusiastic about supporting action ahead of this week’s Budget. The meeting with Ver- years of planning. Part of the plans include anew song this project and we hope that other churches in the wider non Coaker featured Enough Food for Everyone IF cam- school, aclean-up of the Kingston Buildings, and additions community will join in.” paign, whose hopes werefor George Osborne to tackle to the Clergy Vestry.TheRector of Bath Abbey, Edward hunger in his Budget. The campaign draws together more Mason said: “Wearethrilled to have been given planning Liverpool: Liverpool Cathedral is to produce aseries of than 100 organizations demanding “changes to food sys- permission, and are especially grateful for the warm Passion Plays re-enacting the events of Christ’s last sup- tems that will benefit hungry people.” A member of encouragementand professional cooperation we have per,trial and crucifixion. The Liverpool Passion Plays – Gedling Borough Council, Cllr Muriel Weisz fully sup- received. The vote is indicative of the strength of partner- This is Our Story will take place over three nights during ports the campaign: “It is a disgrace that two million chil- ship of theAbbeywith B&NES and many otherorganisa- Holy Week –Monday 25, Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 dren die from malnutritioneveryyear and food prices tions in the centreof Bath; ashining example of how March at 6.30pm. The free performances combine drama, have spiralled to the highest levels in decades. Hardwork- people can work together for the community’s good.” liturgy and music, and will use the whole Cathedral, guid- ing people in the UK and abroad are struggling to feed ing audience members around the great space of the build- their families.” Sheffield: The Bishop of Doncaster attended ing to watch - and at many points even become partof-the Supporters wereasked to write to the Chancellor to Campsmount School in supportofaweather project that re-enactment of Christ’s Passion. The scenes depicting the ensuretheir “promise” to help the hungrywill follow covered talents in science, maths, technology,and engi- entry into Jerusalem, Judas’s betrayal, the arrest and trial, through. The Rev Denise Dodd, of Southwell and Notting- neering. Bishop Peter Burrows also serves as the Chair of the carrying of the cross and the crucifixion will be care- ham, is apartof the campaign and encouraged moreto the Sheffield Diocesan Board of Education. He tries to see fully constructed around the Cathedral’s own architecture, join. “George Osborne’s Budget contains decisions about as many school events in the region as possible. “This is an light, and works of art. Audience members can also how our country’s money is spent. It can help lay the foun- exciting project, encapsulating a number of different disci- choose to attend Evensong which starts at 5.30pm and dations for aworld free from hunger.I’m happy I’ve had plines across the school curriculum. It is an innovative way leads into the performance. my say on how the Budget should be used to transform of teaching and also gets the school involved in wider com- lives and build a better future. I would encourage every- munity activities.” The Science, Technology, Engineering, Southwell & Nottingham: In an effort to get the govern- one to meet or email their own MP and have their say.” [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Sunday March 24, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 3 NEWS IN BRIEF Vicar’s ministry to prostitutes Bishop’s plea for

A prostitute can be paid as little as through weekly outreaches, a Life £10 in the UK, but with more than Centre drop-in, befriending, prison 80,000 women working in the sex and brothel pastoral visits and business, the Royal Economic Soci- resettlement. gay blessings ety estimates that over £770 million Mr Clark said: “We care for is spent on prostitution in the UK women’s physical, spiritual and psy- IN HIS FINAL Presidential the Bishop appeared to agree minister to his body, the body each year. chological needs. Our programme address to the Liverpool Dioce- with the Church of England’s of Christ in the flesh, I cannot The Rev Richard Clark, Vicar of provides them with essentials such san Synod, the Rt Rev James opposition to gay marriage but see how he or we can refuse the St Andrew’s Church in Nottingham, as food and warm clothing, but we Jones made a powerful plea for he was firm on the need for the priestly and episcopal ministry ministers to those in Nottingham’s also focus on helping them to get the Church to bless gay part- acceptance and blessing of gay of a woman to his body in the red light district with a joint church out of the sex industry and, in cases nerships. unions. Spirit.” initiative called The Jericho Road of drug addiction, offer to find them “There is such a deficit of “If we take 1 Corinthians 7 The Bishop also expressed project, and over 10 years on, more a rehabilitation centre. love in the world today that it seriously and acknowledge his conviction that it will be than 50 volunteers as well as a small “The women – often victims of seems to me that the Church truthfully that there is a propor- impossible for a single law to number of full-time and part-time early-childhood abuse – have the should bless true love wherev- tion within society and within enshrine two different views of staff continue to transform the opportunity to build relationships er such love is to be found the Church who are naturally women bishops. He argued that streets and offer their help in a with the staff, get a hot meal, do believing what the Bible says gay in that they have not cho- the law should make provision drop-in centre for sex workers. crafts or spend quality time with that ‘where there is love there sen this disposition but find it a for women bishops and the Each week clients are helped others.” is God’,” he said. given and a genuine expression bishops should make ‘just and Claiming that for centuries of their sexuality why should generous provision for those the Church has allowed a vari- we deprive them of the biblical who cannot in conscience ety of opinion over whether or discipline of being able to chan- agree’. Comedian Frank Skinner, celebrity chef Clarissa Dickson Wright, not it is right to take the life of nel their sexuality into a com- Bishop Jones said he was set- former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion and detective novelist PD another human being, the Bish- mitted relationship of mutual ting his face against the word James are appearing as special guests for the four Sunday events op asked why a similar diversity trust and love?” ‘retirement’ and that he has starting on Easter to Pentecost to share their journey through faith of views could not be allowed As well as commenting on already signed up for a number at St Paul’s Cathedral. ‘about how we truly love each sexuality, the Bishop also of projects after he moves to his The first event will take place on Sunday, 7 April at 6pm, with other’. affirmed his commitment to retirement home in the sum- Professor Ann Loads speaking. A celebration of the Eucharist will Affirming his conviction that both the inclusion of those who mer. He ended his address by begin the evenings and throughout the guest speaker’s time, music ‘there is a difference between cannot accept women in episco- assuring the people of the Dio- and readings will play in the background. Each speaker will share heterosexual union and same pal ministry and the inclusion cese that he felt the same affec- their experience in the public eye and their journey of faith while gender intimacy and that it is of women in every ministry tion for them as Paul felt for the being a public figure. appropriate to maintain that dif- that the Church exercises. Christians of Philippi, knowing All conversations are expected to last roughly 45 minutes. The ference in the language we use’, “If Jesus allowed a woman to that ‘you hold me in your heart’. series is free to attend and all are encouraged to join in on the conversations. For further information and to see the calendar of who will be speaking every Sunday, visit: www.stpauls.co.uk. Man refused a job ‘because he was a Christian’ KThe Tax Payers Against KOn Wednesday 13 March Leicester Poverty group, led by the Rev Cathedral published the Design Brief By Amaris Cole “However, just over halfway Paul Nicolson, is organising a given to the architects who have been through looking over my port- 100 Mothers March for Jus- selected to provide a scheme to re-inter A MAN is suing a hotel after folio, Celie stopped me and tice event for 13 April starting King Richard lll in an appropriate way, claiming he was refused said she did not think we need- at Tottenham Town Hall, to ‘outlining the challenges faced by hon- employment because he was a ed to go any further. call on the government to ouring a kind within space used by many Christian. He is to take his case “My heart slightly sank as I scrap proposed changes to people for a variety of uses’. to an Employment Tribunal, could tell there was something welfare, including the so- supported by The Christian she did not like. She then called bedroom tax. Institute. explained that she thought my Graphic Designer Jamie work was brilliant, but that she Haxby, 24, applied for the part- and others on her team were The popular American author and preacher Rob Bell has spoken time job at Prested Hall Hotel, atheists. out in support of gay marriage. near Colchester, to work on “She said that judging from The Love Wins author said: “I am for marriage. I am for fidelity. I marketing and promotion mate- my work I was clearly a com- am for love, whether it’s a man and woman, a woman and a woman, rial, but said he was turned mitted Christian, and I under- a man and a man. I think the ship has sailed and I think this is the down as staff couldn’t work stood from what she was world we are living in and we need to affirm people wherever they with a committed Christian. saying that it would be very dif- are.” During the interview on 4 ficult for me to work there.” Mr Bell went on to say that while it used to be fair to equate evan- December 2012, Mr Haxby said Mr Haxby says he told Ms gelicals with social conservatism, that assumption no longer holds the member of staff who con- Parker that Britain contains true. ducted the meeting, Celie Parker, noticed the certain rights, meaning there should be equal work he has done for churches and Christian opportunities for all people to get a job, but this Latest reports suggest Chris Bryant MP has voiced plans to turn the his- groups in his portfolio. did not change her mind. toric Chapel located under the Palace of Westminster into a multi-faith These pieces included flyers for a local church, He also voiced that he was not the kind of per- prayer room, allowing the space to then bypass the exemption for Church- which he thought relevant experience for the job son to preach or make people uncomfortable. es to conduct same-sex marriages when the bill goes through, allowing the hotel advertised for designing ‘eye-catching’ Mr Haxby and The Christian Institute claim gay couples to wed in the space. promotional material. the dispute could have been resolved with the He also displayed previous work on items such hotel without launching the tribunal, but staff Philip Pullman, author of the controversial children’s novel North- as a logo for a furnishing company and material ignored approaches. ern Lights, has said all children should be taught Bible verses and for a hairdressing business. The case has now been submitted to the fairy tales, as modern families are too distracted by the television. But Mr Haxby says the interviewer then asked Employment Tribunal in East London. Speaking to The Oxford Literary Festival, the former teacher said if he was a Christian, saying as she and others on Spokesman Mike Judge said: “Jamie’s case is children’s stories were ‘vital’ for young people, claiming they are her team were atheists, they could not work with shocking, and shows that discrimination against what they need ‘most of all’ in education. him. Christians is getting more brazen. He said as well as the better-known stories such as Cinderella, it The jobseeker says Ms Parker then apologised “There’s no place for this anti-Christian intoler- was necessary to teach them darker stories also, and stories from for wasting his time. ance at the hands of aggressive atheists. It’s high the Bible and Greek Mythology. Mr Haxby said: “Everything was going well, time the Government took the issue more seri- and I felt happy with how the interview was pro- ously.” The Bishop of Winchester announced this week that the Rt Rev John Glad- gressing. Celie made several comments about Prested Hall Country House Hotel denies reli- win, former Bishop of Chelmsford, is to lead the forthcoming safeguarding the high standard of my work and how talented I gious discrimination, saying the job was given to inquiries in Jersey. was. a more experienced candidate.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 4 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday March 24, 2013 News Backing for Synod restrictions

NEW CHURCH laws to prevent gy to be members of or actively He said that at present a bishop also enable the bishop to remove priests belonging to racist organi- support a party or other organisa- could remove from office a priest from office a cleric who has been sations and political parties have tion that has been declared to be or deacon convicted of a criminal adjudged by the Disclosure and been approved by the House of incompatible with the teachings offence if they had been sent to Barring Service to be a risk to Lords. of the church in relation to racial prison. children or vulnerable adults and Peers agreed without a vote equality”. But he said: “There have been who has accordingly been new disciplinary measures that Introducing the measure to the cases where a serious crime has entered on either of the barred would also allow bishops to Lords, Bishop of Newcastle Mar- been committed and the priest lists under the Safeguarding Vul- remove priests and deacons contin Wharton said: “Because the has been given a non-custodial nerable Groups Act 2006.” victed of a crime but not sent to bishops are the guardians of the sentence and, in those circum- He said the measure would prison and prevent hopeless doctrine of the church, it will be who had no prospect of success stances, the bishop currently has improve the Church’s discipli- appeals against tribunal deci- the House of Bishops that will could nonetheless launch an no power to act unless and until a nary procedures, which were sions. decide which organisations are appeal and “hold on to office formal complaint is made, and “already regarded as working Church laws in force since 2006 incompatible with the church’s meanwhile, and frustrate and then only if the priest consents to well”, and had been approved by have allowed bishops to impose teachings. delay the final resolution of the the penalty imposed by the bish- General Synod by 212 votes to penalties on a cleric who has com- “However, any declaration complaint, which is unjust for the op. two, with one recorded absten- mitted misconduct, including would not come into force if the complainant, for the parish con- “The amending Measure will tion. removal from office and prohibi- General Synod disagreed with the cerned and for the wider church”. enable a bishop to remove from Peers also agreed a second tion from ministry, and set up a declaration.” The new measure would mean office and prohibit from ministry measure that will bring the Dio- tribunal system. The measure will also remove a priest would have to first obtain a cleric who is convicted of cer- cese in Europe more into the The Clergy Discipline (Amend- the absolute right of appeal to an leave to appeal, which he said was tain criminal offences regardless mainstream of the Church of Eng- ment) Measure strengthens the appellate court against the find- a “kind of sieve procedure so that of whether a prison sentence has land’s financial arrangements, previous laws, making it “miscon- ings of a disciplinary tribunal. hopeless appeals are stopped and been imposed. and update its synodical gover- duct for Church of England cler- Bishop Wharton said priests dealt with swiftly and fairly”. “The amending Measure will nance. Roman Catholics give Gay criminalisation opposed THE BISHOP of Newcastle has Lord Black of Brentwood to concealing their identity, that is strongly condemned the crimi- condemn the criminalisation of wrong. reassurance over children nalisation of homosexuality in homosexuality, Bishop Whar- “If criminalisation leads to many countries. ton said: “I will say as clearly as many living in fear, that is ROMAN CATHOLIC rules on bringing up children in mixed mar- Bishop Martin Wharton said I can that criminalisation is wrong. If criminalisation leads riages are not a “block” to the smooth functioning of Government that on the issue the Anglican wrong.” to the prospect of persecution, changes to the rules of succession, the Bishop of Guildford has said. Communion was “deeply divid- He added: “I know when I say arrest, detention and death, that Bishop Christopher Hill played down fears that a law change ed” but insisted there could not that that I speak not just for is wrong. enabling a future king or queen to marry a Catholic would lead to diffi- be “any grounds for denying myself but for other members “If criminalisation means that culties. the equality before the law of of this Bench, and I want to say LGBT people dare not turn to In House of Lords debates on the Succession to the Crown Bill, every single human being, it as clearly as the Bishop of the state when facing violence which also gives women and men equal inheritance rights to the whether they are homosexual Leicester did in a previous and hate crimes, that is wrong. throne, some peers have called for more assurances that the child of a or heterosexual”. debate a few months ago. If criminalisation hinders the mixed Anglican-Roman Catholic marriage can be brought up as an Challenged in a House of “If criminalisation leads, as it treatment of people with Anglican. Lords debate by the Tory peer evidently does, to gay people HIV/AIDS, that is wrong.” Bishop Hill said during report stage debate on the legislation that he had been “much involved in the official Anglican-Roman Catholic dialogue since 1974”. He told peers: “From time to time the Roman Catholic position on the children of so-called mixed marriages has arisen, and has been dis- Plea for Afghan women’s rights cussed in some detail, including the work of a special commission on that subject. THE GOVERNMENT should do more to support “However, above all, if war is believed to have “The Government, through the Minister and in other ways, have the rights of women in Afghanistan, the Bishop of been ‘just’ to any degree, then the establishment very fairly, in my considered judgment, set out accurately the Roman Bath and Wells has said. of just peace is its corollary. Only if that is demon- Catholic position. Bishop Peter Price made his call in the House strated can the cost of all the human lives lost in “We are also helped by the Archbishop of Westminster’s statement of Lords as peers debated the peace process in any way be mitigated.” in this respect. According to Roman Catholic canon law, giving permis- the country and its relationship with neighbour- Bishop Price raised the suggestion that Iran sion for a so-called mixed marriage is not a Vatican matter but one for ing states. could be included in the peace process as part of what is called the local Ordinary: that is, the local bishop.” He said: “Although the Government have a wider effort to secure an end to conflict in the He said the 1917 Catholic rules on the subject were “rigid” and expressed themselves to be a ‘staunch supporter’ Middle East. “harsh” but that was no longer the case. of Afghan women’s rights, little of their recent “The key to any peace process is the conduct of He said: “The old code also required the non-Catholic party in a mar- work in Afghanistan has focused specifically on operations in Afghanistan and in the border riage to promise that the children would be brought up as Roman those rights. region with Pakistan, and this must include the Catholics. No such promise is required today. “Of the 100 reconstruction and development use of drones and the treatment of prisoners, “The Roman Catholic partner is asked to declare that they will do all projects in Afghanistan supported by the Depart- as well as the need for dialogue with the armed in their power to ensure that any children are brought up as Roman ment for International Development, only two opposition — notably, authorised representa- Catholics, yet no sanction is applied to the canon, whereas the old code have specifically addressed women’s rights, and tives of the Taliban,” he said. made the bishop’s dispensation for a mixed marriage dependent on the both were completed in 2010. And he added: “I note with gratitude that any bishop’s moral certainty about the Catholic upbringing of the children. “ Any peace process that ignores the funda- peace process in which we are endeavouring to This is not the case now.” mental human rights of women and girls will be a engage at present looks to the wider communi- Bishop Hill said permissions for mixed marriages had been given scandal.” ties — India, Saudi Arabia and China among “even where it was foreseen that the promise could not be fulfilled in Bishop Price added: “The transformation of them — but, equally, that the historic involve- whole or in part”. conflict is a priority for Afghanistan and its ment of Iran, which to a lesser degree is sup- He said the official Vatican ecumenical directory of 1993 clearly indi- regional partners. porting insurgency, cannot be overlooked. cated “that the promise may not be expected to be completely fulfilled, “This long, frequently bitter and costly conflict “Although it may be very optimistic to pro- or fulfilled at all, in every case”. must end both positively and hopefully. Lessons pose it, the inclusion of Iran in any wider He said interpretation of cannon law “officially bears out the Govern- to be learnt from the Iraq theatre provide us with Afghan peace process could also prise open the ment’s assurance that the Roman Catholic rules are not a block to the the potential to make, in time, a ‘good peace’. door a little to the much needed regional peace smooth functioning of the proposed succession rules”. “To be successful, the views and perspectives process in the Middle East. But he called for Government assurances to avoid “all ambiguity”. of the other actors - India, Iran, Russia and “This is not a conflict, or series of conflicts, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and China - are essential. that stands on its own.”

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POPE FRANCIS has received a warm welcome from Angli- In a statement Bishop Hill said he was impressed by the can Church leaders although comments from one Anglican new Pope’s use of the title ‘Bishop of Rome’. “This is not only primate have caused nervousness among some members of a pastoral stress,” said Bishop Hill. “It is also a fundamental the Ordinariate. theological principle. The universal Primate whom some Archbishop Justin Welby hailed the new Pope’s election as Anglicans and many other Christians are beginning to recog- ‘of great significance to Christians everywhere’ and said he nise, is still the bishop of a local church, a bishop of the looked forward to meeting him. Church, not a single bishop over the Church.” “Pope Francis is well known as a compassionate pastor of The Primate of the Southern Cone, the Most Rev Greg Ven- real stature who has served the poor in Latin America, and ables, described the new Pope as ‘Christ-centred and Spirit- whose simplicity and holiness of life is remarkable,” said the filled’ and said ‘he believes the Bible as it is written’. Archbishop in a statement. Referring to the new Pope as ‘consistently humble and “He is an evangelist, sharing the love of Christ which he wise’ he told of an occasion when Cardinal Bergoglio invited himself knows. His choice of the name Francis suggests that him to breakfast and told him that the ‘Ordinariate was he wants to call us all back to the transformation that St Fran- unnecessary and that the church needs us as Anglicans’. cis knew and brought to the whole of Europe, fired by con- Bishop Venables has since issued a clarifying comment to templation and closeness to God.” say that these remarks in 2009 did not mean that the new Archbishop John Sentamu represented the Archbishop of Pope thought the Ordinariate should be temporary but that Canterbury at the inauguration of Pope Francis’ ministry as he values Anglicans as Anglicans. Bishop of Rome on Tuesday because Archbishop Welby was A retired Primate of the Southern Cone, the Rt Rev David continuing his prayer pilgrimage during which he promised Leake, who was born in Argentina, has spoken in a radio to pray for the Pope. interview of the new Pope’s genuine humility and interest in Other members of the Anglican delegation included the Rt other Churches. Rev Christopher Hill, Chairman of the Church of England When he first met Cardinal Bergoglio he did not realise Council for Christian Unity, Archbishop David Moxon, co- who he was and went up to introduce himself. “I’m your chair of the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commis- neighbour from around the corner,” the Cardinal told him, sion for Unity and Mission, and the Bishop of Gibraltar in referring to the proximity of the Catholic Cathedral to the Europe, the Rt Rev Geoffrey Rowell. Anglican Church offices in Buenos Aires. Parliament bid for women bishops Archbishop Welby greeted by large crowds Hull North Labour MP Diana Johnson progressive and right thing to do. I do not LARGE CROWDS greeted Archbishop for Reconciliation and later as a canon of moved to give women the right to become think it is right that Members of Parlia- Justin Welby on his pilgrimage of prayer to the cathedral. Church of England bishops in the House ment, who are politicians, should decide five cathedrals in the Province of Canter- In a brief address he told the story of the of Commons last Wednesday. how the Church of England runs its own bury which he undertook in preparation for Coventry Cross of Nails, which Provost Ms Johnson’s Ten Minute Rule motion, affairs.” his enthronement as Archbishop of Canter- Richard Howard made from three medieval Bishops (Consecration of Women), fol- At Wednesday’s debate Johnson argued bury. nails pulled from the wreckage of the city’s lows the blocking of the reform in the that while some say this is a matter solely The journey began last Wednesday in old cathedral after it was bombed during Church of England General Synod last for the church, the Church, however, is Norfolk and ended on Tuesday in Chich- the Coventry blitz in World War 2. The November. our national established Church, headed ester. In between, the Archbishop visited words ‘Father forgive’ were inscribed on a During the lead-up to this vote at the by our Head of State, Queen Elizabeth, the Coventry and Truro and walked across the wall in the ruins. The Cross of Nails is now November meeting of the General Synod, Defender of the Faith and the Supreme millennium bridge from St Paul’s Cathedral widely recognised as a sign of reconcilia- 42 out of the 44 diocesan synods voted for Governor, yet also a woman. on a journey to Southwark Cathedral that tion and over 160 Cross of Nails partner- women bishops. However, while the “We have 26 bishops sitting in the other took him through a crowded Borough Mar- ship centres have been established around House of Bishops and the House of Clergy place in recognition of the Church of Eng- ket. the world. voted in favour, the reform narrowly failed land’s important role in lawmaking in this In Norwich the Archbishop walked Singing dancers also accompanied the to pass because the House of Laity did not country. We have prayers every day in this through the city, giving out candles and Archbishop along the South Bank in South- reach the two-thirds threshold. place, led by a Church of England chap- prayer cards to over 1,000 people on the wark before he prayed with the crowds in Ms Johnson said: “The Church has lain, and we are fortunate to have an excel- way. He then stayed in the cathedral from Borough Market. His prayer pilgrimage in caused an enormous amount of hurt to lent woman in that role.” 1.15 to 5.30pm, praying and talking to peo- London began at the site of the birthplace women who have a calling to be ordained Mr Leigh responded: “Let us recognise ple. of Thomas A Becket at the corner of Cheap- and serve the Church, but who have found that the Church of England will move at its He explained that he had wanted to begin side and Ironmonger lane before moving to that, as a result of the decision of the Gen- own pace and let us not interfere, as politi- his journey in Norwich because he spent a St Paul’s Cathedral. eral Synod, their calling has been side- cians, in how the Church of England is great of time during his childhood in Nor- Diocesan bishops greeted the Archbish- lined. We are asked to believe, explicitly or run.” folk and the area meant a great deal to him. op and accompanied him on his pilgrimage. implicitly, that women are not quite as However, in the weeks leading up to the “My wife says I become a different person Describing it as ‘an enormous privilege’ to good as men. debate, Ms Johnson met with a local when I travel to Norfolk,” he said. welcome the Archbishop back to Coventry, “Agreeing to allow women bishops in group of women clergy and the Bishop of In Coventry the Archbishop was accom- the Bishop of Coventry, Dr Christopher the Church of England is very much about Hull, Richard Frith, to discuss the role of panied by the colourful spectacle of Asian Cocksworth, paid tribute to his contribu- valuing women priests. It is also about women in the established Church. Christian drummers as he walked through tion to the work of the Church in Coventry respecting the equality laws and norms “Many of those women talked of their the streets to pray for reconciliation in the and Warwickshire in the first 15 years of that we have established in this country. I feelings about the Synod’s decision, which ruins of Coventry’s old cathedral. This was ministry and said ‘the cathedral’s work for am shocked to learn that men and women they believed undermined their work in a homecoming for the Archbishop, who peace and reconciliation is deeply in his properly ordained by women bishops in the Church.” previously worked at the Coventry Centre bones’. other provinces of the Anglican Communion are not recognised here.” Gainsborough Conservative MP Edward Leigh, who opposed the bill, questioned Ms Johnson’s claims of gender discrimination, as well as many points within the movement to reform. Leigh said: “Have we not been assured all through the debates about same-sex marriage that the Church of England was absolutely secure and nobody could take it to court for discrimination because all sorts of checks and balances were being put in place to protect it? “I believe that is the modern,

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 6 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday March 24, 2013 News Anglican leaders worldwide hail election of Pope Francis

ANGLICAN LEADERS around the world joined with Arch- he begins his new ministry. An Argentinian of European bishop Justin in applauding the election of Cardinal Jorge parentage, he brings together in his own person the cul- Bergoglio of Buenos Aires as the next Pope and 226th tures, hopes and spiritual needs of the first world and of Bishop of Rome. the developing world, so much to be valued amidst the The Bishop of Argentina and former primate of the complexities and apprehensions of our globalised earth. Anglican Church of the Southern Cone, the Most Rev Gre- “He has been a champion of the needs of the poor and gory Venables, gives Pope Francis high marks as a cham- dispossessed, and, in the simplicity of his own lifestyle, he pion of the poor and critic of government corruption. has sought to reflect the life of the much–loved saint In a note released after the election of Cardinal whose name he now carries in the future, Saint Francis.” Bergoglio who has taken the name Francis, on 13 March “As the Church of Ireland’s Archbishop of Armagh I 2013 Bishop Venables wrote: “Many are asking me what extend also to Cardinal Seán Brady, to Jesuit friends Jorge Bergoglio is really like. He is much more of a Chris- throughout the island and to all the Roman Catholic people tian, Christ-centred and Spirit-filled, than a mere church- of Ireland, our best wishes, with the hopes and prayers of man. He believes the Bible as it is written. I have been with many fellow–Christians, as Pope Francis now embarks on him on many occasions and he always makes me sit next the ministry to which he has been called,” Dr Clarke said. to him and invariably makes me take part and often do Archbishop Fred Hiltz of Canada noted: The new Pope what he as Cardinal should have done. He is consistently comes from humble beginnings and he is known to have humble and wise, outstandingly gifted yet a common man. lived modestly throughout his entire ministry. In taking He is no fool and speaks out very quietly yet clearly when the name of Francis after Francis of Assisi he has already necessary. given us some indication of the holiness, simplicity, and “I consider this to be an inspired appointment not courage of gospel conviction he will bring to this new min- because he is a close and personal friend but because of istry. who he is in Christ. Pray for him,” Bishop Venables said. “As the new Pope endeavours to call people back to the Other Anglican leaders have also praised the election of will equip him with the grace that he needs to fulfil the Faith, to rebuild the Church and to strengthen the integri- Pope Francis. Archbishop Peter Jensen, in a statement just task. We also pray that his many gifts and his experience ty of its witness to the Gospel in very diverse global con- after the election, said: “The papacy continues to have will enable him to lead the church forward in mission and texts, we join our Roman Catholic sisters and brothers in huge global significance in testing times for humanity. We service.” upholding him our prayers,” he said, adding “for Latin join those who pray that Pope Francis will use the office to The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, said: “We Americans this is a particularly proud moment — a further the gospel of Jesus Christ for the sake of all welcome and assure Pope Francis I of our prayers and our moment of great rejoicing! For from the church there the humanity.” best wishes for his future ministry. We hope he will bring new Pope carries a passion for evangelism, a stance of sol- The Most Rev David Chillingworth, Primus of the Scot- an ecumenical perspective to the role, a desire to work idarity with the poor and a posture of perseverance in the tish Episcopal Church, welcomed “the election of Pope with Christians of all traditions and a goodwill to people of pursuit of peace and justice for all people.” Francis. He is known for his simplicity of life and his com- other faiths.” The presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church passionate humility. The church in South America Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh and primate Katharine Jefferts Schori was less effusive. “The Episcopal expresses vigorous life and a deep commitment to justice of All Ireland, wrote: “In company with millions of men and Church will pray for the new Bishop of Rome, Pope Fran- for the poor. God has called him to this ministry at a time women throughout the world of different Christian tradi- cis I, and for the possibility of constructive dialogue and when its demands seem overwhelming. We pray that God tions to his own, I assure the new Pope of our prayers as cooperation between our Churches.” Bishops flock to welcome the new Roman Catholic Pontiff By Amber Curtis different ethos which will emerge in ty prepares for new guidance. the Papacy with Pope Benedict’s radi- “Wepray that his humble example CHURCH OF ENGLAND Bishops cal decision to retire.” will be an instrument of God’s trans- are welcoming the new Pope after However, the Bishop warned: “But forming love for the world.” Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the the task before Pope Francis is The Bishop of Sodor and Man, the first Jesuit and Latin American to be immense. All Christians should pray Rt Rev RobertPaterson, expressed elected by the conclave, taking on the for him. Ishall be praying for him in his “warmest congratulations” on his name ‘Pope Francis’ last week. Rome at his installation on Tuesday, blog. He hosted aspecial prayer ses- The Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Rev 19 March, as Ishall be praying for sion on Sunday for the pope’s Christopher Hill, Chairman of the Archbishop Justin, with his enor- enthronement. Council for Christian Unity and a mous responsibilities,at his Installa- Prior to his election, Pope Francis member of the Anglican Roman tion on Thursday, 21 March in was best known for being a“straight Catholic International Commission, Canterbury Cathedral.” shooter” and clashing with Argentine said: “As partofawider Anglican The Bishop of Peterborough, the Rt President Cristina Fernandez de Communion delegation, Ishall be Rev Donald Allister,who is also a Kirchner over conservative issues. privileged to be present in Rome for member of the Church of England’s While he does follow conservative the Inauguration of the ministryof national Council for Christian Unity, issues such as pro-life matters, he has Pope Francis 1st. expressed his hopes as the new pope been known for having some liberal “Until the conclave, Cardinal takes office. views on economics. Bergoglio was the Archbishop of one “I am pleased that the Roman The pope became the first to hon- of the major cities of the developing Catholic Church has anew leader and our, St. Francis of Assisi, who was world. His reputation for pastoral care Ipray that he will have wisdom as he known for his love of natureand tire- and simplicity (following St Francis) takes office. I look forwardto contin- less effort in helping those in poverty. as well as his concernfor economic uing to work with Roman Catholic St Francis was born into wealth, but justice will endear him to Anglicans leaders locally and nationally through rowed with the poor at St Peter’s throughout the world, not least our the Council for Christian Unity.” Basilica in Rome. own Archbishop Justin. The 76-year-old was previously the While there was no frontrunner, “Even at the announcement of his Archbishop of Buenos Aries before Latin America was the favouritefor People react to the election, his ‘Buona Sera’ (Good becoming the head of all Catholics. the 266th pope from which to be newly elected pope's evening!) to the crowds in St Peter’s The Bishop of Liverpool,the Rt Rev selected. It only took a meretwo days appearance on the Squarespoke of adifferent style of James Jones, too, shared his excite- for the Cardinals in conclave to make balcony Papacy. This reinforces the inevitably ment in the selection as the communi- a selection.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Sunday March 24, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 7 Jesus ‘was a shape-shifter’ Boycott planned for

A NEWLY translated Egyptian homily dating from the eighth century claims Jesus was a shape shifter. Dr Roelof van den Broek of Utrecht University in new Archbishop his book Pseudo-Cyril of Jerusalem on the Life and the Passion of Christ (Brill, 2013) reports the newly translated sermon found in manuscripts held at the Mor- LEADERS OF the Global gan Library in New York and the University of South coalition of Anglican Pennsylvania add an apocryphal incident to the Pas- archbishops will not attend sion narrative. a special Primates’ Meeting It relates the story of Pontius Pilate dining with to be held after the 21 Jesus before his crucifixion and offering to sacrifice March 2013 installation of his own son in the place of Jesus. The homily also Justin Welby as Archbishop states that Judas used a kiss to identify and betray of Canterbury. Jesus because Jesus had the ability to change shape. While African and Asian “Without further ado, Pilate prepared a table and he church leaders will attend ate with Jesus on the fifth day of the week. And Jesus the services at Canterbury blessed Pilate and his whole house,” the text states. Cathedral, they will not Pilate later tells Jesus, “well then, behold, the night attend a private meeting has come, rise and withdraw, and when the morning scheduled to take place comes and they accuse me because of you, I shall give after the ceremony. them the only son I have so that they can kill him in “Nothing has changed your place.” since Dublin,” one leader Jesus then comforts Pilate, who in the Coptic and told The Church of England Ethiopian churches is regarded as a saint, saying, Newspaper.Only23ofthe “Oh Pilate, you have been deemed worthy of a great Communion’s 38 provinces grace because you have shown a good disposition to were represented at the me.” 24–30 January 2011 “rump” Jesus also showed Pilate that he can escape if he Primates’ Meeting in chose to. “Pilate, then, looked at Jesus and, behold, he Dublin. became incorporeal: He did not see him for a long In a 21 January 2011 the Lambeth Conference and move the Communion expect any significant, mean- time ...” statement published on the and Primates’ Meetings, together. ingful, credible and construc- Judas’ kiss is the means by which the solders can Global South Anglican web- they believed it was a waste “As it stands, the Meeting tive outcome of the Dublin identify Jesus, the text states. “Then the Jews said to site, a spokesman said the of time and resources to is almost pre-determined to Meeting,” they argued. Judas: How shall we arrest him [Jesus], for he does decision to stay home was attend. In 2011 the Primates end up as just another gath- The presence of Presid- not have a single shape but his appearance changes. “not a sudden or knee-jerk also voiced frustration with ering that again cannot ing Bishop Katharine Jef- Sometimes he is ruddy, sometimes he is white, some- reaction.” the lack of communications bring about effective eccle- ferts Schori of the Episcopal times he is red, sometimes he is wheat coloured, In the course of several coming from London. sial actions, despite the pre- Church of the USA at this sometimes he is pallid like ascetics, sometimes he is a conversations and in a “What is most disturbing cious time, energy and week’s meeting was one of a youth, sometimes an old man ...” group meeting at the All and difficult is that given monetary resources that number of reasons the Dr van den Broek notes this interpretation of Judas’ Africa Bishops Conference the intractable miry situa- Primates and Provinces Global South primates kiss may come from Origen’s Contra Celsum, which in 2010, the Global South tion the Communion is have invested in attending decided not to attend the states that “to those who saw him [Jesus] he did not Primates “indicated that it already in and being further the Meeting,” the GS Pri- special meeting, CEN was appear alike to all.” would be extremely difficult driven into, there was hard- mates concluded. told. Nor has the situation Written in the name of the fourth century St Cyril of – and in fact, quite pointless ly any timely and intentional “With the disappointing been helped by the Decem- Jerusalem a foreword states that a book has been – for them to be present at prior consultation and colle- lack of serious transparent ber decision by the Church found in Jerusalem revealing the true writings of the the planned Primates’ Meet- gial engagement of all con- planning and leadership of England that plans to apostles on the life and crucifixion of Jesus. “Listen to ing 2011.” cerned, or at least as many beforehand to prepare the allow gay clergy in civil me, oh my honoured children, and let me tell you They told Dr Rowan as reasonably possible, in Primates for a genuine partnerships to become something of what we found written in the house of Williams unless the Ameri- preparing for the Meeting meeting of minds and bishops. Mary ...” can Church was prepared to to ensure certain degree of hearts to face the very real Until reform the commun- Excavated in 1910 from the remains of the library of honour its past undertak- significant and principally and obvious issues before ion remains broken, one the Monastery of St Michael in the Egyptian desert ings and the decisions of legitimate outcome to hold us, it will be strenuous to leader said. near present-day al-Hamuli in the western part of the Faiyum, it was purchased in December 1911 by Amer- ican financier JP Morgan for the Morgan Library and Museum in New York City. The manuscript is currently displayed as part of the museum’s exhibition Whistle-blower says he was shunned “Treasures from the Vault“ running until May 5.

A FORMER Anglican priest testified last week before a Vic- In 2003 the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s 7:30 Correction: Last week’s Masaai or Hehe tribes torian parliamentary inquiry that he had been ostracized by Report claimed Mr Sapsford, who was a parish rector in story that reported on who serve as guards. the Church after reporting incidents of clergy sexual child Seymour from 1966 to 1996 and archdeacon of the diocese the 10 March 2013 attack That was the case at abuse. of Wangaratta, had sexually abused over 30 boys and a on a Tanzanian bishop Archbishop Valentino’s Fr Paul Walliker, who now serves as a priest of the Anti- number of women while serving at the parish. misidentified the location home as well. His Hehe ochian Orthodox archdiocese of Australia, said whistle- After one of his victims, who later became an Anglican of the attack and name of watchman was captured blowers were shunned by the Anglican Church. “The priest, informed the church of the abuse, Mr Sapsford con- the bishop. It was not the by armed men who cut support we received from the diocese was zip, zero, zilch,” fessed his guilt in a letter to Bishop Paul Richardson of the Bishop of Zanzibar but through the wire fence. he told the committee taking evidence at the Bendigo town Diocese of Wangaratta. the Bishop of Dar es The watchman valiantly hall. Fr Walliker said Bishop Richardson withdrew Mr Saps- Salaam whose home fought back crying out. On 13 March 2013 Fr Walliker said he had helped five ford’s licence and allowed him to retire due to ill-health. came under assault. The men with guns cut women press charges against the Rev Alan Sapsford, how- Archbishop Keith Rayner subsequently gave him a limited Bishop Bill Atwood him severely with ever the abuse claims were not believed by many members licence to officiate in Melbourne. In September 2002, Mr writes: “On 2:45 on Sun- machetes (called pandas of the congregation. Sapsford was arrested and charged with child abuse. He day morning, an armed there), but fled. Arch- “I received death threats. My family was harassed. People died in March 2003 before his case went to trial. gang attacked Archbish- bishop Valentino and his abused me in the street,” he told the parliamentary inquiry. The committee is investigating the response of religious op Valentino’s home. wife and children were “I lost money, I had to sell my house and had to move. I had and other non-government groups to the criminal abuse of Most bishops in that part inside the house. It is to pay for counselling for my daughters.” children. It has received over 300 submissions and heard of the world have watch- clear that great evil was While the “support we received from the diocese was testimony from more than 90 witnesses. Its report is due in men either from the intended.” nothing.” September 2013.

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THE OF CHURCH ENGLANDNEWSPAPER Write to The Church of England Newspaper, 14 Great College Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3RX. or you can send an E-mail to [email protected]. Tweet at @churchnewspaper If you are sending letters by e-mail, please include a street address NB: Letters may be edited

Simplistic view debt indicates we are living beyond our Apologies needed for Jersey Dean means. It is clear that this cannot be sus- Sir, Jeremy Moody makes a simplistic tained, and we have to examine alternative argument about the prospects of peace Sir, ‘Apologies issued over Jersey cases’ (17 March). Apologies should be issued to the pathways. between Israel and Palestine. Ignoring the Very Rev Bob Key who has been unjustly suspended over an unsubstantiated allega- Could anything we contributed by rein- statement by Netanyahu that Israel sup- tion from five years ago. stating further elements of responsibility ports a Palestinian state living in peace, he Your paper states ‘complaint of alleged abusive behaviour by a churchwarden’, not and thus reduce demands on the NHS, ignores the comments of Mahmoud Abass ‘abusive behaviour’. If a person has been proved or convicted of wrong behaviour, it is schools, and other central services? of the PA. He has stated that he will never wrong not to punish him. But if he is still innocent (not proved or convicted) it is equal- A controversial example illustrates this recognise Israel as the state of the Jewish ly wrong to punish him: “Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent – the Lord people (something the Middle East quar- detests them both”. tet, headed by Tony Blair, acknowledged). “We note the Bishop’s affirmation that his action in removing the Dean of Jersey’s Continues on page 10 He has also declared a Palestinian state will commission is a neutral measure which implies no judgment” (Chief Minister of Jer- never allow any Jews to reside there, which sey) but it does imply judgment, for he will be known forever as the Dean who was sus- would bar any Israel consulate. He has also pended. This took place five years ago. Which of us can remember exactly what was publically stated that he will never demand said or done five years ago and can maintain that under cross-examination? This must Hamas even recognise Israel, and (most be unfair – to both the complainant and the one complained against. No wonder that important) any peace deal is only a step to Bob Key refuses to have anything to do with an inquiry. his dream of a Palestine extending from In Old Testament times if a man was killed, the relatives were duty bound to assume the river Jordan to the sea, recognised by it was murder and kill the perpetrator. But without a trial, it would only be an accusa- Your Tweets the present PA logo showing the whole tion, so 48 Cities of Refuge were established to which the accused could flee. There he area designated ‘Palestine.’ was safe, until a trial had been held. Where are the ‘Cities of Refuge’ today to which @Rebecca_Swinson Christians should be concerned that people who have been accused but not convicted can flee? If you couldn’t be there (like me!) whereas their presence in the West Bank The Chief Minister of Jersey gave this remarkable testimonial (BBC website). check out the @Yes2WomenBishop and Gaza has fallen to less than five per “Islanders will know that the Dean is held in high regard by Jersey’s faith community website for the talks from Saturdays cent, it has increased in Israel by over 25 and is highly respected for his dedicated work and contribution to island life since he conference #WBMar16 per cent. If Jeremy Moodey is really con- came here in 2005.” A Chief Minister can hardly make remarks like ‘high regard’ and cerned about ‘occupation,’ I suggest he ‘highly respected’ unless there has been no suggestion of any malpractice during this @markrusselluk turns his attention to the continued illegal time. Suppose, just suppose, that Bob Key did make a mistake. Who hasn’t? Why not What can I give God, give him my presence by Turkey in Cyprus, which it issue a reprimand and move on since he is still ‘highly respected’ in the region he is heart - the Queen shares the Gospel invaded in 1974, and ignores UN decrees. serving. with the nation.. Again! #OurQueen After all, Israel only occupies some of the When I last knew Bob Key he was an evangelist and a pastor. The Church (of Eng- West Bank as a result of being invaded by land) would be much better served with more people like Bob Key who take Jesus’ @Bishop_S_Conway Jordanian forces, and removing Israeli commission seriously rather than being sidetracked by other, albeit important, issues. Chosen as Bishop of Ely, I was presence in Lebanon and Gaza, has not Many years ago I had the privilege of serving in the church Bob was minister of. In encouraged to exhibit my resulted in peaceful co-existence. Why the vestry before a service I once apologized. “I have stuck to the passage you gave background and disposition: to be should it compromise its security again me, but I am afraid it has not come out on your title”. Bob replied, “Ignore my title. common and warm. I have an unless concrete guarantees issue from the Preach the Word, brother”. Long may he be free to do so. exemplar now in Rome. PA for a real peace? PAB Gowlland B.Sc., Dip.Th. Brian Lux, Purley @fmuamba Llandudno Last year today my world nearly ended today i’m alive and loving life. Thank you all for love and support. Historical myopia God bless you all. #stillstanding Sir, There are so many historical inaccura- and the fiction of some kind of autonomy Opposition, telling the Government of the cies in Yisrael Medad’s response to my for the Palestinians, but this has been ren- day what was wrong with their proposals, @His_Grace recent article on the prospects for Middle dered meaningless by the introduction of a but offering no practical alternative strate- @ChrisBryantMP seeks to turn East peace (letters, 17 March) that it would further 300,000 Jewish settlers into the gies. Would it be unreasonable to hope that Parliament’s historic chapel into a take at least a page of your newspaper to West Bank, in violation of international law as the bishops come from the cross bench- multi-faith prayer room correct them. Two examples should suf- and the Oslo Accords themselves, which es, they might be expected to offer a third bit.ly/144oKer fice to demonstrate his historical myopia. If enjoined Israel not to “change the status of way? Is there really nothing our bishops there has been ethnic cleansing in Pales- the West Bank and the Gaza Strip pending can suggest that comes from the Kingdom @Steven_Croft tine in modern times, it has not been by the outcome of the permanent status nego- approach to economics? The work of the The challenge of leading in difficult Arabs of Jews. Until Jewish immigration tiations”. Mass Jewish settlement has of Jubilee Trust on identifying options to times is to build vision, build respect became a key issue in the early 1930s, with course changed the status of the West avoid the type of financial crash we have and build community. the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe, most Bank to such an extent that the two-state witnessed in recent years, would imply that Arabs and Jews (who incidentally called solution envisaged in the Oslo Accords there are economists capable of discerning @EAUKnews themselves Palestinian Jews, so there is is now effectively dead. a Biblical perspective on the issues of Well done to @CAPuk for being nothing “current” about the term) co-exist- Mr Medad invokes the Letter to the wealth distribution. named in the Sunday Times best ed quite peacefully. Romans to support his case, but he over- In our attempts to give people human employers list What did constitute ethnic cleansing, as looks Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far rights and reduce poverty we have created eauk.org/church/stories… demonstrated by Professor Ilan Pappé of as it depends on you, live at peace with the expectation that government can meet Exeter University and others, was Israel’s everyone.” It is Israel’s lack of a true vision all the needs of personal lifestyle choices. @FictionFox forcible dispossession and displacement in for peace, and its desire to grab as much In doing so we are in danger of robbing John Lewis has just emailed me. 1948-1949 of over 750,000 Palestinian land for itself as it can, that has individuals of the dignity of human respon- ‘Easter made easy’. By skipping Palestinians, more than half of the Palestin- been the main contributor to the current sibility. Poverty is not only reduced by Passiontide and Holy Week, ian population at the time. These were not impasse. what governments provide, but by what perhaps. just “casualties of war”; their forced evic- Jeremy Moodey, people choose to do with what they tion was part of a deliberate strategy Chief Executive - Embrace the Middle East receive. The reality that some children live @Kirstenspeak described euphemistically by David Ben- Amersham in poverty is not simply that the govern- @FictionFox Waitrose have posted Gurion in 1939 as one of “compulsory ment has not provided enough, but is me a booklet called “your easter transfer”. determined also by what the parental atti- story” all about how to roast lamb. Secondly, Israel’s “territorial compromis- Bishops’ letter tude is to work, and how the benefits Huh. es” since 1947 have been more illusory Sir, Thank you for printing the full details received are spent. follow us than real. For example, the 1993 Oslo of the welfare letter sent by the 40 bishops. As a nation we have responded to per- @churchnewspaper on Twitter Accords created the Palestinian Authority It read as though it was a letter from the ceived needs to a point where our national

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SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2013 Remaining a prayer movement

By Graham Cray

ne of the great dangers for any of church movement, including Fresh OExpressions, is that work that began in humble dependence on the Holy Spirit morphs into reliance on human compe- tence. We are inclined to pray when we are out of our depth, and not to pray when we think we know what we are doing. One of the hardest biblical texts to believe is Jesus’ blunt statement, ‘apart from me you can do nothing.’ It is not surprising that he went on to say, ‘If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you,’ (John 15:5-7). I am convinced that the extraordinary development of fresh expressions in the church in recent years is an initiative of the Holy Spirit, in which we have been privileged to participate, and for which we owe great thanksgiving. I frequently say that we have caught a wave of the Spirit and that central to my job description are the words ‘don’t fall off’. There has been a renewal of missional imagination in much of the church, a willingness to risk new things for God and a discovery of new gifts and pio- neering callings. All of this is evidence that the Spirit is at work. The core principles of prayerful discernment and incarnational mission have been learned by watching what the Spirit has been doing, often at the frontiers of mission. These principles are essential parts of the show how hard it was for the church to but only remain fruitful if they con- world and cross cultural boundaries. They were won- tinue to be carried out in humble people are derfully blessed at home in Jerusalem but dependence on the Spirit. invited to Samaria and the ends of the earth were not That humble dependence is pray from originally in their sights. Pray that, locally, expressed in prayer. When the noon local nationally and internationally, we will be 24/7 Prayer movement joined time, wherev- open to hear the Spirit’s call and to obey. Fresh Expressions it was both er they are in Pray that we may not be blinded by all that recognition of the centrality of the world.) If has been achieved already, and so miss the prayer and listening to God in our your parish further imaginative steps that God intends. practice - and a challenge to remain church has Pray for continual wisdom and courage true to this original DNA. Prayer is stage until we know what to do. It is an planted a fresh expression make it the gift from the Spirit, locally, nationally and inter- the bedrock of all that we do; it is essential expression of trusting dependence. We are of this focused hour of prayer. If your nationally for a mixed economy church in practice to pray in faith as we seek God’s initial and parish is asking how it could reach those it Movements birthed in prayer are sus- and it sustains, informs and breathes life continuing direction, whether for local mis- fails to reach through its current activities, tained in prayer. Fresh expressions of into any movement within the church. sion or for national priorities. make that the focus of prayer, and be open church are birthed in prayerful listening We know more about planting fresh This week we pray particularly for Arch- to the possibility of a fresh expression. If and they develop and mature through expressions than we did when we started. bishop Justin, as he takes up his public your parish has little focus on mission prayerful listening. Praying pioneers make That is good, as there is no benefit in igno- leadership of the Church of England, as it beyond the current congregation, pray for praying disciples. The quality of our mis- rance. But ‘knowhow’ does not win disci- engages in its mission to the nation. We the missionary Spirit to stir its heart and sion often provides the evidence of the ples or establish contextual churches. In pray that God will bless him with the vision, open its eyes. quality of our prayer. We are all too busy that we are assistants only, totally reliant on wisdom and discernment that he needs. On the original day of Pentecost, as the not to pray. the Holy Spirit. We are dependent on God Our next Hour of Prayer for Fresh disciples were praying, the Spirit was Bishop Graham Cray is Archbishops’ for the things that only God can do. Prayer Expressions takes place on the day after poured out for innovative, boundary-cross- Missioner and leader of the Fresh is not a device to get God’s seal of approval Pentecost (Monday May 20) from 12noon. ing mission ‘to Judea, Samaria and the ends Expressions team on existing plans. It is not a preliminary (Fresh expressions has spread to various of the earth’. But the chapters that follow www.freshexpressions.org.uk

ANDREW CAREY E2 • WHISPERING GALLERY E2 • CINDY KENT E3 • ARTS E7 • BOOKS E7 • CROSSWORD E8 • JANEY LEE GRACE E8 E2 www.englandonsunday.com Sunday March 24, 2013 Why the Bishop of Liverpool is wrong When they near retirement bishops are often same-sex marriage and like many others I tempted to go off-message. Bishop James have been proved right. Jones’s call for blessings of civil partnerships Just as importantly, most of those in a civil AndrewCarey: should be welcomed however, because it rep- partnership will convert that form of relation- resents an outbreak of honesty in the House of ship to marriage the moment the Bill is enact- Bishops. ed. Civil Partnerships will continue to be The collegiality of the House often signals a entered into by a minority but activists will ViewfromthePew lack of openness and honesty about where the now be urging the Church of England to pro- Church of England really is on many of the vide blessings for gay marriage. And in fact, debates of the day. Bishops who sign up to offi- unofficial blessings will undoubtedly take cial statements and then do everything they place. Furthermore, clergy in civil partner- can in their dioceses to undermine Church ships will themselves convert their licences to teaching are far more damaging than gadflies marriage. There will be many more facts on Two new ministries on the edge of orthodoxy. the ground for the Church of England to deal Nevertheless, Bishop James Jones is wrong with. Pope Francis and Archbishop Justin, ity for the poor. A pope from the devel- on the blessing of civil partnerships for two This is where the trajectory of the debate on formally and ceremonially, take up oping world will inevitably focus much main reasons. Firstly, though the bishops may human sexuality is headed. It will leave us with office this month. There are already more of his energy on the world out- have discussed civil partnerships in closed a much more balkanised Church of England. signs that some common themes may side Europe. To outside observers his session on many occasions, there has been no The emphasis on reconciliation from our new emerge from their tenure of office. greatest challenge is said to be a wider theological debate in the Church of Eng- Archbishop will not be enough to contain the Our 105th successor to Augustine in reform of the very structures that have land on how these relationships reflect church dividing lines and the inevitable fragmentation particular is intent on seizing the agen- contributed to the very secrecy and teaching on marriage. I have always main- of the Church of England will continue apace. da from the western obsession with defensiveness which led to the scan- tained that civil partnerships were a step to rights and the culture wars. In a num- dals of paedophile clergy. A new open- ber of statements, he has pointed to the ness could herald much more positive Communion outside the Church of working with other churches, some- England and signalled that his agenda thing that has virtually stalled during Politicians meddle with press freedom cannot be wholly centred around the the Papacy of Benedict. preoccupations of the west. He faces It is too early to say much more There are those who continue to hold to the bizarre and naive belief that better regulation and the inevitable questions in every inter- about the future ministries of these two new laws will somehow perfect human nature. They continue to hold that belief, even when exist- view about gay marriage and women men. Their intentions may well be over- ing laws are not enforced and acted upon, as though ‘doing something’, or ‘doing anything’ will bishops and defends against them with taken by events but both look strong- make everything better. I am of course talking about attempts to statutorily underpin the new a largely orthodox prod but he will be minded and inventive enough to set press regulator, led by the campaigning group, Hacked Off. determined that these issues will not their own agenda. Who knows, we may It may well be that this week’s compromise in Parliament is workable and doesn’t restrict press dominate his time in office as they did be surprised by the ministry of both freedom or shrink the space for public debate but I remain cynical about any attempts by politi- his immediate predecessors. men. At the very least they deserve our cians to interfere with fundamental freedoms. It seems to me that the draconian closure of the Pope Francis, successor 266 to St prayers and critical support as they News of the World, together with the enforcement of existing laws, is the ultimate sanction upon Peter, will also have his eyes on other endeavour to take up two of the most the press. There is no doubt that a better regulator is needed, as is a code of conduct, and quick- things than the culture wars of the US important offices in the worldwide er and better arbitration of complaints. This can be accomplished without any new law on the and Europe. He has signalled his prior- Church. statute book.

New light on Welby Star turnout Justin Welby enjoyed a star turnout for his first reception for the press at Lam- Congratulations to DLT for commissioning Andrew Atherstone’s new biog- beth Palace last week. Among the guests were Jeremy Paxman, Evan Davies, raphy of Justin Welby four months before his elevation to Canterbury. The James Naughtie, and his old Eton contemporary, Charles Moore. Giles Fraser, a book has received widespread coverage in the press but there are one or local Vicar who writes for The Guardian, was prominent. Jonathan Wynne-Jones, two nuggets that have gone unnoticed. Quite remarkable is the wide range formerly of this address before moving to the Sunday Telegraph, made a surprise of support for Welby’s appointment to Canterbury despite his short period appearance. He has been in Chicago for the past year but he and his family are as a bishop. According to Atherstone, Welby was the preferred candidate of planning to return soon to the UK. James Macintyre, the biographer of Ed both the Episcopal Church of the US and the Province of Nigeria. Welby’s Miliband, was also present. The publishers, Biteback, have announced that he is links with Nigeria are well known but his warm relations with Episcopalians to work on a new, unauthorised biography of Welby, which will be entitled Head- (last year he was the only foreign guest at the House of Bishops meeting) hunted by God. A former Religious Affairs Correspondent of The Independent, may come as surprise. Welby’s spirituality also covers a wide range. As well Macintyre enjoyed good contacts with Lambeth Palace under Rowan Williams as being close to Holy Trinity, Brompton, he has a French Catholic priest as and was responsible for a revealing interview with the former Archbishop pub- his spiritual director, is close to a French religious community (Chemin lished in a Christmas edition of the New Statesman. Meanwhile the shake-up of Neuf), is an oblate and trustee of an Anglican Benedictine community, and the Church’s press operation continues with a review being conducted by Mark likes a daily Eucharist. The book even sheds new light on Welby’s father. Elsdon-Dew of Holy Trinity, Brompton. The Whispering Gallery Women and the Church An Evangelical Pope?

Westminster Faith Debates are commissioning a series of polls from YouGov Argentine evangelist Luis Palau is well known to evangelical Christians in the on issues relating to faith and morals. Last week’s debate unveiled a poll that UK. He has told Christianity Today he considers the new Pope a ‘personal revealed more Muslims than Anglicans approve the Church of England’s friend’. “You knew he knew God the father personally,” Palau reports. “The way current polices towards women. Of those who claimed to be Anglicans, just he prayed, the way he talked to the Lord, was of a man who knows Jesus Christ 11 per cent expressed support for current polices as opposed to 26 per cent and was spiritually intimate with the Lord.” According to Palau, the new Pope is of Muslims. But in what was at times a spirited debate, Rod Thomas of more a spiritual man than an administrator. “He’s a very Bible-centred man, a Reform drew the audience’s attention to the fact that what was really at stake very Jesus Christ-centred man. He is really centred on Jesus and the Gospel, in the November debate in General Synod was the treatment of the minority the pure Gospel,” Palau enthuses. The evangelist doesn’t expect the differ- in the Church and that in a ComRes poll over 30 per cent of members had ences in doctrine to go away but he hopes for a papacy that makes relations identified with the minority and expressed the view that they should contin- between evangelicals and Catholics easier. This could be important in coun- ue to have an honoured place. Prof Linda Woodhead of Lancaster University tries like Brazil where the number of evangelicals and Pentecostals is now over who has written on feminist theology, put the cat among the pigeons when 70 per cent. One difference Palau does not mention is that many Pentecostals she said women’s ordination may have been bad for women in the C of E. are keen on the prosperity gospel while Pope Francis emphasises work among Ordained Anglican women had been too ready to join the establishment and the poor. Francis revealed to Palau that his diocesan financial manager in buy into the existing system whereas Catholic women continue to be a radi- Buenos Aires was an evangelical and the two spent time together reading the cal pressure group and the male Catholic clergy are too few in number to Bible, praying and drinking mate (an Argentinian green tea). Francis is clearly exercise complete control of their Church. As an ‘ascribed minority’ women at ease with evangelicals and ready to form friendships across the theological often do better having their own space, Woodhead claimed. divide. Sunday March 24, 2013 www.englandonsunday.com E3

I’ve often visited the Abbey in St Albans, which is a most impressive building. And it was good to hear that visits to such places are on the rise. St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Canterbury Cathedral are again among Cindy Kent the top visitor attractions in the UK, according to the latest statistics from the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (AVLA). The 4,500,000 visitors to those three famous churches are only part of the View from Fleet Street numbers visiting more than 16,000 Church of England buildings across Eng- land, many of whose figures are not included in AVLA figures. York Minster attracts more than 490,000 visitors annually, while Durham Cathedral wel- comes 600,000 visitors each year and Bath Abbey alone would make the top 50 attractions, welcoming 420,000 visitors a year. Good news indeed. Approximately 11.3 million people - more than a quarter (27 per cent) of England’s adult population - say that they have been to a Church of England cathedral in the last 12 months, according to the Theos think-tank. These figures exclude visitors and tourists from overseas who visit Church buildings. Successive surveys since 2000 have shown that 85 per cent of people in Britain visit a church building in any one year for many reasons apart from AhumblePontiff services of worship. Weddings, funerals, school services, concerts and special events attract people to these centres of community life. Educational So – we now have Pope Francis 1–afirst among from a Senior Fellow at Georgetown Universi- events, alone, in CofE churches and cathedrals attract up to 300,000 visits a many firsts. First from outside Europe for more ty’s Woodstock Theological Centre – Fr Thomas year. I wonder why people are visiting them? That would be an interesting than a millennium; from the Americas and a Reese, SJ, who said that the Cardinals may have question to add to the surveys being done. Especially with the cost of entry to Jesuit. The Daily Telegraph’s headline ‘Pope a tough task ahead of them. He said they’re these places being so high. Francis the humble’ summed it up. looking for “someone who’s holy, someone And some more good news for the C of E. New statistics for 2012 show that He seemed surprised to have been chosen. who’s intelligent, who knows theology, who the number of young people (under 30s) accepted for training for the Church There was none of the hands clasped like a vic- knows the teachings of the church. But also of England ministry last year was 113, 22 per cent of the total. This is the torious boxer, which his predecessor exhibited somebody who can communicate… to the aver- highest number in the past 20 years. The Ministry Division of the Archbish- on his first balcony appearance. And that he age person and not just the scholars.” ops’ Council is continuing to be proactive in recruiting both young ordinands stood, head bowed, waiting for the crowd to He said they also wanted someone who “can and those from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds (BME) and this bless him before he blessed them, said it all. re-organise and get the Vatican under control month sponsored two separate conferences for those thinking about ordina- I was talking to some friends last week about because Bishops are worried about the leaks tion. the ‘riders and runners’ and Cardinal Bergoglio and allegations of corruption, etc.” He thought Sixteen young people, aged 15-19, attended a young vocations conference was praised highly. “He’s out on the streets. He they were looking for “Jesus Christ with an in Cambridge and feature in a Church of England podcast. “The opportuni- takes the bus”. Then he sounds like the man for MBA”. ties for young people to serve are there,” says Amie, one of the delegates. the job we said. And now he is. He reminds me a When asked if the way the Cardinals vote “I’ve been very encouraged by this conference and that’s a real positive, bit of John Paul 1 - ‘the smiling Pope’ who did so means that the future Pope is hand-picked by because a few years ago it might not have been the same. Diocesan Directors much to change the face of the papacy in his God, he said: “You can’t blame the Holy Spirit of Ordinands are not saying, ‘Go away, you’re 18 or 19’. They are saying short rein, but which was picked up by his suc- for the election of the Borgias or some of the ‘come and explore with me.’ I wonder how many of the intake is still not in cessor. And to take the name Francis speaks vol- bad Popes that we’ve had… Jesus Christ found- favour of women priests? That would be interesting to find out. So many peo- umes. ‘Go and rebuild my church,’ was the ed the Church but he left it to human beings to ple outside the church feel it’s wrong to continue to admit people who ‘won’t command God gave Francis of Assisi – and I run.” play by the rules’, as they see it. guess that this is as true for Pope Francis. I’d Fr Reese must be thrilled that a Jesuit was And it’s not just the numbers of people visiting Abbeys and Cathedrals love to have been a fly on the wall listening in to chosen. We can only pray that Francis 1 has all that’s up. It’s bats as well! Bat conservation is damaging churches not just the ‘lobbying’ that must have gone on. All done the qualities needed and wish him well. physically but financially and cannot be sustained, Environment Minister in very gentlemanly terms – I’m sure. I doubt if One thing is for certain – it would not be a Richard Benyon MP was told last week. The cost of replacing one small piece anyone has had pin badges or pens bearing the British Pope. Nearly 1,000 years ago, in 1154, a of a leaded window, for example, increased from £5 using plain glass to £140 name of their candidate. But that would be fun, man named Nicholas Breakspear was elected when fitting a lead ‘bat flap’ was required by the Bat Conservation Trust wouldn’t it? the first - and thus far only - English pope. Pope (BCT) - four weeks’ collection in the rural parish church of Wiggenhall, St I was thinking back a month or two to when Adrian IV was born Nicholas Breakspear Germans. the Coptic Christians in Egypt chose their new around 1100 AD, close to St Albans in Hertford- Leaving interpretation of the law on bat conservation largely to the BCT is Pope. A blindfolded boy put his hand into a glass shire, England. I believe that Pope Adrian told a bringing the European Habitats Directive into disrepute to the detriment of bowl where three names were placed, and contemporary of his, John of Salisbury: “The endangered species more generally, warned a Church of England delegation pulled one out. How simple is that? The way this office of Pope, he assured me, was a thorny one, led by Second Church Estates Commissioner Sir Tony Baldry MP, with rep- Pope was chosen be an age-old way of election – beset on all sides with sharp pricks. He wished resentatives of Natural England. since the 13th century I gather - but this one is indeed that he had never left England, his native “I remain puzzled as to why our churches are treated as if they were unin- being firmly run in the media spotlight in a digi- land, or at least had lived his life quietly in the habited barns. They are not,” said the Rt Rev Graham James, Bishop of Nor- tal age. I’ve downloaded The Pope app for my cloister of St Rufus rather than have entered on wich. I’ll refrain from the obvious comment about bats in the belfry and phone – so that I can know the minute some- such difficult paths, but he dared not refuse, continue to think – and pray - about Pope Francis 1. I wonder where that puts thing happened. There’s a lovely quote on it since it was the Lord’s bidding”. British Catholics who live in the Falkland Islands now?

Urban Myths A visitor came into a church service in the Judy West’s Church Typos middle of the sermon. He took a seat in the This being back row. Easter Sunday, Getting a bit bored, he leaned over to an we will ask Mrs older man and asked, “How long has he Lewis to come been preaching. forward and lay The older member said: “Thirty or 40 an egg on the years I guess.” Notes, Quotes & Anecdotes altar. “I’ll stay,” said the visitor, “He must be Goodnewsstillgetsthrough almost finished.” This story was told at the memorial service for Neil Armstrong. Trying to On one occasion, Neil Armstrong was being introduced to Tom Moe, a do the Lord’s work Getting the message across? retired Air Force colonel. Moe had been a fighter pilot in Vietnam. When in your own strength is his plane malfunctioned during a flight into Vietnam he was forced to land the most confusing, behind enemy lines. exhausting, and tedious of all He was captured quickly and remained a prisoner of war for five years. work. But when you are filled Moe told Armstrong when they met the guards were always trying to with the Holy Spirit, then the discourage the prisoners, telling them the US was losing the war, that ministry of Jesus just flows Americans didn’t care about the POWs and that America had lost the out of you. space race. Corrie Ten Boom One day, Moe said, a fellow inmate received a letter from his mother. The guards had carefully gone through the letter striking out any good news about America. What the guards forgot to do was to look at the stamp. The stamp fea- Do you have a funny story, quotable quote or sermon illustration? tured Armstrong landing on the moon. Send them to The Church of England Newspaper, 14 Great College Street, The guards were wrong, and the prisoners were jubilant. London, SW1P 3RX or email [email protected] E4 www.englandonsunday.com Sunday March 24, 2013

n spite of the hospital expansion and extra fold-out sis-stricken area of Israel. turned away. Hunter assures a provisional solution is beds, sometimes a makeshift mattress lying on the floor The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is shaping the life in Beth- always found. Ihas to suffice. lehem, including many of these mothers and children. For “The Baby Hospital Bethlehem is indeed a kind of island However, this suggests nothing but the amount of suc- the Palestinian economy, the financial consequences are dispensing mercy. Virtually autonomous and independent cess at the Mothers’ School of the Caritas Baby Hospital in devastating. from the reality outside the hospital walls, it is a different Bethlehem. Not only is every other household forced to live on £300 world. But most importantly, it provides high quality med- For decades, the Caritas Baby Hospital was Palestine’s or less every month, but Palestinian medical insurance ical assistance and excellent care. only paediatric hospital. While others exist today, Caritas covers only basic healthcare in government hospitals. This “It is still difficult for women to accept the disease or remains the first place for poverty-stricken mothers and means for the families of these mothers, illness is often even the disability of the children. They need our help.” children to turn in times of need. financially incurable. It is a place often described as an island of peace, offer- Caritas hospital has treated around 25,000 adolescents Daniel Hurter, Operations Manager for the Children’s ing shelter to the and infants each year since 1952. However, because the Relief Hospital UK, said: “Each new day majority of patients require further care after their stay, is a fight for survival. And things that are Caritas has since opened the doors to the Mothers’ School unimaginable by our European stan- in 1968. dards are a bitter reality here. In this The Mothers’ School set country, just a few short up by Children’s Relief hours’ flight away from us Bethlehem provides moth- (Europe) and in a region ers a stay at the hospital ‘Each new day is a we call the ‘Holy Land’, with their sick children, every cent counts.” day and night, and enables fight for survival. In this small town where participation in their treat- And things that are a high wall, watch towers ment. Mothers are able to and armed soldiers at the acquire knowledge on the unimaginable by checkpoint characterise topics of childcare, hygiene the surroundings of these and healthy eating that is our European 30,000 inhabitants, there is essential to their child’s standards are a no sign of the Bethlehem future care and survival. myth remembered from Sumaya Asmari, Head of bitter reality here’ school days or Christmas the Mothers’ School, ideologies. Hunter adds: “A notices an evident increase chronically ill child repre- in the confidence of the sents a huge challenge for mothers, achieved through ongoing education, constant any family, and especially so in the West poorest of the poor in this strife-torn region, a place where listening and reliable support for the mothers attained in Bank.” all children receive medical care, regardless of their origin classes and in individual discussions. The founding principle of Children’s Relief Bethlehem, or religion. It is in this place where medical care has met “The mothers are greatly appreciative of the Mothers’ ‘We are here,’ applies not only to the children in the hospi- standards that exist in the West, anyone can see why the School, since it gives them a break from the harsh reality tal, but to the Mothers’ School as well, and the success hospital and school are achieving such successes. of their day-to-day lives and helps them derive the strength over the years shows just that. “Help a single individual, and you will be helping to provide their sick children with the care they need.” An average of 60 overnight guests at the beginning mankind as a whole,” said Hunter. For many mothers, the Mothers’ School together with around 2002 set new records, as well as requiring need for And luckily for these mothers and children, those the opportunity to stay overnight at the Children’s Hospital expansion beginning in 2008. involved with the Caritas Baby Hospital and Mothers’ Bethlehem provides an escape to calm and peace in the cri- Even when all the beds are taken, no mother is ever School are seeking to do just that. Mother’s Hospital

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Sunday March 24, 2013 www.englandonsunday.com E5 Why we are petitioning on the welfare caps By Bernadette Meaden pendence Payments. Hundreds of thousands of people will have their benefit isability is like the National Lottery – it cut or removed altogether, to achieve could be you!’ says disability activist the government’s aim of a 20 per cent DIan Jones. He had a high-flying saving in the total DLA bill. It is business career and played football for worth bearing in mind that the his County, but then: “I got up at 3am on official fraud rate for this benefit is 9 August 1991 to drive up to Newcastle 0.5 per cent. Upon Tyne for a business meeting. Faced with these and many other Got as far as Chesterfield. Woke up (I assaults on their basic security, Ian use the term loosely) two weeks later. and many others collaborated I’d watched Michael Watson get through social media to establish injured in the boxing ring – I’d gone the WOW petition on the government’s e- and done something similar to him.” petition website. Ian knows from experience we are all The petition calls for, ‘A Cumulative Impact one accident or one diagnosis away from serious illness or Assessment of all cuts and changes affecting sick & dis- disability, and so believes it is essential to have an adequate abled people, their families and carers, and a free vote safety net should the worst happen. Sadly, he and many on repeal of the Welfare Reform Act. An immediate end to others believe this is no longer the case, which is why they the Work Capability Assessment, as voted for by the have established the WOW petition. WOW stands for War British Medical Association.’ On Welfare, because this is how disabled people feel: that It’s backed by actress and comedian Francesca Mar- war is being waged on the basic safety net they depend tinez, who has cerebral palsy, and explains: “Disabled peo- upon. ple have much to offer society but life for many will The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) become about basic survival, and, in one of the richest describes Welfare Reform as ‘The biggest change to the countries in the world, that is unacceptable. Our bottom welfare system for over 60 years.’ It affects millions of peo- line is, we have to do this, lives are being destroyed. No ple, but perhaps most affected are sick and disabled peo- one of good conscience could ignore this situation.” ple. The impact is such that, unless they are wealthy, most The petition has its own website, www.wowpetition.com, now live in a permanent state of anxiety, speaking of their where you can sign, download posters, and read more fear of the DWP, and ‘the dread of the brown envelope’ or about the WOW team. When 100,000 signatures have been ‘the brown envelope of doom’. This constant anxiety often collected, the petition is eligible to be considered for a exacerbates their condition. debate in the House of Commons. It currently has just over People unable to work must now apply for Employment 26,000. Support Allowance (ESA), and undergo a Work Capability The WOW team hope that church and community Assessment (WCA). This computer-based point-scoring groups will support the petition, not just for those who are exercise is so discredited that the British Medical Associa- sick and disabled now, but for those who may become so in tion has called for it to be scrapped ‘with immediate effect’. the future. It is more than a petition, they believe: it is a Seriously ill people are being placed in the Work Related movement. they didn’t win, that her Party wanted to treat disabled peo- Activity Group, which means they have to attend Jobcen- Ian urges everyone to sign, and comments: “My MP ple fairly. So do I, which is why you must sign the WOW tres and actively prepare for work. But even the private Theresa May said to me before the last election, which petition, because it isn’t fair at the moment.” companies who run the Work Programme complain that sick people are being sent to them inappropriately. At a recent committee meeting in the House of Commons, Work Pro- gramme executives told of ter- minally ill cancer patients and people on dialysis being sent to them to prepare for work. Many suicides have been linked to the WCA. A few months ago Ian Lavery MP ! tweeted, ‘Very busy day ending " in great sadness, reading a 54- year-old man’s suicide note blaming the wca and zero # score. Couldn’t face another $ % # year.’ ! ESA is also time-limited, so & &' people face repeated assess- ( ) ments, even those with perma- *+,--- nent disability or progressive illnesses. As the WOW team’s . / *011( Nessie says: “In a week’s time I 2 have no idea if I will even have $ / an income. I’m not sure I can cope with the relentless cycle # 3 4 of assessments.” Another vital benefit, Disabil- # ity Living Allowance, (DLA) designed to help with the addi- tional costs of being disabled, 5 !""#$#$ is being abolished and replaced by Personal Inde- %& '

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper E6 www.englandonsunday.com Sunday March 24, 2013 Ken Loach’s missed opportunity on film

he Spirit of ’45 (dir. Ken Loach, cert. U) is largely a compilation of archive material, showing the achievements of the post-war TLabour government and ending with privatisation and the dis- maying statistic that the NHS’s admin costs have trebled in recent years. It is preaching to the converted, including interviews with the converted, but there’s nothing in it to match Pete Postlethwaite’s anti-Thatcher rant in Brassed Off. A lot of the old footage is familiar, we surely don’t need to see again the cringing hypocrisy of the prayer of St Francis on Mrs Thatcher’s lips (“where there is discord”…), and more recent black and white interviews (even when originally filmed in colour) com- pound the feeling that this is from a bygone age. While celebrating the council house programme that ended squalor the opportunity is missed to examine the horrendous social cleansing of the benefit changes about to engulf the poor - move house, change your children’s schools (if you can get a place), be jobless in unfamiliar territory, stay sane (the £480 million to be saved with the bedroom tax can go toward the resulting mental health costs). z The Great and Powerful (dir. Sam Raimi, cert. PG) provides the story of how the Wizard came to There’s little analysis of what allowed the dismantling of state Oz, but doesn’t quite match the story in the 1939 MGM classic The Wizard of Oz (which I saw industries – just one reference to global overcapacity in manufactur- Omaybe a dozen times on TV before I realised it was made in colour – even the yellow brick road and ing – but in the end Loach has come up with a fairly dull documen- the “horse of a different colour” lines didn’t click). tary, where what’s needed is another Cathy Come Home (dealing with This time Kansas is sepia-tinted and in nearly square aspect, widening into gaudy colour when travelling homelessness), Raining Stones (dealing with a loan shark, but you showman Oscar Diggs (James Franco) gets caught in a twister and lands in Oz. The beautiful witches can’t kill Wonga), or Bread and Roses (dealing with the powerless in (Mila Kunis and Rachel Weisz) attract his attention and send him to kill the wicked witch (Michelle work). Williams), who bears a striking resemblance to his love interest Annie back home. It might educate a new generation but I can’t quite see it getting on Having established the real enemy, and that the flying monkeys in this Oz are more scary than in the Gove’s new history curriculum – oh, wait, leftie teachers unite! It’s in original, Oscar is faced with high expectations. Apparently the arrival of a wizard as saviour is a prophecy - there: “The Attlee Government and the growth of the welfare state”. there might be an allegory there, but let’s not push it, as this showman has to come up with illusions rather than real miracles to save the people. Aside from the wicked witches’ minions, Oscar picks up a travelling companion, “a talking monkey in a bellhop suit”, going by the name of Finley and voiced by Zach Braff who plays his front of house man ide Effects (dir. Steven Frank in his show. Also along for the ride is foot-high China Girl (Joey King), rescued from the ruins of Soderbergh, cert. 15) is a Chinatown (where teapots are houses and she’s the sole survivor of genocide). Stense psychological drama The inhabitants of Oz are rather more inter-racial now, and with the Munchkins (still little people) are set in New York, with psychia- the Winkies and the Tinkers. Led by the Master Tinker (Bill Cobbs) their skills come to the fore in the bat- trist Jonathan Banks (Jude tle for good against the wicked witches. Law) treating a young woman The emerald city is there, and the yellow brick road, complete with potholes (obviously a problem in the for depression, and himself in US too), but there are plenty of new sets with 3D effects to enjoy. Danny Elfman’s music is very effective, trouble when she attacks her but no one breaks into song, so it avoids comparison in that respect. husband, apparently under the If you don’t compare too much – and some of the script goes right back to L Frank Baum’s books – it’s influence of his prescribed rather good fun. Having taken £5m in its first week, it should be the Easter holiday children’s film of drug, Ablixa. Emily Taylor choice, though up against animation The Croods and the 3D reissue of Finding Nemo. (Rooney Mara) has already driven her car into a wall, and husband Martin (Channing as a stylish, soft-top-Jag-driving crime writer-turned- Tatum) knows she’s got prob- DVD REVIEW sleuth, working in partnership with his glamorous lems, but doesn’t expect his life issue, with an estimated one in wife Steve (Ros Drinkwater). to be at risk. 10 Americans taking anti- Paul Temple was a flagship series for the BBC’s His clinical judgment in ques- depressants, and half a million The Paul Temple Black change to colour. This four hours of crime-fighting is tion, Dr Banks consults Emily’s prescriptions a year given in & White Collection black and white because the Beeb deleted the tapes former doctor, Victoria Siebert Britain to treat children with (Acorn Media) and the only remaining copies were some sent to (Catherine Zeta-Jones, with her ADHD. The US psycho-phar- overseas territories, who were without the colour own experience of mental ill- macology industry is worth t may be because he was technology at the time. ness). Banks is under pressure, $40billion a year, but the film the voice of Captain These episodes vary in their quality and bring back something doesn’t seem right, takes a twist on where the real IScarlet, but Francis the comparatively innocent atmosphere of 1970s and now it’s him who’s getting money is. Matthews’ portrayal of crime shows as Temple gets involved with a tennis paranoid. Of course, just A spoof advert at smooth detective Paul Tem- star, corrupt horse-racing teams and a hippie com- because you’re paranoid… www.tryablixa.com provides ple always left a nostalgic mune. Contemporary actors like William Gaunt The film is wordy, but no less the small print for the rare side- glow in my memory. This appear, too, adding to the period feel. absorbing for that, though the effects: “confusion, suicidal DVD set features the last While the production values are nothing like a final reel recap of the clues to thoughts, sleep disturbances five episodes filmed. Morse – the plots can turn on creaky hinges and what’s gone on seems a bit including sleep walking”. You The BBC broadcast Paul some bit players are less than convincing – the discs superfluous. can even get Jude Law to diag- Temple as a radio series 30 are great for nostalgia and worth revisiting for those Dependence on mood-alter- nose if you’re depressed. years before bringing it to who remember the series with affection. ing drugs is the underlying Steve Parish television, when Matthews re-invented the character Derek Walker

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ohn Rogers, a retired mate change and to limiting its impact of the world’s poor- Those who enjoyed The Billy Fidget Letters will enjoy the teacher and tree planter, was est communities. follow-up Billy Fidget’s Family Fortunes by Nick Battle Jdue to give a talk about the Justin Lee is an American evangelical who is gay. He and Eric Delve (Hodder). His wife gets pregnant with their small priory church in Lether- loves evangelicalism, its worship and its spirituality, and he fourth child, and Tom gets caught selling drugs at school. ingham, Suffolk, when he suf- is no fan of ‘inclusive churches’ that he thinks of as light on Billy doesn’t understand what is happening but God has a fered a heart attack. In The doctrine and too quick to sacrifice a relationship with Jesus plan that leads him by a rocky road to greater spiritual Undelivered Mardle (Darton, Christ. He is never strident and does not seek to shock but insight and growth. Longman and Todd), he revisits he wants to set aside the language of the culture wars. President Obama has called him a ‘moral titan’ and the the months of research leading Unconditional (Hodder) is a sensitive exploration of sex- Dalai Lama describes him as a ‘wonderful, warm person’. up to the mardle (a local word uality from an evangelical perspective that draws on per- They can only be talking about Archbishop Desmond for a ‘talk’ that liter- Tutu. God is Not a ally means a ‘gos- Christian, a collec- sip’) and reflects tion of the Archbish- on the meaning of op’s key sermons, life and faith and papers and addresses, the significance of buildings we have inherit- appeared in hardback ed from the past. There is an introduction by in 2011. Now Rider Ronald Blythe. Books have brought Garth Moore’s Introduction to English out a paperback edi- Canon Law first appeared in 1967. The tion. It is edited by fourth edition, edited by Timothy J Briden, John Allen, the Arch- has now appeared, published by Bloomsbury. bishop’s former aide Chancellor Garth Moore was a great Church and a journalist in of England character as well as a great expert South Africa, who sub- on canon law (he helped found the Ecclesias- mits background pas- tical Law Society) and Timothy Briden is sages to put the Vicar-General of the Province of Canterbury as well as sonal experience. pieces in context. Chancellor of the Dioceses of Bath and Wells and Truro. There are 12,000 children in the UK in need of adoptive Quiet Spaces is published three times a year by the This book comes with a preface by the Bishop of Gibraltar and foster parents. Every 22 minutes a child enters the Bible Reading Fellowship. It provides material for Quiet in Europe. care system. Who will adopt them? Who will give them a Time reflection. The May-August edition is now available. Beacons, edited by Gregory Norminton (One World), is good home? The Evangelical Alliance and Care for the Also available from BRF is Servant Ministry in which a collection of stories by distinguished authors who Family have launched a joint campaign to promote adop- Tony Horsfall offers a very practical exposition of the ‘Ser- include Joanne Harris, Toby Litt, and Adam Thorpe about tion and fostering. Krish Kandiah and his wife, Miriam, vant Songs’ in Isaiah and The Word Out, a very useful our possible futures. The book was published to mark cli- explore the realities of adoption and fostering in Home for examination of the theology and practice of evangelism by mate change week and all profits go to Stop Climate Good (Hodder) and draw on real life stories from their Paul Weston and David Male. Weston and Male both teach Chaos, the UK’s largest group dedicated to action on cli- own experience and the experience of others. at Ridley Hall and their book is highly recommended. Reflections on theTrinity today

From Pentecost to the Triune God Studebaker is a Pentecostal theologian the evolving experience of the Holy Spirit his Son and Spirit. They offered the oppor- Steven M Studebaker who teaches at McMaster University and whose dynamic power the apostles tapped tunity to share in the life and fellowship of Eerdmans, pb, £22.99 his book forms part of a series of ‘Pente- in order to fulfil their mission. the triune God, and their offer extends to costal Manifestos’ in theology. Instead of a Not everyone has responded and yield- all people, irrespective of their religious According to a famous principle set out by purely mutual love model of the Trinity, ed to the Spirit and so not everyone has practice”. Karl Rahner (who was really reviving which Studebaker argues preserves an been baptised in the Spirit. A look at the Paul Richardson patristic teaching) the God revealed in the instrumental role for the Spirit, he wants to history of Christian mission, Studebak- ‘economic Trinity’ is God in the ‘imminent emphasise that the Spirit as the divine per- er suggests, will yield evidence of the Trinity’ of his own divine son who completes the Trinitarian Spirit at work before Christian mission life. As Steven Studebaker fellowship. The Spirit’s activity is takes place. Some non-Christian reli- points out, although this to bring the being of God to full gions are a response to the Spirit of Subscribe to principle has been widely Trinitarian communion. Pentecost and Studebaker follows Rah- embraced by contemporary This account of the Trinity ner (without referring to Rahner’s the print theologians they have also involves an analysis of Western work in this area) in arguing that if ele- been keen to point out that Trinitarian theology from Augus- ments of grace and truth are present in edition for the economic Trinity does tine and Aquinas to John Zizioulas other religions this must include the not exhaust the imminent and Tom Weinanday and of Ameri- structures of those religions that medi- Trinity: ‘the transcendence can Reformed Evangelical Trinitar- ate that grace. £17.50 of God means the immi- ian theology that many readers will Studebaker remains convinced of nent Trinity surpasses the find heavy going. More interesting the normative status of Christianity economic, even though is Studebaker’s analysis of Charis- and this leads him to argue (in words they are harmonious’. matic and Pentecostal Trinitarian that echo Rahner’s concept of ‘anony- But recognition of the theology, which may be new to mous Christianity’) that ‘anyone who transcendence of God has not stopped a many readers who are not from those tra- receives the grace of the Spirit in a non- good deal of contemporary theology being ditions. Christian religion has Christ, partici- concerned with rather tedious speculation But what really brings this book to life is pates in the fellowship of the Trinity, is about the inner life of the Trinity. Stude- the way Studebaker’s view of the Trinity being formed in the image of Christ, baker seeks to ground his own under- leads to an account of the work of the Holy and is a member of the church if only standing of the Trinity in the Pentecostal Spirit that does not see pneumatology in a covert way’. That’s right, you can experience of Spirit baptism and the strong purely in the service of the Christology. In Turning to creation, Studebaker subscribe to the print edition and have it emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit in his two final chapters Studebaker spells sees the Spirit as always working to sent to you by post every week for three the biblical narrative. He sees the Holy out what this means for other religions and bring the diversity of life in creation to months for just £17.50. Spirit not as the passive end product of a for the care of creation. participate in the life of the Triune Email [email protected] procession from the Father and the Son Studebaker claims that the Holy Spirit is God. ‘Creation care’ is ‘keeping in step or telephone 020 7222 8663 but as a dynamic person who constitutes present in every human life. The Spirit was with the Spirit’. the Father as Father and is the active agent present in upper room on the Day of Pente- There is one passage in this book In addition to the print edition you will also get full access to our of the union of the humanity of Christ with cost before the disciples were baptised in that cries out for quotation. “God did website at www.churchnewspaper.com the eternal Son. the Spirit. The account in Acts describes not send a religion to earth; God sent

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‘ology’ (old style reference to O levels!) to be able to care for children? Common sense is needed in abundance and then a whole lot of love – oh, and patience. Childcare can be Childcarein hard work. I can’t imagine trying to look after two babies and four toddlers. For starters what happens when the phone rings or more than two are crying at the same time? Forget ever venturing out to the park to feed the ducks – even the super-duper high-tech new double- decker buggies can’t accommodate two babies and four crisis toddlers! I’d challenge any of the politicians arguing for this change to try it for a few days, added to this of course hildcare is in crisis in the UK and the recent furore childminders now also have to include ‘numeracy’ and over the change in regulations for nursery care ‘literacy’ – interestingly across Europe where children Cstaff and childminders has really highlighted just are encouraged to play in the early years and not do any how far we’ve come from what ought to be the ideal. In formal academic work in schools until the age of seven, Utopia all babies and young children would be cared for they have markedly better literacy results. in their own home, we’d live in extended family commu- Nick Clegg recently claimed that it is absurd to expect nities, walk or cycle to work and even grow our own food fathers to go out to work and let women do all the child- or buy from local farms (don’t even get me started on the care. He also said it was heartbreaking for women food supply furore!). returning from maternity leave to see their chances of Sadly life’s not like that. Most of us live miles from our promotion dwindle while men were left out of caring for families and have to rely on childcare despite the rising children. His party has long championed the concept of smile and lots of love to give. costs, but the new plans are worrying. New rules will let shared parental leave. I think we need to get away from the emphasis of childcare nurseries have a one-13 child ratio and childminders can We always had Au Pairs and it’s been mostly success- being a ‘profession’. Having babies and caring for them has have one-six – and look after more babies. Allegedly this ful. None of them had qualifications but as the literal been a natural instinctive process for millions of years. It will all be OK because the staff will be better qualified. ‘translation’ of the word Au Pair is ‘Another pair of hands’ shouldn’t be put under the constraints of official ‘regulation’, - Call me old fashioned but since when did anyone need an that’s exactly what they were, along with at best a huge lest we literally end up with a ‘Nanny State’.

Across redemptive suffering on earth (7) 4 'The ----- to Zion mourn, for no one PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 841 by Axe 1 One of two rivers flowing through comes to her appointed festivals' Damascus [2 Kgs] (7) [Lam/NIV] (5) 5 Hittite in David's army and husband of 5 '"Martha, Martha," the Lord Bathsheba [2 Sam] (5) answered, "you are worried and ----- 8 Book of the New Testament (9) about many things"' [Luke/NIV] (5) 9 Break a Commandment (3) 6 '"I know her ------but it is futile," 10 Mountain of the Ten Commandments declares the Lord' [Jer/NIV] (9) (5) 7 'And my ------will testify for me in the 12 '...and we will fall on him as dew ------future' [Gen/NIV] (7) on the ground' [2 Sam/NIV] (7) 11 Apostle named in John; probably the 13 'My son, ------to my wisdom...' Bartholomew of other Gospels (9) [Prov/KJV] (6) 13 '[Satan]...who ------them before our 14 'I know what it is to be in need, and I God day and night, has been hurled know what it is to have ------' down' [Rev/NIV] (7) [Phili/NIV] (6) 15 '...the very words I have spoken will 16 Assembly of church canons (7) condemn them at the ------' 19 Queen from here, unnamed in the [John/NIV] (4,3) Bible [1 Kgs] (5) 17 'Aaron must burn fragrance...when he 21 'Then the Lord said to Moses, "Stretch ----- the lamps' [Exod/NIV] (5) your hand over the ---..."' [Exod/NIV] 18 'The earth shook, the ----- split, and the (3) tombs broke open' [Matt/NIV] (5) 22 Pharisee who came secretly to Jesus 20 Port of Mysia visited by Paul on his [John] (9) last voyage to Jerusalem [Acts] (5) 24 Leader of the Jerusalem church and 23 'This --- was blameless and upright; he sometime companion and secretary to feared God and shunned evil' Paul [Acts] (5) [Job/NIV] (3) 25 'These are not the ------of a man pos- sessed by a demon' [John/NIV] (7) Solutions to last week’s crossword

Down Across: 5 Corinthians, 7 Amos, 8 Ministry, 9 Vas- sal, 10 Ranges, 11 Adders, 14 Canaan, 16 1 'My skin grows black and -----; my body Bethpage, 17 Name, 18 The Creation. burns with fever' [Job/NIV] (5) 2 '...he planteth an --- and the rain doth Down: 1 Crisis, 2 Animal, 3 Shinar, 4 Samson, 5 The first correct entry drawn will win a book of the Editor’s choice. Send your nourish it' [Isa/KJV] (3) Commandment, 6 Serve…Mammon, 12 entry to Crossword Number 841, The Church of England Newspaper, 3 Term for the period of the Lord's Echoes, 13 Stairs, 14 Caesar, 15 Nuncio. 14 Great College Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3RX by next Friday

Name STAIRLIFTS FROM £995 SCRIBBLE PAD Address NEW OR REFURBISHED FOR AN INFORMATION PACK CALL Telephone FREE on 0800 007 6959 Post Code www.castlecomfortstairlifts.com See our notice on page 11 for Clergy disount Leader & Comment Sunday March 24, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 9 Comment A warm welcome Doing the work to Francis

The election of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires to become the new Pope as Francis has much promise. The most notable feature of his address to the crowds in St Peter’s Square was his continued reference of the opposition to his new role as ‘Bishop of Rome’. This was unusual given the global jurisdiction of the papacy since 1870, and given the world wide media coverage of his election. His stress on being a local bishop means that By Peter Mullen he desires to be a pastoral leader, a Christian bishop in touch with an actual diocese and congregation, rather than seek an image as a colos- Archbishop Justin Welby presents an exciting CV. sus on the world stage. This connects with the name he has chosen, In him we have a leader who has escaped the corri- Francis. Francis of Assisi was a lay Christian who went directly back to dors of ecclesiastical bureaucracy and has busied the Gospels and tried to live out the lifestyle of Jesus of Nazareth, for- himself with more than further ruminations on the saking riches and kudos. He lived with great simplicity, and embar- synoptic problem. He held high positions in man- rassed the vastly wealthy and powerful Vatican, even shamed it, by this agement, then turned priest, so that I shall forever regaining of the Christlike way. He moved among the poor, and was want to call him the Holy Oil Man. He is a man of famous for his appreciation of the natural order. So the new Pontiff as a courage too, taking Christianity into dangerous Francis: that does seem to make a statement of a new humbler leader- places. He relates how in Nigeria there was once a ship for world Roman Catholicism. The very direct and simple leading price on his head of $30. He said, “I didn’t know of the people in the Lord’s Prayer, again struck a pastoral and spiritual whether to feel afraid or insulted.” Don’t feel insult- note: all could join in that prayer passed down to us from Jesus. This ed, Your Grace: you are not the first to have had Bishop of Rome is a man of prayer, who is not above the laity. His placed upon him a price of thirty pieces. lifestyle as Archbishop of Buenos Aires also confirms this impression I was disappointed then to see this brave man of simplicity and prayer. with proven acumen align himself with the 43 bish- severely by the poor. He is of course also a Jesuit, an order born of military discipline and ops who wrote to the prime minister to criticise the “This is why I agree with you that we must denominational determination to roll back Protestantism but now an proposed limit of one per cent on working age ben- reduce borrowing and the deficit, otherwise it is order more concerned with the poor than with politics and control. efits. The Archbishop claims that, “Civilized society not only our generation which will be impover- To the ecumenists, his self description as Bishop of Rome may possi- has a duty to the vulnerable and in need.” That’s ished, but crippling debts will be our legacy to our bly be very important. Protestants, certainly Anglicans, and definitely true. In fact many a true word is spoken in clichés. children and grandchildren. A £200billion annual the Orthodox, see him as precisely this, bishop of the most ancient The issue though is of how to go about discharging welfare budget is just not sustainable. western church over two millennia. Is he, for example, going to be able this duty to the poor. Naturally, Yvette Cooper, “It is not even as if you have ordered a cut in to reach out to the Archbishop of Canterbury as another western bish- shadow home secretary, was quick to agree with working age benefits – though to hear your critics op, to seek fraternity and healing of rifts, especially if based on the the Archbishop: “He is absolutely right. The gov- talk you’d think you were proposing to re-open the Gospels? To the Orthodox his language will be very welcome indeed: ernment’s proposals are immoral.” Such a shame to workhouses! You have merely declared that any the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartolomeus does recognize the Bishop of see The Primate of All England doing her Majesty’s increase should be limited to 1%. I have heard also Rome as his western brother, and we can look forward to develop- opposition’s work for them. the criticism that in a period of inflation a 1% rise is ments there. Archbishop Justin was emphatic: “These changes really a cut. But I would answer this by stating the As to the election process. Yes, it might seem almost comical to see mean it is children and families who will pay the plain truth that to allow borrowing to continue at its very elderly men dressed in scarlet gathered to elect the new leader, price for high inflation – rather than the govern- present astronomical rate would soon result in yet and yet they did a good job. The appointment of bishops in the Church ment.” That’s another disappointment for I would higher inflation. And again it would be the poorest of England by comparison seems rather bureaucratic and politically have thought that a man who has enjoyed a career who would suffer most. correct, with a civil service feel to it. Likewise the Roman Catholic as a senior financial executive would know that the “You would expect an Archbishop to refer to the bishops commenting on the events were full of the call to follow Christ, government doesn’t pay for anything: because the moral ground of economic and social policies. So it an evangelical ring came through often, a lesson to our Anglican bish- government doesn’t have any money. Such financial is not good to have generational unemployment, to ops in public speaking. So we welcome Francis and no doubt can learn resources allocated by the government come operate a welfare system which institutionalises much from him, and pray for him. directly from taxes. And it is the working poor worklessness. I was dismayed to learn that so many themselves who pay the greater part of these taxes. families have had none of their members in work Iain Duncan Smith, who originally proposed the for decades. This is not only a bad thing in itself, but The Church of England Newspaper reorganisation of the welfare and benefits system, it is made worse for that it is socially divisive, lead- with Celebrate magazine incorporating The Record and Christian Week has responded to the Archbishop’s criticism: ing to loss of morale among those who rely perpet- Published by Religious Intelligence Ltd. “There is nothing moral or fair about the system ually on benefits and resentment among the Company Number: 3176742 that I inherited which trapped people in welfare working poor who are obliged to pay the bill. Publisher: Keith Young MBE dependency. One in every five households has no “Of course I have heard it said that politics is the work. That’s not the way to end child poverty. Get- art of the possible and so I should like, from the les- ting people back to work is the moral and fair way sons I have learnt through my own involvement in Publishing Director & Editor: CM BLAKELY 020 7222 8004 to do it.” commerce and financial affairs, to make a few very Chief Correspondent: The Rev Canon GEORGE CONGER 00 1 0772 332 2604 I’m all in favour of those – even Archbishops – tentative suggestions about economic policy. (At Reporter: AMARIS COLE 020 7222 8700 who assume the high moral ground. But first year least these might make a change from the airy philosophy undergraduates on the introductory wish-list you are accustomed to receive from some Advertising: CHRIS TURNER 020 7222 2018 ethics course learn the crucial truth “Ought implies previous occupiers of this address!) Advertising & Editorial Assistant: PENNY NAIR PRICE 020 7222 2018 can.” That is, sound moral judgements cannot be “We all wish to see the well-being of our people composed out of free-floating sentimentality, but improved. Common sense tells us this can be Subscriptions & Finance: DELIA ROBINSON 020 7222 8663 must be based on facts and on what is for the best in achieved not through borrowing – still less through Graphic Designer: PETER MAY 020 7222 8700 the real world as opposed to the realm of wishful taxation - but only by the creation of genuine and thinking. Bishops and archbishops should not stay tangible wealth. This means we should reduce the The acceptance of advertising does not necessarily indicate out of politics. In fact, I wish they would become taxes imposed on individuals and businesses alike endorsement. Photographs and other material sent for publication even more seriously involved in political affairs and abolish a great many of the regulations which are submitted at the owner’s risk. The Church of England Newspaper than they already are. I just wish they would be are strangling the very enterprise from which alone does not accept responsibility for any material lost or damaged. rather more thoughtful about it. Let us have even all prosperity proceeds. You will not mind my Christian Weekly Newspapers Trustees: Robert Leach (020 8224 5696), stronger letters from Lambeth to Downing Street – reminding you that, when you were elected, you Lord Carey of Clifton, The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, The Rt Rev Pete Broadbent, such as this: promised ‘a bonfire of the quangos.’ I do hope that, Dr Elaine Storkey, The Rev Peter Brown, The Rev Cindy Kent “Dear Prime Minister, even so late in the day, this remains part of your “May I congratulate you and the government in government’s agenda. The Church of England Newspaper, your managing to reduce the number of children in “Perhaps you will excuse me for speaking so can- Religious Intelligence Ltd poverty by 300,000. This is a fine achievement, par- didly on behalf of all the bishops but, like you, I 14 Great College Street, London, SW1P 3RX ticularly in a time of severe economic problems. As have the good of all our people at heart. We do all Editorial e-mail: [email protected] a former financial director myself, I applaud your inhabit the same house. And of course no house Advertising e-mail: [email protected] acknowledgment of the reality principle which says can be furnished for very long by payments out of Subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] that a nation basing its economic policy on exces- phoney and fictitious money.” sive borrowing will soon find its people impover- Affectionately, Website: www.churchnewspaper.com ished – and this hardship will be felt most The English Bench of Bishops

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dictable contributions to your correspon- Letters:Continued dence page (10 March) gives a truncated Single people and God’s grace quotation from the book of Genesis in aid Sir, Serena Lancaster (10 March) asks whether ‘a loving, compassionate God would of her particular stance on gay marriage. point. When we travel on holiday our insur- expect (his children) with a fixed same-sex orientation to settle for a life-long, involun- As I am sure she is aware, God’s utterance ance company wishes to know whether we tary celibacy, when they too are capable of intimacy and faithfulness’. The answer is that ‘It is not good for man to be alone’ con- are planning to indulge in any ‘risky’ activi- yes. In fact, this is what he has asked of heterosexual single Christians since the time tinued ‘I will make him a helper suitable for ty or sport. If so, our premium increases of the apostles. him’, a woman taken out of the man, to beyond the basic amount. Could such a I did not plan to remain unmarried, and in my 20s and 30s I struggled with a des- whom the woman would be united. principle apply in other areas? If we adopt a perate desire for marriage and children. I did not, however, ‘settle’ for this condition. I This seems perfectly clear, if it does not ‘risky’ lifestyle, in terms of eating or drink- came to terms with it, and God’s grace and love, and the power of his Holy Spirit, were exactly advance her case. There is of ing habits, social or relational behaviour, ever present to help me. In his love, he has blessed me with loving friends and rela- course a temptation to think that as we are which result in self-inflicted conditions, tions, and a wonderful church family. I would be betraying his faithfulness if I were to perfectly fair and reasonable people, the should we expect to pay an extra contribu- continually bemoan my fate. Almighty must surely share our own ideas tion to the cost of the police, ambulance I am now 67 years old, and I can honestly say, with immense gratitude, that my life of what is best for mankind. This would, service, a bed in A&E or elsewhere? Are has been utterly fulfilling, and this surely gives the lie to the contemporary theory that however, not only be unwise but also pre- any of us really entitled to a bigger propor- it is not possible to experience such fulfillment without sexual satisfaction. sumptuous – particularly if we feel tempted tion of the national wealth to care for us I am not entirely equating my position with that of my gay brothers and sisters, after also to misquote the words of a God who because we indulge in behaviour that caus- all, I could get married tomorrow without treading on anyone’s toes. My point is this. said that ‘My thoughts are not your es us harm? Where is the line between per- The argument that ‘everyone’ is entitled to intimacy is mistaken. Far from being a thoughts, neither are my ways your ways.’ sonal responsibility and community ‘right’, intimate, pleasurable physical relationships are a wonderful gift of God’s grace In looking for supporters for her position taxpayer compassion now? Is it still true for the institution of marriage. It is a gift that not all of us will enjoy, but this does not Serena Lancaster may perhaps have to set- that, ‘if a man will not work he should not mean our lives will be arid or sad, without blessing or happiness. tle for the likes of David Cameron and the eat’ or have we found a better principle for Is it easy to be faithful in one’s situation and live a celibate life? Definitely not. But amorphous public to which she refers. social justice? then Jesus never promised that following him would be easy. ‘Take up your cross,’ he Paul Gulley, It would seem that there are no easy said. No, obedience is not always easy, but by golly it’s worth it! Princes Risborough, Bucks answers, but could there be Kingdom prin- Lesley South, ciples available to us that we have simply Sidcup, Kent neglected, which could enable the church Beating poverty to be pro-active in this area? Sir, Up pops a second head above the para- Arthur Cornell, pet. Is there really a need for the furore Eastbourne from roof-tops, members of the rival, world nations. over so-called benefit cuts? Andrew Carey, Fatah, it re-affirmed its complete rejection Lastly, Israel is the only country in the bless him, has the nerve to challenge the of peace with Israel and has been responsi- ME where the number of Christians has Letter from the Bishops. I agree with him, Gaza marathon ble for many acts of terrorism against increased in recent years. Christians in but look elsewhere for a solution. Sir, I am frustrated by Bob Mayo’s failure Israelis. neighbouring states are subject to preju- How many people know how to shop to understand why Israel needs to impose In spite of these incessant attacks, Pales- dice and, often, to physical danger. properly? How many people know how to checkpoints around Bethlehem and other tinians, including children with life-threat- Murray Fink, use leftover food? cities. Given that the flow of bombs to ening illnesses, continued to be treated in Prestwich, Manchester This household (no thanks to me) does- carry out attacks on civilian targets such as Israeli hospitals. n’t throw anything away. No, there is the buses within Israel has not ceased, it is The Government of Israel has the right skin of the trout, bought in our local mar- deeply unloving of the putative victims of and obligation to protect its citizens and Always Israel to ket and the occasional bone. The skin of such attacks to suggest their removal; the check-points that make life difficult for the fruit (bought in the market at the same sadly Bob Mayo obviously prefers the Palestinians are necessitated by the dan- blame! time) all goes into compost, of course. But applause of the supporters of murderers to gers of suicide bombers and other terrorist Sir, May I posit that if the sky fell in Israel the cook makes soup out of all sorts, and caring for the innocent. Is it any wonder attacks. In the past, these attacks have would have pulled it! So it seems that peo- has countless other types of magic ready to that the Church of England is not taken killed or maimed many Israelis. As this ple like Bob Mayo want us to believe. use. seriously when its clergy produce such danger has diminished in recent months, Gaza marathon cancelled because As to shopping, who saw that astounding pseudo-prophetic posturing? the check-points have been reduced in women were not allowed to participate: TV programme from a month or two ago, Bruce Patterson, number. Life has become easier for many Israel’s fault. when a chef took a lady volunteer shopping Manchester Palestinians and economic development Palestinian men beating their wives and cut her bill by nearly half? has followed. more: Israel’s fault, according to some aid How many people cook at all, thanks to If Mr Mayo visited Israel, he would see agencies. the wonderful microwave? Gaza facts the only working democracy in the ME, Where will it all end ? So often the cause of problems is just Sir, Bob Mayo’s article, 24 March, in your with freedom of religion, free speech and a Hitler found the Jews a useful scapegoat incompetence. How to solve it? esteemed publication, on the Gaza respected, independent judiciary, equality too, now it is Israel’s turn. Aha....$64,000 going begging there. Marathon, makes no mention of several before the law for women and diverse sexu- Jean A Evans, PS Have you really thought hard about salient facts. al orientation. He would see how the Llanedeyrn, Cardiff encouraging us to buy wine from the Golan The Israeli evacuation of Gaza was fol- bustling society of that country has Heights? The fruits of the 1967 war might lowed by thousands of rockets and mortars become outstanding for its development in well taste bitter. being fired at Israeli population centres. medical and scientific research, water man- Truncated quote Tony Cullingford, When Hamas took over Gaza, hurling agement, and international aid to third Sir, Serena Lancaster in another of her pre- Tewkesbury Churches prepare to share hope in 2014

Mission is on the agenda of the Church. The newly elected sion. They plan to give one to every church in the area. where young people are learning what it means to live a Pope Francis mentioned the evangelisation of Rome in his Roger Morris, Archdeacon of Worcester said: “We want lifestyle of mission and to take a lead in 2014. first few words in the role. The new Archbishop of Canter- to equip, not just clergy but, all people so they can partici- Norwich Mission Academy has seen their young people bury Justin Welby has already said: “The tasks before us pate wholeheartedly in HOPE 2014. As a diocese we have fired up to reach out to their community and friends with are worship and generous sharing of the good news of been in consultation with every parish about what they are ideas including hosting meals and starting a café to open Christ in word and deed.” And this month, thousands of doing and their hopes and dreams from a kingdom per- up conversations about Jesus. Next summer these young church leaders will receive a gift to help them to do just spective. HOPE 2014 builds on our emphasis of being people and local churches will be joined by 7,000 others that; to share hope together with words and actions. kingdom people. from the Newday youth festival to reach out to the whole HOPE – The Heartbeat of Mission, the new resource “The idea of mission both in word and action across our city in a HOPE mission, sharing faith in words and actions. book from HOPE, is packed with inspiration, more than villages, towns and the city of Worcester is at the heart of In the Diocese of Leicester Barry Hill is the Mission 150 tried-and-tested ideas and resources, including what we are about. This HOPE 2014 initiative comes at just Enabler and part of his remit is to encourage joint initia- sources of funding for 18 different community projects. the right time for our diocese.” tives and projects. He said: “The Church is most effective Roy Crowne, HOPE’s Executive Director says: “We are Worcester is not the only diocese making plans. The when we share God’s love in conversations as well as praying that 2014 would be a catalytic year where church- Bishop of Norwich brought the city’s church leaders demonstrate it through our much-needed action. In es will use festivals and moments in the Christian calendar together at the end of 2012 to talk about mission. As a Leicestershire there is a sense of anticipation and an evi- to work together in new mission initiatives, bringing good result, Norwich churches are now preparing for HOPE dent motivation to do more mission together. Obviously news to a lost and broken world. The fruit of this could be 2014 and young people are taking the lead. At the church with Easter fast approaching there are lots of possibilities thousands of changed lives and a great harvest for the leaders’ event Bishop Graham said: “It’s the launch of and opportunities to reach out.” kingdom of God.” HOPE, but can anyone really launch hope ” Denominations, Dioceses and groups of churches are Roy Crowne responded: “Let’s hope it’s both something To find out more about HOPE, to order copies of HOPE – linking with HOPE as they prepare for mission in 2014. that we are and that we bring.” the Heartbeat of Mission or to arrange a HOPE training Even before it went to press, the Diocese of Worcester had All the denominations are engaging with the HOPE event in your area in preparation for 2014 visit ordered 1,000 copies of HOPE – The Heartbeat of Mis- vision and many areas are starting a Mission Academy www.hopetogether.org.uk or phone 01788 542782

12 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday March 24, 2013 Register

The Rev Béatrice Pearson, APPOINTMENTS Team Vicar, Loddon Reach (Oxford): to ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER retire with effect from 16 March 2013. The Rev Andrew Blyth, The Rev Canon Michael Rusk, Vicar, Walton Holy Trinity; and Area Dean, Sunday 24 March. Palm Sunday of the Passion. Psalm 24:7-10, Mark 1:1-11. Pray for Rector, Oadby; and Area Dean, Gartree Aylesbury Deanery (Oxford): is now also the peace of Jerusalem All glory, laud and honor, To Thee, Redeemer, King, To Whom Second Deanery (Wigston); and Gartree Hon Canon, Christ Church Cathedral the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring. First Deanery (Harborough) (Leicester): (same diocese). Jerusalem - (Jerusalem & Middle East): The Rt Rev Suheil Dawani to resign with effect from 31 March 2013. The Rev Susan Brewer, Remaining Rector. Vicar, Milton next Gravesend Christ Monday 25 March. Monday in Holy Week. Annunciation BVM, Lady Day. Psalm The Rev Canon Edward Saville, Church (Rochester): is now also Rural Lam. 3:4-12, Jer. 20:7-11. Moosonee - (Ontario, Canada): The Rt Rev Thomas Corston NSM (House for Duty Associate Priest), Dean, Gravesend Deanery (same diocese). Brierfield St Luke; and Lead Officer, Dioce- The Rev Louise Corke, Tuesday 26 March. Tuesday in Holy Week. Psalm Lam. 3:13-21, Jer. 15:10-21. san Board for Social Responsibility (Black- Team Vicar, Bradgate Team (Leicester): to Moray, Ross & Caithness - (Scotland): The Rt Rev Mark Strange burn): has resigned with effect from 31 be also Bishop’s Non Stipendiary Ministry January 2013. Remaining Lead Officer. Officer (same diocese). Wednesday 27 March. Wednesday in Holy Week. Psalm Lam. 3:55-63, Jer. 17:5- Diocesan Board for Social Responsibility. The Rev Thomas Donaghey, 10,14-17. Morogoro - (Tanzania): The Rt Rev Godfrey Sehaba The Rev Nicola Skipworth, Assistant Curate, Whittle-le-Woods (Black- Team Vicar, High Wycombe (Oxford): to burn): to be Vicar, Baxenden (Blackburn). Thursday 28 March. Maundy Thursday. Psalm: Lam. 2:20-21, Jer. 11:18-20. When be Rector, Carew (St Davids, The Church The Rev John Edwards, Jesus wept, the falling tear in mercy flowed beyond all bound; when Jesus groaned, a in Wales). NSM (Associate Clery), Finchampstead tembling fear seized all the guilty world around. Mount Kenya Central - (Kenya): The The Rev Canon Alan Vousden, and California (Oxford): is now also Hon Rt Rev Isaac Nganga; Suffragan Bishop of Mount Kenya Central: The Rt Rev Allen Bishop’s Domestic Chaplain (Rochester): Canon, Christ Church Cathedral (same Waithaka to retire with effect from 31 May 2013. diocese). The Rev Robert Wright, The Rev Morag Finch, Friday 29 March. Good Friday. Psalm: Lam 1:12-14, *Wis. 1:16-2:1. For me, kind NSM (Team Vicar, House for Duty), Vicar, Gidea Park (Chelmsford): to be Jesus, was thy incarnation, thy mortal sorrow, and thy life’s oblation; Thy death of Cottesloe (Oxford): to resign with effect Vicar, Shortlands (Rochester). anguish and thy bitter passion, for my salvation. Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot from 31 March 2013. The Rev Brendan Giblin, pay thee, I do adore thee, and will ever pray thee, think on thy pity and thy love Priest-in-Charge of Wetherby (Ripon and unswerving, not my deserving. J Heerman. Mount Kenya South - (Kenya): The Rt Rev LAY & OTHER Leeds): to be also Area Dean, Harrogate Timothy Ranji; Suffragan Bishop Mt Kenya South: The Rt Rev Charles Muturi APPOINTMENTS Deanery (same diocese). The Rev Mairion (Mars) Goodman: Saturday 30 March. Holy Saturday. Psalm: Lam. 3:22-33, Zeph. 3:14-20. Mount is now NSM (Assistant Curate), Redland Kenya West - (Kenya): The Rt Rev Joseph Kagunda The Rev Mark Harris, (Bristol). Assistant Curate, Meopham with Nurstead The Rev Mary Gregory, (Rochester): to be Assistant Curate, Rector, Kirk Sandall and Edenthorpe now also Hon Canon, Christ Church Cathe- ford): to retire with effect from 31 July Church of the Saviour (Auckland, New (Sheffield): to be Dean of Women’s Min- dral (same diocese). 2013. Zealand, Aotearoa, New Zealand and Poly- istry (same diocese). The Rev Christopher Russell, The Rev John Darch, nesia). The Rev Darryl Hall, Assistant Curate (Associate Clergy), Read- Director of Ordinands and Director of Ini- Assistant Curate, Knaresborough (Ripon ing St Mary with St Lawrence (Oxford): is tial Ministerial Education (Years 4-7); and and Leeds): to be Vicar, Upper Nidderdale now also Hon Canon, Christ Church Cathe- NSM (House for Duty Associate Priest), CORRECTION (same diocese). dral (same diocese). Walton-le-Dale St Leonard with Samles- The Rev Cornelius Henry, The Rev Ruth Stock, bury St Leonard; and NSM (House for Assistant Curate, Hornchurch St Andrew Team Vicar, Liverpool St Luke in the City Duty Associate Priest), Salesbury; and (Chelmsford): to be Priest-in-Charge, For- (Liverpool): to be Assistant Curate (Associ- NSM (House for Duty Associate Priest), The Rev John Hillier, est Gate St Saviour with West Ham St ate Minister. Balderstone; and NSM (House for Duty NSM (Assistant Curate), Sandridge (St Matthew (same diocese). The Rev Susan Twynam, Associate Priest), Mellor; and NSM Albans): has retired with effect from 9 Jan- The Rev Barry Johnson, NSM (Assistant Curate), Sidcup St John (House for Duty Associate Priest), Langho uary 2013. Retired: to be Priest-in-Charge, Great Parn- (Rochester): is now NSM (Associate Billington (Blackburn): has resigned with The Rev Nicholas Wynne-Jones, don (Chelmsford). Priest), Bexleyheath Christ Church (same effect from 31 January 2013, Remaining Vicar, Beckenham Christ Church The Rev Rebecca Leach, diocese). Director of Ordinands and Director of Ini- (Rochester): to retire with effect from 31 Assistant Curate (Curate-in-Charge), Harp- The Rev Linda Williams, tial Ministerial Education. March 2013. enden St Nicholas (St Albans): to be Assis- Assistant Curate (Curate-in-Charge), Harp- The Rev Anthony Everett, tant Curate (Associate Vicar). enden St Nicholas (St Albans): to be Assis- Vicar, Herne Bay Christ Church; and Area The Rev Peter Lillicrap, tant Curate (Associate Vicar). Dean, Reculver Deanery (Canterbury): THE 2013 Vicar, Acton and Worleston, Church Min- The Rev Andrew Wingfield Digby, has resigned with effect from 19 February BIBLE CHALLENGE shull, Wettenhall and Wettenhall Vicar, Oxford St Andrew (Oxford): is now 2013. Remaining Vicar. (Chester): to be Vicar, Layton and Staining also Hon Canon, Christ Church Cathedral The Rev Canon Kenneth Letts, (Blackburn). (same diocese). Chaplain, Nice with Vence (France, Day 83 Enjoy hearing the Scriptures read The Rev Paul Lock: Europe): to retire with effect from 30 June aloud in church is now Diocesan Director of Education RETIREMENTS & 2013. Day 84 Joshua 1-3, Psalm 65, Luke 23 (Blackburn). RESIGNATIONS Sister Deborah Orriss, Day 85 Joshua 4-6, Psalm 66, Luke 24 The Rev Peter Timothy Charles Town Centre Evangelist, Wycombe Team Day 86 Joshua 7-9, Psalm 67, John 1 Masheder, Ministry (Oxford):to be Community Day 87 Joshua 10-12, Psalm 68, John 2 Rector, The Ray Valley; and Area Dean, The Rev Canon Michael Ballard, Guardian (South), Church Army Mission Day 88 Joshua 13-15, Psalm 69, John 3 Bicester and Islip Deanery (Oxford): is Rector, Southchurch Holy Trinity (Chelms- Community. Day 89 Joshua 16-18, Psalm 70, John 4

lightly with a little oil Ingredients Method and fold in half lengthways. CCooookk tthhiiss!! Sunflower oil Heat the oven to 180°c Put a spoonful of the ½ tsp ground cumin (gas mark 4). Heat 1tbsp crab mixture in one of oil in a frying pan and corner and fold the 1tsp ground turmeric add the spices, onion pastry over to make a Crab Samosas 1 red onion, finely chopped and ginger. Fry, stirring triangle. Continue to fold 1 tsp ginger, freshly grated regularly, for about 2 the triangle along the mins. strip, sealing the edges A twist on the classic Indian snack, 300g (10 oz) fresh crab meat these pastry samosas are filled with Add the crab meat, with a little oil. Repeat to crab meat but retain their 2tbsp chopped coriander coriander and chilli to make 8 samosas. deliciously spice infused kick. 1 long red chilli, finely chopped taste. Mix well and cook Place the triangles Juice of 1 lemon for a further 2-3 mins. (seam-side down) on a Enjoy with a green salad for lunch Remove from the heat baking sheet and roast Zest of ½ lemon or as a starter to an Indian and stir in the lemon in the hot oven for 15-20 inspired evening meal. 4 spring onions, finely chopped juice, zest and spring mins, or until golden and 8 sheets filo pastry onions. Take 1 sheet of crisp. Serve with salad Chutney, to serve the filo pastry, brush and chutney.

Serves Makes 8 cen@chuPreparationrchnewsp 20 mins aper.com facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Cooking 20 minutes Anglican Life Sunday March 24, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 13

in and grow together among peo- By David Bartlett ple who may sometimes be awkward (especially me) but who Rural ministry used to be seen as you have the opportunity to get a nice way to wind down to retire- to know well, and who will love ment or even as a place to send an and care for you. In small awkward vicar so they couldn’t do The joys of churches you can encourage dis- too much harm! These days, cipleship; all-member ministry is that’s not really possible. As one a necessity, and mucking in is of the New Wine rural forum the norm that I’m aiming for in hosts, I get to hear many stories my villages. about both the pitfalls and joys of The first sending out of the living and ministering in the coun- disciples was to villages, and tryside. rural ministry God equips us as his people to Often, it starts with the horror love and bless those around us. stories: too many buildings and So next time you go out into the not enough people. Sometimes farming), along with the fact that churches that six months ago munities – to draw people away countryside and see a lovely people who are part of the church God loves small churches and were using the Book of Common from the villages. But I believe medieval church, please pray for are not the easiest to get on with – their villages, and the countryside Prayer and are now embracing all- that we are called to serve and its lovely 21st century congrega- agendas clash and change is and its people. This knowledge age worship, and of churches love where we live, to minister tion, that God would bless them viewed sceptically. In current brings with it a call to look beyond reaching out to pray and bless and worship among our neigh- and help them to be a blessing to times, the joining together of the obvious difficulties, and to see their village. bours, to share our lives with their village. And if you live in a more and more villages with where and how his Kingdom There are many stories of them. village but worship elsewhere, fewer and fewer clergy poses a might come, even in the quiet, for- churches taking on roles in their There is a perception some- why not discover for yourself the major issue. I often think of the gotten places. villages, helping to sustain com- times that a small church is a delight of village ministry. favourite Bible verse of a friend Alongside the stories of strug- munities – running shops and failed big church. But if we are who looks after a number of gle, pain and faithfulness in diffi- post offices, giving lifts to help called to be organic, relational small, ancient buildings not built culty, I delight in the many stories elderly people with shopping, and and missional, then it seems to David Bartlett is priest-in-charge for the 21st century: ‘Many are I hear of how God is still at work organising clubs and activities for me that small is beautiful. When of soon to be re-formed Poppyland cold, but few are frozen’. Why on in our villages. I hear stories of old and young. Almost every- village churches work well they group of seven churches in North earth would anyone want to take people being healed in village where I go I find encouraging sto- are lovely places to discover what Norfolk. He also helps run the it on such a role? shops; of congregations doubling ries of faith-filled people loving it is to be a disciple of Jesus. North Norfolk New Wine network I take heart from the under- in size over two years; of new and serving and seeing God’s In a large, well-resourced and is one of the hosts of the New standing that Jesus started off in expressions of church growing up kingdom come. church, it’s easy to be a consumer Wine rural forum. He is married rural ministry (think how many of alongside traditional ones. I am It would be so easy to confine with little opportunity to minister. to Judith and they have two his stories are about the land and filled with joy when I hear of church to towns and bigger com- In a small church we all get to join children Sexual Orientation Change Efforts: Why ‘harm’ is a red herring

By Mike Davidson and Dermot O’Callaghan James checked the study for himself and was shocked to find that the Royal College had grossly ames and Janet would like to marry, but James worries misrepresented it. It actually said, “The majority that he experiences some latent sexual attraction to men. A of participants gave reports of change from a Jfriend of his left his wife and children for another man and predominantly or exclusively homosexual James does not want to risk this. orientation before therapy to a predominantly or John is a therapist who has assisted some men in reducing exclusively heterosexual orientation ...”. The same-sex attractions. James asks him for help but he declines. Royal College had changed ‘majority’ to read The UK Council for Psychotherapy have introduced new rules ‘small minority’ and “predominantly or forbidding such efforts as being “not in the patient’s best exclusively homosexual” to read “bisexual”. Was this interests”. They claim that although “sometimes limited effect not effectively scientific fraud – the Royal College has been reported”, there is “overwhelming evidence that misleading the Church? undergoing such therapy is at considerable emotional and The Royal College described the second study as finding “little effect as psychological cost.” well as considerable harm”. The first study comprised mainly ‘satisfied’ clients; This distresses James. He does not want to be harmed. this second one selected people ‘dissatisfied’ with their therapy. “Help us He writes to the UKCP asking what the ‘overwhelming document the damage of homophobic therapies” said the advertisement for evidence’ is. Their polite reply evades the question. participants (later modified). Yet as many as 61 per cent reported finding Then he is disturbed to hear on Radio 4 (Sunday some help in the therapy. A larger number, 85 per cent, reported some programme, 3 February 2013) Dr Di Hodgson of harm (the total exceeds 100 per cent because some reported both help UKCP say, “whether or not something works and harm). doesn’t mean that it is ethical or in the Both of these studies have been criticised methodologically – they public interest or the right were not prospective (following people over a period of time not knowing thing to do for what the end result would be) and did not use robust measures of same- someone. sex attraction or harm. But John knew a study that addressed these weaknesses – the only such study in existence, he believed. Jones & Yarhouse (2011) followed a cohort of people through church-based change ministries for several years. They found that stress levels (measuring ‘harm’) went down rather than up and said: “The findings of this study appear to contradict the commonly expressed view that sexual orientation is not changeable and that the attempt to change is highly likely to result in harm.” Dr Nicholas Cummings, a former American Psychological Association president, said it was “the kind of scientific research I had in mind when in the mid-1970s I introduced my successful resolution in the APA Council of Representatives that homosexuality is not a disease ... I have waited over 30 So we have taken a view years for this ...”. in a way which is regardless of the James did not expect easy success in his personal aspirations but he scientific findings.” concluded that the ‘harm’ issue had been used illegitimately by people who held So even if therapy might help him, the UKCP have taken a an ideological doctrine, in Dr Hodgson’s words, “regardless of the scientific view “regardless of the scientific findings” that he has no right to receive it. And, findings”. sadly, John is living in fear of his own professional body. Something must be He was gaining confidence that he might yet marry the woman he loved. But badly wrong. he wished that the Church would challenge the Royal College over its John shows him a 2007 submission to the Church of England from a special misrepresentations, and that the UKCP would give John freedom to help him interest group in the Royal College of Psychiatrists, which also warned that reduce his same-sex attractions. such therapy can be “deeply damaging,” citing two studies. “The first study The authors are respectively a Co-Director and a member of the Council of claimed that change was possible for a small minority (13 per cent) of LGB Reference of Core Issues Trust, a charity that assists people who have unwanted people, most of whom could be regarded as bisexual at the outset.” same-sex attractions 14 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday March 24, 2013 Feature Marketing can’t Wine of compete with Christ the Week Blason des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape By Ian Gregory surged into the countryside to £13.99 (offer, until 2 April) witness the appearance of a he crowds are gathering young man with a strong per- The Cardinals have chosen, so what everywhere. They turned sonal message. The common more appropriate wine to consider Tup in thousands to vener- people were ready, desperately than this, with the label “Blason des ate the retiring Pope. They so, to hear something positive to Papes”, “Coat-of-Arms of the Popes”, appeared from every corner of relieve the cruel burdens of with, shown here as I suppose, one, Venezuela to weep over the oppression from their own reli- surmounted with the Pontifical tiara of body of a beloved President gious police, and the occupying three crowns. Each Pope has his own Hugo Chavez. They thronged militia of Rome. heraldic shield. (The now Pope Emer- the O2 Arena to see a teenage They became first century itus, Benedict XVI, has a Moor’s head pop star who kept them waiting Jesus fans. on his, something which could have for two hours before deigning to That is what we might call been made of more!). Châteauneuf- arrive. those, now, who see Jesus as a du-Pape is a village in the southern There’s a swarm thing going truly believable positive hope Rhône, and the name takes us back to on. Forget starlings, murmurat- for their own lives, and those of the years (1308-1376) when the Papa- ing in bewildering shapes over their families and nations. There cy was located in Avignon, the capital their nesting places. People are is enough musical back-up, of what was (until the French Revolu- at it, too; the more we are heaven knows, to sustain his tion) one of the Papal States. Meaning together, the merrier, apparent- appearance. There is enough “the Pope’s new castle” the village is ly, we shall be. ‘See you at evidence that lives change, peo- appropriately twinned with Castel Twickenham, or Murrayfield or ple are healed, and hope takes Gandolfo. This wine, purple-red, is the Millennium Stadium, old shape. A glossy 600-page UK splendidly suited for ecumenically boy!’ Christian Handbook is bursting raising a glass to We gather to watch great with details of experts in every Pope Francis. sporting occasions. We assem- kind of marketing promotion, to Subtle spices ble to cheer celebrities. We sig- ‘tell out my soul, the greatness cense the nose, then, nal adoration in the presence of of the Lord.’ full-bodied, but so pop idols, politicians, ball-kick- Churches can still rally subtly smooth, on ers. We like to share common immense fan-bases around the palate there’s enjoyment at great public occa- Jesus Christ. Even in their moul- redcurrant and black sions, and line The Mall for Roy- dering traditional buildings, and cherry fruit in har- alty. especially in their guitar-twang- mony leading to a At one time large numbers of ing, arms–raising enthusiasm, fine and glorious people would take more trouble the multitudes are pawing the finish. Take advan- than they might today to be at ground, ready for action. tage of the offer notable places of worship. You Jesus wrote no songs, so far price, down by would have to be early to get a as we know. Nor did he sing. He one-third from seat at the City Temple in Hol- spend, a fortune in the few brief build-up. Nobody took charged hired no PR experts. There £20.99, making born, London, to hear the years of his/her fame. For the of publicity. There were no gim- were no yellow-coated crowd this also a very Methodist minister Leslie short time of their physical fit- micks. He did not keep the control staff making sure that appropriate Weatherhead from the pulpit ness, a sports personality can masses waiting for his cleverly- catering, parking, toilet facilities wine for Easter, there. It would be the same for plan retirement from the age of staged late appearance. Nobody were on hand. There was no just right with Dr Donald Soper, attracting 30. Hangers-on, managers, sold tickets. warm-up act. The people just roast lamb. crowds to Speakers’ Corner, agents and publicists surround It may have occurred to the rolled up, because it had Note that Alco- Hyde Park. Big churches car- them like leeches. likes of Zaccheus that there was become known by word of hol by Vol. is ried big preachers, at a time of Jesus did not need profession- good money to be made from mouth that if they saw and 14.5%. voracious appetite for the posi- al marketing advice. The same the intense popularity of the heard this man, everything Graham tive affirmations of the gospel. urge to see and hear a celebrity Man from Nazareth. If they had would change for the better. Gendall Norton Big crowds mean big money. drew crowds – big for their time known then what the moguls of They became his fans, and we They are a business. Today’s – to the hills and shores whenev- entertainment know now, they are still here to talk, sing, work, celebrities are presented to us in er he was likely to appear. There would have coined it. and pray about it. slick marketing techniques. A were no hot dog or ice cream There was an unpromoted Did marketing ever have a tri- teenage pop ‘star’ can earn, and vans. There was no musical imperative about the way people umph like this?

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‘Destroy this temple and in three days I will and images that we know and understand raise it up.’ (John 2:19) so that God can reveal himself to us. Ulti- THE SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR mately he became one of us and the Word The temple was sacred to the Jews of became flesh. Jesus’ day. It symbolised everything that But we also have to hold on to the mys- was important about their identity and the By the Rev Dr Liz Hoare tery that is God, otherwise we risk being faith that gave them that identity. It is hard blinded by our determination to shrink for us to grasp just how shocking Jesus’ God to something that we can domesticate. words must have been to those who heard and believed both the scripture and the of the universe who comes to live among The familiar can be the place of revelation him utter them. It is also hard for us to grasp words he had spoken. his creation and die? How can we begin to or it can blind us to the truth. Jesus was the significance of Jesus’ words when we So far Jesus has hinted that his disciples speak of the immensity of the God who is revealing something that was totally new to have read them over and over so many times. will see great things (ch1: 51) and he has beyond our comprehension? The Jews his hearers. His body was the new temple, We instinctively know and understand performed his first sign that pointed to the were scandalised at his reference to the the place where God himself dwelled and that he was speaking about his death and new thing that God was doing through his temple. Their indignation got stuck at the where his power to save would be made resurrection and so it is easy to read and son. Now John gives us Jesus’ first direct literal words they heard and they could not manifest. Something familiar was being move swiftly on to the next scene in the reference to his death and resurrection, hear what Jesus was telling them. completely re-interpreted with far-reaching Gospel narrative. Yet they were so impor- the glory that will be revealed when his As we try to understand and speak of implications. How will you allow something tant that the author of this Gospel explains hour comes. All these things are spoken of things that are too marvellous for us we familiar to shock you into a new realisation exactly what Jesus meant and he implies by way of image and metaphor and we need to hold fast to two seemingly opposite of God today? that at the time the disciples did not under- need this kind of speech to grasp what is so poles at once. On the one hand God longs The Rev Dr Liz Hoare (nee Culling) is tutor stand either, for it was when he had been wonderfully ungraspable. for us to know him and so has made him- in prayer, spirituality and mission at raised that they remembered his words How can we talk sense about the Creator self known. God’s word is full of pictures Wycliffe Hall SUNDAYSUNDAY SERVICE SERVICE Steve Morris laments the Sunday Readings for March 31, 2013 Easter Sunday - Year C failings of worship music

Ihad probably better start by declaring Acts 10:34-43 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 John 20:1-18 that Ihave asomewhat complex relationship with music. Iwasa teenage punk rock- Fortunately for us, living at such a distance in time from the first Easter,the scriptures er. I chose my university,inpart, because it capture and convey to us the excitement, the immediacy, and joy of those who first had the best entertainments programme – heardtheGospel from those who were disciples and eyewitnesses of Jesus and his vic- it was UEA if you are wondering. tory over sin and death. Over one three-year stretch Isaw over Cornelius and his family may already have known something about the events which 600 gigs. Iwas amusic journalist, ran a had taken place in Jerusalem, but Peter had come to speak about what he had seen with record label, was in aband that did two his own eyes, the risen Lord who was no figure of the imagination, or a disembodied albums and four singles (I have some great spirit, but the same Jesus with whom he had travelled as a disciple for three years, and stories about this time), Idid a Radio One had eaten and drunk with him after he rose from the dead. The resurrection is the point session with my band and appeared on in history at which the reign of evil following the Fall has finally been broken, and the MTV. I love music from the 50s to the pres- good news which Peter brings is that Jesus is truly risen from the dead, bringing for- ent and I often think that music has saved giveness of sins to all who believe in him. Jesus sets us free from our enslavement and my life. In some bad moments, songs have liberates us, so that we may truly live as God intends, in Christ and in eternity. been my companions and friends. The resurrection forms the cornerstone of Peter’s preaching, for without it the long Thereare many things that I don’t know record of salvation history, throughout the first testament, leading up to the events of anything about – but Ido know about Holy Week, would make no sense. The long account of God’s dealings with the human music. race does indeed deal extensively with the ways in which we are to relate to this world, Now last month Iwrote about Iceland. I as individuals, societies and nations, for all are part of the nature which God has given loved the place and while Iwas there with to us. But ultimately the goal of salvation is spiritual and eternal, and concerns our rela- my teenage daughterwe listenedto some tionship with God in the age to come as well as the present. The old order, exemplified great Icelandic pop/folk music. by Adam, must eventually return to the dust from which it was taken. But in Christ, a So it was that we found ourselves at agig new order has come into being in which death is not the last word, but a portal through in Hammersmith just last night to see the Of Monsters and Men which life may pass into eternity in the coming kingdom of God. Jesus is the first fruits impossibly trendy and rather wonderful of the salvation which he now extends to those who belong to him in faith, and follow Icelandic band –Of Monsters and Men. Iwonder if modernworship music has after him at the time which God will appoint. Now, even if you don’t agree with this arti- become verytrapped in amuddle of bland John’s account of the first morning of the new age of life in Christ conveys to us the cle, if I encourage more people to listen to mega churches demanding identikit rub- excitement, the confusion, the astonishment and surprise of those who saw for them- this great band then my job has been done. bish anthems. The ghost of U2 hangs too selves the empty tomb. Even as disciples of Jesus, they had not expected anything like What a night it was. The place was heavy. The subjectmatter of modernwor- this. Events develop swiftly,as Mary discovers that the tomb has been opened and calls packed. And the band was just so amazing. ship music is limited… essentially we Love the two apostles to come and help her find the body.Itis only when they enter and find It was atruly uplifting experience. They are God and God loves us. the abandoned grave clothes that they begin to comprehend, perhaps remembering one of the most inventive bands I’ve come So what can we do? Idon’t know. I don’t what had happened to Lazarus. Even when Jesus speaks to Mary, she does not at first across–odd instruments, great melodies, make music any more. But I want to claim recognise his familiar voice, for what has taken place is so unexpected among those life-affirming words, smiles, dancing and this. God is in an event like Of Monsters who are grieving so deeply, and fearful of what may happen to them. The resurrection one great tune after another. If you like and Men. For some reason, he has left the challenges all our assumptions about life and death, for it is in faith that we meet the Mumford & Sons, you’ll love this lot and music of modern worship leaders and Lord and know for ourselves his power to save. For it is not only good news about Jesus: they are much moreauthentic. wants to confirm the beautiful creativity, it is good news for us as well, and for all with whom we share the gospel in each gener- Iam still smiling and feeling great 24 fun, job and happiness of being aperson in ation. Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ is coming in glory! Alleluia! hours after the event. But a question kept bands like Of Monsters and Men. Iwant to The Rev Stephen Trott nagging away at me. Why is modernwor- claim the creativity of God in the gig I ship music not a patch on the genius of sec- attended. It was more than just music –it ular creativity as exemplified by this bunch affirmed something of what it is to be a HYMN SELECTION of great young Icelanders? Why? I can find fully functioning human being. no good answer to the question. God doesn’t need content –bland mes- Modern worship music — Chris Tomlin sages in songs. He needs the feel and joy Hymns for Easter Day and the like — is essentially rehashed and excitement and inventiveness. That’s Jesus Christ is risen today, alleluya! American soft rock with no creativity Ican wherewe see him. We are too hung up on This joyful Eastertide see. The words are soppy; the songs are singingemptyslogans andexecrabletunes Alleluya, alleluya! Hearts to heaven OK but no more than that. and not hung up enough on the basic cre- Christ the Lord is risen again Surely God’s music should knock the ative process and the mysteryofcreating Love’s redeeming work is done socks off the secular stuff. But it doesn’t. great pop music. Now is eternal life Of Monsters and Men were astounding We are in agolden age of pop music and Shout for joy and sing and the event was so beautiful. What if dance music and folk music. Rock has had Morning has broken church was like this? If it was our churches it. With the noble exception of the Rend Jesus, stand among us would be packed. Collective – a gang of Christian folksters – The Lamb’s high banquet we await Now it isn’t that the devil has all the best we are in the pit of creative nothingness music. Of Monsters hadn’t the slightest when it comes to worship music. To quote whiff of sulphur about them. Quite the the great Edwyn Collins and Orange Juice opposite. – lets “rip it up and start again!” Milestones

The Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones, delivered his final Presidential address at the Diocesan Synod, saying that it may be time for the church to ask the question about the blessing of civil partnerships... The Government’s Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill completed its Committee stage in the House of Commons on Tuesday 12 March, and now is heading for the Third Reading... Former Government minister Tim Loughton MP has tabled an amendment to the same-sex marriage Bill to permit heterosexual couples to enter into a civil partnership instead of marriage and expects the amendment to

receive “widespread support” when it is voted on by MPs in the House of Commons... Assisted deaths in Belgium have increased by 25 per cent in just one year, according to official statistics, crimes, professed a religious conversion, causing campaigners against euthanasia to and even washed the feet of one of the increase their calls on the UK Government to pre- people he had wronged. At first Lapsley vent legislation to legalise such practise here...

PAUL was moved by what he heard but then he grew uneasy. In private conversation Vlok RICHARDSON insisted that he still believed the apartheid regime had been fighting a war against communism. Pressed about why, Church and World as a member of the cabinet, he didn’t ask more questions Vlok admitted there were things he didn’t want to know. Lapsley ‘ found such denial of what had really happened disillusioning and difficult to swal- low. This case reminds us of TS Eliot’s The challenge of famous line: ‘Human kind cannot bear There is such a deficit of very much reality’. A similar lesson is love in the world today suggested by events in Zimbabwe. Laps- ley is honest about the terrible suffering that it seems to me that forgiveness endured by the people of that unfortunate the Church should bless country and about their anger and incom- true love wherever such In April, 1990, Michael Lapsley deal with, softer and less contentious. prehension at South Africa’s apparent dis- love is to be found opened a parcel sent to him in Harare He became less combative and was regard of their plight. He also reports that The Rt Rev James Jones, from South Africa. When he peeled determined not to go down the road of an older generation of freedom fighters in Bishop of Liverpool the plastic, a bomb exploded that bitterness and hatred. Zimbabwe simply cannot accept that they destroyed both his hands and the eye- Out of this determination grew a no longer rule with the consent of the sight in one of his eyes. Fr Lapsley mission to help people who had suf- people. tells the story of the shape his life has fered pain and injustice, overcome The move to restorative justice and the ‘People taken since that attack and of his jour- trauma, a mission that began with establishment of bodies modelled on ney from freedom fighter to healer in ‘Healing of memories’ workshops in South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation The Church of England announced the appoint- Redeeming the Past. South Africa and has now taken Laps- Commission is a recognition that we have ment of Dr Jacqui Philips as Clerk to the Synod Lapsley is an Anglican monk, a ley to Rwanda, Northern Ireland, Zim- to escape a situation where justice is seen in succession to Colin Podmore, taking up the member of the Society of the Sacred babwe, America and the Australian as revenge exacted by the victors. At the role on 8 April and will be acting Clerk to the Mission, who was born in New outback. This is a ministry in which same time it is crucial to the Christian Synod, a role that merges responsibilities of the Zealand. After going to serve in South many Christian ministers and mission- understanding of forgiveness to realise it Director of the Central Secretariat who, as well as Africa he abandoned his pacifism and aries now find themselves involved in involves admission of guilt and repen- managing the team that supports the General became a member of the ANC, com- parts of the world that have seen con- tance. Sometimes people who have been Synod, Archbishops’ Council and House of Bish- mitted to armed struggle to end flict and violence. The healing of mem- wronged are eager to offer forgiveness ops, also oversees the Church’s safeguarding, apartheid. Forced to leave South ories has become a vital aspect of the because they are anxious to move on and research and statistics work and ecumenical Africa, he settled first in Lesotho and church’s mission and Lapsley has achieve a sense of peace that comes from affairs, pending the approval of her appointment then in Zimbabwe. The bomb attack many insights to offer into ways in victory over anger and resentment. At in July at General Synod... The Oxford Centre for other times people who have suffered Animal Ethics has announced Australian philan- injustice may be upset at being urge to thropic pioneer, Philip Wollen, as its seventh forgive someone who has not repented by Honorary Fellow, an award given to individuals people who misguidedly think that this is who have made an outstanding contribution to the the Christian way. protection of animals... Lord Williams, former Jesus famously told his disciples to be Archbishop of Canterbury, led tributes to the late ready to forgive others not just once but founder of Christian International Peace Service many times but in Matthew 18:15 – 19 he (CHIPS), Roy Calvocoressi OBE, at a memorial made clear that people who have harmed service last week... The Rt Rev Martin Whar- others should be brought to see the ton, Bishop of Newcastle, took part in a debate on wrong they have done. HIV/AIDS in Commonwealth countries last week, But what of those who cannot bear very saying the charter that Commonwealth countries much reality? Perhaps Christ’s words had signed on this issue was ‘implacably opposed from the cross when he asked the Father to all forms of discrimination, whether rooted in Michael Lapsley to forgive those who know not what they gender, race, colour, creed, political belief or do are relevant here. Sometimes we have other grounds’... to show a readiness to forgive, a willing- on him took place in the dying days of which it should be undertaken. ness to be reconciled, and a recognition of the apartheid regime. Crucially important is the need for the complex situation wrong-doers may Next Week’s News Living with disability has not been honesty about evils that have taken have found themselves in, before there easy. Lapsley tells us how Bishop of place. Wrongs cannot simply be for- can be even a stammering, halting act of Bulawayo would not allow him to gotten; they must be acknowledged repentance. Priests in the confessional The International Day of Remembrance of return to parish work, fearing he and the perpetrators must seek for- are familiar with the way penitents some- the Victims of Slavery will be marked on 25 would be unable to cope, even though giveness from those they have times have to be coaxed to see the extent March, with the United Nations announcing this Lapsley assured him he could per- harmed. One of the most troubling of the sin they have committed. year’s theme, “Forever Free: Celebrating Emanci- form such important tasks as drive a sections of Lapsley’s book concerns There is psychic value in forgiveness pation.” It will pay tribute to the emancipation of car. Fortunately Archbishop Desmond the appearance of Adriaan Vlok, for- but we cannot secure inner peace at the slaves in nations across the world... The same day Tutu stepped in and offered a job. mer South African minister of law and price of ignoring wrong. To do so is to fail marks the anniversary of the day that Civil Rights But with pain came spiritual growth. order, before the Truth and Reconcili- to help the one who has wronged us grow Activists, led by Martin Luther King, successfully Lapsley confesses that after the bomb- ation Commission. in self-understanding and moral good- completed their four-day 50-mile march in ing most people found him easier to Vlok confessed to a number of ness. America...

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