Morals The curse INSIDE and the of fast movies food diets, p11 p12

THE SUNDAY, JULY 14, 2013 No: 6185 www.churchnewspaper.com PRICE £1.35 1,70j US$2.20 THE ORIGINAL CHURCH NEWSPAPER ESTABLISHED IN 1828 NEWSPAPER Women back on track

By Amaris Cole

THE SECOND Church Estates Commis- sioner told the Synod he can only ‘hold the line’ in Parliament for another couple of years over women bishops. Before the Synod voted to set up a group to formulate new legislation on women bishops on Monday, Sir Tony Baldry MP said this represented a Pandora’s box, wait- ing to be opened by colleagues on both sides of the House who are ‘hostile’ to the Church. “I have to tell you there are also col- leagues who are really good friends of the Church of England, like Frank Field, who think the equality legislation already goes too far as far as the Church is concerned,” he warned. Sir Tony said: “I could hold the line in Parliament for another couple of years, but if we haven’t got this sorted by then I can’t account for the law of unattended conse- quences of accountability to colleagues on both sides of the House.” The politician said there are a number of Privy Councillors who are putting their mind to how they sort this, unless the Synod does so soon. Synod should avoid being in a bubble, the Church Commissioner went on. The agreed, saying this was about how, not if, ‘so that women are ordained on exactly the same basis as men and all parts of the Church of England might be allowed to flourish’. The opening speech on the debate heard a sense of urgency was needed, due to Par- Option One, favoured by the Bishops as “It’s a risk strategy,” he said, as he pre- tion did not ensure enough provision for liament’s impatience and the blow felt by it relies least on law and places the greatest dicted some may think they cannot do it. those theologically against women in min- female clergy after the decision to vote emphasis on trust, ‘deserves to be taken “It’s a different way of framing what we istry, but the reassurance of the promise to against the legislation. seriously’, the said. do, and it might just work,” he added. account for this was repeatedly made. The Synod was told last November’s The Chair of the debate warned the The Bishop also suggested scrapping the Many amendments were proposed but decision caused a ‘profound mystification Synod would need patience and stamina for revision committee, as those that were on it only one passed, suggested by the Bishop and unhappiness around much of the this debate, as such a large number of peo- last time ‘still have the scars’, as merely a of Dover. Church of England’. ple indicated that they would like to speak. process of ‘nit-picking’. His amendment, calling for ‘robust The debate sought to move an affirma- One vocal member was the Bishop of Instead, he suggested it should instead accountability’ through a mediation tion of commitment to women bishops, to Willesden, Pete Broadbent, who had a ‘cun- just go straight to Synod, who will ‘own’ the process for a grievance procedure, could set up a Steering Committee to be in ning plan’. legislation, which the whole group agree include the possibility of mediatory disci- charge of drafting legislation and for the “I’ve tried it out on the House of Bishops, with. pline for Bishops. First Consideration stage for that legisla- the various campaign groups and folks in “If you think that’s worth running with, The resolution, as amended, passed 319 tion to be taken in November 2013. the bar last night,” he said, “So sorry if I please slip into your speeches: ‘I agree with to 84, with 22 recorded abstentions, and a The Bishop of St Edmundsbury and spoiled your drinking time.” Pete’. Steering Committee will now be formed. Ipswich, the Rt Rev Nigel Stock, reminded His proposal was forming a steering That way, Synod might avoid another The mood of the Synod was noticeably Synod that last year’s ‘no’ vote already group, perhaps larger than normal, who train crash, he asserted. And many subse- improved, but supporters of women bish- means ‘it will be at least two years longer are given the chance of entering into facili- quent speakers, on both sides of the ops appeared worried that such a large than we had hoped before we are able to tated discussions, and coming out with leg- debate, did. number were against even moving on to enrich the episcopate’. islation that is universally agreed on. Opponents suggested this latest resolu- the formulation of legislation.

PETER MULLEN 7 • COMMENT 7 • LETTERS 8 • ANGLICAN LIFE 13 • CLERGY MOVES 14 • SUNDAY 15 • PAUL RICHARDSON 16 2 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday July 14, 2013 News Inside... Drama over women bishops The original Church newspaper By Amaris Cole ing sites during the ‘facilitated ‘dramatic consequences’ of the now’, however this dramatic discussions’, though on Twitter actress who represented the bill approach to resolving the theo- THE UNUSUAL proceedings the , Nick being taken off and murdered. logical opposition to women that took place on Saturday Baines, hinted that he had According to some members, bishops was mocked by many. behind closed doors at the Gen- found the meetings both ‘inter- ‘she died a few times’. “Each project is stimulated by eral Synod were aimed at resolv- esting’ and ‘bewildering’. Members of the Synod were a specific community’s experi- ing the dispute over women First, members were asked to encouraged to shout ‘freeze’ at ence of disempowerment and bishops, with sources revealing describe how they ‘feel’ about any point throughout the peri- struggle,” the director says of the day consisted of flip charts the women bishop arguments, od, and offer a solution to the his work. and drama. and results were written on flip problem. “Spectators are transformed For the first time, Saturday charts. The Archdeacon of Norwich, into ‘spect-actors’, not only was set aside for Synod mem- Then, during skits called Kill the Venerable Jan McFarlane, observing but truly acting to bers to take part in small group The Bill, a reference to the stepped into the role of bishop, change the scenes they repre- sessions, from which the press Tarantino film, it is reported by taking the dog collar and put- sented.” and public were excluded. that actors were used to repre- ting it on herself, saying: ‘sort- A question during the session The private meetings were sent the bill itself, a bishop, a ed’. of Friday night revealed that designed to help members woman , a traditionalist Following the ‘train crash’ of this, along with the Working resolve the huge problem of and someone who wanted to last summer’s ‘No’ vote, this Group on Women Bishops, has women bishops, and the Arch- keep all the other people happy. unusual tactic was taken to try cost the Church of England bishop’s Director of Reconcilia- The idea was to ‘reflect and to get the two sides of the £30,000. News ...... 1-6 tion, Canon David Porter, highlight’ some of the tensions debate to consider the opinions A Bishop told The Church of Your Church ...... 2 thought the best way to do this and disagreements surrounding of the other. England Newspaper that he UK News ...... 1-4 would be through drama. the new legislative proposals for Forum Theatre was created thought the sessions were use- World News ...... 6 There were 25 specially ‘Woman in the Episcopate’. by Augusto Boal, who members ful, in that it gave those who are trained facilitators brought to After observing the play for were told is a visionary theatre not so vocal in Synod meetings Comment York to run these sessions, the first time, the bishop told director, called ‘The Liberation to voice their opinions. Leader ...... 7 along with actors to help with the group they had three min- Theologian of the Theatre’. It taught the two sides noth- Peter Mullen ...... 7 the drama. utes to solve the problem dur- The group claim his methods ing new, but the Bishop was Letters ...... 8 Members were specifically ing subsequent performances show that ‘theatre can make pleased that everyone was Andrew Carey ...... 9 told not to use social network- and change the course of the radical changes in the here and allowed to have their say. Whispering Gallery ...... 9

Cindy Kent ...... 10 Arts and Media ...... 11 Church of England given 20 years to reassert its future Books and Media ...... 11 Janey Lee Grace ...... 12 THE CHURCH has 20 years to reassert its to manage decline. We need to identify Crossword ...... 12 future, the Second Church Estates Commis- where growth is taking place. We need to sioner warned Synod on Saturday evening. think about how to share the faith with During a debate on the Challenges for the friends and family without wilting with The Record Quinquennium, Sir Tony Baldry MP called embarrassment.” Anglican Life ...... 13 for a ‘sense of urgency’ about growing the Also in the debate, the Bishop of Sodor Clergy Moves ...... 14 Church and suggested a new campaign to and Man, the Rt Rev Robert Paterson, called Spiritual Director ...... 15 reunite Church members. for a “renewed sense of confidence” in shar- Sunday Service ...... 15 He said the issue of ordaining women to ing the Christian faith. Peter Brierley ...... 15 the episcopate had ‘put everyone into The Synod voted to pass a measure that Paul Richardson ...... 16 tribes’. committed the House of Bishops to consid- People ...... 16 The politician told the Synod: “We don’t ering a strategy for the re-evangelisation of Milestones ...... 16 have to be paralysed by decline and having England over the next two years. Next week’s news ...... 16 News from Your Church your diocese

Liverpool: The Bishop of Liverpool, The Rt Rev James donated three items to the rugby club: a defibrillator, these will push us far beyond the 2 degree C warming Jones, called for people to follow the example of Jesus and resuscitation kit and Peacemaker Entonox gas for pain threshold”. The resolution proposed by Canon Giles God- to do good in his farewell sermon at Liverpool Cathedral. relief. Bishop Burrows said: “As patron, I am very pleased dard and Bishop David Atkinson, responds to calls for the Expressing a hunch that, “We are about to enter an era to be supporting the DISCG and even more so that the Church of England to disinvest completely on ethical when people will realise how much we have taken for equipment being donated will hopefully be used to save grounds from companies extracting fossil fuels, and to granted those good foundations of the Christian faith,” the many lives.” Dave Beasley, Chairman of the DISCG, said: develop a climate friendly investment portfolio. Bishop expressed a concern that losing touch with those “Sadly all too often we hear of sportsmen and women in foundations has “removed one of the checks on our behav- their prime, as well as spectators, losing their lives at Southwell & Nottingham: St Oswald’s church in East iour both individually and corporately”. Bishop James said events because the right equipment wasn’t available.” He Stoke has become the 300th church to have its history rep- ‘“Doing good” is much maligned today: “‘Do gooder’ is added: “The DISCG had the right equipment available and resented on an ambitious website run by the Diocese in only slightly short of being a swear word. Yet there is no we hope it never is needed, but if needed it saves lives.” partnership with the University of Nottingham. The higher calling; no vocation more Christ-like than devoting Church History Project, which is also supported by the your life to doing good’.” He added “It is a feature of our Southwark: The Church was called to be “consistent in Heritage Lottery Fund, aims to include information on world that doing good does not always bring reward in this word and deed” ahead of the General Synod’s debate on every Anglican church in Nottinghamshire by the end of life. But that is the way of Jesus. It is the way of the cross. investment in fossil fuels. The Diocese passed a resolution this year. The project ranges from the oldest churches in Of course you don’t have to be a Christian to do good. But calling on the Synod to consider disinvestment from fossil Nottinghamshire – pre-conquest St Michael and All a society shaped by a Christian ethos will manifestly exhib- fuels. Welcoming the resolution, Mark Letcher of Opera- Angels’ Averham and St John the Evangelist Carlton-in- it the Christian ethic of doing good.” tion Noah, said: “We are delighted that Southwark has Lindrick – to the newest, Christ Church Worksop, 1992. passed this resolution. The Church must be consistent in Project co-ordinator, Heather Sirrel, said, “having reached Sheffield: The Bishop of Doncaster, , word and deed. Global reserves of fossil fuels far exceed the 300th church it feels like an appropriate time to donated a range of medical equipment to the Doncaster that which can be burned without triggering catastrophic acknowledge the tremendous amount of work put into this Knights RFC on behalf of the Doncaster Impaired Sight damage to the climate system. Yet companies such as BP project by all our volunteer researchers, and to thank the Campaign Group (DISCG), at Doncaster Minster last and Shell continue to invest billions in the development of experts from Nottingham University Department of Histo- week. Bishop Burrows, who is Patron of the DISCG, new reserves of fossil fuels in the sure knowledge that ry who have contributed so much.

[email protected]/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Sunday July 14, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 3 Church admits failures over sex abuse carried out by clergy By Amaris Cole how to respond appropriately, suggested there might be many straight and narrow’ will be dealt maybe then the apologies, gener- more victims in the chamber, if with accordingly. THE CHURCH has ‘failed big al as well as to individuals and statistics are correct. Professor Glynn Harrison time’ and the victims are demand- their families will carry some The stood to read an account from a ing an independent public meaning.” echoed this call for a change of victim in his diocese of Bristol, inquiry, the General Synod was The Bishop then introduced the culture, in a process that begins who urged the Synod not to told on Sunday afternoon at the Resolution, claiming this could be in apology. underestimate how far the effects follow-up to the Chichester Com- the ‘pivotal point’ in beginning to “In Chichester, it has been vital of abuse go. missionaires’ Report. defend the vulnerable individuals for the Bishop, as the representa- Although the priest responsible The Bishop of Southwell and rather than the institution. tive of the diocese and its admin- for his abuse is now jailed and Nottingham, the Rt Rev Paul But- “We were wrong,” Bishop But- istrations, and therefore the many years had passed, Professor ler, pictured, the Co-Chair of the ler said. inheritor of the cover-up, to take a Harrison noted how this victim Safeguarding Liaison Group, “Our failures were sin just as lead in this.” was still struggling to come to began the debate by reading a much as the perpetrators sinned.” He called for joined-up work terms with the damage done to statement from survivors of the The ‘institutional resistance’, with other organisations on safe- his life, and is only just learning to abuse. and the difficulty victims had in The Most Rev said guarding, at both a national level forgive. The Stop Church Child Abuse getting their voice heard, was this report was ‘opening a such as the police, and local He went on to ask for a ‘culture Group were not allowed to speak ‘repeatedly abusing them’, he process that goes far further than organizations that can help change’, that even the ‘top shep- themselves during the session added. we can imagine’. churches. herds’ are shepherded them- due to Synod procedure, and “We are sorry that we have “There will always be people “I have heard from survivors selves. began their statement by voicing failed you for so long. We who are dangerous, who are part that what they have missed most “Please let’s just the procedure their disappointment at this. acknowledge that we have not yet of the Church,” he said. is access to the practice of their right, but let’s also get the culture “It is an indication of where The got there in responding properly.” “We face a continual challenge faith,” he said, expressing the changed, and the culture right,” Church of England is in hearing This motion is just the first step and in reality this is not an issue hope that these new procedures Professor Harrison concluded. the voices of those who have been in a raft of legal changes, the we can just deal with, it is some- will enable them to ‘return joyful- “Twelve months after the first caused irreparable harm within Bishop said, and more is needed thing we will live with and must ly to that’. Chichester Report and we are still the Church that survivors are not to improve the Clergy Discipline live in the reality of day-in and The said planning?” asked David Kemp allowed to speak for themselves.” Measure and other matters in day-out, as long as the church the major statement refers to the after the speech was delivered. The survivors also questioned regard to handling abuse. exists.” failure of systems, and asks for all “The Church needs to up their why victims are always the last to But, there is a long way to go in The actions that are developing members to go back to their game,” he said, noting his grati- be consulted and brought into implementing it in every diocese must be persistent, the Archbish- parishes to implement these new tude for the report, but wanting to discussions about the content and he warned. op said. policies. see more urgency. purpose of this Resolution. Bishop Butler concluded: “This “We cannot in 20 years be find- “It need the commitment of us April Alexander stood to speak The statement read: “Because difficult journey is one we must ing ourselves be having this same all,” he said, adding that there is of her own experience of sexual of the lack of consultation, sur- make for the sake of the sur- debate.” no room for complacency, and attack, not within a Church con- vivors are confused about this vivors, our wider society and the An ‘admission of where we have that more than just policy is need- text, but felt that the principle was resolution and this debate at this kingdom of God.” failed’ is needed, he said, and ed. the same, as she felt unable to time; an apology normally comes Members were being asked to change must be done with the The Bishop said: “We need speak about the incident for five after the truth is known, when vote to endorse the Archbishops’ survivors, not to them. each of us to be informed, to be years. responsibilities have been placed statement expressing whole- Archbishop Welby said the vigilant and, I regret to say, at She said this Resolution should where they belong and the harm hearted apology to those who Church needed to reflect the times we need to be suspicious.” go beyond just children and vul- has been set down, reckoned and have been abused, to ask the ‘dark and desperate act’, and He said people who want to nerable adults, to include all acknowledged.” House of Bishops to develop poli- ensure there is a change of cul- abuse are often devious and adults, as many have been at the They purport that an apology cy as a sense of urgency and for ture. clever, and all those in the Church hand of this abuse. without the ‘costly engagement’ the Business Committee to This report suggests repercus- need to be mindful of this. An amendment was carried to or reaching out to victims is schedule the draft legislation as sions for accused clergy includes “Grooming refers not only to the Resolution, ensuring it would meaningless. soon as the results of the consul- terms of confessional, indissolu- grooming children, but also to be communicated to the dioceses They asked whether this Reso- tation have been collected so that bility of orders and dropping the grooming adults, we know this is in plain English, so that it may lution was the first step to some- this might come about in the life- time limits available for victims to true in the Church, and now also have maximum effect. thing more, and whether it will time of this Synod. come forward, and this ‘must in other institutions such as the The final vote was taken by lead to truth and restorative jus- The Archbishop of Canterbury speak of a process that is done BBC,” he added. Houses, due to the large public tice, or whether it might be a stood to comment, voting in sup- carefully and openly’, the Arch- John Freeman stood to urge the interest and as a sign of commit- game; “another in the decades of port of the motion, saying the bishop said. Bishop of Southwell and Notting- ment to the survivors. games played out in the public, to statement was ‘absolutely agonis- The Rt Rev Anthony Priddis ham to take away the differentia- The motion was overwhelming- present a Church responsive to ing’, and that the proposed move stood to thank the victims for tion between diocese, urging one ly passed with 360 in favour, none its past failings and moving for- to update the guidelines ‘is far their courage in attending the system that all must adhere to, so against and no abstentions. ward in harmony with survivors; from enough’. debate in the public gallery, and those who do not ‘stick to the until the next time, the next case that reveals further abuse, cover up and denial, and the inadequacy of ineffective pro- cedures.” There is still mistrust in the Church, the group revealed, which stops many from coming forward, and these people must be reached out to. The SCCA are now calling for a full, independent, public inquiry, as the only means of uncovering the truth. Bishop Butler read: “Once such an inquiry has reported, once individual cases have been acknowledged, and once the Church has begun to learn

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 4 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday July 14, 2013 News Syria policy Bishops calls for under attack

THE there might be a time has attacked the when it is necessary “paucity” of the politi- for the international cal efforts to end the community to police immigration reform fighting in Syria. any peace settlement, Bishop Tim Thorn- but we are clearly a ton described the civil very long way from IMMIGRATION law should be changed war as a “truly wicked that point and, as it to protect children in care at risk of conflict”. stands, the ongoing being thrown out of the country when In a House of Lords debate about the arm- they reach 18, the debate on the situation, ing of Syrian rebels has said. he said: “The wicked- serves merely to dis- Bishop Tim Stevens called for ness of this humanitari- tract attention from changes to the Children and Families an catastrophe is finding a diplomatic Bill to ease the plight of the children, matched only by the solution to the crisis.” who he said often became destitute. paucity of our political Bishop Thornton The legislation brings in a range of efforts to resolve the said the initial position measures such as speeding up the adop- conflict. The absence that Assad must go had tion process, but Bishop Stevens said an of any real political “now become an obsta- important opportunity to make a “much- progress on Syria at cle to resolving the needed change for care leavers” was Lough Erne last month conflict” and his fate being missed. is a truly regrettable must be a “question for During the Bill’s second reading blight on an otherwise the transition process debate in the Lords, he said: “These are successful G8 sum- and not a precondi- young people who are in need of special mit.” tion”. attention and ongoing support as they “They can be left in a limbo where long as they are here.” He said the Govern- He said the indige- transition into adulthood. they are not recognised as refugees, but He asked whether the Government ment had “wisely resis- nous Syrian Arab “One particular category of care cannot return home because it is too would consider “making an amendment ted the temptation of Christians were “espe- leavers who are seriously disadvantaged dangerous for them to do so. As they to Schedule 3 to the Nationality, Immi- military intervention” cially vulnerable when is those who are subject to immigration turn 18, they get caught by immigration gration and Asylum Act 2002 to ensure but he was concerned outsiders from else- control. restrictions which put them at risk of that it does not apply to lone children that the Government where in the region, “Many of those young people are here being made homeless and going hun- and care leavers”. thought that only by who know or care little on their own with no parent or legal gry.” In the same debate, the Bishop of “correcting the asym- about the honoured carer looking out for them and have He said a Children’s Society report Truro, the Rt Rev , raised metry of military place that Christians come here from places such as showed young people who had come to the issue of young carers. power” could President have held in the nation Afghanistan, Somalia, Iran, the Demo- the country as unaccompanied children “Young carers are children and young Assad be cajoled into from earliest times, cratic Republic of Congo and Eritrea to were ending up homeless because they people under 18 who provide regular serious negotiations. seem to be influencing seek sanctuary. were being “cut off from local authority and ongoing care and emotional support “Will arming the events so greatly”. “They have often lost their loved ones. support as they turned 18 due to their to a family member who is physically or opposition - or it might “All of us who are They have experienced unimaginable uncertain immigration status”. mentally ill, is disabled or misuses sub- be better to say ‘opposi- Christian leaders are violence and abuse. Some may have Bishop Stevens told peers: “Many of stances,” he said. tions’, in the plural - extremely concerned been recruited as child soldiers or have those young people are destitute and “This Bill and the Care Bill represent make the situation for about the two abducted been exploited in multiple ways. resort to self-harming and attempt sui- together a once-in-a-generation opportu- the Syrian people bet- archbishops from Alep- “However, when they come to the cide out of sheer desperation about their nity to improve the long-term outcomes ter, or will it merely po, Boulos Yazigi and United Kingdom for safety, too often situation. for young carers. Young carers and the lead to more blood- Mor Yohanna they are denied the protection they need “We need to do what we can to ensure organisations that support them have shed and accelerate Ibrahim,” he said. “We due to the decision-making process that those vulnerable young people con- been calling for the same rights for spillover to the wider are all in solidarity with within government departments. tinue to get the support they need as young carers as for adult carers.” region?” he asked. the faithful Christian “I accept that that communities of Syria.” Bishop sparks war over food banks Bishop highlights plight THE BISHOP of Truro has described the growing reason why people have come to it is benefit of Christians in Egypt reliance of people on food banks as a “complete delays. scandal”. “I checked through the figures and in the period THE has highlighted the plight of Christians in Bishop Tim Thornton’s comments came after he of that increase the number of delays that we had Egypt. pressed the Government on links between benefit had reduced. It went up by four percentage points Bishop Michael Langrish said during question time in the House of delays and rising use of food banks. over the past three years, and our delays now stand Lords that the “vulnerability that the religious minorities of Egypt” had Welfare reform minister Lord Freud came at 90 per cent. It is difficult to know which came experienced since the departure of President Mubarak was brought under fire in the House of Lords for saying there first, the supply or the demand.” home during a visit last month by the Archbishop of Canterbury. was no evidence of a “causal link” between bene- But in a debate on Chancellor George Osborne’s He asked Foreign Office minister Baroness Warsi: “Can you tell us fit reforms and food bank use. spending review in the grand committee of the what is being done to encourage and support religious leaders who build He made national newspaper front pages with Lords, Lord Freud said: “From my perspective, relationships across divides to provide a public voice for calm and non- his assertion that there was “actually no evi- while applauding the wonderful work of volunteers violence, and what guarantees have been sought to protect Christian dence as to whether the use of food banks is sup- in setting up food banks, many of whom are Chris- minorities in the event of an escalation of violence?” ply led or demand led”. tians, I have to say that it is a complete scandal that Lady Warsi said Archbishop Justin Welby’s visit had been “timely” and But he said food banks were providing support we have any food banks at all in this country in the the Government was “concerned about the ongoing violence, especially to 347,000, up from 70,000 two years ago. 21st century. the violence which occurred in April at the Coptic church, St Mark’s At question time in the Lords, Bishop Thorn- “There are over 20 food banks in Cornwall alone. Cathedral”. ton asked him: “Are the Government prepared to What on earth is happening in our country? I ask “We are engaged in a number of projects in Egypt through the Arab concede that there may be a link between benefit the Government again whether we ought not to Partnership,” she said. delays, errors and sanctions and the growing spend a tiny amount of money on some research. “Some £1.7 million has been allocated for 2012-13, and many of the number of people using food banks? “Certainly the anecdotal experience that I have projects involve grassroots work with community organisations from dif- “If so, what action is planned to address this?” he and the stories that I hear make it clear that there ferent faiths to create a sense of understanding. went on. are some real benefit issues, which is why many “It is important that the discussions and dialogue remain open, and I Lord Freud replied: “It is difficult to make causal people are driven to go - they do not choose to go; understand that there is an ongoing dialogue between al-Azhar and the connections. The Trussell Trust has said that one they have to go - to food banks.” Coptic Church.”

[email protected]/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Sunday July 14, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 5 General Synod told it ‘must speak up for the poor’

By Amaris Cole went on, the significant part The means, including govern- “Together the church ing with the ecumenical that churches played in stood to reflect on welfare ments, he said. and state must work again partners. THE GENERAL Synod was establishing food banks reform, saying: “The He promoted the imple- for the big vision under Mr Fletcher was sympa- warned that the trajectory and helping the homeless. ‘scroungers’ we hear so mentation of the Living God,” Dr Sentamu said. thetic to this amendment, of reform currently being The report aims to do much about are a conven- Wage across the country, “Friends, let us do it, and which was carried. pursued by the Govern- three things: to support the ient scapegoat for the hard- an idea he has long been a let us do it now.” The , ment needs to be urgently welfare state, which is ‘the- ship we fear.” supporter of. The , John Goddard, spoke to revisited. ologically grounded and Dr People deserve a ‘proper Alan Smith, moved to move an amendment to On Sunday evening, not merely nostalgic’; the believes these reforms day’s wage for a proper amend, complaining that encourage Her Majesty’s members heard that while idea of the Big Society, cele- amount to undermining the day’s work’. the original measure is Government to found such not ignoring economic facts brating the churches will- principles of the Beveridge “We all know in our ‘nothing but aspirations’. reform on the principle of a or being in principle against ingness to relieve poverty Report, something the hearts that as long as there He proposed to invite the bias to the poor, citing the reforms, it is the duty of and disadvantage in their Archbishop called ‘unthink- is deep poverty living side MPA Council to consider figure that 12,000 house- Synod to speak up for the neighbours; and finally, not able’. by side with riches, we all how the Church of England holds in Blackpool will be poor, the vulnerable and to simply reject reform, but “The church has always become the poorer for it.” can better contribute to this £900 poorer as a result of the unfortunate. to consider the principles been at the forefront,” he The Archbishop said new settlement, making these reforms. Mr Philip Fletcher pre- needed to asses these. said, urging the Synod to there was a need to put recommendations to the “The poor need this wel- sented the motion for “The majority of us are give a voice to the voice- back fairness to the heart General Synod by July fare reform rethought on Synod to affirm the need beneficiaries of the state less, and to ‘shine a light on of the decision-making 2014. its foundation,” he went on. for a renewed settlement welfare system in one way welfare’. process, and as a church a He said he left this open, “The poorest areas are between the state, church- or another,” Mr Fletcher “It is an insult to claim need to remind people of but described ‘likely ingre- hit the hardest and the gap es and civil society, to said. that poverty in this country what they know in their dients’ as identifying what between rich and poor has attend to the impact of wel- “The role of the welfare is caused by those choos- hearts. more can be done by work- never been so large.” fare cuts on the most vul- system in binding us ing unemploy- nerable, to decry the together as a nation – ment,” the misleading character of everyone having a stake in Archbishop went welfare recipients as it – is one that is appealing on. ‘scroungers’ and to com- if you believe, as I do, that He said this eco- mend the work of churches social cohesion must not be nomic downturn across the country. taken for granted and was not caused by Mr Fletcher, Chair of the needs building up.” those who the Mission and Public Affairs Mr Fletcher said this media ‘stigmatise Council, said, while begin- report was not just a time to and demonise’, but ning to move the measure: ‘bash the Government’, nor by wealthy bankers “It is still the case that the a total refusal to face such compounded by vicarage doorstep is often economic fact, but that as a reckless lending, the place of last resort for Church, the Synod need to and millions of peo- CelebrateBible Sunday people close to destitution.” affirm the aim of helping ple borrowing It is no coincidence, he the most vulnerable. beyond their 27 October 2013 Eucharist endures protest

THE SYNOD Eucharist at York Minster at being well enough to attend the was ‘disturbed’ on Sunday by a man service, recounting an incident that punching the Archbishop of York’s aide happened with the Chaplain during and shouting abuse into the church. his brief stay at St James’ Hospital, An arrest was made after both Dave Leeds. Smith, on Dr John Sentamu’s staff, and a “My patient’s form read ‘John Senta- steward, were assaulted. mu, Religion unknown’! The chaplain The Archbishop of Canterbury was was bewildered. An Archbishop of forced to pause while the white 42-year- York, and his Religion unknown?” he old continued to swear loudly, despite said, as laughter filled the Minster. being pinned to the floor by more than “I later discovered that the powers- two people. that-be had done this to protect my It is not thought the episode was a the- identity. I chuckled to myself. Had I ological challenge to the Church howev- died during the operation, heaven er, and although the blow to Mr Davis would have responded, “Return to caused blood to pour down his face, he Sender: Religion Unknown”.” later returned to the service in a clean The message of the sermon was shirt. unity. Archbishop Welby tried to continue He spoke of how Jesus sent the dis- the service calmly, but shouts were ciples out in pairs, ‘because the mis- Luke 4.14-21 heard sporadically for some time after. sion Jesus sends them on can only be North Yorkshire Police arrived swift- done in partnership’. This Bible Sunday encounter the Bible’s message of ly, and took the man to the local station. The cleric explained how the Lord The Church of England’s official Twit- himself worked in partnership with freedom and raise funds for Bible distribution in China ter account asked for followers to pray the Holy Spirit. FREE for him. “As Basil the Great says, ‘Jesus Download your resources from biblesunday.org The Archbishop of York later deliv- sends them in pairs so that they will ered the Sermon. learn not to become too fond of their talk outline | all age worship | children’s activities | home group resources He started by expressing his gratitude own opinions’.”

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By Amaris Cole schools, of which there are 4,484 each other.” primary and 193 secondary, Archbishop Justin said that lack THE ARCHBISHOP of Canter- accounting for 25 per cent of all of integrity and transparency poi- bury used his first Presidential schools, to stamp out this form of sons any chance of hope. Address to urge the General bullying of homosexual children. Despite the private sessions the Synod to respond to the changing He said: “Anglicans are called next day lacking much trans- attitudes of society. to reconcile change in culture.” parency, the Archbishop pleaded While promising this did not However, the Archbishop with Synod members to open mean a U-turn on policy, the Most stopped short of announcing a their hearts to prayer. Rev Justin Welby said the Church new line for the Church on the “It is in prayer that God puts must accept there is a revolution issue, saying: “I am not proposing into our minds the possibilities of on the issue of homosexuality, new policy, but what I felt then what the Church can be,” the and that the Church’s views were and what I feel now is that some Archbishop told the members. increasingly out of step. of what was said was uncomfort- He urged Synod to ‘lose the The Archbishop defended the ably close to the bone.” baggage’. decision of many Bishops in the The Archbishop went on to “We live in a time of revolu- House of Lords to vote against ty to the view of the churches,” “Predictable attitudes were no speak about women bishops, not- tions,” the Archbishop said, not- the same-sex marriage bill, but explaining how their opposition longer there.” ing the small groups sessions that ing the turmoil in Egypt as well as said that it illustrated to him just had been ‘overwhelmed’. Quoting the figure of 97 per were to take place the next day, the evolving attitudes here, “and how the Church must accept this “Anyone who listened to much cent of gay teenagers reported to on Saturday. you don’t want a lot of baggage in revolution, ‘whether it likes it or of the Same Sex Marriage bill sec- having experienced homophobic “During the next few days, cer- a revolution.” not’. ond reading in the House of bullying, the Archbishop pledged tain things are being reimag- Archbishop Justin said that the “The public looks at us and Lords could not fail to be struck to stamp this out in schools. ined,” he predicted. Church was being called to new doesn’t like what it sees,” he said. by the overwhelming change of New policy is therefore expect- “We must be able to disagree contexts, and the Synod had to “There was a noticeable hostili- cultural hinterland,” he said. ed for Church of England with each other, without hating respond to that. Changing views ‘let down the Gospel’ Welcome for DOMA vote

THE ARCHBISHOP of Canter- Most Rev Eliud Wabukala, mal statement by the leader of THE PRESIDING Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the United States has bury has let down the wider Archbishop of Kenya, said last the global South coalition of applauded last month’s decision by the US Supreme Court to strike down Anglican Communion through week. churches. the Defence of Marriage Act (DOMA), the federal law withholding national his half-hearted defence of mar- Justin Welby’s perceived lack Archbishop Wabukala said government recognition of same-sex marriages. riage in the House of Lords of confidence in the Bible and Archbishop Welby and the On 26 June 2013 the Most Rev Katharine Jefferts Schori stated the deci- debates on the government’s his failure so far to exercise Archbishop of York, the Most sion reflected “the unmistakable movement toward civil marriage equality same-sex marriage bill, the leadership on the international Rev John Sentamu, appeared to in the states over the past decade reflects the will of the people in those leader of the Fellowship of Con- Anglican scene prompted the have compromised the Chris- states to grant equal rights and dignity under the law to all married couples fessing Anglicans (FCA), the public rebuke — the first for- tian faith. and families, and today’s decision will appropriately allow those families to be recognized under federal law as well.” By a ruling of 5-4 the court struck down Section 3 of DOMA, WHEN ONLYTHE BEST WILL DO declaring that the federal govern- ment cannot define marriage for Buying aused car can be aminefield, so why take any chance its own laws and policies but when parting with your money? Beware not all used cars are must defer to state law defini- the same!Can you tellifone has been in an accident, or if it tions. The court’s ruling, howev- stillhas finance owing on it, or even if it has justhad some fresh paintwork to cover the rust? er, does not affect Section 2, which provides that no state is Priory Automotive can and theyalso do much more too, as required to give effect to another suppliers only to Church members and Clergy you can be state’s recognition of same-sex assured of getting the very best car for your money. marriages. The result will be that same-sex marriages will be valid Priory fully history check every car they supply, each one is independently serviced in an RAC approved garage, afull MOT in some states, but invalid in oth- is put on those needingone, and theythen undergo afull day’s ers. interior and exterior valet,even the enginebay is cleaned. Bishop Jefferts Schori noted Quality is paramount (just viewtheircustomer testimonials on the ruling had been hotly contest- the Priory website),only the very best will do for them, so you ed. “I am deeply aware that faith- the customer benefit. An underwritten 12 month warranty is ful Americans find themselves on included, your car is taxed and then delivered to your door, no hidden costs at all. all sides of these issues, including those who have not yet clearly Part exchange of your old car is welcomeand they can also discerned an effective or appro- handle theChurch Commissioners Clergy loan for you too. priate response.” With their team having over 30 years experience,you will be in However she called upon all safe hands. Americans to work together. “It is possible to disagree and work For anyfurtherinformation, please together for the good of the larg- call 0114 2559696 or visit er community. That is the bedrock of our democratic politi- cal system. It is also the founda- www.prioryautomotive.com tion of life in the Body of Christ. Together we can help to build up the whole community.”

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Leader & Comment Sunday July 14, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 7 Comment Controlling language and concepts Why can’t we

George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty Four is about the political elite con- trolling the minds and hearts of the population through the mass media, and in particular through control of language. Orwell brilliantly realised that if the state can remove certain words, it removes concepts believe in miracles? that are needed for certain thoughts to be thought. The Orwellian state, personified by Big Brother, introduced ‘thought crime’ to root out bad concepts, and newspeak: The purpose of Newspeak was not only to provide a medium of expression for the worldview and mental habits proper to the devotees of Ingsoc [English Socialism], but to Peter Mullen make all other modes of thought impossible. We can see how astute Orwell was when we look at new words devel- oped for the purpose of changing minds and burying old attitudes. The One of the nicest things about writing this column term ‘gay’ has quite a long history in the homosexual community, is that my labours are rewarded by a response from going back to the 19th century for a meaning associated with homo- readers. It is pleasing to get a response, even when sexual practice and culture rather than its standard meaning of care- it amounts to being taken to task. So Mrs Mary Roe free and joyful. ‘Gay’ was an adjective, but now is also a noun to writes in the kindest and most agreeable spirit to describe ‘gay people’, homosexuals, and the original meaning of joyful accuse me of holding “exaggeratedly provocative has almost been buried. The word was used and pressed in its sexual views.” Wot me, guv? This made me think of Gustav sense as preferable to ‘homosexual’, but how ironical our Minister of Mahler’s saying, “I can stand a man who over-exag- Education is said to be keen to ban the word as children, he claims, use gerates, but not one who under-exaggerates.” it in a derogatory way as ‘effeminate’, or indeed homosexual. Furthermore, Mrs Rose enjoins me to “give a lit- ‘Homophobic’ is a neologism brilliantly devised by the homosexual tle more thought to what words actually mean.” movement as a way of suppressing the view that homosexual behav- Now I confess that did hurt, because I have long iour was anything other than normal. An ethical opinion, that homo- tried to choose my words with care for, as the great sexual acts are morally wrong, has become the subject of this new CH Sisson taught me, “Unfortunately, the choice of word, and the word taints the holder of the opinion as suffering from words determines what is being said.” My fault, an odd condition or phobia, a psychological pathology. The genius of apparently, is to have been rude about “liberal Forgive me if I lapse from my accustomed this move is that it followed the successful campaign to get homosexu- Christians” by calling them “unbelieving.” provocativeness and become merely pedantic ality removed from psychological textbooks as an oddity, a condition to Mrs Roe assures me that “liberals” are not at all instead, and let me labour the point. The only way be recognised. Homophobia is now the abnormality, and those who do unbelieving but that they believe in a different way in which one can deny the fundamentalism of not agree with homosexual practice are in effect ill and in need of treat- from that of “more literal-minded Christians.” That believing the plain truth of the Bible is in the name ment. The ethical debate about sex has been suppressed and displaced the “liberals” believe in a superior way is not left in of another fundamentalism that is the dogma of sci- by new psychological type, the homophobic. doubt, for we are told that what plain believers such entistic materialism. Well, it’s going on 300 years When Archbishop Welby says that there has been a sexual revolu- as myself claim to believe is really unbelievable. since Bishop George Berkeley demolished materi- tion he is clearly correct, but whether he is correct to accept the lan- With great liberality, Mrs Roe spells this out: “The alism – a refutation belatedly confirmed by the guage game of the revolutionaries is quite another matter. Surely the Bible story as we have it is the putting into words of quantum mechanics. Before Kant it was taken as way to protect any minority from bullying, the admirable goal of the concepts which are no longer part of our under- axiomatic that Every Event Has A Cause. Kant Archbishop, is the Christian imperative arising from Jesus himself, standing.” That’s short for “unbelievable”, isn’t it? taught us that causation is not, in any case, some- ‘love your neighbour as yourself’, and not accept the Stonewall lan- Such literally unbelievables are said to be the thing we observe in the world but instead it is a syn- guage game of ‘homophobia’ as somehow more than a secularist cam- Incarnation, the Virgin Birth and the Resurrection thetic a priori concept, a necessary precondition of paigning anthropology. To accept Stonewall’s creed is to invite – at least when expressed in the plain and straight- all our thinking. And after Bohr, Heisenberg and persecution of those who accept the New Testament teaching on sex, a forward way they are presented in the gospels. Paul Dirac it would be more appropriate to say No persecution of the ‘homophobes’, a persecution which is gaining in Rather, says Mrs Roe, we should take a leaf out of St Event Has A Cause. strength as shown by the arrest of a preacher in Wimbledon, Tony John’s book and see these purported events as Of course the doctrines of our faith require us to Miano by the police for quoting St Paul. In the confusion of revolution, “signs.” use our imagination, to work (or rather play) upon we must look to the apostolic language game of love with truth, to Well, I have been reading the Greek New Testa- them to tease out meanings, connotations and spiri- Jesus himself. ment since I was knee-high to the Palm Sunday tual significance. I might add that this is precisely donkey and I think I have picked up somewhere what I have tried to do over 40 years of preparing along the way that St John uses the word semeion sermons. This is what is meant by God’s promise The Church of England Newspaper (sign) in a technical sense. And by this that he that the Holy Ghost will lead us into all truth. with Celebrate magazine incorporating The Record and Christian Week means to say that there are significances in all his But God also told us in the gospels that he is giv- Published by Religious Intelligence Ltd. talk about the Word made flesh, the Resurrection ing us some truth to start with. I know, for example, Company Number: 3176742 and Jesus’ miracles that go beyond their literal that the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt can be seen Publisher: Keith Young MBE meaning. Dead right, Mrs Roe. But what St John as a semeion of Christ’s Resurrection. But that nowhere said is that any semiotic meaning that may doesn’t mean the exodus didn’t happen! Or take be attached to them abolishes their plain meaning. your average “liberal” – ie unbelieving – view that Publishing Director & Editor: CM BLAKELY020 7222 8004 Rather, the sign is a kind of commentary on the Christ did not rise from the dead but that talk of the Chief Correspondent: The Rev Canon GEORGE CONGER 00 1 0772 332 2604 plain meaning. Resurrection is rooted in subjectivity - a sign of new Reporter: AMARIS COLE 020 7222 8700 And Scripture is very insistent that anyone who life experienced by the disciples: we are justified in wishes to deny the plain meaning is in big trouble: asking, where did this new life come from if Christ Advertising: CHRIS TURNER 020 7222 2018 “And if any man shall take away from the words of remained dead? And why did the early Christians Advertising & Editorial Assistant: PENNY NAIR PRICE 020 7222 2018 the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his go joyfully to persecution and death knowing that it part out of the book of life.” Or as St Paul put it even was all for a made up story? Subscriptions & Finance: DELIA ROBINSON 020 7222 8663 more succinctly, “If Christ be not raised, your faith The colossal philosophical ignorance of “liberals” Graphic Designer: PETER MAY020 7222 8700 is in vain.” is exceeded only by their arrogance. Why do they What’s the problem with believing in the miracles imagine that people of New Testament times were The acceptance of advertising does not necessarily indicate and the Resurrection? There is no rational or logi- stupid just because they lived a long time ago – endorsement. Photographs and other material sent for publication cal problem at all: belief is simply a matter of remov- before electric light and the wireless? I’ve got news are submitted at the owner’s risk. The Church of England Newspaper ing a prejudice. As Chesterton said, “A man does not for the “liberals”: the early Christians were sceptics does not accept responsibility for any material lost or damaged. disbelieve the Resurrection because his liberal Chris- too: “And their words seemed to them as idle tales, Christian Weekly Newspapers Trustees: Robert Leach (020 8224 5696), tianity allows him to doubt it, but because his very and they believed them not” (Luke 24:11). Lord Carey of Clifton, The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, The Rt Rev Pete Broadbent, strict materialism will not allow him to believe it.” The sheer hubris and irrationality of the “liber- Dr Elaine Storkey, The Rev Peter Brown, The Rev Cindy Kent What liberals seem to prefer to believe is scientis- als” is breathtaking. Christians have believed the tic dogma or – may I say without any wish to sound plain truth of the miracles and the Resurrection for The Church of England Newspaper, exaggeratedly provocative – the mere superstition 2,000 years. If we were in the wrong all that time, on Religious Intelligence Ltd that asserts that a man cannot rise from the dead. the basis of what is it proposed to put us right? 14 Great College Street, , SW1P 3RX Rudolf Bultmann was the most famous modern Chesterton again: “As say a miracle might be Editorial e-mail: [email protected] exemplar of this irrational prejudice: “It is impossi- believed in the first century but not today is as if we Advertising e-mail: [email protected] ble to believe the Resurrection and the miracle sto- were to say that a miracle might be believed on Subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] ries of the New Testament in an age of electric light Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays but not on and the wireless.” Why not, Rudolf? Why not, David Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.” Website: www.churchnewspaper.com Strauss, David Jenkins, Mary Roe?

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THE CHURCH OF 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

The Uniqueness of Understanding evangelism today Jesus Sir, Alan Bartley sets up a false dichotomy in his letter of 30 June: there is not Sir, I read with interest the Rev Patrick a new “come and see” evangelism erroneously replacing a more traditional Morrow’s letter responding to Dr Nigel and correct “go and tell” mission of telling people they are “sinners destined Scotland’s piece on Jesus’ uniqueness and for hell”. Your Tweets our engagement with those of other reli- Throughout the Bible most of the messages about repentance are addressed gions. However I am unpersuaded by his to those who already see themselves as God’s people, with Jonah’s mission to argument, and unsure which Christians on Nineveh perhaps the only exception. In general God’s people are to be a “light John Kiddle @johnkiddle ‘orthodox grounds’ would question Jesus’ to the nations”, leading, drawing and exemplifying life lived for God. John the #synod chair just remarked “we go divinity, or that Messianic prophecies are Baptist called the Jewish people to repentance in preparation for Jesus, who back to where we were”. Too true. fulfilled in him. came inaugurating the Kingdom of God and inviting into it all who would trust Lets hope we go forward from here. There has been a wealth of scholarship in him. (eg Martin Hengel and Larry Hurtado) on We are told to “seek first the Kingdom of God”, not the establishment, by Rachel Mann @metalvicar how early the high Christology of the New whatever means, of a Christian theocracy, which usually leads to oppressive Enabling women to become bishops Testament emerged, as men like Paul, dictatorship. When the risen Jesus sent out his followers he commissioned *is* part of the church’s mission; reared in Pharisaic Judaism, recognised them to make disciples, not especially to make people so scared of hell they respect & justice for LGBT folk *is* Jesus as both Messiah and Lord. As to would come running to the Church. mission. I love mission. #synod Jesus’ own self-understanding, we can Let us followers of Jesus shine as the light of the world and bring out the glean from the Gospels that he considered flavours of life like the salt of the earth and so draw people to the Saviour. In Stephen Martin @stevemukuk himself at liberty to re-interpret the com- Acts we read that the growth of the Church is in direct proportion to its In 20 years as a confirmed Anglican mandments (healing and ‘working’ on the expression of God’s Kingdom. the best guidance and CONTINUED Sabbath); transform concepts of purity and Roy Hollands, guidance has been from women even cleanliness, and even more astonishingly Whitstable after retirement! !! #synod forgive sins. Meditation on passages such as Isaiah 52- Anjem Choudary 3 likely shaped Jesus’ own conviction that far greater, appreciation of the scope of his namely that for a marriage to be authentic it @anjemchoudary his life would have to be laid down as a ran- love. must be physically consummated. The UK regime have shown yet again som for many (Mark 10:45). The parable (in Paul Tillich wrote encouragingly ‘Our Such consummation is a how barbaric they can be with the all the Synoptics) of the wicked vineyard period has decided for a secular world. That biological/anatomical physical act that can treatment of Sh Abu Qatada. The tenants demonstrates the powerful story of was a great and much-needed decision. It only be achieved naturally between a man sooner we implement Shariah the a Son being sent to accomplish what the threw a Church from her throne, a Church and a woman. Male/male and better! Lord’s prophets could not. which had become a power of suppression female/female sexual activities obviously Faithful Jews, whether in the 1st or the and superstition... Yet it excluded the deep have to make unnatural use of areas of the John Sentamu @JohnSentamu 21st Century understandably see in this things for which religion stands.’ body not designed for such practices. Let us not scapegoat those in real teaching a departure from Judaism – if It is foolish to resist the truths discovered Therefore such activities can never be legit- need in our society. Let us stand with Jesus remains a mere man, and not Yahweh by the likes of Galileo and Darwin and imate marriage. them in solidarity and hope. incarnate – and there is a rationale in put- wrong to reject new moral truths, as they Almighty God has given to us (in the ow.ly/mJwAV ting to death such a person for blasphemy dawn upon us, through the leading of the Holy Bible) guidelines and boundaries for (Matt. 26:65). Nor I think does Mr Morrow Spirit. The United States has long been a sexual behaviour. These are given for our Brent A. Martin @zeitgeistlondon makes enough of the tensions created largely churchgoing nation but, recently, benefit and protection, and we can give Aparrently it’s bad luck to call him when followers of ‘the Way’ clashed with increasing numbers have started to drift thanks to God that many ordained servants Andy Murray. You must refer to him their co-religionists, as their worship and away, embarrassed by the conservative of God including Archbishop Justin Welby - as “the Scottish Player”. ethics made inevitable a separation social agenda associated with . but obviously not Marcus Ramshaw - have between Synagogue and Jesus-followers. The ‘pre-Return’ thinking of the Bible- not turned their backs on God’s clear guid- Graham Kings @BishopSherborne To deepen respect and friendship belt Churches is not winning them over: ance on sexual ethics for those called to be Heard of the Frenchman who thought between Christians and Jews does not instead, they are joining the ‘nones’. This is disciples. ‘rephrasing’ meant ‘topping up with entail abandoning what adherents of either most likely because they would agree with Alan Minchin, strawberries’? faith regard as essential, but it does mean Meister Eckhart, who wrote back in the Stratford upon Avon being honest about what continues to 13th century, ‘If God were able to backslide Madeleine Davies @MadsDavies divide (as well as unite) Jews and Chris- from the Truth, I would cling to the Truth Appears that House of laity member tians in their self-understanding. and let God go.’ who said in welfare debate that taxes The Rev Tim Lewis, It suddenly dawned on Abraham that God Disappointment on wealthy wouldn’t work is...a Bradford did not require human sacrifice; William millionnaire Wilberforce reassessed slavery in the light over bishops’ thisismoney.co.uk/money/article-… of biblical principles; Martin Luther King made us re-think racism. Only a bigoted decision Matthew Reed @matthewreedblog Blessing in few today think that ‘God hates fags’ and Sir, I am horrified and deeply disappointed Prophetic speech by @JohnSentamu yet, they have not, as yet, been made wel- to learn that Bishops in the House of Lords “It is an insult to claim that poverty in disguise? come in the ‘Temple’, as were eunuchs, so have withdrawn their opposition to the Mar- this country is caused by people Sir, Pilate’s question “What is Truth?” con- long ago. The Rev Tim Storey is right that riage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, because of choosing unemployment” “ #synod tinues to haunt even Christians for whom ‘we must seek unity with grace’, as dawn is the large majority in favour of it. The major- Jesus is ‘the way, the truth and the life.’ a process. ity is not always and necessarily right. Paul Butler @BishopPaulB Alan Bartley fears that our ‘lack of bless- Serena Lancaster, The issue here, now, is that surely God #synod supplying universal benefits is ing’, by which he means the progressive Moreton-in-Marsh must be grieved that Jesus’ Church – and it a political not a gospel issue. Need to emptying of our Churches, is indicative Somerset is his Church – is no longer upholding obe- be willing to move away from them ‘that God does not endorse our new ways’, dience to the Father’s revealed way of life amongst them, presumably, gay marriage, for us. We pray that God will bless his Mark Russell @markrusselluk which he attributes to quasi-Marxist values. Church. But he can’t. Not if our leaders @churchstate @JohnSentamu but will Certainly, the Babylonian exile is generally Authentic marriage allow a way of life he has forbidden, to be anyone confirm if agency staff at interpreted as a punishment for abandoning enshrined in the laws of this country and Church House are paid Living Wage? God’s laws: it can, however, also be seen as in question ‘blessed’ by some of the clergy. a blessing in disguise, as it deepened Sir, Marcus Ramshaw, in his 30 June article Mrs Wendy Hale, follow us Israel’s awareness of God’s presence every- advocating homosexual “marriage” misses Brighton, @churchnewspaper on Twitter where, and prepared the ground for a later, out an important part of the equation, East Sussex

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ing orders, voting and politicking. ure that might have given them some In fact, only 48 hours after these small space for flourishing. groups a series of amendments intended These sorts of small group-driven con- to improve provision for traditionalist versations, Indaba and attempts at recon- consciences were being voted down one ciliation provide the illusion that a real AndrewCarey: by one. Speaker after speaker stood up to conversation has taken place and people assure their opponents that they wanted have listened to each other. In reality, them to be a full part of the Church while they merely substitute process for truth- ViewfromthePew at the same time defeating every meas- telling. Do we need more inquiries? It is impossible not to feel moved by the pleas of the victims of historic clerical child The ghastly Indabas return abusers in the wake of the scandals in Chichester diocese. They are demanding a pub- lic inquiry. I had hoped that the ghastly invention of so- the divisions in the Anglican Communion The Church of England has instead conducted an investigation and put down various called ‘Indaba’ might have disappeared merely making it easier to hide them under legislative and non-legislative routes through which to ensure that child abusers can from the counsels of the Church with the a veneer of civility. never again flourish in the Church. retirement of Rowan Williams. Liberal western bishops felt good about At the risk of being seen to ignore them the Church of England has however proba- You will remember the system of ‘indaba’ themselves because they were appropriat- bly got it about right. Why single out the Church for a public inquiry into its failings at the last in which ing the consensus decision-making meet- when during a certain period of history it has become clear that many public institu- groups of about 20 bishops undertook a ings of African villages. They ignored the tions, including the BBC, music colleges, children’s homes, and schools displayed a never-ending dialogue without seeking to fact that genuine Indaba is about coming to similar disregard for victims and often routinely covered-up abuse? reach a conclusion or make any decisions. a decisive conclusion. Will a public inquiry tell us anything that we don’t already know? The past could be a And in the Anglican Communion more In that sense the small groups operating pretty callous place for children and there weren’t enough safeguards and protections widely a process of ‘Continuing Indaba’ is at General Synod on Saturday at least had a for them. Things have improved a hundred-fold in most institutions but public aware- underway. purpose – to decide legislation on women ness and continuous monitoring are the only way we can protect children against At the Lambeth Conference the obses- bishops which can carry assent through abuse in future. sion with ‘Indaba’ meant that the entire the General Synod process. But it’s difficult Previous public Inquiries into the Stephen Lawrence investigation, into Hillsborough emphasis was placed on having a ‘good’ to see what these kinds of structured exer- and Bloody Sunday and phone hacking have all failed in significant ways. Even the process at the expense of decision-making cises in reconciliation actually achieve Macpherson Inquiry, which led to such a culture change in the police, didn’t get at the and truthfulness. So-called Indaba dis- when the final decision-making is still enact- full truth for the Lawrence family. And in fact, victims have often been unhappy with guised differences but did not ameliorate ed through an adversarial process of stand- the conduct of inquiries repeatedly calling for further inquiries. Free Publicity Surprising apologist Channel 4 made the front page of ‘The Sun’ with its announcement that it will A great-great-great-granddaughter of Charles Darwin has emerged as an apolo- screen the Muslim ‘Call to Prayer’ every day during Ramadan and that this is gist for Christianity. Laura Keynes is also related to John Maynard Keynes, who more relevant than the Diamond Jubilee. According to Channel 4 commis- was her great-great uncle, and has a DPhil in Philosophy from Oxford. Her sioner, Ralph Lee, 2.8m Muslims will observe Ramadan next month and this father was a non-believer, her mother was a Catholic but abandoned this faith for means it will put the Royal celebrations in the shade. Other press coverage Buddhism and Laura became an agnostic in her teens. She has now returned to must have disappointed Lee. It got a column by AN Wilson in the ‘Mail’ the church of her baptism and is using her talents as a freelance journalist to (‘using a sacred custom as a cheap device for cocking a snoop at the rest of advance the Christian faith. Articles by her have appeared in ‘The Times Liter- us’); was denounced by Rod Liddle in ‘The Spectator’; described as ‘headline ary Supplement’, ‘The Observer’ and ‘Standpoint’. Laura says that she was led to grabbing’ in ‘The Guardian’; and termed a ‘brilliant idea’ by the Muslim Christian belief after reading both sides of the debate over Christianity and sci- Council of Britain. The National Secular Society couldn’t quite make up its ence and found more to convince her in the measured responses of Alistair mind between denouncing the move or seeing it as a chance to attack Chris- McGrath and John Cornwell than in the writings of the New Atheists. CS Lewis tianity so it did both. The Channel 4 idea was probably a ‘stunt’ but a few min- and the argument that atheism could not adequately account for morality also utes devoted to Islam didn’t seem unreasonable to Terry Sanderson when played a part in her conversion. She describes her journey back to faith as a the BBC ‘devotes hundreds of hours a year to Christianity’. Ralph Lee’s claim movement of both the head and the heart but says it has surprised family and that the ‘Call to Prayer’ would be more relevant than the Jubilee is surprising friends. “I overheard one comment: ‘But she seemed like such an intelligent in view of the fact that 15 million tuned in to watch that particular event. A girl’.” Laura is a descendent of what the Cambridge don, Noel Annan, dubbed YouGov Poll shows 52 per cent opposed to broadcasting the Call to Prayer ‘the intellectual aristocracy’, a kinship web that united intellectuals from the 18th with 26 per cent in favour. Although it takes advertising and receives no pub- Century to the 20th Century in Britain. The ethos of the kind of people who lic funding Channel 4 is a public broadcaster that has a remit to be ‘innova- made up the Bloomsbury Group of which Keynes was a part was very definitely tive, experimental and distinctive’. Readers with ideas of how Channel 4 can agnostic but few embraced the kind of aggressive, militant atheism now fulfil its remit should write to Ralph Lee. espoused by the likes of Richard Dawkins. The Whispering Gallery Animal Welfare Waiting for Bishops The celebrated Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon said that a person cannot be a good Christian if his or her dog or cat is not better off for it. Miranda Threlfall-Holmes is complaining on Twitter about the time taken to Now the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics is to organise a research project announce a new bishop for Durham. Currently 11 Suffragan sees and 10 dioce- to see if religion is good for animals. It will be multi-faith and multi- san sees are vacant or will soon become so. Roman Catholics have more disciplinary and draw not only on theologians and religious thinkers but on grounds for complaint than Miranda. Many sees are vacant and it took two the help of social scientists, psychologists, historians and criminologists. years for Rome to appoint a new bishop of East Anglia. It will be interesting to “We want to know whether religion makes any difference to animals,” says see whether Pope Francis and Archbishop Welby represent the type of bishop Professor Andrew Linzey, Director of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. who will be appointed. According to Damian Thompson, writing in the ‘The “We often hear how religion is detrimental to human rights, but is it also Spectator,’ evangelicals have taken over in both the Vatican and Lambeth detrimental to animal protection?” The first stage of the project will Palace. He finds the similarities between Frances and Welby ‘almost spooky’ culminate in a Summer School on Religion and Animal Protection at St and thinks that both have been appointed ‘with a mandate to simplify struc- Stephen’s House, Oxford, from 21-23 July, 2014. Academics interested in tures of government that have suffocated their intellectual predecessors’. The contributing to the project are invited to get in touch with the Centre’s two church leaders are “what are politely termed ‘practical theologians’ – that Deputy Director, at [email protected] (01865 201565. is, not really theologians at all, but men whose faith involves rolling up their The Oxford Centre of Animal Ethics was founded in 2006. It is based at sleeves”. Thompson claims Archbishop Welby has already disappointed by the Blackfriars. Oxford, and has more than 70 academic fellows around the ‘wetness of his cliches’ but concludes the Pope’s task is the more daunting. world. Professor Linzey is an Anglican priest. The ‘rottenness of the Vatican Curia’ was too much for Benedict XVI because the former Rottweiler had become a ‘gentle and weary soul’. Thompson puts his faith in both Francis and Welby ‘using worldly techniques to advance a dis- tinctly aggressive spiritual agenda’. Is this what Miranda wants in Durham? 10 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday July 14, 2013 Comment

already in the Church of England prior to 1994 when the first women were ordained. The ‘goalposts’ have, for them, now moved. But for those joining after that? I personally don’t think my church should continue to make exceptions. And now we have the dispute about whether a woman can be a Cindy Kent Bishop. I’ve debated with those who object because of the issue being a further nail in the coffin with unity with Rome as well as View from Fleet Street the argument about women in authority. The Samaritan woman at the well and the first person to see the risen Jesus, Mary Magdalene, were both told to go and spread the word. How were they to do that if they weren’t going to be allowed to speak? Of course it is totally commendable that the church continues to show courtesy and generosity towards opponents of women bishops so that they won’t feel excluded. However I feel that there is also the danger this weekend of coming up with a measure that is so accommodating that it would be patronising to One way to solve both clergy and lay women. A Bishop is a Bishop is a Bishop. Archbishop John Sentamu has said there will be women bishops in his lifetime. Amen – say I! There has been a similar struggle for the ordination of women in the Roman Catholic Church too, in this country and elsewhere. In St John’s Episcopal Church in St Cloud in Minnesota; three women were ordained in an the impasse... unsanctioned Mass last month. Corene Besetzny was one of the three and she said she doesn’t like to think of herself as a rebel.

Before The General Synod meets in York and it’s hard to predict what the discussions will be like on Saturday as they struggle with the issue of Women Bishops and then debate it on Monday. This is the first time they’ve met since the rejection of the draft legislation last November. This would have made it lawful for women to be consecrated to the office of bishop and – let’s remind ourselves - it was passed in the Houses of Bishops and Clergy of the General Synod, but failed to gain the required two-thirds majority in the House of Laity. The Church has wrestled with finding a law that includes reassurances to those who object to women priests and bishops. All these efforts came to nothing last November despite the fact that 40 out of 42 dioceses voted in favour via their diocesan synods for women Bishops. (And let’s remember that they will be discussing and debating an issue this weekend which is already a reality in many parts of the Anglican Communion.) Front row: Linda Wilcox, Mary Kay Kusner, Irene Senn, I was involved with the Movement for the Maria McClain, Martha Sherman,Corene Besetzny Ordination of Women right from its beginnings and Back row: Josie Petermeier, Ruth Lindstedt, Bishop often chaired debates for them and frequently played Regina Nicolosi, Monique Venne, Bernie Sykora, Devil’s Advocate during interviews for Premier Nancy Meyer, Mary Smith Christian Radio. Doing this was interesting as it made me look at the issue from both sides. As a good interviewer I had to put both sides as clearly and not agree with the fact that the Church of England “I’m one of those people who does things quietly on the sideline,” persuasively as possible. It made me think it through does have women priests. she said. “I just go about and do my work.” and, as I’m now an ordained Priest – I guess you can To people outside the church the issue of But, putting her modesty aside, she stepped into the spotlight work out which side I came down on! continuing to ordain those who don’t accept the of an on-going debate within the Roman Catholic Church by During my training with SEITE (South Eastern ‘Church Rules’ is bonkers! In any other area of challenging canon law that allows only men to join the clergy. In Institute for Theological Education) we had one man society one has to ‘obey’ the rules of an organisation exchange for the title, the women risk excommunication and in our year who was not in favour of women priests. to which they belong. Silly analogy, but imagine shunning by the Catholic community. He would sit in the pews at the end of weekend being one of the Wimbledon players and turning up “I was afraid to tell my family,” said Besetzny, whose brother Eucharist if it was led by one of the ordained women wearing a shocking pink outfit? Their ruling is ‘all and sister are both strong Catholics. “I was afraid of how they lecturers. He would not go forward for a blessing. white’ and you would have to go along with it. were going to respond.” After finding the courage to reveal her Now, I’m probably going to make myself very ‘Though we are many, we are all one body because plans, Besetzny said she was relieved to find support. “I just burst unpopular by saying this, but I do feel that the we all share in the one bread’. into tears,” she said. “My brother told me, ‘I know you’re not Church should not continue to ordain people who do Of course I have sympathy for those who were doing this for yourself; you’re doing it for our grandchildren.’” “That’s the way I see it,” she added. “It’s about making a just church for the future.” Besetzny said her beliefs inspired her to promote reform from within the Catholic Church instead of converting to a denomination that allows women to be priests. “We must become an all-inclusive church where all are welcome and the ministries are open to all people,” she said. “That’s what we’re called to do because that’s what Jesus was about, in my opinion.” “We’re not doing this to be negative about Catholicism,” said Bishop Regina Nicolosi, who presided over Sunday’s ordination. “We love this church, and that’s the reason we’re staying.” In an April 4 speech, Pope Francis underscored the “primary, fundamental role” of women in Catholicism, but stopped short of addressing the issue of women priests directly. I wonder how the discussions and debates in York will go this weekend? I suspect elsewhere in this paper we will find out. “Change takes time,” said one of the Roman Catholic women ordained last month in America. Like all controversial subjects, she said there are those who are willing to accept it and others who probably never will. “But change is inevitable,” she said. “It’s a truth of life.”

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The Bling Ring (cert. 15) seems a slight thing, and barely Then once the police get the information they need, gets to grips with the mindset and morals of the teenage there’s a series of arrests, again much the same pattern. burglars depicted. Based on real events (the names have The trial, where some of the background and motivation been changed), it reinforces the sense of empty vanity that might have emerged, is shown at its beginning and then characterises the lives of the perpetrators and their vic- nothing till sentencing, so no courtroom drama, while clips tims, Hollywood’s glitterati. of media interviews with the young villains show that vicar- Rebecca Ahn (Katie Chang) befriends newcomer Marc ious fame, even for 15 minutes (or two years in jail) is bet- Hall (Israel Broussard) at their “alternative” high school in ter than no fame at all. LA County (the real kids both having been expelled from Marc, in one interview (it might have been by the police another school). Before long they’ve recruited Nicki or the media), cites Bonnie and Clyde as an example of the (Emma Watson), Chloe (Claire Julien), Emily (Georgia fascination of Americans with crooks who play to the Rock) and Nicki’s sister Sam (Taissa Farmiga) to go rob- gallery. As comment on the age of reality TV and the bing stars’ homes in Beverley Hills. obsession with celebrity, Coppola’s script rather seems to Paris Hilton had several visits from the gang (she left a enter too readily into that spirit of the age. key under a mat) and appears in the film. Other celebrities Maybe that’s the intent, but it leaves a feeling that the were more reticent – some didn’t bother reporting thefts, film itself is a bit shallow. Apart from Nicki and Sam com- or hadn’t even noticed stuff was missing. ing from a home where their mother (Leslie Mann) relies As the culprits are shown selling off surplus designer on self-help quasi-religious book The Secret, there’s very swag at garage sales, and generally being indiscreet, it’s little about the backgrounds of the characters (either real inevitable that their “exploits” get known. It’s barely credi- or as scripted). ble that they thought they could get away with it for as long Emma Watson, post-Potter, has got a lot of the publicity, as they did - though the audience is shown security guards and some good lines, but Katie Chang and Israel Brous- watching CCTV of the burglaries. sard are the two who relate best to each other, and give In between the heists, the kids are getting high on some depth to their characters. We still could have used drugs, crashing cars, and generally doing everything that some backstory. you shouldn’t, like splash the cash. As any old lag knows Even the choice for the end credits of the song “Super (or anyone who watches heist movies), don’t draw atten- rich kids” misleads a bit. They weren’t super-rich and none tion to yourself. of them is so at a “loose end” that they want to die, but “too Writer-director Sofia Coppola seems to want to show this in, rummage through wardrobe, ignore CCTV every- many white lies and white lines” rings true. as a pattern. Let’s do a heist, find out that Orlando Bloom / where, leg it, bounce in car to rap music, celebrate in club, Lindsay Lohan / whoever is away for the weekend, break and repeat. Steve Parish Living our Christian lives like the Prodigal Son

Prodigal Christianity but there is little that is particularly denominational about their approach. Anglicans, David E Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw Catholics, mainstream Protestants and evangelicals can all read this book with profit. Jossey-Bass (Wiley), hb, £16.99 Their differences are probably greater with John Piper than they are with Bruce McClaren. In many ways this book can be seen as an attempt to move beyond emerging Dave Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw are pastors at a Life on the Vine Chris- church. tian Community in Chicago and seminary professors. Although they As I read the book I found myself thinking of Little Brothers of Jesus living in small write with the American context very much in mind (and show little households in poor urban neighbourhoods, supporting themselves by ordinary work and awareness of what is happening outside America), a great deal of maintaining a life of prayer and contemplation. Perhaps the authors could have looked what they have to say is relevant to the UK. This is not a guide to how beyond American evangelicalism to see examples of ‘prodigal Christianity’ in the wider to start your own mega church. America may still have mega church- church. es but the authors see them as gathering places for those who are Although the Eucharist or Lord’s Supper is clearly central to the worship of the Life on already converted in a society that is now largely post-Christian. the Vine Communities little is said about liturgy or prayer. What about a spirituality for How do we speak of God to people for whom traditional religious language makes little prodigal Christians? It would be interesting to see how Fitch and Holsclaw see their min- sense? The question is just as relevant in Coventry as it is in Chicago. Fitch and Holsclaw istry impacting on their prayer life. do not see themselves equipped to offer a detailed programme. Instead they provide what Paul Richardson they call 10 ‘signposts on the journey’. What they are really sketching is style of Christian mission. Some readers will feel that in the end they duck hard questions about sexuality and religious pluralism but this is to miss the point of what they are trying to do. Listen carefully to what they are saying, and the way you approach some controversial issues will change. That’s right, you can The title of the book comes from the gospel parable of the Son who leaves his home for subscribe to the print a far country and from Karl Barth’s suggestion that when we read the story we should edition and have it sent to you by post also think of the journey of the Son of God into a far country. “God is a prodigal God,” the every week for three months for just authors tell us, “not just graciously receiving us back when we sin but recklessly leaving £17.50. everything behind and in the person of Jesus journeying into the far country.” The church is called upon to make a similar journey. Subscribe In writing this book Fitch and Holsclaw are in dialogue with John Piper and the Neo- Email [email protected] Reformed to the right and Bruce McClaren and the emerging church to the left. They to the print or telephone 020 7222 8663 accuse one side of seeing mission as the repetition of old slogans and the other side of turning evangelicalism into another version of mainline Protestantism (although they are edition for In addition to the print always very polite in voicing their disagreement). edition you will also get ‘Prodigal Christianity’ sees all mission as God’s mission, what is known as ‘mission dei’. £17.50 full access to our This means looking for what God is already doing in a particular situation. In prodigal website at mission we are called away from places of power and influence to recognise our vulnera- churchnewspaper.com bility and weakness in a post-Christian society. Like the prodigal God we can’t just dip into a situation for a brief period and move on. We have to identify with those with whom we seek to share the gospel. Prodigal mission is really an extension of the incarnation. Jesus came to proclaim and embody the Kingdom of God and that mission now continues through the Church. To be a witness to the Kingdom is not just to utter words but identify with people in their situa- tion and also point to ways Christ is at work here and now. To witness is to share life; it presupposes the church which is not a mere ‘spiritual petrol station’ giving strength to those who need it but a community in which Christ is active, extending his presence and rule to those on the margins of society. Fitch and Holsclaw term their position ‘evangelical Anabaptist’ or ‘radical evangelical’ 12 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday July 14, 2013 Comment Janey Lee Grace Live Healthy! Live Happy! Theshockingpriceof work either, not with kids: they will simply use up their pocket money on rubbishy food if you take out the treats at home or from their lunch bag. The answer surely lies in educating them as to why it’s a good idea and how it might benefit them. ourfastfooddiets One of my teenagers had developed the ubiquitous acne so we had a discussion about what kind of fuel his body needs to combat the onslaught of hormones. Ok, so he hasn’t exactly taken on board my rec- What a shocking headline in the press last If a child has cereal for breakfast, sand- ommendations of cutting out all processed foods, eating lots of oily fish week - wartime diseases are making a come- wiches for lunch and pasta or a burger or sim- and drinking Wheatgrass juice but he did see the sense in ditching the back among children because their junk food ilar for dinner what possible chance is there fizzy drinks, having more water, eating higher levels of fruit and veg and diets are worse than during rationing. of consuming correct amounts of vitamins having an egg for breakfast instead of sugary cereal. I’ve been banging on for ages about the and minerals – let alone enough good fats We’ve also convinced him to have more dark green leafy veg. Most seeming epidemic of Vitamin D deficiency and proteins? teenagers are not a fan of cabbage, yet disguised in a smoothie – per- with conditions such as Rickets making a Add to those highly processed meals the fect. A huge chunk of broccoli stalk by the way contains more Vitamin C comeback but it seems that Scurvy is back sugary drinks, sweets and chocolates and than an orange. too. Health authorities are admitting that diet you can see why so many children start So a good rule for us all, not just the kids is don’t stress too much and nutrition is as poor as it was over 100 school already obese. We are fast becoming a about what you are doing wrong – start by just adding in the good stuff, years ago. nation of people who are overfed yet under- and remember its always easier to drink your veg rather than eat it. You Scurvy is linked to a lack of Vitamin C, and nourished. know my mantra – disguise is good! when you look at the average child’s diet it’s It’s not all our fault: the manufacturers not surprising we’re seeing more cases. must take some responsibility. Many of these Shrek Green Smoothie Somehow we’ve slipped into a regime of junk foods are addictive and cause chemical Using a wide chute juicer pack in one apple, a big chunk of broccoli white flour and highly processed foods and reactions in the brain that make us think we stalk, chunk of celery, cabbage and courgette, chunk of lemon the concern is that we are raising a nation of need to consume more. (unpeeled) fresh ginger and if you have sweet tooth add a slice of ‘bread-heads’. I don’t believe that harsh food regimes pineapple. Serve over ice – voila!

PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 856 by Axe

Across Ichabod...because of the ------of her father-in-law and her husband' [1 7Jewish ascetic under a vow [Num] Sam/NIV] (6) (8) 6Longest river named in the Bible 8'Ye shall be of gods, knowing good (4) and ----' [Genesis/KJV] (4) 13 '"Come," he said, "curse Jacob for 9'...no one is going to ------and harm me; come, ------Israel."' you, because I have many people in [Num/NIV] (8) this city' [Acts/NIV] (6) 14 Christian sacrament signifying spir- 10 'Who let the wild donkey go free? itual cleansing and rebirth (7) Who ------its ropes?' [Job/NIV (6) 16 Zion, in allegory (6) 11 Ruth's mother-in-law (5) 18 'Teacher, when you say these 12 'First clean the inside of the cup and things, you ------us also' [Luke/NIV] dish, and then the ------will also be (6) clean' [Matt/NIV] (7) 20 Son of Rebekah (4) 15 'In that day there will be a ------from 21 'They set the ark of God on a new --- Egypt to Assyria' [Isa/NIV] (7) - and brought it from the house of 17 'I do not have time to tell Abinadab...' [2 Sam/NIV] (4) about...David and Samuel and the prophets...who shut the mouths of - ----...' [Heb/NIV] (5) 19 '...I desire to ------and be with Christ, Solutions to last week’s crossword which is better by far...' [Philip/NIV] (6) Across: 1 Thor, 3 Improper, 9 Mardi Gras, 10 21 'But the wicked are like the tossing Rho, 11 Sheba, 13 Minaret, 14 Evening sea... whose waves ------mire and- Prayer, 16 Susanna, 18 Media, 20 Nun, mud' [Isa/NIV] (4,2) 21 Greatness, 23 Sceptres, 24 Sins. 22 Space in a church extending from the narthex to the chancel (4) Down: 1 Times, 2 Oar, 4 Mary Magdalene, 5 23 Loose-fitting white ecclesiastical Risen, 6 Portrayed, 7 Rooster, 8 Diwali, vestment with wide sleeves (8) 12 Ever since, 14 Essenes, 15 Remote, 17 Night, 19 Assos, 22 Eli. The first correct entry drawn will win a book of the Editor’s choice. Send your entry Down to Crossword Number 856, The Church of England Newspaper, 14 Great College Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3RX by next Friday 1One of Jacob's 12 sons [1] (8) 2Non-Israelite prophet, the first to Name foresee a Messiah [Num] (6) 3Church, sometimes applied to the Address Church of Scotland (4) 4One of Jacob's 12 sons [2] (7) 5'She named the boy

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Standing up for Palestinian Christians

By Jeremy Moodey symbol of occupation, the barrier has only recently started registering with Western Christians, following owan Williams described the role of Archbishop the Israeli decision to extend the barrier in the mostly of Canterbury as “an impossible job”, and his Christian Cremisan valley near Bethlehem. Rsuccessor must be starting to feel the same. If The route of the barrier will separate a small women bishops and gay marriage were not big enough community of elderly nuns at the Cremisan convent headaches, there is now the political neuralgia that from 75 per cent of their land and from the nearby - comes from engaging with the issues of the Middle making monastery with which the convent has close East. ties. Justin Welby has rather bravely visited the region just The playground of a nursery and a school run by the three months after his enthronement and was rewarded Cremisan sisters will be bordered on three sides by the last week with a mischievous article in the Guardian barrier. Even the Roman Catholic Archbishop of suggesting that his visit represented a major snub to Westminster, Vincent Nichols, has been moved to the Palestinian Christian community, because condemn publicly this “expropriation” of Palestinian Bethlehem was not on his itinerary. Christian land by Israel. This is rather unfair on the Archbishop, who had to Another issue that particularly affects Palestinian squeeze Egypt (where he visited the Anglican diocese’s Christians is the discriminatory nature of Israeli Deaf Unit, a project supported by Embrace the Middle restrictions on residency. Following an Israeli law East), Jordan, Israel and Palestine into a five-day enacted in 2003, it is now almost impossible for a whistle-stop tour. In Israel and Palestine he had to pay spouse who is a Palestinian resident of the West Bank protocol visits to the Israeli and Palestinian presidents, or Gaza to gain residency or citizenship status in Israel. the Chief Rabbi of Israel, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Palestinian Christians, given their tiny size as a Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and community (now barely one per cent of the total Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial. This was population of the occupied Palestine territory), and more speed-dating than pilgrimage. their propensity to marry across the separation barrier, And Welby did meet Palestinian Christians. His host are disproportionately affected by this law. Jewish was the Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem, Suheil Dawani, citizens of Israel do not face the same restrictions on and he met with the Jerusalem Patriarchs and other their spouses. Heads of Churches. To squeeze Bethlehem into such a A Palestinian Christian friend of mine from near schedule would have been nigh impossible, although Bethlehem recently married an Israeli Palestinian girl this is partly down to the need to run the gauntlet of the from Nazareth. They are forced to live in the West Bank Israeli checkpoint that divides Jerusalem from because he could never get residency in Israel. They Bethlehem. The Archbishop also visited Ramallah in were even obliged to fly separately to their honeymoon; the West Bank (to open a new Anglican-run diabetes him from Amman, her from Tel Aviv. A fact which clinic) and there are only so many military checkpoints might not be lost on Archbishop Welby, who doubtless that a prelate can cope with. travelled to his Holy Land honeymoon with his wife by In an ideal world, the Archbishop would have spent his side. longer in the Land of the Holy One, as he did There are many other issues facing Palestinian (reportedly) for his honeymoon with his wife Caroline Christians that Bishop Dawani might have touched on in the 1970s. For then he could have visited Bethlehem, in his episcopal tête-à-tête with Welby. These could have which is very much the beating heart of Palestinian included Israeli restrictions on access to the Holy Christianity. But it is also where Palestinian Christian Places at Christmas and Easter, ‘price tag’ vandalism opposition to the 46-year Israeli occupation is at its most attacks on churches by extremist Jewish settlers, land vociferous. And the voices from “the heart of seizures from Christians to facilitate the expansion of Palestinian suffering” (to coin a phrase used in the Israeli Jewish settlements in the West Bank, or the daily Kairos Palestine document issued by Palestinian humiliation of checkpoints and military occupation. Christians in 2009) would not have been easy for the Archbishop Welby can perhaps be excused for Archbishop to hear. rushing through his first Middle East trip. He has many It is thought that Bishop Dawani had a private other pressing matters on his ‘to do’ list. Hopefully his meeting with Welby, so we can only speculate as to next trip to the Land of the Holy One will be more what the Palestinian cleric, a long-standing friend and leisurely, and he will have time to hear some authentic partner of Embrace who has endured his own trials at voices “from the heart of Palestinian suffering”. the hands of the Israeli government (including an attempt to withdraw his permit to live in Jerusalem), might have said to the Archbishop away from the ears Jeremy Moodey is Chief Executive of Embrace the Middle of Israeli and minders. East, the inter-denominational development charity One issue that might have been raised is the formerly known as BibleLands which tackles poverty and infamous separation barrier. Israel continues to build injustice in the lands of the Bible. Embrace has launched this in contravention of international law (when a Syria crisis appeal to provide humanitarian support to completed, 85 per cent of its length will be deep inside local Christian agencies working with refugees in Syria occupied Palestinian territory). An iconic yet tragic and Lebanon. Details at www.embraceme.org/syria2013 14 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday July 14, 2013 Register/Recipe

APPOINTMENTS ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER Chaplain, Severn Hospice Shrewsbury; and NSM (Associate Minister), Central Telford (Lichfield): has resigned with The Rev David Brae, Sunday 14 July. Pentecost 8. Psalm 119:49-64, Mt 24:1-14. Osun North East - effect from 21 December 2013. Remaining Assistant , Cheltenham Christ (Ibadan, Nigeria): The Rt Rev Humphery Olumakaiye Chaplain. Church (Gloucester): to be Team Vicar, Bacup and Stacksteads (Manchester). Monday 15 July. Psalm 42, Mt 24:15-35. Otukpo - (Abuja, Nigeria): The Rt Rev David The Rev Anthony Ford, Bello LAY & OTHER Priest-in-Charge, Balderstone St Mary APPOINTMENTS (Manchester): to be Vicar. Tuesday 16 July. Psalm 43, Mt 24:36-51. Panama - (Central America): The Rt Rev The Rev Timothy Goode, Julio Murray Team Vicar, Caterham (Southwark): is now Mrs Barbara Lane, also Disability Adviser (same diocese). Wednesday 17 July. Psalm 44:1-8, Mt 25:1-13. Owerri - (Owerri, Nigeria): The Rt Director of Education (Southwark): to be The Rev Alison Hardy, Rev Dr Cyril Chukwunonyerem Okorocha also Hon Lay Canon, Southwark Cathedral Rector, Stand (Manchester): to be also (same diocese). Area Dean, Radcliffe and Prestwich Dean- Thursday 18 July. Psalm 45, Jer 14:1-9. Owo - (Ondo, Nigeria): The Rt Rev James Mr Ian Law, ery (same diocese). Adedayo Oladunjoye Head of Internal Communications (Lich- The Rev Karen Hopwood Owen, field): to retire with effect from 31 July NSM (Assistant Curate), Walkden and Lit- Friday 19 July. Psalm 46, Jer 15:10,15-21. Paraguay - (Southern Cone): The Rt Rev 2013. tle Hulton (Manchester): to be Team Vicar, Peter John Henry Bartlett; Paraguay - (Southern Cone): The Rt Rev Andrés Capt Frank Michael Joseph McGregor Worsley St Mark (same diocese). Rodríguez Erben (CA), The Rev Andrea Jones, Creative Evangelism Enabler, Stoke North Assistant Curate, New Heath; and Assis- Saturday 20 July. Psalm 47, Jer 16:19-21. Pelotas - (Brazil): The Rt Rev Renato Da Deanery (Lichfield): to be Creative Mis- tant Curate, Moston St John; and Assistant Cruz Raatz sioner, Hanley Holy Evangelists (same dio- Curate, Moston St Chad; and Borough cese). Dean for the City and Borough of Man- Mrs Deborah Walton, chester (Manchester): to be Rector, Man- Succentor, Southwark Cathedral; and Centre Chaplain), Bury St Mary (same dio- City Lights Pastor (Birmingham): to be chester Good Shepherd and St Barnabas Chaplain, King’s College London (South- cese). Wolverhampton Pioneer Minister, Central (same diocese). Remaining Borough Dean. wark): to be Priest-in-Charge, Camberwell The Rev Brian Walton, Wolverhampton (Lichfield). The Rev Pamela Ann Kurk, St Philip and St Mark (same diocese). Chaplain to the Forces (Army): is now Chaplain (and Curriculum Support Manag- The Rev Paul Mathole, Chaplain, Morden College Blackheath THE 2013 er), St Cecilia’s Wandsworth Church of Assistant Curate, Rusholme Holy Trinity (Southwark). BIBLE CHALLENGE England School (Southwark): to be NSM (Manchester): to be NSM (Associate Min- The Rev Margaret Young, (Priest-in-Charge), Battersea St Michael ister). Assistant Curate, Wythenshawe (Manches- Wandsworth Common (same diocese). The Rev Margaret Rittman, ter): to be Team Vicar. The Rev David Longe, Retired (Winchester): to be NSM (Assis- Assistant Curate, North Lambeth (South- tant Curate), Martlesham with Brightwell RETIREMENTS & Day 195 Enjoy hearing the Scriptures wark): to be Assistant Curate (Associate (St Edmundsbury and Ipswich). RESIGNATIONS read aloud in church Priest). The Rev Stephen Stavrou: Day 196 Job 25-27, Psalm 4, 2 Corinthians The Rev Linda Lucking, to be Succentor, Southwark Cathedral; and 13 NSM (Assistant Curate), Caverswall and Chaplain, King’s College London (South- Day 197 Job 28-30, Psalm 5, Galatians 1 Weston Coyney with Dilhorne (Lichfield): wark). The Rev Mavis Allbutt, Day 198 Job 31-33, Psalm 6, Galatians 2 to be Assistant Curate (Associate Minis- The Rev Dave Thomson, NSM (Priest-in-Charge), Meir (Lichfield): Day 199 Job 34-36, Psalm 7, Galatians 3 ter). Priest-in-Charge, Ainsworth (Manchester): to retire with effect from 4 August 2013. Day 200 Job 37-39, Psalm 8, Galatians 4 The Rev Anna Macham, to be also Assistant Curate (Bury Town The Rev Emma Phillips, Day 201 Job 40-42, Psalm 9, Galatians 5 King prawns and chorizo with butter CCooookk tthhiiss!! beans, soy beans, lemon and chilli Ingredients Method Serves 2 beans Slice the garlic and chilli and fry in a little mer for five minutes or until the 220g raw king olive oil over a medium heat for two or beans are tender. Ingredients prawns three minutes, until beginning to soften Slice the chorizo into diagonal 1 red chilli 50g raw chorizo but not taking on any colour. pieces and cook over a high heat 1 clove garlic 100ml chicken Pour the butter beans into a colander, in a large frying pan. Keep mov- stock briefly rinse under running water, drain ing the chorizo around the pan Olive oil Juice of half a lemon well and add to the garlic and chilli oil. and after five minutes, when it 400g tin Add the chicken stock and bring to a has started to release red oil and darken Add the prawns and chorizo to the bean butterbeans Handful of roughly gentle simmer. around the edges, add the king prawns, mixture along with the lemon juice, chopped parsley 100g frozen soy After two to three minutes, add the soy cooking for a further two to three minutes chopped parsley, plenty of black pepper beans (or broad beans) to the pan and sim- until opaque and cooked through. and a little salt. Serve immediately.

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When Jesus saw him and knew that he had infirmity, and as one from whom others hid been lying there a long time, he said to him, THE SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR their faces.’ (Is 53:2b,3) ‘Do you want to be healed?’ John 5:6 The man’s reply to Jesus demonstrates his isolation. He could no more exercise There are a number of occasions in the faith than the dying son of the royal official Gospels when Jesus asks someone a ques- By the Rev Dr Liz Hoare in the previous chapter. But Jesus’ question tion. These questions are always worth tak- gave him the opportunity to begin to see ing time over, pondering them deeply things from another perspective. This is because they may well be questions that he movingly of some of the people he has time. Why Jesus picked on this man out of what questions sometimes do for us. They is posing to us also. encountered in his ministry who have been all the rest is not explained except that begin to unlock thought patterns that This question looks at first like a no- held in the grip of despair. Not all of them John says Jesus knew he had been lying imprison us and blind us to seeing things brainer. Why on earth wouldn’t the man are stories with happy endings. Sometimes there for a long time. Perhaps Jesus sensed as ever being different. Picking up his bed want to be healed after lying there in that the obstacles to restoring a sense of value the hopelessness in the man and chose and walking away was only the beginning grim environment for thirty eight long to a person were just too great to overcome him not to make the point that only he mat- for this individual. Whether he became bet- years? But think for a moment about his but he also admits that among so many tered but that all who are similarly rejected ter acquainted with the stranger who stood position. All that time he had been sur- crying out in need, his l’Arche communi- and filled with despair matter to God. Jesus with him in his need and reached out with rounded by other invalids, sick people who ties can welcome only a few of them. himself was to know the pain of rejection divine power to set him free is not had been abandoned. They were probably It is significant that Jesus went to and despair himself: ‘he had no form or revealed, but it is unlikely that he ever for- dirty, ill-clad and under-nourished. The Jerusalem and on this second visit (cf majesty that we should look at him, noth- got the question Jesus put to him. angel probably didn’t often make an 2:13ff) Jesus went to the pool by the Sheep ing in his appearance that we should desire The Rev Dr Liz Hoare (née Culling) is tutor appearance so the dominant mood was Gate rather than somewhere he would be him. He was despised and rejected by oth- in prayer, spirituality and mission at likely to be despair. Jean Vanier writes sure to meet the movers and shakers of his ers; a man of suffering and acquainted with Wycliffe Hall SUNDAY SERVICE

8th Sunday after Trinity (Sunday 21 July) Amos 8:1-12 Sixty Years Colossians 1:15-28 Peter Brierley ministers look after more than one church out- Luke 10:38-end. side London (where the percentage is just 7 The celebration of the 60th anniversary of the per cent). There were 42,000 ministers in 1953, God’s word is the uniting theme in our readings this week. In Amos, a famine of Queen’s coronation on 2 June 1953 raises the dropping to 36,000 by 1983 and staying at the word; in Colossians, the proclamation of the word; and in Luke, the key thing significant subject as to how the church has about that level until 2003, since when the is listening to the word. changed over these 60 years. Not all the infor- number has grown marginally to 37,000 in Amos 8 begins in what some see as the same old dreary way — an oracle of mation collected today was available then, but 2013. doom and gloom for Israel. The songs of the Temple will become wailings, people reasonable estimates can be made for some of While the total number of ministers has thus will die, those who shove aside God’s law in an effort to make more money, who that. not changed greatly over the past 40 years, the trample down the poor, will be trampled down themselves — and tremble. And proportion who are female has increased though it will be “like the mourning for an only son” when the earth goes dark in The first chart shows that the population of markedly, to nearly a fifth (19 per cent) of the the middle of the day (an intimation of Good Friday?), there is something more the United Kingdom grew fairly rapidly in the total in 2013, this percentage varying between terrible to come. first 20 years of the Queen’s reign, and then zero in some denominations (like the Roman As in any relationship, hardships can be endured where there is communica- only very slightly in the second 20 years, grow- Catholics and Orthodox) to half or more in oth- tion. But if the words dry up, there is trouble indeed. So when Amos declares that ing again much faster in her third 20 year span, ers (like the Methodists and Salvation Army). there is to be “a famine of hearing the words of the Lord”, and that as a result the especially in the most recent people will wander about and seek it in vain, we know the time is up. God’s decade because of all the immi- patience has run out with his wayward people. When the word of God can no grants. longer be heard in a nation, that is indeed a cause for deep lament. In how many In 1953, church members parts of our nation today has this famine taken hold without comment or hope of were a fifth of the population (19 relief? per cent), but by 1973 had In Colossians 1 we hear about the Word incarnate, the “image of the invisible dropped to 15 per cent, and by God.” Christ is the head of all creation — heavenly and earthly — and of the new 1993 to 11 per cent, and to an creation too, the church of those who are reconciled through the blood of his estimated 8 per cent in 2013, a cross. Those who are reconciled to God by his death were saved in order to be decline not quite so rapid as pre- holy and blameless before him, and this they shall be if they continue to hold on to viously, probably again because the gospel word, which Paul proclaims and serves and makes fully known. By pro- many of the immigrants are claiming Christ, “warning and teaching everyone”, the world is won and God’s Christian adherents (a 2000 sur- people are matured. vey indicated that 24 per cent The corollary of this, of course, is that where the word of God is absent from were Christian). our proclamation, or where we proclaim not Christ but culture (whether our own The number of attenders is Christian subculture or the seemingly-baptised morality of the sinful world not known for the first 20 years of her reign, What does this say about the Queen and her around us), that famine of the truth will lead to stunted growth and stifled evan- but was probably about 14 per cent of the pop- promise to “keep the faith,” an ambiguous gelism. ulation in 1973, dropping to less than half that phrase but meaning in 1953 the faith of the Martha and Mary teach us these same truths. Martha is busy with what she figure, 6.4 per cent in 2013. Church of England (the faith in which she was sees as her mission, worried and distracted by many things. Good things, no The second chart shows the number of being crowned)? To do such is actually outside doubt they were. Seemingly necessary, to the worldly eye (though the man invit- churches (including congregations meeting in her control, and instead what she has seen is a ed for dinner could turn water into wine and feed thousands with just a few loaves, non-ecclesiastical buildings) and the number decline in people attached to the church. so Martha really should have been more relaxed!). She felt overloaded, and want- of ministers (including non- ed her sister to be part of her work. But Mary did the best thing. The best thing is ordained leaders in some listening to Jesus. churches or denominations). As in any relationship, nothing we do to make the other person happy will be The number of churches has pleasing if we don’t listen to them. So it is with Christ. All our endeavours and mis- kept within the 50-55,000 range sions and works must be put aside, and his word given priority in our diaries and throughout the Queen’s reign, desires. If we don’t start by listening, we will end up deaf — like the people of declining from 1953 to 1993 but Amos’s day who thrust the word aside for the sake of the their more worldly ambi- growing over the last 20 years, tions and the goals set by a more secular agenda. Rather, let us proclaim Christ by especially in England. For proclaiming his word, and training ourselves to sit at his feet more avidly before example, some 700 new we set about the tasks that we consider necessary. It may just be that he has bet- churches have started in Lon- ter ideas. don alone between 2005 and Lee Gatiss is Director of Church Society, and Editor of the NIV Proclamation Bible. 2012 (a net figure since about 1,000 started but about 300 existing churches closed). This slight decline in the number of build- Regardless though of varying statistics over HYMN SUGGESTIONS ings used for worship, or places where regular the past 60 years, two facts remained worship takes place, is nothing like the decline unchanged – the privileged position of the seen in church membership. In 1953 there was Church of England as the bedrock church of All heaven declares an average of 180 members per church; in 1983 this nation and the inspiring unchanging per- Be thou my vision the average was 140 per church and in 2013 the sonal faith of our Sovereign Queen. Speak O Lord, as we come to you average is 110 members per church. May the mind of Christ my saviour The number of ministers has remained at To be in your presence just under three-quarters (73 per cent) of the Dr Peter Brierley is a church consultant who number of churches as a third (32 per cent) of may be reached on [email protected] Milestones

After the successful launch of the “9-a-day: Becoming like Jesus” campaign Langham Partnership has produced a valuable resource for churches keen on an easy to use nine week course encouraging greater depths of Christ- likeness in their congregations… A leading British charity is calling on churches and faith

communities across the UK to ‘get their wellies on’ this Harvest and help Give Hunger the Boot in Africa. To request a Give Hunger the Boot fundraising pack, please contact communi- [email protected] or call 020 7430 0440… Andy Murray’s historic Wimbledon triumph served up a peak audience of nearly 17.3m for BBC1 –

nearly equalling the tournament’s biggest audi- ence of all time… David Cameron was warned that he cannot block a big pay rise for MPs – bill will fail in the Lords. At present that possibly as high as £10,000 a year – after the looks a likely outcome but it is a risk. issue of MPs’ rewards was handed to an inde- Religion is not irrelevant to views about pendent body, the Parliamentary Standards PAUL the EU. There are solid economic reasons Authority, in the wake of the expenses scan- why Britain should remain a member but dal… Abu Qatada was deported from the UK ‘ RICHARDSON an attitude that goes back to the Reforma- to Jordan to stand trial on terrorism charges... tion influences our thinking. It is probably Church and World no accident that the Catholic nations of Southern Europe seem the happiest EU “Anyone who listened members. Germany, once the centre of the to much of the Same Holy Roman Empire, resents being called Sex Marriage bill upon to foot the bill but is basically loyal. second reading in the Most opposition comes from the Protes- Politicians and the tant nations of the North: Britain, Sweden House of Lords could and Denmark. In Lutheran Norway and not fail to be struck by Switzerland, the home of Reformed Protes- the overwhelming tantism, opposition is so strong that these change of cultural hinterland” problem of Europe countries are not members. The EU has many problems. There is a Archbishop Justin Welby According to a YouGov poll for The his time to be taken up with manag- democratic deficit and meddling bureau- Sun just 13 per cent of the population ing British withdrawal from the EU crats in Brussels have nothing to learn ‘ view Europe as an important issue with all the upheaval this is likely to from the Curia in the Vatican. Originally facing the country. The economy (66 involve? the Common Market was a wonderful per cent), immigration (52 per cent) Despite the dangers, Labour is said means of helping German manufacturers and health (30 per cent) are seen as to be considering backing an in-out and French farmers. French farmers are the most important issues but when referendum soon after the next elec- still getting too good a deal and the Com- voters are asked about the problems tion. There is pressure from the press mon Agricultural Policy needs reform. The facing them personally immigration and some in the shadow cabinet but if irony is that Britain is better placed to falls out of the list, health moves up to Miliband studies the polls carefully secure reforms in agriculture and other number two and pensions (28 per he will realise this is not really an areas than ever before. The alliance between Germany and France is much weakened and Angela Merkel is ready to listen to David Cameron. If Cameron pushes for reforms of benefit to the EU and not just special deals for Britain he will make progress. Let us not blind ourselves to the benefits People of the EU. Again, there is irony in the fact that Britain is being urged to pull out just at a time when the hopes (once derided as The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, fantasies) of a North Atlantic Free Trade helped to launch a major new report on building area look within sight of being realised. A the Big Society in London on Wednesday. The free-trade pact with Canada is close to con- report, Holistic Mission: Social Action and the clusion and talks have opened on a trade Church of England, sets out a blueprint for creat- pact with the US. Most calculations show ing the Big Society, which it says is far more effec- Britain as the big gainer of a trade deal tive at solving entrenched social problems in local with America, perhaps to the tune of £11 communities and calls for a real revolution in billion a year. It could represent a big boost service delivery… The newly inaugurated Vice- to the car industry and mean thousands of President of the Methodist Conference, Dr new jobs. Daleep Mukarji, called on the Methodist people As well as the economic advantages, the to “speak out, take sides,” and “stand up for jus- cent) comes in at number three. issue voters feel passionately about. EU amplifies our role in the world. As Ken tice” in his inaugural address to the Methodist Eurosceptic MPs may think that It has to be said that even some pro- Clarke has written ‘it renders us safer, Conference… Frankie Mulgrew (son of the leg- they are in tune with the voters but European members of the Labour more secure and more in control of our endary comedian Jimmy Cricket) is to launch his they need to remember the lesson Party are nervous about a referen- own destiny’. China has made clear its new book, ‘Does God LOL?’, on 19 July… Cele- William Hague learnt when he built dum in which Miliband leads the readiness to pursue a ‘divide-and-rule strat- brated British author and religious commentator an election around keeping the campaign in favour of staying inside egy’ in trade agreements. The existence of Karen Armstrong has won the inaugural British pound: Europe is not at the top of the the EU and a new Tory leader, possi- the EU means there are limits to what it Academy Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize for Transcultural voters’ list of priorities. bly the opportunistic and charismatic can achieve as far as European nations are Understanding. The jury awarded the £25,000 Even so the European issue Boris Johnson, heads up the opposi- concerned. prize in recognition of her body of work that has remains a major one in British poli- tion. If a referendum is going to hap- The Reformation encouraged the made a significant contribution to understanding tics and there is a real danger that we pen, better a Tory Government still growth of nation states. Protestantism unit- the elements of overlap and commonality in dif- could be sleep walking towards an led by David Cameron who, it is ed Britain and fuelled our determination to ferent cultures and religions exit from the European Union. A believed, would throw his weight be independent. Today the ecumenical good deal depends on whether Ed behind staying in the EU. Miliband movement has taught those Protestants Miliband and the Labour Party will would be no match for Johnson. who continue to practice their faith of the Next Week’s News have the strength to resist calls to Of course Labour may not have a advantages of cooperation and working back a referendum. choice about a referendum if James with others. Unfortunately a great mass of There will be an ecumenical service at the From Miliband’s point of view Wharton’s bill making a vote manda- people in this country who do not practice Bridge Chapel (Derby Cathedral) on Wednesday there is good reason for him not to tory after the next election is passed. their faith are still influenced by the cul- 24 July (7.30pm) to commemorate those who died take this step. If he comes to power Labour and the Lib Dems have cho- ture a Protestantism of the distant past on different sides of the Reformation divide in after the next election does he want sen to abstain, no doubt hoping the helped to shape. Derby…

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