THE E u r o p e a n A n g l i c a n

B i s h o p ’ s v i e w s o n p a p a l v i s i t F r o m a t v s t u d i o

Y o u n g a r t i s t ’ s s e a s o n a l g i f t C h r i s t m a s c a r d d e s i g n s

L i fe s a v e r i n F l o r e n c e A w a r d f o r p a r a m e d i c

A n g o l a n a d v e n t u r e G o s p e l s h a r i n g i n L u a n d a

C o p e n h a g e n t w e l v e m o n t h s o n E n v i r o n m e n t a l r e v i e w

FREE N o . 4 8 W i nter 2 0 1 0 E n c o u r a g i n g y o u n g 2 t a l ent s i n N a p l e s

THE E u r o p e a n A n g l i c a n I t ’ s a l l a b o u t h i g h s p ee d The of Gibraltar in Europe The Rt Revd Bishop’s Lodge, Church Road, Worth, Crawley RH10 7RT Tel: +44 (0) 1293 883051 communication Fax: +44 (0) 1293 884479 Email: [email protected] The in Europe The Rt Revd Postal address: Diocesan Office Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1160 Email: [email protected] The Diocesan Office 14 Tufton Street, London, SW1P 3QZ Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1155 Fax: +44 (0) 207 898 1166 Email: diocesan.office@europe. c-of-e.org.uk

Diocesan Secretary I am an unreformed fan of rail travel and This edition of the European Anglican Mr Adrian Mumford so it did not take me long to accept a includes personal stories – of a Good Assistant Diocesan Secretary challenge from my local English newspaper Samaritan´s life saving skills in Italy, of a Mrs Jeanne French in Spain to try the journey from London young boy´s enthusiasm for art which has Finance Officer to Tarragona by train in a day. Four trains found a wider audience in the diocesan Mr Nick Wraight­ and three Metro journeys later I succeeded Christmas card or of a Paris priest´s gospel and learned how the ever improving high sharing visit to Angola. Diocesan Website speed rail network is making journeys, Personal communication is at the heart www.europe.anglican.org which could previously only be done by air, of Christmas when we rejoice at the arrival Editor and Diocesan possible by train – and considerably more of the Word into our world. St John´s Communications Officer carbon efficient at that! special term for Jesus reminds us that he The Revd. Paul Needle Communications get ever faster and was the Word in action. In the Gospels we Postal address: Diocesan Office the world seems to get smaller. A recent find a multitude of personal stories involving Email: [email protected] Tel: 0034 662 482 944 survey of churchgoers showed that the Our Lord which in turn point us back to most effective communication to get God. Puzzles and Word Searches are not Friends of the Diocese people to worship was not elaborate a feature of The European Anglican but as Secretary: advertising campaigns or sudden bursts you read about our lively diocese we trust Vacancy of mission activity. It was the personal you will find the Christ of Christmas involved invitation “Would you like to come to in every page. Design Adept Design, Norwich church with me?” linked to the host´s On behalf of our and their faith story. staffs, the Diocesan Office and myself we Printer wish you a blessed Christmas. Norwich Colour Print Paul Needle Distribution Editor, The European Anglican CoDEStorm plc Cover photo: Brian Levi was just 9 years old when he showed some of his paintings to Bishop Geoffrey when he visited Naples in November last year. He was commissioned to produce a Christmas scene suitable for the diocesan Christmas card and submitted 5 designs. You can see some of the others with more of Brian’s story on these pages. g o o d s a m a r i t a n o r 3 a n a n g e l i n d i s g u i s e ?

S w i n g i n g s h e p h e r d s a n d w i z e n e d w i s e m e n Christmas scenes from Brian’s “igloo” studio Brian Levi is a “Leap Year baby” as critic while elder brother Kenneth he was born on February 29th 2000 Samuel insists his approval is needed in the Indian city of Madras. In for everything his sibling produces! September 2008 Brian´s family arrived It is not surprising then that when in Naples. He worships at Christ Bishop Geoffrey visited the church in Church and is a member of the Southern Italy last November that he Sunday school there. was impressed by the youngster´s There is never a dull moment in artwork. Within a few weeks Brian Brian´s life. He is interested in had sent a sample of his unique artistry drawing, painting, making models of depicting scenes from the Christmas animals, birds & toys out of flour, story. The rear view of the Three writing short stories, playing the guitar Kings has been used for the diocesan & piano, and reading books. Twit and Christmas card this year and the Titty the hamsters are his pets. others form part of a display in Class Peering through his microscope in the Four of Brian´s primary school, Russo hope of ‘discovering’ something new Froebeliano. and becoming an Einstein is his dream. At home, he spends most of his time in his ‘igloo’ (filled with boxes of paint, unfinished manuscripts, models he’s created, & soft toys - all of whom are real to him!) which he calls his ‘office’. Brian´s father Easter Selvan, a researcher at the National Research Company, is his inspiration. He says that his mother Shyamala Magdalene assists as his typist, proof-reader &

M ee t i n g a n g e l s u n a w a r e s A prison officer in the Italian city of Florence has been honoured with a special award for his prompt action which almost certainly helped to save the life of an Anglican bishop.

The Rt Rev , Bishop of , was in his recovery in England sent a message of greeting and Florence where he was acting as a locum priest while Fr thanks to Antonangelo and the whole community of St. Lawrence MacLean was on holiday. At about 9 am on Mark’s for their unstinting help and hospitality. Monday 23rd August he was sightseeing in the city Antonangelo told the congregation he was pleased to when he suffered a cardiac arrest. Antonangelo Corsi receive the award. He said; “I think that in every was nearby and saw what had happened and went to important moment in our lives, there exists a Bishop Martin´s assistance. He had been taught reason for everything and that the presence of life saving and resuscitation skills and put his God is always there to be seen and interpreted. training into practice for 5 vital minutes before On this occasion, the meeting between paramedics arrived. Bishop Martin and I was meant to be and In early October Antonangelo and his wife subsequently has become a friendship, Sylvia were invited to St. Mark’s English which I hope will grow and be Church in Florence to receive the gift of a long lasting.” cross sent by the Bishop of Gibraltar in He also joked that the Europe as a thanksgiving for Antonangelo’s encounter had acted as a spur for heroic action. him to resume his studies to At the service Fr. Lawrence preached improve his English and thanked about the importance of entertaining the Police Corps “who gave me angels and never neglecting to entertain the ability to help in that moment the stranger. Bishop Martin who continues of need.” l E a d i n g k i n d l y l i g ht i n 4 c o ft o n p a r k

T h e P o p e ’ s v i s i t t o B r i t a i n - a s s ee n o n t e l e v i s i o n

Bishop Geoffrey reflects on John Henry Newman and coverage of the Papal visit

Ever since I was a boy growing up in the Hampshire Newman led a semi-monastic life of prayer market town of Alton famous for the beer brewed from before discerning that he should make the move from the local hops, I have been fascinated by John Henry the to the Roman Catholic Church. Newman, whose family came to live there when he was Dr Pusey wrote when this happened in 1845 that he a teenager because his father had to take a job in the saw it as a transplanting from one part of the Lord’s local brewery after his bank had collapsed. A plaque on a vineyard to another – a remarkable statement in very house in the main street noted that John Henry, Cardinal unecumenical days. Newman, had lived there. Coming from a church in the There were many anxieties before the Papal visit – with catholic tradition of the Church of England Newman’s noisy protests from hostile secularists, and the Roman memory was venerated, along with that of John Keble and Catholic bishops wondering how the scholarly and rather Edward Pusey. It is Hardly surprising that when I later shy Benedict could attract the crowds that John Paul II became chaplain of Keble College, Oxford, I found myself did on his earlier visit, of which the enduring image that exploring the history of the Oxford Movement, I have is of the Pope and Archbishop Runcie kneeling and teaching Newman’s creative theology with Roman in prayer at the site of Thomas à Becket’s martyrdom Catholic colleagues. in Canterbury Cathedral, and the Gospels brought by When it was announced that Pope Benedict would be St Augustine enthroned on St Augustine’s chair. Pope coming on a state visit to the UK, and at the end of it Benedict’s reverence in the great liturgical celebrations, would be beatifying John Henry Newman I found myself his warmth towards people, and his clear and persistent approached by the media for contributions to the task of message affirming the need for faith to have a place in the making Newman better known. I contributed to a radio public square and not be relegated to something which was programme with the title ‘Newman – a very English saint’ ‘a private matter’ dispelled the anxieties. In every respect – and was interviewed by the colourful Ann Widdecombe for ecumenical, pastoral and political – the visit was notable and a television programme in the Senior Common Room of has, I believe, done much to enable all the churches to have Oriel College, Oxford, where Newman was a Fellow (and a renewed confidence in their contribution to public debate. for much of the time Vicar of the neighbouring University I was at Lambeth, where Anglican and Roman Catholic Church). The endless re-takes that lie behind what you see bishops were assembled, and Pope and Archbishop walked on your television screen were fascinating – 6 times just in together, and addressed us in a way which half a century for a shot of us walking together in the quadrangle – and earlier would have been totally unthinkable. The service in the producer firmly but gently requesting Ann Widdecome Westminster Abbey was at its cathedral best for to moderate her tone of voice, when she was expressing a visit which the Pope saw as a pilgrimage to the tomb of outrage at the fact that Newman in his early Evangelical Edward the Confessor. years had considered the Pope to be Antichrist. Then The culmination was reached at Birmingham on there was another television programme for Austrian the Sunday for the great beatification mass in Cofton television, where Dr Sheridan Gilley, one of Newman’s Park, where I found myself as part of a panel of three recent biographers, and I were filmed at Littlemore, where commenting on the broadcast on BBC2. Again there B i s h o p s h a re s i n c o v er a g e 5 o f the p o p e ’ s t o u r

Pictures courtesy of BBC Television are many memories – driving on a dark, damp morning to get into the park, with coaches of pilgrims who had travelled through the night looming on every side; the air of anticipation as the light came up, and the crowd shivered in the cold drizzle; the sun breaking through as the Pope’s helicopter came into view; the magnificent mass with hymns by Newman and Keble, and a choir of 2,000; the Pope’s homily with a significant quotation about the transforming character of prayer from one of Newman’s Anglican sermons. Huw Edwards, who chaired our small panel in a studio with a wonderful bird’s eye view of the mass, could not have been better at putting us at our ease and enabling us to respond, and I was glad to have met this Christian and talented broadcaster. Newman, as I said to many of those who questioned me, is a saint for both churches. He is also someone who saw the challenge of secularism in his day as one which would grow greater. He wrestled with the relation of faith and reason, and how the Christian faith which is God’s revelation expresses its eternal truths in a world of time and change – development there must be, but it changes always in order to remain the same. He spoke powerfully against an education which was merely concerned with useful knowledge, and not with moral education and the learning of wisdom. He knew that mystery was an essential part of our Christian life, because our finite minds can never encompass the infinity of God. He knew that a commitment to holiness was at the heart of Christian life, and that that life was a pilgrimage. For him, as for all for us, ‘I do not ask to see, the distant scene, One step enough for me.’ And the end of his journeying as he wrote in The Dream of Gerontius and we still sing, is the praise and glory of the God who loved us and gave himself for us. ‘Praise to the Holiest in the height, and in the depths be praise! In all His works most wonderful, Most sure in all His ways.’ N ew s fr o m the n o rth 6 we s t a r c h d e a c o nr y

M a k i n g c h u r c h h i s t o r y N e t h e r l a n d i n C o p e n h a g e n c h u r c h Ecclesiastical history in Northern served by about 2,400 priests. Europe was made on Sunday 3 At a service of Evensong the b u i l d s October. After close to 500 years of previous day in St Alban’s Anglican separation, visible communion has Church, Copenhagen Bishop Martin i t s o w n been restored between the Anglican Wharton of Newcastle, the Anglican Churches of Great Britain and Ireland Co-Chairman of the Porvoo Contact b a p t i s t r y and the Church of Denmark. After Group, read the sermon which was a Eucharist in Vor Frue Cathedral to have been delivered by Bishop in Copenhagen, officials of the , who was unable Danish Church signed the Porvoo to attend because of illness. Bishop Agreement. All the Lutheran Stevenson, the former Bishop of Churches of the Nordic and Baltic Portsmouth, is himself part Danish, countries (except the Evangelical and is a Knight Commander of Lutheran Church of Latvia) have the Kingdom of Denmark’s Order now signed this ecumenical statement of the Dannebrog. Assisting at the which brings those Churches into Sunday Eucharist was the Diocese in Trinity Church Eindhoven a living relationship of shared Europe Director of Ministry, Rev demonstrated that you can have life and mission, including the Canon Ulla Monberg. She says it an immersion baptism in an interchangeability of ministers. The was personally a moving celebration Anglican Church without the need Church of Denmark comprises 10 for because two strands of her life to borrow a swimming pool! dioceses in Denmark itself and one in came together: her Danish birth and On 26th September four Greenland. There are 2,200 parishes culture, and her Anglican priesthood. people from four nationalities (American, Dutch, Ugandan and British) were baptised, The chaplain, Rev Francis Noordanus said “this was the first baptism service in our own building using a pool constructed for this setting.” He joked; “We will soon be posting a professionally produced do- it-yourself guide to Baptismal pool construction!”

“E l C a m i n o ” s h o w s t h e w a y f o r S p a n i s h d r o p - i n c e n t r e

A former shop unit in Alcossebre has Churchwarden been renovated by church members Ron Legg says “People of St. Christopher’s on the Costa sometimes talk about Azahar north of Valencia in Spain. churches ‘preaching to the In its first weeks of opening it is converted’ or worshipping proving a popular “drop-in” centre behind closed doors. At for English speaking residents and the church here we often visitors. It also offers an outlet for do close the doors to keep cool second hand books and bric-a-brac to in Summer and warm in Winter! help fund the permanent ministry of But our church and its mission the church. The church is building is about being active in the on its experience of operating a community and El Camino is similar centre in Vinaros (another of proof of our commitment to the church’s three worship centres) work to serve the local people every week for the past 15 months. and visitors here.” a n a l tern a t i v e 7 br u s s e l s m a r a th o n

M u l t i l i n g u a l “ l i v i n g w a t e r s ” i n a c o n f i r m a t i o n – a n d m o r e Rev Augustine Nwaekwe recalls a memorable afternoon in the Belgian capital

On the October Sunday afternoon Community, and Belgium itself. on the series ‘Christian Voices in when marathon runners were It is common to hear the African contemporary Europe’, part of a four pounding the city streets a different Living Waters Singers sing in English, week series. type of marathon service was going French, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Igbo Holy Trinity Church Brussels on at the Pro-Cathedral of Holy or Yoruba. An English candidate presented each of the candidates Trinity Brussels. It followed an Sherry Vosburgh commented “My with a bible which Bishop Geoffrey ancient form of Christian initiation guests were all impressed with the personally signed and delivered with with Baptism, Confirmation, friendly and varied service. It was fun a warm handshake. Reception into the Church of singing in Swahili.” England and Holy Communion The ceremony was an inclusive all in the same service! It was the and often a family affair. Two culmination of months of preparation Nigerian adults and two infants (twins by the Assistant Chaplain, Rev Gilbert and Victoria) were baptised. Augustine Nwaekwe, who pastors The youngsters’ mother Florence the African community in Brussels. Benga was one of the adult candidates The Church was filled with regular who was also among the 16 members of the African congregation candidates that were confirmed. Sarah as well as families and friends drawn Yaya, baptised and confirmed, was from the various congregational the only candidate from outside the groups at Holy Trinity. Holy Trinity congregation coming The African Choir ‘Living Waters with family friends and members of Singers’ inspired the worshippers. the English Church in Liège, with Among the candidates from the their chaplain, Paul Yiend and his African community in Brussels wife Annick, who also stood as one were Ernestina Adu-Yeboah and of Sarah’s godparents. Favour Izengbe Agbon who are The major event coincided with both members of the Singers and ‘Brussels Marathon day’ which of the Ambassadors (the African made travelling to the service Youth group at Holy Trinity). The somewhat more complex and songs during the service showed a seemed appropriate as the Cathedral ‘harvest of languages’ and represented service lasted for 2 hours. Later the diversity of the Pro-Cathedral Bishop Geoffrey took part in the of Holy Trinity, the African evening service where he gave a talk g R a n d m a ’ s h a p p y h u n d re d th 8 the j o y s o f o u t d o o r w o r s h i p

A r o u n d a n d a b o u t

T h e C o m p a s s R o s e S o c i e t y v i s i t P a r i s

The Compass Rose Society is a group of American, Canadian and Hong Kong Anglicans who support the work of the and the Anglican Communion who visited St George’s F r e n c h p i l g r i m s and St Michael’s churches and the w a l k o n w a t e r t o American Cathedral in Paris. M o n t S t M i c h e l Their questions during the visit included how churches foster mutual Ten intrepid walkers, and two dogs, understanding with the Muslim from Coutances and Vezins were communities in Paris and what invited by Roman Catholic friends provision is made for French people to join their annual pilgrimage from who want to become Anglicans? Genet to Le Mont Saint Michel. They expected to join about a hundred people and were amazed to find at least 1,300. At times they were wading through water up to M B E their knees but after a steep climb G r a n d m o t h e r ’ s up to the Abbey they felt that “the 1 0 0 t h b i r t h d a y present met the past” in what had p a r t y been a place of pilgrimage for 1,300 years. Adelina Pires (pictured with her grand-daughters) was given a 100th birthday party by her family, friends and members of Lisbon’s British Community in September. The “birthday girl” proudly wore her MBE, presented four years ago for her tireless work caring for the British Cemetery and its chapel. As well as a birthday message from the Queen, Alexander Ellis, the British Ambassador in Lisbon, congratulated her and said the Anglican Church was fortunate to have received so many years of loyal service from her. Read more of Adelina´s amazing story on http://europe. anglican.org/news/ newsItems/2010/10_ Oct_03. Oct 03.html i N T E R f a i th f o o tb a l l 9 S i n g i n g i n the r a i n

S a c r a m e n t i n t h e o p e n a i r

Over 60 members of St Paul´s church, Monaco followed the twisty road to Sospel for a Summer picnic which began with the celebration of Holy Communion in a beautiful garden. The meal which followed is reported to have been very much in e w t e s t a m e n t keeping with the Gospel passage of N s e m i n a r s l o n g t e r m the day: Jesus Feeds the 5,000! effe c t

I n t e r f a i t h When Canon Alan Maude was f o o t b a l l i n S w ee d e n studying for ordination in 1969 he was challenged by the lectures on Following the five Pastors v New Testament studies from a young Imams football matches in Berlin, clerical member of staff. While Alan Chaplain Christopher Jage-Bowler went on to serve many years in led a mixed team of clergy and hospital chaplaincy ministry the young imams from Berlin to play against cleric went on to become Archbishop Leicester and Gothenburg in the first of Canterbury. Dr “World Cup” of interfaith football. visited the church at Costa Del Sol The Berlin team won their early West in Spain to share in Chaplain rounds were beaten by Leicester after Alan´s celebrations of forty years since a 2-2 draw and a penalty shoot-out. he was ordained. He says things he still Leicester also won a women´s inter quotes some of those college lectures faith penalty shoot-out competition in his sermons. afterwards. The guest commentator was former Liverpool FC and Swedish international defender Glenn Hysen. M a j o r c a n h y m n s f o r a w e t S u n d a y

Rain could not dampen the spirits Tamarells Beach Bar, but the M a l t a m u ’ s W a l k of the Congregation of St Andrews singers were grateful for the a n d P r a y D a y in Puerto Pollensa after weeks of refuge of a covered area of the planning for their Songs of Praise Tamarells Bar. More than 80 In early Summer Malta´s Mothers´ event . This annual event usually people joined the church choir Union members enjoyed a sponsored takes place on the beach near to in singing popular hymns which “Walk and Pray just for a Day” event were introduced by members of in the Argotti Gardens in Florianna, the Congregation. Valletta - a herb and botanical garden attached to the University of Malta. Church members had asked for prayers for friends, family, and people in need locally and across the Anglican Communion. Over 300 Euros raised has supported the work of the Richmond Foundation who work with traumatised children and teenagers who have behavioural problems, young unmarried Mums and other needs on the Islands of Malta. D i s c o v er i n g e u r o p e ’ s 1 0 r i c h c hr i s t i a n tr a d i t i o n

O u r m a n i n B r u s s e l s

Canon Dr Gary Wilton discovers that a Bishop´s visit to Brussels can present unique challenges and the Parliament has some ordained MEP´s

‘No, this is not a spoof phone call. As we left a meeting with one Ever since St Paul first landed I really am the Church of England MEP his assistant asked us to pray in Cyprus the Christian gospel has Representative to the EU. There for her. A little later, a new Finnish created and shaped the Europe. The really is a Bishop of Gibraltar in MEP introduced himself to us. He development and expansion of the Europe and we really do want to was an Orthodox priest. Yes - an Christian faith and the history of the talk to you about formaldehyde’. ordained MEP and not the only Christian Church are interleaved So began the preparations for one! He was delighted to see us in with the development of the Bishop Geoffrey’s October visit the Parliament, ‘It would be great to continent. The Christian faith more to the European Commission and meet up’. During September I met than any other has shaped the life of Parliament. one of the new Vice Presidents of the the European Union. Formaldehyde is used for Parliament who is a Lutheran Bishop The preamble to the controversial embalming and there is no alternative. from Romania and then a new 2009 EU Lisbon Treaty recorded A possible EU ban would have serious MEP who is a priest of the Swedish that the EU drew inspiration from its pastoral consequences. As Chair of Lutheran Church. Each encounter religious heritage. The same treaty the Churches’ funeral group Bishop was a wonderful reminder that God recognises the religious freedom Geoffrey was concerned to find is at work in the life of the European of the people of Europe, and even out more! Institutions. invited the Churches and religions to enter into ‘regular, open, transparent dialogue’ with the EU. The Bishop’s visit to the E u r o p e ’ s C h r i s t i a n h e r i t a g e European Institutions dovetailed with the Pro-Cathedral’s autumn a n d v i b r a n t c h u r c h l i fe series ‘Christian Voices in Excerpts from an address by the Rt Rev Stephen Contemporary Europe’. He shared with us about how Bishops relate Platten, , at the annual service to governments and other civil for the Friends of the Diocese in October. authorities. Jonathan Chaplin, Director of the Kirby Laing Institute “However secular it may seem, Humanism which was manifest in for Christian Ethics and co-editor ultimately Europe owes its shape art, in science and in all manner of SPCK’s ‘God and Government’ and identity to the Christian faith. of learning. Happily there are still encouraged us as Christians to speak Indeed, ironically England was far survivals. Long live Renaissance and act more confidently in the more pro-European in the seventh Man and Renaissance Woman too! political realm. and eight centuries than it seems “In some ways your diocese, But … How did the to be now. Look at the journeys more than any other part of the formaldehyde visit go? Bishop of Benedict Biscop and Boniface, Church of England, is a sort of Geoffrey and I were warmly the zealous pilgrimages of Wilfrid sacramental reminder of this. While welcomed everywhere we went. to and from Rome. Even, in the we here in our forty three dioceses Meetings at the UK’s embassy to fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, look to many mainland Europeans the EU, with the Director General we see pilgrims like Margery like an ‘offshore enterprise’, you for the Environment and with East Kempe journeying to Rome, Assisi still testify to a wider vision. It Midlands Malcolm Harbour MEP, and Jerusalem. Europe especially is a vision you’ve purveyed very left us hopeful that the case for through the extraordinary growth effectively – you are a growing formaldehyde is a good one. New of Benedictine Monasticism diocese. God’s work in establishing health and safely regulations are between 1100 and 1200 was his kingdom prospers, despite the more likely than a ban. No one in shaped by Christianity. Education, normal challenges of finance the institutions had thought about industry, agriculture owe so much and vocations. the pastoral problems such a ban to Benedict’s vision and disciples “Keep shining as a beacon might cause. Each official agreed to and to the later inheritance of the throughout Europe – we may keep our concerns in mind and to Cistercian rule. Here was part even learn to reflect some of that keep in touch. The Bishop’s visit to of the rich current of Christian light here.” Brussels was a day well spent. p E d a l l i n g the g o s p e l – 1 1 C l i ff o r d ’ s c h a l l en g e

T h e o l o g y o f c y c l i n g – t h o u g h t s f r o m t h e s a d d l e By Rev Clifford Owen The English Church in Ostend, Belgium

You have to be slightly eccentric to pedal a bike from John O’Groats to Lands End! I had done the ‘End to End’ twice before in 1995 and 1998; so when my daughter, Isobel, challenged me to join her I is still some way off yet. It is not always had no hesitation in accepting. However when I was 52 I felt almost comfortable - for much of this recent ride I was in pain and the bits I enjoyed were indestructible. At 55 I still felt good, but at 67 age has indeed wearied minimal. My daughter who suffered me and so the August ride humbled me somewhat! from an injured knee over the last four days remarked that I became stressed I did not train enough. The weather worship. We discovered the Sabbath when I couldn’t meet schedules. We was our friend in where principle all over again. In the days achieved a lower daily average speed than the wind was mostly behind us; but when work was largely physical the I had calculated for but by the Grace of definitely our enemy in England body really needed that seventh day God we reached our evening destinations, where we faced contra winds most off to flop. I had planned two half often much later than hoped. of the way. Geography hurt us too. days on Sundays, cycling only 30 On a journey like the End to End, Cumbria is beautiful, but it hills are miles rather than 60 after a church you quickly find where your faith and painful. Devon may be ‘glorious’ but service in the morning. patience runs out, where energy expires it is definitely enemy number one as I have loved cycling since getting and tempers get frayed. On a couple far as the cyclist is concerned. my first tricycle at the age of five. A of occasions I shouted out at hills! I The End to End is a kaleidoscope bike meant freedom, exploration and remembered the Psalmist at the end of of images from the Pentland Firth adventure. A few years ago on the his tether. I even thought of the Book to Mounts Bay. There are midges London to Paris ride for the British of Job when the wind seemed relentless. descending upon every Scottish Legion, one man tried to define the But when there are two of you discover stop, entering on Festival mystery of cycling in the simplicity within a few days that the success of the Saturday night, passing the Grand of the machine ‘It’s basically a whole venture depends upon both of you National Course at Aintree and. marvellously simple invention which getting it together the whole way. glimpsing signs to Anfield. We went takes a little bit of human energy and Approaching Lands End is a great over the Forth and under the Mersey magnifies it with great efficiency’. I feeling of thrill and satisfaction that then rode across the ‘old’ Severn thought of that as I lined up at Calais no-one can take away. I insisted that Bridge from Chepstow to Aust. with the Harley Davidsons! Isobel crossed the line first. Did she Some small chapels on the Welsh Cycling could even be termed enjoy it? She is already thinking of border had long grass outside with a pilgrimage. You cannot wake up her next challenge! We have a total a tiny board advertising one Sunday in the morning and say ‘I still have from sponsorship of £3,300 and thank afternoon service, but most gave the another 600 miles to go’. It must be everyone for their most generous support. impression of being well engaged taken a day at a time in manageable The money will be shared equally in mission not least at Nailsea in chunks. There is a goal, a vision between ICS, Acorn Christian Healing Somerset, where we stopped to and a purpose to this journey, but it Trust and a hospital in Uganda. M a d e l e i ne ’ s m en u 1 2 f o r he a l th y l i v i n g

F o r t h e be a u t y o f N e w s a n d n o t e s f r o m t h e e a r t h F o r t h e be a u t y o f o u r e n v i r o n m e n t o ff i c e r t h e s k i e s Jesus said ‘go and make disciples of all peoples...’ F o r t h e l o v e w h i c h These are words which have been ideas you think will benefit others. f r o m o u r b i r t h o v e r popping into my head ever since I took • Waste not, want not as our a n d a r o u n d u s l i e s , on the role of Diocese Environment grandparents used to say – something Officer. By December I will have proved true with an envelope sent C h r i s t o u r G o d , t o been in post for five very active and to me. It contained a book by t h ee w e r a i s e t h i s busy months plus and still feel I am the Swedish Church with their treading water! On your behalf I have thoughts, plans and actions on the o u r s a c r i f i c e o f attended three Environment Seminars, environment. The envelope is p r a i s e . have made many useful contacts, some made of Tyvek (a woven fabric for good friends and spread the word strength) which I opened, painted, about the . I am cut into three rectangles, stitched and encouraged by those who let me know then distressed!!! It has made a nice what is going on in your area and what card to send to someone. your future plans are - it can be very • More and more families are growing daunting trying to make email contact their own vegetables and hopefully with 309 congregations without making harvesting seeds for the coming year. a nuisance of myself! We only have Landshare is a scheme started in a 29 Environment Officers out of more small way which has grown rapidly. than 300 chaplaincies so the challenge If I can’t manage my garden but is great. We should soon have own know someone who has no garden Environment section on the Diocesan and would like to grow vegetables website to encourage us to keep in I let them share my garden –an contact, share information and even arrangement which works anywhere laugh at ourselves. in the world. At the recent We can share ways to eat less European Christian Environment but better, conserve water, have Network Conference in Prague, fun recycling and think of ways of food and its production featured very harnessing our greed whilst thinking of strongly in our discussions and there those less fortunate than ourselves. So, is information on the ECEN website in what ways are we ‘making disciples’? http://www.ecen.org/ . • By appointing an eco-warrior in • You can learn more about GM foods your congregation as Environment on this website, to help you look at Officer to liaise with me and save the pros and cons, decide what you your Chaplain some time and feel and act on it. You may decide to energy? ask for such foods to be labelled to • By starting an Environment group help choices about what to purchase which is also a wonderful outreach or not. You can get help about tool for anyone and everyone. I which fish you might avoid buying, belong to a group which meets so that you are not buying from monthly but between times we share unsustainable stocks. news, information and websites by There is so much we can do using a Google group, perhaps you together to change our lifestyle habits. could do something similar. At the ‘Shrinking the Footprint’ Because our Diocese covers a huge Conference at Lambeth Palace I shared area and embraces many cultures and with 43 other dioceses, sharing our languages this should not be a barrier joys and our concerns and agreeing to sharing. Ideas can be adapted and that apathy is the main problem. If we we can all care for creation as stewards make disciples of our congregations of what we have been given. As with first and then move outside the church other areas of our faith we have to and work alongside other eco-warriors believe that the little we do makes a to make a difference caring for God’s huge difference. We can also have beautiful world creation, we can leave some fun while caring for our planet behind a valuable inheritance for future and I welcome your humour as well generations. as your prayers, your recipes and news of your Creation-tide services and any Madeleine Holmes c h u r c h b u i l d i n g a n d 1 3 c h o r a l l i ber a t i o n

A n g l i c a n A d v e n t u r e s i n A n g o l a Rev Dr Richard Fermer, Assistant Chaplain, St George’s Paris, reports on a request that offered their church a chance to support mission in the Anglican Communion into action.

Above right: Fr. Richard with candidates receiving diplomas after uncleared landmines. This was going Aids. The church cannot afford to be three years of study. to be some challenge! window-dressing on a Sunday; it has to Above top: On this rock – a church My personal mission was to speak be socially and politically engaged. It in construction. about faith in a post-modern world. I has to model an other sort of society. Above bottom: Women preparing a realised why as I arrived in Luanda: a Without the diversion of Western parish lunch. city snarled up by traffic congestion, “life-style options”, people live and an environmental nightmare with breathe church. rubbish on every corner and open What blessings I received from “Please help us in Angola”, was sewage in the “musseques”, the slums the Church in Angola. Celebrating the unusual request to St George’s where ordinary people live. Luanda the Eucharist each Sunday with Paris in March this year from the was ablaze with building sites, new congregations of over 500 people, ! London needed houses and apartments, but out of the dancing at the offertory as they brought a supervisor for the “Mission and price-range of most people. There up their gifts. “When I am in church Ministry Programme” in their link were new, imported cars, yet at I feel such joy,” said one teenager, diocese of Angola. It’s a training the same time most of the city was “it’s as if I am in another world.” course for lay and diaconal ministry, without a system of sanitation. Angola When they sing, they sing from hearts and I had experience of teaching is now the biggest producer of oil in liberated by joy. I encouraged them Angolan ordinands when I served in Africa, yet the average Angolan lives to use song as a metaphor for their Brazil and can speak Portuguese. St on less than $2 a day. The president, relationship with God. “A theology of George´s were happy to agree for me who has been in power for 30 years, song”, composed by hearts that know to go during August. is called by his people “the Owner of life’s struggles and God in their midst. Angola is not Brazil! After the end the country” - that says it all! Yet, the greatest blessing I received of 27 years of Civil War the country’s In this context ministry means was that of brotherhood: living infrastructure was devastated. Now sacrifice. It means serving when one alongside my fellow brothers and sisters the average life expectancy is 42 could be trying to earn more money in Christ in Angola, identifying with years, 25 per cent of children die to pull one’s family out of poverty. their struggles and touched by their before their fifth birthday. Over a It means resisting the temptation faith. So that when I returned to the third of the population has no access to fall into circles of government splendour of Charles de Gaulle Etoile to clean and safe water, diseases like corruption. It inspires the church I could only be silent. Is this the real malaria and typhoid are rife, and there to launch its own programmes to world? I know I will continue to carry are still an estimated 5 to 7 million combat malaria and the spread of my brothers in my heart. 1 4 p E o p l e a n d p l a c e s

C l e r g y o n t h e m o v e G i b r a l t a r

G r ee t i n g s t o Rev Ank Robinson- C a t h e d r a l s c o o p s Muller, formerly of East Rev Bramwell Netherlands has been Bearcroft, retired, has h e r i t a g e a w a r d appointed Assistant Curate become Assistant Chaplain of St Mary, Rotterdam in of the Aquitaine in France The Netherlands The Dean of Gibraltar, Dr of Ages Appeal Campaign. Rev Carolyn Cooke, John Paddock, proudly At the ceremony he was told Rev Gillian Strachan, Team Vicar in the Parish received an award during the “This renovation has helped formerly Assistant Curate of Clifton, Nottingham Summer from The Gibraltar to enhance the architecture is now Assistant Chaplain arrived as Chaplain of La Heritage Trust for the of the Cathedral of the Holy of The Aquitaine in Côte, in Switzerland in renovation of the exterior of Trinity and its environs. “ France November the cathedral after the Rock Rev Gillian Wilton, Rev Elizabeth Morris, Assistant Chaplain of formerly Curate of St Paul, Tervuren, has Yoxmere in Suffolk also been made Priest- became an Assistant S t C h r i s t o p h e r in-Charge of St Martha Chaplain of the The and St Mary, Leuven in Aquitaine in France in m a r k s n e w A f r i c a n Belgium September Rev David Phillips, l i n k s Mission of Christ Church, n e w c a n o n s The North West Europe Spiritwood and St Paul’s o f t h e Archdeaconry, covering Timberland, Saskatchewan c a t h e d r a l Belgium, Luxembourg and in the Church of Canada The Netherlands is linked became Priest-in-Charge C h a p t e r with the Diocese of Luwero of the Church of The Rev Ulla Monberg, in Uganda. It was Archdeacon Holy Cross, Palermo in Director of Training John de Wit’s great pleasure to Sicily during October Rev Christopher Jage- welcome to the recent Synod Bowler, Chaplain of in Brussels the Luwero Diocesan Youth Secretary, Rev St George, Berlin in F a r e w e l l t o Kasana Godfrey. At the synod meal gifts were exchanged Germany Rev Simon Hobbs, from their Bishop and from the NW Archdeaconry. Rev Ian Hutchinson Chaplain of St Boniface, Kasana brought from Luwero a commemorative wooden Cervantes, Chaplain of St Bonn with All Saints, plaque with words about the link inscribed on it. The George, Madrid in Spain Cologne in Germany is Archdeaconry gave to Luweero an icon of Saint Christopher Rev John Wilkinson, to resign from the end of with the Christ child on his back. Assistant Chaplain of March 2011 Fontainbleau in France Rev Peter Tilley, Priest- Rev Trevor Whitfield, in-Charge of St John the Chaplain of Holy Trinity, Evangelist, Ghent, and of Maisons-Laffitte in France A s w ee t t a s t e St George, Knokke, in Belgium has resigned o f A t l a n t i c H o n o u r e d Rev Peter Wolfenden, Rev Canon Raymond Chaplain of St George, M i n i s t r y Jones, formerly Malaga in Spain has Priest-in-Charge of resigned When Rev Mike Smith was St George, Ypres in licensed as Chaplain of All Saints, Belgium has been Puerto de la Cruz, on the Spanish o v i n g M appointed Canon island of Tenerife, in August he a r o u n d Emeritus was given a novel reception after Rev Hazel Door, Rev Andrew the formal service. To mark their formerly Priest-in- Wagstaff of Saint commitment to a new ministry after Charge of Christ Church, Boniface, Antwerp, moving from Great and Little Driffield Brittany in now Assistant has been licensed as in East Yorkshire Mike and his wife Chaplain of Christ the the Area Dean for Sam were invited to cut a cake, no Good Shepherd, Poitou- Belgium and doubt bringing back memories of Charentes in France Luxembourg another commitment they shared with the formal cutting of a cake! F a ther k e v i n ’ s f a rewe l l 1 5

A d è l e K e l h a m t a k e s A m e s s a g e f r o m o n e c u m e n i c a l r o l e F r K e v i n O ’B r i e n

Kelham, Priest in Charge of The Bishop’s Chaplain has resigned to Christ Church, Lausanne, become Vicar of St John the Evangelist in as its new president. She has been committed to Burgess Hill, Sussex ecumenism for many years at local Canton and national My time at the Diocese in Europe has been some of the level in Switzerland and happiest of my working life; always challenging, sometimes says this work is essential; infuriating, occasionally mystifying, many times joyful, “Divided, the Church fascinating, exciting and inspiring, certainly never dull. I cannot properly fulfil its was lucky to have some of the greatest colleagues I have tasks. How can we show the known, hardworking, motivated, intelligent and stimulating, In September, the love of God in the world, very knowledgeable about the Diocese – people who I came Swiss ecumenical body if we fail to love our fellow to see as much as friends as they were colleagues. It has (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Christians respectfully and always been a great privilege to serve the Bishop and to christlicher Kirchen in der from the heart? How can take some small share in supporting his ministry, but I also Schweiz AGCK-CH – we foster God’s peace and saw my regards grow from respect into great affection, it Communauté de travail des justice in the world, if we is a real wrench to leave his side. Mags and Sue never let Eglises chrétiennes en Suisse do not show mutual support me down, were unfailingly supportive, considerate, kind and CTECH) elected Rev Adèle for one another?” great fun to be with. The London office led by Adrian Mumford and Bishop David with Deacon Frances achieve so much with such restricted resources and invariably with great humour and humanity. Whilst we inhabited different locations, I felt that A i r p o r t s i g n i n g we were one team. In the wider Diocese my admiration is for the g e t s a g r ee m e n t o ff archdeacons, clergy and people who have never failed to impress and occasionally amaze me with your enthusiasm, t h e g r o u n d inventiveness and unshowy but deep devotion. It is largely your efforts that have doubled the size of the Diocese in Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport in The Netherlands is used to twenty years, it is your energy and passion for the Gospel unusual sights – with 120,000 people a day passing through. that have made the Diocese in Europe one of the most In June it was the setting for two bishops to meet and sign dynamic places in the Church of England. It is a jewel in the a letter of intent pledging deeper cooperation in ministry crown that can sometimes be misunderstood and sidelined, between the Church of England, Diocese in Europe and the but I for one certainly caught the Europe bug. What huge Old Catholic Church in the Netherlands in accordance with variety you display from small chaplaincies on tiny islands the Bonn Agreement of 1931. to large and vibrant churches in city centres, from Costas The Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe the Rt Rev Geoffrey to Fjords and cathedrals to converted barns – we were one Rowell and the Bishop of Haarlem, Rt Rev Dirk Jan big ‘Fresh Expression’ before they even Schoon declared they intend to share the responsibility invented the term. for the ownership However, it is time to go. Rather and operation of the bizarrely my very first task is to Airport Ministry at write an address to go into the Schiphol which began next parish magazine “from the in 1975. The Rev. Vicar”, and I haven’t even started Joop Albers is the yet! Copy deadlines are strange Anglican chaplain masters. I send you all my love and – one of a team prayers, may the sun always of three chaplains shine on the Diocese and 25 voluntary and may God always co-workers of hold you gently in differing backgrounds the palm of his who offer pastoral hand. and spiritual care welcoming people of all nationalities and identities. a n d f i n a l l y – here 1 6 a n d there

C l u s t e r o f C a n o n s w e l c o m e d B i s h o p ’ s Five newly appointed Canons of the Berlin are proudly displaying their Cathedral and pro-Cathedrals were new licenses with Bishop Geoffrey. c o u n c i l licensed during the annual Friends Bishop’s Council which consists of of the Diocese service in London. elected clergy and lay members of the The five, Ulla Monberg, Director Diocesan Synod who share some of the of Training, Trevor Whitfield from additional work of governing the affairs Holy Trinity, Maisons-Laffitte, John of the Diocese, met in London at the Wilkinson from Fontainbleau, Ian end of October. Hutchinson Cervantes from Madrid Discussions included progress on and Christopher Jage-Bowler from the Strategic Review Group project to improve support for Archdeacons and Area Deans around the Diocese and in turn to better support local churches. P a d r e W i l l i a m ’ s A f g h a n i s t a n Provisional budgets for 2011 were approved and members were updated d i m e n s i o n s f o r t h e D i o c e s e on clergy employment law. Draft legislation from the General As churches with service personnel under fire, Synod about women bishops was around Europe ministering to the dying and giving considered and plans were made for a prepared to comfort and guidance to people fuller discussion on the detail and its mark the making tough decisions under implications in Europe at the Diocesan season of pressure. He asked for prayers for Synod in May next year. Members of Remembrance, himself and fellow chaplains working Bishop’s Council will be voting on final with many “on the front line”. approval of the General Synod scheme special services The recent Strategic Defence when they meet next October. on Sunday 14th November, members Review may result in a reduction of More information about this and of the Bishop’s Council heard from an the number of service chaplains which other topics aired in Council can be army chaplain about his pastoral work could lead to greater pressure for those found on the Diocesan website and mission on duty in Afghanistan. remaining. Padre William also shared news section. Padre William Lister had recently his experiences in a Podcast interview returned from service in Afghanistan about Remembrance Sunday, made and spoke movingly about working available on the Diocesan website. W a t e r d a m a g e f o r c e s F r e n c h c o n g r e g a t i o n ’ s O n w a r d s i n t o 2 0 1 1 – w e n ee d m o v e y o u r n e w s The 140 year old Anglican St John’s The next edition of the European We commend the excellent Church in Menton in the South of Anglican is due to be published in York Courses Lent series France has been damaged by water March and we welcome news and advertised on page 5 and want causing large cracks to appear. information for inclusion or for to hear from churches which use It is believed that work on a publication on the news section of our these and find them helpful in neighbouring building site breached Diocesan website. ministry and mission in a range the water table beneath the church We also welcome innovative of locations. causing subterranean water damage pictures for publication – such as and destabilizing the building. French these of a Church hosted men’s emergency services on the Riviera breakfast, or the challenges of a declared the building unsafe and at games evening. We particularly want present it is not known when the to see and hear from churches and congregation can return. congregations who have not often A temporary alternative location been featured to reflect the diversity has been found by the building and innovation around Europe. company for worship to continue and Annual Church Meetings in the discussions have begun with the Spring of 2011 will have the task Roman Catholic Diocèse de Nice about of electing new representatives to the possible use of a church in Menton. Archdeaconry Synods for a new 3 The interior of St John’s was year term of office. Our next edition redecorated six years ago, and most will feature the duties and challenges of the stained glass windows were involved. restored.