E I D S IN The fast track to lose weight E8

THE SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2013 No: 6162 www.churchnewspaper.com PRICE £1.35 1,70j US$2.20 CHURCH OF ENGLAND THE ORIGINAL CHURCH NEWSPAPER ESTABLISHED IN 1828 NEWSPAPER Charities unite in ‘IF’ campaign James Jones to retire By Amaris Cole

BILL NIGHY launched the biggest charity coalition since Make Poverty History last week, calling on the government to use its role as G8 host this year to end hunger for- as Bishop of Liverpool ever. Enough Food For Everyone IF… aims to help the one billion people who go to bed By Amaris Cole hungry every night, saying it is a scandal this should still be happening in a world THE BISHOP of Liverpool is retiring on where enough food is produced to feed his 65th birthday in August, after 15 years everyone. in the Diocese. Despite the cold, many attended the cam- The Rt Rev James Jones announced that paign’s start, including Downton Abbey the Queen had accepted his resignation in star Laura Carmichael, athlete Colin Jack- a letter to the Diocese of Liverpool on Mon- son, actress Keeley Hawes and others. day, revealing he will be moving to his cot- The launch featured a groundbreaking, tage in Yorkshire with his wife, Sarah. 12-minute 3D presentation projected on to A farewell service for the Bishop will be the side of Somerset House, and finished held on 3 July. with a live feed of supporters’ tweets. In his letter, Bishop James said: “It is The Bishop of Derby attended the event with a sad heart but with a prayerful sense at Somerset House on Wednesday evening. of rightness that I shall be leaving the Dio- Speaking after the presentation, Dr Alis- cese on my 65th birthday in August.” tair Redfern said ‘wherever he went he He said by leaving he is ‘giving his suc- heard Christians talking about justice’; he cessor the opportunity in due course to said this was the perfect way of living that form his own leadership team to take the out. diocese forward’. The IF movement challenges the Prime The Bishop went on: “Throughout my Minister to tackle 4 big Ifs: time in Liverpool I have found the willing- •If we stop farmers being forced off their ness of the parishes in the Diocese to land and use the available land to grow rethink and to reshape our common life for food for people, not biofuel for cars… the service of others has been inspiring. •If governments keep their promises on Our Diocese is growing and there is still aid, invest to stop children dying from mal- huge opportunity locally to make a differ- guide the Diocese especially in the ues his work as an adviser to Home Secre- nutrition and help the poorest people feed ence to our communities with the Gospel appointing of a new Bishop of Liverpool.” tary Theresa May on the case. themselves through investment in small of Christ. Tributes have been sent to the greatly The spokesperson confirmed this deci- farmers… “It has been a privilege as Bishop to respected Bishop from across the Church sion was based purely on his age, and the •If government close loopholes to stop big serve the wider community not least in of England. fact that many other senior clergy in the companies dodging tax in poor countries, chairing the Hillsborough Independent The Bishop of Warrington, the Rt Rev Diocese are also reaching retirement age. so that millions of people can free them- Panel. Richard Blackburn, said: “I give thanks Bishop James has decided it is better to selves from hunger… “The Diocese has recognised the right- and praise to God for the 15 years of excep- leave now, enabling a successor to form his •If we force government and investors to ness of me doing this, which has given me tional and inspirational leadership that own leadership team. be honest and open about the deals they great strength. Bishop James has given to the Diocese of It is clear, however, that many within his make in the poorest countries that stop “The way the families and survivors have Liverpool. We have been enormously diocese will be grieved to see him leave. people getting enough food. received the Independent Panel’s report blessed by his gifts and energy. Dean of Liverpool, the Very Rev Dr Pete A video of the philanthropist Bill Gates and the way truth is now opening up the “I shall miss him as a wise colleague and Wilcox, said: “Bishop James has been an was also shown on Wednesday, where the path to justice affirms the worth of the a true Father in God.” extraordinary servant of the diocese of Liv- Microsoft founder said: “We need a con- Panel’s work.” A spokesperson for the Bishop dis- erpool, the city and the region, as well as a certed effort from governments, civil soci- Bishop James concluded: “Sarah and I missed claims that this news was linked to significant voice on a national stage, for ety and philanthropists to tackle the root are very conscious of God’s providence the 64-year-old’s recent ill-health, claiming well over a decade. He has been a wise pas- causes of hunger and together build a over the last 15 years. We are constantly his health had greatly improved since tor, a thoughtful and thought-provoking world where no child has to go to bed hun- humbled by the commitment of the laity heart surgery in 2011, meaning he is now preacher and teacher, a courageous gry.” and by the dedication of the clergy. It has ‘fighting fit’. prophet, a champion of justice and a faith- The coalition project is supported by 100 been a joy to serve you all as bishop. Rumours suggesting Bishop James had ful friend. major charities including Tearfund, Chris- “As together in the Diocese we thank been postponing retirement until after the “We wish him and Sarah a fulfilling new tian Aid, Fairtrade Foundation and God for his providence we renew our trust Hillsborough Panel had completed its phase of life and work in what will surely CAFOD. in him and pray that he will continue to report were also dismissed, as he contin- be an active and fruitful retirement.”

LETTERS 8 • JAMES CATFORD 9 • COMMENT 9 • CLERGY MOVES 12 • ANGLICAN LIFE 13 • SUNDAY 15 • PAUL RICHARDSON 16 2 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday February 3, 2013 News Inside... Britain’ s leading evangelical newspaper Dawkins and Williams prepare for round 2 ROWAN WILLIAMS and Richard sion artist David Blaine, nightclub Dawkins are to go head to head owner Peter Stringfellow, and again in debate. Last year the two Downton Abbey star Hugh Bon- debated religion and science in neville. News ...... 1-7 Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre, now Andrew Mitchell and Andy Your Church ...... 2 they are to debate the place of reli- Burnham are due to debate UK News ...... 1-5 gion in the modern world at the whether New Labour ruined World News Review ...... 6-7 Cambridge Union. Britain. About 1,000 students are expect- Ben Kentish, the Union Presi- Comment ed to attend a debate in which dent, denied the Union was dumb- Letters ...... 8 Tariq Ramadan, Andrew Copson of ing down and said the debate Leader ...... 9 the British Humanist Association, between Williams and Dawkins James Catford ...... 9 and Douglas Murray, founder of should be a highlight of the the Centre for Social Cohesion, Union’s 200-year history. “The England on Sunday will also take part. prospect of seeing Professor Fresh Expressions ...... E1 The debate will be filmed and be Dawkins and the former Archbish- Andrew Carey ...... E2 available on the Union website op of Canterbury debate is particu- Whispering Gallery ...... E2 soon after it has taken place. larly exciting for our members,” he Ruth Gledhill ...... E3 Other speakers who are to speak said. “It has all the makings of an Judy West ...... E3 at the Union in the Lent term excellent debate.” Lent Book choice ...... E4, E5 include Fabio Capello, glamour Rowan Williams is now Master Arts & Media ...... E6 model Katie Price, American illu- of Magdalene College, Cambridge. Books ...... E7 Janey Lee Grace ...... E8 Crossword ...... E8 The Record Lord Hope: ‘Let’s throw off the bureaucracy’ Classifieds ...... 10, 11 Letters, continued ...... 11 BISHOP DAVID HOPE (Lord Hope of Thornes) returned to a sub- The former Archbishop reminded the new bishop that while he Clergy Moves ...... 12 ject he frequently addressed as Archbishop of Yo rk when he was being ordained to serve a part icular community he must New Wine ...... 13 preached last week at the consecration of the Rt Rev Glyn Webster remember that he was a bishop for the whole Church and needed Latimer House ...... 13 as Bishop of Beverley on 25 January. to be a bridge-builder who would seek to further the unity of the CCJ ...... 14 “How the church today needs urgently to shake off the disabling Churc h. Spiritual Director ...... 15 shackles of hierarchy and bureaucracy so that it can be free to trav- As well as being ready to speak out when the situation demand- Sunday Service ...... 15 el light, to embrace an altogether new asceticism… to live the ed it, the new bishop would also need to learn when to be silent. Alan Edwards ...... 15 gospel light so that the light and life of Jesus may be the more Referr ing to the recent General Synod vote on women bishops, Paul Richardson ...... 16 manifest to all,” Dr Hope said. Dr Hope urged all to “exercise part icular care in ensuring that People ...... 16 “Look at the gospels – did Jesus ever form a committee, set up a their sometimes stro ngly felt and stro ngly held views on this mat- Milestones ...... 16 working part y, dream up a Synod? No – he simply met people ter, as indeed in others, are expressed with care and understand- Next week’s news ...... 16 where they were – Peer and James and John – and called them.” ing one towards another”. News from Your Church your diocese

Bristol: Andrew Lord, chief executive of organisation and volunteering, please log Church celebrated a “Red Rose” Accolade cast to cre- Alabarè Christian Care & Support, began a on to: www.alabare.co.uk. for the “Places of Interest Quality Assur- ate a resin. local appeal to recruit volunteers this past ance” scheme on 22 January. Members, in Lead sheets week in Bristol. Alabarè focuses on aiding Derby: In the excitement of redeveloping Houghton le Spring, gleamed as they are beaten ex-service personnel in need. Alabarè has their church building, St Michael’s, Alvas- accepted the award from Visit England. for the three houses in the city with veterans ton, hosted an Arts Festival last weekend. The award is based on visitor experience, desired residing between six to eight months. At The event allowed people to deepen their duration of stay, information on offers, a appearance. midday on 29 January, Lord presented the knowledge of the plans of re-development team of at least 30 volunteers, guided tours, Finally, chis- Inspire Award, which recognizes “excep- by attending the exhibition. Lisa Higgin- and accessibility in the building. The Rt elling forms tional contributions made by staff and vol- botham, Mayor of Derby, opened the joyful Rev Mark Bryant, Bishop of Jarrow, a face and a unteers”, to John Shore, who was the first event on Friday night with wine and responded: “This is a wonderful recogni- crown of thorns is gilded. The artist com- recipient in Bristol. Mr Lord stated: “Our cheese. Local artists were able to sell their tion for the volunteers who come here mented on the excitement on revealing his homes provide a safe and supportive envi- artwork. The event was organized through faithfully week in and week in out to wel- piece by stating: “I have been working on ronment in which veterans can re-build the Parochial Church Council (PCC). come the people who come to this very sig- the subject of the face of Christ for over 20 confidence and develop essential skills, Before the festival opened, a member of nificant part of our North East Christian years ‘with no place in mind’, so when it whilst working towards living independent- the PCC, Dr Malcolm Evans, stated: “The heritage.” was proposed to me to install a work at ly again… We urgently need volunteers to main purpose is to communicate to the Southwark, I realised it was all out of my give residents training and support to help local community our plans to redevelop the Southwark: Nic Fiddan-Green’s newest hands. It is a great honour and opportunity them acquire the skills and confidence church building itself to make it a warmer, sculpture will be displayed at Southwark to reveal this work in a sacred and spiritual they need to ensure their civilian lives are more functional building in order for it to Cathedral beginning in Holy Week. Christ place.” The creation will be displayed in successful.” Alabarè has over 45 projects in become the hub of the community. Addi- Rests in Peace stands as a symbol for front of the High Altar from 12 February to Plymouth, Weymouth, the Portsmouth tionally the event is hoped to be a fund rais- remembering the faith throughout the sea- 30 March 2013. Fiddan-Green will speak on area, and Salisbury. Future plans include ing time to help finance the work planned.” son of Lent. Many of his creations have the inspiration and process for Christ Rests opening support homes in South Wales travelled around the world. To design the in Peace on 17 and 24 February at 12:30pm and Gloucester. To learn more about the Durham: St Michael and All Angels equine head, plaster must be placed on the on both days.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Fewp 1y23cn Ne, rycrn ao Sdba wwwhusyrus2ewp.c.erhu0m a NEWS IN BRIEF Conference to focus on Churches voice lessons of church growth The ‘Towards a Theology of Church Growth’ conference will be held on 12-13 September, at St John’s College, part of the Universi- concern over Bill ty of Durham, with leading figures from across the spectrum of Anglicanism speaking at the conference – including Professor CHURCHES continued to voice their opposition to Matrix Chambers who has give a written opinion on Alister McGrath, the Rev Dr Graham Tomlin, Miranda Threlfall- same-sex marriage when the Government produced the Bill, warned that the ban on same-sex marriages Holmes and Bishop Martin Warner. its Bill last week. The Bill is due to be debated in Par- in the Church of England is ‘eminently challengeable This is the first major event of a new research centre, set up by liament on 5 February. from a human rights perspective and may not stand Cranmer Hall, which is part of St John’s College – the Centre for A statement on behalf of the Church of England by up to scrutiny’. Church Growth Research, providing high-quality research into the Rt Rev Tim Stevens said that the Church contin- Lawyers are also raising questions about the way church growth across all Christian churches. ued to uphold the view that marriage is a union adultery is defined in the new Bill. Because Govern- The Rt Revd Justin Welby, the future Archbishop of Canterbury, between one man and one woman. ment lawyers were unable to agree on what consti- said of the forthcoming Durham conference: “The team involved “It is a social institution that predates both church tutes ‘sex’ between same-sex couples, the Marriage in this conference have done ground-breaking work and it will be and state and has been part of the glue that has Bill states that only infidelity between people of oppo- very worth the commitment to attend.” bound countless successive societies together. I wel- site genders can count as adultery. come the opportunity that civil partnerships have A man or woman in a same-sex marriage will not be Welcome for ruling against payday lender given to enable same-sex couples to mark and cele- able to sue for divorce if their partner is unfaithful to brate their commitment to each other. Further, I them with someone of the same sex. For the same The Association of Christian Financial Advisers has welcomed recognise that there is a range of views amongst the reason, there is no provision for annulment on the the decision by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to membership of the Church of England. grounds of non-consummation. uphold complaints against a payday loan company over its adver- “I do not however believe that holding to a tradi- Some MPs are warning that this distinction tising claims. ACFA is calling for tougher legislation against loan tional understanding of marriage is, or should be between heterosexual and homosexual couples and sharks and a cap on interest rates. regarded as a discriminatory position.” the grounds for divorce will not be sustainable and ACFA says many payday loan companies charge rates of inter- Bishop Stevens acknowledged that the Govern- will lead eventually to the end of adultery as grounds est that are excessive and immoral, and the ASA is right to insist ment had sought to guarantee religious freedom but for divorce. that interest rates are prominently displayed – the advertising expressed concern about the impact of the change in About 60 per cent of Tory MPs are expected to vote watchdog has banned an advert by Pounds to Pocket, offering the law on society’s understanding of the significance against the Bill. One MP told the New Statesman that loans with an APR of 278 per cent. The ASA upheld two com- of procreation and children as part of the purpose of letters against the Bill from constituents were out- plaints and ruled the ad was both ‘misleading’ and ‘socially irre- marriage, on teaching in schools, and on the position numbering those against the EU by 80 to one. C4M is sponsible’. of chaplains in the public service. distributing 3 million leaflets in marginal constituen- ACFA spokesman Arwyn Bailey asked: “Should a payday loan In a statement on behalf of the Roman Catholic cies or constituencies where the MP has not stated company be marketing their expensive solutions as the first port Bishops of England and Wales, Archbishop Peter how he or she will vote. of call for those in debt, or who are finding it difficult to obtain Smith said the Bill will alter the meaning of marriage The Government is expecting around 6,000 same- credit? The ASA thinks not, and this is a welcome decision.” for everyone and therefore undermine the public sex couples a year to marry. Those in civil partner- good. Roman Catholics are being encouraged to send ships will be able to convert their relationship to a
A debate was held in the
As part of the Stop Climate a postcard to their MP opposing the Bill. marriage for the payment of a small fee. The new law Houses of Parliament on Chaos coalition, Christian Ecol- In a move to deflect criticism, the Government has will also make it possible for people to change their Wednesday to discuss the ogy Link has joined the “Ener- produced a paper refuting what it claims are myths sex without having to divorce. About 3,000 are legitimacy and freedom to gy We Can All Afford” about Equal Marriage. It denies that the European expected to take advantage of this provision to under- offer therapy for those with campaign, which aims to Court of Human Rights will force religious organisa- go an operation to change their sex. unwanted feelings of same- enshrine residential domestic tions to conduct same-sex ceremonies on the Although civil partnerships will continue to be sex attraction, which Chris- energy efficiency into the UK grounds that the Court has already said this is a mat- available to same-sex couples, some legal experts tian Concern claims could Government’s Energy Bill – for ter for individual states to decide. It also claims that question how long this will last when such partner- jeopardise the freedom of warmer homes, lower bills, a the Court would be obliged to give priority to protect ships are not available for heterosexual couples. those currently offering this cooler planet – and growth for freedom of religion. kind of therapy. the green economy. The Government also denies that the Church of England and the Church in Wales are being Churches urged to check their energy usage banned from conducting same-sex "$!  Church members are being encouraged to use January’s freezing marriage. The Bill is designed to temperatures as a starting point for monitoring their building’s make clear that the common law energy usage, as part of the Shrinking the Footprint national obligation of the clergy of those  &  energy audit, using sMeasure. two churches to conduct mar- The free, easy to use toolkit from Shrinking the Footprint, the riages does not apply to same-sex 



   CofE’s national environmental campaign, enables all church marriages. buildings to understand and re duce energy use and costs along Interviewed on the Today pro-
 
   with cutting their carbon footprint, and can be found online at gramme, Maria Miller, the Equali- www.shrinkingthefootprint.smeasure.com, where users will also ties Minister, said that the Church be provided with tips for saving money and re ducing their carbon of England might choose to opt in footprint. at some stage in the future. The Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, chair of Shrinking According to legal experts this 

 
    ' # the Footprint, said: “It is a God-given imperative that we guard the could be done by legislation in earth for future generations. This energy audit aims to build a bet- General Synod and would not ter understanding of our energy usage and total carbon footprint require a new Bill in Parliament
 


 



  %  for our national network of 16,000 parish churches, so we can sup- but this process would not be open port energy saving actions and meet our commitment to protect- to the Church in Wales.  


    $ ing God’s creation”. Government briefing papers also deny that teachers will have to Church House publications debut online promote same-sex marriage to  





 $# %  Two new monthly publications, specifically designed for Church pupils in relationships education. of England parishes, have been posted on the Church’s website. Although teachers will have to set In Review and In Focus concentrate on the work of the national out the factual position that same- Church. The front pages of both first editions feature news of the sex marriages can take place they      
Confirmation of Election of the new Archbishop of Canterbury, will be able to state their own Justin We lby, and the parliamentary launch of the national Lent beliefs in a professional way. campaign, “Love Life Live Lent” by the Archbishop of York, Dr Critics of the bill are unlikely to ')*/.-+*,.+, John Sentamu. accept all the Government’s assur- In Focus is a four-page A5 insert specifically designed to fit the ances. Aidan O’Neill QC, an expert   '###("$! ( centre spre ad of parish magazines. It is offere d in both colour and in EU and human rights law at black and white versions.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 4 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday February 3, 2013 News ‘Don’t use food aid as a weapon’ THE BISHOP of Hereford has criticised the Korea’s decision to launch a satellite nine decision by the United States and South months ago. Challenge Korea to withhold food aid from North “However, the North Korean leadership Korea. should also reflect on the morality of spend- Bishop Anthony Priddis said that 27 per ing vast sums on developing a nuclear capa- cent of the country’s population were suffer- bility and on maintaining the world’s fourth ing from malnutrition. largest standing army when they cannot feed In a House of Lords debate he said that 40 their own people. That is surely a scandalous years ago the country’s GDP was twice that and immoral misuse of resources. of South Korea’s but now it was 30 times “South Korea’s decision to withhold food on religion smaller – a 60-fold difference – and the situa- aid, supported by the Obama Administration, tion had been aggravated by famines and nat- has inevitably put innocent lives at risk while ural disasters. doing nothing to bring about the end of the THE GOVERNMENT my by Muslim leaders in many parts of the world “On average, boys in North Korea are five conflict between north and south. You cannot should make clear it Lahore, who fled here and pressures on many inches shorter than their South Korean coun- starve people into submission and you rejects all forms of reli- with his wife and children religious groups: the terparts and weigh 25 pounds less. Malnutri- should never try.” gious bullying by provid- after hiding in the hills in Baha’i and Sufi Muslims tion, of course, leads not only to physical He said organisations that took food and ing proper protection for their homeland. They in Iran, Coptic Christians weakness but to intellectual impairment,” he medicine into the country were often people fleeing from it, the faced deportation back to in Egypt, Ahmadis in said. “It leads to a frail population and makes inspired to do so by their Christian faith and Bishop of Ripon and Pakistan. Indonesia and Pakistan, the people especially vulnerable to disease.” yet North Korea was regularly ranked as the Leeds has said. “Among the reasons for and Muslims in a range of And Bishop Priddis told peers: “In those place where Christians were most persecuted. Bishop John Packer the negativity of their tri- countries, including circumstances, we need to think very careful- “Christians are motivated by love, believ- warned that religious per- bunal seems to be that Europe. I emphasise that ly about the morality of food being used as a ing that each person is made in the image of secution often seemed to they found a home in a that is not an exhaustive weapon of war or coercion. God and, because of that, worthy of the be treated less seriously different Christian tradi- list.” “Surely it can never be right to withhold utmost respect and elevation of their human than political persecution. tion here from that from He said it was essential food from starving people as a way of punish- dignity,” he said. “I am aware time and which they came. Roman for religious communities ing their leaders. “Religious freedom would bring untold again of those who have Catholics in Lahore, they to speak out on behalf of “It was a tragedy that the £126 million food blessings to North Korea, not least through fled to this country from attended an Anglican others and “not be slow in programme which the United States had gen- the provision of sustained and significant pro- Iran, Pakistan and else- church in Leeds. This was condemning behaviour erously decided to put in place last year was grammes providing for food, education, wel- where having suffered taken to be evidence that within their own commu- literally blown off the agenda by North fare and health.” abuse and being terrified they did not take their nities which is discrimina- of being returned to their faith seriously.” tory to others”. countries of origin Introducing the debate, He said the recent because of it,” he said in a the Bishop of Guildford, European Court of Concern over cuts in asylum support House of Lords debate on Christopher Hill, said Human Rights decision in THE BISHOP of Ripon and expectations in this area dence for destitution in the religious conscience. there had been a “consid- favour of the right of Leeds has hit out at real given the current constraints cross-party report on asylum “My experience is that erable increase in the British Airways worker terms cuts in support for asy- on funding”. support for children to be freedom of religion, con- encroachments upon reli- Nadia Eweida to wear a lum seekers. But Bishop Packer asked: published next week and to science and non-religion gious freedom all over the cross showed “religious Bishop John Packer ques- “If the purpose of the support take any action necessary to is not taken as seriously world”. belief is not simply a tioned in the House of Lords is to prevent anyone falling avoid destitution for all, espe- as a human right in this He said: “Many sources ‘residual’ or even margin- why the Government had not into destitution, how can that cially children?” country as is political per- could be cited. Objective- alised human right only to increased the rate of pay- support be reduced in real Lord Taylor said there was secution. Those who ly, I draw particular atten- be considered when no ments last year and what terms by 6.2 per cent over an “ongoing review of our change their religion in tion to the United States other rights come into their plans were this year. two years without redefining approach to asylum sup- particular are regarded State Department’s annu- play”. Home Office minister Lord destitution? port”, which he expected to with suspicion by tribunals al report of 2011 from its He added: “It can, on Taylor of Holbeach said it “Will the Minister commit be finished by the end of the and find that their faith is Office of International the contrary, have prece- would be “wrong to raise himself to studying the evi- financial year. not taken seriously. Religious Freedom. dence over another right, “I recently met a taxi “This records a rising such as the corporate driver accused of blasphe- tide of anti-Semitism in image of a company.” Tax regulation ‘can help the hungry’

ENSURING companies pay  ! !    proper tax in developing coun- tries would help to tackle the -("4234 ,$** "* &,$"$* problem of world hunger, the  "&#-&$('"('"  &" " #$ #& * Bishop of Ripon & Leeds has said. * &$'"*#$ $ ""-$$#$ ## ". Bishop John Packer called for an assurance that the Govern- &$ (#$ ($"$#-$*$%$  ment G8’s tax reform agenda  #"& "* &"&""$"-## %#$ dealt with the problem of avoid- #"'" "( ""!&"$      ance in poorer countries. $" -#&#$ $ #$%'. At a discussion on global hunger at question time in the " "*- 0(  * #& * "# $  "*  &" House of Lords, he said: “Part of "#1-  " #$ "# "    (  ' the solution for our broken food # $ &"#  $"  "- *  " # $ system lies in taking steps inter- #$ $ (" + /$(#$ *-$ &$ nationally to ensure that compa- & " * &" "  " * & $ $  #. " "* nies pay tax appropriately in * "#& "- #$%'"#-#*$ developing countries, and to help those countries to use their * &"   "$). own resources in the fight $&#$ "*#-#"'-(""$*- -" against hunger.” '"* $  * &- $* ( $ $ ##  "# &$ For the Government, Baroness Northover said trans-  * &" )$ " &"#.  /$ $  - * parency was on the G8’s agenda. ""#'"*$"$* &#$" “We have seen the backlash in $#% # $(#$-$*("$*'$ the United Kingdom about the " "* &. paying of tax, and we need to get across very clearly the need for  "*&"$" "% - transparency, we need to high- ##$$&%'')()( light what is happening in differ- ent countries and we need to "'#$" " point out to companies that they incur risks thereby,” she said.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Sunday February 3, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 5 Heritage Lottery Fund gives £15m to Think Tank praises the churches THE HERITAGE Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced grants totalling £15 million for historic places of worship to help carry out structural Christian involvement repairs. Among the churches to benefit are the Collegiate Church of St Mary in Warwick (£324,000) and St Wulfram’s in Grantham FAITH GROUPS involved in the provi- Those who work with young people between faith groups. (£272,000). sion of services in four key areas of pub- and vulnerable groups are said to be Although the report sees dangers in HLF grants are administered by English Her- lic life are praised in a new report from “acutely aware of the need to keep reli- ‘aggressive proselytising’ it sees noth- itage. In 2013 HLF is to make £30 million available. the left-leaning think tank ‘Demos’, enti- gion in the background”. ing wrong with service providers openly Grants will still prioritise structural repairs but tled ‘Faithful Providers’. The report urges faithful providers discussing their faith, particularly with application can also be made for grants to cover The report examines faith groups pro- and their financial supporters to priori- those who ask and are interested in improvements such as installing toilets. viding services voluntarily with help of tise maintenance of their ethos and learning more about religious ques- Commenting on the grants, Baroness Andrews, public money in employment and train- motivation at the expense of increasing tions. Chair of English Heritage, said: Listed places of ing services, services to young people, the size and provision of their service The report stresses that financial con- worship make up an elemental part of the historic integration and cohesion and drug and provision. siderations should not be the only rea- fabric of England. They are familiar and much- alcohol rehabilitation. Different faith groups should be son for using voluntary faith loved landmarks for our villages, towns and cities It finds little evidence to support com- encouraged to work together to tackle organisations to provide services. Effec- and it is crucial they are cared for and repaired. mon criticism that such faith groups use such local problems as unemployment tiveness and social value should also be “Thanks to the joint work between the Heritage the service they offer to make converts and drug abuse. Local authorities considered. Lottery Fund and English Heritage these wonder- and that they discriminate in who they should try to coordinate such work and In a controversial recommendation, ful buildings, which mean so much to many, will are prepared to help. It argues that at the very least try to prevent duplica- the report urges progressives to work remain part of our story for years to come.” “faithful providers are often highly moti- tion. with justice-minded faith groups to HLF’s ‘Grants for Places of Worship Fund’ is vated and effective, and often serve as The report recommends that local address the roots of social problems now open for applications. Prospective applicants the permanent and persistent pillars of authorities undertake a ‘faith and serv- rather than just with service provides. It should go online to www.hlf.org.uk for details of community action within local commu- ice audit’ of their local communities to praises the London Citizens campaign how to apply. nities”. identify areas of further collaboration for a living wage. Christians urged to order the Easter Eggs with real meaning

OUT OF the 80 million She said: “Tracy saw the Easter eggs bought in book that was included in the UK each year, The The Real Easter Egg and Real Easter Egg is the wanted her mum to read first and only Fairtrade the story to her... the fol- egg to include the true lowing week Tracy attend- meaning of Easter on ed Sunday school.” and in the box. It’s not only lives in the Now in its third year, UK that are changed the Real Easter Egg has through the sale of these a free activity pack in eggs, though. the box with the Easter With the sale of each story, an activity poster, pack a donation is made to a free iTunes download Traidcraft Exchange to and a sticker set. support the world’s poor- The free song is sung est farmers. by Tara Mathew, an R’n’B-influenced soul So far, over £40,000 has been donated, singer taking the Christian message to and a Fairtrade Premium is also paid to both church and secular audiences. farmers, meaning they can invest in their It is hoped these eggs will continue to community buying things from school- Features change lives through the variety of books to solar panels. • Free Easter story, activity resources on offer. David Marshall, from the Meaningful poster & sticker set Last year, the Meaningful Chocolate Chocolate Company, said: “It is encourag- Company, who are behind the eggs, ing to hear that many lives have been • Charity donation received testimonies from many people changed by people receiving a Real East- who had been positively affected by the er Egg. It is proof that the events of East- • Three crosses on the box gift. er, including the death and resurrection A grandmother from Oxfordshire gave of Jesus, have the power to open minds, • Mark’s resurrection text the egg to her granddaughter, Tracy. change lives and offer real hope.” • Fairtrade chocolate

Bishops join Jubilee call FREE in each box - BISHOPS have added the teaching in the 19901 has led to the can- Easter story, activity poster & stickers their name to a letter Hebrew scriptures of the cellation of £80 billion of signed by hundreds of importance of cancelling debt, bringing education church leaders from all unpayable debts in a Year and healthcare to many Out of the 80 million chocolate Easter denominations which is to of Jubilee. It then makes millions of people. Eggs sold each year, The Real Easter Egg be handed to the Prime reference to Jesus’ call to It then goes on: “This is is the only one to tell the Easter story on andd ini theh box. Minister on 5 February in restore the just economy why we ask people every- the Jubilee Room of the of Jubilee at the beginning where to join in calling for Join the campaign to reclaim Easter. House of Commons of his ministry before renewed Jubilee. Finance where the Jubilee 2000 instancing related teach- must be put back in its Buy from the official shop at campaign was launched. ing in other religions. place as a means to The letter begins by The letter reminds the human wellbeing. We referring to the Queen’s Prime Minister that the need far-reaching www.realeasteregg.co.uk Diamond Jubilee and to call for Jubilee since the changes based on justice.”

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 6 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday February 3, 2013 News Church recognises Free Church orders

By Amaris Cole Unity and the Faith and Order Commis- land, said: “We are grateful to the Arch- On their website, the denomination sion. bishops for this recognition of our common describes themselves as Catholic in their THE ORDERS of the Free Church of Eng- These bodies recommended that the episcopal heritage. I pray that it will not be defined Constitution, but ‘stand in the land have been recognised by the Arch- Orders of the Free Church were accepted, an end in itself, but will lead to new oppor- Anglican tradition’. bishops of Canterbury and York. which was subsequently endorsed by the tunities for proclaiming the Gospel.” The Free Church of England also Under the Overseas and Other Clergy Standing Committee of the House of Bish- This news is not expected to have a sig- describes itself as ‘Evangelical’ in the (Ministry and Ordination) Measure 1967, ops. nificant effect, given that one source ‘emphases in theology and preaching’. the Archbishops have the authority to The Rt Rev Christopher Hill, Chair of the reports there are only 18 congregations in The website states: “A major problem in determine whether the Orders of any Church of England’s Council for Christian the country. discussing the differences between the Church are ‘recognised and accepted’ by Unity, said: “I hope there will be good rela- However, supporters of the ordination of Free Church of England and the Church of the Church of England. tions between us and especially in those women to the episcopate have already England is that the modern Church of Eng- The recognition of the Orders of the places where there is a Free Church of expressed doubts over the move, as the land is extremely diverse, both in practice Free Church of England follow around England congregation.” Free Church of England opposed the role and belief. The Free Church of England three years of contact between the bishops In a statement, the Rt Rev John McLean, of women in ordained leadership, only does not have this range of belief and prac- of this church, the Council for Christian Bishop Primus of the Free Church of Eng- ordaining ‘baptised males’. tice.” Parliamentary inquiry into anti-Semitism Day of Lament announced in Sri Lanka THE ALL-PARTY Parlia- better. In doing so, we will anti-Semitism. The member TODAY, Sunday 3 Febru- However, a government mentary Group Against give confidence to con- for Bradford East, David ary 3, will be a “day of spokesman told reporters Anti-Semitism (APPGAS) stituents, clarity to candi- Ward, was disciplined by lament” for Sri Lanka, the in Colombo the chief jus- has launched an inquiry dates and we will establish a the Liberal Democrat Party Bishop of Colombo told his tice had politicised the judi- into electoral conduct in the British model of electoral last week after posting com- clergy last week. ciary and her actions were UK. best practice.” ments about Jews and In a 23 January pastoral “very unbecoming of a The member for Basset- The vice-chair of the Israel on his website to letter, Bishop Dhiloraj chief justice.” law, John Mann (Lab.) the group, the member for Eal- mark Holocaust Memorial Canagasabey said: “It is Bishop Canagasabey dis- chairman of the APPGAS ing Central and Acton, Day. with a heavy heart that I agreed. “The rule of law said the group would Angie Bray (Cons.), said: Mr Ward wrote he had write it, the reason being means that we as a nation “investigate and evaluate “Maintaining best practice “signed a Book of Commit- that in the past few days we by the president’s younger are governed by a system the effectiveness of existing in electoral conduct by pre- ment in the House of Com- have seen the complete brother, Basil Rajapaksa, of laws to which the law- lines of responsibility and venting racist and anti- mons, in doing so pledging collapse of the rule of law proposing an 80-billion makers themselves are accountability in managing Semitic campaigning and his commitment to Holo- in our nation. We no longer rupee (£400 million) devel- subject. This is a way of elections and specifically, literature is a crucial aspect caust Memorial Day” and appear to be a constitution- opment budget must be ensuring that power is not charges of misconduct dur- in the fight against intoler- describes Auschwitz as “the al democracy.” approved by nine provin- concentrated in the hands ing elections with a particu- ance and I look forward to Nazi concentration and Sri Lanka’s government cial councils. of one person, or group of lar focus on racism and working with colleagues extermination camp which and the judiciary have “If the impeachment persons and exercised discrimination.” across many parties in both is the site of the largest been on a collision course motion is passed in parlia- arbitrarily.” The member for North- Houses to see how best we mass murder in history”. since President Mahinda ment in defiance of deci- “The breakdown of such east Derbyshire, Natascha can join together to provide But he added: “Having Rajapaksa’s ruling party sions of the country’s accountability is a process Engel (Lab), will chair the sensible solutions to these visited Auschwitz twice I filed an impeachment judiciary, it will signal a that has been building up all-party inquiry. “I am con- problems.” am saddened that the Jews, motion against Chief Jus- massive breakdown in the for the past several years. vinced that in both learning Britain has come under who suffered unbelievable tice on 6 November 2012. rule of law and checks and It has now climaxed in the from existing good practice criticism in recent months levels of persecution during Last month a parliamen- balances,” warned Sam recent events that have and bringing new ideas to from Jewish leaders and the Holocaust, could ... be tary panel found her guilty Zarifi, the International seen both the Executive the fore we can change civil rights activists for the inflicting atrocities on of irregularities after she Commission of Jurists Asia and the Legislature disre- electoral conduct for the growing culture of public Palestinians.” ruled that a bill submitted director. garding the Constitution.” South Carolina scores legal victory in church battle

By George Conger the national Church alleging that its agents had committed South Carolina when we meet at the special convention, identity theft by using its name, symbols and seal and by and at the same time, we intend to continue to take care in THE EPISCOPAL Diocese of South Carolina scored a sig- holding out the Presiding Bishop the “steering committee” using language which might be offensive to others.” nificant victory in its fight with the national Episcopal of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina as the lawful However others in the loyalist faction called the judge’s Church last week after a South Carolina court issued a diocesan ecclesiastical authority. The complaint further decision “bizarre” and suggested improper influence may Temporary Restraining Order forbidding the national alleged the national Church had slandered the title to have been used to sway her decision. The diocese’s law- Church and its allies in South Carolina from using the diocesan and congregational property by stating it held an suit to protect its name and assets was “unprecedented”, name, symbols or seal of the diocese. interest in all church property in South Carolina. “vindictive” and “mean spirit[ed]” it said, adding that Bish- The 23 January order handed down by Judge Diane An amended complaint filed on 22 January, which added op Lawrence was unfit to serve in the Christian ministry Goodstein of the First Judicial Circuit Court blocked the 16 additional congregations as plaintiffs, also asked for a and denounced the majority factions as being “the anti-gay national Church from holding a rump meeting of the dio- TRO from the court. In its request for the TRO the diocese diocese.” cese on 26 January, forcing loyalists to gather as the “Epis- alleged that at the loyalists special convention Bishop The loyalist faction turned their ire on the judge as well. copal Church in South Carolina” rather than the Katharine Jefferts Schori and her supporters “intended to “Andrew Platte, an attorney for several of the plaintiff con- “Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina”. make unauthorized corporate changes” to the diocesan gregations and the PECDSC Incorporated, is a recent law Canon lawyer Allan Haley noted that Judge Goodstein’s constitution and canons, thereby causing the diocese clerk for Judge Goodstein and has taken a important role order had been “granted ex parte as a matter of urgency, harm. in the recent legal attacks on Episcopalians in the Diocese. and holds in place only until the Court can hear argument The diocese stated by this order: “The judge effectively He is an associate in the firm of Speights and Runyon, on a preliminary injunction pending trial of the matter” prevents TEC, a voluntary association, and the parishes which played a significant role in convincing parishes in and will expire on 1 February. who support it, from claiming to own or operate the Dio- the Diocese that the Episcopal Church might be preparing Mr Haley stated that he expected the national Church’s cese of South Carolina, an entity that it insists it owns but to take their property away.” attorneys to offer a vigorous challenge to the TRO at the 1 whose very existence predates The Episcopal Church.” Bishop vonRosenberg, however, took an irenic approach February hearing. “But it would appear that the court has Bishop Charles vonRosenberg, who was elected at the to the conflict. Speaking to the State newspaper, the provi- already found most, if not all, of the case against them,” he special convention to lead those Episcopalians in South sional bishop-designate for loyalists in South Carolina said added. Carolina who would remain with the national Church, told there was hope for reconciliation. “While we have On 4 January 2013 the trustees of the Episcopal Diocese The Church of England Newspaper: “Our intention is to diverged at this point in history on our paths, one day of South Carolina and 15 congregations filed suit against carry out our duties on behalf of The Episcopal Church in those paths will converge once again,” the bishop said.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Sunday February 3, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 7 Bishop calls for prayers after state of emergency By George Conger Port Said and escalated to street battles between the security services and demonstrators. In a nationally tel- PRESIDENT MUHAMMAD Mursi of Egypt declared a evised address on Sunday President Mursi said the “state of emergency” for Port Said, Ismailia and Suez this Port Said rioters were counter-revolutionaries. He had week, placing the cities and their surrounding provinces imposed martial law to prevent further violence. under martial law. “There is no room for hesitation, so that everybody The imposition of a curfew and suspension of civil laws knows the institution of the state is capable of protect- on 27 January comes in the wake of violent riots in Port ing the citizens,” he said. “If I see that the homeland Said and four days of demonstrations in Cairo’s Tahrir and its children are in danger, I will be forced to do Square, with protesters marking the second anniversary more than that. For the sake of Egypt, I will.” of the overthrow of the Mubarak regime with calls for the Hopes for a democratic transformation of Egypt fol- repeal of the country’s new Sharia law-based constitution. lowing the fall of the Mubarak regime have been “Egypt is passing through a difficult moment because of dashed, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports the anniversary of the 25 January 2011 Revolution and the with the same “brutal tactics being employed against hearing of the verdict of the Port Said Football Massacre,” pro-democracy protestors by the previous military” the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in being used by the current regime to “enforce the status Jerusalem and the Middle East, Bishop Mouneer Anis of quo.” Egypt said. “Please pray for our beloved country Egypt as The Christian community has also fared badly from many have been injured or killed in the last days because the “Arab Spring”. Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of of these demonstrations, and because the country is still in Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said: a time of transition. “The uprising in Tahrir Square on 25 January 2011 Clashes between police and protesters over the week- inspired the world as it saw Egyptians standing side-by- end left at least 50 dead and hundreds injured, Western side in an effort to reclaim their national identity. There news agencies have reported. The political tensions in the was hope for a new Egypt, one that could offer its peo- capital were inflamed on Saturday after a court in Port Said ple the freedom and responsibility of equal citizenship sentenced to death 21 men for their part in a football riot. while no longer focusing on their religious or political On 1 February 2012 a riot erupted in the stands of Port stance. Said Stadium at the close of an Egyptian premier league “It is unfortunate however, that two years down the match between the Al-Masry and Al-Ahly soccer clubs. line we have not seen sufficient signs of this transfor- More than 1,000 people were injured and 79 killed after Al- mation, and we still witness the marginalisation and Masry fans stormed the pitch after their 3-1 victory over alienation of many, Christians and Muslims alike, within Al-Ahly. The Al-Masry fans attacked the opposing side’s Egyptian society, while repeatedly witnessing others players and fans. committing crimes and not being brought to justice,” The 26 January 2013 death sentences sparked riots in the Bishop said. Nigeria Archbishop warns Bishop calls for votes in of corruption threat referendum on gambling Spiritual and material corruption is eat- riches, and selfishness in the service of THE DEMOCRATIC process is more impor- often bars, barbershops and other semi-pub- ing away at the hearts of the Christian God. People don’t want to serve, but to tant to civil society than the outcome of any lic venues) hoping to select the winning three Churches of Nigeria, Archbishop get reach quick through miracles,” he election, the Anglican Bishop in Nassau said digit number drawn at random. Nicholas Okoh said last week, warning said. on Sunday, as he urged Bahamians to go to The Bishop said the diocese “does not sup- that the failure of Church leaders to live The Archbishop added that “rather the polls this week and make their voice port the legalization of the numbers business. up to their callings was emblematic of than worshipping God, today most heard in the country’s gambling referendum. This remains our position since stated pub- the failure of Nigerian civil society. Christians worship money, and some The Rt Rev Laish Boyd, Bishop of the licly in 2010 and before that.” In his eulogy for the late Primate of other gods that are of no benefit to the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands, said But he was also concerned about voter apa- Nigeria, Archbishop Joseph Adetiloye growing of the Gospel and the spread of that while the Church opposed gambling, it thy. “Some people have concluded that they on 25 January at St Paul’s Church in evangelism.” would not tell people how to vote. will stay out of the process,” Bishop Boyd Odo-Owa in Ekiti State, Archbishop The pursuit of wealth had even led to “At this junction it is not important to focus said. “This is wrong because your vote is Okoh told the mourners: “We are not some Christians to “idol worshipping in on who will vote ‘yes’ and who will note ‘no’, important. here to help Archbishop Adetiloye but the name of cultural reawakening,” he since persons are entitled to their considered “We are blessed in this country with many to help ourselves to see if we can said. position on the subject, and since people will freedoms, eg freedom of religion, association realign with God and make a meaning The late Archbishop Adetiloye had form and hold their own opinions,” the Bish- and expression, the freedom to hold and to of our life.” lived an exemplary private life, Arch- op said. express different opinions and the privilege of Taking as his text 2 Timothy 4:7-8, bishop Okoh said, and had dedicated The “issue now is citizen participation,” free and fair elections,” the Bishop said. the Archbishop lambasted Prosperity his ministry to growing the church and Bishop Boyd said. “I call on every registered “Make sure you fulfil your national respon- Gospel preachers who taught false doc- combating the infusion of pagan prac- voter to go out and to vote on Monday, Janu- sibility by casting your ballot in the referen- trine and used their ministries to enrich tices and secret societies into the life of ary 28.” dum.” themselves. “The church today is high- the church. Archbishop Adetiloye Tourists are permitted to gamble in the While a few prominent pastors have called ly criticised because many of us who “waged war against augmenting the island’s casinos, but no legal form of gam- for the legalization of the numbers game, the profess Christ are very poor images of power of God with some other powers.” bling is allowed for Bahamians. However, an Bahamian Christian Council has urged the Christ,” the Archbishop said. Nigeria needed more men like Arch- illegal but widespread lottery known as the country to vote “no” to the proposal that sup- “It is a pity that we have become bishop Adetiloye — a “courageous ‘numbers’ or ‘policy’ is popular across the porters say would raise revenue for the gov- slaves to money; we have lost our dear prophet of the church who was not islands. A common form of gambling in urban ernment and take the numbers game out of moral values in the name of getting afraid to speak the truth to the authori- America before the legalization of state lotter- the hands of criminals. money,” he said, noting “teaching now ties and stood firm in it,” Archbishop ies, in the numbers game a gambler places a Church leaders, including Bishop Boyd, centres around quick money, quick Okoh said. bet with a bookie in a betting parlour (most have urged voters to say “no”.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 8 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday February 3, 2013 Letters

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

Abandoning the texts referendum on marriage. The point How we can undermine our concern is David Cameron is afraid because he Sir, The Rev Simon Tillotson’s philosophic Sir, I hope that responding to Peter Mullen critically won’t become a habit pattern for knows he will lose it. musing on reception of gay-marriage by me – but I want to reply to his article “Imbibing the doctrine of secularism.” I believe J Longstaff, Steve Chalke (letters, 27 January) seems to we must be prophetic and I stand by the campaigns I mounted back in the 1980s and Woodford Green have drawn him away from New Testament 90s, although I have moved on from them. I am about to launch into a new campaign Letters continue on page 11 Christianity with its insistence upon the (via blog, twitter and Facebook) seeking, amongst other things, to reinstate a proper sexual purity first revealed in the Old Tes- place for eschatology, which is clearly stressed throughout the New Testament, relat- tament. ed to the sorts of current events and trends which Peter outlines. (If readers wish to Of course we can use our freedom to know more about this they are welcome to contact me on [email protected]). depart from the morality of Christ and his Peter mentions a number of the issues that I want to take seriously and monitor: sec- apostles but should we do so, it becomes ularism, aggressive atheism, discrimination against Christians, the negative results of ours and not Christ’s. The reason we know the way we operate human rights legislation and the serious threat of militant that Old Testament standards were carried Islamism. Like Peter I am concerned about all these things. Your Tweets forward is that in I Corinthians 5 Paul But we undermine this concern by making quick judgments or using intemperate insists on excommunicating the man who language. It really is not helpful for Peter to state that faithful British Christians stand @His_Grace took his father’s wife, something that is “oppressed and persecuted ... by atheistic technomaterialism operating a drugged-up, Either Ed Miliband will U-turn on hard to fault upon the known teaching of dumbed-down consumerist culture of vacuous hedonism.” ruling out an In/Out EU referendum, Christ alone. That those living in rebellion Secularism is more complex than that and it is unhelpful to describe British Chris- or he will be replaced as Labour to the traditional scriptural sexual morality tians as ‘persecuted.’ Yes there is serious discrimination against them. But they are not leader #pmqs are excluded from Church fellowship experiencing anything like the real persecution increasingly faced by our brothers and should settle our Church practice. sisters in many other countries. It is important to monitor if discrimination becomes @PeteWilcox1564 A second problem of his letter is his inac- persecution as Jesus said persecution is a sign of the times. News just breaking that James Jones curate confusing of chaste with celibate. I also don’t think it is helpful to talk rather disparagingly about Christians setting ‘up will retire as Bp of Liverpool in The latter means unmarried not chaste, a high-level and everlasting talking-shop with moderate Muslims.’ I think dialogue with August. Great servant of church, and even chaste only means sexually absti- moderate Muslims is important and am happy to be involved in it. Such dialogue is not region & nation. He’ll be missed. nent when speaking about someone who is incompatible with upholding the uniqueness of Christ as the only Saviour on the one celibate, otherwise it includes sexual rela- hand or remembering that Islam is a missionary religion with a world vision (which is @together4ward tions within traditional marriage. very explicit amongst extreme Islamists who espouse violence) on the other. The working group on women The confusion will only increase should I am impatient of waffle and believe a prophetic witness must give a clear and mem- bishops meets again on Wednesday. Mr Tillotson receive gay marriage for then orable message. But I think thoughtful people who like to examine the evidence and We pray for a meeting marked by he could hardly call celibate those he draw well thought out conclusions will react against the intemperate language Peter clarity & charity. #pray deems married, and further he would have uses. It is counterproductive and could lead to Islamophobia. to say they were chaste even when sexually I am particularly concerned that Christians should take seriously what Jesus said @deanwestminster active, so some phrase such as sexually about reading the ‘signs of the times.’ It is a serious error to ignore his teaching. Sadly, Concern expressed to us this abstinent would have to be used for those however, this area is a happy hunting ground for extremists who have brought the morning about the move of Sunday respecting the Church’s traditional teach- issue into disrepute. What is required is a careful and properly critical analysis of cur- Half Hour to the morning. Is anyone ing in this area. rent events and trends vis a vis what Jesus told us to look for. I hope to take this sighted? A campaign? What of adultery? In traditional Christian approach. If we fall into unbalanced interpretations and comments we undermine our #sundayhalfhour morality this involves sexual relations case. between a man and a woman where at least We need to read current events and trends with real care, relating them to Jesus’ @His_Grace one is married or betrothed, all else is teaching, and to encourage others to do so by giving a credible lead. Gay marriage could only be equal if called fornication. In the new marriage par- The Rev Tony Higton, the consummation requirement and adigm adultery must be generalised to the King’s Lynn, Norfolk dissolution on grounds of adultery sexual involvement of any third party that were abolished for all.. adulterates this revisionist marriage. Oh what a tangled web we weave! “Woe unto Discrepancies desire to hear more. Whitsun, commemo- @ReThinkREnow them that decree unrighteous decrees” Sir, It is very interesting that the Anglican rating the coming of the Holy Spirit, used Don’t forget to sign up to support the (Isaiah 10:1). Church of North America ( ACNA) is con- also to be honoured with a Bank Holiday, ReThinkRE campaign at Alan Bartley, cerned about gay bishops and civil partner- and no doubt did likewise. It was axed, I am rethinkre.org #rethinkre Greenford, Middlesex ships in the Church of England. Maybe as told, in order to space out the various other our Lord said, “it should take a look at the Bank Holidays. @SallyHitchiner log in its own eyes”, with its liberal policy Perhaps, at the time, we should have Wow - surprised to get hate tweets Unity prayers on divorce and re-marriage. As for the kicked up more fuss. We might have man- about discussing poverty. Really? African churches, let any conservative aged to compromise and celebrate in Vicar shows concern for poverty - is Sir, I find it hard to pray for Christian Unity, evangelical visit these denominations, and accordance with the nearest secular Bank that so shocking? though I have done my bit by attending amongst the statistics of millions of adher- Holiday. Its significance would have been services this week. What I can pray for is a ents (which they are so fond in quoting), maintained, the church could still have @Bishopofdurham greater degree of Co-operation. they will find huge discrepancies as kept to its calendar, and, we Christians 12 inches snow outside, preparing to A Week of Prayer for a Higher Degree of regards heterosexual morality in the strict- could have celebrated twice! How about it, move house. Will spread the joy to Interdenominational Co-operation? Hardly ly monogamous context. They will also Synod? Could it still happen? dog by going out with him - his view a workable, winning title! find, in the national context, the rights of Josie Goble, is bed is better Where I live we have a “Churches women far from satisfactory. Twickenham Together” with a lay Forum and a Minis- Robert Ian Williams, @GodandPolitics ters’ Meeting, and this works well. But can Bangor Europe questions The Government’s marriage bill is an I, one of little faith, really pray for Unity? exercise in trying to mix oil and water Two thousand years of Christian history Anticipating Easter Sir, William Hague is right that there is a fb.me/1TcFJgNV1 shows split after split... is this really going strong case that the people should ulti- to change, and the leopard start sporting Sir, The New Year is now in full swing, so mately decide whether or not we are in @RichieBenaud_ different spots? We go on about Unity in now we look forward to Easter, but what Europe. Why then are the people of the I received my first “wish you were Diversity and avoiding Uniformity, all the then? In my childhood, we straight away nation not being allowed to decide whether dead” tweet just now. My dear friend, usual stuff. But let’s face facts, be more looked forward, confidently, to Whitsun. or not the definition of marriage should be I’m in my 80’s. Just be patient. realistic, and go for something attainable, It occurs to me that most people have an changed? That is much more important ie increased Co-operation. inkling of the connection Easter has, to the and far-reaching for the future of this follow us Tony Cullingford, Crucifixion. The bank holiday status helps nation than membership of Europe. The @churchnewspaper on Twitter Tewkesbury cement this and in some, must evoke a Prime Minister should equally promise a

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper The latest books and

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2013 films reviewed: E6,7

No Holds Barred is a Methodist/URC fresh expression That group is called No Holds Barred also had other events, such as a curry and and it involves talking over a variety of comedy night at the pub. in Stockport, led by the Rev Stuart Radcliffe. Here he issues with a Christian input but in a very It stands on its own as a specific commu- tells how Heaton Moor United Church, Stockport, is informal way. We also put the discussion nity. Some months there have been 10 to 12 starter details on all the tables in the pub, people taking part and other weeks there linking with the local pub to develop community links. not just the area we’re sitting in, so that have been four of us. I think we need to people can still consider some of the issues give it two years before we assess what even if they don’t join us. happens next. If it’s to continue to grow it In December the evening was called, ‘I will look very different than church as we No Holds Barred in Stockport… wish it could be Christmas every day? How know it today. do I cope with Christmas at a time of finan- I’m always reluctant to put ‘labels’ on cial austerity?’ something like No Holds Barred because Bishop Graham Cray, Archbishops’ Mission- Past meetings have seen us look at it’s organic and I don’t know where it’s er and leader of the Fresh Expressions team, prayer through the story of footballer Fab- going to lead. If it leads us to a fresh this month highlights Fresh Expressions as rice Muamba who survived a heart attack expression meeting in the pub I’d be an ecumenical initiative. ‘It was an Angli- and we have also discussed trust as a result delighted and I’d love that to be the direc- can Methodist partnership from the begin- of the Jimmy Savile investigations. We have tion that it takes. ning,’ he says, ‘and now involves an unparalleled range of partners, including the United Reformed Church, Congregation- al Federation and Ground Level network. The fact is that we all face the same mission- ary challenges and the joy of this partnership is that each partner can benefit from the experience of all the others.’

‘We are in lovely, green suburbia where I’d had for months and we also raised people - on the whole - are not too badly off. £200 for Christian Aid. Whilst there are those who have the daily What could we do next? Our struggle to make ends meet, many set off thoughts turned again to Easter but we to highly paid jobs in the morning and no longer had the building by the sta- come home much later that day to their tion for distributing coffees. However very desirable, four-bed detached homes. The Plough was in a perfect position. Bible Lands But the thought kept coming to me that All we had to do was persuade Ian to appearances were deceptive and that peo- open up at 6am, allow us to give away ple had lots of problems behind their front coffee and receive nothing in return! Cruises 2013 doors. They can pay a very high price for Amazingly Ian agreed and from Mon- From only those demanding jobs with enormous day to Thursday of the following Holy stress levels. Week we met at the pub from very Spring 2013 - From Rome to Israel When we started to think about how we early morning and gave away coffee £699! Autumn 2013 - Egypt and the Holy Land could make a difference in our community, and hot cross buns and booklets about Autumn 2013 - On the trail of St Paul a key question was, “How can we as a the Easter story. church recognise those stresses and make Social media also had a role to play it clear that we care for the people living and we let people know what we were with those anxieties?” doing via Twitter. I’d just started the At that time we were still two churches, church Twitter account and people Heaton Moor Methodist Church and The picked up on three keywords that I Heatons United Reformed Church, and we used: Heaton Moor, Community, Car- wanted to do something for people during ing. What we were doing was picked up Holy Week so we gave out coffee and hot by a lot of people doing things in our cross buns, to those on their way to the rail- area about community or caring. way station. We also gave them a little At that time the messages were being booklet about Easter and a leaflet explain- tweeted to 3,500 people; they are now ing why we were doing it. retweeted to about 7,000 people Two years on and we had become one because we have hit the right networks Cruise with us to the Lands of the Bible - church, Heaton Moor United Church, but – these included local radio, which # Superb cruise ships # Carefully planned excursions the same question remained as to how we picked up on the momentum of church # # might best reach out into our community. doing something good in the communi- Excellent speakers Fantastic value for money The answer came when a few of us, includ- ty. ing my colleague, the Rev Richard Parkes The Plough already hosted a knitting were in a local pub, The Plough, and we hit group, Spanish lessons and the history on the idea of having Beer and Carols. society. I said to Ian, ‘How about a Pub landlord Ian was really supportive monthly discussion meeting’ and he and so members of the church gathered in said, ‘what night do you want to do it Ask for our colour brochure the pub and - in between rounds of Ian’s on I want people to come in here and 020 8949 8020 festive quiz and fancy dress - we sang feel that they are sitting in their own praise to God in carols. The result was that lounge, the more we can offer them the Email: [email protected] • www.livingsun.co.uk I had more conversations about faith than better.’

ANDREW CAREY E2 • WHISPERING GALLERY E2 • RUTH GLEDHILL E3 • ARTS E6 • BOOKS E7 • CROSSWORD E8 • JANEY LEE GRACE E8 E2 www.englandonsunday.com Sunday February 3, 2013

England to confront as the govern- deliver a pre-emptive strike. They must ment’s bill for same-sex marriage is promise en bloc to discipline such cler- debated. Firstly, the bishops must gy and must follow this through. I have reject that this idea of a quadruple lock my doubts as to whether the Church of that has been touted by the govern- England would survive a human chal- Andrew Carey: ment’s spin machinery has any reality. lenge in the courts but the effort must A quadruple lock is nothing of the kind. be made to plug this unintended conse- The government has not enacted a ban quence of the government’s proposals. on the Church of England conducting Sadly, though the leadership of the View from the Pew same-sex marriages. This is the kind of Church of England has largely been weaselly language that gives politics a robust in its defensive of traditional bad name. The government has merely marriage, the Roman Catholic Church been forced to confront the reality that has played a much more powerful role canon law and the law of the land will be in its attempt to mobilise the laity. Angli- in opposition if the same-sex marriage can campaigning has been muted, with bill passes into law. Far from being a most of the bishops barely uttering a The Church voice... ban on the Church of England conduct- word about the issue. It is as if the bish- ing same-sex marriage the government ops were divided over same-sex mar- is merely acknowledging that its legis- riage. It is also as if those in the or those who expect the Church of Eng- known oxymoronically as Thinking Anglicans lation has no impact on canon law. The hierarchy who support same-sex mar- land to either embrace the spirit of the (www.thinkinganglicans.org.uk) have been Church of England has its own struc- riage are too cowardly to name their Fage or to respond to any issue of contro- complaining that the official response ignores tures to bring forward primary legisla- opposition to the Church of England’s versy by straddling the nearest fence, there a range of views on the subject. They them- tion to change canon law, and policy. And those who claim to support has been something heartening and reassur- selves entirely ignore the fact that canon law’s Parliament should have no part in initi- the traditional Christian definition of ing about its statements on same-sex mar- definition of marriage insists that it is only ating that legislation. marriage are too embarrassed to cam- riage. entered into by one man and one woman. The main obstacle for the Church of paign openly and enthusiastically for it. When the bill was published last Friday the Marriage viewed as an entirely heterosexual England is the provision that will allow I have far more confidence that my Bishop of Leicester, Tim Stevens, reiterated union is the indisputable position of the civil partners a marriage licence, for own MP will speak against same-sex the Church of England’s view “set out in doc- Church of England. Even that ultra-liberal only a small fee, with no further cere- marriage than I have that the Bishops trine and canon law, that marriage is a union Anglican institution, the Episcopal Church of mony. This will place facts on the in the House of Lords will offer clear between one man and one woman.” the USA, has not changed the definition of ground unless Bishops act quickly. The leadership on the issue. It has been interesting to observe some lib- marriage. fact is that clergy in civil partnerships I’d suggest a letter to the bishops to eral Anglicans squirm about the official Angli- Yet in spite of the unambivalent Anglican will easily be able to take advantage of give power to their elbow. It is time that can response. In particular, those who hang attitude to marriage, there remain one of two these provisions and become ‘married’ we, the laity of the Church of England, around at that strange place on the internet difficulties and obstacles for the Church of unless the Bishops are prepared to held the bishops to account.

Hot Tweets Bible Christian of E Director of Communications, Arun Arora, continues to make the any viewers enjoyed ‘In the news as well as try to spin it. There were complaints after the C of E Footsteps of St Paul’ with Ctwitter account posted a joke about Katie Price in response to a ques- MDavid Suchet on BBC TV tion about its opposition to gay marriage. ‘JustSkippy’ asked what the over Christmas. The Poirot star, who Church thought of her marrying three times and making a mockery of mar- regularly attends the chapel services riage when it is against same-sex marriage. ‘We don’t have an official policy at the Tower of London, talks about on Katie Price. Having said that Jordan gets quite a few mentions in the Old his Christian faith in the February Testament’ was the reply, penned by no less a person than Arora himself, issue of the magazine ‘Christian’. our sources report. At first JustSkippy didn’t seem to take offence but oth- Suchet, who once played Sigmund Freud, says he would love to play St Paul. He ers did, finding jokes offensive when Church policy hurts so many gay peo- is currently recording the whole of the Bible in a project called ‘One Bible, One ple. Recognising offence had been caused, the C of E then posted in Voice’. He describes his own faith as being ‘rooted in scripture’ and says that response to JustSkippy ‘Glad we could be a source of joy as well as – sadly - recording the whole Bible is something he wants to do before he dies. It was St disquiet for you. Blessings’. Price remarried her third husband in the Paul who first drew Suchet to the Christian faith when he read his letter to the Caribbean. Kieran Hayler is a stripper who has appeared on gay porn sites Romans in 1986. A key moment in his pilgrimage occurred when he was having and was described by one newspaper as a ‘gay icon’. If Arora feels a little lunch with the chaplain of the Tower of London, and the priest discovered that embarrassed by a story taken up by both the ‘Daily Mail’ and ‘Pink News’ he Suchet had been receiving holy communion although he was not confirmed. can take comfort in the thought that it may lead to an increase in Twitter fol- Suchet agreed to be prepared for confirmation and found that this helped him to lowers. The C of E account has just 21,000 followers compared to 1.4 million wrestle with doubts and come to a decision for faith. “I thought about it long and who are following Pope Benedict’s English account a month after it started. hard, then I thought, ‘Yes, I am not only willing to confirm but to 100 per cent commit; to confirm’. The Whispering Gallery Anglican Agnostics ‘Pride and Prejudice’ at 200 ast Monday marked the 200th anniversary of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and to avid Suchet is an example of an Anglican who is a committed Chris- celebrate the fact Mr Darcy graced the cover of ‘The Lady’. Little was tian but Dr Alan Billings has been collecting examples of agnostics Lmade of the anniversary in the Church of England, which would probably Dwho feel at home in the Church of England. He quotes a number of prefer to forget the novel’s portrayal of Mr Collins, the man who never ceases high-profile cases in his new book ‘Lost Church’. ‘Times’ columnist Giles to praise his patroness, Lady Catherine de Burgh. Jane Austin was the daugh- Coren comes from an Orthodox Jewish family but learnt to ‘worship the Jew- ter of an Anglican priest and would have married another had he not died first. ish God’ in the language of the Church of England when he was a schoolboy. Behind her humorous sketch of Mr Collins lies a serious point about the way He married in the C of E and is in church ‘most although not all Sundays’. He lay patrons and patronesses exerted so much power in the Church, not always intends to go to church ‘for the rest of his life’. Janice Turner is a non-believ- for the good. Darcy declines to appoint Wickham to a living because he is ing journalist who told in an article in ‘The Times’ how she received some unsuitable but that was not a common practice. Livings provided income and bad news when shopping in Oxford Street. She found peace sitting in the employment for younger sons. Jane’s own religion was middle-of-the-way quiet of St Giles in the Fields and wondered where atheists would have had Anglicanism and she distrusted too much enthusiasm and outward display. In her go to wrestle with sadness and loss. Former poet laureate Andrew 1806 she wrote to her sister: “I do not like the evangelicals,” and refused to Motion speaks of the faith that flickers on and off ‘like a badly wired lamp’ read a work by Hannah Moore. But there are signs that her opinion changed. and of honest doubt ‘coming and going and in doing so keeping alive the In 1814 she told a niece: “I am by no means convinced that we ought not all to argument with and about God’. Billings quotes these and other examples to be evangelicals,” and a more serious tone can be seen in her later novels Mans- support his argument that the Church should be concerned for those who field Park and Persuasion. She may not always have put on an outward display, feel they belong but do not believe. but there is good evidence that Jane Austen was a loyal and committed Angli- can Christian despite her unflattering portrayal of Mr Collins. Sr nyaw Fecor aow d3 1, 0d u u u 2enl many. ngr nyaw2s. b Ed

A press release arrives: ‘Richard about his new incumbency is the Dawkins and Rowan Williams set to absence of people like me turning up clash in Cambridge Union debate.’ every time he does something interest- It continues: ‘The Cambridge Union ing, analysing his every word for possi- will this week see world-famous evolu- ble ‘news’. At times I feel like a sort of tionary biologist and ardent critic of religion ‘Slenderman’, as if the sole pur- Ruth Gledhill religion, Professor Richard Dawkins, pose of my existence is to appear from take on the former Archbishop of Can- behind trees in the middle of night, to View from Fleet Street terbury, Rowan Williams, in a much- frighten bishops to death. anticipated debate on the role of The Times has recently appointed religion in the 21st Century.’ one of its top writers, Tom Whipple, to The last time I turned out to see the cover science. He can make a story out two doctors ‘clash’ was in Oxford. It of anything. Our dog Feya has even was more like two dons having a cup of starred in two of his comical Times tea in a sub-deanery in a medieval clois- videos (if you are a subscriber, search ter than two leading intellects battling ‘Feya’ to see.) I was not sorry that he it out for the spiritual high ground. In was keen to cover the Cambridge Archbishop in charge any case, I have a feeling that one of the Dawkins-Williams story. Just my luck if n the short interregnum between Arch- because of the flawed measure to conse- things Rowan Williams might like they have a real ding-dong after all. bishops of Canterbury, the Archbishop of crate them. It is increasingly apparent that, IYork appears to be at the helm. At the given the damage done to the Church’s mis- House of Commons, he turns out to launch sion and the wide hurt and distress caused, the Church of England’s latest Lent cam- it should never have been put to the vote in paign. To be fair, he would have probably this form. In the months leading up, it is pos- On the move, to Tottenham... done this anyway as the whole ‘Love Life sible to discern in retrospect a desperate Live Lent’ theme is one that he himself and rather undignified struggle to get any- We’ve sold our house in Kew and we are moving to Tottenham. This reflects my thought up when Bishop of Birmingham. thing on the table. The difficulty of doing own penitential response to the economic realities of life, of wanting to be in a I can’t help but feel sorry for the Church this should have caused pause, rather than position to be clear of mortgage and other debt before death. I tell friends we’re at the moment. It has got itself into such a haste, yet overall it did appear as though it cashing in a bedroom to pay the school fees. I am finding the whole process pickle over women bishops and gay mar- had all taken far too much time already. strangely liberating, perhaps because at heart, I feel much more ‘nawf London’ riage. It is right at the crossing point of Lent is a good time, with a new Archbish- than ‘Richmond’. We’ll never abandon Liverpool but maybe we’ll even start sup- these key cultural issues, with views that go op coming in, to reflect on all this. We’ve all porting Spurs as well. unchallenged in other faith communities but suffered a bruising, and nowhere were the Should I be worried that, arranging the new mortgage, the building society that arouse secular passions by virtue of its consequences more apparent than in the seem more concerned about mortice locks and other security measures than any- particular position as the established recent special meeting of the House of Laity. thing else? I comfort myself by browsing the online lists of famous people with Church. In the name of charity, perhaps we can hope Tottenham connections, who include Dave Clark of the Dave Clark Five, Leslie I grow more and more certain that the in faith for a better 12 months in the light of Phillips, Britney Spears and most significant of all, the amazing Adele. Never mind vote on women bishops was the right one, what we have all learned. that many of these ‘got out’. We’re going in!

Urban Myths Judy West’s A socialist once came to see Andrew Carnegie and soon was railing against the injustice of Carnegie hav- ing so much money. In his view, wealth was meant to be divided equally. Carnegie asked his secretary for an assessment of everything he owned and at the same time looked up Notes, Quotes & Anecdotes the figures on world population. He did a little arithmetic on a pad and then said to his secretary. “Give this gentleman l6 cents. That’s his share of Confirmation questions my wealth.” A pastor I know, Stephey Bilynskyj, starts each confirmation class with a jar full of beans. He asks his students to guess how many beans are in the jar, and on a big pad of paper writes down their estimates. Then, next to those estimates, he helps them make another list: Their Getting the message across? favourite songs. When the lists are complete, he reveals the actual number of beans in the jar. The whole class looks over their guesses, to see which estimate was closest to being right. Bilynskyj then turns to the list of favourite songs. “And which one of these is closest to being right?” he asks. The students protest that there is no “right answer”; a person’s favourite song is purely a matter of taste. Bilynskyj, who holds a PhD in philosophy from Notre Dame asks, “When you decide what to believe in terms of your faith, is that more like guessing the number of beans, or more like choosing your favourite song?” Always, Bilynskyj says, from old as well as young, he gets the same answer: Choosing one’s faith is more like choosing a favourite song. When Bilynskyj told me this, it took my breath away. “After they say that, do you confirm them?” I asked him. “Well,” smiled Bilynskyj, “First I try to argue them out of it.” I believe that Tim Stafford, Christianity Today, September 14, 1992, p. 36. unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in real- It makes you think… Church Typos ity. This is why right, tem- The prize for the most useless weapon of all times goes to the Russians. They invent- The sermon this morning: “Jesus porarily defeated, is ed the “dog mine.” Walks on the Water”. The sermon stronger than evil tri- The plan was to train the dogs to associate food with the undersides of tanks, in tonight: “Searching for Jesus” umphant. the hope that they would run hungrily beneath advancing Panzer divisions. Bombs Martin Luther King, were then strapped to the dogs’ backs, which endangered the dogs to the point Jr. where no insurance company would look at them. Unfortunately, the dogs associated food solely with Russian tanks. The plan was begun the first day of the Russian involvement in World War II... and Do you have a funny story, quotable quote or sermon illustration? abandoned on day two. Send them to The Church of England Newspaper, 14 Great College The dogs with bombs on their backs forced an entire Soviet division to retreat. Street, London, SW1P 3RX or email [email protected] E4 www.englandonsunday.com Sunday February 3, 2013 The pick of the books to help you

By Amaris Cole and Amber Curtis During Lent, many people choose not only to give something up, but also take something up in the form of daily readings or meditations to use FRIENDS, FOES AND FAMILIES by Judith Dimond SPCK over the 40 days, finding the space and time to dedicate to God. This Through stories of human relationships seen in the Bible – both special period enables Christians to prepare for the celebration of good, bad, healthy and broken, Judith Dimond brings us to a place of Easter, understanding more about scripture and God through taking exploration of our own relationships, thinking about what would happen if we left them to decay. Each daily time out for Lenten meditation. Here is our list of the latest books to meditation, complete with scripture, explanations and prayers, traces the patterns seen in the help you make the most of Lent Bible of wilderness, death and resurrection, as the author introduces us to characters who share emotions common amongst us all. An ideal book for those looking for all their daily meditation in one place. include scripture, excerpts from the original text, is augmented by striking insights from the environment of meditation and prayer. Central themes include the the time of Christ. mystery of suffering, the promise that evil will be The book begins with ‘The sea of challenge’, before mov- LOVE LIFE LIVE LENT – BE THE overcome, the faithfulness and love of God, and relates ing on to the desert experience, the Mount of Transfigura- CHANGE them to experience you may be going through today. tion, the experience of Christ at Jacob’s Well at Nablus, by Paula Gooder and Peter then resurrection as re-creation, walking the Via Dolorosa Babington and ending on the open road to Galilee. Church House Publishing REFLECTIONS FOR LENT The key to this book is that the author firmly believes a People associate Lent with “giving up”; Authors: Stephen Cottrell, Steven modern pilgrim must engage with the ‘living stones’ of the however, a recent campaign Croft, Barbara Mosse and Mark Holy Land as well as the archaeological evidence. And that encourages taking action. Love Life Oakley means talking to the Christians who live there now. The Live Lent - Be the Change is dedicated Church House Publishing tensions facing them are illustrated by a quote from Mgr to encouraging Christians to perform This book, which covers Mondays Fouad Twal, the ninth Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem (the kind gestures during Lent. The “life through Saturdays, acts as a second to be an Arab): “The Israelis regard us as 100 per changing” booklets (in both child and adult versions) take reflection during Lent. The structure cent Palestinian Arabs and we are oppressed in the same readers through positive daily activities during the 40 for the book is quick, yet meaningful. way as the Muslims. But Muslim fundamentalists identify days along with Bible verses to help deepen their faith. It shares Bible verses that can be us with the Christian West – which is not always true – and The project has attracted more than 400,000 followers cited by readers in the top corner of want us to pay the price.” since 2007. Saying hi to a neighbour, smiling all day, and the book. The body reveals a long verse that should act as This book will provide a very different perspective on praying for someone on the news are just a handful of the a reminder for that day. Below the verse is “a collect for the reader’s Lenten journey. graceful tasks found within the booklet. The Archbishop the day” which summarizes the theme the reader should of York, Dr John Sentamu, supports the change and have uncovered from the selection. This book is for shares a foreword in the booklet. He recently visited readers with limited time who are constantly on the go. It The Lion’s World Parliament to promote the campaign, sending a copy to is also available as an app for the iPhone/iPad and as a Rowan Williams every MP and members of the House of Lords. Kindle eBook. SPCK

Not a Tame Lion UNCOVERING SIN THE SHAPE OF LIVING Hilary Brand by Rosy Fairhurst David F Ford DLT, pb SPCK The Canterbury Press Sin is a fact of life, but this book helps Fans of CS Lewis will find rich us face up to this reality with Since becoming a “spiritual classic”, treasure in this latest book from imagination through combining Bible Ford’s book, which focuses on Rowan Williams. But it is not the stories, human stories and learning, tackling changes, has been re- usual range of Lewis’s apologetic works that are under inviting readers to reflect on their own published for readers. A preface was investigation, just his Narnia series of books. Opening perceptions and experiences of sin. added to reflect on the original with a quote from Francis Spufford, “Whereof we cannot The Archbishop of York, John writings of the book, which was speak, thereof we must write childrens’ books,” he admits Sentamu, praised this book for getting published in 1996. After being asked that he came to these books late, but found they offered a to grips with some of the more challenging things to write a ‘Lent’ book by the Archbishop of Canterbury, doorway into the ‘astonishing achievements’ of Lewis. Scriptures holds for people today. This honest account of Ford expressed personal ways to keep positive each day. This doorway led to a simple intensity of feeling about sin will lead you through Lent, bringing you to an Easter The novel shares Bible verses, personal struggles, poems, God, and it is this that he hopes to open up in his study of where you can stand tall through a new sense of biblical knowledge, world concerns, and solutions to the Narnia series. forgiveness and acceptance. A great book for those remaining dedicated to this season. This book is for those The book has six chapters, firstly looking at the point of looking to challenge themselves this Lent. who have time set aside each day to deepen their Narnia, then addressing the critics of the books. He admits understanding of the importance of the 40 days. that Tolkien would have dealt with this new, invented world in a very different way, for example, explaining how MAKING ALL THINGS WELL the residents were able to produce food in a land where it by Isobel de Gruchy The Resurrection of Peace is always winter. Canterbury Press Mary C Grey But then he goes on to the character of Aslan, ‘not a tame Finding Spiritual strength with Julian SPCK lion’ and then addressing questions of truth and other of Norwich. This book shows that issues raised by the enduring stories. while she lived more than 600 years This thoughtful book is the follow-up This theme is also addressed in Hilary Brand’s Lent ago, Julian of Norwich’s Revelations of to the author’s earlier work, The course, based on the writing of CS Lewis. “We would all Divine Love, written in the 14th Advent of Peace. In seven chapters she like a religion that kept us within our comfort zone,” the century, holds more relevance to us looks at the last weeks of the life of author writes, “but just as CS Lewis’ Aslan is not a tame now than could ever have been Christ from the perspective of those in lion, neither is Christ of the gospels always a comfortable imagined. The author’s personal need of hope. In the modern Saviour, saying and doing thing that are often unexpected experiences with the wisdom of this ancient writing, environment, this is the perspective of and challenging.” through a difficult ministry in apartheid South Africa, and the Palestinian people. She begins with the quote ‘If Brand says this Lent course is not comfortable, either, later the tragic death of her son, urged Isabel de Gruchy Christ be not risen then our hope is in vain’. asking that whatever your Lenten attitude to alcohol or to turn the spiritual strength into 40 reflections, which There is a good deal of political commentary here, but it chocolate, for this Lent at least to submit your spirit to a lit-

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Sunday February 3, 2013 www.englandonsunday.com E5 make the most of Lent this year tle bit of mental exercise and your mind to a little bit of FINDING A VOICE understanding of God and how to best live Lent. spiritual challenge. Hilary Brand Williams writes: “I want to capture something of what DLT CHRIST AND THE Lewis is trying to do in communicating – to a world that Finding a Voice is a new Lent course based around five CHOCOLATERIE frequently thinks it knows what faith is – the character, the weekly sessions – ideal for group sessions. The course Hilary Brand feel, of a real experience of surrender in the face of takes the film The King’s Speech as a starting point for an DLT absolute incarnate love.” exploration into the ways fear holds us back, examining Though many people choose to give This seems to be the aim of both authors. how to overcome fear to find an authentic voice. up chocolate during Lent, this lively The former Archbishop of Canterbury and Hilary Brand Each session includes extracts from the film, group dis- course uses the inspiration of the film easily achieve this aim and their books are a valuable addi- cussion questions, exercises and meditations. To extend Chocolat as the starting point for tion to the canon of books on the works of Lewis. the course throughout the whole of the Lent period, short examining the issues about God, the introductory and follow-up chapters are also included, with world, and what it means to be Bible passages for individual reading during the week. human. THE GOSPEL IN THE WILLOWS Leaders are also given full, clear notes for running this The five group sessions included in this book tackle the Leslie J Francis course. prelude of change, the power of a gift, the possibility of DLT change, the power of acceptance and the process of change. The inclusion of appendices on the curious In an original and enchanting book, LENT IS FOR LOVING history of chocolate, the unfair economics and ideas for a Leslie Francis has drawn out the Sheila Cassidy chocolate feast, this original take on courses that many wisdom embedded in Kenneth DLT Christians undertake each year is bound to refresh and Grahame’s classic, The Wind in the delight. Willows. The 40 daily readings and “Lent is not just about denial,” Sheila meditations can be used through Lent, Cassidy says. The author uses this FEAST + FAST weaving the classic story into a book, which guides readers through Christina Rees profoundly Christian pattern that glows with spiritual Lent, to stress that Christianity is not a DLT truths. blueprint for repression, but for joy. The journey down the river with Ratty and Mole is said Jesus said ‘I have come that you may Begin a spiritual and culinary exploration this Lenten to be a revelation for Jesus Christ – their fellow traveller in have life and have it to the full’, so period with Christina Rees, looking at the traditions of the meditations and prayers. these short chapters, suitable for indi- feasting and fasting during Lent and Easter. Examining This fusion of the Edwardian novel and New Testament vidual reading or group study, consider what the word the significance of our daily meals and including recipes is bound to delight and teach you throughout the period. Lent means for Christians today. for quick but satisfying breakfasts, lunches and dinners This popular writer on pastoral care and personal growth throughout the 40 days as well as ideas for Easter, this is a once again produces a book to further readers’ personal Lent book with a difference.

Exciting New Titles for Lent

The official Lent selection for The Big Read 2013! Join in and access free video Find biblical inspiration in Explore your own relationships Examine sin as a gateway to content and material for your the search for peace and through these vivid portraits of healing and renewal. 978 0 281 06879 1 £8.99 house group. #bigread13 reconciliation in Israel/Palestine. Bible characters.
978 0 281 06637 7
£7.99 978 0 281 06456 4
£7.99 ýe

All our titles are available at good bookshops and online. www.spckpublishing.co.uk E6 www.englandonsunday.com Sunday February 3, 2013

Legal questions Skin care that really works now is brilliant, but surely it’s time for summer soon? If, like me, you’re counting down the days until the Sshine shines for long enough to mean we can take off the knitwear then fear not – I have found a brand that could help us. Though it can’t promise warmth, Tropic Skin Care will remind you of everything that is good about summer – dominate Lincoln from the smell to the condition of your skin and hair. Winter sucks the moisture out of you with the constant aniel Day-Lewis might pick up heating and bad weather, but this new, pure plant range is a third best actor Oscar® for on hand to help soothe our skin. Dhis portrayal of Abraham Created by Susan Ma from The Apprentice and support- Lincoln in Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln ed by Lord Alan Sugar, the credibility of the brand is (cert. 12A), which is also nominated assured. What’s more, every product is completely natural, for best film. Certainly Day-Lewis completely vegan and completely promises to have never tried to reflect contemporary been tested on animals. Looking good has never felt so accounts of Lincoln’s voice as good! “shrill”, and even in forceful Each product lists all ingredients in ‘plain English’, the moments it’s not necessarily a voice site says, ‘so you don’t need a chemistry degree to under- of authority. stand exactly what you put on your skin’. But the truth, as The film begins with a meeting they say, is in the pudding. So while being fairly convinced with soldiers as the Union moves to I was going to like these products, I thought I had better victory over the Confederacy, and test them. one black soldier not readily taking In the box were two, thick glass bottles nestled in straw. platitudes about post-bellum The heavy bottles of Organic Luxury Oil looked almost too conditions for his people. Fearful good to use, but I pulled myself together and got to work. that Congress would not abolish After placing the bottles in hot water to return their solidi- slavery once the southern states fied contents to a silky liquid, I used the luxurious oil spar- rejoined the Union, Lincoln begins ingly on the dry ends of my hair, skin or damaged nails. pressing to pass the 13th Containing just eight ingredients, including Frangipani amendment to the Constitution and Magnolia, this smells as good as it feels. Being blessed before the war ends. with fairly insensitive and relatively young skin though, I Most of the film is about wheeling thought someone else had better check I wasn’t being and dealing, corruption even, to blinded by the beautiful packaging and heavenly scent into secure the two-thirds majority vote Levitt) wanted to enlist but was worrying that his declaration of giving this my seal of approval. So, I gave a bottle to the needed from Representatives. dissuaded by his father, partly as emancipation might be unlawful. The toughest reviewer I know: my Having persuaded Secretary of State they’d already lost one son, Willie, to devastation of the war is never far Mum! Plagued with constant William Seward (David Strathairn) of illness. away, not least in the reaction of the itching after showering and dry the need to do it, Lincoln largely Sally Field plays Lincoln’s wife, decision to attack Wilmington with a skin, this was the ultimate test. leaves the work to his colleagues and Mary, and their relationship is hundred shells a minute; the words I cannot begin to tell you the their persuaders, led by WN Bilbo strained by his stoicism about “shock and awe” are not used. number of products my moth- (James Spader). Willie’s death. Their other son Tad It’s not heavy with lessons to be er has tried – from Harley On the radical side of Lincoln’s (Gulliver McGrath) was often in learned, but it is didactic. Its success Street prescriptions to old Republican Party, Thaddeus Stevens child-sized military uniform, an issue as a film does rather depend on how wives tales – nothing seems to (Tommy Lee Jones) was one for that’s played up as Robert prepares credible Day-Lewis is as Lincoln – work. But, as I found out (too) whom the war had to mean an end to to defy his parents. enough for the Oscar I expect. early one morning when she slavery. However, questions about Little surprises creep in, not least woke me up to report back on enfranchisement of negroes, and Stevens’ domestic arrangements, Next week: Zero Dark Thirty, Tropic Skin Care oil I had given her: this really does! Not eventually of women, lay below the and more familiar events are Katherine Bigelow’s fact-based story only did it stop the itching but it moisturised and calmed surface, and there’s a scene where depicted well. The meeting at of the hunt for Osama bin Laden, her skin, too. he has to avoid using the words Appomattox where General Lee covers torture, the efficacy of Whether you have skin problems yourself or just fancy a “racial equality”. (Christopher Boyer) offers the torture, and the persistence of one treat, this oil is worth a try. At £25 a bottle, this may be a lit- Some of this seems like an episode South’s surrender to Ulysses S Grant female CIA operative to locate the tle expensive to replace your usual moisturiser, but Valen- of The West Wing about a far-away (Jared Harris) is a good set-piece hiding place of “UBL”. The final reel tine’s AND Mother’s Day are just around the corner... Start country between people of whom we scene, and the difficulties of includes a reconstruction of the raid dropping hints today! You won’t regret it. know nothing, at other times it’s a reuniting the nation are well trailed. on his compound, and you can Organic Luxury Oil – Frangipani 100ml, also available in foundation lesson in modern It’s actually a lawyer’s film, with imagine yourself in the White House Bergamot 100ml American history. This includes Lincoln the lawyer explaining how a ops room watching events unfold. For a limited time, Tropic Skin Care are offering a dis- some of Lincoln’s family issues – his president’s war powers might count of £5 – making it £20. eldest son Robert (Joseph Gordon- subsequently be challenged, and Steve Parish To find out more visit www.tropicskincare.com

Paul Poulton Project the way this works from the ‘lyrics and commentary’ page at CD REVIEW Some People Believe Anything www.paulpoulton.com. This hour of immensely thoughtful material (dealing with topics It must be tough for independent artists now, competing with free including trust, pornography, ancient history and relationships) is downloads on one side and the whole history of music on the delivered in a light, upbeat package. other. So Poulton deserves recognition for bravely mashing The set is guitar-led with a dance spirit - the opener has just one everyday life, Pilgrim’s Progress and a smidgeon of Dante into a looping funky riff - but Poulton also uses an inspired and well- one guitar-led collection of songs. judged hue of vibes in Crying Out Loud, a smidgeon of synth in There are unmistakable Larry Norman influences in this other- Porn and sticks a leg and a half into rock and blues along the way. wise unique project, from its creative approach to a cover of Read- At times it feels a little low-budget, but he has varied the approach er’s Digest, through a similar musical style: Bad Things People Do is to guitar across the disc and it feels more polished when there is like an early, bluesy Norman song (but with the title bit of Queen’s less going on. Another One Bites the Dust as the chorus) and Saw the Devil has a Poulton’s ambition and care deserve support. I know of nothing touch of Be Careful What You Sign about it. faith-based with quite this blend of acute observation, guitar-based Poulton’s voice is like a thin version of John Lennon’s (especially funk and elevated sense of purpose. on The Image) and can sound a bit stretched. His Bunyanesque (Poulton is scheduling a new album Words for release later this lead character travels through life and meets scammers, traffick- spring). ers, giants and mythological characters. You can get a good idea of Derek Walker

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Sunday February 3, 2013 www.englandonsunday.com E7

Subscribe to the print A faith for today edition for £17.50 A Faith To Live By Australians do not connect their interest in McLaren and Rowan Williams also emphasise Roland Ashby spirituality with the churches. He is aware of the importance of prayer and contemplation That’s right, you can DLT, pb, £12.99 the danger of self-absorption and narcissism and both reveal their use of the Jesus Prayer. and argues that a true spirituality makes us Sexuality and issues about ordination are subscribe to the print Take This Bread more effective in the world. Although a practis- mercifully absent from this book. There is little edition and have it Sara Miles ing Catholic he judges that he himself is proba- about the church as an institution or its future sent to you by post Canterbury, pb, £12.99 bly not an orthodox Christian but claims his but a good deal about prayer and Christian every week for three spirituality is based on a theology of the Holy belief. months for just Roland Ashby is an English- Spirit. Like a number of other people in this Sara Miles is a radical journalist, a chef, a £17.50. Email man who edits what many book, he is interested in St John of the Cross. mother and a lesbian who has written a fasci- [email protected] or consider the best Ashby is skilled at making statements that nating account of her journey to Christian telephone 020 7222 8663 church newspaper in draw his conversation partners into interesting faith. Food was a way in and she started to Australia. Under him, responses. ‘Conversations’ is a better way to receive communion before she was baptised. The Melbourne Angli- describe these pieces than interviews because People sharing food, feeding each other from can has carried wide- Ashby has his own insights to contribute. Cer- their own stores however meagre, is what ranging articles on tain themes recur: life after death, contempla- draws us together into relationships and into theology and spirituali- tion, the Resurrection, miracles, the communion. Christ drew Sara Miles into the ty as well as news of the significance of other universes. church through the Eucharist. diocese and the wider Given the presence of so many scientists in The church in which she found a home is a church. Over the years the group selected and the challenge of the remarkable Episcopalian parish of St Grego- Ashby has conducted a new atheists it is not surprising that there is ry’s in San Francisco. This was founded by two number of conversa- much discussion of the issues relating to reli- priests, one of whom, Rick Fabian, was trained tions with theologians gion and science. Owen Gingerich points out at Mirfield in the 1960s and has written exten- and prominent church that those who believe that the universe is sively on liturgy. St Gregory’s has attracted a leaders and he has now collected 25 of these in teeming with life would seem to subscribe to good deal of attention because of the imagina- a book. the design argument because they assume the tive worship it offers. Sara Miles’ contribution Among those interviewed are Rowan universe is friendly to life. Keith Ward quotes to the life of the congregation was to start a Williams (twice), Keith Ward, John Lennox, one of the scientists who discovered DNA food pantry and her plan to extend this from Brian McClaren, John Polkinghorne, Sam commenting that its structure made him think week days to Sunday aroused opposition, a Berry and Esther de Waal. Many of the names of a ‘loving embrace’. Ward describes DNA as good example of the way in which liturgy, how- will be familiar to English readers but one of ‘an amazing structure’ and suggests that it is ever progressive, can become an end in itself. In addition to the print the most interesting conversations is with an hard to think of it as random. John Lennox also This book is radical without being strident. edition you will also Australian, David Tacey, who is not as well draws attention to the ‘sophisticated language Sara Miles changed St Gregory’s but the get full access to our known in this country as he deserves. of DNA’ and the difficulty of explaining the ori- parish changed her as well, teaching her that website at Tacey, who teaches English at La Trobe Uni- gins of life. you can’t be a Christian by yourself and have to versity, has written a superb book, The Spiritu- Jim Wallis emphasises the importance of learn to work both with those you like and with www.churchnewspaper.com ality Revolution. He believes the secular world contemplation, arguing you can’t be an activist those who ‘irritate the hell out of you’. is ‘running on empty’ but warns that young for long without being a contemplative. Brian Paul Richardson

irst published in 2001 SPCK has produced a new paperback edition of Brian McLaren’s A New Kind of Christian, the first volume in a trilogy Jean Vanier Fthat recounts a conversation between two fictional characters, Pastor Dan Poole and his daughter’s high school science teacher, Neil Oliver. They discuss faith, doubt, reason, mission, leadership and spiritual practice. The aim is to offer hope to people tempted to give up on the church. SPCK has also brought out a new edition of Faith Confirmed, a popular con- firmation course by Peter Jackson and Chris Wright. Although designed for those preparing for confirmation it is an excellent guide for anyone who wants to know what the Anglican Church teachers. Many people will be surprised that SPCK is publishing a book tracing sick- ness to ancestral control but Kenneth McAll’s Healing the Family Tree was first brought out by Sheldon Press, an SPCK imprint, 30 years ago and Dr McAll was not only a medical missionary surgeon in China he also spent 25 years as a practising psy- chiatrist in Britain. You may not be convinced but he is worth hearing. Ross Parker’s Healing Dreams is well known. First pub- lished 25 years ago, it now re-appears as an SPCK classic. Jean Vanier has changed the way we see people with intel- lectual disabilities. In 1964 he founded ‘L’Arche’ as an ecu- menical and international federation dedicated to providing homes, communities, day centres and networks for people with intellectual disabilities In The Heart of L’Arche (SPCK) he shows how a life shared with people with intellectual disabilities teaches us to recognise our own fragility. The vulnerability that is part of their experience reveals our own and invites us into a relationship of transformation and liberation. The famed spiritual writer Henri Nouwen is among those who have been attracted to L’Arche. This book is highly recommended. Barbara Brown Taylor has a justifiably high reputation as a preacher. In The Healing Word (SPCK) she gives us a series of meditations on God’s power to heal the soul and mend a broken world. She shows how Bible stories can help us to confront our weaknesses and revive our spirits. What does it mean to talk of Jesus as ‘Son of God’? The Bible also talks of Adam, Israel and King Solomon as Sons of God. How does Jesus’ sonship differ from these? Does God have a son the way human parents have sons? These are some of the questions DC Carson examines in Jesus the Son of God (IVP). He examines what the title means for the way we think about Jesus, how it should influence worship and evangelism, and the best way to translate the title in Muslim contexts. Real hope is not beyond our grasp – that is the message of a new book, What kind of Hope? (IVP) by Michael Ots, a Bournemouth-based evangelist who travels around Europe, speaking at universities to explain the truth of Christi- anity. In this book he looks at biblical teaching on hope for this life and the next. E8 www.englandonsunday.com Sunday February 3, 2013 Janey Lee Grace Live Healthy! Live Happy! The fast track to weight loss?

eed to lose a few pounds? The Fast Diet is five days and then cutting back for two. the diet everyone is talking about, pio- It’s about eating “reasonably” for five days Nneered by Dr Michael Mosley. The book, and a quarter of reasonably on two days. I wonder co-authored by Mimi Spencer, came out of the how many people stick to that? I’m guessing the much-talked about Horizon programme last night before a fast I would over-eat in order to August. It is all about calorie restriction and inter- store up the calories. mittent Ffasting. Zoe Harcombe author of The Harcombe Diet, Michael Mosley investigated these themes in talks great sense when it comes to diet and weight- the TV show, Eat, fast and live longer and it wasn’t loss. She refers to the recent trend of fasting and primarily about weight-loss but about longevity – says: “With all this diet madness and obsession, know Jesus fasted and prayed as did his disciples, many Old Testa- looking into whether restricting calories and fast- we seem to have forgotten why we eat. Yes eating ment figures fasted and prayed and I grew up in my humble evangelical ing intermittently could help people to live longer. should be sociable, celebratory, enjoyable - one of church to believe that as the early church and the Saints fasted and prayed, When Michael lost weight he came up with the life’s great pleasures - but it is far more fundamen- so should we. But I think my understanding has always been that there concept of the 5/2 diet, you fast on two non-con- tally the stuff of life. We eat because we need should be a direct intention, we should be fasting and praying is for a spe- secutive days every week and eat ‘normally’ for essential fats, complete proteins (amino acids), cific reason or outcome, to achieve a ‘breakthrough’, beat temptation, or to the other five days. It’s important to note that the vitamins and minerals. Without any of these, our reach a decision, whether spiritually or emotionally. fast days aren’t a total fast, you restrict your calo- health is compromised and, in the extreme, defi- Something seems awkward about going without food just for the sake of ries to around 500 calories for women and 600 for ciencies can be life threatening. Anything that losing a few pounds unless there’s a spiritual angle - or am I just in denial men. It’s not meant to be about stuffing yourself tries to stop us getting these vital nutrients is a when clearly I could do with shifting a few pounds? In truth I’m too fond of daft for five days though, Mosley said: “Five days a dangerous weapon and should be treated as such.” eating the pies. week you eat reasonably”. Here’s the thing - isn’t fasting meant to be linked Perhaps I should pray and fast on the decision as to whether I should fast This is not about eating whatever you want for with prayer? The Bible talks of the connection, we regularly – just to fit into those killer skinny jeans!

PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 834 by Axe 9 'These are the regulations con- 4 Cross-bearer aid to Jesus [Matt; cerning defiling moulds in Mark; Luke] (5,2,6) woollen or ----- clothing...' 5 Champion from Gath [1 Sam] (7) [Lev/NIV] (5) 6 'Then he...brought him to an --- 10 Book of the NT attributed to a and took care of him' [Luke/NIV] companion and fellow missionary (3) of Paul (5) 7 Hymn of praise which begins, 11 '...the row on the side ------the 'Holy, Holy, Holy' (7) sanctuary was a hundred cubits 12 'Then Jesus went back...to the long...' [Ezek/NIV] (7) place where John had been bap- 13 NT metaphor for an affliction that tizing in the ------' [John/NIV] causes great suffering (5,2,6) (5,4) 15 'But Jonah ------from the Lord 13 Recipient city of two letters from and headed for Tarshish' [NIV] Paul (7) (3,4) 14 'Like ------babies, crave pure spiri- 16 Essex village named after a tual milk...' [1 Pet/NIV] (7) female saint of legend, one being 16 Naomi's other daughter-in-law shy to work out? (5) [Ruth] (5) 18 'But ----- sent messengers to him, 17 'Because ----- were lifted up...the saying "What quarrel is there, Lord will be at war against the king of Judah, between you and Amalekites...' [Exod/NIV] (5) me?"' [2 Chr/NIV] (5) 19 'They caused the --- of the poor to 20 'Peter said, "------the parable to come before him...' [Job/NIV] us"' [Matt/NIV] (7) (3) 21 Composer of the oratorio, 'The Creation', between 1796 and 1798 Solutions to last week’s crossword (5) 22 Recipient city of a letter from Paul Across: 7 Gadara, 8 If only, 9 Archbishopric, (7) 10 Sadducee, 13 Lots, 14 Mind, 16 Sycamore, 19 Stand in the way, 21 Down Talent, 22 Lilies.

1 Book of the Apocrypha (5) Down: 1 Fair, 2 Washed, 3 Maniac, 4 Tishbe, 2 Parable [Luke] (1,4,4) 5 Gospel, 6 Cloister, 11 Abiathar, 12 3 'The king ordered Hilkiah...to Ely, 15 Daniel, 16 Saints, 17 Cattle, Across 5 '-----, whose hospitality I and the whole remove...all the articles made for 18 Meekly, 20 Amen. church here enjoy...' [Rom/NIV] (5) Baal and Asherah and all the star- 1 'He guides the humble...and ------them 8 'In days to come...Israel will bud and --- ry -----' [2 Kgs/NIV] (5) his way' [Ps/NIV] (7) ----...' [Isa/NIV] (7)

The first correct entry drawn will win a book of the Editor’s choice. Send your entry to SCRIBBLE PAD Crossword Number 834, The Church of England Newspaper, STAIRLIFTS FROM £995 14 Great College Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3RX by next Friday NEW OR REFURBISHED FOR AN INFORMATION PACK CALL Name Telephone FREE on Address 0800 007 6959 www.castlecomfortstairlifts.com See our notice on page 11 for Clergy disount Post Code Leader & Comment Sunday February 3, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 9 Comment Pray for the Christian High Speed Rail and ecological balance The rise of the ecological movement has been an undoubted blessing heart of Europe for the human race, pointing us to the need to look after the flourishing of the planet, the non-human species, the purity of oceans and rivers, whether Scotland should go it alone as an inde- the cycles of natural growth and decay, the ozone layer and all the pendent state. Why stay together? interlocking dimensions of our natural context. The industrial revolu- Surprisingly, the British Isles has retained a con- tion allied to the technology of engines capable of dynamics beyond siderable amount of its ethnic identity over hun- earlier imagination was also a blessing but with a dark side if uncon- James dreds of years. The peoples called ‘the English’, or trolled, and we now know that all kinds of ill affects as well as good for Anglos, occupied the south-east corner of these us and for nature did result. islands as far back as the early sixth century. Those Pollution in particular was a menace, and continues to be as scien- Catford who called themselves Britons populated the rest of tists warn, albeit now with debated views on global warming. Christi- the country, up to the Scottish Borders and the land anity itself was and is accused of causing immense damage to the of the Picts. environment, famously in Lynn White’s The historical roots of our eco- Even today it is possible to observe differences logical crisis, 1967. He argued that whereas the paganism it displaced between those living in South East England and had venerated the sacred groves and rivers with their respective others in the north and west. For example, in all the deities, Christianity had cut down the sacred trees and built churches celebrations for the Queen’s jubilee the unreported on those areas, an anthropocentric approach making humanity domi- story was that the North of England was noticeably nate the environment. This proved quite a shock as it was not intended Pizza Express, Café Rouge, La Tasca. In this coun- less enthusiastic in flag waving than the south. to do, and Christians have been seeking to catch up with the ecology try we love European food but we don’t seem to like Many see the Royal Family as ‘southerners’. The movement very hard. Bartholomeus, Ecumenical Patriarch of the Europeans telling us what to do. At least, that’s how north/south divide is nothing new. Eastern Church, has been the global church leader to make this a real it sounds if you listen to the Prime Minister’s The United Kingdom has faced the same chal- Christian priority. speech on the European Union last week. lenge as the European Union, what binds us togeth- And it is no surprise that the Eastern Orthodox is the Church to take We’re happy to drink French wine, sunbathe on er? this stance very seriously as a theological priority flowing from the Spanish beaches and try to cook the Italian way, but For the UK it has not been a common geography, doctrine of creation. They have always been concerned at the West’s when it comes to European directives, we’re British language, ethic gene pool, physical build or trust in technology and power, in human domination of the physical to the core. monarch that has upheld the Union. And, in any order. In the eyes of the East, western crusaders were a symptom of How the tables have turned for our main political case, these appear to be weak in the face of calls by this power obsession, as was the rush to industrialise and the Nazi parties. a sizable proportion of Scots today for full separa- application of technology to nihilistic mass murder, militarism and Forty years ago it was Labour under Harold Wil- tion. forcible conversion of Orthodox Christians in the Balkans. Now West son that had a divided Party over Europe and now No, it is faith that has united us, the Christian reli- and East have many theologians and movements concerned to teach it’s the Conservatives. While Euro-sceptic Mar- gion. And as this wanes so does our shared history, the good of the whole created order and respect for it as a divine gift. garet Thatcher never put our membership of the our common identity and our aligned values and And yet part of our role as guardians of creation is to uncover its poten- EU to a referendum, David Cameron feels the need beliefs. In some, basic and essential way, we have tial, a treasury of wonders latent in the world. Electricity and penicillin, to do just that. been living in the heritage of Christian experience for example, flowed from human engagement with our environment to Redefining our relationship with Europe comes that has unified us in spite of our differences. release massive good for us. We need to consider the balance of The architects of Europe make human benefit and environmental cost. their work so much harder by dimin- It is into this balance that such projects as the HS2 high-speed rail ishing or denying the shared Chris- project must be considered by Christians. While the project to Birm- tian faith of its peoples. This has ingham from London, and now to Leeds and Manchester, has been been little short of rewriting history ‘approved’ and indeed rushed through, have the people been able to to remove the legacy of the church contribute to any debate? Is half-an-hour off a journey time sufficient in a way that our forebears would reason for the devastation of areas of wonderful natural beauty? Would hardly recognise. more jobs be created by improving existing networks, also saving jour- Of course we can understand why. ney time, and now? Is the HS2 soon to be outmoded? Is the balance The excesses of over-zealous Chris- right? tians attacking each other in bloody wars has played right into the hands of those who would airbrush Christi- The Church of England Newspaper anity from our shared story. But a with Celebrate magazine incorporating The Record and Christian Week secular Europe is ill-equipped to Published by Religious Intelligence Ltd. unify the various ethnicities that fan Company Number: 3176742 out across the length and breadth of Publisher: Keith Young MBE the Continent. In David Cameron’s historic just a few months after the speech last week he held out the Publishing Director & Editor: CM BLAKELY 020 7222 8004 Coalition announced a refer- prospect of him campaigning heart Chief Correspondent: The Rev Canon GEORGE CONGER 00 1 0772 332 2604 endum in Scotland on No, it is faith that and soul for a ‘yes’ vote in a referen- Reporter: AMARIS COLE 020 7222 8700 whether to dissolve the Union dum. The reference to the spiritual with England and Wales. Just has united us, the reality of the soul sits uncomfortably Advertising: CHRIS TURNER 020 7222 2018 when marriage and identity Christian religion with the secularised way Europe talks Advertising & Editorial Assistant: PENNY NAIR PRICE 020 7222 2018 are under the microscope like about itself today. never been before, so is the Yet the biggest irony is this. If only Subscriptions & Finance: DELIA ROBINSON 020 7222 8663 identity of our nation. Christianity and our shared history of Graphic Designer: PETER MAY 020 7222 8700 What’s going on? Can more faith were brought fully into the than 500 million people draw themselves together debate before us, the case for Europe could be put The acceptance of advertising does not necessarily indicate into ‘an ever-closer union’? Will it be possible to find even more forcefully. And there would be less pres- endorsement. Photographs and other material sent for publication enough shared identity and belief to bind us togeth- sure to define our Union merely in secular terms of are submitted at the owner’s risk. The Church of England Newspaper er? According to our politicians, not very much. monetary and political union. does not accept responsibility for any material lost or damaged. In the way that the EU has evolved over 60 years, Seen though the lens of historic Christian teach- Christian Weekly Newspapers Trustees: Robert Leach (020 8224 5696), the driving force has been to never repeat again the ing on the ‘common good’, debates about Europe Lord Carey of Clifton, The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, The Rt Rev Pete Broadbent, horrors of a European war. That’s a pretty strong could take on a much deeper and richer character; Dr Elaine Storkey, The Rev Peter Brown, The Rev Cindy Kent driver and nobody wants to go back to conflict less about working time directives and more about again. the bonds of faith that stretch back for centuries. The Church of England Newspaper, However, as the decades pass and the EU widens So let’s raise a glass of French wine as we sit by a Religious Intelligence Ltd to encompass 27 countries, there needs to be Spanish beach and eat our Italian pizza, because a 14 Great College Street, London, SW1P 3RX greater cohesive glue even than the memory of the lot more unites than many would believe. Editorial e-mail: [email protected] Second World War. Knowing what we are against is Advertising e-mail: [email protected] a good thing, but it only takes us so far. What is the James Catford is Group Chief Executive of Bible Subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] EU actually for? Society. Email him at Much the same question is at the heart of [email protected] Website: www.churchnewspaper.com

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper

Classifieds & Letters Sunday February 3, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 13

Whispering Gallery United Reformed Church, the Church of Scotland, and Sir, I would like to register my disappointment, that a sadly the Baptist and Independent (Congregational) Christian newspaper like this, chooses to repeat such sections of the Church Universal. unkindness about one of our Archbishops. How ministers of the plain gospel of Jesus feel com- I am deeply disturbed by the need of the press or pelled the draw attention to themselves in costly robes those who feed them the stories to keep feeding us and exotic headgear literally defies belief. Never was these negative images. In the mid-1980s, I had the privi- the aphorism better illustrated: ‘What you are speaks lege of working with John Sentamu in Tulse Hill. There so loud I cannot hear a word of what you say’. he led a very diverse congregation in ethnicity, eco- Baxter, a Puritan divine from Kidderminster, urged nomically and educationally (with many Oxford & Cam- the pastors he taught to shun the pride which obvious- bridge graduates). Those from the local community ly causes clergy to dress in what has been called the flocked to the church and a strong congregation devel- ‘godly gaudy’ just portrayed in Bristol. oped. Pride, he wrote ‘fills some men’s minds with aspiring Waffle does not grow a church! He responded to all desires and designs. It possesseth them with envious the congregation, and took a lead in showing how as a and bitter thoughts against those who by any means church we care for one another’s needs. I am aware of eclipse their glory. many who have come to faith through his ministry, and What, Baxter would ask, have the gaudy godly got to several who have themselves entered ordained min- do with the plain teaching of the Gospel? How is the istry. My experience of him is a strong leader, passion- observing sinful world to be brought to a better under- ate about the faith, deeply prayerful and someone who standing of God’s love by seeing His ministers parad- encouraged lay ministry and who worked collaborative- ing about in bright colours, strange designs and funny ly with both lay and ordained. hats? I believe The Church of England is very lucky to have How do these garments lead to a better understand- him. Perhaps those who are feeling so insecure, in the ing and deeper reverence for the preaching and sacra- presence of an excellent and prayerful man of God may ments of the Church? What, for heaven’s sake, is a try and seek the relevant help they need instead of pro- United Reformed minister doing showing off a saffron jecting their insecurities in such negative ways. chasuble tagged at £650 plus VAT? United Reformed? The Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Isn’t that a derivative of the nonconformist movement London E8 of Richard Baxter? What would he say to Tom MacMeekin, the URC cleric grinning at us from the pages of The Times (January 24) in his outrageous gar- Clergy wear ment? Some of us struggle with a simple dog collar to denote Sir, The very idea of ‘bespoke clergywear’ would aston- our clergy role, and get into hospital wards without hav- ish and probably outrage Richard Baxter, the great Puri- ing to argue our case. Many have abandoned all forms tan leader of nonconformist Christianity in the 17th of clericalism in the way they preach and offer pastoral Century. skills. What he would make of startling clerical designer Surely there is a middle way in which ministers of reli- garb recently paraded on a Bristol catwalk is not hard to gion can present themselves to a cynical public without imagine. There is a competition going on throughout spending more than could feed a third world village for Christendom for preachers and teachers of the Church a month in dressing up. to appear in technicolour. It may be a pretty sight, but The godless masses think little enough of us as things what has it got to do with the Man who came to release are, without making them hide behind their hands in captives, heal the sick and feed the poor? snorting mirth whenever they see clergymen parading We have become used to it with clergy in the Eastern about as in divine vaudeville. Orthodox, Anglican, even the Roman Catholic church- The Rev Ian Gregory, es. But the infestation has now reached Methodism, the Stoke-on-Trent Follow us on Facebook

/churchnewspaper 12 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday February 3, 2013 Register

NSM, Mildenhall (St Edmundsbury and APPOINTMENTS Ipswich): to retire with effect from 1 Feb- ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER ruary 2013. The Rev Martin Percival, The Rev Carol Ball, Sunday 3 February. Epiphany 5. Psalm 93, Prov. 28: 12-28. Lui - (Sudan): The Rt Rev Priest-in-Charge Leiston (St Edmundsbury Vicar, South Woodham Ferrers (Chelms- Stephen Dokolo Ismail and Ipswich): to retire with effect from 31 ford): to be also Priest-in-Charge, Wood- March 2013. ham Ferrers and Bicknacre (same Monday 4 Feb. Psalm 1, Prov. 29: 11-27. Lusaka - (Central Africa): The Rt Rev David The Rev Caroline Roe, diocese). Njovu Lead Chaplain, University Hospitals of The Rev Dr Neal Barnes, Leicester NHS Trust (Leicester): to resign Vicar, Kingston upon Hull, Holy Trinity; Tuesday 5 February. Psalm 103: 13-18, Prov. 30: 1-9. Luwero - (Uganda): The Rt Rev with effect from 31 March 2013. and Chaplain, Ambulance Service Hull Evans Kisekka The Rev Jeremy Smith, (York): is now also Prebendary, York Min- NSM (Assistant Priest), Inglewood Group ster (same diocese). Wednesday 6 February. Psalm 32: 1-8, Prov. 30: 18-31. Lweru - (Tanzania): The Rt Rev (Carlisle): has retired with effect from 31 The Rev Nigel Beer, Jackton Yeremiah Lugumira December 2012. Team Vicar, Moor Allerton and Shadwell; The Rev Geoffrey Watson, and Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordi- Thursday 7 February. Psalm 50: 1-6, Prov. 31: 10-31. Machakos - (Kenya): The Rt Rev Vicar, Staveley, Ings and Kentmere nands (Ripon and Leeds): to be Vicar, Stan- Joseph Kanuku (Carlisle): to retire with effect from 28 Feb- wix (Carlisle). ruary 2013. The Rev David Casswell, Friday 8 February. Psalm 29: 8-11, Sir 1:1-19. Madhya Kerala - (South India): The Rt The Rev Angela Watts, Vicar, Clifton (York): is now also Rev Thomas Kanjirappally Oommen Chaplain, St Michael’s Hospice, Bas- Prebendary, York Minster (same diocese). ingstoke (Winchester): to be Chaplain, The Rev Chigor Chike, Saturday 9 February. Psalm 37: 3-6,27,28, Sir. 4: 11-28. Madi & West Nile - (Uganda): Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Vicar, Forest Gate Upton Cross (Chelms- The Rt Rev Dr Joel Obetia Trust (same diocese). ford): is now also Priest-in-Charge, Forest The Rev Robert Yule, Gate All Saints and St Edmunds (same dio- NSM (Assistant Curate), Watford St Peter cese). Dean. (Guildford): to be Priest-in-Charge, Yate (St Albans): to retire with effect from 1 The Rev Richard Dimery, The Rev Kenneth Havey, New Town (Bristol). February 2013. Priest-in-Charge, Woodside (Ripon and Rector, Leigh St Clement (Chelmsford): to The Rev Canon Trevor Walt, Leeds): is now also Assistant Diocesan be Priest-in-Charge, Hockley; and Bishops’ Adviser on Healing and Deliver- LAY & OTHER Director of Ordinands (same diocese). Rochford Deanery Vocations Adviser ance (Chelmsford): is now also Chaplain, APPOINTMENTS The Rev Graham Dowling, (same diocese). St Helena Hospice Colchester (same dio- Assistant Curate, Rainham with Wenning- The Rev Michéle Marshall, cese). ton (Chelmsford): to be Team Vicar, Bark- Assistant Curate, Pitsea with Nevendon The Rev Geoffrey Waters, The Rev Dr Pervaiz Sultan, ing St Margaret with St Patrick (same (Chelmsford): to be NSM (Associate NSM (Assistant Curate), Northampton St Priest-in-Charge, Highgate; and Chaplain, diocese). Priest), Woodham Ferrers and Bicknacre; Giles (Peterborough): is now Priest-in- St Alban’s Academy Highgate, Birming- The Rev Amanda Elmes, and NSM (Associate Priest), South Wood- Charge, Shirehampton (Bristol). ham (Birmingham): to be Principal, St NSM (Assistant Curate), West Mersea with ham Ferrers (same diocese). The Rev Martyn Westby, Thomas’ Theological College (Karach, The East Mesea, Peldon, Great and Little Wig- The Rev Timothy Meathrel, Priest-in-Charge, Cherry Burton; and Church of Pakistan). borough (Chelmsford): to be NSM (Asso- Assistant Curate, Harborne Heath (Birm- Assistant Curate, Etton with Dalton Holme; ciate Priest). ingham): to be Assistant Vicar (Associate and Chaplain, Bishop Burton College of CORRECTION The Rev Dr Nicholas Fisher, Vicar), Clifton Christ Church with Agriculture (York): to be Team Vicar, Dry- NSM (Assistant Curate), Northleach with Emmanuel (Bristol). pool (same diocese). Hampnett and Farmington, Cold Aston The Rev Gillian Moore, The Rev Vivian Enever, with Notgrove and Turkdean and Compton NSM (Assistant Curate), Harwich Pininsu- Rector, Newark with Coddington (South- Abdale with Haselton (Gloucester): to be la (Chelmsford): is now Chaplain, St Hele- RETIREMENTS & well and Nottingham): to be Rector, Queen Priest-in-Charge, Sherborne, Windrush, na Hospice Colchester (same diocese). RESIGNATIONS Thorne (Salisbury). the Barringtons and Aldsworth; and Dioce- The Rev Elizabeth Ransford, san NSM Officer (same diocese). NSM (Pioneer Minister), York St Thomas The Rev Canon Robert Coles, The Rev Canon William John Ford, with St Maurice (York): to be NSM (Assis- Priest-in-Charge, St Nicholas at Wade with DEATHS Rector, Yarm; and Rural Dean, Stokesley tant Curate), York St Michael-le-Belfrey Sarre and Chislet with Hoath; and Priest-in- Deanery (York): is now also Prebendary, (same diocese). Charge, Minister with Monkton (Canter- York Minster (same diocese). The Rev Jonathan Sewell, bury): to retire with effect from 30 April The Rev Graham Foster, The Rev Jeremy Fraser, (York): to be Chaplain, HM Prison Kirklev- 2013. Vicar of Ashford in the Water with Sheldon Assistant Curate, East Greenwich (South- ington Grange; and Chaplain, HM Prison The Rev Paul Crabb, 1967-1978, who retired in 1978 and held the wark): to be Priest-in-Charge, Stratford Northallerton (same diocese). Priest-in-Charge, Hanging Heaton; and Bishop of Derby’s Permission to Officiate, New Town St Paul (Chelmsford). The Rev David Stevens, Priest-in-Charge, Batley St Thomas (Wake- died on Friday, 18 January, 2013. Mr Fos- The Rev James Dub Gannon, Priest-in-Charge, Potternewton (Ripon and field): has resigned with effect from 31 ter’s funeral will be on Wednesday, 7 Feb- NSM (Priest-in-Charge), Henham, Elsen- Leeds): to be also Area Dean, Allerton December 2012. ruary at 12noon. ham with Ugley (Chelmsford): to be Priest- Deanery (same diocese). The Rev Joanna Henson, in-Charge, High Easter and Good Easter The Rev Gillian Trinder, NSM, Egton-cum-Newland and Lowick and THE 2013 with Margaret Roding; and Priest-in- Assistant Curate, Whitkirk (Ripon and Coulton (Carlisle): has retired with effect BIBLE CHALLENGE Charge, Great Canfield with High Roding Leeds): is now Assistant Curate, Starbeck from 30 December 2012. and Aythorpe Roding; and Rural Evangel- (same diocese). The Rev Canon Jonathan Martin, ism Adviser, Colchester Episcopal Area The Rev Brenda Wallace, NSM (Assistant Curate), Parkstone St Day 34 Enjoy hearing the scriptures read (same diocese). Assistant Curate (Associate Minister), Hut- Peter and St Osmund with Branksea (Salis- aloud in church The Rev Alan Gates, ton (Chelmsford): to be Priest-in-Charge, bury): has resigned with effect from 15 Day 35 Exodus 37-39, Psalm 29, Mark 2 Priest-in-Charge, Great Barton; and Priest- Rettendon and Hullbridge; and Rochford December 2012. Day 36 Exodus 40, Psalm 30, Mark 3 in-Charge, Thurston; and Rural Dean, Deanery Mission Development Adviser The Rev Andrew McMullon, Day 37 Leviticus 1-3, Psalm 31, Mark 4 Thingoe Deanery (St Edmundsbury and (same diocese). Chaplain to the Forces, RAF: to be Vicar, Day 38 Leviticus 4-6, Psalm 32, Mark 5 Ipswich): is now Vicar, Great Barton and The Rev Ian Wallace, Sedbergh, Cautley and Garsdale (Carlisle). Day 39 Leviticus 7-9, Psalm 33, Mark 6 Thurston (same diocese). Remains Rural Assistant Curate, Wisley with Pyrford The Rev Horace Boies (Dan) Mullin, Day 40 Leviticus 10-12, Psalm 34, Mark 7

Subscribe through the interactive PressReader app, to see the paper in large type or even have it read it aloud to you! Download the PressReader App on your tablet or mobile device and download to The Church of England Newspaper today. You can also subscribe to all future editions. Anglican Life Sunday February 3, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 13 Women’s ministry today By Jane Morris Earlier this month, a group of ordained women within the The prolonged processes of the General Synod looking at Women Bishops have made headline reading at home and Church of England who are part of the New Wine around the world. There have been serious questions in Network of churches in the UK, met with John and Anne Parliament. Many Christians have had conversations with bewildered and angry members of our local communities Coles, leaders of New Wine, to review recent decisions who just don’t get what it is all about. But within all these views, many ordained women have about women bishops. Jane Morris, a member of General found the situation particularly painful. Within New Wine there have been growing numbers of women in leadership Synod as well as being actively involved in New Wine in local churches across our denominations and traditions, many of whom minister within the Church of writes about the day England. When I was ordained priest in 1992, with the first leadership in the church. John came originally from a and many other matters. But the vast majority of those in women in the Church of England to take that step, a traditional conservative evangelical background, and he our various leadership teams are wholeheartedly relatively small number of us came from an evangelical reflected with us that some views he then held seemed to supportive of women alongside men in every area of tradition. But over the years growing numbers of ordained have been shaped more by the prevailing culture than that leadership and ministry in the church, and see this as women have become part of the New Wine network. We of the New Testament. Over time as he had thought and something fully consonant with Scripture. are now a significant strand of the growing numbers of prayed about the role of women in leadership in the Bible Alongside John presenting this wider picture, I was able women who are now experienced church leaders. My own and the church today he had come to a place of to talk from firsthand experience about the long journey heart and focus has always been as a local church leader. welcoming and affirming the role of women alongside towards Women Bishops within the processes of General Having been in various leadership roles within New Wine, men in every area of leadership and ministry including Synod. After so many years of consultations, discussions I am now a member of General Synod, and was able to the role of a Bishop. and votes, when we got to July last year we held back from a contribute to the day from having been involved at first John also movingly affirmed and thanked these vote because many present felt the provision offered had hand in recent debates and votes. ordained women for all the ministry, sacrifice and gone too far for the majority who are in support of Women The effect of the November vote for many of us was leadership that they had given. He shared with us some of Bishops. Yet in November the vote just failed as it was deeply painful and many are still grieving in a variety of the thoughts and tweets of a number of other leaders perceived by a minority as not having enough provision. ways. Most of us involved in ministry experience tough within New Wine, both men and women, who over recent Many on Synod think that there is very little room for times out of things we do. But this was painful months have expressed their sadness and frustration at manoeuvre between these two positions. Lots of us on on a deeper level of who we are and our our inability to come to a decision to Synod have worked hard to find provision for those who very vocation in ministry within enable women to be bishops. We could not work under the authority of a Woman Bishop. Christ’s church. Over the past looked at how New Wine is a But since November there has been a profound change in months, different groups have met to movement of churches with a that we have heard many members of Synod now express talk and share and pray – and it focus on mission and the thought that they would rather wait however long and seemed good to invite ordained ministry, where some who see Women Bishops alongside men in a ‘one-clause Anglican women within New Wine to are a welcome part of the measure’. meet with John and Anne Coles. We network, hold differing Many of those present found listening to John’s story of took time to worship, to listen to one views on this matter. his own journey, sharing in worship, conversations with another and to share in prayer For all those present on one another and before God and in prayer to be a great and a vision for the way the day, we knew many encouragement as well as healing and helpful. forward. of these as our In looking forward to the challenges this offers to those During our day, John well-respected of us within New Wine, we asked what ‘new wineskins’ Coles talked about his colleagues and the Holy Spirit might be leading us into. We thought there own journey of partners in the might be a challenge to some within New Wine to hear understanding and gospel. Thus the call of God into senior leadership within our vision for the there is no denominations, something we might have left to others. role of women ‘party line’ These are the places that set the backdrop to the mission alongside John and within New and ministry we are all engaged with and we wondered men in Anne Coles Wine on this whether more might be called into such roles. Raising questions about famine today

By Kirsten Birkett people are starving right now, we us with the resources to feed our- I can re member re ading some- own efforts to buy wisely, resist produce more than enough to selves - and we waste them. In an where that as a race, we are good useless promotions (supermarket A story that has been in the news feed them, but throw it away. act of appalling global incompe- at crises but terrible at the chron- deals such as ‘buy one get one lately concerns the way in which In the Bible, there are accounts tence, we let some starve while ic. (Apologies to whomever first free’ - encouraging people to take we feed ourselves. It seems an of God sending famine upon his others are employed to get rid of wrote that!) It describes us well - more food than they need, and astonishing 30 per cent - 50 per people for sin. We have no partic- the waste. brilliant at solving immediate wasting the extra - have also been cent of the world’s food that is ular re velation to say that he is It does seem to be the irony of problems but failing to organise mentioned as part of the prob- produced is never eaten. That’s doing it today. The deep irony the human race that we are so ourselves to live well. We can get lem). up to half of what we grow, effec- here is, he doesn’t need to - we do incredibly clever, and at the same to the moon but can’t get food There are various movements tively wasted. The causes vary. it to ourselves. time so bad at organising our- from field to plate. that try to encourage us to be In the developing world, it The situation is re miniscent of selves. We can develop new tech- One would almost think that more mindful of how we spend. seems the main problem is poor Romans 1. Several times in the niques of farming, irrigating and the description of the human race Of course, this can leave us with storage and transport methods, midst of a long list of sins that harvesting that massively in Genesis 1-3 were true. Created difficult choices on a small scale - so the food spoils before it re ach- people commit - essentially, wor- increase yield. We can look inside with the capacity to ru le the world should I buy the free trade prod- es the consumer. In the devel- shipping what is created rather the genome itself to create new under God, yet fallen; gifted with uct, or the one with fewer travel oped world, different factors are than worshipping the creator - we forms of food, re sistant to this or incredible ability, but stubbornly miles? But for each of us, in our at play. Partly it is use-by dates see a re frain: God ‘turns them that bug, with amazing new prop- re fusing to use gifts wisely. As a own small way we can try to use that are set too early by compa- over’. In its succinct way, it erties. We can develop a global species, we have succeeded in our God-given resources more nies eager to avoid the tiniest risk describes the way in which God market through fast transport, dominating our world better than sensibly and make our own small of contamination. Partly it is our grants us freedom to do what we re frigeration, food preservation. any other; individuals excel in dint on the mess we have created. fussiness as wealthy consumers - choose. That is, it doesn’t talk of Compare ourselves now to just brilliant discoveries and acts of And for the rest? Let us pray for we want food to look cosmetically God judging sin by sending 100 years ago, when modern mir- humanity; and we still can’t feed God’s mercy - he gives us what perfect, so anything looking plague, or famine, or other hard - acles were just starting to make it the starving. What a staggeringly we need. How frustrated he must slightly odd - even if perfectly ships. Rather, the judgement is to possible for diners in England to wonderful, sorry lot we are. be that we waste it. healthy - is thrown away before let people do what they want - and eat lamb from New Zealand. We As individuals, it can seem hard Kirsten Birkett is on the staff of it’s ever put on sale. suffer the consequences. have totally transformed our to know what to do. Of course, we Oak Hill College and is a member Whatever the cause, the result There is a parallel with what we capacity to produce food - yet we collectively have immense power of the Theological Work Group of is staggering. In a world where observe now. God freely provides still starve. as consumers, and can make our the Latimer Trust 14 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday February 3, 2013 Feature Whither - or Wither - Jewish- Christian Relations? By The Rev Patrick Morrow in parts of Europe, both to shechi- tah (Jewish supervised animal The celebrations are just a memo- slaughter) and to brit millah ry now. The Council of Christians (male circumcision). Again, a and Jews (CCJ) spent 2012 mark- threefold cord might be dis- ing its 70th anniversary. It was — cerned. and is — rightly proud that it is First comes the set of age-old the oldest national interfaith claims about the alleged cruelty organisation, formed in 1942 by of the practices. These are a Archbishop William Temple and hugely involved questions, but Chief Rabbi Joseph Hertz. That not ones the Jewish authorities their vision took concrete form in shy away from. precisely 1942 is a measure of Second is Western Europe’s how the organisation has always sense that normal religion is been on the side of radical hope. something like liberal Protes- In the middle of war and industri- tantism: it concerns doctrines, al-genocidal hatred, they insisted which are abstract and at least that another world is possible. sometimes optional, and ethics, Such hope is as needed in 2013. which are broad-brush only. CCJ is now examining with deep Third comes the ethos of ideo- seriousness where the dialogue logical secularism, which sees the is, and where true reconciliation autonomy of the individual (con- might be found. stantly free to reinvent one’s iden- As always, it depends where tity) as the only common or you look. CCJ’s work, generation public virtue. But – and this can- by generation, of interpreting not be stressed enough – Judaism each faith to the other, goes on. just does not start there. Main- The formal dialogue itself has stream Judaism is about what you reached a stage of maturity. Some do, inheriting as you do your look back at the Second Vatican responsibility to the Jewish peo- Council’s declaration, Nostra ple and to God. You are a creature Aetate, and find it old-hat and before you are a consumer. At over-cautious. More exciting may this level of generality, many be the first serious attempt at a Christians might feel the same. Jewish response (a controversial But we still struggle to under- one, of course), known as Dabru rity Trust recorded 586 attacks in sity. There is no monolithic ‘Jew- – power - Jews must pass a test of stand that it really does affect, Emet (Speak the Truth). CCJ also 2011, the fourth highest on ish view’ on it all, any more than moral perfection or be judged to often in great detail, everything has its own group for the Theolo- record.) We can see a new strong there is a Christian one. However, have failed. you eat, how you rest, and, yes, gy of the Dialogical Encounter. threefold cord: racial anti-Semi- there are sensibilities that are Again, when others call for the your sex life. Here, eight Jews and eight Chris- tism can combine with the shared by many Jews, whatever ‘illegal Zionist entity’ to be pushed The Council of Christians and tians have committed themselves Churches’ historic anti-Judaism, their politics. They call for empa- into the Mediterranean sea, this Jews is heartened by all it has to dialogue and theological analy- and increasingly with atavistic thy. cannot be domesticated as merely achieved. It is also blunt enough sis for three years. Gone are the feelings about the State of Israel. The fact is that historically forceful rhetoric. How can this to report back to the Christians: days when the only realistic top- (The attacks do correlate to Christians have often gloried in not be heard as deadly serious must try harder. Or, to put it posi- ics for discussion were Jewish fes- Israel’s prominence in the news.) Jewish powerlessness. They have and life-threatening to Jews who tively, let us renew our commit- tivals and Christian guilt! In this country, at least until interpreted it theologically as a have experienced in their own ment to Jewish-Christian dialogue Yet CCJ’s hope is very different recently, it has looked as if Jew- sign of God’s punishment. So, families the reality of genocide? in all its complexities, and pray from naive optimism. In our days ish-Christian relations will be when the contemporary situation The devils are in the details of our that it be, in the words of the the mood-music around the dia- dominated utterly by the web of is set up as an ill-willed Jewish- debates. But if ever we – all of us - Mishnah, ‘a controversy for the logue has shifted to a minor key. concerns that come under the Israeli polity surrounded by good needed to move away from a bina- sake of heaven’ (Avot 5:20). To be candid, those most heavily heading ‘Israel-Palestine’. It is a or neutral forces, this resonates. ry model of blame, it is here. The Rev Patrick Morrow is involved have seen and see deteri- many-sided conflict. No party It can look like the scales are Alas, there are reasons to Programme Manager at the oration. The Jewish community should be prevented from speak- unequal: while all other peoples expect additional tensions ahead Council of Christians and Jews reports an increase in anti-Semit- ing with passion, but all sides can more or less be trusted with for our domestic dialogue. Most and an Anglican priest in the ic activity. (The Community Secu- need to listen with the same inten- that ambiguous and messy thing obvious are the legal challenges Diocese of Southwark

PRICES HELD Subscribe to the Annual Subscription rates: UK £65, online edition for Retired: £55 (UK only) just £25 a year including free online edition Subscribe today! Europe: £90 (€140), Rest of World: £110 (US $220), I wish to pay by
cheque
credit card
debit card
other Please make cheques payable to Religious Intelligence Ltd Online edition: £25 Or call 020 7222 8663 With an annual subscription you can have full access to our website with enclose £ ____ ($____ ) or
I authorise you to debit my account with the amount of £ ……….. ($...... ) regularly updated news. Card number: __ _ _/_ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ Expiry Date:…...... /…...... Issue No:......

Simply fill in the form and send it to: Valid from: ...... /...... Security Code:......

Subscriptions Department, OR: you may transfer funds direct to our Bank at Barclays Bank PLC. Religious Intelligence Ltd, Sort Code: 20-57-06. Account No: 10298034. Account Name: Religious Intelligence Ltd 14 Great College Street, London, SW1P 3RX Name:...... Address: ......

Or visit www.churchnewspaper.com Postcode...... Daytime telephone: ...... and pay via PayPal Email...... Signature:...... Sunday Sunday February 3, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 15

When I was a child we used to be given a close friends with less than a dozen. Some weekly leaflet at Sunday school called of us prefer to have just one or two really ‘Friends of God.’ It had a coloured illustra- THE SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR close friends. God’s capacity for intimate tion on the cover depicting the Bible story friendship with each one of us is limitless. for the week and the story itself was inside. He knows us inside out and calls each one It was a simple but effective way to intro- By the Rev Dr Liz Hoare of us personally to follow him and become duce children to the God who reaches out his friends. to us in friendship. John’s decision to tell us about these par- In this first chapter of John we see Jesus Friendship is a precious gift that humans made flesh is that Jesus entered our world ticular five disciples is interesting. What calling five men to follow him. They may give to one another. It means many things of human relationships. Abraham was was special about them? We do not hear have known each other and been friends. and many have written about it in poetry called the friend of God, but now, God’s much more about some of them. Andrew Two were together with John the Baptist, and prose, celebrating it and commending friendship was being extended to all and Peter were among his closest friends one went to find his brother to introduce it. The orator Cicero said it was like the sun human beings everywhere and in such a but they ran away at the critical moment him to Jesus and a fourth went to find his that gives us warmth and light. Before him way that demonstrated real concrete rela- just like all the rest. Each one had a unique sceptical friend. Two were invited to the the author of Proverbs had reflected on tionship. calling, however, and became part of the house where Jesus was staying and spent friendship while the book of Job shows us Jesus spelled out the importance of initial proclamation of the good news of the rest of the day with him, a good way to how not to be a friend. friendship when he told his disciples that Jesus. get to know someone. True friendship combats loneliness and he no longer called them servants but They didn’t know where friendship with They certainly became closely connect- offers support, acceptance and understand- friends (Jn 15:15). God was in Christ offer- Jesus would lead. Little by little they got to ed with each other as well as with Jesus ing. It is risky. How amazing that Jesus ing the world friendship! It is said that we know him and learned to trust him. They from then on as they followed him and sought it for himself even as he offered it to have the capacity to be acquainted with listened to his words and watched his life. developed their relationship with him. others. One of the key features of the word around 150 people maximum and to be They got to know a person.

SUNDAYSUNDAY SERVICESERVICE Sunday Readings for 10 February 2013 Stormy Weather Sunday next before Lent - Year C Folklore sees February as a month for approval of female ordination. Similar forecasting. Britain being Britain, much optimism about building up numbers of the forecasting concerns the weather. attending church. Yes, certainly the num- Exodus 34:29-35 After all, talking about the weather is the bers have increased, but of female ordi- 2 Corinthians 3:12 – 4:2 nearest the British get to theological dis- nands, not pew squatters. cussion. As a one-time oil magnate, Justin Welby Luke 9:28-43a Also, as we’ve such a changeable cli- should be familiar with forecasting the mate, folklore forecasts don’t agree, but, weather, given the often stormy seas in fair play, a modern TV forecaster which many oil rigs are situated. When From the beginning of biblical history in the Book of Genesis, God has made himself known achieved fame by assuring viewers that the November Synod narrowly failed to to us, re vealing himself little by little according to our ability to re ceive him and to know him. there wouldn’t be a hurricane just before give the expected approval to the intro- For our Creator made us both to be loved and to know and to love him as our Father, so that the 1987 hurricane struck. duction of women bishops he said that we might glorify him and enjoy him forever. But there is such a vast gulf between our fallen However, being born in February, I can the outlook was ‘grim’, and with his pred- nature and the holiness of God, that our mortal flesh is not permitted to see him, for to do so provide a forecast that’s infallible. You ecessor, forecast that the Church would would be fatal for us. Instead he at first re veals his Word to us in holy scripture, in the law should avoid my Lottery numbers if you be marginalised unless it got in step with handed down to us by Moses, and through his prophets. Moses, who is the leading figure in want a chance of landing ‘the big one.’ majority secular opinion favouring the the Old Testament and a small number of those chosen by God, are enabled by special gifts Send me a tenner and I’ll tell you my measure. of grace to glimpse the Lord and to live. In turn the terrified Israelites are permitted to numbers. Cheap at the price, and the One forecast that could undoubtedly behold the re flected glory of the Lord that causes the face of Moses to shine, but even this nearest I’ll get to receiving any money have been made, and would be guaran- must re main veiled until Moses re turns to the presence of the Lord. from the Lottery. teed to be correct, was It is not a re flected glory that inspires the ministry of St Paul but the Holy Spirit, who Back to February that if a vote doesn’t go empowers the Church to bear public and joyful witness to Christ without the need of any weather. February the way that ‘right-on’ intermediary such as Moses. The veil in the Temple which formerly separated the holy of was seen in folklore as opinion demands, holies from all except the high priest has now been torn in two, and God is no longer hidden a rainy month, hence you’ll have to vote from our sight, indeed he is dire ctly at work in each one of us, for as Paul affirms, the Lord is the month’s nickname again, EU style. If the the Spirit, and he comes to liberate us from the darkness in which we were once confined. Fill-dyke. ‘February Holy Spirit speaks, and Before the coming of Christ we were prevented from seeing God, for our own safety, but now Fill-dyke, be it black doesn’t give the in Christ the veil is re moved and we may look with our own eyes upon the glory of the Lord (rain) or be it white answer wanted, you who has been re vealed to us. That glory re mains hidden wherever minds re main closed to (snow)’. You couldn’t must have misheard. the gospel, where people look for an intermediary rather than turn dire ctly to the Lord. But escape getting wet, As for marginalisa- where the Spirit of the Lord is at work, his people are being re newed in the image of God, and probably this tion, that’s likely to something which is not to be hidden away or kept private, not a thing of fear or of shame, but month we’ll get the occur even if Justin is on the contrary, a powerful sign that the word of God is alive and active within us, proclaim- expected soaking. succeeded by Justine. ing the truth about Jesus openly and publicly for all to hear. Unlike our simple ECUSA has pioneered In the Old Te stament God prepares the way for the re velation of himself in the person of forebears, we now the route that the CofE his Son, who is to be Emmanuel, God-with-us, the one of whom John declares that “the Word build on flood plains, is now following and became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from so whether we get rain has become the fastest the Father, full of grace and truth,“ (John 1:14). First comes the Law and then the Prophets, or snow, February declining church in bearing witness to God’s love for his people, providing for them and calling them to re pen- could be better named Western Christendom. tance in preparation for his coming as Saviour. Moses and Elijah were uniquely privileged to ‘Flood-dyke.’ Equally, you can forecast that Codes of draw near to the Lord, and to re flect his glory, but Peter, John and James witness for them- However, cheer up. ‘If February give Practice will be as ignored as the High- selves the transfiguration of Jesus, which comes from within him and signifies that he is the much snow. A fine summer it doth fore- way Code. Conservative evangelicals and Lord. Here on this mountain the types and shadows of the past on Mount Sinai are fulfilled in show.’ So, if the snowflakes start falling, Anglo-Catholics will become as the person of Jesus, whose authority is immediately confirmed by the voice which they hear go to your laptop, start on-lining and book oppressed as they now are in ECUSA. from heaven, and dramatically demonstrated the next day in the deliverance of a boy who up an English seaside hotel for the sum- Away with gloom. Back to Candlemass, has been possessed by a violent and unclean spirit. mer. No need to dally with Dubai or bake Festival of Light. Light driving away Feb- The Rev Stephen Trott in Benidorm. ruary’s gloom, but light that, in Simeon’s On the other hand if February starts words, is also accompanied by a sword well, watch out. ‘If Candlemass Day be that pierces the spirit. One fears that, HYMN SELECTION fair and clear. There’ll be twa winters in despite the Archbishop-designate’s opti- the year.’ More of Candlemass anon - to mism, the soul of the Church of England Hymns for Sunday before Lent use folklore speech, as we’ve strayed into will be pierced in the years ahead. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord that realm. Anna also gave voice at the Purification, How lovely on the mountains It’s not just weather forecasting accord- but what Luke says she was, points to a Lord, the light of your love ing to folklore that’s difficult and where role that might have been a better one for The Spirit lives to set us free forecasts conflict. the modern church to have granted O for a heart to praise my God Think back to 1980 and the coming of Christian women rather than priesthood From glory to glory advancing the ASB. Abandon the Book of Common and episcopacy. Anna was a prophetess. Blest are the pure in heart Prayer and the crowds will start flocking How the church today needs prophets Seek ye first the kingdom of God back to church said the liturgical lore- rather than fallible forecasters. Christ, upon the mountain peak ists. In fact, it’s the pews that have been And ladies, in Biblical times, the O gladsome light, O grace abandoned at a more rapid rate than ever Prophet outranked the priest. before. Then there was 1992 and the Alan Edwards c Milestones

A groundbreaking new campaign was launched this week specifically calling on the church to

increase the num- ber of blood and organ donors in the UK. Founded as a two-year partner- ship between cre- ative agency KORE

and NHS Blood and Transplant, the ini- tiative aims to pro- file the need for more blood and organ donors and encourage donation as an alternative way of personal giving within churches… The Associa- Is Richard tion of Christian Financial Advisers welcomes the Dawkins no decision by the Advertising‘ Standards Authority PAUL longer a (ASA) to uphold complaints against a payday threat to the Church? loan company over its advertising claims, with RICHARDSON ACFA calling for tougher legislation against loan sharks and a cap on interest rates… Church and World How the church today needs urgently to shake off the disabling shackles of hierarchy and bureaucracy so that it can The sort of leaders be free to travel light, to embrace an altogether new asceticism… to live the Church needs the gospel light so that the There is a saying among politicians ments that would probably have light and life of Jesus may that only Nixon could go to China. secured the passage of legislation be the more manifest to In other words, changes of policy for women bishops. all are best executed by someone who Judgements on Rowan Williams’ has upheld the status quo. Only a time at Lambeth are influenced by Former Archbishop of prominent anti-communist could how people assess his leadership York, Lord Hope make the trip to Maoist China with- style. For his admirers, like Tom out arousing allegations of a sell- Wright, this amounted to a Christ- out by the Right. like attempt to make sure everyone ‘People Rowan Williams did not have this was heard and no one felt brow- been a great Archbishop of Canterbury. What- room to manoeuvre in dealing with beaten; for critics, like Giles God- ever his shortcomings in political skills and as homosexuality. When he became dard, his vulnerable leadership a leader the Anglican Communion was still in The Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Archbishop of Canterbury evangel- style was unhealthy in that was too existence when he retired and the Church of Jones, will be retiring in August on his 65th birth- icals were suspicious because of much focussed on the suffering England was still just about holding together. day... The Trustees of Together for Sudan have his well-known liberal views. As caused by disagreement and divi- If he failed to take the sexuality debate much appointed Peter Hullah, former Principal of Andrew Goddard makes clear in sion. further, he was in other ways an Archbishop Northampton Academy and senior educational his new book, Rowan Williams: His Chris Rowland finds clues about for the times. adviser, to be their new Director, in succession to Legacy, it was even difficult for him the Archbishop’s approach to lead- He went to Lambeth just as the New Atheist Lillian Craig Harris, who is stepping down for to encourage official theological ership in an article he wrote on attack was gathering strength and if Richard health reasons... The Bishop of London, the Rt reflection by the Church on the William Blake in which he dis- Dawkins is now seen as no threat to the Rev Richard Chartres, licensed and installed the issue of sexuality and the debate cussed the poet’s distinction Church that is in no small way due to the Rev Mark Aitken last week as Master of The was left to pressure groups. between contraries and negations. Archbishop’s credibility among people who Royal Foundation of St Katharine, a charitable Reading Goddard’s account it is There is a sense, Rowland sug- do not count themselves as believers. If the foundation which operates a retreat and confer- impossible not to conclude that the gests, in which the Archbishop has Church can produce someone like that, peo- ence centre based in Limehouse, within the heart Archbishop made some bad mis- been trying to keep opposites ple have concluded, militant atheism is too of London’s East End, following his appointment takes. He was wrong to let Richard together, acting in belief that ‘you crude and too undiscriminating in trying to by HM The Queen in June 2012... The Rev Ruth Harries and Tony Sadler persuade need to keep both poles in play and write religious faith off altogether. Worsley, until recently Parish Development Offi- him to agree to Jeffrey John’s lead it to God at the last judge- Issues of culture and style of the kind cer for the Diocese of Southwark, was collated as appointment to Reading but once ment.’ addressed by Fresh Expressions matter but the first-ever female Archdeacon of Wilts on Mon- he had made the decision he All this goes very well with an ultimately most people stay away from church day night at St John’s Devizes… should have stuck by it when John apophatic emphasis in theology but because they do not believe. The Church had given assurances that he was it can be frustrating in a leader who needs leaders who can commend the gospel celibate and would not challenge appears unwilling to point a way in a sensitive and convincing way to new gen- the Church’s teaching. forward. But as Goddard shows, in erations of seekers. Few bishops have this Next Week’s News Williams was right to argue that what is often a very positive assess- skill. Some are good communicators but lack as Archbishop of Canterbury he ment, when it came to mission and theological depth. There were times when A National Day of Prayer for Marriage is being had to uphold the official position evangelism Williams did offer a Rowan Williams struggled to communicate held today, Sunday 3 February, by Christian of the Anglican Communion but his clear lead. Here he was like Nixon but hardly anyone doubted he had something groups opposed to the Government’s introduction critics have a point when they say, going to China, arousing the suspi- important to say. What is significant is that the of the same-sex marriage bill... On Monday 4 as Peter Selby remarked to God- cions of theologians on his own Church England had to look outside its ranks there will be a ceremony in St Paul’s Cathedral dard, that if Williams believed what Catholic wing of the church like to find him. where the Dean of Canterbury will confirm to the he wrote in The Body’s Grace he John Milbank, by his embrace of There is now no diocesan bishop who has Episcopal Commission that Justin Welby has must have thought this position Fresh Expressions. served as a Professor of Theology in a univer- been elected to become the 105th Archbishop of was right for the Church. As Goddard also argues, sity. Appointments secretaries put their Canterbury... In place of the scheduled meeting of In Goddard’s account Williams Williams demonstrated by his own emphasis on what they imagine to be appro- the General Synod, the House of Bishops will comes across as passive and lack- example of dialogue and conversa- priate management skills and dioceses look meet from 4 – 7 February to consider progressing ing in political skills. This lack of tion, by his readiness to accompany for bishops of conventional views who will not legislation on the ordination of women to the epis- political skills was also shown in his people on their journeys of faith, a rock the boat. The fact that a new Archbishop copate... Saturday 9 February has been designat- failure, until late in the day, to push style of evangelism that is appropri- has been chosen who spent only a year as a ed National Libraries Day, and the Librarians’ for the acceptance of the Anglican ate for the present age. diocesan may be a tribute to his abilities or it Christian Fellowship are encouraging their fellow Covenant or to persuade the Gener- In the long run I believe Rowan may be a judgement on the system and the believers to promote libraries during and beyond al Synod to get behind amend- Williams will be judged to have bishops it has produced. this day...

© Copyright 2013, The Church of England Newspaper. Registered as a newspaper by Royal Mail. Published by Religious Intelligence Ltd, 14 Great College Street, Westminster, Londo n, SW1P 3RX, Telephone: 020 7222 8700. Imagesetting by Classified Central Media Limited, 4th Floor, Central House, 142 Central Street, London, EC1V 8AR, 020 7216 6400. Printed by Mortons Print Ltd, Newspaper House, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6JR. Tel: 01507 523456. Newstrade distribution: Comag Specialist Division, Tel: 01895 433800.