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

W e l c o m e B i s h o p R o be r t E u r o s t a r C o m m u t e r

E u r o p e a n E a s t e r S o l e m n i t y a n d C e l eb r a t i o n

R e a d e r s ’ i n R e v i ew A V a l u e d M i n i s t r y

T h i n k B e f o r e Y o u S i n g H y m n s U n d e r t h e M i c r o s c o p e

F a c eb o o k P h e n o m e n o n T e c h n o l o g y K ee p s u s T o g e t h e r

europe.anglican.org No.62 SUMMER 2014 2 MEET THE EUROSTAR

THE E u r o p e a n h e ew i s h o p A n g l i c a n T N B N o w A r r i v i n g

The Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe designate Robert Innes o n P l at f o r m F i v e The Suffragan Bishop in Europe The Rt Revd David Hamid Postal address: Diocesan Office Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1160 Tuesday 6th May was the twentieth Email: [email protected] anniversary of the official opening The Diocesan Office of Eurostar in a joint ceremony with 14 Tufton Street, London, Queen Elizabeth 2nd and President SW1P 3QZ Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1155 Mitterand of France. It was a fitting Fax: +44 (0) 207 898 1166 Email: day for the arrival of the new [email protected] bishop designate and the formal Diocesan Secretary announcement of his new role. Mr Adrian Mumford Appointments Secretary Miss Catherine Jackson Finance Secretary Mr Nick Wraight­ Diocesan Website www.europe.anglican.org Editor and Diocesan Communications Officer O n A r r i va l – Th e F i r s t I n t e r v i ew The Revd. Paul Needle Postal address: Diocesan Office Email: [email protected] When Canon Robert arrived Tel: +44 (0)7712 463806 for the formal announcement Friends of the Diocese Secretary: Rev Canon Arthur Siddall of his appointment he was met Email: in London by a camera crew [email protected] and faced his first interview Design Adept Design, Norwich and began by telling us... Printer Colchester Print Group, Attleborough Distribution I’ve been senior chaplain of Holy Trinity I haven’t always worked in the church CoDEStorm plc Brussels for the last 9 years. It’s been a though. My first degree was actually hugely exciting ministry. People come in engineering. I began working life in to Holy Trinity from 30 or 40 different electricity power stations and then worked countries – everyone from diplomats to in business consultancy in London, before refugees. About a third of our people are feeling called to when I was 30. from Africa. More recently I’ve also had How do you feel about becoming the next the role of representing the Archbishop Diocesan Bishop in Europe? of Canterbury to the Institutions of the I feel excited, privileged and not a little European Union. daunted. I’ve been fortunate for the last Before moving to the continent, nine years to live in Belgium, a country Front cover picture: our family lived for 16 years in County in which the northern Germanic and Bishop designate Robert arrives at Eurostar’s Durham in North East England. There I southern Latin cultures of Europe meet. St Pancras International from Brussels. was involved in theological teaching and in The journey is likely to become a regular I know first-hand what it is like to live part of his routine in future. ministry to former mining communities. away from one’s home country. And I BUILDING LINKS AND BRIDGES 3

The next Bishop of Gibraltar in Durham (1995 to 1999) after which Europe will be Canon he spent six years as Vicar of St Mary Dr Robert Innes, currently Senior Magdalene, Belmont. Chaplain and Chancellor of the Pro- He moved to the Diocese of Cathedral of Holy Trinity Brussels. Gibraltar in Europe to become The appointment has been Senior Chaplain and Chancellor made by the Archbishop of of the Pro-Cathedral of Holy Canterbury, the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of Lokoja, Trinity, Brussels in 2005. He was a representative appointed by additionally appointed a Chaplain to the Standing Committee of the Her Majesty the Queen in 2012. Anglican Consultative Council and Canon Robert Innes will be the Primates’ in consultation with commissioned and consecrated on Canon Robert Innes is 54 and is representatives elected by the diocese the 20th July 2014 at Canterbury married to Helen. They have three and the Central Members of the Cathedral. The new bishop will be daughters and a son. Ruth was Crown Nominations Commission. based in Brussels and work closely married this Easter and is working Canon Innes was educated at with the Diocesan Office in London. in the civil service fast stream Cambridge University and is an He says “My home will continue programme. Philippa is in her engineering graduate. He worked in to be in Brussels and the office of penultimate year of school. James electricity power stations and a major the Bishop and his Chaplain will be is studying International Relations international business consultancy at St. Andrews University and before training for ministry at based there. Though I can imagine Cranmer Hall, Durham in 1989. I might become known as the Rebecca, who will be getting He served his title in the Diocese Eurostar Bishop, as I expect to be married this summer is teaching of Durham whilst also working commuting between Brussels and English near Cambridge. as a lecturer at St John’s College, the Diocesan Office in London.”

O n A r r i va l – Th e F i r s t I n t e r v i ew know about the particular challenges exerts a healing and reconciling How are you facing the challenge and opportunities open to Anglican influence on its members and more ahead of you? churches on the continent. Of course widely. And as a consequence, it Of course there is the immediate our diocese is hugely diverse, between is attractive and probably growing practical challenge of setting up a new the north and the south, east and west, numerically. office on the continent. But let’s be and I’m hugely looking forward to clear, the diocese is not primarily a Where will you be based in your new visiting parts of the territory that I bureaucratic structure, but a family of role as Bishop? currently know less well. God’s people from many backgrounds My home will continue to be in and cultural traditions. It is about What is your vision for the diocese? Brussels and the office of the Bishop I picture every parish or chaplaincy and his Chaplain will be based there. people needing the help and comfort of the diocese providing a welcoming Though I can imagine I might become of pastoral ministry and the chance to spiritual home. In my dream, the known as the “Eurostar Bishop” with grow in their faith. worship and sacramental life of each commuting between Brussels and the For myself, there is the spiritual church moves people to experience diocesan office in London. preparation for consecration in July. God’s love. The church is genuinely It’s usual for a bishop to live within Becoming a bishop, becoming bishop open to seeking God’s will for its his diocese. Brussels is well known of this diocese, is something no one future and is willing to take some as a political and diplomatic centre, could do in their own strength. I shall risks to change. It is a community but it’s also a major religious centre, absolutely be dependent upon the where people from all backgrounds with the Synagogue of Europe, many grace of God and the energy of the feel valued and accepted. Its members Non-governmental Organisations Holy Spirit. are growing in confidence in and the offices of the Conference of At the foundation of this ministry understanding and expressing their European Churches relocating there. is prayer. So please do pray for me. In faith. It has at least one focus for It’s fitting that I’m based in one of the return, I will be praying systematically outreach. It’s a place where children nerve centres and cultural melting pots for the archdeaconries, chaplaincies and young people are helped to of mainland Europe whilst also being and structures of our very special, far- contribute and belong. The church convenient for London. flung and diverse diocese in Europe. 4 FROM PALMS AND PSALMS

A Ve r y E u r o p e a n E a s t e r

Around the Diocese Holy Week and Easter were marked in diverse ways and locations. After a record number of stories and pictures were sent to our website we can publish here just a few to recall a memorable 8 days in April.

Palm Sunday procession in Florence

Portable pool Easter baptism in Istanbul

Foot washing in Yerevan, Armenia

Sunrise service on a mountain top above Fontainbleu, France Good Friday Stations of the Cross in the Spanish mountains TO EASTER 5 EXULTATION

Maundy Thursday Altar of Repose in The Easter Frie was lit in Escorial Hamburg a hill town near Madrid

Youngsters in Budapest prepare the Easter candle

A pause for prayer on the Good Friday walk near Lyon, France

In Ostend, Belgium, Holy Saturday was marked with an Easter Spring Clean

In Gibraltar Cathedral the Dean watches the teleprompter for his broadcast Easter Chrism oil ready to be blessed Open air Good Friday worship in greetings in The Hague Nerja 6 AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING

W e D o n ’t S i n g t h e Ky r i e s o n Pa l m S u n d ay

they know we have a choice about Paul Needle, Diocesan whether to come or stay and watch Communications Officer, television at home. Films are available at various times of the day, not just reflects from Britain on the the single showing at 7pm. Cinema challenge of leading church is available at times to suit our busy worship in a parish in lives with facilities aimed at making sure we come for a return visit soon. East Anglia. Although seasoned commuters habitually grumble about their service, transport companies also The Palm Sunday service was due seasons and holidays being observed focus on our “customer experience” to start, with its procession from the even though few of the townsfolk (leaving aside the question of when Market Square to the church and the attended on Sundays. We marked the did passengers become customers?). long plainsong setting of the Gospel annual carnival with a parade, the fair Trains and buses now try to tempt written in the 16th Century. I listed came and, if we were lucky, a circus us with more frequent services at the components of the service with the too. Our enterprising local cinema times to suit us and with comfortable Musical Director and was corrected managed to offer a change of bill seats and wi-fi on the move. Back in by an interruption from a choir three times a week and for ninepence the 1950’s a Summer vacation job at member. “We don’t do the Kyries on you could watch films that had the local bus company headquarters Palm Sunday” he said, and that was already done the rounds of the bigger taught me that buses were then run final. Clergy usually know where establishments. for the convenience of the operator and how to pick a fight so, although In 2014 you can still go to the rather than the customer. there is no liturgical precedent in cinema and catch a recently released Shops, from the small independents Common Worship or elsewhere to blockbuster although it will involve to the supermarkets who vie for omit the Kyries on this Sunday I went a drive of at least ten miles to get our custom, are equally focussed on along with it, noting the fourth main there. Inside there is thick carpeting, the “customer experience”. What is Anglican creed “We have always done a choice of up to seven different more, we have been schooled over the things this way here!” cinemas projecting the finest quality years to let them know if the service I was brought up in a small town of picture with surround-sound doesn’t meet our extremely high in Northamptonshire where fifty which makes your seat (complete expectations. years ago, despite two world wars, with a stand for your wine glass and My passion for news and they “always did things this way” in popcorn) shudder with the vibrations. communication dates from early days just about every area of local life. The Cinema owners now talk in terms of of listening to the wireless (never year had a regularity with the church the “Customer experience” because knowing that some years later I CLIMATE CHANGE NEEDS 7 A RESPONSE would be broadcasting on local radio) and delivering newspapers on my n v i r o n m e n t twice daily paper round where, still E astride my bike, I would always stop in some suitable doorway to check out N o t e s the news I was delivering. Communications have seen a B y M a d e l e i n e H o l m e s seismic shift in the past fifteen years. Newspaper sales are falling steadily as we get the latest information from Spring was so beautiful this year… I have heard many people non-stop rolling news on television say this. Was it more beautiful than other years or are we and increasingly on social media. beginning to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us I wonder? Local journalists now find that Twitter is their fastest and primary Are we seeing the ugliness and pain in our world also? The horrendous source of breaking news. We live in a floods around the world, the hurricanes, loss of life and destruction. The topical news-focussed world where as destroying of oceans, rivers and forests by large conglomerates, the someone observed “We have masses of needless killing of whales, dolphins, and seals and animals in zoos as information with very little wisdom to well as in the wild. After loving God we are reminded that the second process that information.” commandment is to love others as ourselves and this means caring for our A little “mind game” I often play surroundings and those of our neighbours, whether they are in Patagonia, during a journey on a route I know Prague or Peterborough, or wherever we all live. well is to try and see the experience In February, 2014 we saw Christian Aid and Operation Noah joining through new eyes. How would together to host a Fringe meeting at General Synod prior to the Synod this be if it was the first time I had debate on the motion from Diocese of Southwark. We pray that Synod will travelled this way? I recommend the lead on the Environment front. idea to seasoned churchgoers when As more and more people produce reports on the state of Climate attending worship. Has the building Change we can so easily become confused and decide to take no action. been adapted to be comfortable? Should we not believe in Climate Change we are still beholden to care for Are the services at times to suit busy what has been given to us and to cherish and nurture where we live. We can people and attract people to come for still conserve our food and water, waste little and enjoy making something the first time? Are we up to date and new from something old. topical in our prayers for the church First and foremost, we can pray, regularly. In our own prayers and in our and for the world – reflecting major churches’ intercessions, we can ask God to bless our world and to pray for events as they happen? Are we using wisdom and discernment. new technology to aid our worship? Secondly, we can act. Creationtide is a special time around the world Powerpoint presentations can offer for prayer and action (September 1st – 4th October). This year as well as visual help for people to understand holding a special service of Thanksgiving for Creation, perhaps it would be Bible background or aspects of church good to Act. Hold a special walk and picnic to explore the habitat you live in life. Are we offering a musical concert and celebrate! Hold a sale of work, vegetables, pickles, jams, in celebration or solo or keen to encourage people of the food we have and to share. Have a litter collection in your area, a to sing – in an age and culture where happy band of people improving where they live and being witness to our corporate hymn singing is out of neighbourhood. Do a little planting or sowing of seeds in a waste piece of fashion, even before the FA Cup Final? ground. Is there someone in your church who loves their garden but cannot Churches in the Diocese in manage it? How about a team to mow and clip and sow??? Europe are less likely to suffer from the “we’ve always done it this way” I am sure you have many ideas, if so, send them to my blog for sharing syndrome because in many places Mad4theenvironment.blogspot.fr (especially in France, Spain and Italy) new congregations are being formed and have yet to build their traditions. Elsewhere we have a faster turnover of clergy and congregations than the typical UK based Anglican churches. The Gospels tell us that The Lord was anything but predictable. We who worship Him would do well to follow His lead and look at our services through a stranger’s eyes. I don’t imagine Jesus bothering too much about whether we sing the Kyries on Palm Sunday! 8 A PRINCESS VISITS MOSCOW NEWS g allERY pi c tur E S a nd s to r iE S fro m Euro pE. a ngli c a n.o rg

Fr Bob Bates, Chaplain to St Vincent’s in Portugal’s Algarve led a pilgrimage to mark St Vincent’s day. He offered prayers, standing by the oldest known statue of Vincent (dating back, it is believed to the 15th century). St Vincent is also the patron saint of winemakers, a fact which was honoured by the walkers as they raised a festal glass in his memory at the end of the walk. St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Moscow welcomed the Princess Royal during her intensive two-day programme to the Russian capital following her visit to the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. When Princess Anne arrived at St Andrew’s Canon Simon Stephens introduced her to senior members of the church and groups of parishioners. The Princess toured the building – which in Soviet times was taken over and used as a recording studio because of its famed acoustics – taking in a number of groups and projects, starting with a drop-in on the St Andrews playgroup.

Voices were raised in Anglican praise in the Languedoc Rousillon area when Rev Stafford Low led a Sunday Choral Evensong in the historic L’Eglise St Etienne in the centre of Uzes. The English musical tradition, with the Duke’s Singers led by Philip Baxter, was well received in this French church.

G E T t h E l at E s t NEW S fir s t o n o ur W EBs i t E o r T W i t t ER FLORENCE LINKS WITH 9 MALAWI CHURCH NEWS g allERY pi c tur E S a nd s to r iE S fro m Euro pE. a ngli c a n.o rg

Fr William Lister from St Mark’s Florence shared in celebrations at the consecration of the newly- completed church of St James’ Masuku in Malawi a project almost entirely financed by St Mark’s. The visit included liturgical dancing and exchange of gifts. He says “The people of Masuku are a creative, hardworking and long-suffering population, whose greatest need is to be given the opportunity to demonstrate their inherent worth and ability. This is most evident in the school ‘alumni’, all of whom have achieved successful professional careers and who were present at the church consecration service to pledge their assistance to others.”

A church in one of Europe’s oldest ports found a suitable setting for a Council Womens’ World Day of Prayer was meeting in a member’s workplace overlooking the harbour to start the process of marked across the diocese in many recruiting a new for St Alban’s in Copenhagen. places including Menorca where church members dressed for the The tranquil setting allowed six hours of deliberations led by acting Archdeacon occasion. Peter Potter offering members time to outline their vision, its implementation and “some ‘do’s and don’ts’ of the process.”

G E T t h E l at E s t NEW S fir s t o n o ur W EBs i t E o r T W i t t ER 10 NEW AREA DEANS PLAY THE GAME

A r e a D e a n s B o l s t e r t h e Pa s t o r a l Te a m

“If you want a job doing, ask a busy person!” goes the saying. For the early months of this year 6 In April, after the end of normal Archdeacons have been travelling BSM business, twelve Area Deans hundreds of miles visiting churches joined the meeting in Woking for an and spending many hours each week intensive 24 hours of briefing, sharing on administrative duties as well as and training. It proved a good time leading busy churches. When it to formally licence two new Area transpired last year that the diocese Deans, Rev Ken Dimmick from would not be granted Church Germany and Rev William Lister Commissioners funding to make from Italy. Archdeacons’ posts full-time and With the aid of a professional single-focussed, an alternative way trainer and facilitator, participants to ease some of their burdens was the worked in small groups and tackled The postcard game with a purpose appointment of more Area Deans to games involving postcards, crayons assist them. and other toys to focus on some of the The , Archdeacons and important issues facing our churches senior staff in the diocese meet in Europe. several times a year for Bishop’s Staff Since Area Deans provide regular Meetings, known as BSM although visits to clergy and congregations and as one member observed – not to be assist in the formalities of recruiting confused with the British School of new , an important aspect of Motoring! These meetings are key training was about making good parts of the smooth running of a appointments and understanding the diocese which spans nine time zones pastoral care and legal demands of and serves a wide range of countries preparing parish profiles, advertising Feedback from participants was and cultures. Typical agenda items and interviewing. positive as many Area Deans valued are reports from each archdeaconry, The table top games interaction the opportunity to meet their recruitment, safeguarding and advance was also a good way of focussing counterparts from distant lands and planning. The two day meetings are in on the practical issues of the work share their experiences, concerns a residential setting which means that of Area Deans with “blue sky and vision. The Area Deans will business sessions can begin early in the thinking” for the future development join senior staff for a similar event day and end late. of their ministry in the diocese. next year. READERS’ 11 ROUND-UP

C o n f e r e n c e s , C o n t e m p l at i o n a n d C o m m u n i o n P r e pa r at i o n

The ministry of our Readers is reflected in this first of a regular series in The European Anglican. Readers and church members are encouraged to send us pictures and stories about the work and activities of these trained, skilled and talented lay leaders.

E u r o p e E n t e r s t h e “N at i o n a l” S c e n e A delegation of five Readers from the Bishop also spoke about the need Diocese went to the National Readers for adequate theological training Conference in Milton Keynes in for Readers and a national standard April. Jan Waterschoot, a Reader for this training. Another subject from Trinity Church Eindhoven in he touched upon was: What is a The Netherlands says the Chairman Reader really? A person running of the Central Readers’ Council around from church to church to Rt Rev Robert Paterson, Bishop of keep them open and take more and Sodor and Man, offered a challenging more services while the numbers of integrated in the total Ministry perspective explaining how many priests are going down? Or rather lay- Division of the Church? other lay ministries are developing theologians who can teach and preach Jan says “It was a good meeting! alongside Reader ministry. Several the Word, not even necessarily in Wonderful worship, lots of friendship dioceses find due to this development churches but everywhere, in public, and fellowship. Readers sharing that the title ‘Reader’ is out of in work places. Why should there be among one another about their date and should be replaced by for a sharp line between lay and ordained ministry and charging their batteries example ‘licensed lay minister’. The ministry. Should they not both be again to keep up the good work.”

You Have to be R e a d e r ’s R o l e i n G o d ’s S un S h i n e s Fit to be a Reader! a n I n t e r r e g n u m o n P r ay er In April John Errey, a Reader at The added value of Readers is “Spirituality is caught, not taught” it St Andrews in Pau, in Southern proved by their ministry during an is said, but a group of Readers from France travelled north to Paris where interregnum. This year St Andrew’s around the Diocese found spiritual he ran in the Paris Marathon. He chaplaincy, Costa del Sol East (who and practical help for their ministry completed the 42.195km in 5hrs are currently seeking a new Priest) at a training conference in Woking 27mins 01sec coming in 36,952nd, were given permission from the in Britain. As one Reader in training and in doing so raised funds for both Bishop to prepare children for First commented “sunshine reflects St Andrews and Cancer Support Communion. On Palm Sunday the warmth and laughter which France Gascony, a charity offering at Calahonda, the eldest Sunday permeated the course, as well as the, support to English speaking Cancer School member Antonio David Soria at times, intense but informative sufferers. St Paul’s image of the long led the procession and the palms content. A deal of soul searching was distance runner will no doubt feature were blessed by Reader Caroline required, and we all left feeling tired, in one of John’s sermons soon. Macfarlane. but content, I think.” 12 HYMNBOOK SONGS OF REVOLUTION

S i n g Wh at Yo u M e a n a n d M e a n Wh at Yo u S i n g

John Bell, a member of the Iona community, writer, broadcaster, musician and minister in the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, was the keynote speaker for the Gibraltar Archdeaconry synod in February. His theme “Music in forwarding the Gospel,” reviewed how our music, theology and ministry are inextricably linked. Paul Strudwick recalls an amusing and challenging talk.

“What we sing is what we end up are drawn to music and hymns that resonate with the experiences and believing” said John Bell quoting are familiar, and yet if we pause to expectations of people who come examples of music that is, in essence, consider the words that we sing, to our churches to develop their political, ranging from “Rule we might begin to wonder what relationship with God and Christian Britannia,” rallying support for the sort of church it is to which we community in a modern world. British Empire, polemic songs for and belong.” How many times have What we sing tends to be non- against slavery in the USA, wartime clergy introduced a hymn then controversial, but this is not true songs (such as, “Yes, we have no thought, “There’s no way that I everywhere. John related his bananas,” making light of shortages), would preach these words!” In experience of hearing and being to the rallying songs of the 1960s, fact, sometimes there has been an drawn to Latin American Christian such as “We shall overcome.” urge to stop the hymn and issue a songs, and translating some into Hymns are the folk songs of the disclaimer. English, only to feel that the words church which shape people’s theology John Bell cautions against the sounded a bit too Marxist for the more than what we preach. When use of new music for the sake of it Scottish church, and setting them the best sermon is forgotten, “Jesus and describes the worst excesses of aside. A few years later, while reading loves me,” or “Here I am Lord,” will some contemporary religious music Psalm 94, the words sounded vaguely be remembered. We learn, often as “commercial rubbish,” often with familiar, and he realized that they subliminally, much of our theology a “narrow, imperialist theology.” were the basis for the Latin American from what we sing. We sing without Equally, music that is intended to be songs he had earlier set aside. Psalm really listening to the words which the focus of a performance, rather 94 was almost certainly said or sung nevertheless enter our consciousness. than congregational participation, by Jesus! Almost all the hymns about Jesus run counter to the intentional trend The English Hymnal has tell us only that he was born, and in our worship to make it more produced some quite beautiful music that he died through crucifixion, participatory, so that what we call over the centuries but as John Bell with hardly anything about his liturgy can truly be “work of the points out there is a lot of other ministry and teaching. This offers people,” which is what the word beautiful music that can engage, an emaciated understanding of Jesus. means, rather than the performance as well as draw out the meaning of We inherit a popular Christology that of a few for the amusement of a words that adhere to the message of he is nice and quiet, (“Gentle Jesus, congregational audience. the Gospel and Christian tradition. meek and mild”) leading to the belief Instead, we can take advantage of He concluded: “What we sing can that Jesus was never angry. But what tunes that we know, yet with words and should lead us to encounter the about when he called the Pharisees a that reflect a theology that is more magnanimous God, who is waiting brood of vipers? in keeping with that of our church, to be found, and who is waiting to John said; “In our churches we that can be heard, understood, and set us free, in the truth.”

A fuller version of this article may be found on http://anglicanchurchmenorca.com/archdeaconry-synod-john-bell-on-music/ KEEPING IN TUNE 13 AND TIME

“W i t h o u t M u s i c , L i f e W o u l d B e a M i s ta k e ”

So said the German Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and as John Bell observed (article on facing page) music is at the heart of Christian worship. Anglican churches around Europe are blessed with some fine choirs in our Cathedrals and many city churches across the continent.

Some of our churches possess fine organs which can lift smart cueing of hymns given. The result may not please worship and provide a solid backing for congregational all ecclesiastical music purists but the experience in France singing. But not every hymn or worship song is best may help other congregations with their music in “quires accompanied on the organ and many smaller and newer and places where they sing”. congregations meet in places where an electronic keyboard is considered a luxury. Barry Coffey, Churchwarden at St Michael’s Beaulieu sur Mer in Southern France found himself facing a common ROSEHILL FURNITURE GROUP problem – what do you do when you have a beautiful church with a fine organ but discover that your organist is about to Leading church furniture supplier for over 30 years. be away for some months? He says “Having somebody who ‘can play a bit’ is generally not a good solution. No music is in many ways preferable to bad music. We found that it really isn’t difficult to produce good quality liturgical music simply and efficiently from the many resources available.” Barry and the congregation in Beaulieu were not originally enthused at the idea of pre-recorded accompaniment for worship, using what might be considered an ecclesiastical karaoke machine. They were surprised to find a set of CD’s entitled “No Organist No Problem” with 40 discs covering a Rosehill Furniture Group are one of Europe's leading wide range of hymns, mass settings and other liturgical music. The styles vary from traditional organ to contemporary. delivering to European Anglican churches. He says their experience taught them that “A proven workable system involves using a laptop computer with a CD At Rosehill we are dedicated to providing our customers player and a good set of speakers. Worship must be planned with greater choice, quality and service at the best possible and prepared and that means listening to the recorded track value. to ensure it is the tune that you expect. You can then prepare a ‘Playlist’ for each service so that all the music is easily To discuss your requirements, request a quote or brochure, accessible and portable on the laptop. contact our sales team on 0161 485 1717 “At St Michael’s Beaulieu sur Mer we use the Companion email [email protected]. 5 system by Bosé and find it excellent although the size and strength of the system required depends on the size and Our new online shop is now open, buy online today acoustics of the church. Remember that the sound will differ www.rosehillfurniture.co.uk greatly when the Church is empty and full.” Barry points out that the system has worked well and We’re social too…. there is room for flexibility in the number of verses played @Rosehill_Group and a little forethought and technical rehearsal allows the 14 A VERY SPECIAL ORDINATION

I n F l a n d e r s a n d F u r t h e r A f i e l d CLERGY Churches around Europe are being ON THE encouraged to mark this year as the MOVE centenary of the outbreak of World War One by planting poppies in WELCOME TO suitable locations. churches with this act of commemoration. Canon Philip Plans are also being made for special events Lambert, Canon The idea began in the new diocese of and services around mainland Europe, Missioner and Head of Mission for Truro West Yorkshire and the Dales where which includes the sites of many battlefields, Cathedral who is to congregations were sent packs of poppy not just those of the First World War. be Assistant Chaplain seeds but is ideally suited to our own We would encourage you to send in Greater Athens, widespread diocese. information, reports and pictures of with responsibility It is hoped that we can report a bumper activities within your church for publication for St Thomas the Apostle, Kefalas in crop in a wide variety of places. It is a in future issues of The European Anglican Crete from July simple yet powerful way to associate our and on the diocesan website. Rev Vickie Lela Sims, formerly Vicar of St Andrew’s, Coulsdon (in the Diocese of Southwark) is now Chaplain of All Saints, Milan, with the Church of the Ascension, Lake Como and The Church of the Holy Spirit, Genoa in Italy

MOVING AWAY Rev Dr Robin Philip Stockitt, who was Priest-in-Charge of Freiburg-im-Breisgau, Germany moved in May to become of Dunamana, the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe in the Church of Ireland

RETIREMENTS Rev Peter John H i s t o r i c O r d i n at i o n i n V i e n n a Hales, Priest-in- Charge of Christ Bishop David writes: Church, Coutances in France retires at the On Sunday 30 March, in the presence of Fr John is a pioneer in ministerial terms. beginning of June brothers and sisters from the Diocese in Several years ago, as a Reader, he worked Europe and the Old Catholic Diocese of to establish a congregation in Skopje in NEW HONORARY Austria, I presided at the ordination to the the FYR of Macedonia. Now in Yerevan ASSISTANT priesthood of the Revd John Barker. under Fr John’s leadership, Anglican life is BISHOP The service was in Christ Church Vienna, beginning to flower again, after a hiatus of Rt Rev Michael John where Fr John is technically an assistant more than 10 years. Colclough, formerly serving under the supervision of The Catholicos of All Armenians, His Canon Residentiary of St Paul’s Cathedral Archdeacon Patrick Curran. But his real Holiness Karekin II, has graciously given in London has been ministry is in Armenia where he lives and us the use of the beautiful Church of St made an Honorary where he has a particular responsibility Zoravor in central Yerevan. We give thanks Assistant Bishop in to develop the Anglican congregation in for the warm relations we enjoy with the Europe. the capital city, Yerevan. The preacher for Armenian Apostolic Church and pray for the service was the Diocesan Director of John’s pioneering work in Armenia, for the Ordinands, Canon William Gulliford. strengthening of Anglican ministry there. SPREADING 15 THE WORD

We have also shared news and M a k i n g t h e photos about the new Senior Chaplain in Oslo, about the process of finding M o s t o f a new Chaplain in Copenhagen and about the Revd Amos Manga, who S o c i a l M e d i a serves the White Nile Congregation in Northern Finland, when he was Pauleen Bang from Copenhagen temporarily trapped in South Sudan. explains how a scattered Photos from our Deanery Synod meetings are also shared in our Deanery benefits from a wise Facebook group. Our last Deanery use of Facebook. Synod meeting was in Trondheim in Norway and this year we will be Within the Nordic and Baltic meeting in Canterbury. Deanery (part of the Archdeaconry Many of our posts are inspired by of Germany and Northern Europe), Bishop David’s Blog, including which is made up of 7 countries – prayers for the Church in Kiev and Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, the people of Ukraine, the meeting Estonia, Latvia and Iceland – we between the Roman Catholic Church cannot meet too often, as it would be and the Anglican Communion to too costly. We have discovered that combat human trafficking and the fact Facebook is a good way of keeping in that we have clergy in the Deanery touch. We share news, discuss topics • What was happening at the General born in Canada, Iceland, Cyprus, of mutual interest and generally keep Synod, with special emphasis on Burundi, South Africa, Finland and in touch. the next steps on Women in the Sudan. In recent times, we have had Episcopate and the voting on this, And then there are simply stories discussions about such diverse and on Madeleine Holmes’ maiden we share, like a Sunday School teacher subjects as: speech and our role in Shrinking the in Stockholm, originally from South • Mothering Sunday and the various Footprint. Africa, who was actually at the Nelson “Mothers’ Days” in our separate • The process of finding a new Bishop Mandela Memorial and the April Fool countries, and how we could link for our Diocese story on the Diocesan website. these, so that locals would be more • Funding (or lack of it) for so-called Obviously not everyone in the inclined to come into our churches. “freestanding Archdeacons” Deanery is on Facebook, but we hope Rev Tuomas Mäkipää (chaplain in • Why Adam and Eve are most often to encourage a few more to join us on Helsinki) was the instigator of this portrayed in paintings with belly this useful way of keeping in touch interesting discussion. buttons over such incredibly long distances.

O u r s e lv e s a s O t h e r s S ee u s

Our churches are often blessed from England before she became with good news coverage from Norway’s modern queen in 1905.” Good journalism should also local media who often see this be educational and the newspaper diocese of the explained some of the mysteries of as something worthy of note. the Anglican Communion with its 80 million members scattered around A recent article in a Norwegian the globe, before focussing in on the newspaper featured St Edmund’s in Diocese in Europe and its unique Oslo. It noted that the 70-80 strong ministry and mission. regular congregation represented a Ven Brian Russell, the recently explains; “We welcome ambassadors typical “expatriate” church, with arrived priest at St Edmund’s and beggars to communion; wealthy people from “England, Kenya, explains that the choir reflects the business people, scientists and poor Australia and Bermuda.” church’s international flavour with students meet here” adding that “It is The report detailed the long history members from 15 different countries. a church that gathers people together of the church in Oslo, since 1884 and A Kenyan churchgoer describes it for family celebrations such as the fact that Queen Maud (1869-1938) as a “home away from home” and baptism, weddings and funerals, while preferred to worship there because “the a Norwegian worshipper praises we strive to provide a good artistic liturgy and hymns were what she knew the breadth of membership. She offering through organ concerts.” 16 THE WAY WE WERE

D i o c e s a n L i f e a C e n t u r y A g o

In May 1914 World War One had yet to become a horrendous reality in Europe. Churches in the forerunner of our present Diocese were enjoying an Indian Summer with the Gazette recording the variety and joy of ecclesiastical life.

The Bishop, The Right Reverend Henry Joseph Corbett Knight announced he would be spending May in England. He had recently licensed a Lay Reader, Ernest Darley, in Palermo and recorded a series of confirmations there and in Rome, Taormina and Venice during what had been a series of travels up and down the length of Italy during March and April. He was pleased to note that English visitors had a choice of two Anglican churches in Florence. The Gazette was “splendidly circulated in Florence and much interest seems taken in it”! From there he travelled by train to Siena noting the extra-ordinarily beauty of the countryside “It makes one long for a bicycle and three spare days.” But although the Bishop obviously enjoyed his travels there were weightier matters on his mind. It was high time for a Diocesan Office to be established and he spelt out the challenge in the Gazette. Did the churches then fear for the burden on their share of Common Fund as we know it now? Elsewhere in this edition there were stern words over an allegation that a Roman Catholic seaman had been refused the ministrations of his own priest in one of our churches on the Côte d’Azur. There is a long account of “A Jewish baptism in Algiers” and an obituary for a Crimean stalwart, William Henry Lyne, who had been in regular contact with “the great Florence Nightingale”. Looking ahead a pastoral conference was planned and we may wonder what was resolved in answer to the two major questions posed. It was encouraging to read that the Mothers’ Union Incorporated appeared to be flourishing in the diocese a hundred years ago. Although the Secretary seems to have been based in Britain there was then, as now, every encouragement for churches to consider forming their own branch.