Nigel The latest INSIDE Nelson on arts and the fracking media, fiasco, p14 p13

THE FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 No: 6193 www.churchnewspaper.com PRICE £1.35 1,70j US$2.20 CHURCH OF ENGLAND THE ORIGINAL CHURCH NEWSPAPER ESTABLISHED IN 1828 NEWSPAPER Vicar trades lessons in the Church leaders welcome faith for lessons in sailing vote against Syria action

REACTION OF THE CHURCHES bishop John Sentamu warned areencouraged to seek afuturethat and religious leaders to the vote on against intervention in Syria, saying they can inhabit together. intervention in Syria in the House of that ther ewas no mandate when the “Wealso urge that priority is given Commons was overwhelmingly posi- UN inspectors had not finished their to aquick and humanitarian tive. investigations and that it would be response to the thousands of Syrian No vote was taken in the House of wise not to bomb the countr y. people affected by the violence.” Lords but the Archbishop of Canter- “I think Christians on this are Pope Francis issued an urgent buryjoined awide range of speak- divided,” he commented ,“but my appeal for peace in Syria in remarks ers, including retired diplomats and position in terms of ‘just war theory’ last Sunday .Hedeclared that this militaryleaders and former Foreign is that whenever ther eiswar it is a coming Saturday would be aday of Secretaryand Anglican layman, sign of sin and the broken relation- prayer and fasting for peace, two Douglas Hurd, in opposing military ships in people. Waralways creates days befor ethe US Congress is action. evil but sometimes not to go to war expected to debate Syria. He con- In his speech Archbishop Welby creates evil.” demned the use of chemical said that the consequences of mili- The new Chief Rabbi, Ephraim weapons but was careful not to taryaction wer eunpredictable and Mirvis, alluded to the situation in blame the Syrian Government. that ther eshould be no resortto Syria in asermon at his installation Quakers in Britain also welcomed arms until all other possible steps last Sunday .With Ed Miliband and the vote in the House of Commons. had been taken. former Tory leader Lor d(Michael) In astatement acknowledging ‘the He quoted aChristian leader in Howardboth in the congregation as difficulty of deciding an appropriate the Middle East who warned that well as the Prince of Wales, he said response to the atrocious situation in ‘intervention from abroad will he prayed ‘for politicians to have the Syria, they thanked MPs ‘for their declareanopen season on the Chris- wisdom of take responsible deci- careinmaking this difficult deci- tian communities’. sions in these days and weeks of sion’. “If we take action that diminishes challenge’. Janet Symes, Head of Middle East the chance of peace and reconcilia- Aspokesman told the press that at Christian Aid, said that Parlia- tion, when inevitably apolitical solu- the Chief Rabbi was deliberately not ment’s decision opened the way for tion has to be found, then we will taking astand on the issue. the UK Government to promote have contributed mor etokilling and Leaders of the United Reformed peaceful alternatives for resolving this war will be deeply unjust,” he Church, Methodists and Baptists in the Syrian crisis. said. Britainhavegiven thank sfor the “The UK Government can play an The Archbishop concluded that vote in Parliament. important role in bringing about a the Government had failed to In astatement the three church political settlement by bringing all demonstrate that intervention would leaders said: “W eare thankful that parties to the table at the Geneva Nigel Rennie taught the Rev Andy Norris how to sail after be effective in preventing any fur- our MPs carefully considered the peace talks in order to help towards Andy had taught him about Christianity,during the 10- ther use of chemical weapons and difficult matter of milita ry interven- aprocess of dialogue that can bring week Alpha course that explained the basics of faith. The pleaded for astrategy that would not tion in Syria and decided to reject it. the conflict to an end,” she said. 53-year-old sailing instructor and examiner was partof add to the total of refugees in the Our prayers ar enow that diplomatic Like other charities, Christian Aid Andy’scongregation at St Mary’sChurch, Warsash. Nigel region. means ar eused to bring government is providing emergency relief for was one of 3.3 million people in the UK and 22.5 million Appearing on the Andrew Marr and opposition leaders to the negoti- those affected by the conflict in people worldwide to experience Alpha. Show last Sunday morning Arch- ating table and that divided parties Syria, Lebanon and Iraq.

ANDREW CAREY 7 •L• ETTERS 8 •P• ETER MULLEN 9 •C• OMMENT 9 •C• LERGY MOVES 17 •A• NGLICAN LIFE 18 •P• AUL RICHARDSON 20 2www.churchnewspaper.com FridaySeptember 6, 2013 Inside... The original Church newspaper Concern grows over Rose Castle future CONCERN is growing about the futureof Rose Castle, the historical home of the Bish- ops of Carlisle, whereeven some of the wall- paper is listed. The present Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev James Newcome, is the first not to live in the Castle, which is situated just outside Carlisle at Dalston. He lives in aformer Vic- arage in the centreofKeswick. News ...... 1-6 In 2011 the Church Commissioners Your Church ...... 2 agreed in principle to the sale of Rose Castle UK News ...... 1-4 but agreed to postpone the sale after peti- World News ...... 6 tions werelaunched and acampaign was started to save it. Comment The Friends of Rose Castle was set up and given until this autumn to raise money to Andrew Carey ...... 7 buy the Castle. Plans wereannounced to Whispering Gallery ...... 7 open the Castle to the public and appoint a Letters ...... 8, 16 projects officer but little happened. In July Leader ...... 9 John Miller,chief executive of the Heritage Peter Mullen ...... 9 Trust for the North West, revealed that the friends group is no longer in existence and Parish retreats ...... 10 -12 that discussionsonRose Castle’s future Books ...... 12 wereata‘difficult stage’. Nigel Nelson ...... 13 The bishop is understood to have been Arts and Media ...... 14 reluctant to get involved in the campaign to Janey Lee Grace ...... 15 save the Castle but now reports in the local Crossword ...... 15 press say that he is one of three people to have formed anew foundation to make a The Record last-ditch efforttosave the historic building. Classifieds ...... 16 The names of the other two foundation Clergy Moves ...... 17 members have not been announced but Anglican Life ...... 18 their plan is to turnthe building into acen- and Iwant to see it used in the best possible The issue has aroused agood deal of feel- Sunday Service ...... 19 treofreconciliation. way and if possible for some kind of reli- ing in the diocese and thereisastrong Peter Brierley ...... 19 “I feel acertain responsibility as aBishop gious purpose.” desiretosee Rose Castle retained in some Paul Richardson ...... 20 of Carlisle given that all my predecessors In order to buy Rose Castle the new foun- way for the church and the local community People ...... 20 have lived thereand operated from there,” dation will have to raise alarge sum of but Bishop Newcome has told the local Milestones ...... 20 he said. money.Ifthe money cannot be found, the press that if the new foundation cannot raise Next week’s news ...... 20 “Also, it is one of our heritage buildings building is due to be sold next June. the money thereis‘no plan B’. News from Your Church your diocese

Bath and Wells:Since the launch of the ‘Creating Voices: years. “They have painted an icon of Derby’s patron saint, they then used to retell the biblical storyof‘Jonah and the Oral HistoryProject’ in Januarythis year over 20 people St Alkmund, to leave with the Cathedral as apersonal gift,” Whale’. Outside games, atreasurehunt, craft activities and from Bath to Brighton have already come forwardtoshare said GeoffRobson, the Cathedral Exhibitions Officer. singing songs werealso partofthe programme. The holi- their memories of helping restoreBath Abbey.However, day club was runjointly by St Jude’s Church in Palmerston the Abbey still needs help in finding morepeople who may Hereford:Onthe night of 13 September seven Hereford Road and St Simon’s Church in Waverley Road. It was the remember working on the Abbey’srestoration between city churches areplanning to be open with events from first joint holiday club between the two churches and vol- 1942 and 2000. The aim is to build up acollection of crafts- 7pm-Midnight offering worship, silence and stillness, chil- unteers from both congregations helped lead the free people’s stories and to bring to life two crucial periods in dren’s activities, music, bells and refreshments. Each of activities. the Abbey’s history: the post-war period and the turnof those involved have designed their own programme. “It’s Rachel Duff, children, youth and families co-ordinator at the millennium. Bath Abbey’s Oral Historyteam is inter- an idea based on ‘Nacht der Kirchen’ in Nuremberg, St Jude’s, said: “It was great to be able to welcome children ested in talking to avariety of people, particularly those which the Anglican churches locally aretwinned with,” and families who don’t necessarily come to church. Every- who worked in the key areas. People who think they might said the Rev David Meachem, Minister at St John’s one seemed to have agreat time.” be able to contribute to this project as avolunteer or poten- Methodist Church. tial interviewee, should contact Ollie Taylor at Bath Abbey He added: “The churches areopen to everyone and you Southwell and Nottingham:During the Racial Justice on 01225 422462 or email: [email protected]. do not have to be achurch goer to walk through any of the Weekend, the 50th anniversaryofDrMartin Luther King doors.” Junior’s famous speech ‘I Have aDream’ will be celebrated Derby:‘Icons from Romania’ is Derby Cathedral’s Septem- The ‘Night of the Churches’ will startaweekend of on 7September at St Jude’s Church, Mapperly,and on 8 ber exhibition, which will be on display in the Sir Richard events at churches all over Herefordshire, Shropshireand September in Southwell Minster.The Weekend will Morris Lounge in the Cathedral Centrefrom3-30 Septem- Worcestershire. Morethan 250 churches arestaging a include aspeech by DeidreSheahan, Head of Paragon’s ber.The icons werereceived by the Bishop of Repton, whole range of happenings in their buildings from 14-15 Asylum and Human Rights Team, an interactive drama Humphrey Southern, at aspecial service in the Cathedral September.For full details, please visit: http://www.festi- called ‘Someone prayed’ by Millo Services and workshops on Tuesday.The artists behind the exhibition areahus- valofchurches.co.uk . will also be held and the Sunday service in the Minster at band-and-wife team, Condrea and Camelia Toma from Ras- 6pm will featurethe Rev Dr Rosalyn Murphy,Incumbent nov near Brasov,the capital of Transylvania. They both Portsmouth:Atatwo-day holiday club hosted by St of St Thomas’ Blackpool, who is the only female Black have anational reputation in Romania as church restorers Jude’s Church in Southsea 60 children aged betweenfive priest to preside over alarge Church of England congre- and icon painters, wherethey have worked together for 25 and 11 builtacardboard boat and created awhale, which gation in the UK.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News FridaySeptember 6, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 3 NEWS IN BRIEF New websitefor Dads Evangelicalsurged The nationwide initiative ‘Who Let The Dads Out’, helping dads and male carers to connect better with their children, has now an improved website: http://www.wholetthedad- sout.org.uk. Another development is that the founder of ‘Who Let The to be more positive Dads Out’, Mark Chester,isnow working for the organisa- tion The Bible Reading Fellowship, which took over respon- sibility for the initiative in March 2012. ARCHBISHOP WELBY returned to believe that ‘rewriting the natureof long time,” he said. the subject of homosexuality and marriage’ was the best way to end “The vast majority of people same-sex marriage at ameeting to discrimination against gay people. under 35 think not only that what we Floods devastate crops dedicate the new headquarters of But he then went on to refer to the aresaying is incomprehensible but the Evangelical Alliance in London shift in public attitudes towards also thinkthatweare plainwrong Philippine floods caused more than £7 million crop damage. last week. homosexuality as one of the biggest andwickedand equate it to racism Over 3.4 million people have been affected by the floods In his speech, the Archbishop social changes in recent historyand andother formsofgross and atro- after five days of heavy rains; 38 people have been killed, referredtoMartin Luther King’s ‘I to admit that the Church had not cious injustice.” thousands lost their livelihood. Christian Aid has now have adream’ speech and urged been good at dealing with homopho- Referring to polling data that indi- released emergency funds to local partner organisations to Christians to speak out in supportof bia, adding: “In fact we have at cates young evangelicals disagree provide essential food and basic household items. what they areinfavour of rather times, as God’s people, in various with the traditional line on homo- than simply being negative. places, really implicitly or even sexuality,the Archbishop said: “We An inspection Protestant church leaders He praised the Evangelical explicitly supported it. And we have have to be real about that, Ihaven’t ❏report, carried out ❏in Bolivia arebucking a Alliance for promoting food banks to be really,really repentant about got an answer and I’m not going to by the MinistryDivision new law they claim imposes and for recruiting to people ready to that because it is utterly and totally jump one way or another until my of the Archbishops’ religious beliefs contraryto adopt children and said it was time wrong.” mind is clear about this. Iamnot Council, which took their own and denies them the for the Church to make ‘an alliance Admitting that the discussion going into the trenches about this.” place in May,has right to be achurch. with the poor’. about gay marriage was continuing The Archbishop’s remarks were expressed ‘confidence The National Association of “One of the things that Ithink is and that the Church was deeply criticised as too little and too late by with qualifications’ in the Evangelicals of Bolivia intends most noticeable wherewemake a divided over the question, he said some gay leaders but anumber of Lincoln School of Theol- to file suit this week asserting bad impression in society at the that he was committed to not commentators detected signs of a ogy.Ithas praised the that Law 351 is unconstitutional moment is when we areseen to be excluding people who had adiffer- radical shift of opinion. “I think staffand highlighted the and demanding it be revoked. against things, and you talk to people ent view from his but to listening to thereisanirreversible shift of atti- leadership of Sally Law 351 stipulates astan- and they say they don’t want to hear them. tude under way here,” Andrew Myers but also made 11 dardised administrative struc- about afaith that is homophobic.” “I am continuing to think and lis- Brown wrote on his blog. recommendations for turefor all religious Asked by areporter for The ten carefully as to how in our society He described the Archbishop’s the development of the organizations that would force Guardian whether this meant he today we respond to what is the remarks as ‘a recognition of reality School including the churches to betray their true had changed his opinion about most rapid cultural change in this much clearer and moreforceful than consideration for ecclesiastical traditions, legal same-sex marriage he said he stood area that therehas been, well, I Rowan Williams could have permit- expanding their staff. adviser Ruth Montano said. by his vote because he did not don’t know if ever,but for avery ted himself.’ Seamus Heaney remembered

ARCHBISHOP Irish life, North and ment as First Minister of influence on his work will RICHARD CLARK, Arch- South, which perhaps NorthernIreland. be topic for debate when- bishop of Armagh and many of us would not Afuneral mass was said ever Heaney’s work is Primate of Ireland, was have understood without for Heaney in Dublin on discussed. one of many to pay trib- his writing’. Monday beforeburial in Perhaps one letter to ute to the Irish poet, Sea- Heaney grew up in a Bellaghy,County Derry, the New York Times came mus Heaney,who died Catholic family in North- but thereisdispute about closest to the truth in say- last week of aheart ernIreland but spent the just how Catholic or ing ‘though Mr Heaney’s attack at the age of 74. last 40 years of his life in Christian his work really trajectorytook him far Dr Clark described Dublin. was. Connor Cruise from his Catholic origins, Heaney,who won the He was astrong sup- O’Brien described his he never fully resisted Nobel Prize for literature, porter of the peace poem ‘North’ as giving Catholicism’s gravitation- as ‘one of the greatest process in NorthernIre- voice to a‘tribal Catholi- al pull, never denied its poets writing in the Eng- land and Martin McGui- cism’. In an interview in energy’. lish language of our ness has told how 2002 Heaney said his The Catholic Archbish- Winchester gets ready forChristmas time’. Heaney provided him Catholicism ‘was moreof op of Dublin described He hailed him as ‘a man with awritten copy on asociological termthan Heaney as ‘at hearta Tickets arenow on sale for Winchester Cathedral’s highly with agreat generosity of parchment of one of his anything else’. It seems quiet Irish man who acclaimed Christmas Ice Rink. spirit’ and said ‘his poetry poems to be presented to likely that the importance wrote our storywithout Situated at the heartofits Christmas Market, at the heart illuminated aspects of Ian Paisley on his retire- of Catholic and Christian rhetoric’. of Winchester Cathedral Close, and at the heartofWin- chester,England’s Christmas Capital, the real ice rink returns for an eighth year and is expected to enjoy its previ- ous popularity. Tickets are£9.50 (numer- ous concessions and group deals areavailable) and include an hour’s skating and skatehire. They areavailable from the Cathedral Box Office on 01962 857 276 or online from http://www.win- chester-

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 4www.churchnewspaper.com FridaySeptember 6, 2013 News Archbishop Sentamuwelcomes Andrew Marr after his illness

ARCHBISHOP JOHN SENTAMU received widespread range of issues as well as cautioning against any rush to In aprevious appearance on the Andrew Marrshow Dr press coverage when he clasped Andrew Marr’s hand on a take action in Syria. Sentamu took out his clerical collar and cut it up, saying he Sunday morning television programme and told the TV He warned the Chancellor,George Osborne, that five would not wear acollar again until RobertMugabe was no presenter and journalist, who has been offthe air for nine million people on ‘poverty pay’ will not benefit from any longer in power.Hestill wears his clerical shirtwithout a months following astroke, that the New Testament con- recovery. The Archbishop is astrong campaigner for the collar. tained an account of Jesus healing aman with adisabled living wage. On Monday Dr Sentamu announced that his Director of hand. “Five million people on low wages have not been well Communications was leaving after working for the Arch- After Marrsaid it was good to see the Archbishop back treated,” he said. “The trouble is the disparity between bishop for four years. after his illness with prostrate cancer,DrSentamu said: “I those earning low wages and those earning high [wages] KerronCross will leave his position on 13 September to would say the same. And Ijust want to say to you what hap- is so vast.” pursue other opportunities. pened to me when Ihad this terrible illness, friends prayed He spoke just after research by the independent Resolu- Paying tribute to his work, Dr Sentamu said he was for me, friends encouraged me and Ijust hope the same tion Foundation warned that low pay was hitting workers thankful for his professionalismand dedication and ‘God- will happen to you, you know.” aged 16-30 particularly badly.One in three of them are given passion for justice which has always been behind his The Archbishop promised that he was going to work receiving low rates of pay,compared with one in five in work’. hardsothat Marr’s hand recovered. Marrlaughed and 1970. Cross said he was grateful to have had the opportunity thanked him, adding ‘Needs some work on it, needs some The Foundation also said that the number of young to work with the Archbishop ‘who remains agreat inspira- work’. workers in part-time or temporaryjobs does not appear to tion for his generosity and commitment to fairness as this During the interview Dr Sentamu commented on a be falling. countryfaces difficult times’. Newreport highlights modern poverty CHURCH TEXTILES MORE CHILDREN are now living Data collected was compared to tion that allows them to get on in !09@H90) 1@C &9 0I(07709(0 49 in poverty than in the 1960s, a the 1969 report called Born To life. D0CG4(0, BF&74EP &9) AC@)F(E damning new report revealed last Fail. “We know from our work with C&920' 70&D0 G4D4E @FC H0' week. Commenting on the new families up and down the country D4E0 E@ D00 D@80 @1 @FC The National Children’s Bureau research, published last week in a - often already struggling to pro- 0I(4E492 )0D429D' carried out research that found study named Greater Expecta- vide their children with the basics - 3.6 million children are living in tions, chief executive of The Chil- the effect that major cuts to support %0 DA0(4&74D0 49 relative poverty, compared to 2 dren’s Society, Matthew Reed, are having on parents’ ability to (@884DD4@90) A40(0D &9) million by the end of the 1960s. said: “Britain has made huge make ends meet. In Britain today, &7D@ @110C DE&9)&C))0D429D @9 The study warned that Britain is progress over the last 50 years, many families are still being forced 4E08D DF(3 &D at risk of becoming a place where but this important report reminds to make harsh choices between put- ‘children’s lives are so polarised us that the economic inequality ting food on the table or buying new Banners, stoles, that rich and poor live in separate, that existed in the 1960s persists shoes for school. altar frontals parallel worlds’. today. “The government must do The poor children studied, with “And children from the most much more to protect children andpulpit falls. fewer opportunities available to disadvantaged backgrounds from the effects of cuts and end them, are disadvantaged due to remain less likely to have a the cycle of poverty that ruins too lack of ‘political will’, it is claimed. healthy childhood and an educa- many lives.” Faith schools’ ‘immoral’ discrimination

By Amaris Cole has become the religious equivalent of pay- ing cash for honours,” he writes. FAITH SCHOOLS cannot continue their “It would be unthinkable –not to men- . ' 0' &* ‘immoral’ policy of discrimination, alead- tion illegal –for entrytohospitals or 3%(% ,' ' ing Rabbi has argued this week. libraries to depend on aperson's faith. Why ! 0CH09E FD490DD 09EC0, In acomment piece in the Guardian, should schools be privileged? 7&C60 "EC00E, Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain claims segre- “It is alegal anomaly that is immoral and 0C'P,# !$' gating children based on faith is unaccept- should be rectified. The fact that such dis- Q#070A3@90 %#TT! TPPR% Q&I %#TT! !!# able, following The London Oratorybeing crimination is permissible because of spe- Q8&47 53(E(3FC(3*E0IE470D'(@'F6 ordered to change its admissions policy. cific exemptions in the Equality Act speaks The school in Fulham, west London, has volumes and effectively says: we know this www.church-textiles.co.uk been told it breaches the schools admis- departs from our normal standards.” sions code by The Rabbi, Chair of the AccordCoalition, stating parents says the mission of churches, which is to should partici- embrace the whole of society,not withdraw pate in church itself and cater for aparticular constituen- P$41 AA7 A2 A99A@ life for at least cy,isbeing reversed here. !C'I1C 5D&AFC 1C5E'31Q three years “From an educational point of view,itisa beforehand. perverse lesson that we areteaching chil- 18B FD C1E'5@5ED )A@E5@F10 FD12AC 2FEFC1 While this dren –saying everyone is equal, yet then 31@1C'E5A@D*A5@ E41 !C'I1CAA7 #A)51EI* case was specif- separating them by faith groups and there- $A 25@0 AFE 9AC1'(AFEE41 HAC7 A2 ' ic to the school, by creating an ‘us and them’ culture.” #A)51EI E4'E'0G'@)1D ')1@EFC51D,A80 which was the The article concludes with Rabbi Romain DBC5EF'8319* chosen institu- noting how some Church of England A@E')E '@ %AA041'0 A@ '%!' ' !T tion of both schools in the Diocese of London decided AC 6A5@ A@85@1 HHH*B(DH*AC3*F7 Tony Blair and to open their admissions to the whole area, Nick Clegg for whilst keeping their specific ethos. $41 !C'I1C AA7 #A)51EI "135DE1C10 4'C5EI A* %'#R* A* 595E10 (I F'C'@E11 A*TP! their sons, says this highlights abroader issue. The Rabbi ends: “I bet God prefers Rabbi Romain “Spending time in church to gain aplace them.”

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News FridaySeptember 6, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 5 Methodist relations ‘a priority’

By Amaris Cole Anglicans and Methodists have now the Covenant between our two Churches formed over 533 local ecumenical partner- has strengthened during this period. How- THE COVENANT between the Church of ships across the country. ever,thereisstill along way to go before England and the Methodist Church should Anumber of continuing problems were our two Churches areacting, and areseen be made a‘priority’, anew reportargues also identified however,including the need as acting, together in visible unity for the this week, given the progress it has made for further collaboration,consultationand mission of the church. in the 10 years since it was signed. decision-making at both national and local “I believeboth Churches will need to act The Joint Implementation Commission, levels. ever moregraciously towards each other established in 2003, has called for ‘Church The Church of England Co-Chair,the as they seek to overcome the obstacles leaders and decision-making bodies to Bishop of Coventry, the Rt Rev Christo- which prevent adeepening of our make the Covenant apriority in order to pher Cocksworth, said: “John Wesley’s pas- Covenant relationship. Our Reportchal- bring our Churches closer together in mis- sion and project to ‘reformthe nation... and lenges our churches to greater efforts in sion and holiness’. to spread scripturalholiness over the land’ their search for this visible unity.” The major reportcalls for both the is in urgent need of renewal. The Commission is welcoming feedback Methodist and Anglican Churches to con- “This important Reportchallenges the on the report, and will use these respons- sider how the 10-year-old Anglican Church of England and the Methodist es, along with the report’s recommenda- Methodist Covenant has developed the Church to work wherever possible in com- tions, to implement the next stage of the relationships between the two denomina- mon purpose and to take definite steps Covenant, which will be brought to both tions, helping both tackle the challenges of Rev Christopher towards acommon life in Christ, and in his the General Synod and the Methodist Con- mission. Cocksworth ministryand mission.” ference in July 2014. Numerous examples of the Covenant’s Also speaking at the launch, Professor The Report, aQuick Guide and aDraft success wereincluded in ‘The Challenge of Peter Howdle, the Methodist Co-Chair of Reporttothe Methodist Conference and the Covenant: Uniting in Mission and Holi- cation, ethical investment, safeguarding the JIC, said: “Weare pleased to present the General Synod 2014 can be down- ness’ report, including areas such as edu- and Fresh Expressions. this Report. The JIC sees many signs that loaded at www.anglican-methodist.org.uk. Former Anglican nuns move into RC Convent ACOMMUNITY OF one other former Anglican enclosed Benedictine NUNS attached to the nun who was superior of a Community on the Isle of Ordinariate, who werefor- community at Walsing- Wight. They had hoped to merly Anglicans, has been ham. continue to live side by allowed to move into afor- Mother Winsome, the side with the CSMV sis- mer Roman Catholic con- Superior of SBVM and for- ters who remain at Wan- vent in Birmingham that mer Superior of CSMV tage, many of whom are has been bought by a said: “Weare absolutely elderly and in need of Catholic layman and will overjoyed to have been care, but this did not be rented to them. given the opportunity to prove to be possible. The 11 Sisters of the live in this convent. We Among the SBVM sis- Blessed Virgin Mary have prayed long and hard ters arethree in their 80s J.John (SBVM) wereall formerly and the Lordhas opened and one who was ordained members of the Commu- up this way for us. It is a as an Anglican priest.The Nicky Gumbel nity of St Marythe Virgin gift from God.” Sisters have no endow- (CSMV) which has its For the past eight ment to supportthem but headquarters in Wantage. months the sisters have hope to raise funds by They have been joined by been living as guests of an organising retreats. BradfordcelebratesCathedral EastEnd One of the world’s most widely respect- tion in Bermondsey,just south of the ed glass artists is visiting Bradford Thames in London. Cathedral to give an illustrated talk on In collaboration with the Royal Acade- his unique glass creations –anArtspace my,Peter created anew collectionof event celebrating the 50th anniversaryof glass arttocelebrate David Hockney’s the dedication of the new East End of the exhibition ‘A Bigger Picture’ in 2012. Cathedral. The pieces interpret Hockney’s striking Peter Layton was borninPrague but use of light, colour and formand arethe fled the Nazis with his family at the age result of extensive experimentation in of two, travelling to Bradfordtojoin his the studio inspired by the breadth of As broadcast on UCB TV grandfather Victor Hecht, adoctor,who Hockney’s paintings. Each piece is had also managed to escape. unique and signed by Peter. For our full range of DVDsplease visit: He set up the London Glassblowing Areception and illustrated talk by Studio and Galleryin1976. It has Peter Layton is at 6pm on Wednesday 18 become one of Europe’s leading creative September: entryisfreebut booking shop.facingthecanon.com hubs for glassmaking. In 2009 London essential –donations appreciated. Glassblowing moved to its present loca- Church hit by lightning bolt Other conversations include:

Just as the service began on Sunday at Iraq, says it reminded him of abomb. Bethany Congregational Church in “When that hit here, Ialmost felt like Quincy,USA, lightning struck and every- hitting the deck. It brought things back one inside heardaloud noise when a quickly.But Iwas moreconcerned about Tom Mike Andrew Michael Matt bolt hit the steeple. the people hereinthe church and what Wright Pilavachi White Ramsden Redman The blast sent some debris from the they weregoing through. It shocked a roof crashing down to the pavement out- lot of them.” Pastor Bill Harding told side, and the pastor,who served atour in WBZ-TV.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 6www.churchnewspaper.com FridaySeptember 6, 2013 News Sydney’s Bishopscourt Court ruling is asetback on salefor £14.5m

BISHOPSCOURT, the residence of the Archbishop of Sydney,will be listed for sale this week with an expect- ed asking price of £14.5 million. for Episcopal Church The landmark 6216 sq mproperty on ahilltop in Dar- ling Point was built in 1841 and acquired by the Church of England in 1910 for £6,750. Over the years the prop- THE TEXAS Supreme Courthas nulli- The dissentingvotes in the Fort ance,” as their lawyers reviewed the erty was expanded with achapel, formal gardens and fied the Dennis Canon, holding the Worthcase did not dispute the majori- decision. reception rooms added to further the work of the arch- Episcopal Church’s property rules ty’s finding and accept the arguments “I ask for your prayers and urge us bishop. have no legal effect in the state. It of the national Church, but held the all to stay focused on the saving gospel Calls to sell the Gothic mansion had been raised in ruled that church property disputes hearing beforethe Supreme Court of Jesus Christ in the days ahead,” he the diocesan synod for the past 50 years, and in 2010 a aretobegoverned by the “neutral was prematureand the matter should said. motion to sell the property to help recoup the diocese’s principles of law” doctrine rather than have been litigated at the courtof The Rt Rev Jack LIker,Bishop of losses in the global financial meltdown wer erebuffed ecclesiastical law. appeal first. FortWorth rejoiced in the decision. by avote of 249 to 218. Suppor tfor retaining the prop- The decision marks the climax of In the Masterson case, the court He told the diocese the Supreme erty wa sfound amongst those who objected to dispos- the five year legal battle between the voted 7to2toreverse acourtofappeal Courthad ruled the trial courthad ing of the diocese’s patrimony and by those who national Church and Diocese of Fort decision which held the Diocese of erredinits decision and “must now believed that selling in the midst of adepression was Worth–effectively ruling that aparish Northwest Texas was the owner of the reconsider the merits of the case” not good stewardship. may quit its diocese and keep its prop- property of the Church of the Good based on neutral principles. “While However at the 2012 meeting, the Synod voted by a erty if it has clear title to its buildings, ShepherdinSan Angelo, Texas. The today’s opinions arenot final victory, two-thirds majority to sell the property .Proceeds from and that adiocese may withdraw from appeals courthad held that the nation- they indicate that afinal victoryisonly the sale will be used to build anew residence for the the General Convention of the Episco- al church’s property canon –known amatter of time.” archbishop and to further the work of ministr yinthe pal Church. colloquially as the Dennis Canon — Bishop Iker thanked the clergy and diocese. On 30 August 2013 the Courthand- required the courttoawardthe parish lay members of the diocese for “your An Australian real estate website, Domain.com.au, ed down its decisions in two closely property to the diocese under the the- faithfulness and supportduring this reported ther ewas interest in the property among watched cases —No. 11-0265, Episco- orythat the state must defer to ecclesi- trying period of time. …Patience and potential buyers. It quoted estate agent Craig Pontey as pal Diocese of FortWorth, et al. v. The astical law. prayers arestill required, but in the saying: “The prestige market has bounded back strong- Episcopal Church, et al.; and No. 11- The Supreme Courtrejected this end we will prevail.” ly this year which is why we’r econfident of getting 0332, Masterson v. Diocese of North- finding, ruling that “neutral principles Canon lawyer Alan Halley –who has morethan Aus$2 5million.” west Texas. of law” must governthe courts, where served as counsel for some of the In the FortWorth case, the Courtby it must look to property deeds and cor- breakaway dioceses in their battles avote of 5to4tooverturnalower porate charters to determine who with the national church –observed: courtdecision that awarded the prop- owns property in Texas. The Master- “Texas law will control the issue of Work on Zimbabwe erty of the Diocese of FortWorth to son ruling nullified in Texas the Den- who werethe trustees of the Fort the national Episcopal Church and its nis Canon –a1979 rule which states Worthdiocesan corporation on the rel- local allies. It held the trial courterred parish property is held in trust for the evant dates when crucial votes were hospital to restart in deferring to the opinion of the Epis- diocese and national church. taken. And that should bode verywell copal Church over the arguments of The trial courtwas directed to for Bishop Iker’s chances on remand. THE DIOCESE of Hararewill restartconstruction on a the diocese. review the dispute between the parish “Likewise, the issues of title areto rural hospital in Murewa that had been abandoned in It remanded the case to the trial and diocese and look to the deeds to be resolved by examining the various 2007 during the Kunonga years. court, instructing it to apply a“neutral determine ownership. deeds under Texas secular law —and Resumption of the building project is asign, the Bish- principles of law” analysis to the issues The provisional Bishop of Fort that, too, should work in Bishop Iker’s op of Hararesaid on 31 August, that the diocese had and determine whether the Corpora- Worth, the Rt Rev RayfordHigh, Jr., — favour.Title to all of the parish proper- been able to put its past behind it and “transformlives” tion of the Diocese of FortWorth had the bishop of the loyalist faction — ties is held by the diocesan corpora- of the people of Zimbabwe. complied with state law when it with- released astatement lamenting the tion. Thus if Bishop Iker’s trustees are Following the death of five members of the Wabvumi drew from the General Convention of decision. “For now,wemust all don the proper trustees in office, the prop- Guild, an Anglican men’s service organization, in a the Episcopal Church. the mantle of patience and forbear- erty will follow the corporation.” road accident in Murewa in 1997, the guild began a fundraising campaign to build acommunity hospi- tal to serve the 30,000 peo- WHEN ONLYTHE BEST WILL DO ple in Murewa –atown 40 miles north east of Harare. However con- When youare lookingtochange your motor car,why not trya struction was halted in friendlyand professional team who only supplyvehicles to 2007 when Dr Nolbert Clergyand Churchmembers? TheteamatPrioryAutomotive haveover35years experience in this field, and offeryou a Kunonga, the former bish- ‘tailor made’ topqualityservice,whilst alsopromising to obtain op of Harare, seized all of theverybestcar foryou. the diocese’s properties with the help of the securi- Over theyearstheyhavesupplied quality carsupand down ty services. The renegade thecountry,and withtheir “NoHassle”policy they do all the bishop then abandoned hardwork, justgivethem abrief of your requirements, and then leave it all to them. Part exchanging your old car is no problem, the work begun on St and every car Priory supply is thoroughly history checked and Clare’s Memorial Hospi- preparedbefore being delivered to your front door (Free of tal. Charge). Don’t just take their word for it, have alook at what In asermon delivered at their customers say on the ‘Testimonials’ page on their website: St Clare’s Mission in www.prioryautomotive.com Murewa for the Wabvuwi Join the growing band of satisfied customers. Priory won’t Annual Conference the Rt pressure you and they won’tsell acar to you, but they will let Rev Chad Gandiya said he you buy one, and they only supply the very best. So why not was proud of the work givethemacall and put them to the test? Youwill neverwant undertaken by the guild to trailaround the car dealerships again. to restartthe construction programme. Don’t forget if you are Clergy,Priory can help with the Church Commissionersloan too. “Weare in this together as aChurch and as your bishop, Iampleasantly surprised at the magni- For anyfurtherinformation, please tude of the work being call 0114 2559696 or visit done by Wabvuwi. We are proud of what you have done within the Anglican www.prioryautomotive.com Diocese of Harare.”

[email protected]/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Comment SundaySeptember 6, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 7

chemical weapons... That is most effective- suffer terribly... if action goes ahead. And ly dealt with by those who arepromoting that consequence has to be weighed the use of chemical weapons.” against the consequences of inaction.” He also rightly pointed out in the House The debate in Britain and America today AndrewCarey: of Lords debate that militaryintervention is much healthier,openand honest than it coulddamageChristian communitiesin was back in 2003. Lessons have been theMiddleEast. He said:“They have learned from the mistakes of the past. Yet already been devastated. Thereweretwo theremay also be too much caution in deal- ViewfromthePew million ChristiansinIraq 12 years ago, less ing with genocide of this kind. We must than half amillion today... They will surely achieve the right balance. Achieving the balance The dilemmas of education Irecall dreading the end of the summer holidays when Iwas growing up. I’m grateful It seems likely that therewill be afurther them on itsown people especially when it that my own children don’t seem to have the same sense of impending doom about a Parliamentaryvote on limited military is acountrylike Syria which has aided and returntoschool. action in Syria after further evidence is abetted terrorism. Islamist terrorists con- Ican recall veryfew happy memories of the comprehensive Iattended in the 1970s and released by UN weapons inspectors. tinue to pose athreat throughout the 80s. Many of the teachers werecomplete sadists, and those who weren’t often struggled Neither Parliament nor the government world. And the use of chemical weapons is to control classes. Bullying was much morerife than it is today. showed themselves in agood light last acrime so despicable that the international Teachers today aremuch better than they used to be. The ones Ihave come across at week. Infighting in the Conservative Party community has to deal with it. both Primaryand Secondarylevel seem to careabout the children they teach. Science and factionalism by the Opposition domi- It is to the credit of this government that and maths lessons, in particular,seem to engage children’s interest much morethan nated the debate. Furthermore, the deba- they didn’t tryto‘sex up’ the intelligence they used to do. cle of the 2003 Iraq Warand the dodgy use to persuade Parliament but it was amis- One of the points of contention between myself and my teacher wife, is over whether of incomplete intelligence to persuade Par- take not to wait until therewas morecom- Michael Gove is agood thing. On the one hand, Ipoint out that his concernfor academ- liament and the public, cast along shadow pelling evidence beyond ahigh degree of ic rigour,school autonomy and freedom must surely be agood thing. But then she points over the proceedings. probability that Assad was responsible for out new levels of bureaucracy and further testing –especially of phonics. Yetthe facts haven’t changed since 2003. the chemical attacks. All Ican say in response is that though Iwish Gove well with his reforms to exams and Thereisacase for militaryaction when an The Archbishop of Canterburysaid that the curriculum Ihope he will resist placing teachers under new pressures and burdens. unstable regime is in possession of any “intervention must be effective in The greatest gift he can give to schools is to allow them to do their job without external weapons of mass destruction and is using terms of preventing any further use of micro-management and bureaucracy. Dissident voice Titles and Protocol Christian leaders have been virtually unanimous is supporting the vote of the It is to be hoped that the new Chief Rabbi is less sensitive about slights to his sta- House of Commons on Syria but one brave dissident has spoken out. Nigel tus than his predecessor,LordSacks. LordSacks was far from pleased when his Biggar,Canon of Christ Church, and Regius Professor of Pastoral and Moral official car drove into the courtyardofLambeth Palace and drew up outside the Theology in the University of Oxford, wrote aforceful letter to The Times main door and the Bishop’s Chaplain, not Archbishop Rowan Williams, stepped pointing out that ‘failuretopunish the perpetrator of an atrocious breach of forwardtogreet him to ameeting of interfaith leaders. The Prince of Wales, the humanitarian intervention will encourage moreofthe same’. leader of the opposition and Archbishop Vincent Nichols wereall present at “The effects of Westerninaction in Syria arequite as uncertain as those of investitureofthe new Chief Rabbi, South-African bornEfraim Mirvis, in asyna- action,” he warned. He ended his letter by pointing out that ‘short-sighted gogue in St John’s Wood. Archbishop Justin Welby was not present. Instead he prudence can prove horrendously expensive in the long-run. Prompt inter- was represented by his new ‘Bishop at Lambeth’, Nigel Stock, who was vention to show the law has teeth is not only principled, but tends to be described in The Guardian as the ‘Bishop of Lambeth’. The Diocese of South- cheaper’. wark had better stamp on that one or they might find themselves with an addi- Averydifferent opinion was expressed by aretired dignitary,also once tional Suffragan. The Guardian was not the only media outlet to get confused attached to Christ Church but who ended his ministryatWestminster Abbey. over titles. The BBC Sunday Programme referredtoaplace called the ‘St John’s Dr Anthony Harvey wrote to the Financial Times on Monday to argue that Synagogue’. One event that was graced by Archbishop Welby’s presence was action against Syria would be an act of reprisal for which therewould be no the dedication of the new HQ of the Evangelical Alliance. His remarks there justification in international law.Punishmentorreprisal? Most church lead- about thechurchand gays made headlines in the press but, as Derek Tidball ers side with Harvey but they would do well to ponder what Biggar has to say. revealed in aletter to the press, they did not formpartofhis main address. He He is no war monger and gives as one of his hobbies ‘visits to militaryceme- made his comments in answer to aquestion from aGuardian journalist after first teries’ wherehenodoubt has plenty of chance to see the cost of war.Hehas saying ‘I had hoped not mention that issue today’. As Dr Tidball pointed out, it is anew book coming out next month criticising pacifism and arguing some- not the church which is obsessed with sex but the press. times war is necessary. The book includes adefence of the Iraq war.Get ready for all the critical reviews. The Whispering Gallery Lib Dem God Achangeofmind? Steve Webb attracted moreattention for his comments that God is aLib Jody Bottum is not ahouseholdname among Christians in Britain. Ajournalist Dem in the book Liberal Democrats Do God than he did for failing to sup- who writes regularly for the right-wing Weekly Standard, he took over from portthe Government on Syria. But the book itself was described quite right- RichardNeuhaus as editor of First Things only to be fired after afew years. ly by the reviewer on the Liberal Democrat Voice website as thin. Most of Now he has set offafirestorminthe Christian media in America with an arti- the essays arebetween three and four pages long and never really develop cle in Commonweal on gay marriage. It’s probably no accident that Bottum any argument at full length. Various devices areused to pad the book out. decided to publish in Commonweal since thereisnolove lost between the pro- Whole pages areleft blank, quotation boxes areused, spacing between gressive Catholic fortnightly and the traditionalist First Things. In the worst paragraphs is quite generous and the fonts appear to change from para- traditions of American journalism the article is arambling piece of 10,000 graph to paragraph. Easily the least impressive piece is that by TimFarron, words that cries out for asub editor’s pencil. Despite its length Bottum is which simply sets out from an evangelical perspective why anyone should claiming the piece has been misunderstood. He denies he has changed his be aChristian. No attempt is made to explain how Christianity influences mind but argues that the issue has become adistraction. The New York Times Farron’s politics. Prize for the most impressive and honest piece goes to thought the article so significant that it ran astoryonit. Conservative Chris- Greg Mulhollandwho talks of adrift away from tolerance and acceptance of tian blogs have been full of refutations but gays areunderwhelmed by what religions and faith alongside secular belief systems among Lib Dems Bottum actually has to say.Essentially he argues that the battle over gay mar- towardsamoral conformity and the view that Christian beliefs should be riage was lost when contraception and divorce wereaccepted. Given the state confined to worship and kept out of politics. According to Mulholland, the of marriage as it is today why deny it to same-sex couples? This is acultural drift was apparent in the debate over same-sex marriage when those Lib battle the church cannot win, he claims, so we shouldn’t waste our time on it Dem MPs who voted against the bill werepilloried by fellow MPs as well as and instead concentrate on focussing on the ‘deep re-enchantment of the by Lib Dems in general. One Lib Dem MP in favour of the bill, told abishop world’ which is what will get people to see what is the Church’s richer notion who wrote to him ‘please don’t trytoimpose your views on me’. MPs are of both creation and sexuality.Itisanother version of the ‘beauty will save the constantly being lobbied by all kinds of groups, Mulholland points out, but world’ arguments. As one critic commented, his argument is the equivalent to they rarely accused lobbyists of attempting to ‘impose their views’ on them. saying fighting terrorism will not establish the peace that passeth all under- standing, so we shouldn’t bother with such skirmishes. 8www.churchnewspaper.com FridaySeptember 6, 2013 Letters

THE CHURCH OF ENGLANDNEWSPAPER Write to The ChurchofEngland Newspaper,14Great 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 astreet address. NB: Letters may be edited Stealing beauty AgeofEarth Sir,Ifound your front page cover- Getting balance on fracking Sir,Thereseems to be adisarray age on fracking (23 August) very Sir,Contrarytothe views of your correspondent David Atkinson (30 amongstChristians on the age of interesting. August), the previous contributions on the topic of fracking from the earth (Jim Stanley-Smith, 23 God has endowed the Earth Andrew Carey and Paul Richardson seemed to me well balanced. Both August). Moses, when compiling Your Tweets richly with resources. We have recognised the risks, which wererigorously assessed in the Royal Soci- Genesis,was at pains to challenge water,coal, oil, North Sea gas, ety report, and the need for proper regulations and controls in the the then pagan view that the earth Kerron shale gas and much else. It is right development of this source of energy. was veryold or had always existed. Cross @KerronCross that we should make use of these David Atkinson is right to look at the issue in the wider context of the In sharp contrast, which no one Ah yes, the transfer window resources. All the same it is imper- UK’s energy and climate change policies. Over the coming decade, it is could miss, he stated that history is still open. I wonder if ative that we arewise stewards in universally accepted that the use of gas for electricity generation in this only went back to about 4,000 BC, Gareth Bale needs a press the way we use them. countrywill increase. This arises from the rundown of coal-fired power and that beforethat therewas officer? Ola! Another fossil fuel, coal, was stations (largely on environmental grounds), and the progressive clo- nothing. mined since prehistoric times. sureofmost of our old nuclear stations. Investment in energy efficiency This pagan attitude of an old Steve When deep mines started during and renewables is taking place, but these cannot possibly fill the gap. In earth persisted through into the Jenkins @SteveLJenkins the industrial revolution, safety any case the principal UK renewable technology,wind power,isinter- 18th centurywhen geologists such @KerronCross All the very was compromised for the owners’ mittent and requires fossil fuels as aback-up source of electricity. as Hutton (1785) first claimed that best, Kerron. It can be a bit profits. Around 200,000 miners Gas produced from fracking will replace imported gas and make therewas scientific evidence, as scary but very refreshing werekilled in the mines in the UK: moresecureour energy supplies, apartfromits wider benefits in terms distinct from guesswork, that the #freshfields many others died from mining of employmentand economic activity.Gas from fracking and from con- earth was old. Blatantly,he, and related diseases. Morerecently ventional sources is replacing coal, the use of which gives rise to a then Lyell (1831) ignored any evi- Church China recorded 6027 deaths in much higher level of carbon dioxide emissions which contribute to cli- dence that the world was young. Society @ChurchSociety 2004 alone. mate change. The statementinthe Diocese of Blackburnleaflet that Moses had to be avoided at all GAFCON 2 will address So fossil fuel extraction already gas is “as, if not more, toxic than coal” is quite extraordinary. costs as Lyell’s letters to his Gay Consecration and has achequered history. Today’s It would be adereliction of duty of government and all other authori- friends, published posthumously, Biblical Faithfulness: top businessmen are, if anything, ties to ignorethis source of home-produced energy and not to proceed showed. even less concerned with “What with its assessment and extraction in ameasured way. Abrilliant exposé of this devious- Pope Francis @Pontifex shall it profit aman if …?” Baron Andrew Horsler, ness was promoted by Whitcomb War never again! Never Browne, as John Browne when London, SW13 and Morris in their 1961 book - The again war! heading up BP,stated “profit above Genesis Flood.WhilstKidner’s all else” astatement that occurs commentaryisgood in some parts, Kerron over 800,000 times across the web. he downplays the central ideas in Cross @KerronCross Ahuge resource in shale gas has the Son, as another. The Genesis Flood that the earth is The deed is done. been discovered, both onshoreand Newcomers to faith find it almost young, and that it suffered auni- offshore: aresource available for Hymn debate impossible, even when they know versal global flood (p94). He had Fresh mankind and all we need is a Sir,Ican understand (The Rev that that is what they’resupposed missed the point that most geolo- Expressions @freshexpress method of extracting it. Fracking at Canon) Colin Craston’s scholarly to do! gists detest the idea that the earth ion its simplest level involves pouring exposition of why he can sing “with Ioften had to warnmystudents is young or that judgement was Almost half the lay leaders downamixtureofsand and water joy and blessing”, “The wrath of who weretraining for ministry, “Be served by the Flood. Perhaps there in UK fresh expressions to cause the shale layer to fracture God is satisfied” although Iproba- careful -you aresplittingthe Trini- is alink herewith Colin Craston’s have never been leaders and force the gas back up the well. bly wouldn’t express my under- ty,again!” For people who think in (23 August)feelings that some before. Graham Cray Even with cautious drilling, fractur- standing of the Atonement in quite plain terms, the use of the words, Christians don’t wanttothink #feintconf13 ing may occur beyond the shale the same words. “wrath” and “satisfied” will be about God’s wrath even in hymns. layer,but then it is only sand and However,his clear explanation of understood as meaning that the Nor does Dr Alexander acknowl- Kerron water. how the words arearrived at and anger (without Colin Craston’s edge any useful evidence that the Cross @KerronCross The Old Testament Israelites aretobeinterpreted is the result of caveats) of God could only be pla- earth is young, saying that if it I’m grateful to have had the wereinstructed not to maximise some serious theologically cated by the death of someone, weretruethe evidence would be in opportunity to work with profits, they weretoleave the informed reasoning and the influ- even his own son who was com- secular scientific journals. But @JohnSentamu for last 4 edges of the field for the poor.The ence of the great Christian pletely guiltless. It is this crude those journals ban such informa- years, but the time is right New Order disregards this and adds thinkers over almost two millennia, expression of the “penal substitu- tion, not because it is wrong but to leave. acocktail of chemicals of varying as well as his own personal tion” theorywhich has led to a because it is detestable to their toxicity to improve throughput. This response to his Lord. That is the great deal of mental, psychological worldview.That must be why the Russell is bad stewardship as the water is reason why Ihave never been and spiritual suffering, atypical British Centrefor Scientific Educa- Brand @rustyrockets contaminated and can no longer be happy with that verse of what is, I illustration of which can be found tion will not debate. UK is addiction capital of recycled –and it amounts to mil- agree, averygood and well-loved in Gerald Priestland’s chapter enti- Dr JMatthews, Europe. We need to fund lions of gallons. hymn. Thereisnotime, during the tled, “A Guilt-Edged Religion.” Wareham abstinence based recovery Andrew Carey is right that we singing of just two lines of verse in In the context of ahymn to be #Giveitup should trytotake apositive view the course of achurch service for sung during aservice by people of over shale gas, but whilst Black- even atrained theologian to medi- all ages and educational achieve- Bemused Steven Croft @Steven_Croft burnDiocese’s views arealarmist, tate on their subtler implications ment, Iamincomplete agreement Sir,Ihave put this in alight-heart- Prayers today for all schools they do pose averyreal concern and the vast majority of the congre- with the editors of the hymnbook, ed way in order to show that no ill- in the Diocese of Sheffield that needs addressing. BP arenot gation arenot graduates in theolo- although Ithink it would have been will is meant to anyone directly and all those starting school interested in gas, they areinterest- gy; most people today take any much better just to change that concerned with this!! today. ed in money,which is why they do statement at its face value. line, as Idid in my copy of the Like many people of my genera- not want to go for the safer option In our daily lives, we don’t com- leaflet of extra hymns which my tion, Ifrequently find myself some- Lichfield of off-shoredrilling as it is more municate our meaning through church used to produce, and sing, what bemused when church Diocese @Lichfield_CofE costly. metaphors, nuances and intuitive “… at the cross whereJesus died, services include songs that include We’re glad to welcome you! While the Church is being dis- revelation. Thereisalso the diffi- The Son of Man is glorified,” (John words like “Gonna”. Ihave been RT @nhs999: First day as tracted by other issues like finance culty which even informed, life- 12:23). thinking perhaps alittle obliquely, Director of and gay marriage, greedy people long Christians find when they try Let’s not put unnecessarystum- as the word“gonna” sounds as if it Communications for arecoming in through the back to keep the concept of the Trinity - bling blocks in the path of the chil- ought to be the Second Person Sin- @Lichfield_CofE and I door to steal the beauty of God’s three persons in One God -infocus dren (of all ages) whom God the gular Present ImperativeActive of admit I have some new- planet. and avoid what is so much easier Son is calling. aFirst Conjugation verb in Latin! school nerves Colin Bricher, and think of God the Father as one MaryPRoe, Northampton (divine) individual and Jesus, God Bicester Letters continue on page 16

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Leader &Comment FridaySeptember 6, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 9 Comment Morality and the Syrian Civil War Why Holy Crossis So many of the usual guiding principles of morality seem useless in try- ing to assess what to do, which includes inaction, in the bloody Syrian war.Appealing to the UN and international wisdom now seems awaste of time, given the constant deadlock between the major powers. Russia important to us all has bullied former Soviet satellite states with militarymuscle, and China continues to occupy Tibet, ignoring UN standards. Both these powers block sanctions against the Assad regime. The UN has become useless for this purpose. The USA has used death-dealing drone bombers to ‘take out’ individ- Peter Mullen uals ‘surgically’, but in so doing hit scores of innocent women, children and bystanders: Mr Kerry’s fierce condemnation of Assad’s methods as ‘morally obscene’ might take in his own drones. Reckless killing as Next week Christians, Catholic and Protestant, will ‘collateral damage’ is killing as much as chemical killing. The use of celebrate Holy Cross Day.Ithink this great Festival chemical nerve gas deliberately to kill is forbidden by the UN, and is awonderful opportunity for brotherly love and none of the great powers has denied this, the paralysis comes when friendship among Christians of all denominations. ‘sanctions’ against states deploying nerve gas arethe issue, when the- Catholics featurethe cross prominently in their orymoves to practice, when the UN is called to act as apoliceman churches; while, even if they arenot much given to against amurderer. ornament, the cross is central to Protestant theolo- In the case of the Assad regime’s shelling of rebel-held areas, very gy.Ihave apersonal reason for making agreat day likely with nerve gas, the West is united in moral outrage, but per- of it. For 15 years Iwas Vicar of St Helen’s Church, plexed as to action. Iraq and Afghanistan involved much bombing Bilton, in Yorkshire–achurch dedicatedtothe against Saddam and the Taliban, as aprecursor to regime change and woman traditionally credited with the discoveryof ‘boots on the ground’, aproject thought to have failed at the cost of the Original Cross in Jerusalem in AD 326. Helen massive death and destruction, not bringingdemocracy to those states found the cross on the site of what was to become and for many bringingnew persecution, notably the Christian commu- the Church of the Holy Sepulchre–called the anas- nities.Noregime change is called for against Assad, although indirect- tasis, the Resurrection –and then for 14 years Iwas ly US bombardment is in fact hoping to cripple his militarycapacity Priest-in-Charge of St Sepulchre’s Church in Lon- and help the Islamist insurgents to defeat and replace him, the ‘boots don. Who can deny me power and liberty on the ground’are increasingly al-Qaedaboots. Thatwouldbethe only Because the Cross is rightly the most important To stretch mine arms and mine own Cross to be? way of ‘punishing’ Assad–firing cruise missiles to destroyhis air force image in the Christian faith, we may find that its Swim, and at everystroke thou artthy Cross; and militarycapacity would punish by weakening his regime, and familiarity blinds us to the recognition of just what a The mast and yardmake one whereseas do toss; would also directly punish his supporters and soldiers perishing in the shocking image it is: an instrument of torture. Look down thou spiest out crosses in small things; firestorms of the missiles. Imagine –the guillotineorthe thumbscrews taking Look up, thou seest birds raised on crossed wings; Westernopinion has hardened against militaryaction in Middle central position in all our churches. GK Chesterton All the globe’s frame and spheres is nothing else, Easterncultural political wars: such action has not ‘worked’: as this preferredthe crucifix because it directly draws our But the meridians crossing parallels. newspaper predicted at the startofthe invasion of Iraq, westernmili- attention to the Saviour rather than the means of tarypower can remove aregime, but cannot change aculture. his execution. Thereissomething shocking also in Contemplatethe crossand know what OurLord Has aChristian ethic any contribution here? Christian pacifism here the veryname of this Feast Day: Holy Cross. For did there, what he did and suffered for you. Para- looks irrelevant in this internecine sectarian war between Sunni and crucifixion was the extreme mark of curse and doxes and ironies areatthe centreofthe Crucifix- Shia Muslims. AChristian doctrine of thepoliceman,using forceto shame –the veryopposite of holiness. But the ion. The carpenter is nailed to the wood. God who protect the innocent weak against the criminally strong might be use- wordholy has amuch older derivation according to made the world is murdered by means of the mate- ful, but both sides have cheerfully committed atrocities. Humanitarian which it means strange or awesome. The cross is rial of his creation. And the worst suffering was not aid to the wounded of all sides is an obviously Christian practice. Per- certainly that. the nails. Urs von Balthasar tells it straight: haps the neglected role of truth-telling, of careful dispassionate analy- Thereare churches wherethe cross is nowhere The real essence of Christ’s passion consisted in sis of the problem with all its knotted threads, and of possible futures to be seen: places wherethe prohibition on the the two things we least like to bear and suffer: fear for the stricken people, would also be of some service. Certainly making of images is taken too literally and there- and disgrace. prayer in Jesus’ name and naturefor all Syrians is abasic summons to foremisconstrued. But thereisasurmounting rea- By his disgrace, Grace to us is made palpable. us all. son for images. Since the Incarnation, the faith is And his agony and disgrace was veryprolonged. embodied. And we have images as we have Sacra- Lancelot Andrewes makes us understand: ments. God chooses to reveal himself in things. All He must die by inchmeal –not swallow his death at The Church of England Newspaper images have something of the icon about them in once, but taste it. with Celebrate magazine incorporating The Recordand Christian Week that they arenot merely symbols but they embody The paradoxes persist. The cross is the supreme Published by Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd. the meaning that they present. sign of God’s love for us. And it is also aweapon of Company Number: 3176742 When we wish to approach as closely as we dare, war.Wesing: with the Cross of Jesus going on Publisher: Keith Young MBE to the mysteries of God, we not only say something before. but we do something. The doing necessarily The cross, which saves us from hell, itself went to involves objects and these objects arethe essence hell on Holy Saturday.This is called the Harrowing Publishing Director &Editor: CM BLAKELY020 7222 8004 of our actions: water at baptism; the ring at mar- of Hell. And harrowing is derived from the military Chief Correspondent: TheRev Canon GEORGE CONGER 00 10772 332 2604 riage; the Bread and Wine of the Eucharist. Images terminology that means to make predatoryraids Reporter: AMARIS COLE 020 7222 8700 and Sacraments areatthe centreofall divine reve- and incursions. But our Christ made morethan a lation. This is because an image can do what words guerrilla attack: he took his cross and planted it in Advertising: CHRIS TURNER 020 7222 2018 cannot do verywell: images can express complexi- the middle of the kingdom of evil. In an apocryphal Advertising &Editorial Assistant: PENNY NAIR PRICE 020 7222 2018 ties within asingle unity and opposites directly.We gospel it says: “And the Lordset his Cross in the need them to do this –for religious truth is para- midst of hell, which is the sign of victory. And Subscriptions &Finance: DELIA ROBINSON 020 7222 8663 doxical. Adam was thereand he cast himself at the Lord’s Graphic Designer: PETER MAY020 7222 8700 Explanations can only take us partofthe way.I’m feet, then rose up and kissed his pierced hands and sorryto say Ionce upset an academic theologian by shed abundant tears, saying, ‘Behold the hands The acceptance of advertising does not necessarily indicate telling him that when anyone tried to explain reli- that formed me!’ And he said unto the Lord, ‘Thou endorsement. Photographs and other material sent for publication gion to me Iwanted to be sick. But the image, artcome OKing of Glory, to set men free and gath- aresubmitted at the owner’s risk. The Church of England Newspaper under the constant gaze of meditation, reveals to us er them to thine everlasting Kingdom.’ Then our does not accept responsibility for any material lost or damaged. the paradoxical depths of our faith. So the Bread mother Eve also in like manner cast herself at the Christian Weekly Newspapers Trustees: RobertLeach (020 8224 5696), and Wine, the Body and Blood, aresigns of death; feet of the Lordand rose up and kissed his pierced LordCarey of Clifton, The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, The Rt Rev Pete Broadbent, but in the Sacrifice of the Lord’s Supper they are hands and shed tears abundantly and said, ‘Behold Dr Elaine Storkey,The Rev Peter Brown, The Rev Cindy Kent life itself. And Our Lord’s Cross made him the hands which fashioned me; testifying unto all.” accursed, but by it we areblest. The gates of hell arethe portals of death. Our The Church of England Newspaper, So go into church quietly by yourself and kneel Saviour,carrying his cross, storms the gates of hell Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd beforethe cross. When you contemplate the cross, and delivers us from the power of sin and death. 14 Great College Street, London, SW1P 3RX you don’t just see it: you enter into the veryprocess Hell is harrowed and the Devil is cowed. Editorial e-mail: [email protected] of your redemption in away that is deeper than Christ has plumbed the depths, entered hell, as Advertising e-mail: [email protected] words of devotion. Christ died to save the world. Balthasar says with athud that resonates through Subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] And so the imprint of his Cross is found every- all time and eternity.Hehas done this for us men whereinthe world to remind us and reassureus. andfor oursalvation.Thatiswhy hisHolyCross Website: www.churchnewspaper.com As John Donne exclaimed ecstatically: Day is aFeast.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 10 www.churchnewspaper.com FridaySeptember 6, 2013 Feature Retreats to recharge yourfaith

he OxfordEnglish Dictionarydescribes aretreat as ‘a quiet or secludedplace in which one can rest St. Denys Retreat Centre and relax’ and ‘a period or place of seclusion for the purposes of prayer and meditation’. In today’s busy 3Church Street, Warminster BA12 8PG Tworld, does that not sound precisely what we need? Autumn is agreat time to take abreak out of the pressures of daily life, beforeChristmas, and the pressures it brings, descends upon us. Hundreds of centres across the country, and indeed further afield, provide this type of prayerful time-out, but picking the right Aplace of rest, refreshment andrenewal one for you does not need to be astressful task. The Association for Promoting Retreats has been working since 1913 to find the right Christian retreats for Autumn and Winter Retreats both individuals and church groups. Log on to their website, www.promotingretreats.orgfor help in choos- ing the perfect Quiet Day or few days away. 14-22 October IGR led by AnnaDesch £60 per 24 hrs Sneaton Castle Set deep in Captain Hook Country, Whitby’s Sneaton Castle offers beauty and heritage. Beaches, railways 28 Oct-1November ‘Struggling with and towns surround the centre. Closer to home, thereare excellent facilities for craft, science, artand music, Forgiveness’ led by Revd David Self £235 as well as large meeting rooms and cosy bars. If that isn’t enough to temp you, the £99 Winter Offer might 22-24November Exploring Children’s seal the deal. For three nights, you areinvited to stay,onaBed and Breakfast basis, in Sneaton’s en-suite Spirituality led by Diane Craven £110 accommodation. 25-26 November Pre-Advent Quiet Space forClergy £65 2-6 December Advent Retreat with Canon PeterBall £235 13-17January2014Residential Retreat with John Bell £285 Allprices arefor full boardper person.

Contact us for further details or acopy of our 2014 programme

Tel: 01985 214824 E: [email protected] www.ivyhouse.org

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[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Feature FridaySeptember 6, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 11

Ivy House Ivy House is the Retreat House of the Community of St Denys, today offering hospitality and space for groups and individuals as well as their own varied pro- gramme through- out the year.The House consists of two linked 18th Centuryhouses, ‘Ivy House’ and ‘St Denys Lodge’ offering both inti- mate meeting facilities with a range of audio- acres of visual equipment and cosy rooms for residential stays. Ivy Cheshirewood- House focuses on offering aplace for those in need of land, the retreat renewal, refreshment and nurturing, those who seek spiri- centrecontains tual stimulation and growth in their life journey and for an arboretum groups and individuals who requireasafe and secureenvi- containing sever- ronment in which to stay or work. Specially themed al speciesofrare retreats areplanned throughout the autumn, including plants and trees. Struggling with Forgiveness and Exploring Children’s The woods con- Spirituality.Visit the website for more tain woodpeckers, jays, buzzards and other birds of prey. details: www.ivyhouse.org/retreats. For moreinformation visit email Foxhill [email protected] In the Chester diocese, the Foxhill spir- can.org, or call 01928 itual retreat and conference centre 733777. offers facilities for both large and small groups or individuals on their own. Lee Abbey Devon is a The centrehosts plenty of events Christian Community of including concerts, gigs, talks, church around 90 people from all services and seminars. One easy way over the world: nineteen to find afeel for the place is to attend different nationalities. one of the regular celebrations of Holy The Community also rep- Communion in the Chapel. The Carol resents many diverse cul- Concert, held in December each year, tures and age groups. Set is afirmfavourite for many.Set in 70 within a280-acreestate in Exmoor National Park, the woodlands, moor- lands, streams, farmland and coastline offer to our guests the opportunity to connect with God’s creation. The '"(#" '(!"(& Abbey areholding aRenew,Repair, )(0 0##% !%" Refresh retreat at the beginning of November,which could be the perfect time to prepareyourself for the busy #)#"& # )#"&' Christmas period ahead. “These week- ends aredesignedfor individual Chris- tians, small groups and churches to B 4H5BF &5FD51F @54 2P strengthen their relationship with 'D 1B5F @8Q125F7#$ each other,todeepen their relation- #,R535A25D #'%! ship with God, and to learnhow to be salt and light moreeffectively in their Foxhill local communities and places of CD ACD5 45F18@E CD FC 2CC9 H8E8F retreat work,” the Abbey say. III*EB51FCB31EF@5*3C*G9 For moreinformation visit www.lee- CD D8B6 '%T P'''R% abbey.org,uk.

Leadership from the Inside Out 6)$2)-8!;)*(6))$$22))-88!! *); **(( ")#")!;)*()" ##""")) );! **(( ")!+7",)*'7+!)" "",, *)**'' Join us at Aleader’s retreat. Take this opportunity to experience a 3(1/5!2"/1(3 1(-1(2- 2- 4(( )00(%%(00)((4-2-2(1-(1"2!5/ 2!, -5 1(*(.- 5! -$( #!!(11(!!#($-!5-.(*(15-,!2 life as you lead in church, business, society, the arts or Lee Abbey elsewhere. 7-10 October this October Gear Change AreArey youou hungry forforadadeepeeeperrl lifeifew withithG God?od?AuAunique 1(-1(2- (1-(1 --(&3(1#(!.# ('#-$-$($-$-# 53351-+!#-35($-$-#'(.!(#1(3&(-2( - %-51--# (*(.* -5!- !5-.(*(15-%-#!+-1533 Two inspiring events your ownownp personalersonalj journeyourney of faith. 10-1310-13O Octoberctober hosted by Bible Society, in partnership with 3+3+ 9-*9-* +7:+7: 0 0+")+") %:+.% ::++ .+++4+4 /+7"/+7" $21,)$2211,) 558 58!8:&88!!!88::&& Renovaré and Lee Abbey. Gear Change: Leadership from inside out: www.biblesociety.org.uk/gearchange www.biblesociety.org.uk/insideout Book directly (Lee Abbey) 01598 752621 12 www.churchnewspaper.com FridaySeptember 6, 2013 Feature/Books

WYDALE HALL Familiar to some, but amystery The pick of the new books to many,Wydale Hall is the Dio- cese of York’s Retreat and Con- ference Centresituated in the Careful readers of CEN will have seen several refer- Lambeth. Davie sees the articles as definitely North York Moors only nine ences in recent months to TM Luhrmann’s book Reformed but not straightforwardly Calvinist. Bish- miles from Scarborough. When God Talks Back but so far no review has been op Rowan describes this book as ‘magisterial’. Set in 14 acres of stunning gar- sighted in the UK press. Luhrmann is an anthropol- Davie does not see the articles as being of purely dens and woodlands, the historic ogist who spent along period studying the way historical significance and he examines their contin- house commands fabulous views members of the Vineyardchurches relate to God. uing authority in the Church of England. This book over the Vale of York. As well as Her ground-breaking study of American evangeli- is highly recommended. aperfect setting for retreats, calism made the NewYork Times list of topbooks How should we understand exhibitionism? Is it Wydale is used extensively for for2012and Luhrmann haswritten severalop-ed madness,extravagance or genius?Chris Nancollas, meetings and talks by inspirational speakers, as well as overnight contributions for that newspaper. When God Talks aretired GP who has already written about Down’s stays and holidays for parishes, groups and individuals. Visiting Back is now available as apaperback (Random syndrome, has now produced Exhibitionism: A Wydale for lunch and astroll in the grounds is also becoming very House). In case of difficulties it can be bought from Popular HistoryofPerformance and Display popular. Church House Bookshop. (DLT) which offers afascinating introduction to the Separately,but close by,the Emmaus Centreprovides self-catering Rowan Williams explores key relationships in the subject. accommodation for up to 43 people. Perfect for youth groups, it has life of Thomas Merton in aslim but important book, Don Carson is one of the people quoted on the recreation facilities, sports pitches, and lots of outside space to use for ASilent Action (SPCK). Figures discussed who cover recommending Dave Brun’s One Bible, avariety of activities. influenced Merton include Hannah Arendt, William Many Versions (IVP), which sets out to explain the Wydale Hall itself has 29 en-suite bedrooms which can sleep up to Black, Dietrich Bonhoeffer,Olivier Clement, Paul work of biblical translation.Thereare many transla- 50 people, five meeting rooms, the largest of which can take up to 60 Evkokimov,GerardManley Hopkins, Vladimir tions of the scriptures available.This book helps us people theatre-style, acomfortable, much-praised restaurant and a Lossky,John HenryNewman, Fyodor Dostoevsky, to understand what makes for agood translation. well stocked bar. Boris Pasternak and St John of the Cross. David WSmith has experience of overseas mis- Wydale prides itself on its welcome and customer service. Time and For years EJ Bicknell’s book was the standard sion in Nigeria and he has spent time as Principal of time again, visitor feedbackpraises the stafffor their friendliness and commentaryonthe 39 Articles used by several gen- aBible College and as apastor of acongregation. At attention to detail, resulting in many returnvisits. And Wydale is open erations of theological students. In recent years present he is Senior Research Fellow at the Interna- to all our ecumenical partners and friends, so please do spread the Oliver O’Donovan, RT Beckwith and Bishop John tional Christian College in Glasgow.InThe Kind- word! Rogers have all written on the articles. Martin ness of God (IVP) he looks at the challenges to Thereare just afew places left on the Clergy Retreat at Wydale Hall Davie, who formerly taught at Oak Hill and for a Christian witness and mission today.Helooks at the from 7–10October 2013 led by Rev Canon Dr Alan Bartlett, Vicar of number of years has served as Theological Consult- historyofthe modern missionary movement since St Giles' and Priest in Charge of St Mary's Sherburnand St Cuth- ant to the House of Bishops as well as Secretaryto the World MissionConference in Edinburghand bert's Shadforth, Durham and previously atutor at Cranmer Hall, the Faith and Order Commission, has produced a looks at current issues in mission. Lesslie Newbigin Durham. His theme will be “George Herbertisstill ok -Proud to be a new commentary(Gilead Books) that carries a is amajor influence and Lamin Sanneh writes afore- 21C Anglican Parish Priest". For further details contact Wydale Hall. ForewordbyRowan Williams written beforeheleft wordgiving the book his endorsement. APre-retirement conference for Clergy and Spouses is to be held at Wydale Hall on 15 and 16 October 2013 with either the option of aday Self, World and Time but in receiving God’s address to love and action. Instead the will conference 10am –3pm on Tuesday or a24hour conference which Oliver O’Donovan us.” Or,asheputsit, ‘the root of became what O’Donovan terms runs from 10am on 15th to 11am on Wednesday.Further details are Eerdmans, pb, £16.99 ourhuman action is theobjective ‘the exclusive giver of practical available from the Rev Andrew de Smet on 01439 770760 or actofGod alone, summoningour meaning’. The way was open for [email protected] or from Wydale Hall. Oliver O’Donovan is one of the agency into being’. We are Kant to state that nothing could The Revd Andrew De Smet is also leading this year’s Advent Retreat Church of England’smost impor- ‘renewed agents, filled with the be considered good without limi- “Waiting and Watching” from 19 –21November 2013. Using the tant contemporarytheologians life of God poured out into the tation ‘except agood will’. Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to Maryasastarting point he will but he is not someone who is world’. It is tempting to go on quoting exploreways of mediation and mindfulness seeking to be still and to widely read outside academic cir- In the opening chapter O’Donovan on awhole range of be moreself awareasaprelude to the paradoxical season of Advent. cles. Partofthe problem is that O’Donovan describeshow we issues. Thereisalot of material The Retreat will include talks, meditations, times of shared silence, he has areputationfor obscurity. ‘awake to our moral experience herethat deserves careful reflec- corporate worship and plenty of time for individual quiet reflection. It can take time to work out at the beginning’. We don’t form tion. One shortsection on how Therewill be aparticular focus on contemplation, meditation and exactly what he is saying. Anoth- our moral experience out of non- we should read scripture mindfulness. Again, further detailsare available from Revd Andrew er problem for some people is moral experiences; the moral deserves to be well known. We de Smet on 01439 770760 or [email protected] or from that he is not afraid to take afirm experience accompaniesevery have to achieve acorrespon- Wydale Hall. stand on controversial issues and other experience from the very dence between the whole train of argue against the liberal main- beginning and yet is distinctin thought of the text from AtoB For moreinformation, please visit our website at www.wydale.org stream. He is not someone to kind. If waking is the metaphor and the whole train of our or ring the General Manager,Barry Osborne for achat on 01723 read if you do not want to have that best describes the startof thought from XtoY,O’Donovan 859270. your existing views challenged. moral experience, being led by insists, and we have to focus not In this book, for example, ‘Veri- the Spirit is the best way to so much on individual texts as on tatis Splendor’ is described as describe its expansion into moral the creating and redeeming work John Paul II’s ‘great encyclical on thought, action and reflection. of God to which scripturebears moral theory’ –not acommon Looking at the way we make witness and interpret texts opinion even inside the Catholic moral decisions, O’Donovan accordingly. Church. stresses that ‘what am Itodo?’ Inevitably,this leads to an O’Donovan’s latest work is a always means ‘what am Itodoin enlightening discussion of the slim volume that is meant to be this state of affairs?’ and so pre- relationship between dogma and the first of three on Ethics as sumes an answer to ‘what state of ethics. Theology.Its size is an advan- affairs?’ To call something ‘good’ This is abook to which Iwill tage. O’Donovan deserves to be is not to conclude that it is right returnagain and again. Although read slowly and if he is read with in each and everycase. What is the argument can be dense, close attention much can be good has to be realised at adefi- thereare sentences that leap learnt from him. His style grows nite moment in time. Moral from the pages and stay in the on the reader.Particularly effec- thinking is always going to be mind. For example, O’Donovan tive is his way of developing his marked by disputes about the tells us that ‘love of the world and argument with phrases from world. of the God who gives the world scripture. Throughout the book thereare occupies our experience not as a Wydale Hall is the Diocese of York’s In this book he has much of fascinating comments on the his- settled condition but as aseries beautiful 18th centuryhouse set in value and insight to say on whole toryoftheology.Weare told, for of openings and adventures’. fourteen acres of garden and range of topics even if he does example, that to emphasise that Hope is not desirebecause ‘it woodlands not always leave enough sign- love was wholly informed by attends to the futureofGod’s We welcome groups and individuals for posts to make the overall theme knowledge was Augustine’s promise’. Genuine hatred of the retreats,conferences,meetings and holidays of his narrative clear. greatest contribution to the West- world is adestructive course to www.wydale.org Some years ago O’Donovan ernunderstanding of love. ‘Will’ follow but faith reaches out ‘for a ! worship spaces published aseminal work enti- for Augustine was not the inde- formofthings to love within the ! lounge,dining room and bar tled Resurrection and Moral terminate power of self-asser- confusing half-realities presented ! meeting rooms seating up to 60 ! 29 ensuitebedrooms,sleeping up to 60 Order,which looked at how The- tion. to us’. ! extensivegardens,meadowand woodland ological Ethics elucidate worldly That was aview that came later O’Donovan can nourish our ! prayerlabyrinth order.Inthis work the focus is with the Enlightenmentrevival of spiritual lives as well as deepen ! separateaccommodation forself-catering groups moreonhuman agency.Akey Stoic thinking. It led to the col- our understanding of moral the- ! sports pitches and adventureplayground theme is summarised in asen- lapse of the idea that the struc- ology and ethics. Wydale Hall,Wydale,Brompton-by-Sawdon,Scarborough,North Yorkshire,YO13 9DG tence worth quoting: “The root of tureofcreation reflected the T: 01723 859270 /F:01723 859702 /E:[email protected] agency lies not in self-perception Creator’s gloryand should shape Paul Richardson Comment FridaySeptember 6, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 13

ty,” he said. “Blanket opposition to further explorationfor new sources of fuel fails to take into account those who suffer most when resources arescarce.” He might have includedthe American experience here, wherefracking has enjoyed particular success in several states. But instead he sought also not to offend the protesters who had invaded Bal- combe, West Sussex. “I would want to emphasise along with all those that care Nigel Nelson for the environment the importance of proper controls in relation to any form of fracking –wedonot want cowboys and cavaliers digging up the land in a free-for-all exploitation.”Which seems to be saying, though Iconfess by this View from FleetStreet stage Iwas not entirely sure, that fracking is ok if fracking is ok, which as argu- ments go is meaningless. Therefollowed some blather about carbon fuels contributing to global warm- ing... that gas is less damaging than coal... that opposing technical develop- ments risks denyingourselvesless polluting, less costly fuel sources... and so on... without any indication about which aspect of the fracking process might trump the other. The Church of England may not care, but all this laid itself wide-open to mickey-taking from Fleet Street columnists, which was what indeed happened. Something to say? It was too tempting atarget for me not to join in myself. The serious question we Anglicans have to ask ourselvesiswhether we want the Church to which we belong to be abland, boring, hedge-it’s bets, don’t- Remember Bambi? The Disney movie, rather Fleet Street newsdesks as this item of non- rock-any-boats kind of organisation on practical issues, or aleader in the field than the nickname for the former prime minis- news was digested. Why,news editors must of public debate? If it is the former then it’s going the right way about it. If the ter during Tony Blair’s moreinnocent, less have asked themselves, bother to issue apress latter,then Welby has some work to do. event-stained days. And Thumper? Bambi’s release at all? Which brings us back to the House of Lords. Ihave argued beforeinthis col- bunny pal, not Blair’s punchy former deputy Thereisnothing wrong with being undecid- umn that belonging to our national legislaturerequires morethan just turning John Prescott. And remember Thumper’s ed on an issue, though Iquestion whether the up to mouth afew platitudes. The CofEwould be recognised as amuch catchphrase? “If you can’t say something nice, 26 Anglican bishops who areprivileged to sit as greater force in public life if the bishops put abit moreoomph into the secular don’t say nothing at all.” Parliamentarians in the House of Lords should platformthe Upper House affords it. It goes equally for saying something that be undecided quite so often. Parliament is That, of course, means something approaching apolitical structurefor Par- might be uncomfortable or unpleasant. And theretomake decisions. liamentarypurposes. Twenty-six bishops areenough to formashadow Cabi- can be summarised as: “If you don’t have any- Iamundecided myself about fracking. But net, with each bishop taking abrief broadly mirroring the portfolios of thing to say,don’t say anything.” Yetithas then the nation is not clamouring for my inex- Whitehall Cabinet ministers. The Archbishop would need to find some consen- always amazed me how this message seems to pertopinion, so Iamunder no pressuretopres- suson‘policy’among his ‘Cabinet’, butthatmustbebetterthanthe no-policy elude the Church of England; how quick it is to ent it. Fleet Street, on the other hand, was keen policy the Church seems to follow now. ventureanopinion when it has no real opinion for the Church to pronounce on the issue, not Not only would that give the CofEavoice worth listening to in the Lords, it to venture, and then ends up looking slightly least because after 11 years in the oil industry would also enable broadcasters to air the opinions of bishops because they silly as aresult. So the statement on fracking Archbishop of CanterburyJustin Welby may would know which one to approach on each particular subject. That way the issued by Philip Fletcher,chair of the CofE’s well have something interesting to say on the Church of England would play afull and proper partinnational life because it group on Mission and Public Affairs, was aclas- subject. would be at the heartofnational debate. sic in this regard. But what came from Philip Fletcher was not And abishop on current affairs programmes like Today or Question Time or “The Church of England has no official policy it. He suggested that fracking may help those Newsnight would be less of an exceptionand moreofarule. either for or against hydraulic fracturing,” it struggling to pay energy bills. “Fuel poverty is began. And Icould imagine the despair on an increasingly urgent issue for many in socie- Nigel Nelson is political editor of the Sunday People

cruelty to them with wickedness. Why animal charities deservethe supportofChristians It would be good to have moreanimal charities underpinned by Christian faith. Lucy Fensom is a By Barry Miles Whether the first three chapters of Genesis areread Christian who founded and leads the charity “Safe Haven literally or seen just as conveyors of great truths, two for Donkeys in the Holy Land” (SHADH) and her team Youmight think that animals get agood shareofthe things areclear.God’s ideal world is one of non-violent consists of amixtureofpeople of different religions who charity cake, but in fact they generally don’t do so well harmony for people and animals alike, as portrayed in work happily together,with differences put aside for the when it comes down to cash. Some people won’t give to Genesis 1; and we arenow in aworld which is marredby sake of the animals. animal charities at all and therecan even be resentment at conflict and suffering, due in some way which we do not According to SHADH (www.safehaven4donkeys.org. - some of the limited supportthey do get. fully understand to human sin against God (often known phone 01444 831177) “these animals areoften enslaved as It’s difficult to be too precise about charitable giving as the “The Fall”). beasts of burden, beaten, neglected, tortured for fun by figures because they can be worked out in different ways, Christian witness is another reason why Christian children, and then finally left to die when they have but thereare some indicators of the difficulties animal supportfor animal charities is important. In some circles outlived their usefulness.” Prayer is adaily partofLucy’s charities face. the Church is seen as uncaring and without compassion in life and Carolyn Trevivian (Chair of SHADH Trustees) Asurvey of households in the UK by the Charities Aid its perceived lack of concernfor animals. The norm says: “I know that Lucy is strongly supported by her faith Foundation indicates that only 16 per cent (roughly one in appears to be adeathly silence from much of the Church and in her darkest hours it is the light from her faith six) of those who donate to charity give to animals. leadership when atrocities against animals become an which keeps her going.” However,the same survey shows that, based on amounts issue; prayers for animals in the regular intercessions are The Anglican Society for the WelfareofAnimals of money given, animal charities receive only five per cent rare; thereseems to be no explicit pastoral supportor (www.aswa.org, phone 01252 843093) is acharity which of total charitable donations. encouragement for the self-sacrificial individuals whose provides information, speakers and publications about the If the Charities Commission definition of “voluntary lives aretaken up with the never-ending and sometimes importance of animals and carefor them based on income” (which includes some other sources in addition heartbreaking work in animal sanctuaries (although there Christian thinking. to individuals’ giving) is used, the data on the top may be individual pastors who provide their support). Some people arepuzzled by those of us who see cruelty thousand charities by income suggests animal charities Thereare anumber of people who would be pleased to to animals as amajor concern. Twoofour reasons arethe may receive only asmall fraction of one per cent of the hear the Church speak out morestrongly against the scale and ghastliness of what is done, for example the total. Animal welfarecauses arespecifically barredfrom abuse of animals. skinning alive of animals for their fur in China. Another is some sources of funding, for example they areexcluded Ayear or two back my vicar,Roger Ryan, went along to the sheer defencelessness of animals. The 19th century from benefiting from the lotteryfund (unless the animals the Animals in Warmemorial near Hyde Park wherethe Cardinal Newman explained it well in asermon delivered benefit people) and some building society charitable Animal Aid remembrance service for animals in war was while he was still an Anglican priest: “Now what is it that trusts. being held. He was able to say afew words about animals moves our veryhearts and sickens us so much as cruelty Christians and non-Christians alike can be found involvedinhuman conflict and as aresult of these one or shown to poor animals?” Newman answered his own offering the view that humans aremoreimportant as a two people at the service made the journey to St Mary’s, question: they areinnocent and powerless, the victims of reason for neglecting animal charities. Few will deny the Summerstown(www.summertown.org.uk) for aSunday “cowardice and tyranny”. importance of humans, but our status lies partly in our service! He concluded: “Thereissomething so verydreadful, so being made in the image of God. We have been given The Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon once endorsed Satanic in tormenting those who have never harmed us, dominion over animals, and godly dominion has care, not the view that aperson was not atrueChristian if his/her and who cannot defend themselves, who areutterly in our neglect, at its heart; and as any “dominion” knows, care dog or cat werenot the better offfor it. The Oxford power.” needs an exchequer behind it. Thereisthe welfarestate Centrefor Animal Ethics (www.oxfordanimalethics.com) When choosing wheretosend our charitable donations, for humans in trouble, but animals rely on public is currently running an academic project inspired by the we will be responding in the light of our own callings. But generosity. question “Is Religion Good for your Cat or Dog?” As in making our choices it is worth rememberingthat God’s To compound the situation, it is we humans who are Christians we should see it as asad comment that this kingdomneeds to make progress on all fronts, and one of responsible for the widespread animal suffering. Thereis question needs to be asked, because we arenot exempt those is carefor animals. Kindness to them is not only wide awareness of the massive daily hands-on abuse of from this doubt. But our words, actions and witness partofarighteouslifestyle, but we as aspeciesare animals by people in our world, but the Bible indicates should leave no question. After all, Proverbs 12:10 clearly responsible for their suffering, so deliberate exclusion of that even animal-on-animal violence is down to us. associates kindness to animals with righteousness and animals from our supportseems churlish. We owe them. 14 www.churchnewspaper.com FridaySeptember 6, 2013 Arts &Media Shane’snew viewonColor

Shane Carruth’s output may not be prolific but as anew “auteur” he has few rivals. His last film Primer (2004) won Grand Juryprize at the Sundance Festival, and his latest feature Upstream Color (cert.12A) involves asimilar determination not to explain everything – including the film’s budget, though it was rather morethan Primer’s paltry$7,000. Initially confusing,with an avant-garde experimentalfeel, Upstream Color gradually reveals its horror but still confuses. A“thief” (Thiago Martins) abducts people, infects them with worm larvae, and seems to be doing it for the hell of it as much as financial ben- efit, while a“sampler” (Andrew Sensenig)transfers the infection to pigs. We follow one victim, Kris (Amy Seimetz), trying to recover from an experience of which she has no memory, and linking up with Jeff(Shane Carruth) for romance, marriage, and trying to unravel the mysterythat’s afflicted them both. Henry Thoreau’s Walden, with which Kris is inculcated, is part of the enigma. Primer mostly used dialogue to tell its sci-fi story of the accidental discoveryofatime machine, but Upstream Color lets the image dictate the pace. Carruth was happy to acknowledge his Christian faith in an interview for Christianity Today about Primer, afilm that had some emphasis on the moral possibilitiesinvolved in time travel, but the ethical issues herearestarker –mad scientist versus redemption of the victims, and their revenge. Carruth is lead actor,writer, director, producer,photographer,editor, composer,and above all intriguer. Seriously weird, aparable (about what?) or fascinatingly different –just don’t expect asimple story. The WayWay Back (cert. 12A) is astraightforwardstoryofteenage alienation, fami- ly tensions, infidelity,and an unlikely father substitute. Remarkably,it’s the best feel- good movie of the year so far,advertised as from the studio that brought us Little Miss Sunshine and Juno –that’s Fox Searchlight who have also brought us ahost of other excellent movies in other genres, proving that some things in the Murdoch stable can be celebrated. Duncan (Liam James) is 14, his divorced mother Pam (Toni Collette) has taken up with new man Trent (Steve Carell), and they’reoff to Cape Cod to his holiday home with Trent’s daughter Steph (Zoe Levin). Noisy and nosey neighbour Betty (Allison Janney) has three children, and her daughter Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb) provides an unlikely friend for Duncan. What changes things is Duncan’s chance encounter with Owen (Sam Rockwell), a laidback manager at the local water park, who recognises Duncan’s disaffection, and determines to boost his confidence, which was low to startwith and not helped by Trent’s categorising him as a“3” on ascale of one to ten. Apart-time job at the water park, kept secret from his mother,means Duncan‘s holiday is turning out quite well. That’s until Trent has adalliance with another holiday resident (Amanda Peet). Duncan publicly calls it as it is, while his mother is in denial. Playing acontrolling, insensitive character is abreak of role for Steve Carell, while Allison Janney’s raucous act leaves her West Wing CJ Cregg persona way behind. Toni Collette works hardfor the sympathy her role needs, but it’s young Liam James, turning glum to glee under Owen’s rather irresponsible tutelage, who makes the film so rewarding.

Steve Parish Changing persectives on the Arctic’s ice shelf

Chasing Ice versible change. footage comes from Greenland, (Dogwoof) The trips werenot easy.Aswell as wherethe team caught an area the damaging his leg, Balog is driven to size of Lower Manhattan convulsing Commissioned to recordclimate tears by exploded batteries inside and collapsing as melting waters change images, National Geograph- camera boxes, sandblastedPlexi- pour underneath it. ic photographer James Balog head- glas windows, equipment buried An hour of special features sup- ed to the Arctic as under 15 feet of portthe film well. On top of acom- asceptic, but came snow,bird- mentarytrack, the best area home with anew pecked cameras substantial Qand Asessionfrom passion. and cables bitten the Sundance Film Festival and a The multi-award- by foxes. beautifulset of time-lapse images winning Chasing But as apho- set to anew song sung by Scarlett Ice (Dogwoof's tographer,Balog Johansson.Most striking arestarry first Blu-Ray) is the is attuned to night-time shots with sculptural ice account of how he shape, light and reflecting the NorthernLights. returned north to colour.The Director JeffOrlowski has assem- take acomprehen- images were bled adocumentarythat portrays sive set of time- worth it. one man’s passion for an issue of lapse images from While the historicsignificance. It deserves to several countries sequences are be seen. to show the world impressive in http://www.youtube.com/watch? the danger that we showing how fast feature=player_embedded&v=eIZT- areinfromanenvi- the glaciers are MVNBjc4 ronment teetering retreating, the on the edge of irre- most dramatic Derek Walker Comment FridaySeptember 6, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 15 Janey Lee Grace Live Healthy! Live Happy! The superfoods that can work ‘Let food be your medicine,’ Hippocrates famously Sprouted seeds, beans and grains areliterally once said. power-packed Superfoods: when the seeds germinate Therehas been alot in the press recently about they come alive with nutrients and avast array of vita- Superfoods such as garlic, berries, nuts and seeds mins and minerals. They provide agreat source of and specifically sprouts. protein, too. On that windy note, one of my girlfriends paid for Do you remember growing mustardand cress on her student son to see anutritionist after his acne was blotting paper as akid? Well, sprouting is even easier. starting to really upset him. She was pleased to find All you need is ajam jar,seeds or beans, water and he had really taken the nutritionists advice on board muslin or cheesecloth. In truth its easier to buy a and had ditched the sugarydrinks and processed sprouter kit such as the glass jars from www.wholisti- foods, started drinking lots of water,and was eating cresearch.com some good oils. What she couldn’t comprehend was If you’renew to sprouting, startwith mung beans or why their fridge was stocked to the brim with Brus- alfalfa, which will sprout in four to six days. Startby sels sprouts. rinsing them well, placing them in the jars and cover- When sheasked him, herson said:“Thenutrition- ing with filtered water,then leaving them overnight in ist said sprouts arepacked full of nutrients, antioxi- acool dark place. dants, live enzymes, vitamins and minerals, so I Rinse the sprouts twice aday under arunning tap. bought lots.” Invertthe jars on astainlesssteel rack between rins- Of course she’d meant sprouted seeds and beans, ing to drain. In afew days each jar is full of fresh tasty not the rather morehumble (and ‘windy’) Brussels sprouts that can be added to salads and sandwiches sprouts! or add to smoothies.

PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 864 by Axe

Across 2Proconsul of Achaia whose protec- tion of Paul brought new freedom to 7David's headquarters during Absa- the Church [Acts] (6) lom's rebellion [2 Sam] (8) 3'...I will put my ---- in their hearts, 8Son of Judah who refused to give and Iwill write them on their minds' children to Tamar,his dead broth- [Heb] (4) er's wife [Gen] (4) 4King of Judah, the son of Joash 9'He overturned the ------of the killed in Lachish for turning away money changers and the benchesof from the Lord[2Kgs; 2Chron; those sellingdoves' [Matt/NIV] (6) Amos] (7) 10 '...the sound of the horn, flute, ------, 5Early Christian church with adher- lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of ents still today in Egypt and other music...' [Dan/NIV] (6) countries (6) 11 Valley of ----- near Jericho where 6Main partorbody of achurch (4) Achan was killed for disobeying 13 Caesar who ordered the census God [Josh] (5) which brought Maryand Joseph to 12 'These werethe sons of David...the Bethlehem [Luke] (8) third, Absalom the son of ------' [1 14 Palace administrator to Hezekiah [2 Chron/KJV] (7) Kgs; Isa] (7) 15 'God ------me and tears me in his 16 Birthplace of St Clare(6) anger...' [Job/NIV] (7) 18 'Immediately Saul fell full ------on the 17 '...when she saw the ark among the - ground...'[1Sam] (6) ----, she sent her maid to fetch it' 20 Holy ----: archaic representation of [Exod/KJV] (5) the Cross of Jesus (4) 19 ------and Aquilas, Paul's 'co-workers 21 'I am the true ----, and my Father is in Christ Jesus' [Rom; 1Cor; 2Tim] the gardener' [John] (4) (6) 21 'But may sinners ------from the world Solution to last weeks crossword and the wicked be no more' [Ps/NIV] (6) Across: 3Pentecostal, 7Nicene, 8Pilate, 9 The first correctentry drawn will win abook of the Editor’s choice.Send your 22 Grandmother of Timothy (4) Iron, 11 Awake, 13 Padre, 14 Asia, 16 entry to Crossword Number 864, The Church of EnglandNewspaper, 23 ------Loyola, founder of the Jesuits Hannah, 17 Sardis, 19 Sunni Muslim. 14 Great CollegeStreet,Westminster, London, SW1P 3RX by next Friday (8) Down: 1Anne, 2StAlbans, 3Philippians, 4 Name Down Eden, 5Orphan, 6Lutheranism, 10 Ordinand, 12 Necho I, 15 Esau, 18 Rule. Address 1Destination of the road that Paul was travelling on when converted [Acts] (8)

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 16 www.churchnewspaper.com FridaySeptember 6, 2013 Classifieds

Letters to the Editor: Continued

Unfortunately,theredoes not seem to be averb in the dictionarythat would fit this theory, but Ishall assume for the purposes of this piece that such averb does exist, and that it should be asemi-deponent verb. (For the benefit of those who may have forgotten their Latin, adeponent verb is passive in formbut active in meaning; asemi- deponent verb is deponent in only the perfect tense and its derivatives.) Hence, the present tense would be “gonno”; the infinitive would be “gonnare”; and, because it is asemi-deponent verb, the perfect tense would be “gonnatus sum”. This perfect tense, then, could be loosely translatedas, “I have become fed up with songs as opposed to hymns”. Naturally,ifone accepts this theory, the imperative “gonna” would be acommand to become fed up with songs! However,this slightly breaks down when one comes across asong that similarly includes “Wanna”, as Latin of course has no letter “w”, and this is probably because “v” is pronounced as “w”. But one could perhaps argue for similarly making up another semi-deponent verb “vanno”, of which the perfect tense would be “vannatus sum”, meaning “I have become determined to stamp out the use of songs instead of hymns”. In that case, the imperative “vanna”would be acommand to become determined to stamp out songs! One has even come across asong that says “wicked, wicked” when the meaning is apparently meant to be the exact opposite. That does seem highly perverse. Inciden- tally,the same song includes “brill, brill” but Isuspect that the songwriter failed to obtain AVDC permission for this. After all, Brill does of course come under Aylesbury Vale District Council! Then we have asong that includes the expression “so unchanging”. The problem hereisthat the present par- ticiple “unchanging”, when being used adjectivally as it is here, clearly is already an absolute so it is simply non- sense to modify it by using the adverb “so”. Finally,thereisthe strange matter of certain songs that include “cos” and this really does have overtones for some of us, particularly for those of us in and around Sevenoaks! “Cos”, in Sevenoaks parlance, is an abbrevia- tion for Mr Costelloe who used to be the proprietor of W Hodges &Co(awell-known local firmofundertakers); he was also incidentally aleading Roman Catholic in the town. It does seem strange that we apparently wish to have a“celebration” of the late Thomas Adrian Costelloe! Maybe answers should be written on postcards! John Humphrey, Sevenoaks, Kent Register FridaySeptember 6, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 17

THE 2013 ANGLICAN CYCLE RETIREMENTS & BIBLE CHALLENGE OF PRAYER RESIGNATIONS

The Rev Major Robin Alderson, Day 249 Jeremiah 4-6, Psalm 48, Hebrews 4 Friday 6September. Psalm 90, Jer 30:10-21. Sao NSM (Assistant Priest), Brandeston with Kettleburgh and Day 250 Jeremiah 7-9, Psalm 49, Hebrews 5 Paulo -(Brazil): The Rt The Rev Roger Douglas Bird Easton (St Edmundsburyand Ipswich): to retirewith Day 251 Enjoy hearing the Scriptures read aloud in church effect from 7October 2013. Day 252 Jeremiah 10-12, Psalm 50, Hebrews 6 Saturday 7September. Psalm 91, Lk 7:11-17. The Rev Susan Frances Austin, Day 253 Jeremiah 13-15, Psalm 51, Hebrews 7 Saskatchewan -(Rupert’s Land, Canada): The Rt Rev has moved out of the diocese and her PTO in the Diocese Day 254 Jeremiah 16-18, Psalm 52, Hebrews 8 Michael William Hawkins; Saskatoon -(Rupert’s Land, of Canterburyhas ceased with effect from 13 August 2013. Day 255 Jeremiah 19-21, Psalm 53, Hebrews 9 Canada): The Rt Rev David Irving The Rev Alan Barrett, Vicar,Tamworth (Lichfield): to retirewith effect from 31 Sunday 8September. Pentecost 16. Psalm 119:129- October 2013. APPOINTMENTS 144, Lk 7:18-27. Sebei -(Uganda): The Rt Rev Augus- The Rev Jonathan Mark Hills, tine Arapyona Salimo StipendiaryAssistant Curate in the Benefice of Church- down The VenMartyn James Snow, Monday 9September. Psalm 92, Lk 7:28-35. Sekondi The Rev Raymond Skinner, Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham (Sheffield), to be (Ghana) -(West Africa): The Rt Rev Col John Otoo Rector,Morden (Southwark): to retirewith effect from 9 Bishop of Tewkesbury, (Gloucester) September 2013. Tuesday 10 September. Psalm 93, Lk 7:36-50. Sey- The Rev Christopher van D’Arque, The Rev RobertHenryAxford, chelles -(Indian Ocean): The Rt Rev James Richard Vicar,Walton St John (Derby): to resign with effect from StipendiaryVicar of the Benefice of Wotton-under-Edge Wong YinSong 30 November 2013. with Ozleworth, North Nibley and Alderley,tobealso Chair of the Bishop’s Worship, Prayer and Spirituality Wednesday 11 September.Psalm 94:1-2, 14-23 LAY&OTHER Group (Gloucester) Jer 31:1-9. Shinyanga-(Tanzania): The Rt Rev Charles APPOINTMENTS The Rev Elizabeth Goodridge, Kija Ngusa NSM (Assistant Curate), South Beddington and Round- shaw (Southwark): to be NSM (Assistant Curate), Kenley; Thursday 12 September. Psalm 95, Jer 31:10-14. Mr Matthew Cottrell, and NSM (Assistant Curate), Purley St Barnabas (same Shyira -(Rwanda): The Rt Rev Dr Laurent Mbanda; To be Licensed Lay Worker in the Benefice of Gloucester, diocese). Shyogwe -(Rwanda): The Rt Rev Jered Kalimba St Oswald The Rev Dr Peter Hansell, Mr Andrew Macauly, Rector of BureValley,Diocese of Norwich, has been To be Licensed Lay Worker in Cheltenham Deanery appointed Chaplain of Trent College, Long Eaton, Diocese (Gloucester) of Derby.DrHansell has been licensed to take up his new Evangelist (Sheffield) The Rev Mark Prevett, appointmenton1st September. The Rev David King, Rector,Totton (Winchester): to be Priest–in-Charge, The Rev Andrew Howard, (York): to be Vicar,Middlesbrough St Martin with St Cuth- Merthyr Tydfil St David and Abercanaid (Llandaff, The Anglican Chaplain, Teesside University and Associate bert(same diocese). Church in Wales). Priest, Middlesbrough St Columba and St John the Evan- The Rev Kareen Lowther, Captain Paul Warren CA: gelist (York), to be Vicar of Cantley St Wilfrid (Sheffield) Team Vicar,Bloxwich (Lichfield): to be Team Vicar, to be Urban Missioner,Bermondsey St James and St Anne The The Rev Roxanne Hunte, Assistant Curate, Newington Penkridge (same diocese). (Southwark). St Mary(Southwark):tobePriest-in-Charge, South Nor- The Rev Linda McKeon, wood Holy Innocents (same diocese). NSM (Assistant Curate), Gentleshaw (Lichfield): to be The Reverend Jacqueline Diane Hyde, NSM (Associate Minister). DEATHS Self-Supporting Associate Priest in the Benefice of the The Rev Margaret Elizabeth Marshall, South Cheltenham Team Ministrytobealso Diocesan Priest-in-Charge at The Riversmeet Benefice, has been Ecumenical Officer (Glouester) appointed to the RectoryofThe Riversmeet Benefice, in The Rev Canon HowardGarside, The Reverend Hilda Ruth Isaacson, the county of Bedfordshire(St Albans). who, until recently,had Permission to Officiate in the Dio- Assistant Curate of Deepcar St John the Evangelist The Rev Justine Middlemiss, cese of Ripon and Leeds, died on 24 August 2013. (Sheffield), to be Priest in Charge of Deepcar St John the Rector,Beddington (Southwark): to be Rector,Sutton; and The Rev Beryl Smart, Ecumenical Borough Dean (same diocese). formerly OLM at Newchurch and Christ Church Croft, The Rev DarrenMiller, died on 26th August 2013 Rector,Cheam (Southwark): to be also Area Dean, Sutton Deanery(same diocese). The Rev Canon Sidney Dennis Sneath BA The Rev RichardPeers, Vicar of Camp Hill Nuneaton 1959-2013 Subscribe Headmaster,Trinity School Lewisham; and Sidney Dennis Sneath was borninAugust 1923 and after NSM (Assistant Curate), Blackheath All Saints serving in the Royal Navy during the war,heentered today! (Southwark): to be NSM (Assistant Curate), Leeds University gained aBAin1950. He began his min- Lewisham St Mary(same diocese). Remaining istryatthe Abbey Church of St Marythe Virgin, Nuneaton Headmaster. some 61 years ago being made priest in 1953. He was most PRICES HELD The Rev Amanda Pike, probably the longest serving incumbent in the Church of Priest in Charge, Elmton; and Priest-in-Charge, England, having been installed in office beforethe manda- Whitwell (Derby), to be Priest in Charge, Ched- toryretirement age was changed to 70. Annual Subscription rates: dleton; and Priest-in-Charge, Horton, Longs- Father Dennis,ashewas known, became the first [and UK £65, don and Rushton Spencer (Lichfield). only] Vicar of Camp Hill in 1959, raising money for the The Rev Ian Poole, building of the parish Church. Thereare many wonderful Retired: £60 (UK only) Team Vicar,Bushbury(Lichfield): to be Team and almost mythological stories of his bold and remark- Vicar (Acting Rector). able Christian work in the area. Many in Nuneaton will including free online edition The Rev Matthew Prior, remember him, some even from their school days after his Europe: £90 (€140), NSM (Assistant Curate), Cove St John (Guild- outstanding work in the local primaryschools during the ford): to be Chaplain, Archbishop Tenison’s 1960 and 70’s. One lady in her mid 80’s recently recalled Rest of World: £110 (US $220), Church of England High School (same dio- how he conducted her wedding in 1954 making it a Online edition: £25 cese). remarkable day. The Rev Michael Proctor, Dennis was made an HonoraryCanon of Coventry Vicar,Marton-in-Cleveland; and Minister,Coul- Cathedral in 1980 for his outstandingwork and although With an annual subscription you can have full by Newham LEP (York): to be Vicar,South he has missed his Diamond Anniversaryasapriest he will access to our website with regularly Cave and Ellerker with Broomfleet (same dio- be remembered with affection by all to whom he minis- updated news. cese). tered. The Rev Stephen Reynolds, De died on Tuesday 13th August in George Eliot Hospi- NSM (Assistant Curate), Heath Hayes (Lich- tal after many years of illness. His body will be received Visit www.churchnewspaper.com and field): to be NSM (Associate Minister); and to into the parish church on Wednesday 28th August at 4:30 pay via PayPal be NSM (Associate Minster), Cannock and and his Funeralmass will take place on the following day, Huntington (same diocese). Thursday at 1pm. The Rev Jennifer Rowley, May he rest in peace and rise with Christ in Glory. call 020 7222 8663 Priest-in-Charge, Nettleham; and Priest-in- Brian Regan SSC Charge, Welton and Dunholme with Scothern Priest Assistant at Abbey Church of St MaryVirgin email: [email protected] (Lincoln): to be Rector,SelsdonStJohn with St Nuneaton Francis (Southwark). The Rev Mark Salmon, Correction: We apologize the photos accompanying the Subscribe to the online Vicar,Harlescott (Lichfield): to be also Rural Fresh Expressions St Luke’s article in last week’s issue edition for just £25 ayear Dean, ShrewsburyDeanery(same diocese). wereincorrect. 18 www.churchnewspaper.com FridaySeptember 6, 2013 Anglican Life The problem with Braverman The Council of Christians and Jews

Tents, boots, and tins arenow unpacked at home. Gigs attended, creative activities tried, and the many challeng- ing talks heardare all now memories, or mp3 downloads. Greenbelt 2013 is over.This Christian ‘arts, faith and jus- tice festival’, attended by thousands of all ages and all church backgrounds ran from 23-26 August at the Chel- tenham racecourse. This was also aspecial celebration, since this year marks the 40th consecutive year of the fes- tival. Many happy returns! It is partofthe delightfulnatureofGreenbeltthat too much happens at once. So each person might be said to have their own Greenbelt experience, determined by their decisions on what to attend. Just beforethe festival, Green- belt issued aStatement on one aspect –and one only -ofits programming, namely Israel-Palestine.Itinsisted that Greenbelt is consistently on the side of justice and peace, throughout the world, and had long made an effortespe- repentance for the Churches’ past anti-Semitism and anti- and it is spiritual –have learned to hate.” Given this, it is cially to hear the ‘voices from the region not usually Judaism. The book oscillatesbetweenapolitical agenda unsurprising that he spoke with abandon on the collective heard... struggling for peace and justice’. In itself, this is and atheological one. guilt of the Jewish people. wholly good. But thereare complications. The latter is summed up in the book’s ForewordbyWal- He is speaking of his entirepeople when he says: “We Greenbelt had decided to invite Dr Mark Braverman, an ter Brueggemann:“It is Israel’s elemental conviction about areindeep trouble. We aredeeply,deeply in sin. We are American Jew who, has taken on what he would see as the being God’s one chosen people –and the ensuing social- lost in the idolatryofpower.” Palestinian liberation cause. The Council of Christians and political exceptionalism –that is the root cause of the con- Mark Braverman was also present at the launch of Jews (CCJ) had raised concerns about this particular flict.” So the heartofBraverman’s thesis is not an objection Kairos Britain: Time for Action, aresponse to the 2009’s speaker back in March, and offered to find an additional to concrete Israeli politics. Rather,itisJudaism’s tradition- Kairos Palestine, written by Christian Palestinians. Much speaker or speakers to broaden and deepen minds in al teaching, that the covenant between God and Israel is could be said of this new document. But its declared moti- search of asolution.Without naming CCJ, Greenbelt’s unique, without parallel. vation –responding to the cries of the Palestinians –is statement was clear: ‘Wedo, on occasion, turndown offers Now,Jews have been debating the natureoftheir beyond reproach, and it is aserious attempt to help British of other voices’. The CCJ’s offer was one of these. covenantal relationship with God for many centuries. But it Christians engage with Kairos Palestine.Braverman’s It cannot be stressed too strongly that CCJ’s concerns is adebate. And to give pride of place to one speaker on involvement is mercifully muted. werenot about his politics, his views on the policies of the Israel-Palestine who, although aJew,can see traditional It needs saying, in sorrownot in anger,that Braverman’s Israeli regime, nor his espousal of liberation theology.Nor and mainstream Jewish theology only as inherently moral- position on the sinfulnessofhis peopleisnot radical, pro- did we suggest theremust always be a‘balance’ between ly challenged is surely set to produce moreheat than light. gressive or liberationist. It is much closer to the oldest ‘left’ and ‘right’, ‘radical’ and ‘conservative’, nor even the In fact, in Braverman’s two talks at Greenbelt, things formofChristian anti-Judaism: the whole people areguilty ‘standardIsraeli narrative’ and the ‘standardPalestinian went from bad to worse. He spoke not so much of Jewish for the actions of some, lost as they areintheir various car- one’. Our concernwas entirely about what Braverman theology as of the Jewish mind. He tells us that, on seeing nal passions. The most frustrating thing is that, apartfrom would say about the Jewish community and Judaism, and the separation wall, he had the insight: “I grew up with that being ugly,and wrong, this line of argument will do noth- about Christian-Jewish dialogue. wall inside me.” ing to advance the desperately longed-for just peace Braverman was hailed as the author of Fatal Embrace: As apersonal insight, this is not to be challenged. But he between the peoples of the Holy Land. Greenbelters Christians, Jews and the Search for Peace in the Holy also draws the inference that that psychological isolation deserved better.Awider range of voices would have Land. He alleges that Christians in dialogue with Jews from thewider world is experienced by Jews as awhole. helped. have fatally embraced acertain deal: keeping silent about He says: “My people behind that wall –and Iinclude Jews Atruer account of what Jewish-Christian relations really injustice in Israel-Palestine is how Christians demonstrate outside of Israel as well, because the wall is psychological arecould have been offered. WWiinnee ooff tthhee wweeeekk Cook this! Potato, stilton and dried- Cook this! Château Griviére fig gratin with warm Mêdoc 2006 Ahearty bake of sliced Majestic (two bottle offer, £9.99) potatoes and figs topped Method cabbage salad www.majestic.co.uk with melting stilton and served with Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas with foil. From the beginning of this month, piquant cabbage mark 4. Halve the unpeeledgarlic clove Meanwhile, preparethe cabbage. Majestic areoffering anumber of and use the cut side to rubthe inside of Discardany damaged outer leaves, and redBordeaux, Château--bottled a34x20x5cm (13 x8x2in) gratin coreand finely slice the rest. Cook in clarets for under £10 for two (not dish. Keep what is left for another boiling water for two to three minutes. Scotland). Ingredients recipe. Brush the dish with the melted The cabbage should remain abit crisp. So, achance to step onto the lower butter. Drain, returntothe pan, season and rungs of the price ladder of arguably Serves four Peel the potatoes and use aknife or a cover to keep warm. the world’s most famous and most 1garlic clove mandolin to cut them into 2mm Cut the stilton into 0.5cm (½in) slices expensive wines. Made from the two (1/12in) slices. Arrange half the slices (easier when cold). Remove the gratin leading Bordeaux grapes, Merlot 15g (½oz) butter,melted in the dish in an overlapping layer. from the oven, arrange the cheese on (60 per cent) and Cabernet Sauvi- 900g (2lb) potatoes Scatter with the figs, season well and top and cook for just under five minutes. gnon, this, ranks CruBourgeois, 100g (3½oz) soft dried top with the rest of the potatoes. Season The cheese should be just oozing on to lowest of that middle-ranking grad- figs,very finely sliced again. Pour over the milk; it should the potatoes and should not have ing. After pressing, the juice went into the estate cellars 700ml (1¼ pints) semi- barely cover the top. Carefully transfer browned. for 18 months, for barrelaging and fining, then to spend skimmed milk to the oven and bake for an hour.Ifthe While the gratin finishes baking, years in bottle beforeits recent release. top starts to brown too quickly,cover make the vinaigrette. Mix the vinegar, Open the bottle, and carefully pour into adecanter.A 900g (2lb) sweetheart honey,mustard fine powerful fruity fragrance arose. After some minutes, cabbage and shallot until pour into awide glass. Note that the deep redwine has 200g (7oz) fridge-cold well blended. With “legs” (sometimes called “church windows”!) anarrow stilton afork, slowly ring of clear liquid above the red. On the palate there’s 2tbsp white-wine vinegar whisk in the oil elegant complexity,blackberry,plum and blackcurrant, a ½tsp honey until the mixture touch of spice admixed with light oak tannins, which car- emulsifies. Pour ries on to asatisfying finish. 2tsp Dijon mustard the vinaigrette Anote of warning: highly enjoyable as this ’06 is, going 1shallot, finely sliced over the warm well at room temperaturewith roast meats (say,17/18ºC,) 4tbsp hazelnut oil cabbage, add the excellent too for accompanying Stilton and other strong tarragon and toss. cheese it needs to be drunk over the meal. It will not keep, 2tsp chopped tarragon Serve with the and after two or three hours will go offinto astrong acidi- gratin. ty.

Graham Gendall Norton Sunday FridaySeptember 6, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 19

Eternal God, calm and qui- The surprise for me here SUNDAY SERVICE eten our souls; keep us hum- THE SPIRITUAL is that the psalmist says he ble and full of wonder and has quieted himself (KJV). trusting as we live in your One translator (Robert 16th Sunday after Trinity love; through Jesus Christ DIRECTOR Alter) puts it as ‘like a (Sunday 15th Sept) our Lord, Amen. weaned babe Iamwith This prayer follows Psalm myself’(the Hebrew is liter- Jeremiah 4:11-28 131 in Common Worship By the Rev Dr Liz Hoare ally ‘on myself’) and says 1Timothy 1:12-17 Daily Prayer.Each psalm is that the speaker ‘evokes a Luke15:1-10 accompanied by such a sense of beautiful self-con- prayer in the Psalter here, ple and beautifully breast. Tworecent births in tainment, an embracing of whereatheme from the expressed prayer to God. In my extendedfamily have one’s self like achild.’ The Each of our readings gives us cause for thanksgiving psalm is developed by the just three verses we are been areminderofhow idea that we have an inner this week, as the realities of salvation areportrayed writer.The prayer thus given an image of what it is short-lived is that blissful child that we have to look against the blackest of backdrops. reinforces an aspect of the like to rest in God and sleep of the new-born. after is astartlingly modern Jeremiah foresees atime when the earth will be Psalm and provides further offers amodel for others to Seemingly ever-hungry concept and one Istruggled scorched by the hot wind of God’s righteous judgment. opportunity to think about follow,inthis case the they wake and instantly with until Irealised that the It is directed at his waywardpeople themselves, who its meaning and application whole nation of God’s peo- demand the mother’s burden does not lie with me have forsaken the truth: “For my people arefoolish, for our lives. ple. The prayer begins by breast once again. The because Ihave aheavenly they do not know me; they arestupid children, they Learning to pray with the asking for calm and quiet image hereisofaweaned father who cares for me. have no understanding. They areskilled in doing evil, words of scripturethem- deep within the human child who has learned to We will never recognise but do not know how to do good.” God cannot be pas- selves is avaluable way of soul. It is not just the 21st trust the reassurance of its this unless we let go of sive in the face of such betrayal and ignorance. praying and helps to embed centurythat has given rise mother and is content with pride and cultivate achild- As he looks around after God’s holy response to the verywords of the Bible to restless anxiety dominat- hercomforting presence. like trust and the prayer human sinfulness, Jeremiah sees devastation: earth, in our hearts and minds. It ing the human condition. In the psalm itself the picks up on this in its sec- heavens, mountains, hills, birds, land —all affected and enables us to make the ‘Why do the heathen writer has first of all reject- ond part. Although it might afflicted because of the rebellion of those who borethe writer’s words our own and rage?” asks another psalm ed the kind of pride and seem that it is all down to us image of God. Yetthe smallest shaft of light appears at may help us to notice pointing to the turbulence arrogance that regards to learnhumility and com- the conclusion: “Yet Iwill not make afull end.” In his aspects of the biblicaltext that persists without God. itself too highly or gone in fortourselves it is as we are justice, he remembers mercy,and so thereishope. we might have otherwise The prayer homes in on the for things beyond reach held within the love of God The devoted Pharisee Saul of Tarsus also found God missed. image of the weaned child beforeintroducing this that we come to know him gracious and merciful. Though he was ablasphemer Psalm 131 is abrief, sim- resting on its mother’s beautiful image. and learntotrust him. who raged against Christ, apersecutor who pursued God’s people, and aviolent man devoid of the Spirit, the grace and love of the Lordoverwhelmed and trans- formed him. He was the chief of sinners, the epitome of religious abomination; but Christ Jesus came into the world to save exactly that sortofperson. The verypur- TheAge of Christians pose of the incarnation, of Christmas, was to demon- strate how patient and kind God is towards such sinful, evil people. By Peter Brierley age of Christians (40 per cent to 21 cent to 22 per cent). The proportion of Paul’s gratitude overflows to the Saviour King who per cent). These percentages have not those with No Religion has also not only rescued him and forgave him, but appointed The 2011 Population Census figures changed significantly since 2001 (39 increased to 37 per cent in this age him to his royal service. He realises that this was not allow aperson’s religion to be per cent to 22 per cent). The main rea- group. Over the next 20 years, many just for his own sake, but that Christ literally made an analysed by their age, and thus enable son for the difference is immigration of these will be moving into positions example out of him, so that people everywheremight acomparison of the ages of those in (childrenjoining their parents who of commercial, industrial, educational, know that eternal life is on offer to anyone who believes various religious groups. The two arealready in Britain) and Muslim military, political and other types of in Jesus, no matter what their past or present. He traces groups that differ most different in families having morechildren. The leadership. this divine plan back to its source and ends this passage their ages arethose who call them- average Muslim household has 3.8 The position reverses for the older with adoxology to the immortal, invisible God, the selves Christian and those who call children, against 2.3 for Christians. two age groups. Thereisagreater “King of the Ages.” Both judgment and salvation are themselves Muslim. Those of No Reli- How much the present rising birth percentage of Christians aged 40 to 59 ultimately for his glory, and his joy. gion aremostly somewherein rate will affect these averages is yet to than Muslims (28 per cent to 18 per Moresinners appear in the Gospel, to prove Paul’s between. Those of other religions be seen. cent), and thereisalso ahigher per- point that Christ came for exactly such people. Thereis actually areverysimilar to those of The percentage difference is impor- centage (just) of Christians in this age joy in heaven over even one sinner who repents, he tells No Religion, so arenot shown sepa- tant, but it mustn’t be assumed that group than those of No Religion (28 the Pharisees who grumble and cannot see what he has rately in the chart. Muslim youth will be taking over the per cent to 25 per cent). come for (“foolish people who do not know me” as Jere- The bar-chartshows the percentage country! The number of Muslims It is in the highest age-group where miah said!). Jesus came to save sinners and bring joy to of the English population in very under 20 in 2011 was just over amil- Christians aredominant –30per cent both heaven and earth. To earth as well, of course, broad age groups, deliberately joined lion (1,054,000)against well over 6 are60orover,against six per cent of because when the shepherdfinds his lost sheep he together in order to show the contrast million “Christians” (6,432,000). Also Muslims and nine per cent of those embraces his neighbours and enfolds them into his own between the different religious cate- just as some of those who answered with No Religion. Again over the next joy.Just as the woman who finds her lost coin spreads gories. The Census actually publishes they wereChristian in 2001 said they 20 years many of these will have the good news throughout her street. these in five-year groups, and broken now had No Religion in 2011, the passed on, and the proportions in the The challenge here, of course, is to have the same down by gender,but thereisnosignif- same will be true for some of the Mus- different categories in the 2031 Cen- heartasJesus. Note the way the Lordintroduces his icant difference between men and lims, although perhaps asmaller pro- sus, if thereisone, will have changed parables. “Which of you...?” and “What woman...?” This women in this analysis, other than portion. considerably. is not just, “What kind of person would not rejoice over that, because women live longer than However,the figures will put pres- The differences arehighlighted by something that once was lost but is now found?” The men, thereare slightly moreolder sureonLocal Authorities as Muslims looking at the average age: Christian scribes aregrumbling for precisely that reason of women. arecurrently responsible for four Pri- 45, Muslim 27, No Religion 32, Popu- course, because new people being included (even one!) The redpopulation figureofcourse maryand three Secondary Schools, lation 40. It may be argued that those is always unsettling for those who aremoreinto religion is the cumulation of all the different against over 4,400 Christian Primary ticking “Christian” on the Census than relationships. But Jesus also asks, “What kind of religions, and reflects the fact that the Schools (most Church of England) formare not the same as those attend- man, what kind of woman, would you have to be to keep number of those saying they are and 200 SecondarySchools. ing church. True, but the average age such good news to yourself, and not shareitwith your Christian is 59 per cent of the popula- Equally the chartshows thereisa of churchgoers in 2005 in England friends and neighbours?” tion. greater percentage of Muslims aged (the last time it was measured) was Almost two-fifths of English Mus- between 20 and 39 (when many will also 45 (and Anglicans were49). Lee Gatiss is Director of Church Society,and Editor of lims areunder 20, twice the percent- be parents) than Christians (37 per The percentage of churchgoers the NIV Proclamation Bible under 20 was 24 per cent in 2005 (compared with 21 per cent from the Proportion of English Population by Religion and Age Group, 2011 Population Census six years later), those aged 20 to 39 were18per cent HYMN SUGGESTIONS (compared with 22 per cent), those aged 40 to 59 were23per cent (com- pared with 18 per cent) and for those 60 and over 35 per cent (compared Immortal, invisible,God only wise with 30 per cent), illustrating the All people that on earth do dwell HUGE challenge faced by today’s Father of heaven, whose love profound Christian community. How deep the Father’s love for us Dr Peter Brierley is achurch Go forth and tell consultant who may be reached on [email protected] Milestones

Leaders from the United Reformed Church, the

Methodist Church in Britain and the Baptist Union of Great Britain have given thanks for the decision of the UK Parliament to reject military action in Syria... ANVIL (an Anglican Evangel- ical journal for theology and mission) has entered into an agreement with the publisher Versita to make the journal available online with

free access for all, with the first issue published in this new format will be available in September 2013... The trial of Rebekah Brooks, the former chief executive of RupertMurdoch’s News International,and seven others including Andy Coulson, David Cameron’s former communica- tions chief in Downing Street, which was due to commence on 9September,has been pushed ‘ back by two months for ‘legal reasons’...

use of chemical weapons has been played “Five million people on down. He has only been ready to act when lowwages have not been P A U L therehas been little choice but to do so. In the well treated.Thetrouble case of the Iraq WarNATOand the Western is the disparity between R I C H A R D S O N allies weresplit. Now the French (under a those earning lowwages socialist President) have been the leaders in pushing for action and the Turks (who opposed and those earning high Churchand World Iraq) areonside. [wages] is so vast.” The Iraq Warinvolved boots on the ground, TheArchbishop of York, regime change and nation-building. Asuc- Dr John Sentamu, speaking to cessful, brief militarycampaign was followed Andrew Marrabout the Living by adisastrous occupation and failureat Wage. nation-building. Right from the startAmerica and its allies have made it clear therehas never been any intention of invading Syria. ‘ Debating Syria People The West would certainly like to see the ‘Those who do not learnfromhistory by Saddam Hussein. Assad regime disappear but regime change is aredoomed to repeat its mistakes,’ Now the Iraq Warisitself being up to the Syrians. An aerial assault on Assad’s wrote the American philosopher, quoted as aprecedent for not acting militaryfacilities is intervention of averydif- George Santayana. The problem is over the use of chemical weapons in ferent order from an invasion. The Israelis that we frequently learnthe wrong Iraq. Ed Milibandand the Labour have twice bombed weapons movements in lessons from history. Party seem to be haunted by the fail- Syria and suffered no retaliation. Appeasement has often been quot- uretofind weapons of mass destruc- The real mistake the West has made in ed as areason to stand up to dicta- tion but blind to the dangers of seeing Syria has been not to intervene early in the tors, most recently in the case of false parallels between Syria and Iraq. conflict with supportfor the rebels. Had we Iraq, without any notice being taken As Gideon Rachman has pointed done so with militarysupplies we might have of the differences between the threat out, Barack Obama has been desper- facilitated the overthrow of the Assad regime posed by Hitler and the threat posed ate to avoid involvement in Syria. Past and prevented Islamist extremists from gain- ing power and influence among the opposi- tion. The real lesson of Syria is that not to

) ,  take any action at all in an international crisis + ,  ' + , 1 ( can have just as many consequences as inter- / ,

+ vention can. Youcannot opt out of history.

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% that the use of chemical weapons will not be 1 tolerated and doing so may help save lives in the futurebut it is hardtosee how the West ) & ' & (%& -2/+ can have any other influence on the Syrian crisis shortofanunacceptable full-scale mili- taryintervention. It has become apparent that the war in Syria has reached astalemate. The majority of Sunnis who make up 70 per cent of the pop- ulation oppose the regime but Assad can count on most of the rest, including members of his own Alawite sect and many Christians. The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu,has He will seek to hold on to Latakia Province announced that his Director of Communications, wherethe Alawites predominate and proba- KerronCross,will be leaving his position on Fri- bly to astrip that runs down to Damascus. day 13 September to pursue other opportunities... The rebels will control much of the rest of the Rugby player Joost van der Westhuizen,who is countrywith the Kurds in control of their own suffering from motor neurone disease (MND), area. Assad can count on the supportofhis has spoken about the role his Christian faith plays Hezbollah allies and on Iran. Russia might be in helping him to cope with aterminal illness less keen on anarrowly Alawite state, particu- which has left him confined to awheelchair and larly if it could not guarantee its base at Tartus. without the strength to lift food or drink, saying: “I A  !    Some commentators have argued that a know that God is alive in my life.”... Seamus fragmented Syria might be in the West’s Heaney's funeral took place at the Church of the       @ % interests. Assad would be weakened and con- Scared Heart, Donnybrook, Dublin, on Monday... B           fined to his own base of supportbut the            0 Islamists would fail to gain overall control of the country. In fact adivided and conflict-rid- Next Week’sNews 7(&71)@)(%35(530) den Syria would be amajor source of instabil- ity in the Middle East. It would deepen the !       , lines of division between Shiite and Sunni, Wednesday will mark the 12th anniversaryofthe #            adding to the violence in Iraq and further 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centreand the CCC'&AC&'8@1'B4 destabilising Lebanon. Refugees would con- Pentagon... London Fashion Week begins on tinue to pour into Jordan and Syrian Chris- Friday 13 September,for Spring/Summer 2014 at  ( #%, ! 8D #M, 884, &69A23@),"! $ tians left behind in Sunni areas would face a Somerset House, contributing £20million to the $)5 %#!I!*KM%M 6&35 71#8'%)5736&5A&85''86 verygrim future. Let us hope that someone in fashion industrythrough and attracting visitors Lambeth Palace is trying to tell the Moscow from morethan 25 countries to London during Patriarchate this. the event...

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