Freedom of belief on film p16

THE New CHURCHOF ENGLAND Archbishop Newspaper arrives in 17 July, 2020 York, £1.50 No: 6544 Established in 1828 p8 Download our App on Open Doors, formed by ‘God’s Smuggler’, going strong after 65 years: p9 Lambeth Conference is delayed for a further year by pandemic

THE NEXT meeting of the Archbishop also announced we’ve managed to keep in con- vides such an important oppor- Lambeth Conference, origi- that alongside the postponed tact and somehow I sense that tunity for bishops and spouses nally scheduled to take place physical conference meeting in the Spirit of God has drawn us of the world wide Anglican this month, has been pushed 2022 in Canterbury, a wider pro- closer together. Communion to meet, pray, lis- back by another 12 months gramme will be developed “As we look around the world, ten, reflect and shape the Angli- to 2022. before and after the event, deliv- we see how important it is that can Communion for the decade The Archbishop of Canter- ered virtually and through the Anglican Communion walks ahead. bury, Justin Welby, sent a mes- other meetings. together as we seek to be good “Rescheduling the event is of sage of encouragement to “walk Speaking of the impact of the news.” course disappointing but abso- together and be good news” to COVID-19 pandemic, he Referencing the book of 1 lutely necessary and the right the bishops and spouses of the encouraged the bishops and Peter – the biblical foundation thing to do. The conference Anglican Communion as he their spouses in their pastoral supporting the theme of the planning team will continue to made the announcement. role of supporting churches and conference – the Archbishop work harder than ever to deliver The decision was taken after communities around the world. has also said: “The first letter of an engaging and resourceful ongoing monitoring of the pan- He said: “I am overwhelmed Peter reminds us to love each conference programme both in demic and consultation with by the way that Anglicans other deeply, to offer hospitality, the lead up to and beyond 2022. bishops and primates around around the world have been fac- to use the gifts we have – I am “Covid-19 has changed our the world. ing up to the huge social needs aware that God has given us world forever. It’s vital that we In his video message, the created by this crisis. So many new means of being the Com- gain a fresh vision of what it is people have suffered from the munion. In the next two years to be ‘God’s Church for God’s PRICE £1.50 / €2.00 / $2.50 pandemic, economically, physi- we will explore those and pro- World’; and discern God’s call- cally through illness and in with the poor and the vulnera- vide mutual support for each ing for the Communion in the 29 many other ways and even have ble and the marginalised faring other.” decade ahead. I look forward to lost those close to them. the worst. We’ve been isolated Phil George, CEO of the Lam- the role that the Lambeth Con- “It’s exposed the divisions from one another by the lock- beth Conference Company said: ference will play on that jour- 9 770964 816108 and inequalities of the world down and restriction. And yet “The Lambeth Conference pro- ney.” 2 Friday 17 July, 2020 THE CHURCH IN ENGLAND THE Diocese of Leeds

CHURCH IN ENGLAND

Diocese of Manchester something in place of a holiday club and also for families look- ing for a way to connect togeth- er. Diocese of Lichfield

A Church school in Stoke-On- Trent has achieved a pioneering School Mental Health Award. St Paul’s CofE Primary School was awarded a Gold standard A “magical” wedding took place last Saturday after three months’ delay due to the Covid-19 lock- for its outstanding mental down. By the end of May five Manch- health and wellbeing provision St George’s, Leeds, was the setting for one of England’s first “new normal” weddings, with social ester churches had received the by the Carnegie Centre Of distancing, no singing and ‘lashings of sanitiser’. Rector Lizzy Woolf officiated at the marriage of Eco Church accreditation, three Excellence For Mental Health Leeds couple Tom Hall and Heather McLaren and told how the happy ceremony took place safely achieving bronze and two silver In Schools. thanks to necessary precautions: “It was such a pleasure to be able to marry Tom and Heather, awards, just one award short of The school in Longton pro- after their wedding was delayed for three months due to the pandemic. their Eco Diocese target. vides a wide range of activities “It wasn’t the wedding they had planned originally, but it was still a very beautiful and special day. This month, St Andrew, to boost the wellbeing of pupils, “There was no singing or sermon, so the service took around half an hour. Guests were seated in Dearnley received a Bronze families and staff, including household groups; they entered one at a time, washing their hands, and going to their named seat. level award, and the diocesan whole staff training on mental “The rings were set on a small table by the groom at the start of the service, so nobody else target of five per cent of church- health and well-being, appoint- touched them, and everyone signing the registers brought their own pen.” es with an Eco Church award ing a Mental Health and Well- has now been achieved. being lead, having learning “In view of the 2030 “net car- mentors to work with the chil- cial for our children and that our Diocese of London Church in Digmoor, Skelmers- bon zero” target adopted by dren, multiple Mental Health ethos is clear to others. We will dale, the Open Table Communi- General Synod in February, we First Aiders, Mindful moments continue to strive for ‘gold’ (and Churches in London are being ty Café was set up in 2019 to need to grow our network of throughout the school day and beyond) to support our chil- urged to support the ALMA provide free food and a space churches committed to action staff social events. dren, their families and our (Angola London Mozambique for the community to come for the environment,” said the Headteacher Nicola Finney staff. I am so pleased at all that Association) appeal in their ser- together. team. said: “A focal point of the we have been able to achieve.” vices on Sunday 19 July. Paul Givens who coordinates school’s mental health and well- The appeal aims to raise The Open Table Community Diocese of Coventry being provision is to focus on Diocese of Truro money to buy four vehicles for Café project said: “We started regulation and relationships their partner dioceses in the Community Café with the ‘Adventuring with God at Home’ which then help the children St Swithin’s, Launcells, deter- Mozambique and Angola, allow- aim to use surplus food from has been launched as an online and their learning in all areas. mined the restrictions of this ing response to crises in places supermarkets to make a hot holiday club created by the Also ensuring that we are as pandemic were not going to get where there is minimal public meal twice a week and provide Growing Faith team in the Dio- proactive as possible and mak- in the way of their annual Flow- transport infrastructure, devas- an opportunity for people to cese of Coventry. ing sure provision is available er Festival, so are hosting a vir- tating poverty and extreme vul- come together, have a conversa- The Growing Faith team internally to school as soon as tual event instead. nerability to climate change. tion and become stronger as a realised that many churches we see a child that needs sup- “It focuses on the extraordi- community. will not be able to run their nor- port, before calling upon exter- nary beauty of the environment Diocese of Liverpool “The area the church serves mal holiday club this year and nal agencies for support.” and generally makes life feel a is in one of the highest depriva- that creating something virtual Philippa Turton, Mental little bit better. Just because the A community café in Skelmers- tion areas in the country. The can be a huge amount of work, Health and Well-being Lead, flowers cannot be physically dis- dale that would normally meet project aims to feed those who so they created their new said: “Having been awarded played doesn’t mean they can- twice a week has opened its need it the most and to make it resource. The material is suit- Gold has endorsed that what we not be enjoyed,” said PCC doors six days a week. known that we do not want any- able for those looking to run are doing as a school is benefi- Secretary Margaret Bond. Based at Christ the Servant one in this day and age to go hungry.” “We also want to build a sense Diocese of their skin”. He went on to “We know what to do. I must of community within the area Winchester examine humanity saying that insist on the human rights of and this is happening through racism is a human thing that all people… this is a great conversation over the table at Effie Grant and Jojo Blankson, can be solved, but meant “fac- moment in the life of humanity. mealtimes.” together with Ayóbami Okan- ing the truth that many of us It is rich in the possibilities for The Open Table Community lanwon and Martin Flood have been lied to about our his- change and maybe ‘I can’t Café regularly feeds around 20 recently led residents of Bas- tory”. breathe’ will begin the real people per session with meals ingstoke to The War Memorial Other community leaders fol- change that our world so des- free for all. Fresh bread and Park in a peaceful protest lowed suit. Imam Mohammed perately needs, so the day vegetable leftovers are then dis- against racism following the and the systems that have long said: “It is inhumane to be would come when all of us can tributed to those who wanted to killing of George Floyd in Min- oppressed us, know yourself racist; diversity is a blessing breathe.” take them home to make more nesota, USA. and self-worth.” and we should not turn it into a Jojo Blankson posed the meals. Effie Grant, lead organiser, The need to bring change curse”. question: “Should we rise to The Covid-19 crisis impacted in her speech traced her lin- was echoed by Bishop David Pastor Martin Flood, after these challenges and pre- the way the café has been able eage back to a Scotsman who Williams in his speech saying apologising for having failed scribed actions to recognise to operate. Paul said: “could do sailed to the shores of Ghana that “we need a new language the BAME community on too that black lives matter and say instead. The idea of opening the decades ago to echo the need to express the fundamental many occasions, said: “It is not no to racism, perhaps, soon doors and allowing people to to know one’s self and worth, clarity of what happens when enough to be non-racist, we enough the headlines can come and collect the surplus asking, “I challenge you that people are demonised, exclud- must be anti-racist.” reflect the change our world food for them to cook them- before we embark on this jour- ed, deprived, oppressed and Bishop Williams affirmed desperately wants to see. May selves became apparent,” he ney to change the headlines killed because of the colour of taking action when he said: God help us all.” said. NEWS Friday 17 July, 2020 3 Bishop praises Jack Charlton Mediation service offered for church musicians “Jack Charl- ton was a A GROUND-BREAKING employment tribunal in the Cathedral before becoming true football mediation service has been event of a dispute. Bishop of Sodor & Man. ‘great’,” said launched to help musicians Commenting on the new ser- The free service will examine the Bishop and choir members who are vice, the GCM’s president, any case, not just those head- of Newcas- involved in disputes. Dame Mary Archer (pictured), ing for an employment tribunal. tle. The service, believed to be said: “I hope that the new ser- The guild hopes that, by using The Rt the first of its kind, has been vice will prove to be valuable mediation at an early stage, Rev Chris- launched by the Guild of when issues arise over music issues will be resolved more tine Hard- Church Musicians (GCM). and music-related matters in swiftly than by going through man made her comment after A spokesman said the move churches, especially if relation- litigation. Although it is free, the death of the 1966 World was prompted by both the lack ships break down or if one the Guild is asking for those Cup hero last week. of any formal arrangements for party or another takes a fixed using the service to pay ‘rea- “We’ve learned with great mediation for parish musicians position.” sonable expenses’. sadness that Jack Charlton’s and the increase in the number The mediation team consists Anyone wishing to make use life came to an end on Friday. of disputes in recent years. of four members including the of the new service is asked to Jack Charlton was a true foot- The decision follows revised paid parish musicians are Rt Rev Graham Knowles, who contact the GCM’s registrar, ball ‘great’ who brought so legal guidance from General employees and, as a result, was precentor at Portsmouth June Williams, telephone 020 much pleasure not least as part Synod published in 2018. Most have the right to go to an Cathedral and then St Paul’s 8395 7949. of that historic England World Cup team in 1966,” she said. “And he was more than just a great footballer and manager, he was a great human being Separate consecrations who was kind and genuine. Beginning his life in Ashington and ending it in Northumber- land, he was a true son of the North East. I am giving thanks upset women campaigners for his life and holding his wife Pat, and their family especially in my prayers.” A DECISION to consecrate into the priesthood, provision “However this arrangement is has made up its mind about the two new bishops for the Dio- has been made for traditional defined, it sustains an argument full acceptance of the sacramen- Debt plea cese of Chichester separately Catholic candidates for the that simply to lay hands on a tal ministry of women. has saddened campaigners. priesthood to be ordained by woman to ordain her puts you “Once again, it would seem FORMER Archbishop of Can- The Rev Canon Dr Emma bishops with whom they are in outside the sacramental assur- that even our Archbishops are terbury Lord Williams, and Percy, Chair of WATCH, said full sacramental communion’. ance that Prebendary William tainted through their affirma- Archbishop of Wales, John she is ‘deeply saddened’ by the “It is fitting that this well- chooses to experience.” tion of women’s ministry.” Davies, are among signatories announcement that the Bishops established practice is being She continues: “Had there Ruth Bushyager, Bishop-des- of a letter to UK Chancellor, of Horsham and Lewes would adopted as the norm for the been a joint consecration, even ignate of Horsham, and Will Rishi Sunak, to cancel the debt not be consecrated together in consecration of traditional with some special arrange- Hazlewood, Bishop-designate of of the world’s poorest coun- one service by the Archbishop Catholic bishops, now that ments, there would have been a Lewes, said in a statement: “The tries. of Canterbury. women have been admitted into clear witness to the stated aim Church of England’s five Guid- Over 70 Bishops, and faith Dr Percy said that the new the episcopate by the Church of of the fullest possible commu- ing Principles recognise that leaders, including HTB’s Rev Bishop of Lewes will not be in England.” nion, which is central to mutual the theological discipline of Nicky Gumbel and New Wine full communion with his Arch- However Dr Percy argued flourishing in the Five Guiding those who are unable to receive national leader Paul Harcourt, bishop because he has ordained that ‘this looks like a theology of Principles. sacramental ministry from write in the letter: “The imme- women as priests and bishops. taint’. “We are told by Forward in ordained women has a recog- diate risks the coronavirus Forward in Faith expressed “Although we are repeatedly Faith that these special arrange- nised and respected place with- poses to poverty reduction thanks to the Archbishop of told that Forward in Faith does ments have been made so that in the spectrum of our practice. efforts are both clear and Canterbury for making arrange- not adhere to a theology of taint, the Rev Preb William Hazel- “In recognition of the jurisdic- shocking. ments for Prebendary Will this is exactly what the rejection wood can ‘experience the sacra- tion of the Archbishop of Can- “In total, the World Bank esti- Hazlewood’s consecration on of consecration by the Arch- mental assurance and the joy of terbury, we will both take the mates that between 71-100 mil- Wednesday 15 July, saying the bishop or any other (male) bish- full communion with the bish- same oath of Canonical obedi- lion people risk falling into arrangement gave ‘full expres- op who has ordained women ops who ordain them.’ ence in all things honest and extreme poverty as a result of sion to the Five Guiding Princi- looks like. “Yet again women are meant lawful. We will also be recognis- the pandemic. The World Food ples, as enshrined in the House “It is, we are told, a theology to accept this public statement ing that the consecration of Will Programme forecasts that of Bishops’ Declaration on the of impaired communion and any about the Church of England’s takes place through the Arch- around 270 million people Ministry of Bishops and Bishop or Archbishop can ambiguous attitude to their min- bishop’s delegating the act of around the world will face acute Priests’. restore the communion with istry. The first and second guid- consecration to one of the Arch- food insecurity by the end of They said that ‘for slightly Society priests and bishops by ing principles make it clear that bishop’s suffragan assistants this year, a doubling of the over 25 years, in the period repenting of their support of the Church is non-discriminato- under the five Guiding Princi- approximately 130 million who since the admission of women women’s ministry. ry in terms of gender and that it ples.” suffered severe food shortages last year. The International Labour Organisation predicts New Bishop of Chester confirmed in online service that up to 340 million jobs could be lost.” Bishop Mark Tanner was lockdown, as so much has been They say that ‘to insist on confirmed as the Bishop of stripped away, we have debt repayment in the face of Chester on Wednesday in a glimpsed some of the ways the suffering caused by this service broadcast Christ holds out hope and love pandemic would be an affront entirely online due to Covid- and invites each of us.” to the faith traditions that they 19 restrictions. Archbishop Stephen said: “I represent. The service included music am pleased to be confirming They point out that as these from Chester Cathedral’s Nave Bishop Mark as Bishop of are not ‘normal times’ we must Choir, a reading and prayers Chester, made even more spe- respond accordingly. from young people in the dio- cial as it will be the first Confir- “This crisis has emphasised cese, and the new Archbishop mation of Election that I have the need to stand together, and of York, Stephen Cottrell gave undertaken as Archbishop of debt cancellation represents an the address. York. My prayer is that Mark urgent and essential means of Commenting on the service, will take time to discern where assisting the most vulnerable Bishop Mark said: “I am so God is leading the Diocese of communities to withstand the grateful that we can gather in Chester and that together suffering the pandemic will oth- prayer and worship as we begin Christians can be of one heart erwise and unnecessarily this next phase in the life of and mind as they seek to share cause.” Chester Diocese. During the the Good News.”

www.churchnewspaper.com [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 4 Friday 17 July, 2020 NEWS Welcome for Sudan law change Survey suggests church CHURCH groups have wel- comed the abolition of Sudan’s apostasy law. Last week the Muslim-majori- ty country scrapped the law that streaming is on the wane punishes Muslims who change their religion, following pres- ALMOST half of American ing from Barna, because last sure from human rights groups. churchgoers have not December 35 percent of The new laws overturn laws watched a streamed service churched adults and 26 percent that were in direct violation of in the past four weeks, new of practicing Christians told the Sudanese constitution, research has found. them that they usually divide which allows freedom of reli- The survey by Barna found a their attendance among two or gion and worship. dip among regular attenders, more churches. Justice Minister Nasr al-Din despite the fact that 96 per cent Not only do some churched Abdel-Bari declared: “We [will] of Protestant pastors said they adults see online worship as an drop all laws violating human had been streaming services opportunity to try other ser- rights in Sudan.” during the pandemic. vices themselves, some also see “This is excellent news and a However, of those who say it as a chance to invite friends — significant move towards reli- they have attended church in whether Christian (22 per cent) gious freedom in a country the past six months; 48 per cent or non-Christian (14 per cent) where Christians were routine- of this group report they have — to “visit” their churches ly persecuted,” said Paul Robin- not streamed an online service online. son, the CEO of campaigning in the last month. after an initial service or upload, streamed services from a differ- The survey also found that 15 group Release International. The research found that even 29 per cent of practicing Chris- ent church, which Barna per cent of practicing Christians Last year, street protests in among practicing Christians, tians and 20 per cent of non- termed “church-hopping” multitask while streaming wor- Sudan overturned the dictator- who are characterised by at practicing Christians said they online. ship services. ship of Omar al-Bashir after 30 least monthly attendance—one took advantage of this option on One-third of practicing Chris- The survey also found that years in power. in three (32 per cent) said they a day other than Sunday. tians (34 per cent compared to while three in five practicing “When the regime was over- have not streamed an online ser- According to the survey, 16 per cent non-practicing Christians (64 per cent) said thrown we saw a window of vice during the surveyed lock- churched adults logging in for Christians) have also virtually they still pray along with opportunity – a moment for down period. services usually opt for their attended a church other than prayers, only two in five non- change,” said Mr Robinson. Additionally, among churches ‘regular church home’ (40 per their own in the past month. practicing Christians (41 per “Release called for full religious offering on-demand streaming cent), though 23 per cent have This reflects a previous find- cent) said the same. freedom to be restored to Sudan.” Under the former Islamist government, Muslims who con- Truro report examined 12 months on verted could face the death penalty. In 2014, Sudan sen- ‘SPECTATORS at the car- something ‘ you just have to live Lord Alton noted that the self- faith to plead only for one’s own tenced Meriam Yahia Ibrahim nage’ was how The Times car- with’ instead of realising that evident commitment of religious adherents said Bishop Ishag to death for marrying a ried the story of the launch denial of religious freedom was Dominic Raab to the report was Philip, because there is no limit Christian man. of the Bishop of Truro’s a litmus test of human rights not shared by all senior civil ser- to the definition of a neighbour. Meriam was born to a Muslim Independent Review for the and underlies the rights of con- vants, and that fashionable polit- In the question session father, but raised in her moth- UK Foreign Secretary of For- science. ically correct causes ignored it. Baroness Cox commended an er’s Christian faith and said she eign and Commonwealth The “cover” of Covid-19 has Rehman Chishti noted that 11 open urgent letter to the Nigeri- had been a Christian all her life. Office Support for Persecut- distracted political, public and of the 22 recommendations of an Government as a follow-up to But because her father was a ed Christians on July 4 media attention from FoRB, and the report had already been their recent APPG report on Muslim it was alleged she had 2019. under its cover persecution implemented and was commit- Nigeria. committed apostasy from Islam. This week, on Wednesday 8 from the four main drivers, ted to seeing 100 per cent imple- She, Jim Shannon MP and Under Islamic law, marriages July, the House of Lords hosted crime, religious fundamental- mentation. He cited the Archbishop Gallagher from between Muslim women and a ‘Zoominar’ for 300 invited par- ism, authoritarian governments sanctions recently passed on Rome all emphasised the role of non-Muslim men are forbidden. ticipants to hear Bishop Philip and militant nationalism, has those who benefitted from the prayer in these matters, and Meriam was arrested after one Mounstephen, Lord Alton, Jere- got worse. UK’s freedoms yet committed that ‘God also tells us to act’. of her relatives claimed she had my Hunt, who commissioned Meanwhile the UK Govern- grievous human rights abuses Bishop Philip announced the committed adultery by marry- the report when Foreign Secre- ment gives £300,000 a day to in their own countries, citing establishment of the UK FoRB ing a Christian man. tary, Rehman Chishti MP, the Pakistan where a Christian cou- the Burmese Generals as an Forum and invited all partici- A court ordered her to aban- Prime Minister’s special envoy ple were burnt alive in front of example. pants in the seminars, individu- don her Christian faith, but she on Freedom of Religion and their family and the Christian He has a panel of four expert als and organisations to contact refused. She gave birth in jail Belief and Jim Shannon MP, the minister for minorities was mur- advisers one of whom is Bishop the secretary Stephen.tun- and was eventually released on chairman of the All Party Parlia- dered. Michael Nazir-Ali, former Bish- [email protected] to enrol appeal. Meriam finally managed mentary Group on Freedom of The report recommended op of Rochester. Jim Shannon and become actors. It will meet to escape Sudan on an Italian Religion and Belief (FoRB), that UK Aid should be made urged people to ask their MPs in September. A day to remem- government plane. with others report on what had conditional on adherence to what they were doing to imple- ber the victims of violence The regime also imprisoned a been achieved so far. Article 18 of the UN Declaration ment the recommendations. based on religion and belief is to Release partner, Petr Jasek, for Simply stated, 250 million on Human Rights that A clear theme of the Zoomi- be observed on 22 August. attempting to gather evidence Christians in 144 countries are enshrined the right to change nar was that the best way to Among 60 questions posed to about church destruction and the ‘most persecuted’ religious religion. While contentious in advocate freedom of religion for the participants to be answered Christian persecution. He was community in the world. Islamic contexts, said Bishop Christians was to advocate free- on the Truro website, were accused of spying and thrown Jeremy Hunt noted that the Philip, this right must be upheld dom of religion for all. So “Why cannot Britain’s foreign into a cell with members of Isis. rights of conscience had been a unequivocally. Baroness Nicholson spoke of aid be used to help Christians Strict Islamic laws have been blind spot in UK foreign policy Bishop Philip said that the the plight of the Yasidis and fre- too?” and “How can members of in force since the 1980s. and that talking about religion, report had found more favour quent mention was made of the minorities of all religions in Islamist practices that have except by a vicar, was currently than expected and had pushed Rohinga Muslims in Myanmar majoritarian religious situations been repealed include public uncomfortable in the UK. the issue into a prominence that and the Uighurs in China. be equipped to protect them- flogging. He wondered whether Alas- it had not had before. It had out- There is no trade off between selves? Freedom of religion “The direction of travel in tair Campbell’s famous quote lined a new robust foreign poli- developing economic relations conveys a notion of threat to Sudan was towards ever-tighter “We don’t do religion” had cy stance for all ‘without fear or with countries and concern for majoritarian religions as it Islamic law and restrictions on played a part in that. favour’. One immediate result freedom of religion because implies a desire to convert. religious freedom,” said Paul Archbishop Paul Gallagher, had been the establishment of those countries with freedom of External bodies such as west- Robinson. “Today that direction the Secretary for Relations with the post of Prime Minister’s religion are more stable, pros- ern governments are too far of travel is being reversed. States in Rome, mused that Special Envoy on FoRB, which perous and reliable trading part- away to assist and trigger fur- There is freedom in the air. Christians may have got too had survived the change of gov- ners. But ‘trade at any price’ is ther oppressive action. What “Opposition is to be expected used to persecution, become ernment and foreign secretary not an option. protection can be offered and and there is the risk of a back- complacent and accepted it as in 2019. It is ‘antithetical’ to Christian provided?” lash by hard-liners,” he warned. NEWS Friday 17 July, 2020 5

World Church concerns over Hagia Sophia change Shock rise in hate crimes By Brian Cooper

WORLD Church leaders and organisations have unit- against Christians in India ed in condemnation of Pres- ident Erdogan of Turkey’s THE EVANGELICAL Fellow- cases never come to court. decision to change the sta- ship of India Religious Liber- In an organised hate cam- tus of Istanbul’s historic ty Commission reports 135 paign against the Muslim popu- Hagia Sophia cathedral, a instances of atrocities lation, from mid-December 2019 World Heritage museum, against Christians including to mid-February 2020 in New back into a mosque. a lynching, community Delhi, at least 43 Muslims and The World Council of ostracisation and concerted 10 Hindus were killed. Nine Churches (WCC), Pope Fran- efforts to stop worship and mosques were burnt, academic cis, Ecumenical Patriarch gospel-sharing in the first institutions and the small shops Bartholomew, and both Rus- half of 2020. that were the economic stay of sian and Greek Orthodox The sense of impunity created the Muslims. Thousands were Churches, all expressed deep by the Corona pandemic lock- homeless. concern over the change, ask- down, and the absence of civil The ruling BJP called on their ing Erdogan to reconsider his society on the streets and in the followers to shoot them, a thinly decision. courts, has aggravated targeted veiled targeting of Muslims UNESCO’s World Heritage hate and violence against Chris- protesting the Citizenship Committee is now reviewing tians. Amendment Act (CAA). The the status of the huge edifice, The near collapse of the Christian community are ques- originally built by Byzantine media, the absence of journal- tioning how safe they are if emperor Justinian in 537 as ists in the field, and the inability munity, is traced to caste violence were targeted against Muslims are so brutally target- Christendom’s largest church. of activists to go to distant vil- supremacist attitudes and links Christians who were sum- ed by religious political fanatics. When Constantinople fell to lages because of restrictions on with political elements. In most moned to village meetings when The charge-sheet presented in Ottoman Muslims in 1453 it transport, has constrained the districts there, police are they refused to participate in court by the Delhi police in June became a mosque, but changed accurate collection of data. recruited from the dominant religious rituals that violate records that young men in East to a museum in 1934 as part of Communally motivated crime is castes, inimical to the Christian their conscience. They were Delhi were directed by their Turkey’s secularisation drive - either unreported, or under- community and its pastors, of assaulted when they refused to handlers to kill members of the now being reversed by Erdo- reported. Victims have no whom many are from recant. In three incidents Chris- minority community. gan’s ‘creeping Islamisation’. recourse to report to the police, marginalised castes and poor tians were told that since they Other indications from the Turkey’s Islamists welcomed and restricted access to courts sections of society. had not followed village reli- government of changes in laws the move, while secular oppo- for relief. A shopkeeper Jeyaraj (59), gious rituals, they would not be will impact the Christian com- nents said it would cause divi- Uttar Pradesh, ruled by the and his son Emmanuel Benicks allowed to bury their dead. In munity and other marginalised sion. BJP, had 32 cases of hate (31) were arrested on 19 June total, 15 such incidents have groups. There is renewed Lamenting the change, Pope crimes. The tribal states of after an alleged altercation with taken place here since 2019. demand for an all-India law Francis simply stated: “I am Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand police in Tuticorin (pictured). Jharkhand saw four major against conversions from the very pained.” Orthodox lead- saw 24 and 10 cases of persecu- They had been beaten, brutally assault cases in May. Women Hindu faith. The Uttar Pradesh ers expressed concern over the tion. tortured, and sodomised with were molested. On 25 May, State Law Commission, in lack of consultation. The WCC A 14-year-old Christian boy rods. Magistrate P Saravanan local authorities had banned November 2019, recommended expressed “grief and dismay” at was lynched and dismembered supported the police who con- Christians in Pundiguttu from penalties of up to seven years in the decision. In a letter to Presi- in Kenduguda village in Odisha tinued to torture them until the getting rations from the govern- prison for violating a proposed dent Erdogan, WCC acting gen- State on 4 June. He was alleged- two collapsed. They were taken ment outlet. The village pan- new law against conversions. eral secretary Ioan Sauca ly crushed to death with a stone, to hospital on 22 June. Benicks chayat ordered Christian EFIRLC has appealed to the deplored that it made Hagia chopped into pieces and buried died the same day, Jeyaraj the converts to convert to the Government of India and State Sophia “a sign of exclusion and in several places. He and his next morning. majority faith at pain of being Governments to ensure the rule division”, undermining efforts family had adopted Christianity Jeyaraj was accused of keep- denied water from the commu- of law and the security of reli- “to bring people of different three years ago. Christians in ing his shop open beyond Covid nity well. gious minorities in India and to faiths together at the table of this village are being continually curfew hours. His son was Actual numbers may be much deal stringently with the right- dialogue and cooperation.” harassed by religious fanatics. arrested when he tried to pro- larger. Reasons for underreport- wing organisations in Uttar Erdogan responded that his In Tamil Nadu, a custodial tor- tect his father from the blows of ing are fear among the Christian Pradesh and Tamil Nadu whose decision did not mark a shift in ture and murder of two Nadar the police. Four police officers community, lack of legal literacy agenda is to create fear among Turkey’s policy of religious tol- Christians by policemen back- were arrested. and the reluctance or refusal of the Christian community and eration. ing RSS elements in a rival com- In Chhattisgarh, six cases of police to register cases. Most other religious minorities. Helplessness, homelessness and a struggle for hope By Canon Dr Vinay Samuel to 300. We sheltered four homeless The Hindu. Some 25 per cent of the vic- to use the centre for two hours each day. elderly people last week. We are resum- tims of human trafficking are children, Every precaution is taken to keep them Nearly 11 million people of the ing providing an evening meal to the mostly girls. safe. It is likely that schools will start sprawling city of Bangalore were homeless elderly who get one meal in Our work with street children began only in September. placed under complete lockdown the morning at a Hindu temple that 45 years ago. Our children’s home start- Our pastoral team continues to be in from 14 July for at least 10 days, but serves food provided by the Govern- ed with the rescue of a 14-year-old girl touch with several hundred people every very likely longer. More than 2,000 ment. We hope to increase the number of about to be sold to sex traffickers. We week. People are open to a call to hear a new positive cases were reported meals to a 100 by the end of this week. have a huge child trafficking problem in scripture passage read and a prayer. The every day last week and the number We have seen young children return to India where a child is trafficked every increasing sense of helplessness as of deaths increased daily. The State the Bangalore East Railway Station. Chil- eight minutes. The current situation there appear to be no prospects of government was forced to clamp dren running away from home, young makes children from the poorest homes change soon makes it difficult to give down after just one week of ending women escaping a violent spouse, and very vulnerable. We recognise that we hope to people. the lockdown. A deep sense of help- elderly homeless have found temporary need to be much more vigilant and work Newspaper and television reports con- lessness affects everyone. You can shelter on the railway platforms for many closely with the police. tinually focus on the rising numbers of hear it in the words of the politi- years. The station is less than a mile A quarter of the 500 children in our infections, the shortage of hospital beds, cians, bureaucrats and even medical away from our facility and our social High School have no access to a tablet, and the number of deaths due to ambu- professionals. workers visit it frequently to provide laptop, or even a smart phone. We start- lances not reaching those in need for Families we helped in April and May medical and social care. ed our online classes on 13 July and had several hours. These increase the sense are returning to us for provision of gro- Last week we rescued two young boys provided a computer centre for children of helplessness among all of us. Hope ceries again. There is no work for them aged seven and nine who were about to who have no access even to the internet. struggles to survive in the soil of help- and no income. We have resumed pro- be trafficked. Last July Bangalore was The lockdown means that they cannot lessness. We continually seek inner viding monthly packets for 100 families described as a hub of human trafficking come to the centres. We are hoping that strengthening from our Lord even as we and, if funds come in we will increase it by South India’s most trusted newspaper we can get permission for these children ask for protection from the virus. 6 Friday 17 July, 2020 LETTERS & COMMENT

THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND NEWSPAPER LETTERS Holy Communion Leader Comment TO Sir, Surely Holy Communion would be more meaningful with both elements, which could be achieved if the wine was distributed in those individual glasses as Religious pluralism THEEDITOR used by the Methodists? The Rev Toddy Hoare, As mentioned last week, Turkish President Erdogan has decreed Holton, Oxford that the great basilica of Hagia Sophia, Holy Wisdom, in erstwhile Constantinople, now Istanbul, is to be turned into a mosque. This The Trump approach world-famous Christian Cathedral of the Eastern Roman Empire was built by Justinian in 537 as the Cathedral Church of the Sir, Peter Mullen’s book review (26 Patriarch of the Orthodox Church. The Crusaders turned it into a June), Evidence for the Reliability of the Roman Catholic Cathedral for a time. The Ottoman Turks finally New Testament, like much of his writ- captured Constantinople in 1453 and turned the Cathedral into a ing, has about it the character of the mosque. Ataturk’s secular vision led to it becoming a museum in Speaking the truth Donald Trump approach to persuasion. 1935. Erdogan’s decision to turn it into a mosque again undoes The method is this: whatever you Ataturk’s legacy and signals an officially Islamic identity for Sir, Having read last weeks’ article on believe, say it often enough, say it with Turkey. Istanbul has a plethora of large mosques already, there is the inter-faith scene, “Is Anglican hospi- enough conviction, don’t worry about no need for this seizure to gain another. tality too one-sided”, makes me all too careful argument, and maybe other peo- Erdogan is drawing a line in the sand by this deeply unfriendly aware of what happens when lofty good ple will assume that you must know what move to the already beleaguered Christian minority in Turkey. intentions collide with human fallenness you’re talking about and will believe it There is no freedom of religion to build non-Muslim places of and the sin of pride. too. worship or to evangelise. This wounding move emphasises a non- I have been to enough lavish inter-faith John Humphreys, pluralistic culture and constitution. The Ecumenical Patriarch, conferences of archbishops, rabbis and Tadworth leader of the world’s Orthodox, lives in the Phanar in mullahs here and overseas, with the stat- Constantinople under restrictions. His ancient theological college ed aim to make the world a better place, Lockdown pressures was shut down recently. but where the recurrent pattern is of Let us compare this treatment of the Christian minority with that bland platitudes about peace and harmo- Sir, The latest advice from the Church of of Muslims in the West. Mosques proliferate and sometimes given ny being rehearsed from the conference England about who can sing and where exceptional planning permission and favour, such as the vast hall, while behind the scenes these same is barmy. We can all sing to the Lord any- Islamic Centre in Oxford. Muslims are favoured and protected cleric politicians play games to consoli- where not just outside a church, as under the British Equality Act, which gives Islam the status of date their own power or funding. indeed the Bible calls us to do. Why having ‘protected characteristics’, making any criticism of its The first casualty of this “control cul- restrict it to “professional” singers or practices virtually illegal in practice. Any such criticism or ture” is almost always the free speech to musicians? How many churches have humorous reference might be deemed as ‘giving offence’ and talk about what makes the claims of “professional” musicians? In one sense criminalised: compare the offence and hurt given to the Orthodox Jesus Christ unique and a scandal to the all Christians who worship the Lord are Christians in having their ancient historic Basilica subsumed into world, and also silencing of any serious professing faith in their worship so could Islam with its Trinitarian and Christological frescos contradicted debate about abuses and violence in dif- be considered “professional”. We are with Islamic denials. ferent religions. called to worship God with all our heart, As the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeus has said, this act is At an AGM of the Inter Faith Network soul, mind and strength, and in all deeply divisive and clarifies the Islamic attitude to the Christian for the UK which I attended, the small places. Let us all do so with common world. While the West seeks constantly to accommodate and assist group discussions were overseen by sense despite silly restrictive advice. the thriving of Muslim life, under legal provisions and protections, minders, and any criticisms were edited And making masks compulsory in wanting a pluralistic view of society, it is very hard to find a out by the handpicked reporters to the shops will be the quickest way to further Muslim country propounding a similar view. That is probably plenary session. The same “control cul- destroy the high street and weaken com- because they understand their own religion as the only true faith, ture” is obvious in “performance Scrip- munity cohesion as more people will commanding the ousting of any others. tural Reasoning” meetings where I shop online as levels of fear are made to As Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali asked in a recent Times article, why witnessed “senior” religious leaders dia- increase. So one can eat in a restaurant does British overseas aid never end up helping poverty-stricken, loguing about texts up on a stage, and without a mask but not shop. Also, why persecuted Christians? In evaluating such attitudes, Christians then we plebs were broken up into small should the government make life diffi- look to Jesus who tells us to love God and our neighbour, even our groups to discuss, but still under watch- cult in areas where there have been few enemy. ful oversight. I am only too aware of if any cases? It will build resentment in those who get disinvited or excluded if society. We need to find ways to use you speak too frankly or too truthfully, common sense, and Boris needs some The Church of England Newspaper and I sometimes come away from such new advisers. with Celebrate magazine incorporating The Record and Christian Week meetings with a sense of being manipu- Jonathan Longstaff, Published by Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd. lated. Buxted Company Number: 3176742 Discourse and debate in our society Publisher: Keith Young MBE

has become captured by a controlling Concerns Telephone: 020 7222 2018 and censoring demand that unity, har- mony, tolerance, peace within our coun- Sir, Savitri Hensman’s feature (10 July) Publishing Director & Editor: CM BLAKELY try and institutions is everything, and claims: “Some people dislike the slogan free speech about the Christian Gospel ‘Black Lives Matter.’” Perhaps this is Reporter: JO MAY is a dangerous disruption to that. because the movement’s leaders have Editorial Correspondent: STEVE MORRIS I see how inter-faith actually just fol- anti-Christian Marxist roots and aims lows the “control culture” of discussion destructive of Western/Christian civili- Advertising: CHRIS TURNER within the Church itself, where the goal sation. Advertising & Editorial Assistant: PENNY NAIR PRICE of institutional unity is pushed at the cost However, while she raises the interest- of silencing frank debate about the secu- ing question of human worth, she offers Subscriptions & Finance: DELIA ROBINSON larised direction that the bishops are little to help the conversation. She cher- The acceptance of advertising does not necessarily indicate driving us, against Christians who pro- ry-picks her Scriptures and facts while endorsement. Photographs and other material sent for publication claim biblical teaching. I wonder how saying nothing of God’s providential are submitted at the owner’s risk. The Church of England Newspaper these nice, controlled religious confer- government of the world: that it was he does not accept responsibility for any material lost or damaged. ences would react to the Jesus who over- who divided the nations with our differ- turned the tables of the religious ent languages, and scattered us to differ- Editorial Advisory Board: Lord Carey of Clifton, The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, The Rt Rev Pete Broadbent, establishment of his day. ent regions and continents where any Dr Elaine Storkey, The Rev Cindy Kent MBE In Northern Ireland, we have learned genetic differences have been supple- the hard way that peace can only be built mented by epi-genetic inheritances The Church of England Newspaper, slowly upon the foundations of speaking picked up in our diverse wanderings. Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd hard truths, not on telling pleasant lies. From this perspective, such differ- 14 Great College Street, London, SW1P 3RX Declan Hayden, ences, whether assets or liabilities, are Editorial e-mail: [email protected] CEO of the Commission for Peace in Ire- part of our God-given inheritance. Advertising e-mail: [email protected] land and Partnership for Peace in North- Alan Bartley,

Our offices are closed due to the Coronavirus outbreak, but you can send an E-mail to [email protected]. Our offices are closed due to the Coronavirus outbreak, but you can send an E-mail to [email protected]. page at @churchnewspaper or leave a message on our Facebook Tweet If you are sending letters by e-mail, please include a street address. NB: Letters may be edited Subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] ern Ireland Greenford, Middlesex Website: www.churchnewspaper.com FEATURE Friday 17 July, 2020 7 Bishop Jane Alexander Covid-19: a tale of blessings I greet you from the Diocese of Edmonton in Alberta in Canada, an area of 7,700 square kilometres. It is a place with a long history and we acknowledge that we are on Treaty 6 land, which includes the Alexander First Nation; the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Cold Lake First Nation, Enoch Cree Nation, Erminskin Cree Nation. Frog Lake First Nation. Heart Lake First Nation, Kehewin Cree Nation, Louis Bull Tribe, Montana First Nation, O’Chiese First Nation, Paul First Nation, Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Samson Cree Nation, Sunchild First Nation, Whitefish Lake First Nation (Goodfish) Edmonton is also home to Metis Nation of Alberta. As we in Edmonton have walked through this time of Covid-19 we have been brought to a great place of humility as a church. A place of great learning and great blessing. For years we had a vision of growth and mission and of our church buildings as being hubs for the community so that people could hear and experience the love of Christ through their brothers and struggling with meeting their a parish for help with families sisters. Some parishes had a daily needs. Parish halls living in food insecurity, and the wonderful history of this, but as became food bank depots, and community of Frog Lake is often the case, ministries To set free those who are broken to bits grocery stores. Meal programs continuing to ask us to provide would ebb and flow depending by life was Jesus’ ministry and when were offered but with ‘to-go’ spiritual care in the time of on the passions and energies of packaging. Parish grounds COVID-19 after an 18 year volunteers. When Covid-19 hit COVID-19 set off a time bomb full of became community vegetable absence. How did John Keble we entered a very different fear and angst in our midst we gardens. Our youth-at-risk put it? “New mercies, each world. baking programme now found returning day, Hover around us As ‘church’ we had to think rediscovered that this is our ministry too themselves baking hundreds of while we pray.” about our role and witness bread buns every week for One of our rural churches in during these weird times. I hundreds of school children Vermillion (that’s near the think all of us, lay and clergy, not just on Sundays but for daily proclaim release to the captives and vulnerable folks who would Alberta border with realised that there was gift here morning and evening prayers. and recovery of sight to the receive lunch boxes. Saskatchewan for those of you and countless new The flexibility of online blind, to let the oppressed go The blessings we saw – I not from Canada) has a great opportunities to see how we platforms meant that people free, to proclaim the year of the could write a book! More stained glass window of Christ could be the hands, feet and could worship and pray at any Lord’s favour” (Luke 4:19). volunteers stepped up and in a carpenters shop. His eyes of Christ at work in the time during their day. We There is more than one Greek realised they had ministry gifts sleeves are rolled up and the world. started to hear reports of folks word for oppressed, but the that they had not used for a tools are the tools of this age, Suspension of all public praying the daily offices at their word used can be translated as while. Secular agencies found a modern hammers and a worship took place in the desk, in the kitchen after the “broken to bits.” trustworthy partner in the workbench and a metal vice. Diocese from 15 March, 2020. It children were settled, and with To set free those who are church. These relationships will Underneath the image is the has been a long time but right relatives far away. Book studies broken to bits by life was Jesus’ continue. line “I will build my church”. It from the start there was an and Bible studies that would ministry and when COVID-19 Some of our financially looks as if this church building acknowledgment that we were have eight faithful attendees in set off a time bomb full of fear vulnerable frontline ministries thing might be hard work, we living in an extraordinary time church now had 30 participants and angst in our midst we received unexpected donations have to roll our sleeves up and and that we needed to put the online. So many stories and so rediscovered that this is our from individuals and agencies – even break a sweat. needs of the most vulnerable many blessings. Almost 100 per ministry too. suddenly for example, we could But Covid-19 has reminded us members of our communities cent of the parishes who have Suddenly we found ourselves continue to provide birth here that as church we can’t say before all else. been offering this ministry have asking ‘who is captive?’ or ‘what support for at-risk indigenous to the world “your needs and We were immediately pushed said they will continue. have I become blind to?’ or women and thus our work of priorities do not affect us and out of our comfort zones – a I suppose one could say that ‘who around me is broken?’ walking alongside and our ministry”- That’s not body divine nudge perhaps? Like this was the internal life of the This came into even clearer reconciliation didn’t just thinking. Instead God has many other places we turned to church – although it has focus for us – perhaps it did for continue, it grew. shown us where God’s people upping our online presence in outgrown the confines of the you too. As trust is rebuilt between need to be and what we need to livestreaming of services and in building – Thanks be to God. And so the next blessings indigenous and settler peoples, be doing. The world is hurting social media. Even the most There was however another came in the form of new blessings are seen in the very badly right now and we skeptical people found blessing larger blessing waiting, a relationships with school invitations to be present with are to be here to be a blessing a here. We were amazed at the chance to reconnect with boards and with social agencies one another – we saw this in living sacrament. Please God, sheer numbers of people community. as it became more and more approaches from kokums that is what we will continue to joining together for worship – Jesus said: “He has sent me to evident that there were people (grandmothers) reaching out to do. 8 Friday 17 July, 2020 FEATURE York welcomes its new Archbishop

ARCHBISHOP Stephen Cottrell has been confirmed as the 98th Archbishop of York in a ceremony that broke with tradition. After 10 years as Bishop of Chelmsford, the new Archbishop took up the Braganza Crozier – his staff of office – in a short ceremony at York Minster, following his Confirmation of Election as the 98th Archbishop of York. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the service was broadcast entirely via a video conference. But in another break with tradition, the new Archbishop knocked three times on the inside of the West Door, which was then be opened to the world. The Rt Rev Dr Jonathan Frost, Dean of York said: “At a service of Enthronement, it is customary for a new bishop or Archbishop, to knock three times on the West Door with his or her Crozier to request admission. The pandemic has meant that we had to defer begin by praying for the unity The Archbishop of Archbishop Elect Stephen’s of the Church, for all those Canterbury, the Most Rev Enthronement service for a persecuted, and for the Justin Welby, said: “I am so while. So the ceremony was a Northern Province of the excited about working with simplified and low-key Church of England. May we be Archbishop Stephen to beginning to his ministry. united as the body of Christ, of communicate the good news of The knocking on the inside of one mind and purpose to see Jesus Christ. The next few the door was intended to signify God’s Kingdom here on Earth.” years are going to be a huge the openness of the Church to Following the service, adventure. the world and reflected the new Archbishop Elect Stephen “We will be exploring our way Archbishop’s desire to share made a short walk of into being a new Church in a the good news of Jesus Christ pilgrimage to the shrine of St new world. with the communities it serves. Margaret Clitherow. There, he “I’m sad we’re not able to all The new Archbishop, who was welcomed by the Rt Rev be together in York Minster to served as a member of Terence Drainey, Roman celebrate, yet. But we know Springboard, the Archbishop of body of Christ. As such we are church as we go out and see Catholic Bishop of that God is present to us at all York and Canterbury’s team for being formed in his likeness to and be where God is already at Middlesbrough. After a prayer, times through the Holy Spirit. evangelism in the 1990s, is be sent out into the world to work. he proceeded to the crypt of I’ll be praying for Archbishop noted for his commitment to bring hope, healing and “As I take up the role of York Minster where he prayed Stephen as he officially begins evangelism. wholeness. I like the symbolism Archbishop of York, my focus at the tomb of St William of his new ministry and as we He said: “The Church is the of opening up the doors of the will be on prayer, and I want to York. begin that new adventure.” A time for mourning, before merry-making

By Brian Cooper suspended, a dark shadow cast across I recognise the need to avert hope”. the nation. St Paul’s or Westminster economic calamity - yet am I alone in Only reasserting the divine dynamics The sight of Chancellor Rishi Sunak Abbey would host a solemn finding this hasty change of tone of Death and Resurrection can meet the merrily serving in a restaurant Remembrance Service. distasteful, insensitive to the bereaved, needs of the hour. The Church should depressed me greatly - not just because Yet the pandemic slaughter sees no at worst disrespectful of the dead? initiate and observe the national he was not wearing a mask. While such outcome. Coronavirus has Deeply shaped by bleak mourning the state neglects to request respecting his efforts to mitigate claimed 45,000 UK lives and still rising existentialism, ‘create your own of it, for amid so much death, mourning looming economic crisis, I find his [officially - other estimates state a near- narrative’ post-Modernism, and must precede renewal, the “time to breezy “eat, drink and be merry” 60,000 death toll]. Britain’s suffering individualist relativism, contemporary weep” being before “the time to laugh”. bonhomie at odds with Britain’s grim ranks among the world’s worst: its secular society cannot fashion a We must take very seriously that virus-afflicted reality - and the terrible casualty-rate certainly highest in coherent framework of meaning for the Jesus chose the divine blessedness and toll worldwide. Europe, and nearly 10 per cent of the pandemic crisis and resultant socio- comfort for those who mourn, as one of If Britain were suddenly struck by a global toll. WHO declares the virus economic upheaval. Scientific analysis his Sermon on the Mount themes terrorist ultra-atrocity - an atom bomb ‘accelerating’, especially spreading in and speculation on post-virus futures [Matthew 5:4, Luke 6:21]. in central London wreaking vast Latin America and across Africa, with abound, and community clapping has Perhaps this truth was glimpsed by damage and 50,000 deaths - the nation 550,000 deaths worldwide to date. signalled gratitude to valiant NHS and those musicians giving online recitals in would be stunned into collective Yet national mourning is completely care workers. Yet deep reflection on the remembrance of nurses and doctors trauma, far worse than America after absent. No flags fly at half-mast. fragility of the human situation , and who lost their lives caring for Corona 9/11. Public sentiment would congeal Thousands of bereaved families grieve sourcing the wellsprings of hope and patients. It was truly affirmed when initial shock and outrage with in silence without public sympathy, renewal in Christianity and other major recently, musicians, clergy and citizens bewilderment and fear into national consolation, or even acknowledgement. faiths, scarcely feature in the public at Bergamo cemetery, north Italy, with mourning, formalised by an anxious Government statements have shifted realm. President Sergio Mattarella present, government. Flags would fly at half- from warning and caution to urging Such is the arid zeitgeist of a post- held solemn requiem for the nation’s mast, TV and radio would broadcast “spend, spend, spend” in shopping Christian society - marked by what virus victims. Britain needs similar solemn music, entertainment would be malls and on holidays abroad. Pope Francis has termed “a famine of solemn remembrance.

www.churchnewspaper.com [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper FEATURE Friday 17 July, 2020 9 Open Doors: 65 years of supporting the persecuted church

By Nick Page leaders have been killed or religious minorities fear it will abducted and villagers wearing be used against them. In July 1955, a young man sat in crosses have been singled out Warsaw and watched a parade. and executed. The church is growing He was attending what was billed as a ‘World Festival of Persecution is going For all this, the one constant Youth and Students’ but which in the work is that, was really a vast propaganda digital paradoxically, persecution and exercise for the Communist Open Doors worked in China church growth go hand in hand. bloc. He hadn’t gone there to throughout the years of In Syria, North Korea, Iraq, meet students, though, but to Chairman Mao and the cultural Iran – throughout the world – make contact with Christians revolution where countless the persecuted church is not behind the Iron Curtain. He thousands of Christians were merely surviving, it is living and discovered a church that was imprisoned and killed. In those growing. barely alive. They had no days Bibles and books had to And it still needs our support. Bibles, no resources, and felt be delivered by hand. Open Doors started with one abandoned and alone. Famously, Open Doors once man and a suitcase full of As the parade marched by, smuggled 1 million Bibles in Bibles. But today our staff work some lines from the Bible came one night to a beach in China. with local churches and partner to his mind: ‘Strengthen that Today, Bible and literature organisations to provide which remains and is about to distribution remains a core part training for Christians who face die’. Christian persecution. Brother In countries like Iraq and of Open Doors’ work, but digital persecution and attack, as well And that’s what he did. Andrew’s journeys took him not Syria, so-called Islamic State technology has brought many as food, shelter, medical care “When you come again, just behind the Iron Curtain, drove out Christian changes. A pastor’s entire and trauma care for victims of please bring Bibles with you,” but also to China, Vietnam, communities that had been in library can be stored on a micro persecution. the pastor in Warsaw said, so Cuba, Latin America and Africa. the area since the earliest days SD card. And the internet It’s not about maintenance, Brother Andrew, as he became Today, the most extreme of Christianity. Today Open makes it possible for isolated but about helping Christians to known, started smuggling communist-backed persecution Doors is active in helping Christians to obtain Bibles, witness to their faith. As Bibles across the border, is found in North Korea. Christians in those countries to listen to Christian media and Brother Andrew said: “The stuffing as many as he could According to the annual Open rebuild their shattered contact other Christians. work of the church is not into his blue VW beetle and Doors World Watch List, which communities. But there are However, digital technology is survival. She exists to fulfil the praying that the border guards ranks the top 50 places where signs that Islamic State is a double-edged sword. The Great Commission. Her work is would not see. As the work Christians face the most regrouping, while Iranian- tools that make our lives easier making disciples of all nations.” grew, others joined him, extreme persecution, North backed Shiite militias continue and safer – facial recognition, In Eritrea, Musse* was including a stream of volunteer Korea is the worst place in the to threaten and intimidate CCTV surveillance, location imprisoned for leading an Bible smugglers. world to be a Christian. Its Christians. tracking – are also putting unregistered church. Today, 65 years later the leader, Kim Jong-un, demands And the big new challenge is Christians around the world in Eritrean prisons are among organisation he founded, Open to be worshipped as a god. If the spread of radical Islamist danger. Technology is being the harshest in the world. Some Doors, supports persecuted Christians are discovered, they jihadist groups into sub-Saharan weaponised, especially in prisoners end up in metal Christians in over 60 countries and their families will be killed Africa. In Burkina Faso, for China, where, alarmed by the shipping containers, or tunnels around the world. or imprisoned for life in terrible example, violent militants have growth of the Chinese church, dug into the sides of hills. Around the world Open labour camps. attacked churches, Christian the authorities have closed “In prison, one of my main Doors estimate that some 260 But communism is no longer schools and even health thousands of churches and purposes as a Christian was to million Christians face high or the main ideology behind centres. Dozens of church forbidden children under the evangelise,” Musse says. “We extreme levels of persecution, a Christian persecution. As long age of 18 to attend churches, did it at night-time when rise of 15 million from the year ago as the end of the 1970s, the Chinese authorities have everybody was asleep. We even before. Altogether, one in eight Brother Andrew said that the ordered many churches to had Bible portions we could Christians worldwide face Islam would be a greater threat install cameras to identify those study in secret. persecution measured as for the church than entering and leaving and to “We saw many conversions. extreme, very high or high. communism had ever been, and monitor sermon content. The gospel can’t be chained.” Persecution has not gone from the establishment of Iran And not just China. Russia is For more information visit away. But its nature has as an Islamic Republic in the trialling a ‘sovereign internet’, a www.opendoorsuk.org. changed. 1990s, his words have been closed system that will filter out As well as being the author of borne out. In eight out of the subversive or risky material. numerous books, Nick Page has The rise of radical Islam top 10 countries on the World India is pressing forward with a worked for many years with Watch List, it is radical Islam national facial-recognition Open Doors Back in 1955, Communism that drives Christian system – ostensibly to help the * Name changed for security was the main engine of persecution. police, but Christians and other reasons 10 Friday 17 July, 2020 FEATURE Bishop Cathleen Bascom Experiencing the Eucharist in the absence of the priest

Writing as a new bishop from often where desired. the wheat-belt, heart of the Communion in the Absence United States amidst the of a Priest is a response to the coronavirus pandemic, this first situation. It is intended to question rivets me: what does it assure the faithful of our mean to be sacramental, diocese that they have a means Eucharistic people in this time of receiving Holy Communion and place? at least once a month if there is We are sacramental people. no priest available. Holy Beginning with Genesis 1, the Eucharist celebrated by a priest Judeo-Christian tradition claims remains our norm and desire. there is a Creator God who Spiritual Communion, whose delights in materiality: water, roots lay in adoration of the plant-life, animals, sacrament and rites used by humankind… all have a members of the military when tangible, material existence. prevented from receiving the Jesus, we believe, was God- sacraments, is a response to the with-us in human, fleshy form. pandemic situation when both The creation and incarnation gathering and priestly handling are why we are sacramental of bread and wine pose health people. We believe in outward risks. signs of inward and spiritual It takes in faith, in light of the grace. Biblical tradition of Jesus’ When the pandemic and words “Do this in shelter-in-place first hit in remembrance of me”, that Kansas, I felt cut off remembering (anamnesis) sacramentally. But then I came Christ’s last supper, death, and to realise my view was too rising through the Eucharistic narrow thinking of a “fast” from Prayer has power to transform sacramental worship. In us into Eucharistic people when retrospect, one of the great circumstances prevent us from invitations of this experience is receiving the actual how people are re-connecting bread/body and wine/blood. with the natural order! Communion in the Absence Liberation theologian Mary of a Priest and Spiritual Grey writes that the earth and Communion are intended as her creatures are the new poor. means of assuring that the It has been incredible to people of every parish in our witness how the earth (in diocese can have a touchstone photos of the globe) and her as fully sacramental people preside over the community to their Eucharistic identity. creatures (like the flamingos engaged with the materiality of Celebrating the nourishing the faithful day-in- Lastly, in our US context, the flocking to Mumbai) are the creation… the source Eucharist has the day-out, week-in-week-out with Black Lives Matter movement receiving a well-earned break material of our sacramental Word and Sacraments and their is currently of crucial from human frenetic worship rites. power to love, forming Eucharistic importance. The bishops of dominance and mechanisation. My husband Tim and I are people. Presiding at the Missouri, West Missouri, Instead of being in cars, both authors and were transform the Eucharistic Feast is only one Kansas and Western Kansas, in restaurants, bars, shopping frustrated this spring as public earthly Body into small, crucial expression of this fellowship with our Evangelical malls and hair salons, many readings of our newly released holistic work. Lutheran Bishop colleague, people – of all economic means books Of Green Stuff Woven and Christ’s likeness Deacons assure that have united in lamenting the – are spending more time Climbing Lessons were Eucharistic People move out structural racism of church and outdoors and being revivified. cancelled or postponed due to into the world that is so society and covenanting for In our diocese, some of the health precautions. But we did desperately in need of action. small parishes were able to a Facebook Live event and the night before his death. sacrificial love and that the Many of our members feel gather sooner under social were not only delighted that Since 1979, weekly needs of the world are drawn they must live out their distancing guidelines. But people tuned in from across the celebration of the Holy into prayer and worship. Eucharistic identity by standing outdoor worship will remain the nation, but that a flock of wild Eucharist, with a priest All prayer can link us in solidarity with those who best option for many of our turkeys walked through the presiding, has been normative intimately with God through have been wronged. And they congregations. prairie grasses to listen in and in the US. In our current era, Christ, and the daily offices may find themselves bearing Instead of mega-camp we are make a cameo appearance! this practice is threatened by with their own special, spiritual health risks for the sake of planning numerous prairie We are Eucharistic people. both a looming shortage of riches. The pandemic has seen peaceful protest. We become hikes with the bishop. We can Biblical scholars will tell you priests and the pandemic. a virtual revival of Morning and fully human when engaged with invest in food security gardens that Jesus’ institution of the These challenges have refined Evening Prayer and Compline the earth and her creatures, but and spend time maintaining and Eucharist is the most precisely my theological ideas and our (forgive the double entendre.) we also become fully human restoring prairie, which is a attested actions and words of praxis. But, I believe, celebrating the when we engage the liberation very efficient means of carbon Jesus of anything in the New Living as Eucharistic people Eucharist has the power to struggles of oppressed people sequestration. Saint Augustine Testament. The accounts of the in the world — bearing the love transform the earthly Body into who are the beloved of Jesus. writes that we are only fully Last Supper in Mark, Matthew, made manifest in Jesus’ last Christ’s likeness. My desire is human when we are engaged Luke and First Corinthians are meal, death, and rising – is for that every one of our parishes Cathleen Bascom is the Tenth with the natural order, and one very close in their descriptions me the essence of the Church. gather for a Eucharistic service Bishop of the Diocese of Kansas, invitation of this time is to live of his actions and statements on Priests are ordained to at least once a month, more USA COMMENT Friday 17 July, 2020 www.churchnewspaper.com 11

Synod’s Zoom meeting proved insightful

Watching the live stream of General Synod caused some amusement. Firstly, there were the sound effects. Especially enjoyable was the trumpeting sound of the unmuted participant on Zoom who chose to blow his nose during the opening act of worship. One Synod member had enthusiastic barking dogs, like my own Jack Russell who often interrupts Zoom meetings if participants talk in ‘very.loud.voices’. And then there were all the Synod members, not quite au fait with technology, who kept booming, ‘Can you hear me?’. There were only three items on the agenda at Saturday’s virtual Synod, apart from the opening and closing acts of worship. The first was a Presidential address by the new Archbishop of York. Most notably, he shared his platform with three members of a group he is chairing to ‘discern’ a strategy and vision for the next decade. And he also invited his counterpart, Justin Welby, to say some words. They both paid warm tributes to John Sentamu but there was no disguising the fact that they The second element of the Additionally, the Clergy letter was issued in March. really be said that the proposed a closer partnership virtual Synod was a fractious Discipline Measure is not fit for There was no consultation with Archbishop’s decision-making between north and south than ‘Questions’ session in which purpose. The Church of lawyers to ensure that the was well-grounded and Welby had enjoyed with the anger, tensions and divisions England has known this for pastoral letter was securely consultative even in the light of former Archbishop of York. were brought into the open to years but has failed to replace it grounded in the law. The word the limited knowledge we had This new Archiepiscopal the evident irritation of the with something independent ‘must’ was later removed and at the time? ‘bromance’ will hopefully Archbishop of Canterbury. and workable. the ‘guidance’ became ‘advice’ Perhaps I’m being too hard improve the way that the There are several key issues But most anger was drawn by when people inconveniently on the Archbishop of Church of England is led. that are currently causing House of Bishops’ pastoral pointed out that clergy had a Canterbury and I certainly have The Archbishop of York is difficulties. Firstly, the Church letter in which clergy were told legal duty to enter their cause for that. But the third certainly making the right is in a mess on safeguarding they could ‘must’ not enter their churches and say public item on Synod’s agenda, from noises. He made a plea for unity and clergy discipline. There are own churches and prayers. the Church’s advisory group on warning the Church had clearly disparities between the subsequently some clergy were The biggest howler of all the pandemic, showed the become “tribal and divided”. He way ‘insiders’ and senior told that they could be remains the way that this Church of England in a rather emphasised the pain and loss members of the clergy are disciplined if they entered the ‘advice’ to close down the better light. experienced by many people as treated while others, for church for prayer or to live- churches coincided with a Helpfully, the Bishop of a result of Covid-19 and the whatever reason, are sacrificed, stream services. The failure by the Church’s London provided some lockdown. He described the thrown to the media and placed Archbishop reacted testily to a leadership to offer a message of inspiring insight into the Covid- lockdown as a “stripping back under arbitrary suspension in string of questions about this Christian hope in the public 19 crisis highlighting Jesus and of our lives.” order to prove that the Church early instruction. The questions square in a very bleak time of his disciples in a stormy sea of He promised a wide of England is grasping the were “depressing and slightly community breakdown, fear Galilee. She reminded Synod consultation in drawing up nettle. At the heart of all this is surprising”, he said. “It’s not and anxiety during lockdown. members to focus on Jesus and plans for the future. He also the Church of England’s about us”, he protested Archbishop Welby explained not the storm. told Synod members crucially eccentric approach to ‘core attempting to focus Synod that in completely closing down Brendan McCarthy, the that the decisions will be made groups’ which are formed members on the scale of the its buildings the Church of Church of England’s medical by them. This is more whenever a complaint is made. crisis, the severity of the England was setting an adviser, said wisely that Covid- reassuring than it sounds, given The ‘core groups’ fail the pandemic and the pressure example to all faith 19 was not described as a that Synod has been reduced simple test of justice and proper upon the House of Bishops in communities, otherwise “the ‘novel’ virus for nothing and from a deliberative and representation of all the parties making their decisions. cumulative effect would have that we are at the very legislative body to a talking to a complaint. And frankly the Nevertheless, although he been to undermine significantly beginning of our relationship shop with many of its debates inclusion of communication didn’t apologise as he should, it the stay at home advice.” with it. Very little is known now taking the form of officers has always been an became clear under pressure of But my question is that when about it and the future course of ‘presentations’ in which the indication that the core groups questioning that the does the positive ‘setting an this pandemic, he warned. But elected members are unable to are more interested in the Archbishop and his team made example’ become a negative of strangely, enough, that was influence, challenge or change image and reputation of the some ‘howlers’. The whole ‘virtue-signalling’? And given reassuring in a way. We must the direction taken by the institution than matters of House of Bishops was not that the decisions made in focus on Jesus and not the Church’s leadership. justice. consulted before the pastoral March had no legal input, can it storm. 12 Friday 17 July, 2020 THE REGISTER The Record Established 1828 THE REGISTER The questions remain on Friday, 17 July 2020

Northern Philippines (Philip- pines): The Rt Rev Brent Alawas; Bath & Wells (England): The Rt our attitude to morality Rev Peter Hancock Bible in a Year: Day 199 – Proverbs MORALITY 10-12, Psalm 13, Ephesians 3 Jonathan Sacks Hodder, hb, £20.00 Saturday, 18 July 2020 Back in the1960s a celebrated Northern Territory, The (Aus- debate took place between a tralia): The Rt Rev Dr Greg Ander- distinguished judge, Lord son; Devlin, and Professor HLA Bathurst (Australia): The Rt Rev Hart of Oxford. Devlin argued Mark Calder; that a shared morality is Kano (Nigeria): The Rt Rev Zakka essential to society; Hart Nyam countered by repeating John Day 200 – Proverbs 13-15, Psalm Stuart Mill’s view that the law 14, Ephesians 4 should not enforce morality but only intervene to prevent Sunday, 19 July 2020 people being harmed. In the short-term Hart won Pray for the Episcopal Church in the debate as Britain entered the Philippines. The Most Rev Joel the swinging sixties and the Atiwag Pachao - Prime Bishop of permissive society arrived. In the Philippines the long-term, Lord Sacks Day 201 – Enjoy hearing the Scrip- argues, Devlin has been tures read aloud in church proved correct as we have become a society in which the Monday, 20 July 2020 rights of the individual and the quest for self-fulfilment take Northern Uganda (Uganda): The precedence over the welfare of Rt Rev Johnson Gakumba; society as a whole and the Bauchi (Nigeria): The Rt Rev Musa common good. As Sacks puts Tula; it, ‘I’ triumphs over ‘We’. Kansas (The Episcopal Church): He traces the disastrous decline in trust in government namely the US Senate. The Rt Rev Cathleen Bascom consequences in a large variety Sacks is covering shed new light for me on the Although Sacks covers an Day 202 – Proverbs 16-19, Psalm of ways, offering telling stories issue. immense amount of ground he 15, Ephesians 5 and using quotations, often familiar ground He claims that we have come does so in a readable way. He appealing to the ‘Judaeo- but his analysis of to embrace a French view of quotes a dazzling array of Tuesday, 21 July 2020 Christian’ tradition. He defends rights going back to the writers. He puts his finger on the free market but points to the reasons for a Revolution where instead of one of the central weaknesses Northern Zambia (Central Africa): the danger of a market without decline in trust in being restrictions on the scope of contemporary secular The Most Rev Albert Chama (Pri- morals. He makes an of the state as they are in the thinking, the failure to offer mate); important distinction between government shed Anglo-American tradition they any defence of human freedom Belize (West Indies): The Rt Rev ambition and a vocation and become entitlements, calls for and dignity. “To the extent that Philip Wright; quotes Daniel Patrick new light action by the state. As civil there is any science of human Kanyakumari (South India): The Rt Moynihan on the disastrous society withers demand for behaviour,” he writes, “there is Rev Dr A R Chelliah consequences of family state action grows to the point an implicit denial of the Day 203– Proverbs 20-22, Psalm breakdown. Moynihan was he looks at underlying where expectations cannot be freedom of human behaviour.” 16, Ephesians 6 writing about African intellectual trends behind the met and resentment ensues. Science deals only with Americans but now his developments he describes. He People turn to strong leaders causal behaviour, not will and Wednesday, 22 July warnings apply to Western criticises the emotivist theory who demonise ‘elites’. choice. Not only does it 2020 society as a whole. of ethics popular in the 1960s Sacks praises toleration over contradict assumptions we Sacks warns of the dangers which saw moral statements multiculturalism, truth over make in daily life it is Northwest Ankole (Uganda): The of social media. Reading him primarily as expressing post-modernism, reasoned ultimately self-stultifying by Rt Rev Amos Magezi; during the lockdown, however, emotions but although he debate over retreat into ‘safe undermining human reason. Bendigo (Australia): The Rt Rev I reflected on how Zoom and refers to Alasdair McIntyre as spaces’. In his defence of This is a book that deserves Matt Brain the mobile phone were helping a major influence there is no debate he draws on the Jewish to be widely read although it is Day 204 – Proverbs 23-25, Psalm us to stay connected. As with mention of Derek Parfit and tradition to make a distinction perhaps a pity that Sacks does 17, Philippians 1 so many innovations it is his rejection of self-interest between two types of not look at those areas where important to distinguish theories of ethics (which he argument, one for the sake of Hart was right (such as the Thursday, 23 July 2020 between use and abuse. One of often saw linked to religion) victory and the other for the decriminalisation of the problems of the internet is and his advocacy of an sake of truth. In a polarised homosexual relations). There Northwest Texas (The Episcopal that it allows people to take objective morality. society debate is usually for are ways in which we have Church): The Rt Rev Scott Mayer; their news and opinions from Nietzsche is discussed the sake of victory. There is become better as a society to Benin (Nigeria): The Rt Rev Peter sources that confirm their several times and applauded much that is wrong about the be seen, for example, in Imasuen (Diocesan Bishop); existing prejudices. The idea of for his foresight in seeing the House of Lords but it does support for overseas aid and Bermuda (Bermuda): The Rt Rev a ‘Sabbath rest’ from social consequences of the ‘death of offer more examples of debate environmental concern. Sacks Nicholas Dill media is attractive. God’. Here, as in other sections for the sake of truth than the is right about many things but Day 205 – Proverbs 26-28, Psalm Sacks has a doctorate in of his book, Sacks is covering body that makes the absurd the picture is not as dark as he 18:1-20, Philippians 2 philosophy and one of the familiar ground but his claim to be the world’s sometimes paints it. strengths of his analysis is that analysis of the reasons for a foremost debating chamber, Paul Richardson THE REGISTER Friday 17 July, 2020 13

APPOINTMENTS Priest in Charge, Cottesloe Bradenham and Radnage Benefice (Oxford), until the sus- (Oxford) from 30 June. pension of the benefice is lifted; The Rev Susan Bedford, The Rev Jackie Bullen, he will then be Team Rector. Assistant Curate of St George, has been appointed also Surro- The Rev Andrew Smith, Doncaster Minster Sheffield, gate for the Issue of Marriage has been appointed as Rector of retired on 21 June. Licences in the Peterborough the Benefice of Markfield, The Rev Mark Bennet, Deanery (Peterborough). Thornton, Bagworth and Stan- Team Rector, Benefice of The Ven Jonathan Chaffey, ton under Bardon and Copt Oak Thatcham, Newbury Deanery, Associate Minister, Hambledon (Leicester). and Area Dean of Newbury in Valley (Oxford), to be Archdea- The Rev Stephen Southgate, the Diocese of Oxford, standing con of Oxford. Rector, Hambledon Valley down as Area Dean of Newbury The Rev Sharon Constable, Benefice (Oxford), to be Priest only, continues in principal post To be interim priest of The in Charge, Rippendon, Rish- of Team Rector. Avon-Swift Benefice (Leicester). worth, Barkisland and West The Rev Caryll Brown, Trinity 7 This took effect from 1st May Scammonden (Leeds). Curate OLM, East with West Sunday 26th July 2020 for a 12-month period. If an The Rev Canon Richard Harling, Bridgham with Roud- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, incumbent is appointed within Stainer, ham, Larling, Brettenham and Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 the twelve months then this To be also Surrogate for the Rushford (Benefice) (Norwich), ‘Apocalyptic romance’ is how the writer Ernest Becker describes interim appointment will lapse. Issue of Marriage Licences in to retire from 2 July. when people look to sex and romance to give the sense of meaning Sharon will hold this in plurality the Towcester Deanery (Peter- The Rev Canon Arthur we used to look for in God. When human beings look to romance with her existing role as Rector borough). James Houston, as the ultimate thing that will deliver them. Tim Keller says: “We of the Benefice of Broughton The Rev Christopher Tufnell, has retired from his role as Min- maintain the fantasy that if we find our one true soul mate, Astley and Croft with Stoney Assistant Curate, Christ ister of Parkwood Christchurch everything wrong with us will be healed. But, no lover, no human Stanton and Area Dean of Guth- Church, Fulwood (Sheffield), to Conventional District, with being is qualified for that role.” laxton Deanery. be Priest in charge, The Ascen- effect from 31, March 2020. Yet the novels we read, the films we watch and especially the The Rev David D’Silva, sion, Oughtibridge (Sheffield). Arthur remains in his role as music we listen to grant this ultimacy to romance. No one can Curate in charge of St Leonard The Rev Allison Twigg, Priest-in-Charge of the Benefice deliver all that. Disappointment is certain. Worse than that, such a and St Jude, Doncaster has been appointed also Surro- of Maidstone: St Faith (Canter- weight of expectation puts huge strain on any relationship. (Sheffield), to be Priest in gate for the Issue of Marriage bury). For Jacob, there is a big shock. Somehow, Laban managed to get charge of St Leonard and St Licences in the Brixworth The Rev Hilary Jowett, Jacob to go to bed with Leah rather than Rachel. Did he get him Jude, Doncaster (Sheffield). Deanery (Peterborough). Rector of St Leonard, Dinning- drunk? Was it because of the dark? No one knows, but he The Rev Carol Dunk, The Rev Canon Peter Warry, ton Sheffield, to retire from 13 managed to do it, and then, Genesis 29:25, “When morning came, Associate Minister, Parish of to continue as Prebend of July. there was Leah!” Fleet, (Guildford), to be Associ- Wilton, College of Canons of The Rev David Kirby, Not this time is the younger given priority over the older. Jacob ate Vicar, Easthampstead York Minster for a further 3 Rector of St Peter, Weston can’t have missed the irony. He tricked his brother, now he was on (Oxford). year period. Favell (Diocese of Peterbor- the receiving end of a cruel trick. The Rev Simon Alexander The Rev Helena Whittaker, ough) is to retire on 31st August He went to bed with ‘Rachel’ but woke up with Leah. Tim Keller Heron, Interim Chaplain at Leicester 2020. makes much of this in his book, Counterfeit Gods. How often do we Vicar of St Mary the Virgin, Grammar School (Leicester), The Rev Meg Kirby, encounter that kind of cosmic disappointment? We pin all our Lawford, The Bromleys & St has been appointed as Chaplain Associate Minster, Hermitage hopes on this one thing, this ultimate goal, and it doesn’t deliver. Mary, Little Bentley, Essex, to of Lady Margaret School, Ful- Team Ministry in the Diocese of Jesus paints pictures of the kingdom of heaven as the opposite of be Stipendiary, Vicar of Christ ham and Priest in Charge of St Oxford, retired from 26 April. that. It is like a tiny mustard seed, that seems like nothing, but that Church, Cheltenham (Glouces- John the Divine Earlsfield The Rev David Maudlin, will grow and grow, Matthew 13:31-32. Mustard plants are ter). (Southwark). Priest in Charge of St Mary De unstoppable, so this is a picture of confidence that the kingdom The Rev Julie Howell, The Rev Nicholas Wynne- Castro, Leicester, will be retir- will advance and flourish. Yeast, verse 33, causes a change from Curate, West Downland Jones, ing with effect from 31st July the inside, which is how the kingdom works in people. Those who Benefice, Newbury Deanery, to Rector, Englefield, (Oxford), 2020. see the value of the kingdom will give up everything for it, like the be Curate, Newbury St George One year extension to existing Father Andrew John Nicolls, man with the hidden treasure in verse 44, or the merchant with and St John (Oxford). over-70. at present Vicar of St Mary the pearl in verse 45. The Rev Joanna Hurst, Magdalene, Sutton in Ashfield Jesus’ joins these pictures of hope with a picture of judgment in Hospital/Hospice Chaplain, in the Diocese of Southwell and verses 47-50. No one will escape the reckoning of the net. Worse Eden Valley (Carlisle), to be RETIREMENTS & Nottingham is taking up a role than disappointment awaits those who do not belong to the Rector, Lower Windrush RESIGNATIONS as full time Padre with the kingdom. (Oxford). British Army. Though Jacob faltered and failed, God did not give up on him The Rev Karlene Kerr, and kept his promise through him. Paul encourages hope in the Team Vicar, Gaywood and good purposes of God in Romans 8:28, “In all things God works for Diocesan Ecumenical Officer, to The Rev Andrew Allen, DEATHS the good of those who love him, who have been called according be also Bishop’s Adviser for Team Rector, Upton cum to his purpose.” It is an unbreakable chain from first calling to final Black, Asian and Minority Eth- Chalvey (Oxford), retired from glory in verse 29, that assures our hope of “all things” in the nic Affairs (Norwich). 31 May. The Rev Canon Graham kingdom, verse 31. The Rev John Robson The Rev Dr Allan Barton, Foulis Brown, Love is our ultimate hope and joy, and in the kingdom no one or (known as Howard), Resigned as Rector, West Oxford diocese, died on 26 nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. Neither Vicar of Littleport (Ely) to be Wycombe with Bledlow Ridge, June. trouble, nor hardship, nor persecution, nor famine, nor nakedness nor sword, v 35. Every day in the kingdom of heaven will be better than the day before because Jesus has conquered sin and death, COLLECT are moral beings who are same likeness, that same mark and, “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” creative, with an appreciation of that bears God’s image. We are We can invest all our hope in the love of God, and he will deliver of the Week beauty. Perhaps most called to see the love that they more than we can imagine. Paul concludes with this beautiful importantly, we are relational carry, and in it see the image encouragement. ‘For I am convinced that neither death nor life, Sixth Sunday after Trinity beings, with an appreciation of and likeness of our Lord and neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor Creator God, the power of love. Saviour, Jesus Christ. any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all you made us all in your image: It is this, more than anything So how does this knowledge creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in may we discern you in all that else, that shows our likeness – affect us? What difference does Christ Jesus our Lord,’ Romans 8:38-39. we see, that we have the capacity to it make? Firstly, we need to The Rev George Crowder is Vicar of St John, Over (Diocese of and serve you in all that we do; love one another and to want to always seek to see the Christ in Chester) and Regional Director of Church Society (North & through Jesus Christ our Lord. be loved by one another. For others, even in those we find Midlands). God loves us and desires to be incredibly difficult – those who The Creation Story explains loved by us, even if we have have hurt and wounded us, or that we are all created in the been created with free will so those with whom we strongly HYMN SELECTION image of God, bearing God’s that we can choose whether we disagree. Secondly, we need to likeness – it’s what do so or not. allow it to impact all that we do, Traditional – All my hope in God is founded, How firm a differentiates us from the rest Therefore, when we look at so that as bearers of God’s foundation, Love divine, of the animal kingdom. For others – whoever they are, image we choose to carry Contemporary – Come praise and glorify, Here is love vast as the instance, we possess reason wherever they have come from, Christ’s love into every ocean and intellect, with an whatever they do or don’t do – situation that we face so that we Kids’ song – Because you first loved me appreciation of the Divine. We we are called to look for that might serve him better. 14 Friday 17 July , 2020 REVIEW / TV & Radio Steve Morris

on TV The secrets of the motorway

The Hidden Wilds of the challenging. Standing beneath ambulances go by to Northwick Motorway a motorway bridge as the cars Park Hospital, nature is still BBC 4 and iPlayer hurtle past, she feels doing its thing. The flowers something of the alien force of bloom and the birds sing. I have thundered round the the road. She tells us that it is Thank God. M25, London’s orbital no accident that novelist JG The programme has a motorway, countless times Ballard decided to live in a fascinating segment on Patrick without giving anything about it modest house – a 1930s semi Abercrombie. He was based at a second-thought other than near Shepperton - near a London City Hall and drew up a getting to my destination safely. motorway: he understood the magisterial plan for the Helen Macdonald’s engaging, if odd alienation of such places. remaking of London after the slightly long, documentary has Above all, the most powerful devastation of World War 2. It given me pause for thought. message is that life has the was a Utopian masterpiece. Of The idea is an interesting one most extraordinary tenacity course, it never happened – – that the M25 is in fact an and force. Even in the most such plans never do. His idea amazing place of natural and plants that were put in the notorious and indecent- unpromising places, life begins for a series of looped wonder, even if it looks place actually make up a new, if looking stinkhorn. again. Nature has an in-built motorways through the new unpromising. Macdonald tells narrow, forest. Wildlife And then there is the history desire to go on and to London never got off the us that the motorway runs for flourished and adapts. I had no of the construction that I had reproduce. Creation sings ground. Instead we got the 117 miles and has been with us idea that the great tit has no idea about. Some of the God’s praises, and nothing will M25. Chris Rea dubbed it ‘The for over 30 years. This has adapted its song to a higher kinks in the road were there to stop it. We just need to slow Road to Hell’. It feels like that given time for the trees planted pitch so it can be heard above allow historic houses to down enough to notice and to when we are stuck in traffic. to buffer out the noise of the traffic. Ingenious. There are survive. Other places were less experience the wonderment of Perhaps though, like many vehicles to grow and for wildlife other tiny miracles. Moss has lucky – bulldozed or with land it all. unpromising sites, it reminds to adapt to this monstrous begun to colonise the concrete. split in two. In this lockdown I have often us of the beauty of creation, the urban highway. Kestrels find their prey on the Macdonald’s documentary is noticed the way the garden has power of human ingenuity and Indeed, the ribbon of trees verges. Fungi abounds – even both optimistic and sprung back to life. As the the joy in unloved places.

3pm Choral Evensong, From Chich- John Agard, ester Cathedral during the 2010 TV& Radio Radio 4, Southern Cathedrals Festival, Sunday with the choirs of Chichester, Salisbury and Winchester Cathedrals, Radio 3 Monday 20 July Friday 17 July 9.45am Daily Service, Radio 4 LW 5.43am Prayer for the Day. A spiritual comment and prayer to begin Tuesday 21 July the day with Rachel Gardner, President of the Girl’s Brigade 7.48am Thought for the Day, Radio 4 and a Director at the Youth 9.45am Daily Service, Radio 4 LW charity Youthscape, Radio 4 9.45am Daily Service, Radio 4 LW Wednesday 22 July

Saturday 18 July 5.43am Prayer for the Day, Radio 4 9.45am Daily Service, Radio 4 LW 5.43am Prayer for the Day. A reflection 11.30amMiriam And Youssef, Radio 4 and prayer to start the day with 3.30pm Choral Evensong. From St Canon Simon Doogan, Radio 4 Alban’s Church in Holborn, 10.15pm The Moral Maze, Radio 4 represented in fairy tales, Haile Selaissie. How did the London, with Genesis Sixteen, mythology and religions, Radio Ethiopian King Haile Selassie Radio 3 Sunday 19 July 4 become the god for the Rasta- 8pm Moral Maze. Combative, 8.00am Religious service, BBC Local fari community?, BBC World provocative and engaging live 5.43am Bells on Sunday comes from the Radio Network. Service. debate examining the moral church of St Michael in 8.10am Sunday worship. A Word for All 1.15pm Songs of Praise. Eyam. In this issues behind one of the week’s Southampton, Radio 4 Seasons, A service celebrating episode the Rev Kate Bottley news stories. #moralmaze, 6am Good Morning Sunday, the Rev the Catholic Church’s ‘Year of finds out about the village vicars Radio 4 Kate Bottley and Jason Moham- the Word’ and the importance of of Eyam, Derbyshire, who initi- mad present uplifting stories scripture from the Diocese of ated lockdown 355 years ago to Thursday 23 July about life, love and modern spir- Leeds, Radio 4 protect the rest of northern ituality. Today they’re joined by 10.45amSunday Morning Live. Sean England from the bubonic 5.43am Prayer for the Day, Radio 4 Nigel Slater and Giles Cooper to Fletcher and Sally Phillips take plague, BBC1 9.45am Daily Service, Radio 4 LW hear about a new, online adap- a look at the week’s talking 2.45pm The Way I See it. Roxane Gay 10.45pm Lemn Sissay: The Memory of tion of Nigel’s book-cum-play points and explore the ethical and Christ’s entry into Journal- Me. Following the publication Toast, which is based on Nigel’s and religious issues of the day. ism. a radiophonic art exhibi- of his new memoir My Name Is award-winning biography of the Alongside lively chat, the show tion, as 30 of the world’s most Why, writer Lemn Sissay tells same name, Radio 2 also shines a light on inspiring, creative minds choose their Alan Yentob what it was like to 6.05am Something Understood: Into unique and occasionally unusu- favourite work from the Muse- grow up as the only black child the dark. The poet John Agard al stories and people, BBC One um of Modern Art in New York, in a sleepy market town outside considers the way darkness is 11.30amHeart and Soul. The Divinity of Radio 4 Wigan in the 1970s, BBC One REVIEWS Friday 17 July, 2020 15

Some cinemas open this week, though most are waiting for more new films to show. Steve Parish reviews Love Sarah (cert. 12A), out now as one of the first new releases, a British sort of romcom from debut feature director Eliza Schroeder and writer Jake Brunger Falling in love with the menu Isabella (Shelley Conn) and her friend Sarah (Candice Brown) are starting a bakery on Golborne Road in Notting Hill, with Sarah as cook, but Sarah dies in an accident and the unborn business is in trouble. FILM OF THE WEEK Sarah’s dancer daughter Clarissa (Shannon Tarbet), down after her mother’s death, breaks up with her boyfriend and is homeless. She lands on her grandmother Mimi (Celia Imre), who is guilty about seeing little of her daughter, and withdrawing from meeting old friends. Clarissa moves in with Mimi, in her nice mews house, and encourages her back to a class to polish her idea is a unique selling point – complication - for Isabella as former circus skills (a surprise make stuff for their own much as Clarissa – but a not to be spoiled). multicultural community, the standard romcom device of Clarissa thinks she and stuff people miss, “Around the losing then winning in love Isabella could still start the world in 80 bakes”, though that overcomes doubt. bakery together, with financial may seem a bit of a confection It’s got lots of funny and help from Mimi. Enter Matthew of an idea with so many round- poignant moments, and a gentle Gregory, Sarah’s former lover – the-world shops. feel-good vibe, tempered by whom Isabella calls a Felix is good at all sorts, wondering what a pandemic pretentious womaniser - as an including rescuing Mimi’s would do to a business like this. unlikely applicant for the job of earring from a waste trap, Indeed, with no online outlet baker (he’s been chef at a which goes straight back on planned, how this fares will be restaurant with two Michelin her ear, which is not so good. interesting, as it will be one of stars, and he’s good). It’s not the most romantic thing only a few releases to show in They choose Love Sarah as to do, but a night at the opera is real cinemas, but it deserves to the name for the bakery – a more conventional courting. do well. really a cake and coffee shop – Clarissa’s sudden suspicion The love interest is mostly but with no grand opening, and about Matthew’s motive for his about the food – the strapline is not many customers, they involvement (his relationship “This film is guaranteed to belatedly try to get publicity. In shops there are in the area. systems – and he likes seeing with her mother) leads to his make you hungry”. Rather than comes the (nice or nosey) Living in a flat opposite, he’s the world but now he says “the admission of “unfinished a soundtrack (the incidental neighbour Felix (Bill Paterson), an inventor – a new line in world comes to us”. It’s a business”, and that might music is by Enis Rotthoff) they pointing out how many similar advanced infra-red security moment of inspiration as his require a DNA test. It’s a should issue the menu.

Music Choice

Myrkur FOLKESANGE

I’m going to push the boat out with my rudimentary knowledge of European languages and boldly state that this album title means Folk Songs – which is appropriate, as it is an album of Danish folk songs. At first glance you look at the cover and see a picture that looks like a 1960s book of Heidi, all traditional dress and innocence, but there is a back-story here that we’ll come to later. The bottom line is that if you are a fan of the Clannad girls, Maire Brennan and/or Enya, you should love this (especially “Leaves of Yggdrasil,” one of the two tracks in English, and “Harpens Kraft”). This is an album rich in ethereal splendour couching simple songs, and it is a magical combination. Being folk songs, they are fairly straightforward tunes, easy to learn and pass on. It may be actual Danish proper words, but I suspect that “dah-dah-dee-o” in “Ella” or the “zai-zip-un-dood-un-dah-day” in the track “Reiar” are the Scandinavian equivalent of our fol-de-rol. That simplicity only occasionally touches on repetition (“Fager som en Ros”) and shifts the listener’s attention onto the overall sound, and while there is quite different instrumentation from track to track, the whole has a rich, warm mystical and airy. The Danish probably helps it to feel that way, too. atmosphere. And that back story? Amalie Bruun (who ui sMyrkur) has been a death metal There are normally only a few instruments at a time here: often strings drones, a singer for much of her career. You’d never guess it from this beautiful collection. simple piano, a light acoustic guitar or cello. But on top of all this are often layers If you want to try it, the good news in these testing times is that it’s currently of multi-tracked and reverbed strings and vocal harmonies that make it feel streaming free on YouTube. 16 Friday 17 July, 2020 England on Sunday ENGLAND ON SUNDAY Film competition highlights religious freedom worldwide

A NEW film featuring Mariya Dostzadah Goodbrake has won top prize in a competition Mariya designed to highlight religious Dostzadah freedom. Goodbrake the freedom to contribute Her film, Long Road to economically to their new Freedom, tells her story of society. immigration to Canada and On 1 August 1, Empower then the US, where she and her Women Media and the team – in collaboration with Religious Freedom & Business local businesses in Kansas City Foundation will host an online – empower refugees and film festival and award promote freedom of belief ceremony to honour and through Global FC, a celebrate the 2020 winning football/mentoring programme films. Registration for the film that bridges diverse cultures to festival is now open ‘come together, forming just (https://bit.ly/2ZosDgm). communities where all are free The top films will be to be fully-known and fully- presented before business loved in pursuit of their God- leaders, United Nations given purpose and potential’. partners, NGO and faith The film was entered into the leaders at the Global Business Religious Freedom & Business & Peace Awards in Tokyo from Film Competition, which is 23-25 August. The Religious designed to explore the impact Freedom & Business of freedom of religion and Foundation will award each belief (FoRB) in the workplace grand prize winner of the film and community. competition $5,000 and a trip to The organisers said that, and a non-profit director in woman living in a society where toughest places in the world.” Tokyo to present their short whether inspired by real-life Kansas City we support diversity is shunned, but she Finalists hailed from films prior to the 2021 events or fictional stories, refugees and promote freedom longs for freedom of belief. She Afghanistan, Canada, India, Paralympic Games at the animated, or experimental, the of belief together.” finds it in a land where Article Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, Global Business & Interfaith films seek to affirm that FoRB This year’s competition, 18 of the Universal Declaration United Arab Emirates, and the Peace Awards. is good for business and together with Empower Women of Human Rights is celebrated: US. This is the third annual thriving communities. Media, showcases inclusivity Everyone has the right to The finalists include: Her Empower Women Film Mariya Dostzadah and multi-faith collaboration in freedom of thought, conscience Factor, a film arguing for Competition sponsored by Goodbrake said: “Our family the workplace, marketplace and and religion. women’s empowerment in the Empower Women Media in fled Afghanistan as war ravaged society. “In an age when there is an Middle East by Ruba Abbassi association with the Religious our country, now as an Afghan Meanwhile, Maral Karee urgent need for inclusion and and Hiba Eid (Jordan); Together Freedom & Business American I reflect back on my (Iran and Canada) claimed appreciation of diversity, this as One by Sarina Faizy Foundation (RFBF). The first family’s journey to the West in grand prize for the best film competition has (Afghanistan), who tells her competition was held at the hope of new life and new animated short film. empowered new voices from women’s empowerment and start of the 2018 Paralympic opportunities and freedom. Her offering, District 18 around the world to contribute freedom of belief story under Games in Korea where Love “Today as a business owner (below) is the story of a young to the discussion,” says Brian Taliban rule; and Freedom to Has No Borders by Deborah Grim, president of the Religious Succeed by Lydia Sunberg Paul (UK) and Christy Anastas Freedom & Business (Hungary ) and Sage Taber (Palestine and UK) took grand Foundation, co-sponsor of the (US) who share why prize. competition. immigrants and refugees need In 2019, the grand prize went “I look forward to to A Different Way, a film by showcasing these stories in the Ambassador ‘Sujay’ Suzan months to come, especially in Johnson Cook and Lauren support of religious inclusion in Merkley (US), which workplaces worldwide,” Grim documented how Ambassador added. Sujay, who served as the United “We are passionate about States Ambassador-at-Large for empowering women to create International Religious media for their mission,” said Freedom from April 2011 to Shirin Taber, Director of October 2013, brought faith to cosponsor Empower Women the front lines as a 9/11 first Media. “I am thrilled to see responder in New York City. women sharing their religious All the winning and finalist freedom stories and expanding films can be found at their outreach to some of the https://bit.ly/3fveJia.

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