DOCSLIB.ORG

Muted Response to General Election Result

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Muted Response to General Election Result THE ORIGINAL CHURCH NEWSPAPER. ESTABLISHED IN 1828 THE CHURCHOF ENGLAND The Newspaper price of Staying power: the trust, Black experience in Britain, p12 p7 NOW AVAILABLE ON NEWSSTAND FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 No: 6279 Leadership rocks Archbishop Justin Welby joined HTB leaders in the Royal Albert Hall for the 2015 Leadership Conference. fare cuts of a Conservative Government. “There is a deep contradic- Muted response to tion in the attitudes of a soci- ety which celebrates equality in principle yet treats some people, especially the poor and vulnerable, as unwanted, General Election result unvalued and unnoticed. “It is particularly counter- productive to denigrate NEITHER the Church of England nor the Archbishops which will seek to end our existing relationship with the those who are in need, have issued a welcome to the new Conservative Gov- Strasbourg Courts and the European Convention of because this undermines the ernment. Human Rights. wider social instinct to sup- Having called for ‘structures of trust and co-operation The Conservative Party also stated their plan to port one another in the com- in Europe’ in the pre-election Pastoral Letter, the renew Trident, while the Pastoral Letter calls for a ‘re- munity. Church is considering how to respond to the Govern- examining’ of nuclear deterrence. “For instance, when those who rely on social security ment, which seeks a referendum that could see an end The Letter also states that people are tired of a ‘mori- payments are all described in terms that imply they are to Britain’s relationship with Europe. bund’ political culture, where ‘parties have failed to undeserving, dependent, and ought to be self-sufficient, The Pastoral Letter argued strongly for a ‘community offer attractive visions of the kind of society and culture it deters others from offering the informal, neighbourly of nations’, asking England to consider what it shares they wish to see’. The Bishops now look to be standing support which could ease some of the burden of welfare with its neighbours. on their own interests, as the UK electorate showed on the state,” the Pastoral Letter states. “Questions of identity and belonging have no curren- themselves, in majority, to be distinctly pro-Conserva- A joint report, ‘Emergency Use Only’, from the cy except as political bargaining chips,” it said, in words tive, in a result that defied the poll predictions. Trussell Trust, the Church of England, Oxfam and the that have been taken as a cloaked attack on the Conser- The Bishops’ key message to voters ahead of the gen- Child Poverty Action Group found that people using vative promise of a European referendum and the intro- eral election was to ‘engage in politics’, a view which the food banks were more likely to have been subject to duction of a British Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, Church will be asked to defend against speculated wel- sanctions that froze their benefit allowance. [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 2 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday May 15, 2015 News Diocese of Derby THEDIARY THE The interior of Derby Cathedral is nearly completed. Trenches are being dug for the new heating system, and the first steps in the redecoration project have been taken. Send your events to Dr John Davies, Dean of Derby, said: “These are really [email protected] CHURCHIN exciting days for Derby Cathedral. And it is oddly uplifting to or Tweet @churchnewspaper see the whole nave packed with people on a Sunday surrounded by scaffolding at every turn. People are being 15 May brilliant, waiting for the end of August and a new chapter in Cathedral life and ministry”. ENGLAND 7.30pmFriday Night Kitchen, launch event for the Gathering, Gul- Diocese of Durham benkian, Canterbury, hosted by the Rev Richard Coles Durham Cathedral rang its bells for VE day on Saturday. with the Archbishop of Can- The same eight bells, which rang on 8 May, 1945, were terbury, £15, book at rung to mark the occasion. www.the-gathering.co.uk 7.30pmGodspell in Concert, Ipswich, Diocese of Ely Regent Theatre Diocese of Manchester The Rev Manchester celebrated Edward 16 May the 70th anniversary of Olsworth-Peter Victory in Europe on has been 10am The Gathering, one-day festi- Friday. Manchester appointed Fresh val of faith, Canterbury Cathedral lit their Expressions of Cathedral, with Light Bites, beacons along with 200 Church and Talks, Crafts and activities others throughout the Young Adults and worship and reflection, United Kingdom. People Adviser for the £5, children go free. gathered for prayer and Diocese of Ely. www.the-gathering.co.uk. a vigil. Ed is currently 7.30pmGodspell in Concert, Ipswich, The Very Rev Rogers Vicar of Holy Regent Theatre Govender, Dean of Trinity, Manchester said: Sydenham, with “Manchester Cathedral St Augustine’s 18 May suffered damage from Honor Oak German bombs during Park in 10.30am:Finding Common Ground the Second World War Southwark Study Day, Sheffield Jewish when the north east Diocese. Centre, 3 Brincliffe Crescent, section of the Cathedral This post is a Sheffield, S11 9AW, £25, with was destroyed. new full-time emeritus Bishop of South- Photographs of the role within the wark, the Most Rev Kevin bombing are on display diocese, McDonald, and Rabbi in the Regiment Chapel reflecting the Jonathan Golomb. and it was this bombing that is desire to depicted in the Fire Window in this develop and 19 May chapel. nurture new “The window is a powerful missional reminder of the bombing and also a initiatives with 10am Christian Resources Exhibi- testament to members of the young adults, tion, ExCeL Centre London, regiment who lost their lives and to further until 22 May. defending the nation. It is therefore enhance and 7.30pmGodspell in Concert, Man- very poignant that the beacon support fresh chester Palace marking the 70th anniversary of expressions of VE Day was lit as we give thanks to church. 20 May God for the victory in Europe. May Director of we continue to work for a world Mission, the where justice and peace is Rev Peter 12.15pmBook launch for ‘Wrestling a preserved and celebrated.” Wood, said: “I’m Godly Order’ with James excited about Steven at Sarum College Ed joining the Bookshop, Salisbury. Free mission team entry and refreshments. Diocese of York Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham this autumn. [email protected]. The diocese wishes to 21 May York Minster joined in the VE celebrations on The Minster’s musical feast kicked off on Sunday develop new Sunday, when a team of 10 bellringers rang a quarter when Espérance, a group of local musicians, opportunities peal. provided a programme of English songs from the for engaging 7.30pmGodspell in Concert, Civic Peter Sanderson, York Minster Ringing Master, eras of James I to Charles II and played solos for with young Theatre, Darlington said: “We’re proud to be joining cathedrals and recorder, lute and solo lute. The Southwell adults and fresh churches across the country to mark this momentous Minster Choir Association was marking its 25th expressions of day. We hope people visiting York Minster and the anniversary year. church 22 May wider city will enjoy listening to the bells and take a initiatives. moment to remember those who gave their lives Diocese of Worcester “Ed brings during the conflict.” Worcester Cathedral has appointed three with him 7.30pmGodspell in Concert, Civic Also in York, the Bishop of Selby, the Rt Rev Dr honorary Canons in recognition of outstanding significant Theatre, Darlington John Thomson, took part in the Great Selby Bike service in the diocese. experience in Ride on Sunday. The Ride started at Barlby High The Rev Garth Nathaniel, Rector of Ipsley and these areas, a 23 May School, and Bishop John tackled the 45-mile course. Rural Dean of Bromsgrove; the Rev Susan passion for Bishop John has so far raised over £1,200, which Renshaw, Vicar of Eckington and Defford cum drawing the will be split equally between the Selby District Besford, Associate Priest of Overbury with arts into Citizens Advice Bureau and the Selby Lions’ chosen Teddington, Alstone and Little Washbourne with mainstream 10am Big Church Day Out - a charities: the British Heart Foundation, Martin Beckford and Ashton-under-Hill and Rural Dean of worship, and his Christian music festival for House Hospice, St Leonard’s Hospice and Friends of Pershore; and the Rev David Sherwin, Rector in creative talents the whole family, Wiston Selby Hospital. the Worcestershire West Team Ministry and Rural will be an House, West Sussex. Also 24 Bishop John said, “I’ve been a keen cyclist for Dean of Martley & Worcester West were installed enormous asset May. years, but a 45-mile course was a challenge for me!” in a service to mark the occasion. to the diocese.” [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper www.churchnewspaper.com Friday May 15, 2015 News 3 Female Government to fight evangelicals welcome Human Rights Act THE NEW Conservative Govern- ment will call Britain’s adoption of The Human Rights Act into ques- new bishops tion. The newly elected Government will seek to revoke Britain’s incorpo- THE SUPPORT group all three orders within ration of the European Convention Anglican Women Evan- our Network,” they said. of Human Rights in UK law, making gelicals: Supporting our AWESOME also wel- Parliament sovereign over Stras- Ordained Ministry comed the appointment bourg in human rights matters in (AWESOME) have wel- of Preb Rod Thomas as the UK. comed the appointment Bishop of Maidstone. A British Bill of Rights and of three women to the “In line with the Five Responsibilities, which some have episcopate, namely, Bish- Guiding Principles, we referred to as the ‘Conservative’ Bill op Libby Lane, the Rev express our gratitude of Rights, will seek to redress ‘mis- Canon Alison White and that the promise was sion creep’, the expansion of ECHR the Ven Rachel Treweek kept to jurisdiction into Parliament.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • In the Liverpool District of the Methodist Church
    THE ECCLESIAL REALITY OF FRESH EXPRESSIONS “DOING CHURCH DIFFERENTLY” IN THE LIVERPOOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH by CHRISTINE MARGARET DUTTON A thesis submitted to The University of Birmingham for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Urban Theology Unit, Sheffield Department of Theology and Religion College of Arts and Law The University of Birmingham March 2017 1 University of Birmingham Research Archive e-theses repository This unpublished thesis/dissertation is copyright of the author and/or third parties. The intellectual property rights of the author or third parties in respect of this work are as defined by The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 or as modified by any successor legislation. Any use made of information contained in this thesis/dissertation must be in accordance with that legislation and must be properly acknowledged. Further distribution or reproduction in any format is prohibited without the permission of the copyright holder. ABSTRACT In the light of the Mission-Shaped Church report (2004) and the foundation of the joint Anglican/Methodist Fresh Expressions Initiative (2005), churches were encouraged to seek ‘fresh expressions of church for our changing culture, established primarily for the benefit of people who are not yet members of any church’. The ecclesial reality of four case studies of new forms of worshipping communities across Methodist Churches in the Liverpool District was examined and analysed in relation to the official statements of the Methodist Church and the Fresh Expressions Initiative, questioning the rhetoric of “church for the unchurched”. Operating at the interface of ethnography and ecclesiology, this thesis employed ethnographic and negotiated research methods in order to establish why, in an age of declining church attendance, people are choosing to join groups that are doing church differently.
    [Show full text]
  • See of Dorchester Papers
    From the Bishop of Oxford As a Diocese, we are prayerfully seeking the person whom God is calling to be the next Bishop of Dorchester, one of three Area bishops in the Diocese of Oxford. At the heart of our vision we discern a call to become a more Christ-like Church for the sake of God’s world: contemplative, compassionate and courageous. Most of all we are seeking a new Bishop for Dorchester who will seek to model those qualities and inspire the Church of England across the Dorchester Area to live them out in our daily lives. Our new Bishop will therefore be a person of prayer, immersed in the Scriptures and the Christian tradition, able to be at home with and to love the clergy, parishes and benefices in many different church traditions and many different social contexts. We are seeking a person able to watch over themselves in a demanding role and to model healthy and life-giving patterns of ministry. We want our new bishop to be an inspiring leader of worship, preacher and teacher in a range of different contexts and to be a pastor to the ministers of the Area. The Bishop of Dorchester leads a strong and able Area Team in taking forward the common vision of the Diocese of Oxford in the Dorchester Area. Full details of that process can be found in these pages and on our diocesan website. We are therefore seeking a Bishop who can demonstrate commitment and experience to our diocesan priorities. The Bishop of Dorchester holds a significant place in the civic life of the area: we are therefore seeking a bishop who is able to make a confident contribution to wider society beyond the life of the church in civil, ecumenical and interfaith engagement and who is able to live and articulate the Christian gospel in the public square.
    [Show full text]
  • Churchman E D I T O R I a L
    Churchman E DITORIAL Sheep without a Shepherd? One of the side-effects of the decision to consecrate women as bishops in the Church of England has been the official recognition of the need to appoint an Evangelical bishop with a brief to minister to those who cannot accept female episcopal oversight. That some concessions would have to be made to the conservatives in the Church has been clear all along, and in that sense, the news that such an appointment will be made is not particularly surprising. The battles of the past few years over women bishops have been quite vicious at times, and honest observers have had to admit that the blame for this rests on the shoulders of the victors, who cannot (or will not) understand their opponents’ point of view. Worse still, the victors have done their best to silence objectors altogether, even if the people concerned are in principle on their side. It is impossible to forget the attempt that was made to impeach Philip Giddings, the chairman of the House of Laity in General Synod, merely because he voted against the immediate introduction of women bishops. Dr Giddings supports the consecration of women but he thought that the provisions being offered to those who disagree with that were not generous enough, and when he was attacked for his principled stand it was clear to most people that things had gone too far. Even the archbishop of Canterbury was moved to comment that how we treat one another when differences divide us actually matters—the notion of ‘good disagreement,’ which he is now so keen to promote, can almost certainly be traced back to this unhappy episode.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction
    GSG S 1550 Introduction On behalf of the Trustees, we are pleased to present this, the fifth annual report of the Archbishops’ Council. 2003 was a year when the Council had to grapple with a very wide range of issues: the employment status of clergy; the training and formation of clergy and lay ministers; the legal framework for reviewing dioceses and parishes; the shape of the Church’s mission; how its national financial resources are used; building the Church of the future through educating and involving children and young people; how the Church of England relates to other Churches; a strategy for the use of our 16,000 church buildings, half of which were constructed before the Reformation. All of these – and more – were considered by the Council during the year. The workload has at times been challenging. The Council is grateful for the support it receives from its staff and from the staff and members of its Boards, Councils and Divisions. It is they who bear the brunt of tight deadlines and heavy workloads in preparing the way for the Council’s own considerations and those of the Synod. Without them, we should not have achieved a fraction of what has been achieved since the Archbishops’ Council was established just over five years ago. We are happy to commend this report, which details the variety of work undertaken on behalf of the Archbishops’ Council. We continue to pray that together we may be able to build on what has already been achieved and to meet with confidence the challenges that lie ahead.
    [Show full text]
  • ACHS Newsletter—May 2018
    ANGLO-CATHOLIC HISTORY SOCIETY Newsletter—May 2018 Members outside the west door of St John of Jerusalem with Fr Steve Gayle, the curate, who made us so welcome, at the end of our walk around some of the churches of Hackney www.achs.org.uk CHAIRMAN’S NOTES much else) known especially for his work on the ideas and influence of the political philosopher and It is with great pleasure that I can announce, Mirfield monk J. Neville Figgis, whose centenary of following the sad death of our President Bishop death occurs next year. Geoffrey Rowell, that Bishop Rowan Williams Our paths crossed from time to time, most (Baron Williams of Oystermouth) has kindly agreed recently in October 2016 when I met him at the to become our new President. University of the South in Tennessee, where he was giving the Du Bose Lectures. The post of President isn’t one that requires much in the day to day running of our Society, but +Rowan has agreed to give an Inaugural Lecture. I hoped this might be next year but such is his diary it will be Monday 27th January 2020, the subject to be announced. I have begun planning the 2019 programme and can announce that on Monday 28th January our speaker will be Dr Clemence Schultze, the Chair of the Charlotte Yonge Fellowship. Charlotte M. Yonge (1823-1901) has been called “the novelist of the Oxford Movement”. She lived all her life in Otterbourne, near Winchester, not far from her spiritual mentor John Keble who, at Hursley, was a near neighbour.
    [Show full text]
  • 70Th Anniversary of Coxwold Cyclists Service
    SEVENTY COXWOLD SUNDAYS A HISTORY OF THE ANNUAL CHURCH SERVICE FOR CYCLE TOURISTS 1927/1996 ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH COXWOLD, NORTH YORKSHIRE. Cyclists arrive at the lychgate ready for the service. Coxwold, 1987. Revd. Jim Thom with The Archbishop of York, Dr. John Habgood. FOREWORD BY THE FORMER ARCHBISHOP OF YORK, DR. JOHN HABGOOD. When people want to give thanks for something they enjoy, it is right that the Church should help them do so. I am therefore delighted to be able to commend this booklet. It tells the story of an initiative almost seventy years ago which blossomed into a tradition and which, for seventy Sundays, has enabled countless people to thank God for the pleasures of cycling, and for the glorious countryside which their cycles have enabled them to enjoy. In a society in which too many people take too much for granted, such acts of thanksgiving are an important corrective. I hope the tradition may long continue. John Ebor, Bishopthorpe Palace, YORK. 1 FOREWORD BY THE VICAR OF COXWOLD, REVD. D.F.JOHNSON, M.A. A view from the vicarage. I became Vicar on April 29th, 1988. They told me "Cyclists' Service in a fortnight". This, of course, was a woefully inadequate briefing and far too late to invite a visiting preacher anyway. Nowadays, when I invite someone to preach, the sort of thing I say is: "This is a festive occasion. The Church will be packed with a crowd of great people of all ages, predominantly dressed in modern cycling dress, which means skin tight gear in lurid colours.
    [Show full text]
  • Welcome-To-The-Diocese-Of-York.Pdf
    Welcome to the Diocese of York The Diocese of York is a family of 607 churches and 127 schools in 470 parishes, stretching from the Humber to the Tees and the A1 to the coast. We hope this pack will give you a good idea of what it might be like to live and work in the Diocese of York. Contents: Vision and mission Living in the Diocese Housing and money Ministry together Lifelong learning Spiritual sustenance York Minster Central support Young people Who’s who “We will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:14 & 15 Vision and mission We have a vision of Generous Churches Making and Nurturing Disciples. “We will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:14 & 15 As a Diocese, we want to see our churches making disciples of all ages. We want to see mutual resourcing to build up the Body of Christ, to grow in five areas: • Christ-likeness Becoming like Christ is the fundamental call of Christian discipleship. It is not always easy to assess, but we often recognise the flavour of a life becoming more godly. • Commitment Commitment itself has several features, including: commitment to God, to seeking God’s kingdom, to Christ’s body the Church. • Partnership Working with other churches, locally and globally, with schools, community groups, people, organisations for the common good, peace, justice and a healthy environment.
    [Show full text]
  • St Peter's Update #16 (24Th April)
    2021 UPDATE #16 OUR NEW BISHOP OF CHELMSFORD — Bishop Guli The new Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Deqhani, has now officially started her ministry in the diocese. She has sent this message (dated 19th April): Dear Brothers and Sisters It is a great privilege to write to you today, on the frst day of my ministry as Bishop of Chelmsford. I want to start by thanking you again for the warm welcome I’ve received since my appointment in December. In particular, I want to thank Bishop Peter and members of the Bishop’s Staff Team who have done so much to help me prepare for today and the months ahead. I mentioned in my Ad Clerum last month that my ministry will start in two distinct stages. Today I want to share some more detail about my plans for the coming months. My priorities for the frst stage will be to meet with people, to listen, learn and develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. At the start of this stage, I will work from Loughborough whilst our two youngest children fnish their GCSE year at school. However, I will visit the Diocese from time to time as the situation allows. Indeed, I am particularly looking forward to joining in some of the activities from the Cathedral as part of this year’s Thy Kingdom Come, the season from Ascension to Pentecost, 13 May to 23 May. During these 10 days we will wait on God in prayer and stillness – a time of renewal in our commitment to our shared mission and a time to pray for the life of our diocese.
    [Show full text]
  • PCC Task Groups Evangelism, Business, Fabric, Technology, Youth and Children’S, Mission Partners and Pastoral
    MISSION STATEMENT In God’s grace and for his glory, St Peter’s exists to: REACH the lost with the gospel of God TEND the flockin the love of God TEACH disciples from the Word of God SEND out workers into the service of God Contents Section Pages St Peter’s History 1 Harold Wood 2-3 St Peter’s People 4-7 Sundays 8-9 Special Services 10-11 Mid-week Groups 12-13 Additional Ministries 14 Buildings and Fabric 15 Church Centre 16 Links with the Wider Church 17-18 What sort of Associate Minister? 19 Appendix One - Theological Position Paper 20-24 St Peter’s History The church was first established in Harold Wood on 18th May 1871. A ‘tin chapel’ was completed in Church Road – a few minutes walk from the station on the other side of the track to today’s church building. In those days it was a Chapel of Ease with the work undertaken by the clergy of St. Andrew’s Church, Hornchurch. In 1892, the Chapel had its own Curate in Charge who was based in Hornchurch. The ministry of Bernard Hartley (1914-1946) established the pattern of Biblical and evangelical ministry. In the 1930’s an appeal was begun for a new parish church building. Land was allotted in Gubbins Lane and funds were raised and the foundation stone laid in June 1938. The church was completed and consecrated by the Bishop of Chelmsford on 4th March 1939. A hall, small kitchen and extension were added at the back in the 1970s.
    [Show full text]
  • New Bishop of Hull and New Archdeacon of Cleveland
    News from the Church of England between the Humber and the Tees May 2015 New Bishop of Hull and new Archdeacon of Cleveland On Wednesday 25th March, Archbishop Sentamu announced our new Bishop of Hull - the Revd Canon Alison White, and our new Archdeacon of Cleveland - the Revd Sam Rushton. The official announcements were made at Bishopthorpe Palace, where the choir of Archbishop of York's CofE Junior School, Bishopthorpe, sang at a service in the chapel. The Revd Canon Alison White then visited places in her new Archdeaconry - Archbishop Sentamu Academy in Hull, and All Saints Church in Kilham, near Driffield. At Archbishop Sentamu Academy, Alison was welcomed by Principal School, and an amazing afternoon Andrew Chubb and the school's tea (with bubbly) courtesy of All choir, and treated to lunch (and lots Saints Church. of media interviews!). There’s more on our new Bishop and All Saints Church threw Alison a Archdeacon in following pages. party to welcome her, with jazz from Welcome to the Diocese Alison and the Rev Ray trio, a song from the Sam! children of Kilham CofE Primary 1 New Bishop of Hull The Revd Canon Alison White, priest-in-charge of Riding Mill in the Diocese of Newcastle and Diocesan Adviser for Spirituality and Spiritual Direction, has been appointed as the Bishop Suffragan of the See of Hull. Alison will be consecrated on Friday 3 July, at 11.00 am, at York Minster. As Bishop of Hull, Alison will also have diocesan-wide responsibilities both as Ambassador for Prayer, Spiritual & Numerical Growth and Ambassador for Urban Life & Faith.
    [Show full text]
  • The Ordination of Deacons
    The Ordination of a Presbyter by the Bishop of Maidstone The Right Reverend Rod Thomas in the presence of The Right Reverend Pete Wilcox Bishop of Sheffield and The Right Reverend Sophie Jelley Bishop of Doncaster Sunday 27 June 2021 16.00 Welcome to Sheffield Cathedral We welcome all Christians, including baptized children of any age, to receive Holy Communion at Sheffield Cathedral. Gluten free wafers are available, please ask when the Bishop approaches you. If you do not wish to receive Holy Communion, you are invited to receive a blessing. If you wish to receive a blessing, please hold this booklet so that it can be clearly seen by the ministers. The instructions to sit, kneel and stand are only suggestions: please feel able to adopt whatever posture you wish. Notes on worship during Covid Please do not greet each other with a handshake before or after the service. Similarly, we ask you not to share the peace physically with anyone outside your household. We will not take a collection during the service. You are asked to put your gift into a collection box before or after the service. During Coronavirus we follow the pre-Reformation practice in the Cathedral. The President of the Eucharist alone receives from the cup, as a representative of all the faithful, everyone is welcome to receive the consecrated bread. Please stand and remain at your seats as the Bishop distributes the consecrated bread. We ask everyone to use the hand gel provided as the Bishop approaches you, before you receive. We particularly request you to take your service booklet away with you, as this is safer for the Cathedral staff.
    [Show full text]
  • Bishop of Maidstone's Newsletter
    Bishop of Maidstone’s Newsletter September 2020 In this edition: • Letter from Bishop Rod • Regional Events • Fellow Workers –Discussion Meetings • CDM Review • Research into the reach of online ministry during lockdown, advice on online provision • Implementation and Dialogue Group • Northern Province • List of Resolution Parishes • Vacancies • Prayer Requests Dear Brothers and Sisters I have been in touch with many, but by no means all of you, since the pandemic started – and I continue to pray that God will provide you with the strength you need for ministry in what has proved to be a draining and testing time. It’s good to know that our heavenly Father is always at work (John 5:17) so we can rely on his strength at all times as well as the continuing witness of the Spirit who has worked in so many more people’s lives during the restrictions than we would have expected. Needless to say, the Enemy is also active (1 Peter 5:8) and my heart has particularly gone out to those facing various kinds of opposition even as their workload has increased. For my own part, the combination of advising parishes during vacancies, providing pastoral support in difficult situations, preparing for monthly meetings online of the House of Bishops, and preparing recorded and live teaching material has meant that life has become very busy, even though much less time has been spent travelling. Thank you to those who have been in touch to reassure me of their prayers and even to ask when another newsletter might come out! This month will mark the fifth anniversary of my consecration and I am hoping to produce a 5-year review in the next few months.
    [Show full text]