WHILE IT WAS STILL DARK.
‗Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. (John 20:1).
Christ had risen – yet it was still dark. Christ had risen- but it had not yet impacted on their consciousness or on their lives.
Christ is risen, Death has been conquered. The Holy Spirit is alive and active in our world.
May we know the reality of these words in all our lives. Happy Easter.
Martin ps BBC Two will be showing The Gospel of John in three parts this Easter. The producers hope to go on and make all four gospels into films. More details on www.lumoproject.com, including resources for churches and schools. Check TV listings for the exact times.
2 Newey Every Morning.
When I arrived at St Edward‘s in 2000 it took me several years to work out who the man was who came to the church at odd times on his motor bike, disappeared inside and rode off again a few minutes later seemingly without ever taking off his helmet.. Mr. Newey the clock man was the answer when I finally asked, come to wind the clock. Every now and then, approximately every three or four years he would sub- mit an invoice for a few pounds to cover his petrol. Eventually I discovered that he was the grandson of the clockmaker and that our clock is a significant ‗Newey Clock‘ in a city full of them. He joined the family business at 14 and was responsible for inspecting and winding over 200 clocks in York.
One day, after we had become more aware of our obligations under Health and Safety, we found out that winding the clock meant going up the winding stone staircase and up a wooden ladder. He then had to position a heavy wooden plank with one end on a stone win- dow sill and the other on a rung of the ladder and heave himself onto the plank before winding the clock. By this time he was nearly 80. Sadly this couldn‘t continue and probably much to his chagrin, we opted for an automated system around 2009.
What the new system doesn‘t do as well as Geoffrey Newey is tinker with the mecha- nism at every winding to adjust the time. He knew his clocks. Under his care they kept very good time. He was awarded the MBE in 2003 and died this February. I wish I had taken time to get to know him
better. Geoff Newey; From BBC York Website
Martin 3 Church Council March meeting snippets. We took reports from all our working groups and finished our meeting around 9 pm as I recall. Without the other meetings to do most of the detailed work we would have been there all night! These are Standing Committee, Premises, Communications, Finance, Stewardship, Ministry, and Hall Steering Group and we also had a report from Fiona, our Electoral Roll Officer. In order of importance (not); - the pigeons nesting under the solar panels are now homeless; - we approved the accounts for 2014 and budget for 2015; - a working party (Christine Hanby, Louise Robinson and Charles Croft) was set up to explore how the new halls will operate; - we gratefully acknowledged a legacy of over £10,000 from Eric Sowden, to be divided between church and community hall; - we were unable to offer a home to the Christian Aid Plant Sale this year due to the building works being imminent (by the time you read this the start date should be known); - we waved goodbye to David Lapish and, in absentia, Michael Bailey, who are standing down from the PCC. Hall Update. Since the meeting we have received formal permission (Faculty) from the Diocesan Registrar for the project to go ahead. We have agreed a scheme to replace the electrical supply to the whole site, including the vicarage and are in the process of negotiating with the gas suppliers to re-route the supply to halls and vicarage, and the telephone lines will also need re-siting. Probably sometime in April we will be asking for many volunteers to help transfer articles from the hall into the vicarage garage which will be their home for the next 6 months or so and remain accessible for use. If there are any articles of value then we will find an alternative home somewhere. The funds are sufficiently in place for us to confidently start the project in the expectation that all cost will be covered. This is no small achievement!!! 4 Out of the woodwork.
It is fascinating what you uncover when doing a project like this. I knew that the legal boundaries between church and vicarage land are different from how they actually appear on the ground. For instance about half the entrance for cars, a fair chunk of car park and the borders to the West and South are on vicarage land. In the church register for 1905 the Rev Evans takes care to point out that 'The Church Room of St Helen (ie, our community hall) opened on July 30th, stands on vicarage land, as does the path leading to it from the High Road'. Almost certainly the whole church site was built on what was land belonging to the house which became the vicarage. In 1942 the current boundaries were agreed, transferring more of the land to the church. Will this trend continue with eventually the vicarage being re-sited nearer to St Edward‘s Close and the rest of the land going to expand the church's facilities? Something to muse on once the dust of the current project has settled! Martin
YOUR VOTE COULD BE VITAL!!!!!
No I‘m not talking about the General Election – although as a woman and having lived in Africa I do believe our votes are a great privilege and should be used. However, I‘m talking about voting for the Community Hall project. Soon I will be applying to Aviva for a grant. In April into May the successful applicants will be decided upon by the number of votes they receive from the general public. So watch this space for an update next month. Hopefully your vote will be needed. Sue Baldock
5 6 7 Christian Aid Week 2015 10th-16th May 2015
Living in Dringhouses many of you will be aware that in years gone by there was always a ‗Door to Door‘ collection for Christian Aid during May. As the years have gone by it has become harder to find willing volunteers to carry out this task so this year we are going to try a different approach to the CA annual appeal. In the May copy of ‗The Porch‘ you will find a Christian Aid appeal envelope which we hope you will use to make your donation to this very worthwhile cause.
It can be returned to St Edward the Confessor‘s Church in one of three ways:
In the collection plate during a service
To the parish office during the week
Through the vicarage letter box
I am also aware that there are still collectors who would be prepared to complete a ‗Door to Door‘ collection. If you wish to do this please contact me through the Parish Office: email [email protected] Christine Hanby
PRAYER DIARY Prayer is an important part of our Church life. In order to help us pray for one another, the Parish and those further afield, we have put together a prayer diary. Firstly A HUGE THANK YOU to all those (presently 18 people) who have over the years so faithfully and patiently prayed as part of the ‗Home Based Prayer Fellowship‘ - praying for St Edward‘s and our Community. It is their dedicated prayer which has led to the development of the Prayer Diary with which the whole church can now be involved. (The ‗Home Based Prayer Fellowship‘ will be part of this new initiative) All may use it to fit in with their own rhythm of prayer. The Prayer Diary will be available in Church from Sunday 12th April 2015. Julie Wells. 8 Courthill Chapel Chalet, Wester Ross Courthill Chapel is the parish church of Lochcarron and the surrounding area. It is situated in one of the most scenic parts of Wester Ross, with easy access to Torridon, Applecross, Plockton and Skye. The area abounds in places to eat, walking paths, and interesting places to visit. The church lets a little chalet to clergy and ordinands of the Anglican Communion, but welcomes enquiries from other church people as well. We enjoy meeting people from the wider church, and will invite you to officiate or otherwise take part in our Sunday service if you would like. The chalet provides basic accommodation for four in double and twin rooms. All facilities are provided, and the village of Lochcarron six miles away has all the usual services. We let from May to October, but other dates are possible by arrangement. We provide duvet covers and pillowcases; but please bring bottom sheet and towels. £190 p.w. first week, £170 p.w. for further weeks, electricity at cost. Enquiries to: Sheila Robinson 01520 722909 or Marcus Given 01520 722617 [email protected] Sheila Robinson, The Old Post Office, Main St, Lochcarron. IV54 8YD
"Courthill Chapel in the West Highlands of Scotland lets a small chalet to holidaying clergy. Thanks, Marcus"
9
5 Minute Interview. Welcome to a new feature in The Porch. Each month someone will be invited to answer around ten simple questions about themselves. Then you guess who they are. Answer and photo will appear on a different page.
What are you passionate about?
Railways, especially steam locomotives and heritage lines.
What's your favourite food?
My favourite main course is KFC because if you've seen the ad, you get the crispy on the outside and the tasty chicken on the inside! My favourite pudding is banoffee pie because I love toffee and I love banana so it's the perfect combination.
Pet Hate?
It has to be heavy metal music because to me it's just a lot of loud noise with a beat. I much prefer trad jazz, 70s pop and am partial to strong powerful hymns.
Person from History to meet?
Eric Treacy because I love his railway photography. He was a former Bishop of Wakefield and a past president of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.
The film to watch?
There are two films which I can never decide which one I like more than the other. There's Von Ryan's Express (1965) and Ring of Bright Water. Von Ryan's Express is about an American pilot (Frank Sinatra) who crash lands in Italy during the war. He ends up in a PoW camp with a very large troop of British soldiers. They escape and capture a train aiming for the Swiss border. Colonel Ryan tries more to survive than escape, resulting 16 in him being dubbed the rather insulting 'Von Ryan. Ring of Bright Water is a film about a man who lives in London and buys an otter from a pet shop. He figures that his small London flat is not ideal for keeping an otter, so he moves to a small cottage in the Scottish Highlands. He falls in love with the village doctor who has a sheep dog who makes friends with Midge the ot- ter. The film has a sad ending and at the very end of the film are clips of memories of Midge while Val Doonican plays the song Ring of Bright Water in the background. This film is really moving for me.
A piece of wisdom?
If someone is winding you up, don't get mad at them, they will get bored and they'll soon stop. They want you to get angry so it would help if you didn't give them what they want. "One who smiles rather than angers is always stronger". This quote is from a Chinese proverb.
Unfulfilled ambition?
My unfulfilled ambition is to complete my book that I'm currently writing. It is a diary written by a man who helps rebuild a preserved railway. The line runs from Stalybridge to Glossop and is 8 and a half miles long. The man, Tony Dartford, writes his diary from 1962 to 1988. I have had to tweak real- ity a little to make this book possible to write but I'm trying to keep it as real as possible. I should spend more time on this book as I have a lot of writing ahead of me....
Christian background?
I was baptised at St Michael Le Belfry by Francis Wainana and confirmed at St Edward‘s by the Bishop of Selby.
17
APRIL 2015 SERVICES & EVENTS
Monday-Friday Church Open during daytime. Mondays 10am; 11am Little Teds (in term time) Mondays 7.30-9.00pm ‘Tangent’ (in term time) for young people Y10-Y13, at 149 Tadcaster Rd Tuesdays 6.30-7.30pm Open evening for booking baptisms, weddings etc. Tuesdays 7.30-9.00pm ‘Segment’ (in term time) for young people Y7-Y9, at 149 Tadcaster Rd Wednesdays 12.00 Praying In Company
Wed 1st 7.00pm Holy Week Prayers
Thursday 2nd - Maundy Thursday
7.30pm Holy Communion - joint service with West Thorpe Methodist Church—here at St Edward‘s.
Exodus 12: 1-4; 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26; John 13: 1-7, 31b-35.
Friday 3rd - Good Friday
10.00am Family Service.
12noon-2.00pm Fish Friday Lunch—in the Community Hall.
2.00pm Last Hour at the Cross.
6.30pm Extended Choir
Sunday 5th April - Easter
8.30am BCP Holy Communion. Acts 10: 34-43; Mark 16: 1-8.
10.00am Family Communion.
11.30am BCP Holy Communion. Readings as above.
6.30pm Holy Communion with Prayers for Healing. Readings as above.
Fri 10th 12-2pm Light Lunches - in the Community Hall or Extension. 18
Sunday 12 April - Easter 2
8.30am Holy Communion. Acts 4: 32-35; John 20: 19-end.
10.00am Holy Communion. Readings as above.
11.30am Baptism Service.
4.00pm KITTS (Keep In Touch Tea Service)
6.30pm Evening Service. Isaiah 26: 19-end; Luke 24: 1-12.
Mon 13th Term-Time Activities start back.
7.30pm Women‘s Fellowship: ‘York Archives‘ - Sarah Tester.
Wed 15th 12noon Communion in Company.
2.30-2.45pm Whitehouse Gardens Small Group.
Thurs 16th 7pm-9pm St Edward‘s Art Group - Exhibition Preview - By Ticket only - £5 (includes a glass of wine).
Fri 17th 10am-5pm St Edward‘s Art Group - Exhibition. Admission free.
Sat 18th 10am-5pm St Edward‘s Art Group - Exhibition. Admission free.
Sunday 19th April - Easter 23
There is only one service today:
10.00am Holy Communion. Luke 24: 36b-48. Followed by the Annual Parish Council Meeting.
Mon 20th 7.00pm ‗Clerical Chronicles Part 2‘ - a presentation by Dorothy Reed.
Tues 21st 2.30pm Premises Meeting.
Wed 22nd 3.25pm SEEDS.
7.00pm STEMS.
Thurs 23rd 1.00pm St George‘s Day Lunch.
Fri 24th 12-2pm Light Lunches - in the Community Hall or Extension.
6.30pm Choir Practice. 19 Sunday 26th April - Easter 4
8.30am Holy Communion. Acts 4: 5-12; John 10: 11-18.
10.00am Holy Communion and Anointing. Readings as above.
11.30am PACT
6.30pm Evening Service Exodus 16: 4-15; John 6: 30-40.
Mon 27th 7.30pm Women‘s Fellowship: ‗Miniature World‘ - Lily and Derek Barton
Wed 29th 2.30-3.45pm Whitehouse Gardens Small Group.
Thurs 30th 2.00pm Contact.
FROM THE REGISTERS
BAPTISMS
8th March 2015 Fynley Andrew Maurice Scaife
8th March 2015 Wilfred Emmerson Hunter
WEDDINGS
28th February 2015 Damien Andrew Sabo and Rhian Megan Jackson
FUNERALS
20th February 2015 Dorothy Doris
3rd March 2015 Arnold William Robinson
4th March 2015 Peter Vivian Michael Dodgson
6th March 2015 Valerie Joy Everard
20
NOTICES AND EVENTS
***** 23rd April St George‘s day Lunch
*****
Adrian Plass and the Church Weekend Monday 1st June at 7:15pm St. Edward the Confessor Church, Tadcaster Road, York, YO24 1QG Tickets £12 (£10 concession) from the Parish Office Tel: 01904 709111 [email protected]
Open Gardens Following on from the success of the first open gardens last summer and autumn St Wilfred's RC Church is planning to open its hidden garden to the public on four dates this year. This Walled garden lies in between the church and the house on High Petergate. The garden is one of only 3 of its type within the city centre, has great views over Georgian roofscapes, and boasts a great view of York Minster. The garden has undergone a major transformation recently with a major replanting programme. At the last open garden in October over 2,000 spring bulbs were planted. At the first open garden event this year (Saturday 11th April 12.00 - 4.00) it is hoped that the daffodils will be at their best. Light refreshments will also be available throughout each of the open gar- den dates. Future dates for your diary. Saturday 2nd May 12.00 - 4.00. Tulips should be at their best. Saturday 11th July 12.00 - 4.00 summer open garden. Saturday 3rd October Autumn colour open garden. Hope to see visitors from Dringhouses at one or more of the openings!!
21 St Edward’s Holiday Club Holiday club is almost with us and we‘re getting really excited as planning gets under way. We will be heading to the Arctic and becoming Polar Explorers for one week and one week only!. For those not familiar with Holiday Club, it is 5 mornings - between 10am and 12.30pm - in the first week of the school holidays ( 20 th -24 th July) where children of Primary School age join together with a team of volunteer leaders for a morning of music, drama, games, activities, craft and fun! It is a fantastic opportunity for young and old alike to experience a week of life and laughter as we seek to share God's love with around 60 children who may be hearing this for the first time. This year we expect we may have a larger than ever team of young leaders and really is a fantastic opportunity to encourage our brilliant young people as they take such important roles in what has become a much-anticipated week in the church calendar! However, in short; more young leaders calls for more adult leaders. Ensuring Child Protection is in place at all times is an essential part of this ministry and as more young leaders step forward to be involved quite simply more adults are needed. Without appropriate adult leader support, this will not be able to happen to the same extent. This may seem very formal and serious; but it is perhaps better to see it like this: Holiday Club is not only encouraging children to see God's love and to hear stories from the Bible, but equipping young people to show God's love and to think about these stories from the Bible in a deeper way for themselves. It really is a great outreach as so many enjoy being at church as they sing, dance, craft, play, talk and laugh! All I ask is that you all pray and consider whether this year's Holiday Club is something you may be able to help with – not merely as someone to make up numbers, but someone to really get involved; to be hospitable, to be welcoming, to be friendly, to be crafty, to be dramatic, to be caring, to be loving and to be so much more. I believe we all have gifts and I am asking you to share yours with us this summer.
Blessings, Emma. 22 House of Bishops' Pastoral Letter on the 2015 General Election 17 February 2015 The House of Bishops of the Church of England have to- day expressed the hope for political parties to discern "a fresh moral vision of the kind of country we want to be" ahead of the General Election in May of this year. In a pastoral letter from the House of Bishops to the people and parishes of the Church of England, the Bish- ops urge Christians to consider the question how can we "build the kind of society which many people say they want but which is not yet being expressed in the vision of any of the parties?" It encourages church members to engage in the political process ahead of the General Election and to put aside self-interest and vote for 'the common good': "The privileges of living in a democracy mean that we should use our votes thoughtfully, prayerfully and with the good of others in mind, not just our own interests." "In Britain, we have become so used to believing that self-interest drives every decision, that it takes a leap of imagination to argue that there should be stronger institutions for those we disagree with as well as for those 'on our side.' Breaking free of self-interest and welcoming our op- ponents as well as our supporters into a messy, noisy, yet rich and crea- tive community of communities is, perhaps, the only way we will enrich our almost-moribund political culture." The letter defends the right of the Church to enter into the political arena: "It is not possible to separate the way a person perceives his or her place in the created order from their beliefs, religious or otherwise, about how the world's affairs ought to be arranged. The claim that relig- ion and political life must be kept separate is, in any case, frequently dis- ingenuous - most politicians and pundits are happy enough for the churches to speak on political issues so long as the church agrees with their particular line."
23 The pastoral letter draws on the experience of the Church of England as a Christian presence in every community to warn of the disengagement between politicians and the people. The letter encourages political parties across the spectrum to seek bold new visions of hope and idealism rather than "sterile arguments about who might manage the existing system best." The bishops also argue Britain is in need of a stronger politics of commu- nity to boost solidarity between people and reverse a drift towards social isolation: "The extent of loneliness in society today, with the attendant problems of mental and physical health, is one indication of how far we have drifted into a society of strangers. But that drift is far from com- plete - and few people, if asked, would say that a society of strangers represents a vision of society which they desire." The letter specifically avoids advocacy for any one political party but in- stead encourages those in the Church to seek from political candidates a commitment to building a society of common bonds over individual consum- erism. The bishops say Britain is hungry for a new approach to political life which reaffirms our ties at a national, regional, community and neighbourhood level. There is a need for a strong corrective to halt the move towards increasing social isolation, they say, through strengthening the idea that Britain is still a "community of communities." This, they say, is a theme which has roots in the historic traditions of different parties: "We are seeking, not a string of policy offers, but a way of conceiving and ordering our political and economic life which can be pursued in a conser- vative idiom, a socialist idiom, a liberal idiom - and by others not aligned to party." In the letter, the bishops warn against despair and urge people to vote in the General Election: "Unless we exercise the democratic rights that our ancestors struggled for, we will share responsibility for the failures of the political classes. It is the duty of every Christian adult to vote, even though it may have to be a vote for something less than a vision that in- spires us."
The Full Letter can be found at: https://churchofengland.org/ media/2170230/whoismyneighbour-pages.pdf 24 A Mournful Exit A really determined sentimentalist might have wept in Dringhouses on Saturday night as the last tram of all clattered off into the darkness. But the good people of that rather superior suburb of York took little heed of the event, and the passing of the electric cars was unwept, unhonoured and unsung. There was only one passenger, and I have no proof that even he was filled with melancholy reflections as the event surely demanded.
It is only a quarter of a century since the first tram, gaily decorated, made its way from the railway station past Knavesmire, inaugurating the new era. On that occasion I have no doubt that the passengers would have been very surprised indeed had they been told that by 1935 the last of these agile modern vehicles would have clanked off into the limbo of the past.
Rather appropriately, the condemned tram traversed a route which has been the scene of many last journeys. Along this road the crowds used to follow the tumbrils with the prisoners going to the place of execution on Knavesmire. The processions used to pause at the White House, now a respectable residence, where the condemned man had his last drink and where he was expected to favour the crowd with a last quip. There were no crowds on Saturday night, but I am sorry that the driver, conductor and passenger did not observe the tradition by stopping, en route, for a final, funeral drink. Yorkshire Post 7 January 1935
CHRISTIAN AID PLANT SALE AND REFRESHMENT DAY As the daylight lengthens, plants are emerging from their 'winter' slum- bers, there is a 'spring' in my step and it is time to think about the gar- den. Due to the forthcoming Community Hall Refurbishment beginning after Easter, the Christian Aid Plant Sale and Refreshment Day this year will be at a NEW VENUE and on a DIFFERENT DAY. It will be held at St James the Deacon Church Hall, Sherringham Drive, Woodthorpe, York, on Saturday 16 May from 10.00 am to 3.30pm. Gardeners, if you are able to supply plants for the sale, we will be pleased to receive them. If people can bake cakes for the refreshments, that will also be appreciated. Helpers on the day are required to keep things run- ning smoothly, so if you are able to help in any way, please contact us at church after the 10am service. On behalf of Christian Aid, thank you for your support. David and Jenny Simpson
25 Winter ‘Homeless’ Appeal Response Again it was fantastic! Many thanks indeed to all whose generosity has shown how much people in St Edward‘s care about the homeless in our city. But perhaps we can do more. A General Election is round the corner, and housing is seen as an issue by the main political parties. That can be something we can quiz candidates about – what is being done in York – building more on Greenfield sites? What about the quality of life here? The environmental impact, the impact on infrastructure, transport, traffic congestion, schools, social services... But also what about social services with Government and Council cutbacks - the poor and vulnerable, the elderly, the homeless – can the voluntary sector pick up the slack with their own grants being reduced?
Jesus said that ―the poor will always be with us‖ – so how are we to help them in the future? There‘ll always be homeless people for a whole range of reasons. How are we at St Edward‘s to respond effectively? Since I have been on the Homeless Team, we have every year given to Carecent and Arclight. Should we continue with them, re-evaluate, change direction or what? Let us think ‗outside the box‘ for the autumn focus. Please use these pages to give us feedback. Mark Russell Smith
26 What’s happening at Dringhouses Library Spring is here, and with it the Easter holidays! Here at Dringhouses Library we‘re celebrating the holidays with another kids‘ collage activity - help us make a fabulous colourful collage to deco- rate the library! Friday 10th April 10.30am. Pop in for a ticket. World Book Night is on April 23rd, good luck if you‘ve been lucky enough to get some books to distribute, and do come and chat about the books with us, maybe give a few away at the library? We‘ve got a couple of Police drop-in Surgeries this month, come along and chat to a PCSO about any concerns you may have, or help keep your valu- ables safe - bring your bike, phone, tablet or other valuables to get them tagged and registered on the Immobilise website. Sessions are on Tues- day 7th April 10.30-11.30 and Thursday 23rd April 5.30-5.30pm. Our Reading Group meet on the second Friday of the month – this month we‘ll be meeting on Friday 10th April and reading Charlotte Medelson‘s ‗When we were bad‘. Knit and Natter group meet every Tuesday 10-12 – come along to chat and meet some new people, as much as to increase your knitting, crocheting, or other crafty skills! Storytime for under 5s is on Thursday and Saturday 11-11.30am, join us for hilarious, engaging stories and fun colouring. Our talk last month on Queens‘ Nurses in WW1 was very well attended and received, with sev- eral audience members bringing artefacts of nursing history of their own to discuss. Watch this space for similar events on local history. Are you following us on social media? Another way to get all the latest info on library events and chat is to follow our twitter account: @dringlibrary or our facebook page: dringhouseslibrary . And if that all sounds like jibberish, do pop in, we offer 1-to-1 IT support sessions on all aspects of getting online and using the internet to the full. Lucy
27 WHY? Not a simple word! The „why‟ of the traumatised, the perplexed, after accident or unwelcome news. Why? – from a curious mind; someone seeking knowledge. Why? – the spiritually emaciated seeking love. Why? – a lover amazed at the giftedness of love. Those in abject poverty looking for hope; the survivor.... Sometimes it‟s answered - as gift – minds satisfied, love accepted, hope given, “it makes sense!” Sometimes not. Can we accept that? Remember Jesus' “My God! Why...?” God accepts „why‟s?‟. In Jesus somehow even „why‟ is “YES”. He has, he is, the answer. Something to ponder, pray and praise in Holy Week and beyond. Mark
28 "When small stones move, landslides happen."
This was Lord Alton's closing comment at an Open Doors parliamentary meeting exactly a year ago today, where we shone a spotlight on the perse- cution of Christians in North Korea. These words inspire and challenge each of us to continue speaking out against injustice, and over the last 12 months we've been so encouraged by how Open Doors supporters have done just that on behalf of persecuted Christians. As a result, landslides are happening! Here's a snapshot...
Prisoners released In May 2014, hundreds of you wrote to the Bhutanese authorities, appealing for the release of pastors Tandin Wangyal and Mon Bdr. Thapa (also known as David Lobzang). They were arrested on 5 March 2014 for holding a three -day seminar at a house church in Dorokha, Samtse. Thapa's charges were dropped in September 2014 and in January this year Tandin's sentence was finally lifted too! Thank you for campaigning and praying into this situation!
A shift in Parliament Within two months, 5534 of you invited your MP to the launch of our report Freedom of Religion and the Persecution of Christians – clearly sending the message that religious freedom matters and demands the commitment of our representatives. They certainly heard you! An unprecedented 74 MPs came to the meeting on 20 January, making it by far the best attended event ever held by Open Doors in Parliament. One MP, Henry Smith, even wrote to constituents af- ter the meeting to say, "This has inspired me to redouble my efforts as a Member of Parliament to do all I can to protect freedom of faith, in par- ticular, the right of Christians to worship without fear in every country around the world." 29 Sir Edward Leigh MP and Lord Anderson of Swansea also came, and later raised the persecution of Christians at a debate in the Council of Europe. Sir Edward highlighted the 'outright persecution...in Iraq, Soma- lia and North Korea', the top three countries on the World Watch List, while Lord Anderson mentioned and quoted from 'the January report of Open Doors'. The meeting even had the knock-on effect of inspiring parliamentary staff members to gather together in a monthly prayer meeting for the persecuted church! Ultimately, our hope is that these activities will impact upon UK foreign policy, so we were delighted to see that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have just launched a twitter campaign on the #freedomtobelieve – publicly drawing attention to the importance of this right. This is all evidence of a significant shift in Parliament, with increased attention being given to freedom of religion or belief – thanks so much for playing a vital part in this process!
Let's keep going! Whilst the progress we're making together is absolutely amazing, we realise the importance of maintaining momentum and building on what's been achieved so far. There are lots of opportunities to do this. One is through the Show Up campaign, launched by Christians in Politics and the EA, encouraging Christians to make the most of this year's General Elec- tion and play a part in shaping politics. Would you join us in trying to influence future foreign policy on religious freedom by calling on parliamentary candidates in your area to commit to making it a priority in their personal work and within their party? More information on how you can get involved is on the Show Up section of our website. Let's keep taking small actions that together have an incredible impact – and continue to make landslides happen! "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God's people." Colossians 1: 3-4
Every blessing, Zoe & Anastasia, Advocacy Team, Open Doors UK & Ireland 30 33