T o g e t h e r A D i o c e s e A W i d e s c r e e n I t ’ s a S a v i n g i n W o r s h i p A l i v e A n g l e L o c u m ’ s L i f e V a l e tt a ’ s T h r e e 3 P a g e N e w D i o c e s a n L e tt e r f r o m S k y l i n e I t a l i a n P i c t u r e W e b s i t e L a u s a n n e “Q u e e n ’ s H i g h l i g h t s S p e c i a l C h u r c h ” A p p e a l
europe.anglican.org No.74 SUMMER 2017 2 A TRINITY OF SHARED EVENTS IN ITALY
THE E u r o p e a n m i l i n g o p e at i c a n A n g l i c a n A S P . V E v e n s o n g a n d A F l o r e n t i n e F i r s t
The Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe The Rt Rev Dr. Robert Innes Bishop in Europe’s Office 47, rue Capitaine Crespel - boite 49, 1050 Brussels Belgium Tel: +32 (0)2 213 7480 Email: [email protected] The Suffragan Bishop in Europe The Rt Rev Dr. David Hamid Postal address: Diocesan Office Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1160 Email: [email protected] The Diocesan Office 14 Tufton Street, London, SW1P 3QZ Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1155 Fax: +44 (0) 207 898 1166 Email: [email protected] The choir at All Saints, Rome enjoy a joke by the Pope Diocesan Secretary Mr Adrian Mumford Appointments Secretary Miss Catherine Jackson Finance Secretary Mr Nick Wraight Diocesan Website www.europe.anglican.org Editor and Diocesan Communications Officer The Rev Paul Needle Postal address: Diocesan Office Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)7712 463806 Pope Francis was delighted with the gift of a simnel cake A bevy of bishops for a shared blessing to end the service Friends of the Diocese Secretary: Mrs Jeanne French The crowds had been gathering in Rome’s The Pope’s homily spoke about the tensions Email: Via del Balbuino outside All Saints Church, and divisions of the early church in Corinth, [email protected] from late morning before Pope Francis who were regularly reproached and guided Design and Print arrived for his historic visit at 4pm. The by St Paul. He urged for divisions to be Adept Design, Norwich congregation were joined by viewers all over set aside saying; “Where we are united in Distribution Europe and beyond watching the live online the name of Jesus, he is there, and turning CoDEStorm plc link from the Vatican Television’s service. his merciful gaze towards us, he calls us to After the opening choral responses and devote ourselves fully to the cause of unity introductions the Pope joined bishops and love.” Robert and David at a newly installed icon, The Pontiff clearly enjoyed sharing the commissioned by the Chaplaincy council, peace with members of the congregation Front cover picture: written by Ian Knowles, a British artist before witnessing the signing of a unique A day to remember, in late February, with resident in Bethlehem. The image of Christ agreement of understanding between All the visit by Pope Francis to All Saints church (St Saviour) is based on a work by a 13th Saints and the local Roman Catholic parish, for a service where he clearly enjoyed sharing Century English Benedictine. pledging closer cooperation and sharing in fellowship. The worship included the dedication A short walk from the icon took the Pope several areas of ministry. of an icon, a commitment to local church co-operation and a rare question and answer to the font where, in English and Italian, Then, in a bold venture, Pope Francis session with the congregation. our shared baptism vows were renewed. took and answered questions from members EVENSONG IN FLORENCE 3 AND THE VATICAN
A S m i l i n g P o p e . Vat i c a n E v e n s o n g a n d A F l o r e n t i n e F i r s t From Florence, in Northern Italy, Father William Lister writes; On 12th March 2017 the choir of St Mark’s Church sang choral evensong in the Battistero di San Giovanni in the Piazza del Duomo. It was the first time a purely Anglican Liturgy has been celebrated in the ancient Baptistery This occasion represents the deeply held desire of us all to express more fully the fundamental unity which our two traditions share in our common Baptism and we are extremely grateful for this unique opportunity to pray together.
Blessing the icon – a souvenir of his visit
From Vatican City in Rome, Bishop David writes; For the first time ever the service of Anglican Evensong, according to the Book of Common Prayer, was celebrated in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, sung by the choir of Merton College Oxford. The service honoured St Gregory A bevy of bishops for a shared blessing to end the service the Great on the nearest day to his original feast day. Pope Gregory the of the congregation. Some of his answers Great sent St Augustine to England caused raised eyebrows and international to evangelise the Anglo-Saxons. He news headlines as he spoke about has become an unofficial patron of situations where ecumenical progress is the most recent ecumenical exchanges being forged at local and regional level. between the Anglican and Roman He observed that Anglican/Roman Catholic relations were probably seen as Catholic Churches. His crozier-head moving; “two steps forward, half step was sent to Canterbury as a gesture of back. That’s a very human way which we support during the Primates’ Meeting must continue.” in January 2016 and Pope Francis gave At the end of the service gifts were Archbishop Justin Welby a wooden exchanged. Pope Francis seemed crozier modelled on it during their delighted to be given a simnel cake, meeting in October. baked by a member of All Saints, in At the conclusion of the service readiness for Mothering Sunday. There itself we processed to the tomb of was a sense of joy and hope as the service St Gregory in the Basilica, where ended with our bishops joining the Pope Florence Battistero di Firenze where Cardinal George Pell and I led prayers to offer a solemn blessing. Anglican Evensong was welcomed to honour the saint. 4 SAVE VALETTA’S SKYLINE CATHEDRAL APPEAL LAUNCHES
“Q u e e n ’s M a lt e s e C h u r c h C r u m b l i n g ”
That was the stark Sunday Times and is deeply symbolic of two centuries of close Anglo-Maltese headline about the launch of an relations. Its unique and historic appeal for €3m (£2.6m) to restore identity is complementary to and in St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral harmony with the Archdiocese of in the Maltese capital, Valetta. In Malta walking together in Faith. The Cathedral’s memorials bear important 1949 the then Princess Elizabeth testimony to the sacrifice and valour Malta St Paul’s shipwreck procession lived on the Mediterranean island of countless Allied Servicemen who while Prince Philip was stationed fought to defend Malta during the denominations in Malta. During Lent first and second World Wars” the Roman Catholic Bishop of Gozo there as a Royal Naval officer. The The Cathedral and its Chancellor a Sunday congregation’s collection royal couple regularly worshipped enjoy close ecumenical ties with the from his own Cathedral to boost the in St Paul’s and The Duke of Maltese Catholic Church and other Anglican appeal. Edinburgh remains Patron of the Friends of the Cathedral today.
The fabric of the cathedral is now in dire and urgent need of restoration. Recent architectural inspections have identified severe problems threatening the tower, the spire and external and internal stonework. The appeal to “Save Valletta’s Skyline” is the first major restoration work to take place since the Second World War and it is hoped to complete the necessary works by November 2019, the 175th Anniversary of the Consecration of the building. The Cathedral Chancellor Canon Simon Godfrey says; “The Cathedral pays homage to St. Paul, considered to be the spiritual father of the Maltese, St Paul’s Cathedral William Scamp sketch READERS IN COLOGNE, 5 CONDOM AND COPENHAGEN
Malta Appeal e a d e r s at Latest News R c The appeal total topped £339,500 by Easter. Th e R e a d y c Help is being sought from grant making trusts Michael Joins One and foundations and UK companies operating in Malta. of The Biggest c There is to be a presentation Readers’ Team to the Maltese Government The Chaplaincy of the Aquitaine for EU funding. in France includes 15 congregations c St Martin-in-the-Fields plan covering the departments of an evening concert and Dordogne, Gironde, Lot et Garonne reception in their undercroft and the northern Gers. Regular in London as well as a choir services require good administrative visit to Malta and Gozo. planning and a generous supply of full and part-time clergy and a dedicated c The President of Malta, Her group of Readers. On a Saturday in New Reader Michael is welcomed Excellency Marie-Louise March 2017 the Archdeacon of France During his sermon Archdeacon Meurig Coleiro Preca is to host formally licensed Michael Torne to reminded people to consider the a reception at one of her join the team as a Reader. church as a community. He said; “It official residences, San Clergy and church members from is not only Michael and all the other Anton or Verdala Palace, for across the vast Chaplaincy travelled clergy present but the congregation prospective donors. long distances to share in the service as a whole that values and thrives by in Condom where Michael lives. supporting each another.” c The architectural contract has now been signed with a Maltese firm with recognised experience and o lo gne professionalism in this field. C onference c Before work begins C every single stone of the Pl anning cathedral’s structure has to Detailed planning is important for the be photographed. success of the Readers Conference c Individual donations from in Cologne in mid-May. The Malta and Britain are equally conference planning committee met important – every £ or € in London, with some of the visiting At the Chrism Eucharish in Milan counts! speakers to ensure thought provoking Readers were honoured with bearing and scholarly teaching, sharing and the holy oils fellowship at the event, only the second one of its kind in our diocese (The last one was 5 years ago). More than 60 of the 110 licensed Readers in the diocese were expected. There will be a full report in the next edition of European Anglican.
On Good Friday in Copenhagen all three Licensed Readers preached at services, ministering the Word Readers Conference planning group 6 GIBRALTAR IN THE BREXIT SPOTLIGHT
B r e x i t B r i e f i n g H e a r s C o n c e r n s A i r e d
After the top level diocesan consultations in Brussels in January chaplaincies around Europe have been working to arrange more local briefings and meetings with Embassy staff. In late March St Nicholas Church in Helsinki, Finland, hosted a meeting in the Undercroft of the city’s Cathedral.
Brexit meeting in Helsinki with Ambassador Sarah Price The undercroft at Helsinki Cathedral Rev Tuomas Mäkipää said; “Some “People had very practical questions The Ambassador promised to convey two hundred of the four thousand about migration, business and right all these worries to London.” British citizens in Finland attended. to stay. Most concerned were perhaps He added; “We hope the Chaplaincy The Ambassador, Sarah Price, urged those working for the EU Chemical can continue to offer this kind of British citizens to make sure that Agency. One specific question was from platform for discussions of general their documents are in order and families who have a child with special interest, as part of our ministry here in that, if they have British passports, needs. They were concerned if they Finland.” they should also make sure they are would receive adequate support in the properly registered in Finland. case of returning to UK after Brexit.
Ro c k S o l i d S u p p o r t O v e r G i b r a lta r Concerns about plans by the EU for parishioners much strength in the Spain to have a say on the future of coming months, as they turn to Gibraltar drew comments from our the God who is our Rock in times bishops. Messages of support were sent of trouble. My prayer is that the to the Dean and congregation of the politicians involved in the Brexit Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Bishop talks will have the wisdom and Robert wrote; “Gibraltar will always diplomacy to move quickly on this Gibraltar border queues have a special place in my heart. It was issue and reassure people in one of in the Cathedral of Gibraltar that I was our oldest and most precious churches instituted as Bishop of this Diocese. The that their concerns will be heard and people of Gibraltar know from difficult understood.” experience what border closures entail. In a separate letter, Bishop David I appreciate just how much of Gibraltar’s adds; “I can only imagine the turmoil trade, social life and indeed food and even anger you must feel. At such security depends on the open border. times we Christians turn to God’s “I well appreciate there are worries Son Jesus Christ, who is the King of that the darker days of the past may all creation, and whose sovereignty is return. I wish the Dean and his over all.” Gibraltar Cathedral exterior SOLA GRATIA, SOLA SCRIPTURE 7 AND SOLUM CHRISTUM
Believing The Reformation: Wh at D i d Th e R e f o r m e r s Te a c h ?
Events to mark 500 years since Martin Luther’s public declaration set the Reformation rolling continue across the diocese. Among resources available to discover more are videos, congregational teaching packs and the Reformation Roadshow is visiting some cities, such as Riga in Latvia (pictured). In the second of three articles for The European Anglican Canon Dr Charlotte The Reformation roadshow on a visit to Riga Methuen, Lecturer in Church History at the University of England’s Thirty-Nine articles, of Glasgow and formerly a taken from the Augsburg Confession, Director of Training in the article 7). Believing that grace was God’s free gift, Luther denied the Diocese in Europe, explains the ability of human beings to choose importance of Luther’s teaching. salvation, paving the way for Calvin’s doctrine of predestination. For Luther’s key doctrine was justification Luther and Calvin, God chooses by faith: the idea that salvation comes who will be saved, and human as a free gift of God, and that it cannot actions cannot affect that choice. be earned by anything that we do. Nonetheless, Luther and Calvin “The law says, ‘do this,’ and it is never both thought that Christians would done. Grace says, ‘believe in this,’ and choose to behave in ways that were everything is already done,” as he put ethically good and beneficial to the A DVD tells the story of Martin Luther in in the Heidelberg Disputation in smooth running of society. thanks for the grace they had received 1518 (thesis 26). This, he believed, was Luther revised the theology of the what Paul meant when he wrote: “in from Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. sacraments, affirming just two of the the Gospel the righteousness of God Calvin held that Christ was spiritually seven sacraments taught by the medieval is revealed through faith for faith” present, and that in the Eucharist the church: Baptism and the Eucharist. (Romans 1:17) and that all who have congregation were transported by the Marriage and ordination continued to sinned “are now justified by God’s Holy Spirit to gather at God’s right grace as a gift, through the redemption be viewed as central for the good order hand. In the Church of England, these that is in Christ Jesus … by faith, of society and the church. Confirmation disagreements found a reconciliation apart from works prescribed by the provided a context for the instruction of in the 1559 Book of Common Prayer: law” (Romans 3:24, 28). Salvation, young people who had been baptised as “The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, for Luther comes sola gratia – through infants. The last rites became subsumed which was given for thee, preserve thy grace alone. Knowledge of salvation into prayer for the sick. Luther held that body and soul unto everlasting life. Take is mediated sola scriptura – through confession was advisable, to remind and eat this in remembrance that Christ scripture alone – and solum Christum – people of what their baptism meant and died for thee, and feed on him in thy through Christ alone. how they had fallen away from it, but heart by faith, with thanksgiving.” Luther’s theology of justification confession could be made to anyone, not by grace profoundly influenced his only to a priest. theology. He came to understand the Disagreements over the Eucharist Final food for thought church in a new way, as the community would divide Protestants. Luther The theology of the Eucharist split of the faithful on which the true gospel affirmed that Christ was really and the Reformation. What do you is preached and the sacraments properly physically present in the bread and believe about the Eucharist? What administered (a definition which wine. In Zürich, Zwingli taught that disagreements challenge the church’s unity today? appears as Article 19 in the Church in the Eucharist the congregation gave
8 HOLY WEEK HIGHLIGHTS
F r o m Pa l m s t o Pa s s i o n
Palm Sunday in Lille. The shouts of children ring with the cry Hosannah
Maundy Thursday in Antwerp included the ceremonial washing of feet following the Lord’s example
With palms before thee they went. Branches held high in Monte Carlo
But as well as Antwerp’s spiritual preparation for Easter, elbow grease was needed too
Good Friday in Hamburg included the traditional veneration of the Holy Cross
In Holy Trinity, Brussels, on Good Friday the choir and orchestra The food is ready, explanatory leaflets too and snapshots played the well-known St Matthew Passion by Bach to remember at a Passover meal in Spain’s Costa Azahar
CROWDED CHURCHES 9 AND RESURRECTION JOY
Echoes of Easter
Some people had to stand outside at the Easter Sunday Eucharist at Praia da In Copenhagen an Easter bunny joined the Luz in Portugal’s Algarve with people even standing in the vestry and the biggest Chaplain congregation since records began. The church was prepared for 150 people but with 246 people turning up they needed to quickly borrow more chalices from the Roman Catholics who grant the use of their church building for Anglican worship
Easter Sunrise service in Vevey near Lake Geneva
But as well as Antwerp’s spiritual preparation for Easter, elbow grease was needed too.
From Helsinki they tweeted about their musical Easter service with a kazoo - noisy but joyful
In Monaco the annual Easter egg hunt called for imagination and climbing skills 10 EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY
D i o c e s a n L i f e C a p t u r e d o n C a m e r a
Candles proclaimed the light of Christ for a triple baptism in Bordeaux
Christians from the Philippines inspired this year’s Women’s World Day of Prayer. Church members at Gers, in southern France, caught the global spirit with basic symbols to aid devotions
Running a soup kitchen sometimes means more than food The Book of Job suggests life can be unpredictable as these students preparation. At St Saviour’s, Riga, in April volunteers were busy at St Martha & St Mary’s in Leuven (pictured relaxing with clearing the back area, ready for seeding and planting Canon Jack McDonald) proved by producing a thought provoking ebook Wrestling with Job, Coping with Suffering
In La Palma, Tenerife, as well as flowers for Mothering Sunday Lyn & Wyndham Neish renewed their marriage vows at their the congregation welcomed the gift of two banners from a Roman Ruby wedding celebration in Albir on Spain’s Costa Blanca during Catholic couple who had recently been worshipping with them Sunday worship. Their family joined to share the celebrations LESSONS FROM THE LORD 11 FOR A LOCUM IN LAUSANNE
A l l i n A M o n t h ’s Wo r k
Rev Bramwell Bearcroft reflects on how he came to spend December in Switzerland
A few weeks after I finished working as Catholic Church in Lausanne. The Locum Chaplain of Aquitaine I had an Old Catholic Church broke away email from Diocesan Office asking if I from the Roman Catholic Church was interested in taking on more locum after Vatican One and have their work. I have a licence which allows own bishop. The services are held in me to work anywhere in the Diocese Lausanne entirely in French. I was a Rev Bramwell Bearcroft of Europe so I replied that I would be little daunted by this (even though I interested in anywhere that ... have conducted many weddings and a) was warm funerals in French) because I was not b) was near the sea sure how I would fare if I was thrown c) was not far from a good golf course into a deep theological discussion. But The reply came and invited me I need not have worried. I explained to go to Lausanne Switzerland in at the start of my first service that I December! had rehearsed the French liturgy many So we arrived in Lausanne on the times at home with my wife Jennifer first of December. There was a lake and that if I made any mistakes it was instead of the sea and the golf was so her fault and not mine! The joke at expensive that we could not afford to Jennifer’s expense had the desired Lausanne church play even if the temperature got above effect and we were immediately zero - but it was the beginning of a adopted by their community. very different adventure. We were The strange thing is that because made very welcome by the people at I had worked so hard to understand the church who had taken the time the liturgy, when the time came I was to fill the fridge and to ensure that no longer concerned about making someone was at the apartment to mistakes but found myself enveloped welcome us. by the Spirit. It struck me just how far I When we were shown the church, had travelled since my non-conformist however, I began to worry a little as upbringing. Here I was, celebrating the custom had been for the priest Mass in a Catholic Church in French to preach from a pulpit. Church in a chapel nicknamed ‘The Bunker’ as members in the Aquitaine would it is essentially below ground. Words know I would find that difficult. I like from my childhood came back to me as to be close to the congregation when I I stood there at the altar saying, ‘Remplis speak and to be able to move around. de la force du Saint-Esprit tous ceux et celles I didn’t feel comfortable with the idea of locking myself in by the little qui partageront ce repas...’ wooden gate. As the old joke goes; Just where he needs me, my Lord has ‘Why does a bagpiper always march placed me, around when he is playing?’ ‘Because Just where he needs me, there would I be! it is harder to hit a moving target’. And since he found me, by love he’s Well, I am a bit like the bagpiper. But bound me the good people accepted very readily To serve him joyfully. that their locums would all do things So I wanted to be somewhere warm, very differently and so I spoke from somewhere by the sea and somewhere the church floor...and moved around. near a golf course but the Lord had Part of my ‘brief’ was that I would other plans and we have had a joyful have to conduct services for The Old time! The locum leads a Eucharist in Lausanne 12 PILGRIMS’ PROGRESS – ENTERTAINING ANGELS
Jus t Wa lk (Th ro ug h Th e D i o c e s e ) to Jerus a le m
“I was glad when they said to me Leaving London on June 10th days and they’ll be joined by people let us go to the house of the Lord” Just Walk will pass through France, of all ages from as far afield as New Switzerland, Italy, Greece and Turkey Zealand and Australia to take part. The Psalms of Ascent sing of the to enter the Holy Land, walking Specific passing points include Calais, pilgrim’s joy on the journey to and talking on the way to Christian, Arras, Bologna, Ancona, Thessaloniki Jerusalem. Although pilgrimage in Jewish and Muslim partners and and Istanbul – all places where friends who are working towards congregations could get involved. 2017 is very different from Biblical justice and reconciliation. Katie People are being invited to join times it can still have an effect on the Hagley from Amos says “We want to the walk for a week or just a day walkers and the wider world. build a better understanding of the with 2,000 miles to choose from. This year marks the centenary of the conflict, particularly among church Organisers are also hoping churches Balfour Declaration, a statement from communities and enable conversation on the route may get involved in the British Foreign Secretary, which and dialogue that recognises today’s hosting, by feeding the walkers or said: “His Majesty’s government view with oppression and injustice, much of providing beds for the night. For favour the establishment in Palestine of a which can be traced back to the Balfour anyone off the main route Amos Trust national home for the Jewish people, and Declaration.” hopes people will organize will use their best endeavours to facilitate the Nine people have already their own event with a achievement of this object, it being clearly committed to walk the entire 3183 km walk or a fund raising understood that nothing shall be done which from London to Jerusalem over 147 meal. www.amostrust.org may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country.” 2017 also marks the anniversary of 50 years of military occupation LONDON CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL of the Palestinian Territories and 10 CALAIS DOVER years since the blockade of Gaza. ARRAS REIMS ISTANBUL
The Amos Trust, a Christian human BESANCON LAUSANNE rights organisation, committed GREAT ST BERNARD PASS FIDENZA VERCELLI DURRES THESSALONIKI ANCONA PRRENJAS to challenging injustice, building AMMAN hope and creating positive change is campaigning for full equal rights for JERUSALEM everybody who calls the Holy Land home. Just Walk to Jerusalem is a modern-day walking pilgrimage to WALKING the Holy Land and the journey passes FLYING/SAILING through the Diocese in Europe.
Lured by A Job – Trapped into Forced Labour? ‘Freedom Sunday’, dedicated to remembering the plight of those caught up in human trafficking and modern day slavery, is on 15th October. Please get this date into your church diaries and plan, if possible, to have a focus on this issue in the preaching for that Sunday? Resource material for this is available from Bishop Robert’s Attaché David Fieldsend [email protected] who can also put you in touch with the contact for this subject in your archdeaconry. NO FLIGHT OF FANCY – GOD’S 13 LESSONS FROM BIRD LIFE
Watc h Th e Bi r d i e – a n d Under stand Our En v i r o n m e n t Elizabeth Bussmann, Diocesan Environmental Officer, in conversation with Rev Dale Hanson, Associate Chaplain at St Michael’s Church Paris
Dale trained for ordination at Ridley Elizabeth: You came to Paris from Hall and is a graduate of Cambridge Kowloon, Hong Kong and I know that University (Natural Sciences). In his you have travelled a great deal. leisure time Dale is a keen birdwatcher Dale: I have been fortunate to have and wildlife photographer. A favourite lived in North America, Europe verse from scripture is ‘The LORD is and Asia and had the opportunity to my shepherd; I shall not want.’ (Psalm explore these continents plus Africa and 23:1) In our conversation he told me Australia. My wife knows that anytime he also likes to think he is taking we are planning a trip the appropriate Jesus’ command in Matthew 6 literally “Field Guide” to the birds of that the way we manage our countryside – ‘look at the birds of the air’! area will be requested as a birthday or and the effect of climate change. Many Christmas gift. people are concerned about the likely Dale: I have been bird watching changes to UK farming and land use in for almost fifty years since getting Elizabeth: How is climate change the wake of leaving the EU. In Europe enthused by a wonderful teacher and affecting our birds and what knock-on itself, there is widespread concern over a group of friends at school. I grew up effect does that have on eco-systems? the hunting and trapping of migratory near the coast of North East England What are the dangers facing birdlife? birds in Southern Europe, most Dale: Birds offer a valuable index of the and was amazed by the extraordinary infamously in Malta and Cyprus. range of migratory birds that passed environmental health of an area. The through the area. Birds are some of health of the bird populations reflects Elizabeth: Is there any way in which we here in Europe can help birds the most visible and attractive wildlife the wider health of the insect and plant generally? in most places and the number of communities. Rachel Carson’s famous species offers just about the right book “Silent Spring” first revealed the Dale: I would encourage anyone who amount of challenge in identification. effects of pesticides on the environment. is concerned for humanity and our She took the absence of birdsong as planet as God’s creation to support a sign of a bleak future for the whole the wonderful work of “A Rocha natural world. Over the years I have international - conservation and hope” become aware of the impoverishment (www.arocha.org). Founded by Peter of the dawn chorus of birdsong in the and Miranda Harris in Portugal, A UK compared to my recollections from Rocha is now a highly respected and 50 years ago. A series of reports testify influential Christian body making to the threat to much of UK wildlife a unique contribution to global from sweeping habitat loss, changes to conservation.
See also RSPB www.rspb.org.uk The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and all wildlife, helping to create a better world for everyone. RSPB is also part of Bird Life International. Their conservation efforts aren’t just confined to the UK, and extend to many countries overseas. www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/at-home-and-abroad/international 14 FRESH EXPRESSIONS OF MINISTRY
E n c o u r a g i n g R e s p o n s e Dis cover f o r I n t e r i m M i n i s t r y The Church An advertisement publicising an Clergy on the new scheme will innovative form of ministry in the then be employed for between six of Engl and diocese resulted in many inquiries and eighteen months in churches and applicants to train as “Interim who have enjoyed a long incumbency A broad Ministers” with special roles in or are in a lengthy interregnum. carefully selected chaplaincies. The They will also assist any chaplaincy The Diocese in Europe is offering aim is to encourage and equip churches facing serious difficulties, conflict or a unique chance for up to six who would benefit from experienced underperformance or when a need for a people, between 18 and 30, to leadership in transition. change of direction has been identified. gain practical experience and test The clergy selected vocations to ordained ministry during interviews in May through a year-long Church of England scheme linking them to a will attend a five-day range of chaplaincies and offering residential training course additional benefits. in September led by Rev Placements are on offer in Molly Dale-Smith who has Brussels, Paris, Vienna, Leuven, written the major textbook Lyon and Geneva with La Côte which on Interim Ministry and links France & Switzerland. is a trainer for the Interim After an Autumn induction Ministry Network in the course focusing on Theological United States. learning the interns will undertake a 5-day Pilgrimage and Study Tour to Jerusalem in November with a final de-brief in June 2018 for the whole h i s s u r t o r y team in Canterbury. T I O S Canon William Gulliford, Director The diocesan website has been and presentations to show their of Ordinands, (pictured) says “You’ll undergoing a major facelift with involvement in the diocesan strategy be plunged right into the middle of a new, fresher look and much “Walking together in Faith”. A recent the current debates about the future simpler navigation to find news and addition from Spain’s Costa Brava of the Christian Churches in the information more easily. between Barcelona and the French 21st century. You’ll receive close, The new site is expected to go live border shows how an inclusive church gentle and committed supervision during the Summer. One advantage can promote our mission. from experienced international is that it will appear more clearly on The diocesan Twitter service clergy and laity, you’ll expand your i-phones, smartphones and tablets, an continues to grow with many new linguistic and cultural skills and important facility to help newcomers postings and links each day and you’ll enjoy an unforgettable year discover the wealth of our diocesan life. an increase in the number of our which will nourish you for the rest A video store also features on followers. DIET, our e-bulletin for of your ministry. Come and see how the new website as more churches church officers with more specific news the Church of England lives, prays, send news with short video clips. and information can be downloaded thinks and talks... abroad!” Local congregations have been from the website and shared to encouraged to create video diaries maximize our information service. PRINT, WEBSITE AND SOCIAL 15 MEDIA GET OUR MESSAGE ACROSS
A V e r i ta b l e V i c t o r y f o r In Quires and V e n e r a b l e A r c h d e a c o n s Place Where They Sing That was the historic rubric from the 1559 prayer book of Elizabeth I but the many churches in our diocese with choirs can span the centuries with music ancient and modern. The choir in the Anglican congregation in Strasbourg are in good heart and fine voice, looking to the future. The church Bishop Robert and Archdeacons in Milan March 2017 is preparing to advertise for a new When our Archdeacons recently met in prevented flights landing or taking chaplain and the Archdeacon of France Milan they first had to overcome a series off during the middle of Monday, the says “It deserves a gifted priest, who of challenges and obstacles to their plans. first day of their meeting. Despite the will not simply be a chaplain to regular Michael Sadgrove, the Dean-Emeritus setbacks they all arrived in Milan in worshippers, but will also reconnect the of Durham had offered to guide their time for supper. They were glad to be church with the European institutions discussions with some reflections which joined by the Bishop for their second and encourage a much wider cultural would touch on immediate concerns for day, when discussions about strategy and engagement with the city. Given mission and ministry as Brexit creeps priorities for mission culminated in a Strasbourg’s part in the on-going closer. But strong winds in Amsterdam relaxing and enjoyable meal. momentum of the Reformation, and caused his connecting flight to Milan As they headed home they reflected the exchanges between the Reformers to be cancelled and with little prospect on their unseen speaker Michael of that city and (what became) the of another flight for 24 hours, he and Sadgrove’s insight: Church of England, our meeting had a his wife returned home. Nonetheless, We do not trust in institutions to particular resonance”. Michael speedily – and generously – deliver us…nor do we believe in the typed up his bullet points and sent them inviolability of any people or their ahead. He encouraged the Archdeacons leaders. Rather we trust in God himself, to explore some archetypal experiences the divine architect and conservator from the Hebrew Bible; looking at the of his great temple that is the world he Exile and feeling cut off from the place has created…and in the potential we that shapes identity; the divided kingdom human beings have, under God and with its two capitals of Jerusalem and created in his image, to be a force for Samaria; and the Temple as the place good in the world. This is the vocation where we are resourced for mission. of God’s church, to embody the new Meanwhile, two of our archdeacons humanity that Christ, through his were receiving texts and emails to tell work of reconciliation, has called us them their flights to Milan had been and empowered us to be, in Brexit, cancelled or delayed. Italian air traffic whatever it will mean for us, and in the controllers had called a strike which whole of life. Strasbourg choir singing for a new chaplain
A Ch r i s m Welco m e f o r Fat h er G i ova nn i As clergy renewed their ordination vows In 2013 he resigned from his ministry during the Chrism Eucharist the service in the Roman Catholic Church and local was particularly special for Father Giovanni people gathered around him to become La Rosa when Bishop David received and a separate congregation. They rented a welcomed him as a priest into the Church worship site and with Father Giovanni of England. sought to be received into the Church of Giovanni is a native of the Province of England. In November last year those 40 Catania in Sicily, and was ordained to the members were received as the first Italian priesthood in 2005 for the Roman Catholic Anglican congregation into the Church of Diocese of Acireale. For three years he England and the Diocese of Europe. went on to pursue studies in philosophy Father Giovanni now has his at the Pontifical Gregorian University in formal Permission to Officiate from Rome, where he lived at the Irish College. the Archbishop of Canterbury and will Following his academic work in Rome in continue to serve the congregation in 2008 he was appointed pastor of Sacred Randazzo, now known as the Church of Father Giovanni to the right of Heart Church in the town of Randazzo. Saint Albert of Trapani. Bishop David 16 ROYALS, MOVES AND DIARY DATES
Prince Michael in St Petersburg CLERGY ON Mothering Sunday marked a big THE MOVE day for the Anglican Church in St WELCOME TO Petersburg with a return to its original home of the English Church of St Canon Leonard Wallace Doolan, currently Vicar of the Benefice of Mary and All Saints. Prince Michael Cirencester with Watermoor in of Kent who was visiting the city for Gloucestershire is to be Chaplain of St the weekend was at the service. The Paul, Greater Athens, in July Music Hall Theatre has recently taken Rev Jennifer Lynn Craycraft Pridmore over the lease of the church building, Permission to Officiate in the which was owned by the state since Archdeaconry of North-West Europe 1919. They are working with the local was welcomed as Chaplain of St Mary, Anglican community to restore the Rotterdam in March building by next year when the church Prebendary Stephen Stuckes, Vicar can once again hold regular Sunday of St Michael the Archangel, Alcombe, services. During his visit Prince Minehead in Somerset appointed Chaplain of St Ursula, Berne, from May Michael admired the Victorian stained Prince Michael is shown the stained glass panels which will be restored. glass in St Petersburg Rev Robert John Kean, Team Vicar of Witham and Villages near Chelmsford became a Chaplain in the Anglican Church of St Vincent in The Algarve in Florentine History Revisited April While Prince Charles was visiting other LEAVING US parts of Tuscany his wife Camilla, Canon Malcolm Bradshaw MBE, Duchess of Cornwall, was in Florence Senior Chaplain of the Anglican Church on a visit to St Mark’s English church. in Greater Athens retired at the end of The Duchess viewed a brass May to take up a part-time post in the diocese plaque in the church in her great- grandmother’s memory. Alice Keppel Canon Kenneth Ray Dimmick, Chaplain was the mistress of Prince Charles’s of St Catherine, Stuttgart, is to resign at the end of September great-great-grandfather King Edward VII. Camilla laid a small posy of Rev David Alan Hart, Priest-in-Charge of St John, Menton, France resigned in April flowers in her memory and talked to Rev William Lister, Chaplain at St Rev Christopher David Lyon, Chaplain Mark’s, about her infamous ancestor of the Anglican Church in Luxembourg retired in March and their family home. She was surprised to learn that St Mark’s had Ven Dr Brian Russell, Senior Chaplain benefited by a substantial donation of St Edmund, Oslo with oversight of the The Duchess of Cornwall with Chaplain Anglican Church in Norway is to resign William Lister from the sale of the house. from mid-June 2017 Canon Simon Edward Stephens OBE Chaplain of St Andrew, Tangier, Morocco Looking Ahead resigned in April Rev Rosamund Wilkinson, Assistant Petertide ordinations Curate of the Church of the Resurrection, On Saturday 1st July in St George’s Paris, Istanbul, Turkey resigned in March Bishop David will ordain Rev Nicolas Razafindratsima Priest (to continue CHANGE OF LOCATION/TITLE serving as assistant curate in St George’s. Rev Erik Cornelius (Rik) Florentinus has been granted a General Licence On Sunday 2nd July in the Pro-Cathedral for the Archdeaconry of North-West of the Holy Trinity, Brussels, Guy Diakiese Europe with a Commission from the will be ordained a Deacon by Bishop Bishop’s Council Bishop for his ministry within and for the Robert. Guy will serve as assistant curate Meets in London on Thursday and Community of OZ 100 at St John and St Philip in The Hague. Friday 19th and 20th October. IN MEMORIAM Friends of the Diocese Don’t miss the magazine Rev David Stonebanks, Chaplain in St Annual service the deadline for copy and photos for Catherine’s, Stuttgart, with Heidelberg The Friends annual Eucharist will be the September European Anglican and Strasbourg (1973 – 1980), Holy held at 6pm on Wednesday 18th magazine is July 15th. Photos, news Trinity, Geneva 1980 – 1986, St October. Full details will be in our and feature article suggestions are Andrew’s Zurich 1986 – 89. A memorial September edition. always welcomed. service took place in February at St George’s Crowhurst, Sussex.