THE E u r o p e a n A n g l i c a n

C o p i n g i n C o p e n h a g e n A g l o b a l n e w s e v e n t o n y o u r d o o r s t e p

S p r e a d i n g t h e w o r d i n S i c i l y S t u d e n t s d i s c o v e r A n g l i c a n i s m

C h r i s t i n g l e s a n d c r i b s F u n f r o m t h e fe s t i v e s e a s o n

1 5 0 y e a r s i n R i g a A m u s i c a l c e l e b r a t i o n

A s o u n d p o l i c y P r o m o t i n g p o d c a s t s

FREE N o . 4 5 SPRING 2010 R ig a c e l e b r a tes 2 in s o ng

THE E u r o p e a n A n g l i c a n

The Bishop of in Europe The Rt Revd Geoffrey Rowell Bishop’s Lodge, Church Road, Worth, Crawley RH10 7RT Tel: +44 (0) 1293 883051 Fax: +44 (0) 1293 884479 Email: [email protected] The Suffragan The Rt Revd 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: diocesan.office@europe. c-of-e.org.uk Diocesan Secretary Mr Adrian Mumford L a t v i a n c e l e b r a t i o n w i t h m u s i c a n d s o n g Assistant Diocesan Secretary As the Anglican Church in Riga Celebrates 150th Anniversary Mrs Jeanne French Finance Officer The Church of St. Saviour in Riga, the building and dedication of a church. In Mr Nick Wraight­ Latvia, has been serving the community his observation the mission of the church is Diocesan Website for 150 years and to mark this milestone not to build walls for keeping people out, www.europe.anglican.org there was with a joyous anniversary but to break down existing walls between celebration last November. peoples to ensure that everyone can hear Editor and Diocesan Festivities began with the Concert of the Gospel of Christ. He said the Gospel Communications Officer Celebration with some of the country’s must be a message bringing freedom and The Revd. Paul Needle Postal address: Diocesan Office most talented singers and musicians, who joy – otherwise, it is not the true Gospel. Email: [email protected] donated their time to make the event Music for the service was provided by Tel: 0034 662 482 944 memorable. Performers included opera organist Kristine Adamaite and the singer Gunta Davidcuka and the vocal internationally renowned youth choir Friends of the Diocese group Cosmos, which started life singing at Balsis. The congregation is well known for Secretary: The Revd. Philip Warner the church and later attracted international its service to the community, so it was not Email: [email protected] attention by representing Latvia at the surprising that the anniversary events Design Eurovision Song Contest. Also attracted a wide audience, including Adept Design, Norwich participating was the congregation’s own representatives of several foreign embassies GG Gospel Choir, organist and music and religious confessions, along with the Printer Norwich Colour Print director Kristine Adamaite. congregation itself and its numerous friends Anglican Chaplain, the Rev’d Dr Juris and supporters. Distribution Calitis, and churchwardens Ruta CoDEStorm plc Whittaker and Solvita Sejane welcomed 150 year history Cover photo: the many guests at the anniversary Faith for the future. As Christians reception. In his sermon at the Service of In the early 19th century, traders in Riga watched and prayed for the world Celebration the following day Pastor established a British Poor Fund to provide that today’s youngsters will inherit, Calitis quoted Mark 13:1-8, in which Jesus temporary relief for distressed British Archdeacon Jonathan LLoyd and predicted the destruction of the temple in subjects, to endow a British clergyman, and Phoebe Kamara (acolyte at St Alban’s Church) welcomed The Archbishop Jerusalem. Dr Calitis said it might seem build a church and pastor’s residence. of Canterbury to Copenhagen in unusual to quote a text about church walls A congregation was founded in 1822. A December 2009 during the COP15 falling on an occasion that actually marks shipload of earth was reportedly sent from United Nations Summit on Climate Change. photo by Hasse Ferrold V int a ge ser m o ns 3 fr o m b E R l in

A w i n t e r t o r e m e m b e r

Cynical British journalists often comment that the weather makes headlines if there is an inch of snow in London when it would need at least ten times that amount to get the media attention in Manchester or Newcastle. The long cold spell of wintry weather has provided more than its fair share of news stories and not just in Britain.

Churchgoers in Northern France had to Although some travel arrangements the focus of attention during the long and cancel a Sunday service because of the for our bishops or archdeacons may difficult days of the International Climate severe weather. Travel arrangements have been affected in this vast Diocese Change Conference, also reported here. over the New Year period were affected in Europe it was business as normal But God’s promise about the regularity by frozen roads, broken down trains and for Christians in Scandinavia and Latvia of the seasons holds true. The days planes unable to take off from snow (featured elsewhere on this page) have grown longer and the sun is getting covered runways. where harsh winters are the norm stronger bringing Spring hope and Even in Spain and around the rather than the rarity. Perhaps it was preparing us to hear the message of Mediterranean snowfalls reminded the strong memories of Winter which comfort which comes with Easter. We ex-pat Britons of the misery they had prompted our picture recollections of hope you find the reflections of diocesan hoped to escape. And it proved that Christmas in this issue. church life warm your soul as you prepare weather is not just a talking point in And where Christians were not to hear the shout, “The Lord is risen. He England as the locals all had some making the weather a conversation is risen indeed! Alleluia!” memory of the many years since it had point they were looking to the Anglican Paul Needle been so cold or icy. church in Copenhagen which became Editor, The European Anglican

L a t v i a n c e l e b r a t i o n w i t h m u s i c a n d s o n g “F o o d f o r F a i t h ” r e c a l l s 1 2 5 y e a r s i n B e r l i n

Britain so that the church could be Looking back on the past 150 The foundation stone of the first built on British soil. It was dedicated years, the church council recognizes St. George’s Anglican Church in on July 26, 1859, as the Church of St. that they have frequently faced Berlin was laid in 1884 in what Saviour in Riga. difficulties, but, by the grace of God, is now Monbijou Park. Over the During the Soviet occupation, the have always been able to continue years the congregation waxed and church was desecrated and later their work. The council would like waned, but, except for the 2nd turned into a student club. After to thank all of its friends who have World War years, the Anglican Latvia regained its independence in provided support over the years and presence never completely disappeared. 1991, U.S. missionary Arden Haug with them look to the future. From 1950-1994 St. George’s, in a new founded an English-speaking building on Preussenallee, was the garrison congregation. In 1995, Dr Juris Calitis Ingrida Cazere, council member church of the British Army. After the Allied was ordained as an Anglican Priest and www.anglicanriga.lv Forces left Berlin the first civilian service was licensed by The Bishop as Anglican held by Rev John Turner in August 1994 and the Chaplain at St Saviour’s. welcoming openness and strong preaching he Since 2001, the church undercroft introduced live on in the current pastors, has been the site of a soup kitchen, Rev Christopher Jage-Bowler and Rev which feeds between 60 and 300 Dr. Irene Ahrens. homeless people each week. The To mark their 125th anniversary a new book church is also home to a Day Care offers a selection of 12 sermons from the last Centre for the Elderly, where about 10 years – preached by Christopher and Irene 25 elderly people meet twice a week – which aim to embody the challenge to the for a warm meal and Christian intellect and the nourishment of the soul that are fellowship. After the anniversary concert, an integral part of the St. George’s “experience”. The congregation of St Saviour is Anglican Chaplain, Rev Dr Juris The 32-page booklet can be ordered by in serious financial difficulty and Calitis thanked the many artists sending an email with the heading “Food for grateful to the Diocesan Board of and other supporters who made Faith” to [email protected]. At a cost per Finance for their encouragement and the evening a memorable one. copy of 3 Euros plus a donation to cover printing financial support so that this work Photo: Anita Herman and postage costs, all profits go towards the can continue. upkeep of St. George’s and its ministry. c o PENH A G E N – N O T 4 Q U I T E S O W O NDERFU L ?

A m o n t h H o p e s , p r a y e r s t o r e m e m b e r a n d fe l l o w s h i p

St Alban’s Anglican Church Copenhagen was open every December put St Alban’s Church in day throughout the United Nations COP15 Conference on Copenhagen into the international spotlight Climate Change. A special chaplaincy team coordinated by with the arrival of world leaders, and tens of Archdeacon Jonathan LLoyd provided a place “of welcome, hospitality, silence, prayer and engagement.” Bishop David thousands of campaigners, for the UN Climate joined them, and a team of Franciscans from New York, Change Summit in the city. London, Canterbury and Hilfield in Dorset). The daily offices and Holy Eucharist were offered each day, and attended by Those hectic days are recalled as are memories delegates, journalists, campaigners, and visitors. On Sunday of a breakthrough for The Porvoo Communion 13 December, the preacher and president at the Parish Eucharist for the Third Sunday of Advent was His Grace the (of the Lutheran and Anglican Churches in Archbishop of Canterbury. (Read it at “Act For The Sake the Baltics, Nordics and British Isles) as the of Love” www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/2728 ) Dr Rowan Williams was also the preacher at the Ecumenical Service held Lutheran Church of Denmark agreed to become at Copenhagen Cathedral of Our Lady later that day, at which a full member in 2010. Pictures by Hasse Ferrold Archbishop Desmond Tutu led the prayers, and millions from across Europe watched on live TV

Owen Prewett is the Environment Officer at St Alban’s Anglican Church. He is a teacher in Copenhagen and an active member of St Alban’s congregation. He represented St Alban’s on the planning group of the Ecumenical Service at Copenhagen Cathedral and recalls his personal reflections on his COP15 experience A D A N I S H W E l c o m E T O 5 T H E P O RV o o F a m I L Y

A j o y f u l s t o r y f r o m D e n m a r k In November 1996 I was at Westminster Abbey as a member of General Synod and remember the joy and significance of that great ecumenical Eucharist as the Porvoo Communion came into being.

On 12 December 2009 I earlier the ELCD had announced its decision to join The was at the Bishop’s House Porvoo Communion, after a unanimous and unexpected in Copenhagen, as the vote by the Church’s Council on International Relations, newly-appointed Anglican and fifteen years of waiting, watching and wrestling with Chaplain to the Kingdom the issues. of Denmark. The At the end of the meal, Archbishop Rowan gave a newly-elected Bishop of brilliant unscripted talk exploring Christian faith in the Copenhagen, Peter Skov- modern world. On the way out I pointed out to the Jakobsen, (who worked in Hull, England, for ten years) archbishop fragments of Admiral Horatio Nelson’s canon hosted a formal lunch for The Archbishop of Canterbury, balls embedded in the wall of Bishop’s House since 1807, Bishop David Hamid and all 12 bishops of the Evangelical when the Cathedral of Our Lady was destroyed by the Lutheran Church of Denmark (ELCD). In true Danish British Navy. How history moves forward! style, we started the meal with a hymn by N F S Grundtvig It is a great joy to be working in Denmark at this time, - the architect of Denmark’s modern identity - and ended and I look forward to deepening our already close working it with “O Come All Ye Faithful” with delicious herring in relationships between St Alban’s Anglican Church and with between. The lunch had taken on an unexpected sense of the ELCD and learning from their rich history and tradition. joy and had the air of an engagement breakfast! Just days Jonathan LLoyd

It would be an understatement to say that preparing the naivety had ultimately contributed to the failure of the entire intercessions for the 20th of December was difficult. That process. What a relief and comfort that on that Sunday after day, after all, was the Sunday after the Friday, when it had COP – as I looked through the scripture for the day to find become abundantly clear to everybody that in spite of all the inspiration for the intercessions, when 18 months’ work lay months of networking, all the lobbying and all the protests, in ruins, I read the Magnificat; that simple affirmation of no agreement of any substance had been reached at COP15, faith; a statement of unbridled optimism; words of profound and the representatives of the world’s nations gathered at the significance and hope put by Luke into the mouth of a Bella Centre had failed to deliver a legally binding agreement tremulous teenager: wonderfully poetic, full of innocence, with any clear cut goals or commitments. Many of us woke insight and mystery; telling us not to despair; that God is with up with a growing sense of dismay, frustration and futility as us, and that his time will come. the whole thing ended in disarray. Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s As we begin to face up to the realities of the failure at words in front of the City Hall the week before – that God was Copenhagen, we can, perhaps, begin to glean something of ‘weeping for creation’ – took on a new significance that day. the good that came out of COP15. At least we now know Then came all the mud-slinging, finger pointing and casting the scope of the problem and what it really demands of us. of aspersions as various parties engaged in the blame game. For the church network; new bonds have been forged, new Who was responsible for the failure or for the paltry results? networks established and a deeper understanding has taken The Chinese and Indians for stitching up a deal and not root, in spite of all the forces working to resist and oppose wanting to commit to numbers and jeopardise their chances our engaging with the world and creation. I was privileged of continuing economic growth? The Americans for failing to to meet people from all over the world both at St Alban’s offer anything of substance to the Chinese while demanding Church, at the Climate Forum, at the Green Church stall firm commitments from them? The Swedish Presidency and the Countdown to Copenhagen desk. To listen to and of the EU for failing to pressurise the Americans and the converse with these people revealed true humanity in all its Chinese into a deal? The Danish hosts for sidetracking the beauty and diversity. poorer nations from the very first day with the leak of that COP15 may have left me disillusioned and deflated. disastrous draft document? The NGOs for giving China, India, But it has affirmed me in my Christian faith. Each of us South Africa and Brazil the impression that climate justice must continue to reduce our carbon footprints. We must meant they had the right to pollute as much as their western hold the political leaders and heads of state who made competitors, and for cranking up the pressure to achieve a the Copenhagen Accord accountable for their promises. real deal when none was possible? We must persuade them to make firm and legally binding Who can cast the first stone? An analysis of the 12 days commitments in the near future. We must continue to of the COP is bound to be complex, but what did seem to be believe in the Kingdom of God and work for it. A kingdom lacking was the political will – or a willingness to negotiate in which, in the sea of candlelight from the cathedral and an atmosphere of openness and mutual trust. across Copenhagen, seemed tantalisingly close for a For those of us who have campaigned hard over the last moment, only to recede into the distance. We have to 18 months, one of the most difficult things to swallow has believe to be able to see that kingdom and to believe with been the rising chorus of ‘we told you so’s’; of the scathing, all the burning ardour of a teenage girl who, although she scornful wisdom offered to us when we’re told that our ran the risk of being ridiculed, spurned and stoned by those expectations were unrealistic; that the COP was doomed around her, rejoiced at the promise the unborn infant in her to failure before it began; that we were naïve and that our womb held for her and for the world. 6 c a rsten re c a l l ed in vienn a

T w e n t y - T h i e d e – t h e m a n f o u r h o u r a n d t h e m a r k l ef t t r i b u t e i n b y h i s t h e o l o g i c a l V i e n n a r e s e a r c h e s When the Anglican Church in Vienna wanted to celebrate the life and work of The Rev Professor Carsten Peter Thiede who died in December 2004 at the age of 52 they knew it would take some time to do justice to the archaeologist and New Testament scholar. So a 24 hour programme of worship, prayers and lectures last November drew two bishops, a cardinal and family and friends of the theologian. The event began with Choral Carsten Thiede had one of the most Carsten was born in Berlin in Evensong at Christ Church, Vienna, powerful and original intellects to 1952 and started his scholarly life in the presence of Austria’s Cardinal have shaken up New Testament as a student of English and German Christoph Schönborn, Bishop Geoffrey scholarship in the past two decades. literature at the universities of Berlin, Rowell and Bishop Tom Wright of He fused academic rigour with deep Geneva and Oxford, where he did Durham. The service was attended Christian faith. With scholarly tenacity research at Queen’s College. Faith by the British Ambassador to Austria fuelled by personal commitment he and fascination began to draw him and the International Organizations in relocated Emmaus where, according into the study of the origins of the Vienna, Mr. Simon Smith as well as the to the final chapter of St Luke’s New Testament. To this he brought widow of Carsten Thiede, Franziska Gospel, the risen Jesus met two of formidable skills as an expert on and their elder daughter Miriam – who His disciples. More significantly and ancient handwritings, as a linguist is about to become a theology student much more controversially, Thiede with a command of Greek, Latin and and expertly read one of the lessons. meticulously examined three original Ancient Hebrew, as well as a fluency Cardinal Schönborn’s gave an papyrus fragments – kept for most in English, French and Italian besides unscripted sermon in fluent English of the past century in the library of his native German. with fervor and great humour paying Magdalen College, Oxford – dealing With it all he remained an tribute to Carsten Thiede where he with the Gospel of St Matthew. approachable and companionable admitted that he had found some Boldly he went on to redate the man, with a genius for worldwide biblical scholarship somewhat dry gospel to AD66, a decade or more friendship. To be in Rome, Oxford although through his writings Thiede earlier than the dates assigned by or Jerusalem with him, recalls one of had brought the scriptures to life. previous scholars. his associates, was an extraordinary The following day there was a full If true, this thesis would mean that experience, because of the wide day symposium in the Stephanisaal, this Gospel was written by men who range of his contacts. His lifelong with a distinguished panel of scholars. had had personal contact with Jesus or love of Britain and its culture The tribute ended with Choral had been eyewitnesses to His ministry. finally drew him into the Anglican Evensong in St Stephen’s Cathedral, This would give the Gospels the Communion. In 2000 he was Vienna. status of a text recording the events ordained priest in the Church of For more information, including of history, rather than a work of England by the Right Rev John transcripts of some of the lectures, folklore based on an “unreliable” oral Kirkham, Bishop to the Armed please visit the following website: tradition, as much of 20th-century Forces. Later Thiede acted as chaplain http://carstenpeterthiede-in- scholarship maintained. Thiede set to the British troops stationed in memoriam.org/ out his claims in Eyewitness to Jesus, the garrison and cathedral town of written with the journalist Matthew Paderborn, central Germany, where d’Ancona and published in l996. Its he had made his home. reception was spectacular. Archdeacon S o th a t w a s c H R I S T m a s 7

In Monaco youngsters were able to While these youngsters re-enact show Fr Walter Raymond exactly the story in their nativity play in how to put a christingle together Coutances a statue of the Madonna and their construction skills passed and Child keeps a watchful eye over the test when lights were dimmed proceedings. and candlelight took over.

Although “Christmas comes but once a year” church members and congregations around Europe celebrated in fine style as our array of picture memories prove. From cribs to christingles, nativity plays and carol services the joy of the Saviour drew large congregations to the many events as Christmas dawned over the nine time zones covering our diocese.

In Taormina, part of the Sicily chaplaincy in southern Italy, there was a little confusion when it came to singing the “Twelve Days of Christmas” but everyone managed with the help of cue boards!

The life-size Anticipating the crib at Christ festive season Santa Church Istanbul Claus popped into was prepared by the Costa del Sol members of the congregation during refugee community their Christmas in a courtyard Fayre. blazing with light. S pring c l e a ns a nd a 8 c ir c us c e l e b r a ti o n

No-one ever said that church fund raising had to be painful! Members of St Boniface church in Antwerp enjoyed an evening sampling “Whiskies of the World”. It included nips of blends from places as far as India and Japan! Two similar sessions are planned to include the more traditional tasting of Scotch.

Many churches were involved in events for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Bishops’ essentials in church but one of the most unusual settings include a pastoral staff; clergy for an ecumenical prayer service was in need prayer books and bibles but Monaco under the Big Tent of Monte- Carlo’s International Circus Festival. The this happy group from Vesins in service attracted participants from all of Northern France are reminder that the Christian denominations on the French they also serve with brush, duster and Italian Riviera and featured circus acts and polish. And with seals, clowns and acrobats. Pictured is Archbishop Bernard Barsi of Monaco. their ministry offers a Lent reminder about cleaning up our lives and getting ready to celebrate the risen Lord at Easter.

David Mayor obviously takes St Paul’s words to the Corinthians - “bear with me” literally. He recently visited St Leonard’s, Assisi in Italy taking his bear with him! Ted is a mascot from the RNAS Yeovilton, in Somerset where David works. Both were greeted outside the church by Gerda Cremer from Norfolk. c R E S T a run b irthd a y a nd 9 Y pres in the r o und

When the celebrated Cresta run was first opened in St. Moritz in 1885 there had already been an Anglican chaplaincy in the Swiss town for 25 years. This year marks a double commemoration for the two events and diocesan bishop Geoffrey is to unveil two plaques to mark the occasion and to recall the first English priest who helped to inaugurate services in the Grand Hotel des Bains. The church of St. John was built in 1871 and is today owned by Swiss Protestants. A fuller feature on St. Moritz will appear in our next edition.

Here is a different sort of “Fresh Impressions” with a stunning way to look at your church. A Belgian photographer asked permission to take photographs in St George’s memorial Church in Ypres. “Photos like you have never seen before”. The pictures are part of a panoramic slide-show to be included in a new website. 1 0 G i b r a l t a r syn o d in a c ti o n

P a s s t h e P a i n t b r u s h – A W o r k i n g M i s s i o n t o P e r u

Fr. Haynes Hubbard from the Algarve in Portugal recalls how a team of 10 people, including his twelve year old son, put their mission motives to the test in South America

For the past five years the Archdeaconry Synod of Gibraltar was an educated guess but eventually covered our flights has been exploring links with the Anglican Diocese of Peru. from Madrid to Lima, accommodation costs, materials for In 2007 the Synod agreed to a three-way partnership with building and painting, local transport and incidentals. the Diocese of Peru and the USPG, mainly supporting the What the team would actually do in Peru was a slightly ministry of Bishop Bill and Mrs. Judith Godfrey. After a moving target. We might do some painting or we could powerful presentation by Dan and Pam Caldwell, who had help clean up a building site. It was hoped we might visit worked in the Anglican Church in Lima, the idea was born: some of the projects of the Church in Lima, to observe, why not put together a team to go and see for ourselves and bless, pray for and support the work of the Diocese there. perhaps do something while we are there? The USPG stepped in, to offer valuable help in the Last year Bishop Godfrey came to Synod and added his formation of our team and provide necessary information compelling testimony which gave added impetus to the idea about the work of Bishop Godfrey and of the Church in of going to Peru, to witness and participate in the work Peru. They even offered to host, in Madrid, a training day there. Over the next six months, a team was gathered, via just before we left. email messages, from across the Archdeaconry – a strange In October, across the Archdeaconry, we asked for a way to build a team who would, for ten days, be sharing an ‘Peru Sunday’: to pray for and highlight the upcoming intense working relationship, but given the reality of our mission, and our deepening relationship with fellow Archdeaconry and its distance between Chaplaincies, it was Anglicans in that country. On 9 November we gathered as the only way. a team for the first time, with three members from USPG Information was shared, budgets set, visas looked to spend the day in prayer, reflection and anticipation of at, airline tickets purchased, letters sent. Support, from our venture. It was a day well spent, and well used. Chaplaincies and individuals who themselves unable to take That evening we left for the airport, slightly apprehensive part, was received: with some amazement and gratitude. and curious, as to what we were to take part in. Our Finally, in October: the team was confirmed: Ranging in arrival in Lima was a warm one: Susan Park, mission team age from 12 years to 80, we were a diverse group: Germans, Coordinator for the Diocese, was there to shepherd us to Canadians, Argentines and British. We represented much the bus, through the airport and an unfamiliar city. She of the variety which is life in our chaplaincies. The budget was to be our ‘mother hen’ for the duration: looking after W O R K I N G M ISSI O N T O P E R U 1 1

our needs, and ensuring our experience was a rich and perhaps other blessings, more difficult to perceive, might be varied one. She was a great blessing. Our lodgings were in in store as we link ourselves and our faith more closely with a convent, on the edge of the sea, with tremendous views our brothers and sisters in such places as Peru: far away, but of the coast, behind great thick walls to keep out the chaos near at heart. of the city. Driving along the roads in Lima was, for many of the team, the most harrowing experience of all: eating guinea pig (some of us: not all!) having cold showers, witnessing incredible poverty: were nothing compared to watching the madness of the drivers of Lima. Heart in mouth, and life on the line: one ventures onto the road. We made it. Each day, safely: thanks to our drivers, and our rickety bus.

And then it was to work. Although ‘There has been a p . s . F r o m a s u p p o r t i n g slight change of plan’, became a frequent phrase. Are the materials there to do the work? Are they expecting us? t e a m m e m b e r ? All sorts of variables: most handled by our coordinator: and most overcome. It taught us patience, and flexibility. A different perspective from Jenny Aldridge, Valuable assets, on such an adventure. St. Vincent’s, Praia da Luz, Portugal During our visit we met parish priests and saw the I was not a member of ‘Team Peru’ – or was I? A team is schools set up, within the nave of the church, as the normally selected from a squad of players. Several players number of children had continued to grow: We met the from the Archdeaconry of Gibraltar squad responded to God’s children, and were entranced with their smiles: and their call for selection. They were able to engage personally in desire to be in school. And then we worked. To paint, Mission with Bishop Bill and Judith Godfrey. clean, and try to be useful, rewarding and hard. But our I was one of the rest of the players. I received and sent skills grew, and we loved it as we painted classrooms and around 500 e-mails to help ensure the team actually made it church halls, diocesan offices and youth rooms. onto the plane to Lima. Other squad members dealt with We cleared up building sites, even made Christmas the complexities of hostel accommodation, organised ‘Peru mince pies at the cathedral and had a nip or two in the Sunday’ in their various Chaplaincies, kept the team finances process. We also saw much that disturbed our hearts and on track, provided gifts for the Diocese of Peru and much that gave us joy: We met Bishop Godfrey and his supported our team both financially and through prayer. wife: And heard once again of the compelling work of the The rest of the players in the squad were not disappointed Church in Lima, and Peru. We were, in a sense, convicted, at not being selected because we all had the privilege of and impressed. And we hope we, as an Archdeaconry, can being servants to the servants of Jesus Christ. The team may continue to pray for and support in all sorts of ways, the have returned from the field of play but the entire squad work of the Anglican Church of Peru. We hope also, with must continue to keep mission-fit, by reflecting on God’s all our hearts, that we were not the last team to experience compassionate love for the Peruvian people and praying that ministry but rather the first. for them. For more information on the Diocese, visit: www. Thank you ‘Team Peru’ for serving the people of Peru anglicanchurchperu.serifweb.com. in an attitude of humility, bringing glory to God and We returned, sobered, reflective, and deeply conscious strengthening links between the Archdeaconry of Gibraltar of the blessings we have readily available: and wondering if and the Diocese of Peru. I ntr o du c ing 1 2 a N G l i c a nis m in S i c i l y

It has been a busy twelve S i n g i n g A l l e l u i a months for Rev Dr. Richard Fermer. As well as getting married, he moved from a a t C a l t a g i r o n e church in Brazil to serve as Assistant Chaplain in It was a long day’s journey for a locum priest in Southern Italy St. George’s, Paris. He has but as Jane Moser reports Sicilian teenagers took to a taste of been tackling the traditional Anglicanism with enthusiasm examination challenge to “contrast and compare” the Recent publicity following the and the various steps on how to two churches. statement about Anglicans by Pope become an Anglican Priest. This Benedict XVI has brought our was then followed by a discussion distinctive church to the fore and on the differences and similarities of in Sicily it caused some people to the Anglican Church and Roman ask Che cos’è la differenza? (What is Catholic Church which included such the difference?). Questions raised matters as confirmation, confession, by students at the Liceo Classico e divorce and female priests. Linguistico in Caltagirone led to a William was also asked about his proposal by my friend, the English vocation and about his life as a Royal teacher Francesca Morretta to the Air force Chaplain. He talked of headmistress, Antonella Lupo, the joy at being in Berlin when the to invite our Locum Chaplain at wall came down twenty years earlier St. George Anglican Church in which sent the message of hope and Taormina, to give a talk to around freedom to the world. His wonderful 150 students last November. The visit voice then led them to sing “Gloria” formed part of a P.O.N. project (a and they ended repeating the Lord’s government funded plan of activities Prayer in English. for school children). Not only were the students pleased Rev William Mounsey gladly to know more of the Anglican Faith accepted, even though it meant but other members of staff found having to leave Taormina at 6.30am! the talk particularly interesting and He began on a powerful note singing educational since it was conducted in “Alleluia in Excelsis Deo” and soon English and explaining the presence he had all the students joining in. of the Anglican Communion in Using a Power Point Programme Sicily. The initiative continued he gave an outline of the History when some students took part in of the Anglican Communion, the the Christmas Carol Service at St. Provinces, the George’s, Taormina in December (pictured on page 7). F r o m a m a z o n t o seine 1 3

F r o m B r a z i l t o F r a n c e w i t h L o v e

Ministry is a journey, which takes one is vital for effective pastoral outreach Church never had the conditions to in directions that one never would in their mother tongue. Just flying reach out pastorally to all people in have imagined. From a doctorate in a priest in from Madagascar will Brazil. Now the Christian landscape Christian Doctrine at King’s College not suffice, as the Malagasy here of Brazil, like Europe, is incredibly London and formation at Mirfield, I are integrated into Western, French diverse, so it is not a case of poaching have served in London, then in Brazil society. Again, I hope my theological from other churches to make room through USPG and now in Paris, training and work in Brazil as a for Anglicanism. where I am newlywed to a Brazilian. theological educator will support this In Brazil I served the Brazilian In this journey there have been strategy of formation from within the people. So what of mission to marked contrasts. For instance, local community. the French in France? Does our whereas the liturgy and the music The Diocese in Europe and commitment to the catholicity of the at St George’s Paris embodies the the Episcopal Anglican Church of Church mean that we cannot be truly classical Anglican tradition, Brazilian Brazil have one great similarity, “whole” without it? At St George’s worship is more informal, sometimes namely, that they are spread we have strong ecumenical relations overflows structure and affirms the over vast geographical areas. The with local French churches, and we expression of human affection and Brazilian Church has nine dioceses, would not want to do anything to the body. a missionary district, and works in undermine that. Yet, there are now There are also important threads 150 localities, in a country the size chaplaincies which do have services of continuity. The link with a people of Europe. It has none of the wealth in the local language, who understand of the southern hemisphere has of the English Church. Nothing can their role as being complementary, remained, because in Paris we have be taken for granted. Despite this, rather than competitive. a Malagasy community that worships mission is fundamental – part of the Consider the development of the in French and Malagasy, to which I church’s life blood. In Brazil they are congregation at St George’s. Our hope to bring some of my experience not, for example, embarrassed to start families are embedded in French in cross-cultural mission. up a Mission to the Virgin Mary in a society. Most of their children Encouraging the formation small hired shop! use more French than English or of leaders from This raises the question of what Malagasy. If these new generations their own our understanding and passion for are to bring their future families to St community mission is in the Diocese in Europe? George’s, an Anglophone or Malagasy At St George’s Paris we serve the service may no longer be what people who come to us, from they require. whatever nationality or background. Or reflect on the example of a In the small Anglican Chaplaincy of Frenchman who has started to come Caen, which St George’s oversees, to one of our congregations after an we are challenged by the difficulty of experience of profound hospitality reaching out to expatriates scattered received from a parish in England. throughout the region and exploring A mature Christian, with a record new ways of doing so within our of service in the Roman Catholic limited resources. Church, he feels a surprising call to Anglicanism came to Brazil become Anglican, and, of course, to in the early 19th century, but serve His own people. How are we the British kept within their to respond to a case like that? communities: chapel, school If ministry is a journey, so is the and club. That was in part life of the Church. I have gained because Roman Catholicism much from the resourcefulness of was the state religion, the Brazilian Church, its healthy but when this changed discussion of theology and mission, towards the end of 19th and the encouragement it may offer century, it took a U.S. to us in the Diocese in Europe. Episcopal mission to offer Anglicanism The Rev. Dr. Richard Fermer, to Brazilians. The Assistant Chaplain at St George’s Roman Catholic Anglican Church, Paris. 1 4 o n the m o ve

G r ee t i n g s t o H o n o u r e d a f t e r y e a r s o f “ r e a d i n g ”

Rev Howard Adan as Assistant Brian Scrivener, who has been a Chaplain of St John and St Philip, Reader for over 44 years has decided The Hague, The Netherlands to stand down from public ministry. Brian was first licensed in Coventry Rev Gillian Wilton, formerly Diocese in 1964 and for the last 10 Chaplaincy Team Leader, Sheffield years has served in the Chaplaincy of Children’s NHS Foundation Trust Aquitaine in the Diocese in Europe. is now Assistant Chaplain of St At a communion service in the village Paul, Tervuren, Belgium church at Monteton last November Brian was thanked for his many years F a r e w e l l t o of devoted service to the church as a Reader and given a memento to Rev Nigel Gibson, Chaplain of The picture shows Brian, second All Saints’, Milan with Varese, mark the occasion. Bishop David from the left with the Chaplain of Genova and Cadenabbia, Italy has Hamid sent greetings and has granted Aquitaine, Revd Dr Paul Vroljik and announced he is to resign in April Brian the title of Reader Emeritus, two other Readers in the Chaplaincy, which is believed to be the first such after the service. Rev Michael Redfearn, Assistant appointment in the diocese Chaplain of St Philip and St James, Palma de Mallorca, Spain has resigned. M o t h e r s ’ U n i o n N e w s M o v i n g a r o u n d (From a letter from Diocesan holidays in the UK, would be a Rev Sara MacVane, who has President Barbara Woods to members wonderful ‘outreach’ project for been Assistant Curate of All Saints at the start of 2010) us all to engage in. Carol Johnston Rome, Italy has moved to become When we decided to take the leap from Nerja is our new Secretary Priest-in-Charge of the Anglican of faith and start our own diocesan and will be looking at developing Church of Pas de Calais, France Mothers’ Union in 2007 we did the role to suit our diocese. Valerie so with just 4 branches and a few Ellis continues with ‘Faith & Policy’, diocesan members. We now have Archdeacon David Sutch as Chaplain 9 branches and quite a number of and Jim Sutton as Treasurer. diocesan members, which is most ‘Relationship not Rules’ is the encouraging, but I would like to theme for 2010 when we will all see our membership grow especially have the opportunity to celebrate in those parts of the Diocese where the relationships we have built up there is no presence at the moment. with God, our families, friends, We need to try to make more people neighbours, churches, communities aware of the work that is done and the wider world and to learn throughout the world, to encourage how to recognise and experience more people to support the Mothers’ God’s presence in our lives. There Union and then to become members. are a lot of resources available on the Sheila Lewis from Lanzarote website under the members section – is now looking after Action & www.themothersunion.org Outreach, having taken over I hope, like me, you feel we are when Sue Siddall left. We are also moving forward in a very positive Y o u n g s t e r s w o o a delighted that Joyce Bache from way and pray that we may go S y n o d m ee t i n g Poitou-Charentes in France is going forward in strength together and not to be our AFIA (Away from it all) in isolation but Lest it be thought that Synods are Representative. Joyce is very keen to “……Empowered by your Spirit, only for churchgoers of mature look at the possibility of providing may we be united in prayer and worship, years the Gibraltar Archdeaconry some sort of Caravan holidays within and in love and service reach out as your in February was encouraged by the diocese for those in real need. hands across the world.” youngsters from St Vincent’s in the This is a very exciting development [from the Mothers’ Union Prayer] Algarve. Sebastian, the 11 year old and, having seen the impact of such son of Rev Haynes Hubbard, gave an illustrated talk on his share in a team mission to Peru (pages 10 and 11)and a group of younger members led singing, Bible readings and prayers during a Synod service. l I N D Y ’ s m I N I S T R Y c e l e b r a ted 1 5

L e n t A p p e a l a n d A d v e n t B l e s s i n g s As the Bishop’s Lent appeal for 2010 Mrs.H.Vindhya Prakash, Convener of gets underway there is welcome news the project, says “Widows in these of the blessings achieved by the Advent areas are living in a very pathetic Appeal in 2008. condition. Many are been rejected by This Lent churches across the their own children and are left their diocese are working with USPG (The own fate. They are not even admitted United Society for the Propagation of in any old age home. Among the the Gospel) in the Diocese of Toungoo widows who received help few were in Myanmar (Burma) on a project physically disabled, some suffering with to support health, education and old age sickness like knee pain and development in that mountainous rural hence cannot walk properly. Some T h e R e v e r e n d area. The Healthcare, Education and of the responses of the widows who o c t o r i n d y u l i e t Community Development programme received help are. . .’ Thank you very D L J requires some £16,830 (€22,430) and much for the love and care. I really feel M c N a u g h t o n J o r d a n will have a real transforming effect on valued.” “This gift is very special to me. In the lives of so many fellow Christians this old age I feel so happy receiving such Rev Lindy Jordan died suddenly on Saturday 23rd January following complications after in one of the poorest countries of gift. Thank you.” routine surgery in Malaga. Lindy had been the world. “We would like to extend our ordained in July 2009. The Venerable David Meanwhile after Bishop Geoffrey’s heartfelt gratitude and greatly Sutch, Archdeacon of Gibraltar, and also her Advent Appeal 2008 for the Diocese appreciate your generosity. We have Parish Priest in the Chaplaincy of Costa Del of Karimnagar (Church of South India) been blessed and challenged. Thank Sol East, spoke of her “life lived to the full – needy and deserving widows were you very much. May the good Lord abundant life as she loved God and selected by the pastors of churches and continue to bless you and your His Church”. 368 in total were each given two saris Diocese mightily and use you for the In a tribute, a university friend, Rosemary and money to buy 10 kilos of rice. extension of HIS Kingdom!” Quillinan, shared some of Lindy’s life and exploits at Oxford where she had arrived facing a life-directing decision, because as well as the scholarship she had passed the audition to join the D’Oyly Carte. As a trained singer, the fifth generation of a theatrical family with Marie Lloyd as her great aunt, she was tempted but scholarship won - until she met her husband Jack, with whom she could fulfil her theatrical leanings as well, on tour tackling every practical theatrical job as well as singing and acting. Caring for people was not just part of her ministry. It had always been part of her life, from housing people through The Anchor Housing Trust to sitting in hospitals or solicitors’ T a l k i n g h e a d s ? offices using her language skills to help people understand what was going on. She had a love affair with Spain. She came up to Oxford with a copy of Lorca among her books. She was thrilled to find that Jack had a similar enthusiasm, and to be able towards the end of his life to move to Spain and share it with him. She delighted in all aspects of Spanish life, history and architecture and enjoyed nothing more than communicating that delight to others. She also had an abiding love of God and the Church. It was a lifelong ambition to serve as fully as she could. As a child being prepared for Confirmation she told her vicar what she wanted to be and was dismayed to be told that girls were not allowed to be ordained. Well, times change, however slowly…and thanks to the encouragement of Father David and the Anglican Church in Spain she achieved Since the name Alan Bennett is synonymous with his “Talking Heads” series what her ten year old self set out to be. It is a it seems natural to include this photo of Rev Alan Bennett (no relation!) at tragedy that she could not have gone on longer his introduction as Assistant Priest in Mojacar. The other two “heads” are the in the ministry she loved. But let us rejoice that Archdeacon and Area Dean. she came so far, overcame so many difficulties on the way and was radiantly happy in her work. F in a l l y in s o und 1 6 a nd visi o n

P o d c a s t s a n d “ Y o u t u b e s ” a d d s o u n d a n d v i s i o n

Continuing our back page series on tips for improving our church communications we offer you the Podcast challenge. Podcasts are audio snippets – like radio interviews, music or B a r c e l o n a g e t s even longer programmes that can be accessed or downloaded from a website. In the diocese we have begun using these t h e m e s s a g e since June and offering succinct three minute summaries of events at Synod or reports from the Pastoral Conference. o v e r b y d v d Diocesan produced podcasts about an Advent initiative in Aquitaine and our involvement in the Copenhagen Climate a n d t h e w e b Change conference also featured on the Church of England’s main website. Rev Andrew Tweedy, Chaplain of St George’s in With practice Podcasts are not difficult to produce. Tape Barcelona has become a something of a film star! recorders of semi-professional standard are not expensive to He features, along with some other “key workers” buy and a good sound editing programme is freely available in a promotional DVD about the joys of living and to remove mis-takes or waffle. There are also some good working in Spain’s second largest city. Andrew says it guides on how to produce quality material freely available on offered a chance to highlight the church’s mission – the internet, such as http://www.how-to-podcast-tutorial. despite the closing shots including an out-take of him com/00-podcast-tutorial-four-ps.htm which offer the four tripping up a step during one aborted shot. In another communications area Andrew and members of St P’s in a Podcast – Plan, Produce, Publish and Promote George’s are delighted with their newly relaunched and Local churches can also use the same technology for short new look website http://www.st-georges-church.com sermons or pastoral messages on their websites – although beware that the longer the audio means that the MP3 file is bigger. And once you have mastered the art of the Podcasts there are also very simple video recorders, which look like a flat hand-held mobile phone, which can add pictures to your production. You can experiment using a simple home webcam in the first instance. If you wonder if this new technology is worth a look by churches bear in mind that a Vatican communications advisor recently revealed that every major speech from the Pope now includes a “You Tube clip” –a couple of sentences, taken from the main version, that can clearly be understood and impact on the memories of searchers for truth who surf the web.