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

A f t e r L a m b e t h B i s h o p ’ s r e v i e w

G r ee k g i f t s N e w c h u r c h i n C r e t e

N e w l o o k I n A n t w e r p a n d B r u s s e l s

b b c h i t s t h e C o s t a S o n g s o f P r a i s e f r o m S p a i n

I n r e t r e a t C h u r c h e s ’ t i m e f o r r e f l e c t i o n

FREE N o . 3 9 AUTUMN 2 0 0 8 2 A v i c t o r i o u s s ummer

THE The Summer of 2008 has seen the were launched and in Crete a brand E u r o p e a n church nationally and internationally in new village church – hand built by n g l i c a n the spotlight with high profile General the new Reader – was consecrated. A Synod debates and the Lambeth But as well as welcoming many Conference, recalled in this edition holiday and seasonal visitors our by our Diocesan Geoffrey. But churches spent the Summer in what around Europe other headlines have is often unreported – lively worship, been showing a vibrant church which sharing and fellowship and mutual The Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe is celebrating the joys of faith – as encouragement in this the fastest The Rt Revd Geoffrey Rowell with Canon Alan Maude’s impromptu growing diocese in the Church Bishop’s Lodge, Church Road, liturgical dress for St. Peter’s tide, also of England. Worth, Crawley RH10 7RT marking Spain’s cup win, Wimbledon This publication can only hint at the Tel: +44 (0) 1293 883051 and the first stage of the Tour de vibrant diversity of our congregations. Fax: +44 (0) 1293 884479 France! Nearby on the Costa del Sol Remember that we try to include all Email: voices were raised in celebration for reports sent to us for publication and [email protected] BBC’s Songs of Praise. Churchgoers in if your location is not mentioned we The Monte Carlo welcomed a royal visitor. look forward to hearing from you. The Rt Revd Elsewhere in Antwerp and Moscow Paul Needle, Editor, Postal address: Diocesan Office new visions for building renovations The European Anglican Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1160 Email: [email protected] The Diocesan Office 14 Tufton Street, , SW1P 3QZ Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1155 u m m e r Fax: +44 (0) 207 898 1166 S Email: diocesan.office@europe. c-of-e.org.uk Diocesan Secretary Mr Adrian Mumford Assistant Diocesan Secretary Mrs Jeanne French 2 0 0 8 Finance Officer Mr Nick Wraight­ Diocesan Website www.europe.anglican.org Editor and Diocesan Communications Officer The Revd. Paul Needle Postal address: Diocesan office Email: [email protected] Tel: 0034 662 482 944 Design Adept Design, Norwich Printer Norwich Colour Print Distribution CoDEStorm plc Cover photo: Jesus said “I am the Light of the World” and even in the darkness of the cross His light shines through. Cover photograph by Chris Berry from St. Michael’s Paris during an Archdeaconry Synod at the Abbaye of St. Jacut-de-la-mer in Brittany. K en d r i c k ’ s c h o ru s 3

S o n g s o f P r a i s e c o m e s t o t h e C o s t a Raising the profile of faith and unity

I could not have guessed the impact English, we were joined by many on my life and that of many others, Spanish Christians who came to when I sent the first email to Graham share the magical experience of Kendrick’s record company back in Graham’s music. R o y a l April 2007. I’m not sure that, had I I could probably fill a book with really known what was to follow, I the problems, concerns and setbacks t o would have had the courage to during the intervening 13 months but v i s i t embark on this project but, now that despite everything the day is likely to it is over, I’m very glad I did! remain in everyone’s hearts and minds M o n a c o To cut a VERY long story short – as a joyous occasion and a symbol of with Father David’s blessing, the unity amongst Christians in Spain. support of the Chaplaincy of St The first of the two recorded Songs Andrew, the co-operation and of Praise programmes was broadcast on support of many other churches, BBC1 on Sunday 22nd June and the organisations and groups along the other is scheduled for 12th October. Costa, the might of the BBC and the After the recording in perfect agreement of the Ayuntamiento Mediterranean sunshine a huge paella (local authority) of Fuengirola – on meal was provided for the 1,500 3rd May 2008 we hosted an amazing singers before they were treated to a day of praise and worship at free concert by Graham Kendrick and Chaplaincy leaders at Saint Castillo Sohail. special guest Yazz. Paul’s Church, Monaco Graham Kendrick and his One precious fun memory was the welcomed His Serene incredible band, Yazz, Aled Jones, comment from the Venerable David Highness Prince Albert II on a Gavin Peacock and the indefatigable Sutch, Archdeacon of Gibraltar and visit to mark the completion of David Lawrence led us all in a day of Chaplain on the Costa del Sol, when the recent Restoration Project wonderful music and Christian he was asked – for technical reasons – that saw the complete fellowship, which was enjoyed by to recite the Blessing for a third time. repainting of the church over 1,600 people from as far afield as “I can pray all day if you want!” he (inside and out), the the Costa Blanca, Gibraltar, Madrid said. It was the sort of day that installation of a new central and the UK. I’m also very pleased inspired you to. heating system with air that, although everything was in Debbie Geater conditioning, and other major renovations and repairs. Nearly 212,000 Euro were raised over a two year period for the Restoration Appeal, and the Prince was one of the major donors. Pictured from left to right: Jeremy Swales, Hope Swales, Fr. Walter Raymond OGS, Dani Carew, HSH Prince Albert II, Lawrie Lewis, David Tugman, Frank Megginson, Cyril Badaro and Damien Wan. 4 d o WN LAMBETH WAY

l a m b E t h b i s h o p

Bishop Geoffrey’s reflections from August in Augustine’s Canterbury

From 16th July to 4th August Bishop the Anglican-Roman Catholic and no resolutions. We began with David and I were in Canterbury for International Commission in 1988). In three days of retreat in Canterbury the Lambeth Conference, the ten recent years they have wrestled with Cathedral, with powerful addresses yearly meeting of the of the the issues surrounding the ordination from the Archbishop, leading into the Anglican Communion. It was Bishop of women to the priesthood and opening Eucharist on the Sunday David’s first Lambeth as a bishop (he episcopate. In 1998 I was myself morning. Our daily pattern was a was present in 1998 as the Director of responsible with Bishop Victoria Eucharist at 7.15 a.m. in the ‘Big Ecumenical Affairs for the Matthews, then Bishop of Edmonton Top’ – a huge blue tent big enough Communion) and my second. I want (Canada), for bringing together to accommodate both the bishops and to take this opportunity of sharing my women bishops and ‘traditionalists’, the parallel Spouses Conference. reflections with you. which led to a resolution endorsed by Breakfast and an hour’s Bible Study First a little historical background. the whole Conference that those of followed in groups of eight – mine The Lambeth Conference is one of different views of this matter were consisted of six Indian bishops (some the four ‘instruments of communion’ both loyal Anglicans. from very poor dioceses) and one which serve the unity of the Anglican The 2008 Conference met in the American. Bishop David led a Bible Communion, the others being the context of considerable tension and Study group consisting of bishops , the division within the Anglican from Brazil, the USA and England. Primates Meeting of the heads of each Communion, precipitated by the Our study was aided by a helpful and Anglican Church, and the Anglican consecration of a bishop in America challenging commentary the ‘I am’ Consultative Council. The first living in a same-sex union, a sayings in St John’s Gospel. Then it Lambeth Conference was in 1867. consecration which the Primates had was off to our ‘indaba’ sessions, five Since then Lambeth Conferences have warned ‘would tear the fabric of the been accorded a moral authority in communion’. An associated issue was the life of the Anglican Communion. the authorising of liturgies for the Their deliberations and resolutions blessing of same-sex partnerships in express the mind of the Communion some dioceses in Canada and the but are not binding. Nonetheless the USA. Both developments are contrary thirteen Lambeth Conferences have to biblical teaching and the tradition acquired a particular importance of the church. Further fragmentation through setting a course for the has occurred when bishops and Communion in mission, ecumenical primates have intervened in provinces, work, moral values, and social dioceses and parishes other than their concern. The resolutions of the own. It is not surprising that the media, Lambeth Conference have been the ever concerned to dramatise imminent way in which Anglicans express their schisms and splits, were prophesying walk- identity (e.g. the Lambeth outs, gloom and doom. The conference Quadrilateral of 1888) and their called in Jerusalem just before ecumenical concerns (e.g. the Lambeth (GAFCON), articulated the endorsement of the Final Report of voice of many conservatives in some provinces (Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda and the ‘Global South’). The bishops of some of those provinces did not accept the Archbishop’s invitation to attend. All in all some 650 bishops and significant ecumenical participants were present in Canterbury, including some who had been to the Jerusalem Diocesan pastor – Bishop meeting. Geoffrey during his recent visit to The 2008 Conference was shaped Poitou Charentes in France – see differently from any of its page 14 predecessors. There was no voting, B I G T O P S ER v i c E S 5

bible study groups meeting together The conference was helped by in a group of forty. The indaba (based plenary addresses on evangelism from on an African model) is intended to an Evangelical, (Brian Maclaren, from facilitate conversation and listening, the Emerging Church movement), particularly in areas of dispute. Each and Cardinal Dias; on climate change day was devoted to the Bishop’s and responsibility for the environment ministry in relation to a different from the Director of the Science theme – Anglican identity, social Museum in London, Professor Chris justice, evangelism, other churches, Rapley; and on covenant by Sir the environment – to give but a few Jonathan Sacks, the Chief Rabbi of examples. Only late in the second the Hebrew Congregations of the week (too late in the opinion of Commonwealth. An important act of many) did we spend time on the witness was the London march by the issues of human sexuality and the bishops in support of the Millennium proposed Anglican covenant. Development Goals, followed by an Indabas were on the whole good impassioned address by Gordon for conversation. My own included Brown at Lambeth Palace. bishops from Japan, New Zealand, What was important? Many deep Australia, India, Canada, and the meetings; many moving stories from USA, besides others from England. bishops in situations of poverty, There was frustration that the time persecution and conflict; a renewed was too short and too micro- desire to stay together, though managed, and the reports sent in perhaps also a recognition that the sometimes did not accurately reflect conditions of staying together may either particular points made or the mean that some may choose to walk breadth of the conversation. From apart; a real recognition of the stature these reports a team of listeners and of the Archbishop Rowan as a spiritual leader and teacher; a partial scribes compiled the final document facing of some of the sharp issues that of the conference, Lambeth Indaba: divide us. There remain questions Capturing Conversations and Reflections about whether the Lambeth from the Lambeth Conference 2008. Conference in its present form is the Unlike any document from previous best vehicle for serving the unity of Lambeth Conferences it is, by the the Communion. very process followed, inevitably Lambeth 2008 was one of the most descriptive, and in some places rather demanding and exhausting of thin being simply derived from conferences, on the go all the time for conversations reported. On the other just under three weeks, with hand it does give us a steer and an frustration at the lack of theological indication of where on balance the depth occasioned by the process of mind of the Communion may be said the conference. To balance that there to be, and of the commitments the were many good informal bishops were able to give to each conversations. At the heart of it all other in the indaba conversations. was the prayer space, served by This gives an added importance to members of religious communities, Archbishop Rowan’s presidential notably the Melanesian Brotherhood addresses, particularly the final one, whose recently martyred members which earned him a prolonged were honoured at the final service in standing ovation. He committed the Canterbury Cathedral, where their Communion to the refining and names were added to those already drafting of a covenant, to a meeting of inscribed in the chapel of the modern the Primates early in 2009, and to martyrs at the east end of the moratoria on the consecration of Cathedral, reminding us that it is ‘the bishops in same-sex partnerships, the blood of the martyrs which is the seed blessings of same-sex relationships, and of the church.’ interventions of bishops from other provinces, together with the establishment of a pastoral forum to Further information and the text respond to disputes within the life of of addresses can be found on the Communion. www.lambethconference.org. 6 A waft o f c o l o gne

N o t e s f r o m t h e D i o c e s a n S y n o d i n K ö l n d u r i n g M a y

G r o w i n g p a i n s F a c t s b e h i n d t h e f i g u r e s In his presidential address to During Synod a meeting of the Board of Finance accepted Synod, Bishop Geoffrey said Diocesan accounts of 2007 and the budget for 2008. The that since the Diocese was Common Fund (our main source of income) required created in 1980 we had seen from churches is £326,000, which is 5.6% increase on unprecedented population previous year. Currency fluctuations mean that the overall shifts. Our present estimate Common Fund required from churches who pay in Euros is of 2 million Britons living will be less than last year because of the 13% devaluation of in mainland Europe and this sterling against the Euro. The total expenditure of the DBF is expected to almost double is £584,800 and our churches have an overall income of over the next 25 years with around £7.5 million. an additional 1.85 million. These figures take no account F o c u s o n y o u t h of the millions of other English In a diocese where the age profile is generally high – many speakers arriving in Europe from people move to other countries to retire - youth ministry other continents. We are faced is growing. Bethan Chewter told Synod members that with the challenge of growth on she plans a two day retreat for all youth workers. She a level which makes us a unique encouraged everyone to follow news and developments and diocese in the . support the work with prayer using the youth page on the He also noted that although Diocesan website. we are in an admittedly secular Youth work is diverse and different across Europe. Holy world this does not mean that it is Trinity Brussels has a thriving (and challenging) youth increasingly less religious. There are amongst Africans and there is potential to have a youth signs of faith, of hope even in the midst of secularism. For pilgrimage to Taizé. example, the French President has recently welcomed the Bethan can be contacted via [email protected] role of religious organisations within French laicité. The Bishop reminded us of his call for us to “Live the Trinity” discovering and experiencing the mystery of our I n t r a i n i n g relationship with the Father, following the model of the There are currently 13 postulants (ordinands in training) Son, and being incorporated by the membership of the and 24 and in post-ordination training. Holy Spirit. The cost of residential training is £50,000 per ordinand, and around £25,000 for non-residential training. Just over £20,000 each year comes from collections at services C a l l i n g a l l C l e r g y where the bishops preside. The cost of post ordination Following the inspiration and blessing from a clergy training is £1,000 per year of which churches have to conference in 2006, another Diocesan Pastoral pay half. Concern was expressed that chaplaincies are now Conference for all licensed clergy is planned for 21-25 required (following a decision by the Diocesan Board September 2009 at Kardinal Schulte House, Köln. The of Finance) to pay a share for training Non Stipendiary theme of the conference will be Entertaining Angels: Ministers who will be serving in their home congregations. Hospitality as Mission and seeks to teach with bible study, This decision is to be reviewed as it was felt that it could encourage through fellowship and equip the saints jeopardise some church councils from supporting vocations. through workshops. P o n d e r i n g p e n s i o n s C h i l d p r o t e c t i o n Shaun Farrell, Chief Executive of the Church of England We have a new Child Protection officer, Christopher Pensions Board explained the basics of the system and new Lees who also serves in that role in the St Albans Diocese. changes with increasing contributions by churches for their He will be available to visit archdeaconry synods or for clergy pensions and the need for clergy to serve for 40 years consultations as required. In cases of suspected abuse he instead of 37 to accumulate a full pension. should be contacted immediately. His background is with This is an area where Europe has its own complexities West Midlands Police. Despite difficulties of language and and may affect the status, terms and conditions of clergy in culture, links are necessary in Europe with local authorities. the . Further discussions and research are Church councils have a duty to review their Child planned to offer the best advice and provision so that we Protection Policy each year and confirm their contact links continue to attract younger, non-retired clergy and retain in the local authorities. them for the challenges of working in mainland Europe. G R E E K B L E s s i NG S 7

By Mark Collinson, E p h r a i m ’ s j o y f u l d a y Chaplain in Amsterdam Sunday 28th April was a proud and joyful day for Ephraim Boms when he was formally licensed as a Reader in the Greater Athens chaplaincy in Greece. The service had an African feel to it with the S t r a t e g i c r e v i e w swaying of bodies and a little dancing in the aisles. Athens The “Structural review group” reported to the Synod Chaplain Malcolm Bradshaw observes “Reader training how the diocese has changes since it was created in the Church of England is quite rigorous – six modules in 1980. The number of churches and ministers in with a tutor administered by the theological faculty of the our diocese has doubled and the structures are no University of Nottingham, UK. Each module demands longer sufficient to cope with the growth we have serious reading and the writing of several assignments”. experienced and the future growth we expect in the Before the big day Ephraim had to go through a number next 30 years. At present there are 150 licensed clergy of formal processes including in his original home in and 270 congregations. We also expect growth in Nigeria so that he could be proved worthy of the honour new areas of Europe (around the Aegean, Adriatic and and responsibility. He says “The big day would not have Turkish coasts). been possible but for the love of the members of the One difficulty is that the legal basis of the Diocese is Chaplaincy. And now, my ministry truly begins, not clear. In some respects we are deemed to be part ‘Bridging the gap’.” of the Church of England, and in others we are not. There are four main challenges and areas that need development: I n d o o r a n d o u t d o o r 1. Pastoral: Just two bishops cover an area with 9 time zones and 1/6th of world land mass. c h u r c h i n C r e t e Archdeacons – who also often have their own St Paul was one of the first Christian missionaries to church duties - burn out with regularity. bring the faith to the island of Crete but the consecration 2. Financial: The bishop’s and diocesan office are of a new Anglican Church of St Thomas in late May understaffed for the work they have to do. marks a Twenty First century approach. 3. Legal: The legal status of churches in each The church was built by Tony Lane, formerly a steel country often differs and is sometimes unclear boat builder from Bristol and his wife Suzanne who which creates difficulties with the Diocesan retired to Crete seven years ago. Built in the form of a constitution, ministers and churchwardens and traditional Cretan mountain chapel with outdoor worship area for Summer use it is the first Anglican church to be church councils. built in Greece since St Andrew’s, Patras 145 years ago. 4. Mission opportunities are vast with potential for Tony was a founder of the “Anglican Worship group” four more bi-lingual ministry, growing communities, years ago and from an initial cluster of 6 people there new vocations and meeting the needs of are now often more than 50. immigrant communities. The location incorporates an old threshing floor Responding to the report Synod agreed to set up a and ancient olive trees. The consecration service core-group which in turn chairs 4 sub-committees also included admitting Tony Lane as a Reader in the to tackle each of these four challenge areas. The debate Diocese in Europe to enable him to develop the growing and reflection was merely the start of discussions church there, as well as licensing a second Reader – David Lancaster Smith, and a confirmation of four new which are being encouraged in every church communicants. 100 people, including local community and country. leaders and the British Ambassador, were in the church and surrounding open area. Ultimately it is hoped the church will have its own Anglican and be used as a basis for building other English language services in Crete. A happier ending to a missionary endeavour than the experiences of St Paul’s visit to Crete (Acts 27) which resulted in a dramatic shipwreck. 8 N ew s fr o m tw o M . U . ’ s

N e w s i n b r i e f

I n S h o r t The newest Diocesan branch of the Mothers’ Union was established in St Andrew’s Chaplaincy on the Spanish Costa del Sol in June with five newly FIFTY YEARS ON THE KEYS enrolled members and several who were affiliated from their branches in the Louw Talstra, church organist at UK when the officers were commissioned and new members received their St Mary’s Weldam in the Netherlands membership badges was pleasantly surprised with a gift and celebration party after he completed fifty years service in a number of churches. Reflecting on his varied experience Louw recalls the privilege of playing organs in Haarlem, at a monastery in Belgium and as far afield as Fremantle in Western Australia.

CHAIRS OUT, PEWS IN While many churches have had makeovers which involved moving long wooden pews out, to be replaced by more flexible seating arrangements, St John’s church, Menton, in France has begun installing new pews to replace chairs. The lectern and churchwardens chairs are also being restored to match the new pews.

NOT QUITE A LEAVING PRESENT At a church fundraising event. the Venerable Mark Oakley, soon to move from St. Albans in Copenhagen, Denmark, bid for and bought a stay in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Mark recalls a variety of encounters with local wildlife including a black bear and the chance to study the US Presidential election contest at close In July members of the White Nile quarters. congregation in Finland travelled some 200 kilometres from the north and 120 from the south to Kokkola LONG VIENNESE NIGHT for a Eucharist celebrated by Rev On 31st May, members of Christ Amos Manga in Arabic. Readings Church, Vienna in Austria joined an were in Arabic and Finnish and the annual celebration - the Lange Nacht sermon in English by Dean Alan visiting a range of congregations in Woods (translated to Arabic). After the city. Christ Church’s welcomed the celebration and refreshments the guests with a history of their building, ladies met together to discuss the including a reference to the original work of the Mothers’ Union in this architect who had only a very basic part of Finland - again, with the use grasp of the principles of Gothic design of an Arabic interpreter. before he began the work. v alue d r o le s f o r rea d er s 9

W e n g e n r e t r e a t

Easter was long past when some 30 people from the Swiss archdeaconry met in the beautiful mountain village of Wengen to hear the Bishop of Oxford lead a weekend seminar on During a June weekend visit to The ministry of Readers is Making the Most of Resurrection. He Southwest France Bishop Geoffrey particularly important in a widespread encouraged participants to look for admitted and licensed Madeleine diocese like Europe. A training ‘strawberries’; those very special Holmes as a Reader in the Dronne session, pictured above, in Arras moments which, if we open our eyes Valley Church of Bertric Burée in (France) during May focussed on and hearts to them, are revealed to us the Dordogne. funerals. Participants commented that each day in the people we meet and In Aquitaine, Madeleine is on the although the subject may appear to the glory of nature. The weekend radio too! Four monthly broadcasts have been a gloomy one they found ended with word from the poet on a local station, on ministry and it a privilege to offer consolation to Gerald Manley Hopkins: Let Him witnessing in Aquitaine are an added relatives and friends of a person who Easter in us, all through the year. facet to her discipleship, and concern died, both during pastoral visits and for outreaching – bringing light in the service. to others. N e u c h a t e l s p o n s o r e d w a l k

A wet weekend, after a hailstorm developed into steady rain, in May reduced the number of members of Neuchatel church in Switzerland on a sponsored hike up their local highest Jura peak. Four stoics battled up to Chasseral and back and said they were keen to “do this more often”!! Others converted a picnic into a fondue at Chuffort before the returning to la Dame. In all 87 miles were covered and 2,721 Swiss Francs were raised for a fund to help educate children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Zambia. 1 0 B i g pr o j e c t s i n belg i um an d ru s s i a

M a k e o v e r i n M o s c o w The Anglican church which forms a fundamental part of Moscow’s architectural history launched an 8 million dollar international appeal in June to restore the building to its former glory. St. Andrew’s church is the only example Andrew’s Theological Institute Library, of English Gothic architecture in the a Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Russian Federation. It is protected as organization maintains its library in St. an historic architectural monument Andrew’s tower. It is reputed to be the by the Moscow Historic Monuments largest collection of English language Commission. The property, a mere 10 theology books in Russia. St. Andrew’s minute walk from the Kremlin, houses Church is home also to Moscow’s only a three-story Parsonage, of distinct English-language Alcoholics Anonymous Victorian style which will be included in (AA) meetings. the restoration project. A charitable trust Musically, St. Andrew’s Gothic “Friends of St. Andrew’s Moscow” has structure claims its place as acoustically been organized in the United Kingdom. one of the best musical venues after the Construction is expected to begin in the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. second half of 2009, first on the church, There are weekly classical concerts and then the Parsonage with completion performed to large audiences by Russian by the end of 2012. musicians. St. Andrew’s is also home to St Andrews is much more than a the Moscow International Choir and the church building. It is home to the British Women’s Club’s “Mellow Divas.” Russian Orphan Opportunity Fund At the launch Canon Dr. Simon which provides secondary educational Stephens, OBE, Chaplain of St Andrews tutoring for young Russian adults and and Pat Davis Szymczak, Chair of also to the Old World Foundation which Restoration and head of Eurasia Press, counsels former narcotics abusers and Inc. were joined by the UK Ambassador their families to keep them off drugs. St. to Russia, Sir Anthony Brenton.

A l l c h a n g e i n A n t w e r p

Although there has been an English- glass window by Mesdagh Studios in church is a permanent reminder of speaking church in Antwerp since 1530 Gent. The Flemish Government, the the close relations which have existed the present Anglican church building Province of Antwerp and the City of between Antwerp and its British and of St Boniface will be 100 years old Antwerp have all indicated that they Commonwealth communities.” in 2010 – but before the church can will contribute to this project. But this The Church attracts a multinational celebrate, it needs to spend e2.5 still leaves the congregation to raise congregation from amongst Antwerp’s million on vital repair work. This e500,000 (£400,000). diverse community. Church-goer Rudi includes major works to the leaking A multi-national team in Antwerp led Jonckheere says: “I don’t see this as roof, replacement of the guttering and by the distinguished motoring journalist just an English-speaking Church or drainpipes and refurbishment of the Gordon McKay is spearheading the an English project. It is part of our West Window which is in imminent drive to raise the necessary funds. community and has brought Flemish, danger of collapse. Gordon commented: “If we don’t raise British and foreign citizens together to St Boniface church was designed the money by the end of this year, work for the benefit of everyone here. by the distinguished Flemish architect, we risk losing the Belgian statutory Everyone in Antwerp should support it” Van Braey and its construction was funding. It’s a bit like the Beaujolais paid for by Flemish and British citizens. run I report on each year – there are Inside, it contains a number of fine no prizes for the losers!” features including an impressive Former Mayor Bob Cools called on sequence of glass mosaics under the all Antwerp’s citizens to support the East window, crafted in Mechelen project saying “Flemish and British which is believed to be the finest citizens have worked side by side in example of this art form anywhere in Antwerp for 700 years, and most Belgium; and a 21st century stained recently after the first World War. This walk o n thr o ugh the ra i n 1 1

T h e w a l k o f h o p e Richard Welch with his wife Linda lives and works in Saranda in Southern Albania. He has written about his experiences in the country and recently with the support of Christian friends at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, just across the water on Corfu, he put his boots on and took his faith a step forward.

After hearing several first hand accounts border point at Hani Hotit which As we walked & prayed, there was of the harrowing experiences of young separates north western Albania much to think about. Our friends Albanian women who’d fallen into the from Montenegro. In our number from the charity spoke well at the hands of sinister people traffickers, I were various nationalities, including awareness meetings, explaining the felt prompted to make a response. The Matt, an American missionary subtle traps laid by traffickers for problem was knowing exactly what to friend working in Tirana, the capitol. their prospective victims. The church do. How could I make a meaningful Also alongside was Jeremy from members were expressing their desire to impact on a problem shrouded in England, who came to walk the show greater love & care for those on secrecy, violence and fear? I prayed first 100 miles, Tom, from Cleveland, the margins of their communities. One for direction. Ohio, who flew in to be a support particularly poignant moment came The answer to those prayers came in driver, and our second support vehicle as we walked through a village where the form of a growing awareness that I was supplied and driven by Shaban, some 28 people had gone missing last should walk the 300 miles from north an Albanian friend who runs a local year alone! to south of Albania. Piece by piece grocery shop. However, as we eventually a plan came together. Of particular We had three clear objectives in reached Konispol, our destination on strategic importance was the establishing mind: To pray for victims of trafficking, the Greek border, even the steady rain of a friendship with some key To raise awareness of the problem by couldn’t dampen our passion for the personnel from the charity, ‘Christian holding meetings en route and To raise cause. Modest contribution though it Friends of Albanian Prisoners’. Their sponsorship for the charity. may be have been, towards a frontline work in helping to provide Several of the young Christian formidable problem, we took our hope and rehabilitation for victims Churches on our route of ‘trafficking shoes off knowing that ultimately the of trafficking, many of whom find hotspots’ allowed us to sleep on the light overcomes the darkness. themselves imprisoned for prostitution floors of their premises. There was Donations to the ‘Christian Friends is inspirational. This organization was a certain amount of roughing it, but of Albanian Prisoners’ can be sent to: a natural choice to support with any such times helped bond us together. A Imagine the Day, Oakwood Court, sponsorship monies raised. nightly foot-soaking in water & baby Spring Hill, Arley, Coventry, CV7 8FF. In April this year a small group oil ensured that I remained blister free Cheques should be made payable to of men started walking from the throughout the 19 days on the road. ‘Imagine the Day, Walk of Hope’.

Richard’s walk took him among people whose lives have been little changed in several hundred years. 1 2 E n v i r o nmental r o c k

C h u r c h e s g e t t o g r i p s w i t h c l i m a t e c h a n g e a n d m o r e Churches are being invited to celebrate a ‘Green Sunday’ Bekaa Valley where scientists carry out much needed research on during “Creation-tide” between 1st September and 4th endangered species and threatened October, Brian Morgan, Environmental Officer told the habitats, or the resolution of elephant-community conflicts around Diocesan Synod in Köln. The Church of England’s energy use the Bannerghatta National Park, near is on a par with supermarket chains - using 1.3 million tonnes Bangalore in India. In the UK, A Rocha was instrumental in creating a of carbon dioxide per year. 70 hectare country park in Britain’s Brian also commends the work of A Rocha featured here. most crowded and polluted borough of Southall, working with many faith Janet Weatherley is Environmental Officer at Holy Trinity communities to provide green space Pro-Cathedral in Brussels and works in the city for A Rocha. and environmental education for all. In Kenya the desperate need for income and school fees was leading to the destruction of the last significant fragment of coastal forest at Watamu, so the team involved the UNDP and other agencies to create ASSETS, a bursary scheme that turned eco-tourist income from the forest into a true benefit for the community, safeguarding both livelihoods and the forest itself. This year sees the 25th anniversary of A Rocha’s effort to provide resources, teaching and encouragement to a rapidly growing network of people who share these basic concerns. A new initiative is A Rocha Lebanon has worked with local landowners to save the Aammiq Wetland from Climate Stewards destruction, and runs environmental education activities there for local school children. www.climatestewards.net which allows people who need to travel to Climate change, species becoming One manifestation of what is now calculate their carbon emissions and extinct, pollution and a global food a global movement is A Rocha, then contribute to tree-planting crisis - environmental issues often founded in 1983 by an Anglican initiatives in a number of African make news these days. But a , Rev Peter Harris, and his countries which also creates jobs and remarkable awakening among the wife Miranda, who moved with their protects wildlife. A Rocha centres world’s Christian churches rarely young children from St Mary’s around the world welcome thousands makes the front pages. This new Church, Upton, in the Wirral, of volunteers each year for practical concern for God’s beleaguered England, to the Algarve in Portugal. involvement in conservation projects. creation produces varied initiatives A Rocha (The Rock) carries this The website www.arocha.org around the world bringing renewed Portuguese name in the eighteen offers other ideas for involvement but hope and creative projects to towns countries where it works with multi- perhaps as you finish reading this you and rural areas, helping to find cultural community-based can pause to pray for all those who solutions to the problems of poorer conservation projects. Examples are finding ways in different countries communities and challenging the range from the restoration and to give glory to God, and a practical consumerist addictions of the conservation of Lebanon’s last major outlet for worship, in their care of his wealthy world. wetland, the Aammiq marsh in the beautiful creation. d o T H i s I N REMEMBRAN C E 1 3

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God who seemed to have deserted and inevitably aware that my lack of A personal reflection them. Yet the faith of Edith Stein and relatives is the result of what this by Canon Tom so many others is a witness that no chapel reminds us. It was a peculiarly horror can bury and that shines from moving experience to celebrate a Mendel, of St Paul’s our altars every time we “do this in now rather middle-aged life as well as remembrance of Him”. Death may our common and ever fresh new life Pro-Cathedral swallow; it cannot digest. in Christ. What stops this recollection in Malta The chapel is witness to that. A from becoming mawkish and plain grey utilitarian concrete octagon sentimental is its inescapable with narrow lancet windows and conclusion. God transfigures on furniture as plain as its walls, pews political and ecumenical as well as on held together by open and twisted theological and personal levels. Who wire. One cannot but think of a would once, and in living memory, barbed perimeter fence. The lantern have thought that someone who displays almost the only colour, being (whatever the Rabbis may say about frescoed in red, bringing ineluctably Jewishness) is of Jewish descent to mind the top opening of the gas enough to have earnt a place on the chamber of which this building is so sort of the train that took St Edith stark a reminder (The red Zyklon B Stein to her fate but was welcomed to gas was poured in through roof celebrate the Eucharist in such a land vents). The sanctuary is a large open and place? space, taking up some two fifths of Bishop Geoffrey spoke at Synod the interior and dominated by a about the once unimaginable changes In the Transfiguration Jesus’ Christ suffering on the Rood. There in Europe and the ever shifting and humanity was changed to give us a is no iconography here of the King always exciting new possibilities for glimpse of his divine nature and also robed and mounted triumphantly on the ministry of the Diocese as a of the glory of true, obedient his Cross-Throne, for that would be a witness to God’s power to transfigure. humanity – something of the “image denial of this place’s reality: a cop- If Dioceses had Patronal Festivals, and likeness of God”. out. Yet as the stone rolled across the perhaps the appropriate Feast for ours The chapel used at Diocesan tomb could not hide the light of life, is precisely the Transfiguration. Synod is becoming a familiar place to not even this reminder of Hitler’s some, but especially in the light of fence and power and dark the Transfiguration it deserves to be achievement can hide the light of the better known. Set on a hill, it is part resurrection, of the living Lord. of the retreat and conference centre Every time the Eucharist is of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese celebrated the chapel becomes much of Cologne. Originally a seminary in more than a clever piece of the halcyon days of plentiful architecture. It is part of the vocations, it was pressed into service iconography of remembrance and as a Gestapo headquarters during wakefulness that seeks to ensure such darker days, before reverting to its sins will never be committed again. It original owners. Set in the centre of is also a stage for the representation of the building the chapel is dedicated a drama which had already drawn the to Edith Stein, a Jewess who became sting of the SS’s crimes when they a Christian, took the vows of a were committed. In his Passion, Jesus Carmelite nun as Sister Theresia trampled death and left it dead. In the Benedicta and was murdered—for Eucharist we meet him victorious as such parenthood was then he makes himself known to us in the inescapable—in Auschwitz. breaking of the bread. No-one knows how many people That sacramental Transfiguration died at Auschwitz and its satellites was brought very definitely home to ORGAN HYMN ACCOMPANIMENTS but the best estimates seem to start at me at this Diocesan synod when I AND PIECES for all church 1.1 million and rise to 1.5. Edith was privileged to celebrate a occasions, played by JOHN KEYS Stein, as a Christian, was in the Eucharist. It was my birthday and for Available from The Church Music minority. Most of the victims knew the son of a Jewish Father, brought Web Site www.hymncds.com little or nothing of Christianity, and up to know and understand or telephone 0044 1793 791393 many who did wanted no part of a something of the faith of my fathers 1 4 N o te s an d new s

C h r i s t i a n c a f é c u l t u r e i n C h a r e n t e s

clear that we needed to think about local French community and the being “church” in other ways than British expatriate population. the traditional congregational model. Our outreach is intentionally We were challenged by the fact that “low-key” so as not to alienate Jesus did some of his most important people or to make the café outreach at the meal table and so inaccessible to local people. It offers the Conference voted in favour of a welcome to all and the staff, starting a Café Church. headed by the Chaplain’s wife, are Coincidentally, the Pizzeria in able to converse in French as well Civray - a small market town where as English. The Intercontinental La Bergerie (French for Sheepfold) the Chaplain used to live - came on Church Society has shared this was a result of a Parish Conference the market. It was well-placed to vision and generously supports a where members of the Poitou be an attractive site for the Café. La full-time worker, Alison East. It was Charentes Chaplaincy considered the Bergerie (which gained its name a great encouragement to receive a report “Mission-Shaped Church”. from the Chaplaincy of the Good visit from Bishop Geoffrey We recognised that, whilst about 470 Shepherd (Le Bon Berger) seeks to during June. attend our services during the month, be a place of encounter - not only thousands more do not. It was with God, but also between the Michael Hepper

N e w A r c h d e a c o n C . o f E . f o r I b e r i a n T e r r i t o r i e s m ee t s t h e E.U.

On Sunday 13th July in God to work through us” and that he Rev Dr. Gary Wilton has been Gibraltar Cathedral, the was honoured to be serving among a formally installed as the first Church Acting Dean, The Rt Revd growing, enthusiastic and supportive of England Representative to the Edward Holland. installed fellowship of disciples of Jesus. EU Institutions at a service in Holy The Venerable David The new Archdeacon is following Trinity Cathedral in Brussels on Sutch as the Archdeacon of a noble family tradition as his Sunday 4th May 2008. Gibraltar. Two coachloads grandfather, Ven Ronald Sutch (left) During the service greetings were of parishioners from David’s was Archdeacon of Cheltenham. conveyed from the Archbishop of Chaplaincy, St Andrews on the Costa Canterbury who referred to the del Sol, joined representatives from five year history and preparation all the local Anglican chaplaincies and for the role, adding “It is therefore the cathedral. particularly fitting that this ministry In his sermon the new is now to be exercised in partnership Archdeacon said “As Christian people with the Conference of European who meet Sunday by Sunday and Churches. The pastoral and on other days, around the world we representational aspects of the role need to be people of prayer, allowing present significant opportunities for furthering the witness of the Church, both in Brussels and in countries influenced by policies shaped in the C a n o n B o a r d m a n institutions of this city.” The Canon Jonathan Boardman was installed to the stall of St ecumenical nature of the role was Titus in St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral, Malta on Sunday 22nd June. emphasised by greetings from Cardinal During the installation, where he also preached the sermon, Fr Danneels, Archbishop of Malines- Jonathan was greeted by the Cathedral wardens and promised Brussels and Primate of Belgium. to play his part in the life and ministry of the Chapter before being blessed by the Chancellor. His mother, Mrs Yvonne Boardman and a friend formed the Offertory procession bringing the elements for the Eucharist to the altar. The congregation was swollen by nearly 100 Swedish visitors in Malta for the annual month-long Confirmation Camp run by a group of Church of Sweden parishes and for whom the Pro- Cathedral - though some 1500 miles from home - is their first experience of Porvoo in action. P e o ple an d pla c e s 1 5

L i f e g i v i n g w a t e r ! O n t h e m o v e L e n t A p p e a l u p d a t e e l c o m e t o The Bishop’s Lent appeal for Christian Aid’s Ethiopian partner, Water W Action, has so far raised over £20,000 and it is still not too late for churches or individuals to add donations. Rev Charmaine Host, Vicar of a number of parishes in the Thank you for your generosity! During Lent our diocese raised money to provide Coventry Diocese is to be Assistant clean safe water in Ethiopia. Through Christian Aid, our gifts are funding an Chaplain of St Michael, Paris, Ethiopian organisation called Water Action, which is bringing water to 55,000 France from October. people. Our money has also released funds from the European Union for the project on a 4 for 1 ratio, so the fantastic £21,630 that has been sent in so far is Rev Andrew Horlock, Curate worth £86,535 to the project! Crich and South Wingfield in The Reverend Canon John Newsome from St Andrew’s Church, Zurich, Derbyshire will be Priest-in-Charge says, ‘We try to support diocesan appeals at Lent and Advent. We try to provide of St Edward the Confessor, Lugano, the congregation with information on the project and the collections taken at Switzerland from September. those services go to the project, not to our church funds. The congregation is Rev Kingsley Joyce, a Chaplain in very generous when they know what the money is for.’ HM armed forces is now Chaplain Please send in your gifts to the Diocesan office in London before the end of of Christ Church, Naples, Italy. September. For more information about the current situation in Ethiopia, visit www.christianaid.org.uk (and search for ‘Ethiopia’).

F a r e w e l l t o Jamila Muste (7) is the youngest in her family, and the only girl. The responsibility for collecting Rev John Lambert, Assistant water always falls to her. She Curate of St Michael, Paris, France has missed her exams and is has taken up an appointment in the struggling in school. The pond Diocese of Durham. where she collects water is dirty and the water often makes her ill. Rev Sean Riordan, formerly Her story is typical of thousands Assistant Chaplain of St Paul, of girls who will benefit hugely Tervuren, Belgium has taken from Water Action’s project. an appointment in the Diocese of Oxford. ‘Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.’ Rev Dr Peter Staples has retired Exodus 17:6b as Honorary Assistant Chaplain of the Anglican Church of Holy N e w t e a m Trinity, Utrecht, The Netherlands. o n t h e C o s t a O r d i n a t i o n s B l a n c a Christine Bloomfield was Rev Paul Rolfe and Rev Robin ordained by the Suffragan Carter were welcomed in late May Bishop on 5 July 2008 in L’Eglise as Chaplains to work alongside Fr L to R: The Venerable David Sutch St Thomas, Strasbourg, France Peter Edwards on the Costa Blanca (Archdeacon), Fr Robin Carter, to serve as Assistant Curate in St in Spain. With the licensing of Mr. Stephen Carden, Fr Peter Edwards, Alban’s, Strasbourg. Stephen Carden as a Reader the Canon Hugh Broad (Bishop’s Bradley Long was ordained service marked the completion of Commissary), Fr Paul Rolfe, deacon by the Bishop on 28 June the current phase of expansion of the Paul Godwin. in the Church of St John and St Costa Blanca Anglican Chaplaincy. Philip, the Hague, the Netherlands, Robin, the latest addition to the was back to University before to serve as Assistant Curate in team was ordained in 1974 and becoming a Prison Governor, finally that Church. served as a Curate in the Chelmsford ending his time with the Prison Diocese and then as Team Vicar in Service as a Senior Prison Service John Moore was ordained deacon Wickford, Essex before moving to Manager. He says he is delighted to by the Suffragan Bishop on 5 July H.M. Prison Service as a Chaplain be returning to his roots as a parish in L’Eglise St Thomas, Strasbourg, where he served in Armley, Reading priest and serving God and his Church France to serve as Assistant Curate and Huntercombe. His next move in the Costa Blanca Chaplaincy. in St Michael, Paris. 1 6 AN d F I NALLY

N e w s f r o m I t ’ s a f u n n y T u f t o n S t r ee t o l d g a m e Adrian Mumford: Diocesan Secretary This Summer’s European football championship focussed Bishop’s Appeals will come from Common Fund, on Switzerland and inspired representing about 4% of church Geoff Read, Chaplain of St Very many thanks to all those who income. Moreover, around half of Nicholas Basle to reflect on the have contributed to the Bishop’s the DBF budget is returned very “beautiful game” Lent Appeal for Water Action in directly to chaplaincies as grants Ethiopia (see previous page). A total of (to Churches and Archdeacons), or Passion! That is what June in 38 churches round the diocese made support such as training, publications Basel is all about this year as contributions through the Diocesan etc. An early payment discount thousands of passionate football Office totalling over £20,000 for Common Fund is offered to fans crowd into the city from – a tremendously good figure. The all chaplaincies who are also to throughout Europe to enjoy Bishop’s last Lent Appeal raised be thanked for the (virtual) 100% Euro 2008! nearly £10,000 for the Friends of payment during 2007. Copies of The quasi-religious following Children in Romania. If you would full accounts of the DBF for 2007 of football and the passion of like to nominate a cause worthy are available from the Diocesan fans has often been written of a future appeal, please write to Office at written request. about. But once again I’m the Bishop. struck by images from the Friends Annual Eucharist stands which have passion Diocesan Board of Finance written all over them. Something The Friends of the Diocese is connecting deeply with that The Directors of the DBF will meet in Europe hold their Annual part of our nature made in in October to set the budget for Eucharist on 15th October 2008 the image of God that seeks diocesan finances for 2009. In the at St Matthew’s, Westminster. The belonging, enthusiasm, a cause context of gross chaplaincy income Preacher this year will be Bishop to believe in, exuberance, well over £7 million, the DBF is Edward Holland. something that lifts us out modest at just under £2/3 million, More details from the Friends of ourselves. of which a little more than half secretary [email protected] Character, upbringing, national temperament: all these things shape our expression of passion. And the One who i o c e s a n publications made us delights to see that D passion emerge in wholesome, Diocesan Directory of Churches Diocesan Yearbook 2008 self-less ways. So, as the Psalmist shouts: delight yourself The new edition for 2008/09 The Yearbook provides in the Lord, and He will give is provided with this copy of information about our structures you the desires of your heart! European Anglican. The text is and many churches, and is Interestingly, it seems that one on the website and extra copies combined with a look back at thing God can’t stand is us being are also freely available from the wonderful range of Christian lukewarm - Revelation 3:16. the Diocesan Office. life, work, worship, witness, But most especially, He growth and development in the loves to see that passion find diocese over 2007. Copies are its end in Him, the One who available from the Diocesan gave it to us in the first place so Office @£3, including P&P. that ultimately we might lose Please remember to keep the ourselves in wonder, love and Diocesan Office updated with praise and in so doing find our changes of address, telephone, true identity and purpose. And email etc. that passion can be in a modern celebration like New Wine, the silence of contemplative prayer, or the beauty of Choral “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing Evensong in Kings College some have unwittingly entertained angels” Hebrews Cambridge. The most important 13:1-2. Suffragan Bishop David greets a one of thing is that we are passionate the ecumenical bishops arriving at the Lambeth about Him! Conference.