E I D Ditch the electric S IN nanny! Don’t give your child square eyes! E8

THE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2012 No: 6149 www.churchnewspaper.com PRICE £1.35 1,70j US$2.20 THE ORIGINAL CHURCH NEWSPAPER ESTABLISHED IN 1828 NEWSPAPER Battle intensifies over plans to make women A MAJORITY OF the Church of England provision for those who, in good con- tion is not perfect but warns that rejecting women bishops was ‘not fit for purpose’ Evangelical Council believe that the meas- science, cannot accept women bishops. We it would plunge the Church into ‘continued and called upon General Synod members ure authorising women bishops to be dis- believe it is a matter not just of justice but and perhaps intensified internal conflict, to vote against it. cussed at the General Synod in November of godliness to treat well this minority with with no guaranteed outcome’. Reform has also called for General Synod does not make adequate provision for whom God has joined us in fellowship and He denies that the word ‘respect’ in the to reject the legislation. WATCH support- those who cannot accept this development mission. new amendment proposed by the Rev Janet ers are divided on the Appleby amendment and fear they will feel excluded from the “In all this we have to remember we are Appleby of the , is no and the organisation has resolved not to Church. God’s people, and behave as such, and not more than window-dressing. “The truth is campaign for or against the measure. The Council says that opponents should slip into the ungodliness of warring politi- that the word does have legal content. If “We see our role as being to highlight the consider voting against the measure rather cal factions.” you’re required to show ‘respect’ you need arguments and issues at stake for those than just abstaining. The Council’s statement comes as Dr to be able to demonstrate that what you do who support the full flourishing of women In a statement the Chairman of the Coun- Rowan Williams is making an attempt to takes into account in practice of someone’s in the Church and to allow voices to enter cil, the Ven Michael Lawson said: “Many rally support for the proposed legislation. conviction. You will need to be able to show the national debate that often go unheard,” evangelicals, both supporters and non-sup- In an article that originally appeared in the it has made a difference to how you act.” it said in a statement. Members of WATCH porters of the of women to the ‘Church Times’ which is available on his At its recent National Assembly Forward have been letting the organisation know episcopate, are deeply concerned about the website, the Archbishop admits the legisla- in Faith resolved that the legislation for their views. more popular than hymns at modern funerals

By Amaris Cole six in the South East and North East charts. The novelty Ying Tong Song, by Spike Milli- POP MUSIC now outplays hymns two to one gan, which features the infamous lines ‘I told at funerals, according to the leading funeral you I was ill’, was played at seven funerals. provider in the UK. A third of all funeral homes have reported The Co-operative Funeralcare report receiving ‘quirky’ requests, including the showed that pop music is now the number theme tune of Countdown. one request at 30,000 funerals in the last 12 Abide with Me is the most popular hymn months. request, pushing The Lord is my Shepherd to Only four per cent of mourners ask for clas- number two since 2009. sical music to be played. Head of Marketing for The Co-operative The study shows the demise of hymns: in Funeralcare Lorinda Robinson said: “Hymns 2005 they accounted for 41 per cent, but now were once the mainstay of a funerals service that figure has fallen to 30 per cent of all but pop music plays such an important part musical requests. in people’s lives that it now acts as the theme Frank Sinatra’s My Way remains a firm tune to their passing. favourite, holding the number one spot for “Modern funerals are very much about the last seven years. personal choice, and this is often reflected in While the majority of these final services the choice of music.” feature emotive or sombre music, others Tweets, page 8 buck the trend with a humorous approach to death being visible. Eric Idle’s Always Look on the Bright Side of British Life is the 13th most requested Summer song, from the 1979 Monty Python film The Time ends at Life of Brian. Regionally its popularity increases, with 2am on Frank Sinatra’s My Way still holds the top spot for the most played song at funerals the research showing that it reaches number Sunday!

LETTERS 8 • COMMENT 9 • PETER MULLEN 9 • CLERGY MOVES 12 • ANGLICAN LIFE 13 • SUNDAY 15 • 16 2 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday October 28, 2012 News Inside... Britain’ s leading evangelical newspaper Archbishop visits PNG ARCHBISHOP ROWAN WILLIAMS flew into Port Moresby on Sat- On his return to Port Moresby the Archbishop met with mem- urday for a five-day visit to Papua New Guinea on his way to the bers of the Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for PNG and ACC meeting in New Zealand. attended a Government Reception. He also held a private meeting Welcoming the Archbishop, PNG’s Acting Prime Minister, Leo with victims of domestic violence and visited Anglicare, which has Dion, praised the health and education services the Anglican extensive works with people suffering from AIDS. Church was providing in his country. He said that the Church of The of Port Moresby, the Rt Rev Peter Ramsden, said the England was one of the first organisations to offer help after the vol- visit had ‘given the Archbishop the chance to meet with Anglicans in canic eruption in Rabaul and praised the ‘exceptional way’ the Angli- three of PNG’s five dioceses; emphasised the Anglican Church’s can Church in PNG gave spiritual care to its people. work in health and education; highlighted the challenges of gender- On Sunday the Archbishop presided at a well-attended Eucharist based violence and HIV/AIDS; encouraged ecumenical links; and in Popondetta Cathedral before blessing a new hospital at Oro Bay allowed the Archbishop to engage with the PNG government on and presiding at the ground-breaking ceremony for a new teachers’ development issues’. college. This is the second visit to PNG by an . On Monday he travelled in a helicopter provided by the Govern- The first was by Archbishop at the time the Church ment to visit the Cathedral at Dogura, close by the place where the was celebrating its centenary in 1991. PNG has a population of News ...... 1-7 Anglican mission in PNG began in 1891. 7.1million and Anglicans comprise five per cent of the population. Your Church ...... 2 UK News ...... 1-4 World News ...... 5-7 Muslims take their protest to Google Comment Letters ...... 8, 11 By Amaris Cole Leader ...... 9 Peter Mullen ...... 9 A REPORTED 10,000 Muslims campaigned outside Google’s UK headquarters on Sun- England on Sunday day to demand the removal of a video on Fresh Expressions ...... E1 YouTube that they argue is anti-Muslim. Andrew Carey ...... E2 Protesters say the ‘Innocence of Muslims’ Whispering Gallery ...... E2 film insults Mohammed and demeans Mus- Nigel Nelson ...... E3 lims. Judy West ...... E3 The main organiser of the event, Masoud Relive the Bible ...... E4 Alam, said: “Our next protest will be at the Trademarking Christmas . . . .E5 offices of Google and YouTube across the Films ...... E6 world. Books ...... E7 “We are looking to ban this film.” Janey Lee Grace ...... E8 A demonstration last month against the Crossword ...... E8 video in Libya ended in the death of US Ambassador Christopher Stevens. The Record A YouTube representative said: “We work Fulcrum ...... 13 hard to create a community everyone can Classifieds ...... 11 enjoy and which also enables people to Clergy Moves ...... 12 express different opinions. Embrace the Middle East . . . .13 “This can be a challenge because what’s Self-esteem ...... 14 OK in one country can be offensive else- Spiritual Director ...... 15 where. This video - which is widely available Sunday Service ...... 15 on the Web - is clearly within our guidelines Steve Morris ...... 15 and so will stay on YouTube”. Paul Richardson ...... 16 News from Your Church your diocese

Bradford: A Sudanese Bishop met schoolchildren on his health, education and community development. We also organisations suggested ways that churches can work visit to the Diocese of Bradford last week. The Bishop of look forward to experiencing how the enduring assets of together to put on events celebrating significant dates in Kadugli in the Nuba Mountains, the Rt Rev Andudu Adam the country’s rich culture and strong social fabric allow a the church calendar and sports calendar alike. The Bishop Elnail, visited Oxenhope Church of England Primary confident response to the challenges of the day. There is of Sherborne, Dr Graham Kings, said: “It was wonderful to School where children presented him with a book of pupil so much in the life of the church and nation which is a gift see churches working together to put on free events in profiles for Hope School (near the border with Southern for the wider church and for the world.” their local communities this year. There was such a buzz Sudan), for which Oxenhope school has helped provide during the Jubilee and the Torch Relay, and attending the new classrooms and extra staff. Bishop Andudu said: “I’m Portsmouth: The Rev Alex Hughes, -in-charge of St Refresh2012 Sunday Service in Weymouth was definitely delighted to receive this book; I know it will mean a lot to Peter’s and St Luke’s Churches in Somerstown, and his one of the highlights of the summer.” the children in Hope School as they feel very isolated and wife Sarah will both be taking part in the 10-mile Great cut off. They will be very happy to know that you are think- South Run through Portsmouth’s streets for the first time Sheffield: The Bishop of Sheffield, Dr Steven Croft, ing and praying about them. We treasure our link with the on Sunday. Mr Hughes will be raising money for the Tom addressed the Synod of Bishops in Rome called by Pope Bradford Diocese; it reminds us that we have brothers and Prince Cancer Trust, named after the teenage Pompey fan Benedict XVI last week, and commended new ways of sisters who care about us. It’s a great encouragement.” who died of cancer in 2004. Tom’s uncle, Peter Prince, is being church. He told the Synod, including the Pope: “For one of Alex’s congregation at St Peter’s Church. His wife, the last 10 years, the Church of England has actively Canterbury: The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Sarah, will be raising money to help research into menin- encouraged a new movement of mission, [called] fresh Williams, will visit Papua New Guinea from October 19-24, gitis after a member of the church’s coffee club died. Her expressions of church, as a natural part of the ministry of at the invitation of the Anglican Church of Papua New sponsorship money will go to the Meningitis Trust. The parishes or groups of parishes or dioceses… They are Guinea. The Archbishop said: “I am delighted to be visit- couple’s two sons Thomas, 6, and Joseph, 3, will also be formed by a process of careful double listening to the cul- ing Papua New Guinea and to be able to experience at first- taking part in the 1.5km Mini-Run on Saturday. ture of a particular group and to the Holy Spirit… This hand the remarkable life of the Church in this nation and process of going and listening and serving and forming its contribution to the wider community. We much look for- Salisbury: Leaders from Weymouth churches hosted a new communities requires particular gifts. In the Church ward to celebrating the faithful Christian witness and dedi- national tour, ‘The Time of our Lives’, as a follow-up to the of England we have named this cluster of gifts ‘pioneer cated service of the church among different communities Great British Summer, at the Prayerhouse, Weymouth. ministry’. We have recognized pioneer ministry as a focus and to seeing for ourselves the church’s central role in Presenters from Fusion Youth and Community and other of both lay and ordained ministry in our Church.”

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Sunday October 28, 2012 www.churchnewspaper.com 3 NEWS IN BRIEF Service for Wales churches unite to help the homeless hit-and-run victims London churches are uniting their efforts to give overnight shelter to peo- ple sleeping on the streets this winter, after 400 churches in the capital HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE attended a service of offered hot meals and a warm bed to 1,400 homeless people last year. prayer and reflection for those affected by the hit- Homeless, Hospitality and Hope is a day-long event to bring together and-run incidents in Cardiff. volunteers on 10 November to celebrate stories and transformation in the The service was held in the Church of the Res- shelters, with a service of commissioning of the night shelter volunteers. urrection, Ely, on Sunday afternoon and attended The Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres said: “We are right- by Craig Menzies, the brother of Karina Menzies ly concerned with the underlying causes of homelessness in our society. who was killed in the incident, and many of her But the more immediate concern is to offer shelter, food and a listening friends. ear.” In her sermon, the priest-in-charge, the Rev Jan Gould said ‘this grief has broken the heart of our community and the healing work that is now to be Dr Charles Reed the Church of The Bishop of Oxford the Rt done will take a very, very long time. We will England’s International and Rev John Pritchard, has written never be the same as a community – for how can Development Affairs adviser said: a prayer for Parents’ Week we not be changed after such a tragedy’. “World Food Day’s ‘fight hunger to encouraging parents to take reduce poverty’ campaign reminds Although Jan Gould said she was certain that more time with children in their the community would recover, she encouraged us of the continuing need for care. The theme of the week cur- emergency supplies faced by many rently underway is ‘Make a the people not to hide their wounds. in our own country as well as Moment’ and in a new CofE pod- “We don’t need to be brave. There is no need for abroad. Our churches support cast, which you can hear at us to hide our wounds of grief at what has hap- those in need in the developing www.churchofengland.org/media- pened to us this week. Because the wounds of our world as well as in our own com- centre/follow-us- grief are the signs and proof of our love for this munities.” online/podcasts.aspx. community of Ely.” In time, she promised, that although the marks Bid to harness the power of the Olympics of the wounds would remain, the hurt would be taken out of them. A campaign encouraging people to harness the 2012 Games spir- “The pain that is searing through the heart of Karina it of goodwill has been launched this week with a ‘sampler’ book- our community right now, if it is borne with love Menzies let that is being posted out to 20,000 Church of England clergy will bear much fruit for us. Of course, there is around the country called Love Life Live Lent – Be the Change!, bound to be anger – maybe even a desire for written by theologian Dr Paula Gooder and her husband the Rev revenge. But that path only leads to more bitter- “It is a very deprived part of Cardiff in the mate- Peter Babington, for Lent next year. ness and more unhappiness. The only way we can rial sense but it’s very rich in human understand- move forward into the future with hope is by ing, sympathy and solidarity, and it’s these values Economics adviser for the Church appointed responding to this suffering in the same way that in the end which count.” A new economic and social affairs adviser for the Church of England has Jesus did – with love.” Kevin Brennan, the Cardiff West MP, who read joined the Mission and Public Affairs Division as part of a team of special- The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, the first lesson at the service, said that people had ists dealing with the wide range of issues with which the Church engages. who is also Bishop of Llandaff and knows well the instinctively rallied round not only because they Tom Sefton has joined the Division at a time when the team is being area where the tragedy occurred, gave the bless- felt very sad about Karina but also out of sympa- reordered to create a more flexible and responsive support for key stake- ing at the end of the service. thy for her children. holders such as the Archbishops’ Council, the General Synod and the After the service he commented: “When a A 31-year-old man, Matthew Tvrdon, has House of Bishops. tragedy hits a community, nothing can ever be the appeared in court charged with murder and Mr Sefton comes from the Church Urban Fund, where he spent four same again. People can be vulnerable, raw and attempted murder following the series of hit-and- years helping to highlight the effective church responses to poverty and grief stricken. But this is a close community. Peo- runs in Cardiff. Two adults and four children are deprived communities, and before worked as a Research Fellow at the ple here really look out for one another and care still critically ill in hospital. Seven children under London School of Economics and as a Government Adviser. for each other. 12 were injured.

BOOKBO K Confusion surrounds advice on reusing jam jars NOW!NOW

IT WAS A STORY THAT made not aware of any risk from Calling all leaders – headlines in the Eurosceptic chemicals relating to this conferences to stimulate the passion of leadership press and anger among WI and use.” from the heart of Lee Abbey church groups all around the The story broke in the country but it seems that the press after the Churches LeadersLeaderade sar –a– aree you lookinglookin ng to reignitereignite youryour faithfaith and passionpassion EU has not banned the reuse Legislation Advisory Serv- forr GoGod? ? Be e inspiredinspirp ed to leadlead othersothers to deeper spiritualspiritual ggrowthrowth of jam-jars to sell marmalade ice (an ecumenical body and develop a hunger for qualityquality relationshipsrelationships inin thethe church.church. and other products at church that advises churches on fetes. the impact of government HumanH DignityDigniD gnity andd faithful discipleshipdiscipleship A statement from the Euro- legislation) warned that EU – isis therethere a commoncommoon ChristianChristian vision?vision? pean Commission Office in regulations appeared to London states categorically rule out the re-use of jam A dialogue on Christian ethicsethhics bbetweenetween two lleadingeading ttheologiansheologians that ‘there are no EU laws, old jars. CLAS claims that this within the setting of an ininternationalternational ChChristianristian CCommunity.ommunityi y. or new, which ban re-using old is the clear implication of KEITH WARD & ANDREWANDREW GODDARDGODDARD 19-23 NoNovembervember jam jars for fetes’. rules issued in Brussels It goes on to state: “There is and that the WI agreed with Also coming up at Lee Abbey: indeed a body of EU food safe- that interpretation. The ty and hygiene legislation – Food Standards Authority TransformingTransforming Lives: An EducationEducation RetreatRetreat DAVID ROWE & HOWARD WORWORSLEYRSLEY 22-4-4No Novemberovember notably so that the UK and at first also agreed but then Advent Retreat: Retreat: Fall face forwards forwwards SILENT RETREAT other countries can be confident that food imported issued an ambiguous statement. Much of this retreat will be in silence from or bought from elsewhere in the EU is safe Contacted by CEN, Mr Frank Cranmer of the BECKY WIDDOWS 26-3026-30 November Noovember and of high quality. But these rules apply only to Churches Legislation Advisory Service said the Tolkein’sTolkein’s ‘‘TheThe HobbitHobbit’’ anniversaryanniverrsary weekend business operators and not to those preparing food advice given by CLAS was based upon what Brus- JEANETTE SEARS 30 NovemberNovember - 2 DecemberDecee mber for charity events such as church fetes or school sels had actually laid down in its rules about food bazaars. safety. However he suggested: “This topic has now Visit our website for detailsdetaails of further “What is more, the rules do not any way ban re- given rise to so much ridicule that I doubt if the reg- conferencesconferences or ringring forfor a brochurebrochure using clean jam jars: the European Commission is ulations would ever be enforced.” www.leeabbey.org.ukwww.leeabbeyy..org.uk 015981598 752621752621 Lynton,Lynton, NorthNorth DevonDeevon EX35EX35 6JJ6JJ

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 4 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday October 28, 2012 News Sudan role for Church Bishop’s worry CHRISTIANS HAVE a key with the church in repair- scale of the humanitarian role to play in bringing ing that building.” crisis. peace to Sudan, the Arch- During a debate in the “In South Kordofan bishop of York has said. grand committee of the there are approximately Dr John Sentamu said House of Lords, he said in 400,000 internally dis- the UK needed to empha- the newly independent placed persons, more than sise the importance of South Sudan the Church 300,000 of them in areas over law change respect for religious free- had a significant role in controlled by the Sudan dom in the country. supporting “the transition People’s Liberation Move- “There is a significant from armed conflict and in ment and almost 100,000 THE BISHOP of Manches- tive approach based on alle- indigenous Christian pres- addressing development in Government-controlled ter has taken issue with a viating hardship in particu- ence in Sudan whose needs”. areas. plan to give cohabiting cou- lar cases. rights must be respected,” He added: “The Church “In the Blue Nile region ples the same inheritance The plan would enable he said. makes a unique contribu- 300,000 people have been rights as married couples. financial provision to be “There was a marked tion in peace-building, and affected, resulting in Liberal Democrat peer ordered “where it could be deterioration earlier in the great leadership has been some 80,000 refugees in Lord Lester of Herne Hill is shown that a cohabitant year following dangerous- shown by Archbishop South Sudan and 32,000 in attempting to take the would otherwise suffer ly provocative language Daniel Deng in achieving Ethiopia. The situation is change in the law through a manifest injustice as a result from President Bashir, a regional peace agree- deteriorating day by day Bill, but Bishop Nigel of the relationship coming which included the ment in May 2012 because of poor harvests McCulloch suggested it to an end”. destruction by a mob of a between the different and high food prices, a sit- went both too far and not far He added: “Financial pro- Presbyterian evangelical groups in Jonglei State. uation that follows two enough. vision, therefore, would not church and community “Development support years when harvests were Bishop McCulloch (pic- be automatic; it would be centre in Gereif and the should be encouraged to simply not possible due to tured) said marriage con- directed to the alleviation of destruction by police of an ensure a peace dividend the conflict.” tributed to the common particular instances of injus- Anglican church in Haj becomes apparent so as to He also highlighted the good so there was a “very tice, which could include Yusef, both in Khartoum. consolidate such efforts. role of the churches and strong case for pursuing making provision for chil- “Anglican church prem- In education and health said that while the UK public policies that promote dren of the relationship.” ises in Kadugli were also initiatives, the Church government recognised and encourage it”. But the former Bishop of badly damaged by govern- continues to be a strategic local churches as key But he said General Oxford, Lord Harries of ment forces in June 2011. major player.” partners in the delivery of Synod had recognised in Petregarth, supported Lord It is welcome that the In the same debate, the aid, the United Nations 2004 that “there are some need to address the equally Lester and said he did not local government has Bishop of Exeter, Michael High Commissioner for issues of hardship and vul- important question of what believe that “making appro- taken some to work Langrish, warned of the Refugees did not. nerability for people whose provision should be made priate legal arrangements to relationships are not based for cohabitating couples safeguard the position of a on marriage and that they who separate,” he said. “The surviving cohabitee and, need to be addressed by the issues of hardship can be where present, any chil- Bishop’s apology over abusing priest creation of new legal equally acute in those cir- dren, in any way under- rights”. cumstances.” mines or weakens the THE BISHOP of Carlisle has met with highest standards should be expected of He said there were partic- Bishop McCulloch also institution of marriage”. parishioners of St Kentigern’s Church, clergy – and Mr Johns has not lived up to ular problems when one raised concerns about put- He added: “Marriage is Caldbeck in Cumbria to apologise for his his vocation and profession.” partner was richer than the ting a “qualifying cohabi- too robust for that, and I am predecessor’s handling of allegations of The diocese added that it “too must other and sought to avoid tant” in precisely the same sceptical of the idea that child abuse committed by the church’s take its share of responsibility. When the formalising a relationship. position as a surviving making the actual provision former vicar, Ronald Johns. first allegations of abuse were made in “The partner in the weak- spouse or civil partner. for a surviving cohabitee On 15 October 2012, Bishop James 1993, the matter was not well handled by er financial position is then “Taking marriage vows or lessens the incentive for Newcome apologised for Bishop Ian Har- the then Bishop: even though at that time vulnerable as a result and registering a civil partner- people to get married in the land’s actions. After allegations of abuse the complainants did not wish to pursue may face hardship if the ship is a particular step that first place. I do not believe were made against Johns in 1993, Bishop the matter with the Police, it was couple separate or if the a couple choose to make,” that people get married for Harland transferred him from his post as absolutely wrong that Mr Johns should other partner dies without he said. financial motives.” canon at Carlisle Cathedral to serve as have been offered another post. having made proper finan- “They make it in the And in response to Bishop vicar of Caldbeck and Castle Sowerby “We apologise unreservedly to his vic- cial provision for the sur- knowledge that it has conse- McCulloch, he said the with Sebergham in 1994. tims that we failed to take the action that vivor,” he said. quences in terms both of the advantage of Lord Lester’s While the victims did not press their we should have taken to prevent children “This sort of hardship can personal relationship proposal was that if some- charges against Johns at that time, on 27 and young people being harmed. We also be particularly acute in between the partners and of one died suddenly “at least September 2012 Johns (75) pled guilty to apologise to the parishioners at Caldbeck cases where the couple have their legal rights and there will not be a protract- two charges of indecent assault and four and recognise the profound and damag- a child or children which responsibilities towards ed period” before their counts of gross indecency against one ing impact on all those affected,” the one of them is then left to each other. Cohabitants cohabitant could inherit victim, two charges of gross indecency diocesan statement said. look after.” have clearly not taken that their money. with a second victim, and two charges of Bishop Newcome said: “I unreservedly But he questioned why step. It is therefore far from “They will have some gross indecency with a third. condemn this and any abuse. Jesus made Lord Lester’s legislation was clear that they should be sense of financial security Following Johns’ plea, the diocese it clear that those who are most vulnera- limited to inheritance and treated for the purposes of almost at the moment that released a statement saying: “We have ble should be most precious, and hence suggested it would lead to the law of inheritance as if they learn of the death and been deeply shocked and grieved by the safest with the Church. Our thoughts piecemeal reform. they had.” what the legal situation is,” Rev Ron Johns’ admission of very serious and prayers are with the victims and “At some point, we will He suggested an alterna- he said. child sexual abuse. It is right that the their families.” Warning over RE future Priest pleads guilty to abuse charges A RETIRED Suffolk clergy- Edmundsbury & Ipswich, the police and the local RELIGIOUS EDUCATION is in dan- In a debate on education in the man has pleaded guilty to six the Rt Rev Nigel Stock, authority will endorse. ger of “languishing on the sidelines” if House of Lords, Bishop Nigel McCul- charges of indecent assault responded to the guilty plea “Whilst these events took it is not included as a one of the core loch said: “I fear that religious educa- against young boys. saying: “Clergy hold a position place a long time ago, it is only subjects in the exams replacing GCSEs, tion will languish on the sidelines even On 16 October, the Rev of trust and whenever such right that the Church should the Bishop of Manchester has warned. though it is said to be compulsory. Haley Dossor admitted trust is broken it is widely felt, acknowledge the broken trust The English Baccalaureate Certifi- “That will deprive pupils of the ability before the Ipswich Crown most of all by those who have and offer sincere and deep cate, announced last month, appears to to understand and engage meaningful- Court of having committed been directly affected. apologies.” exclude RE from the core curriculum. ly with issues of faith, which undeni- the abuse between 1990 and “The Church has learnt Mr Dossor (71) has been At present RE is not one of the sub- ably play a vital part in the lives of 75 1994 while serving as vicar much over the years and has remanded on bail and is to jects included in the English baccalau- per cent of the world’s population. It of St Mary-at-the-Elms, in place very high standards appear before the Norwich reate, which is a nominal measure of really is very unwise to try to sidestep Ipswich. of safeguarding in this dio- Crown Court next month for key subjects used to assess schools. that important subject.” The Bishop of St cese, which I am sure both sentencing.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Sunday October 28, 2012 www.churchnewspaper.com 5 Wallace Benn retires as From Botswana BISHOP WALLACE BENN retires as Bishop of Lewes on 31 October. The announcement of his resignation coincided with a statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury on the Visitation of to Chelmsford the . In his statement the Archbish- op says that issues around safe- THE BISHOP of Botswana, the Rt A native of Zambia, Bishop of Bishops, Bishop Mwamba had guarding in the Diocese ‘have Rev Trevor Mwamba, has been Mwamba was educated at the clashed with his colleagues over been the result of longstanding appointed Assistant Bishop in the University of Zambia and trained the Lake Malawi episcopal problems with working arrange- Diocese of Chelmsford and Rec- for the priesthood at Saint impasse and for his links with the ments and communications and a tor of St Margaret’s Team Min- Stephen’s House, Oxford, and Episcopal Church and the Mod- costly failure to recognise best istry and Barking St Patrick’s was ordained in 1984 at Saint ern Churchpersons Union. The current practice in the policies with Christ Church. Luke’s Chelsea in London, serv- Bishop had also come under fire and procedures established by “Barking is getting a man of ing his curacy in the Parish of All from his clergy for allegedly the Diocese’. rare wisdom, good humour and Saints, Notting Hill before return- favouring non-Botswana clergy in The Archbishop recognises experience. He will light up the ing to Zambia where he was appointments. that those in positions of leader- church in Barking.” the Bishop of priested in Ndola in 1985. Bishop Mwamba said he was ship in the Diocese have acknowl- Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Stephen In 1987 Bishop Mwamba was “delighted and looked forward to edged ‘a degree of shared Cottrell said on 3 October, while appointed Provincial Secretary of ministering” in Barking. responsibility and made apolo- the Bishop of Barking, the Rt Rev the Church of the Province of “With immense joy, humility gies to those who suffered’ and Benn: “With the support of his David Hawkins, added that it was Central Africa, and from 1996 to and hope I approach my ministry that ‘no one member of the senior wife, Lindsay, he has worked a “great privilege for Barking and 1999 undertook graduate work at at St Margaret’s, Barking, a team carries sole responsibility’. hard over many years to serve the Chelmsford Diocese to have Keble College, Oxford. From parish which clearly reflects this He adds that the interim report the Church in the Diocese and someone from the African Conti- 2000 to 2005 Bishop Mwamba multicultural and multi-ethnic offers the Diocese a chance to re- beyond. Much appreciation has nent of such distinction and inter- worked as a banker with Stan- dimension. I look forward to con- examine some of its structures been expressed about his 15 national reputation. Bishop dard Chartered Bank Botswana necting pastorally with the diver- and that Bishop Benn has wel- years in Episcopal ministry and Trevor will be an important role Ltd and was consecrated Bishop sity of people found in Barking comed the recommendations we shall be praying for him and model of leadership for many of Botswana on 6 February 2005. and enabling others to engage made by the Commissaries. his wife Lindsay as they enter a within the church and wider soci- Considered the most progres- with the needs of the parish,” the The Archbishop concludes his new phase in their service and ety of the Borough.” sive member of the CPSA House Bishop said. statement with a tribute to Bishop seek God’s will for them.”

AAtt lleasteast thethhe Christmass service is sosorted.rted.

ThThisis Christmas,Christmas, there’sthere’s an easy wwayay ttoo hhaveave an extra speciaspecial,l, stress-freestress-free servserviceice – bbyy ororderingdering TTearfund’searfundd’s frfreeee CChristmashristmas ChChurchurch resource.resource. AdAAndnd ththehde ggoodood news iis s ththisis hhelpselps momorere tthanhan jjustust yyourour cchurchhurch - itt helpshelps breakbreak the cyclecycle of ppovertyoverty in ththee wworld’sorld’s poorpoorestest communities.communities. OrOrderder todaytoday at wwwwww.tearfund.org/Christmas.tearfund.orrgg/CChristmas or bbyy cacallinglling us oonn 08408455 521 0021. So that that’s’s one thing tickedtic ked off the listlist..

RegisteredegisteredC Charityharity NNo.o.2 26546465464 (E(Englandnglanda andndW Wales)ales) andnd SC037624SC037624 ((Scotland)Scotland) 134211134211

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 6 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday October 28, 2012 News PANORAMA Court ruling goes York Minster opens up against Kunonga East Window treasures

THE HARARE SUPREME Court However Bishop Jakazi, has handed breakaway bishop Dr unlike Dr Kunonga, tendered Nolbert Kunonga and his allies a his resignation as Bishop of defeat in their bid to take control Manicaland when he quit the of Anglican church properties in CPCA. When the CPCA took Zimbabwe. Bishop Jakazi to court to regain On 22 October the country’s control of the property the high court heard the seven cases Mutare district court ruled in brought by and against the former 2010 the decision to resign bishop of Harare in his bid over ended Bishop Jakazi’s control control of the assets of the Church over diocesan property. In of the Province of Central Africa Harare, Dr Kunonga did not (CPCA). resign when he quit the CPCA The CPCA Bishop of Harare, Dr Chad Gandiya, and he has maintained that he is the sole and right- reported via email: “Our Supreme Court hearing ful bishop of Harare. took place this morning from 9.30 to close to However, the 2010 court ruling permitted Bishop 13.00hrs and finished all the matters. Most of the Jakazi to remain in possession of the Manicaland Kunonga appeals, including that of Manicaland property pending a review of the decision by the were thrown out.” Supreme Court. The Bishop said the “Harare matter was heard In the two years that followed the lower court and the judges reserved judgement” with a decision decision, Bishop Jakazi is alleged to have diverted expected within three months. assets from the diocese’s schools and churches and In the case of Bishop Elson Madoda Jakazi and with the collusion of the security services, has driv- another versus The Anglican Church of the en Anglicans loyal to the new Bishop of Manicaland, Province of Central Africa and two others Dr Julius Makoni, from their churches. Bishop By Amaris Cole take for granted the many regard as the (SC118/10), the high court dismissed the claims of Jakazi, along with Dr Kunonga, are fervent support- amazing architec- unsung hero of Dr Kunonga’s ally Bishop Jakazi that he controlled ers of President Robert Mugabe and his ruling VISITORS to York ture and painting of English art with the assets of the Diocese of Manicaland. ZANU-PF party. Minster are being the Great East Win- comparisons of Ver- On 23 September 2007 Bishop Jakazai announced Dr Gandiya reported he was “very pleased that it given the rare dow. meer or Michelan- he was pulling his diocese out of the CPCA to join is over so quickly. It went very well and we are chance to see the “It is almost gelo. Dr Kunonga’s “Anglican Church of Zimbabwe”. happy with the way it went.” Medieval Stained impossible to imag- The work has Glass of the East ine the effect this remained on con- Window close-up, astonishing wall of stant display for 700 as the newly con- glass must have had year, with the Zanzibar Cathedral targeted by Islamists served 15th century when it was first exception of the CHRIST CHURCH Cathedral in Police Commander Said Juma tions. It also hosted Dr Rowan work forms part of unveiled to the Second World War, Stone Town on the island of Zanz- told the Dar es Salaam Daily Williams and the primates of the an exciting exhibi- medieval public. but this is a key ibar came under assault last week News the police had not arrested in 2007. tion. “It is my hope that chance to appreci- after militant Islamists rioted in Sheikh Ahmed and “immediately Four days after leaving the The Orb is a 10 the superb restora- ate the scope and the wake of the disappearance of we started to investigate.” island, the bishop and the evacu- metre wide, 3 metre tion of the glass, beauty of the glass a leading Muslim cleric, Sheikh “Unfortunately as the investiga- ated clergy were able to return to tall dome installed undertaken by the painting. Farid Hadi Ahmed. tion continues, youths started their homes. in the East Quire, York Glaziers Trust, Interactive dis- The Muslim Mobilization and demonstrating by blocking One priest told the Church of directly below the will reveal anew the plays also run Propagation Group (UAMSHO) streets with stones, garbage and England Newspaper that Great East Window, marvels of the win- alongside The Orb, has been calling for the dissolu- burning tyres.” He reported that although his car had been vandal- where visitors will dow, designed and in an interesting col- tion of the United Republic of a leisure centre was destroyed by ized his home appeared be able to walk painted between laboration between Tanzania and the creation of an fire and riot police deployed to untouched, as the army was inside and see dis- 1405 and 1408 by new and old. Islamist state for the island of the old city area of Stone Town. patrolling the streets and had plays of five newly John Thornton of The Orb will be Zanzibar. Anglican leaders were warned restored order. As of our going to conserved panels of Coventry.” open to visitors from UAMSHO cadres have also to evacuate as Islamist militants press, no reports have been the window. This work is part this Saturday, and demanded the expulsion of Zanz- had issued death threats against released on the condition of the The Acting Dean of a £20m project. entrance fee is ibar’s Christians, saying they Bishop Michael Hafidh and for- cathedral. of York, Canon Glyn The panels were included in that of have no place on the island. In eign clergy serving on the island. Riot police were also deployed Webster said: “It is originally designed the standard admis- July two Pentecostal churches Unconfirmed reports from Stone in the capital Dar es Salaam last too easy for us to by Thornton, who sion price. were attacked by Islamist Town sent to Dar es Salaam week after militants marched on extremists and attacks on Chris- report militants had attacked the the Central Police Station tians have been reported. cathedral after the bishop was demanding the release of Mr Bishop of Monmouth to retire On the morning of 16 October evacuated and attempted to burn Ponda Issa Ponda, the Secretary 2012 Sheikh Ahmed was seen the coral stone building. of the Council of Muslims’ THE BISHOP of Monmouth, ful preparation for the process getting into a car driven by an Built on the site of the former Organizations. the Rt Rev Dominic Walker to elect my successor,” he unidentified man. UAMSHO slave market of Zanzibar, the 19th Mr Ponda had been arrested OGS, has announced that he said. reported his disappearance to the century cathedral is one of the on 16 October after threatening will retire from office in June Bishop Walker was educat- police soon after. island’s leading tourist attrac- President Jakaya Kikwete. 2013 shortly after his 65th ed at King’s College, London, birthday. and Heythrop College, Lon- In an address to his dioce- don, and served his curacy at san synod on 20 October, Bish- St Faith’s in Southwark. He Christians join in anti-austerity protests op Walker said that “after served as domestic chaplain to By Amaris Cole paigns looking for alternatives, such as a crackdown much thought and prayer I the Bishop of Southwark, rec- on corporate tax dodging, the cancellation of the have decided that you need a tor of Newington St Mary, A NETWORK of Christians working against gov- Trident nuclear weapons system and a cap on pri- new and younger bishop to vicar of St Peter, Brighton, and ernment cuts have urged ministers to not ‘punish vate sector rents. provide the leadership and was appointed Bishop of Read- the poor for the sins of the rich’. Sally Rush, from Milton Keynes, joined the march energy that will be needed to ing in 1997. In 2003 he was Christianity Uncut marched with thousands of in London and said: “As a Christian, as well as part bring about the changes” nec- translated to Monmouth upon people of many religions or none in London, Belfast of wider society, I believe I have a responsibility to essary for the future growth of the appointment of Dr Rowan and Glasgow on Sunday for ‘A Future That Works’. campaign against the causes of poverty as well as the Church. Williams as Archbishop of The group said that many churches are witness- working to minimise the effects. “I hope that by giving such Canterbury. Dr Barry Mor- ing the effects of growing poverty, unemployment “For me regularly praying ‘your kingdom come notice it will be possible to gan, the Archbishop of Wales, and homelessness in their own communities. on earth as it is in heaven’ means I have to actively give plenty of time for prayer- will oversee the new election. They urge Christians to be at the forefront of cam- engage in seeking that kingdom. News Sunday October 28, 2012 www.churchnewspaper.com 7 Court overturns appointment of Episcopal Church college principal

AN INDIAN COURT has overturned the appointment of the head of the Church of South India’s American College, saying the late bishop ejects South Carolina in Madurai-Ramnad had colluded with his son-in- law to engineer the younger man’s appointment THE DIOCESE of South Carolina has ative solutions’ for resolving these issues ity of the disciplinary canons inaugurat- as principal. been pushed out of the Episcopal to avoid further turmoil in the Diocese ed by the national Church in 2009, and it Elected bishop in Madurai-Ramnad in 2003, Church of the USA. The involuntary and in The Episcopal Church.” is unlikely the bishop will make a formal Bishop Asir was also elected deputy moderator secession of the 39,000-member diocese The diocese noted that “two of the response to the charges — thereby rec- of the CSI in 2008. In 2010 he stood for election comes as charges have been brought three charges had previously been ognizing their jurisdiction over him. as Moderator, but lost by eight votes. against its bishop, the Rt Rev Mark determined by a majority vote of the Dis- However, the diocesan convention has At the time of his death in February 2012, Lawrence for allegedly “abandoning” the ciplinary Board for Bishops in Novem- adopted defence measures against the Bishop Christopher Asir had been fighting tax communion of the Episcopal Church. ber 2011 not to constitute contingency of a theologically motivated fraud charges brought by the Indian govern- On 17 October 2012 a statement print- abandonment,” however protections attack by liberal clique currently control- ment. The District Revenue Collector of Madurai ed on the Diocese’s Website said that against double jeopardy are not given to ling the Church’s offices in New York had charged the bishop with being part of a two days earlier Bishop Lawrence had defendants in Episcopal ecclesiastical and adopted resolutions to protect its criminal ring that had defrauded the diocese of been notified by Presiding Bishop proceedings. independence. £925,000 by selling college land and pocketing Katharine Jefferts Schori that on 18 Sep- The diocese added that it had not been The diocese is also protected by South the proceeds. tember 2012 “the Disciplinary Board for served with a “signed copy of the certifi- Carolina law. The state’s Supreme Court In response to a lawsuit brought by a member Bishops had certified his abandonment cation and also remains uninformed of has struck down the national Church’s of the staff, on 15 October Justice Vinod Kumar of The Episcopal Church.” the identity of those making these property rules, the “Dennis Canon”, Sharma quashed the appointment of M Dava- The diocese reported that Bishop charges.” holding they have no legal effect in the mani Christober as principal of the church- Lawrence was “notified of these actions It stated: “We feel a deep sense of sad- state. While the national Church has set owned college. The court accepted the taken by the Episcopal Church between ness but a renewed sense of God’s provi- aside a $3million war chest to fund litiga- petitioner’s claim the bishop and his son-in-law two meetings, one held on October 3 dence that The Episcopal Church has tion, canon law experts tell The Church had created a search committee composed of and one to be held on October 22, which chosen to act against this Diocese and of England Newspaper it is unlikely to their cronies and had participated in subsequent Bishop Andrew Waldo of the Upper Dio- its Bishop during a good faith attempt prevail in a fight to seize church proper- board meetings “without revealing the fact that cese of South Carolina and Bishop peacefully to resolve our differences. ty. Mr Christober had applied to the post of Princi- Lawrence had set up with the Presiding These actions make it clear The Episco- The diocese noted “this action by The pal as early as February 21, 2011. It is clear proof Bishop to find a peaceful alternative to pal Church no longer desires to be affili- Episcopal Church triggered two pre- of collusion between the two.” the growing issues between The Episco- ated with the Diocese of South existing corporate resolutions of the However, the court did not rule on the claim pal Church and the Diocese of South Carolina.” Diocese, which simultaneously disaffili- the appointment had been engineered to cover Carolina. South Carolina’s diocesan constitution ated the Diocese from The Episcopal up the bishop’s alleged thefts. The meetings were to explore ‘cre- and canons do not recognize the author- Church.” Court rules against Bed & Breakfast owner

By Amaris Cole

THE BED AND BREAKFAST owner who refused to provide a gay couple with a double room in a Berkshire hotel in March 2010 has been found to have acted unlawfully. A judge sitting in Reading ruled the owner should pay £3,600 for ‘injury to feelings’ to Michael Black, 64, and John Morgan, 59. The couple took legal action against Susanne Wilkinson after she refused to provide the couple with a double bed at the Swiss Bed & Breakfast. The B&B operate a ‘married cou- ples only’ policy for their double rooms, and insist they would have acted the same to a heterosexual couple wanting a shared room at the guest house. Mrs Wilkinson said she is not homophobic and would have offered two single rooms, had she not been fully booked. Her husband Mike, a former City worker, explained it was a question of living by their faith and that it was against their Christian faith to allow them to share a bed. James Dingemans QC, who repre- sented Mrs Wilkinson, told Reading Crown court: “If Mrs Wilkinson had band and I are disappointed to have about marriage under their own “This is not the first time in the Gay couple Michael simply said, ‘don’t come in because lost the case and to have been roof without living in fear of the law. British courts that the rights of Black and John you’re gay’, that could never be justi- ordered to pay £3,600 in damages Equality laws have gone too far homosexual couples have trumped Morgan, right, won fied. for injury to feelings. when they start to intrude into a the rights of Christians to live out their case against “It was simply the provision of the “We have the option to appeal, and family home”. their faith. B&B owner Susanne double bed which Mrs Wilkinson we will give that serious considera- She says she is now seriously con- “As a result we are witnessing a Wilkinson, pictured believed was wrong.” tion. sidering appealing the ruling. narrowing of Christians’ freedom to with husband Francis Responding to the ruling, Mrs “We believe a person should be Andrea Minichiello Williams, live in line with their beliefs.” Wilkinson said: “Naturally, my hus- free to act upon their sincere beliefs CEO of Christian Concern, said: 8 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday October 28, 2012 Letters

THE OF CHURCH ENGLANDNEWSPAPER Write to The Church of England Newspaper, 14 Great College Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3RX. or you can send an E-mail to [email protected]. Tweet at @churchnewspaper If you are sending letters by e-mail, please include a street address NB: Letters may be edited

Not good enough The debate on women bishops Sir, I note with sadness that Rowan Sir, As many will know, Fulcrum is an evangelical group seeking to ‘renew the evan- Williams has issued dire warning over vot- gelical centre’. Fulcrum’s internet discussion forum is to be commended because it ing down the women bishops’ measure. I posts convictions from all points of view, including views, like mine, which are critical can understand that getting this measure of several Fulcrum stances on vital matters of Christian truth, such as Fulcrum’s sup- Your Tweets approved could be his valedictory parade. port for the ordination and consecration of women. However for Anglo-Catholics and Evan- Under the discussion thread ‘Evangelical opponents of women bishops’ there is a @RobertMBarlow gelicals what is on offer is not good enough disagreement in progress on the right understanding of what Paul says in Ephesians I would have more sympathy with and not becoming a church which has 5:21-33 and its implications. To maintain the view that that there is no notion of the Meaningful Choc if anyone outside claimed all along that we are wanted. What husband’s authority in this passage (and, therefore, no such notion in 1 Corinthians Church had heard of Advent let alone is offered is a Funeral Plan pure and sim- 11, Genesis 2 or 1 Timothy 2) some supporters of the consecration of women are say- knew it was purple ple. It does not give us any hope for the ing that just as the church submits to Christ, so in some sense Christ submits to the future. church. This view is necessary from their point of view to nullify the force of the anal- @frdavidlloyd Some of my colleagues ask why I just ogy Paul draws between the Christ-church relationship and the husband-wife rela- New post: Translating Bible into can’t trust that the supporters of women tionship. Jamaican Patois. First mockney bishops will respect my theological needs. I encourage all General Synod members who take the Bible seriously to visit the version now this. Is it a wonder we are I tell them to look to history and recent Fulcrum website and review their voting intentions on 20 November in the light of the seen as a joke? history at that. arguments and counter-arguments in this disagreement. There is a lot at stake here. At the recent Forward in Faith National Phil Almond, @lapscallion Assembly it was noted that: Preston Church of England plan to increase In just 3 decades Anglo-Catholics in the weddings by letting couples modify USA have gone from being considered: 1. traditional ceremony. Supporting A Respected minority 2. A Recognized Mr Ould praises those on “the liberal he made though, when he said that #EqualRights would probably help too. minority 3. A Welcome minority 4. A Toler- wing of the Church who are often happy to because heterosexuals can marry, “homo- ated minority 5. A Marginalized minority 6. support lesbian and gay clergy who are sexuals carry a heavier cross”. What about @PaulBell1971 A Persecuted minority 7. An Extinguished willing to attack biblical teaching’ or, as he all the heterosexual Christian girls who 2nd female bishop elected in Africa - minority Is it any wonder why we fear a states, those clergy who “rocked the boat” down through the generations have not pls remember Canon Margaret Vertue Code of Practice? by declaring a same-sex attraction. If Mr been able to marry for various reasons, yet in yr prayers. The campaign for Anglo-Catholics and Conservative Evan- Ould and his gay clergy colleagues see because of their commitment to Biblical #womenbishops in the CofE goes on.. gelicals have often been urged just to put themselves as free to attack biblical teach- teaching have lived chaste lives? Their load our trust into the hands of those who will ing and rock the boat in furtherance of is just as heavy as any homosexual’s, sure- @PennyCulliford write up this Code of Practice and be confi- their cause, we are indeed in dire trouble. ly? A friend of mine who is in that position, @Stilcrazyjay @thechurchmouse I dent that our place will be assured. In previous correspondence to this news- told me years ago that her longing for a heard of a similar case where instead Oh, please, who are they kidding! paper I have reminded maverick clergy (eg husband was a physical ache at times, yet of “Over the Rainbow” Granny I don’t need a boffin from Bletchley Park the Rev Ian Stubbs, Canon Dr Giles Fraser, due to family constraints, she has not been departed to “Ding Dong the Witch is to tell me that eventually all codes will be the Very Rev , the Rev Dr Mar- able to find a life partner. I cannot see that Dead” broken. tin Dudley) who have publicly aligned her burden has been any heavier than a All our experiences have shown that themselves to gay clergy ‘marriage’, a gay homosexual’s, but she has accepted that @thechurchmouse Codes are not worth the paper they are priesthood and ‘same-sex’ marriage, that this was God’s will for her and by his grace I’m told that AC/DC’s “Highway to written on. Anglo-Catholics in the USA, they are in breach of their Holy Orders, has remained true to the Word of God. Are Hell” is quite often requested at Canada and Australia have been almost having at the time of their ordination taken we in danger of forgetting them in all the funerals too. hounded out of the church. the oath of allegiance promising to preach publicity about homosexuality? That is why I have written to every mem- and pastor according to the 39 Articles and Mrs S Wilson, @angelsop ber of General Synod asking them to vote uphold the sacred Scriptures as handed Tandragee, Co Armagh Weirdest song played when the coffin down this unfair measure. down by tradition. was taken out was “Y Viva Espania” - Something better has to be offered. In my previous incarnation as a second- Laws and faith he enjoyed his holidays in Spain Something better must be offered that will ary school teacher I was expected to apparently! honour all sides and lose none. If this uphold and follow the National Curriculum Sir, That more Christian Bed and Breakfast measure is passed it will be a form of reli- as prescribed by the Government. If I was owners have been successfully sued by @karenfreeman62 gious apartheid where traditionalist will be ever to go against this teaching framework homosexuals for declining to countenance I did recently have Queen’s ‘Another so marginal that our voices will cease to be I could expect to be severely disciplined. the breaking of God’s laws under their roof One Bites the Dust’ at a funeral. heard. But in the Church of England it now seems only shows that our laws, as an expression We have to stand up and fight for our that anything goes. No discipline, no action of national ideas of right and wrong, are at @Lydgatepriest parishes and congregations. We are not against maverick clergy. No hope. variance with God’s. Occupy was right – all the church saying there should not be women bishops There is, of course, an answer. It is for Anti-discrimination is an idol with some could say was ‘go home’ but that a fair system is made so that tradi- church leaders and congregations to make to whom it is never justified in the provi- tionalists can continue believing in the faith their voices heard about the maverick cler- sion of services. Yet we discriminate by age @murdo_fraser that has been delivered from the apostles. gy who wish to revise biblical teaching for and prohibit the supply of knives and alco- Ending a 300 year old Union due to I ask that you pray and contact members their own ends. And to Mr Ould and others hol to young people. More generally we dislike of current UK Govt is like of General Synod expressing your grave of his ilk perhaps they might just re-read only allow authorised people to lawfully asking for a divorce because you didn’t concerns. Galatians 1:6-7, 9: “I am astonished that you purchase red diesel, medicines, firearms like last night’s dinner Fr Patrick Davies, are so quickly deserting the one who and so forth. So when it suits us and our St Crispin’s Church, Withington, called you in the grace of Christ and are values, we not only allow but sometimes @Stephen_Gash Manchester turning to a different gospel… As we have mandate discrimination in the supply of Question of the Week: Do you believe said before, so now I repeat, if anyone pro- goods and services. in aliens? < Rowan Williams was the Aghast claims to you a gospel contrary to what you Can we as Christians support the liberal proof. Different planet. received, let that one be accursed.” ideal of multiculturalism? Is it actually pos- Sir, I have no doubt that many of your read- Dr Christopher Knight, sible to fully respect different cultures and @spbaines ers were aghast at the Rev Peter Ould’s let- Tyndale House, Cambridge values in a single state, any more than fully If publishing Prince Charles’ letters ter extolling the virtues of gay clergy (14 support ‘two integrities’ in a single would “undermine his role as King”, October). It’s all very well for Mr Ould act- A cross to carry Church? Only if we restrict its authority to that suggests he wrote something to ing as apologist for those gay clergy who the very limited caretaker functions of “undermine his role as King”. feel reluctant to ‘come out’ but what does Sir, The Rev Simon Tillotson’s letter was nineteenth century liberalism, but not once his letter tell us about the current state of very honest and moving, and I admire him follow us the Church of England? for what he said. I would query one point Letters continue on page 11 @churchnewspaper on Twitter

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper The latest movies reviewed: E6 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2012 Bishop Graham Cray, Archbishops’ Missioner and leader of the Fresh Expressions team, this month looks at how a missional community in Manchester is in the process of discovering the sodal within the modal… ‘Abide’ with us in Manchester

‘The terms “sodal” and “modal” can be confusing to some operated on for so long would no longer work; it would provide the framework that we live by. but missiologists Ralph Winter and George Lings speak of mean a slow and painful death. Yet, we also recognised the church in these two forms: that we wanted to be committed to one another in a Gatherings Modal - the local, well-established, church, with a common lifestyle, in mission and in prayer. And so we We get together twice a month. On the second Tuesday, mission open to all (at least in theory) went away together to explore what we could be. we have a shared meal where we encourage and support Sodal - the mission community working more flexibly Six months on and ‘Abide’ is what has come into being. one another in our desire to become people rooted in God and seeking to reach those untouched by the modal It’s a community, it’s missional, it has new monastic and grow in spiritual maturity. ‘To belong to the first you only have to turn up. elements to it but I think that the reality is that it is On the fourth Sunday of each month, we host a service Membership of the second involves commitment to its ordinary people with ordinary lives, exploring and that is pretty experimental in nature. It could be specific mission. This framework creates space to learning how to walk an extraordinary path together. contemplative, a jazz mass, alternative worship or Taize innovate within the existing structures of the church and We’re not experts; we’re just normal people trying to but - quite simply - it’s a space to experiment and to be. highlights that innovation has always been part of the work it out. character of the church of God. We’ve found our sense of identity in three places: Mission and Prayer ‘Just over 12 months ago Ben Edson became Vicar and For us, mission and prayer go hand-in-hand. All we want Missioner to a parish in south Manchester. He had been in the city for 10 years, during which time he pioneered Sanctus1, a fresh expression of church, and helped set up the Nexus arts café. ‘A few months into his appointment at St James and Emmanuel, , he found himself asking, ‘How can we affirm the modal yet at the same time search for something more sodal within it?’ Ben describes what has happened since…. Five Rhythms of Grace to do is follow the example of Jesus in his life, death and My appointment to parish The Rhythms of Grace have been developed by the resurrection; demonstrating and reflecting God’s love. It’s ministry meant that I started to question how my community of St Chad in Lichfield Diocese, and we’ve our aim to enable and encourage people to do this where experience of pioneering innovative Christian adopted them! The five rhythms are: they live and work. communities was going to impact on a more settled At midday each day we encourage people who are part expression of church. I believe that fresh expressions of By God’s grace, I will seek to be transformed into the of Abide to recite the Lord’s Prayer. We borrowed this church need to be fully integrated into the life of the likeness of Christ from the 24-7 Prayer Movement – a national partner in parish church community and I sensed an opportunity to By God’s grace, I will be open to the presence, guidance Fresh Expressions. The whole idea of praying at 12 noon do this. and power of the Holy Spirit is that it allows God to interrupt our day. disciplining We’re a medium sized church of four congregations. By God’s grace, I will set aside time for prayer, worship yourself to pray in the middle of the day means your mind One of those congregations was struggling for a sense of and spiritual reading turns to God, irrespective of how busy your day is. identity and had a desire for a deeper life of commitment By God’s grace, I will endeavour to be a gracious presence to God and to one another. Over the first few months of in the world, serving others and working for justice in So that is Abide. The journey started about a year ago my appointment I worked with this congregation to listen human relationships and social structures but we’ve only just gone public. We think that we’re in the to God and to one another and also to dream, to open our By God’s grace, I will sensitively share my faith with process of discovering the sodal within the modal, and we eyes, to envision and inspire about what we could others: participating in God’s mission both locally and hope and pray that we become a community that helps to become. globally. bring renewal to the modal. An early realization was that the model that had been As our community takes shape these rhythms will Fresh Expressions: www.freshexpressions.org.uk

ANDREW CAREY E2 • WHISPERING GALLERY E2 • NIGEL NELSON E3 • ARTS E6 • BOOKS E7 • CROSSWORD E8 • JANEY LEE GRACE E8 E2 www.englandonsunday.com October 28, 2012

unqualified accession to the constitutions Furthermore, these charges have been and canons of the Episcopal Church. And levelled during the course of a reconcilia- they have circumvented the widespread tion attempt brokered by a neighbouring legal consensus that the property of the diocese of two meetings between Bishop parishes and the diocese is held in trust. In Lawrence and the Presiding Bishop, fact, the Supreme Court of South Carolina Katharine Jefferts-Schori. Andrew Carey: seems to back their independent stance as So much for reconciliation. It is hard to it has already allowed one parish to depart see what the Presiding Bishop will achieve with its property, in contrast to other prop- by this legal attack. She has effectively driv- erty disputes in which the ‘hierarchical’ en the vast majority of parishes in the dio- View from the Pew right of the Episcopal Church to parish cese of South Carolina out of the Episcopal property has been upheld by other Ameri- Church and into the arms of the rival Angli- can courts. can Church in North America. Long after Only a year ago, the disciplinary board of her time in office comes to an end, there the Church dismissed charges against will still be lengthy and expensive court Bishop Mark Lawrence for ‘abandonment’. cases attempting to reclaim property after These were essentially the same discipli- property. End to vengefulness? nary matters for which he is now charged a When will the vengefulness of the Episco- second time in a repudiation of the normal pal Church end? When they run out of I can’t quite remember when I lost interest deposition without due legal process is a legal principle of ‘double jeopardy’. money or people? in the ludicrous goings-on across the terrible ecclesiastical scandal. The aban- Atlantic in the Episcopal Church. donment canon was originally intended as I may simply have become bored with a tidying-up exercise when a bishop or the countless stories of litigation over prop- priest had left to another denomination. No wonder people have lost trust in the systems erties. There was one particularly egre- Now it is used instead of disciplinary tri- gious case when a departing evangelical bunals in which proper legal processes are congregation decided to leave the Episco- actually observed. In the light of the American abuse of due process I find it hardly surprising that Anglo- pal Church and offered to buy their build- The latest legal abuse by the Episcopal Catholic and conservative evangelical opponents of women’s ordination are so strongly ing. The diocese threw them out and powers-that-be is against the Bishop of opposed to women bishops legislation that manifestly fails to protect them in the future. instead offered the church to a Muslim South Carolina, Mark Lawrence. He has In spite of attempts by both Archbishops to put reassurances on the face of legislation group at a knock-down price. been charged with ‘abandonment’ and he they have been unable to write anything more satisfactory than the ambiguous legal term I remember when an English bishop, has effectively been suspended. ‘respect’ into the measure. All now rests on the code of practice. Henry Scriven, resigned as assistant bish- Now it has to be said that the diocese of Archbishop Rowan Williams urges ‘waverers’ to back the measure at next month’s Gen- op of Pittsburgh and returned to England South Carolina under his leadership has eral Synod. “Voting against the legislation risks committing us to a period of continued and to head up the South American Missionary been doing everything it can to distance perhaps intensified internal conflict with no clearly guaranteed outcome,” he writes. I sus- Society, and was promptly deposed by Pre- itself from the prevailing liberal direction pect though that ‘intensive internal conflict’ is pretty much guaranteed whichever way the siding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori. of the Episcopal Church without quite vote goes next month. In fact the widespread use of an ‘aban- walking out the door. There is no remedy for this. It would be a sad day if the women bishops legislation were donment canon’ against and bish- The effect of actions by their Diocesan to be voted down on Tuesday 20 November. The problem, as much for supporters as for ops for the inappropriate purposes of Convention has been to remove their opponents, is that it is a bad piece of legislation. Faith in Politics Case for God? Matthew Parris encountered a lot of criticism in for arguing that religious believers should be careful to identify themselves as such before making an argument about politics or ethical matters to alert everyone to Both St Paul’s and Westminster Abbey started a series of lectures last week. St their bias. His extraordinary assumption appears to be that non-religious Paul’s well-advertised course is entitled ‘The Case for God’ and the first lecture people cannot also be influenced by a faith commitment or worldview. Has was delivered by Karen Armstrong. A packed Cathedral heard Armstrong make Parris never heard of free market fundamentalists or dogmatic secularists? the case for an apophatic theology. God is a mystery. Religion is not something Does he really think there is a view from nowhere? Parris’ extraordinary to be believed so much as something to be lived out. opinions are apparently shared by George Osborne. A new biography by For all her stress on the inability of human beings to understand God, Arm- the ‘Financial Times’ columnist Janan Ganesh reveals that Osborne ‘ques- strong never paused to draw breath in her replies to questions. God may be a tions the analytical rigour of Christian conservatives’ who are behind Iain mystery but Armstrong clearly has no doubts about her own theological opin- Duncan Smith’s welfare reforms. Duncan Smith is a Catholic and his Lib ions. It was a polished performance but it did not make a case for God. Why take Dem colleague, Steve Webb, is an evangelical. Their department is known the mystery seriously or make an effort to live a life of faith? Alister McGrath around Westminster as the Department of Worship and Prayer. All Chris- attracted a smaller (but still large) audience the next night at Westminster tians ought to be alert to the fact that there is now an opinion about that if Abbey but offered a more intellectually coherent lecture, arguing for an ongoing you are a religious believer your reasoning powers don’t work properly. dialogue between faith and secularism. Does Osborne think this applied to Lady Thatcher (photographed carrying The next speaker at St Paul’s, David Bentley Hart, an American Orthodox the- a book on the Ten Commandments during one election campaign)? Would ologian and winner of the Michael Ramsey Prize, should have more to say than anyone dare say the same thing about the public policy recommendations of Armstrong but so far the Abbey is ahead. St Paul’s: 5 out of 10; Westminster someone who was gay? Abbey 9 out of 10. The Whispering Gallery... No front-runner Top of the charts

According to The Times Justin Welby is said to have ‘peaked too early’ and to be blocked by liberals who favour the Bishop of Norwich. James Jones is A 34-year-old Italian friar from Assisi, Alessandro Brustenghi, has overtak- said to be back in the race and the Bishop of Oxford is being mentioned as a en Katherine Jenkins and Russell Watson to go to the top of the UK classi- possible candidate. CNC members have been heard to say that whoever is cal chart with his album Voice from Assisi. appointed the decision will probably attract criticism. All the signs are that Brother Alessandro works as a guide and carpenter in the friary started the absence of an outstanding candidate makes a decision difficult. by St Francis. Listeners have phoned radio stations to say they had been Whispering Gallery reminds the CNC of a person first mentioned in this moved to tears by his extraordinary voice. Classic FM made the record its column who has now attracted the attention of another church paper, ‘The Album of the Week and the station’s presenter John Suchet announced he Tablet’. This column has already commented on the pastoral and theological had not witnessed such a reaction to a record since he started hosting his abilities of Michael Jackson, the Archbishop of Dublin. A theological centrist, programme. “His voice has an intimacy and poignancy ... unlike any I’ve he goes to Rome every year for an ecumenical service organised by the heard,” said the actor, whose brother is famous for playing Poirot and him- San’Egidio in St John Lateran. The Northern Ireland-born bishop completed self a practising Anglican. a doctorate on St Augustine at Cambridge and is a friend of Rowan Williams. Voice from Assisi is produced by Mike Hedges who also produced U2 and He is warmly remembered in Oxford where he was chaplain of Christ Manic Street Preachers. Br Alessandro will not gain financially from his Church. success. He is vowed to poverty and all profits go to his order for its chari- To shamelessly mix metaphors, can the CNC think outside the box and table work. He says he has been overwhelmed by the response to his stop reshuffling the old cards? music. October 28, 2012 www.englandonsunday.com E3

quently my personal circumstances are relevant to what I think, and in that event I say so. But it would be unnecessary, and mighty odd, if before every appearance the word “churchgoer” was to be flashed up on Nigel Nelson screen alongside “political editor”. Such was the reaction to Matthew Par- ris’s piece, The Times had to devote most View from Fleet Street of its letters page to it a few days later. Dr Nazir-Ali questioned the writer’s recollec- tion of the events he described. But other correspondents took Mr Parris to task for his central allegation. “He implies that peo- ple of faith are credulous and incapable of intellectual honesty,” said Adam Walker of Crosby, Liverpool. The Most Rev Kevin McDonald, Archbishop Emeritus of South- Declaring an interest wark, was annoyed at the way Mr Parris dismissed Catholic opposition to abortion. “Religion may provide a context for argu- ments but those arguments stand on their Matthew Parris of The Times is one of the an interviewer owes it to the public to prise own and are supported by many people nation’s most talented newspaper writers. it from his interviewee: as impertinently as who have no religion at all.” But his quill has really made the feathers fly necessary.” Tom Blackburn of Broom, Beds wrote: Matthew Parris with a recent column inspired by a debate But who is to decide when religious belief “He is right that those who are making an on gay marriage with Dr Michael Nazir-Ali. has a bearing on the argument being argument primarily on the basis of a reli- might have been solved sooner had police The backlash against Mr Parris had noth- advanced? Among our three main political gious belief should declare that and not and other responsible authorities not been ing to do with the change in marital law but leaders we have two atheists in Nick Clegg imply that practical considerations are irrationally pussyfooting around the race whether the opinions of those of faith are and Ed Miliband and a disinterested Chris- their primary driver. However, it is naïve to issue. worth listening to. tian in David Cameron. Do we ask them to think that those who do not hold an opin- But the last word should go to the Rev The nub of the Parris article - and I hap- confirm that is still the case before every ion on the basis of religious faith hold it for William Taylor, rector of St Helen’s pen to like him so I hope I do not do him a interview? And what of Tony Blair, the more rational reasons.” Church, Bishopsgate, London. disservice - is that if an argument is based devout believer who, as Prime Minister, Mr Blackburn’s point about rationality is “The atheist (or secularist) position, with on one’s religion then one’s religion should never wanted to talk about his belief in case an important one. Politicians are wrestling, its accompanying ethical codes, is just as be declared when the argument is made. he was thought wacky? Should he have for instance, with how to tackle immigra- much a ‘faith position’ as that of the Chris- Once that is established Mr Parris tends to been questioned on his faith each time he tion, without being branded as racist for tian. To ‘believe’ that there is no God is mentally switch off. was asked about the war in Iraq? Is it realis- doing so. They recognise that while some equally as much a position of ‘faith’ as to His first point has some validity. “When tic, or indeed desirable, for John Humphrys objections to foreign settlers are based on ‘believe’ that there is a God. advocacy is driven by the advocate’s belief on the Today programme to measure each pure prejudice, others are not. Those who “If the ‘religious’ are to declare their that he is obeying God’s command, we political and military act against what the cannot get jobs because overseas workers hand in public debates then so ought the ought to be told, and are often not,” he PM felt about God? are undercutting them have sound finan- atheists.” wrote. “Religious convictions should be I review the newspapers on television, cial reasons for wanting something to be declared as financial interests are; and and am frequently asked to volunteer my done which are not racially motivated. The Nigel Nelson is political editor of the where faith-based opinion is not declared, own opinions on the issues of the day. Infre- sex abuse cases in Rochdale and Oldham Sunday People Judy West’s Notes, Quotes & Anecdotes The swimming challenge Urban Myths Just before giving a lavish party at his estate, a tycoon The farmer killed a pig and hung it up for had his swimming pool filled with poisonous snakes. the night, intending to butcher it in the He called the guests together and announced, “To morning, but the next day it was gone. He anyone brave enough to swim across this pool, I will didn’t tell a soul about it, and nothing give the choice of a thousand acres of my oil fields, happened for more than two months. Then 10,000 head of cattle, or my daughter’s hand in another farmer, who lived down the road, marriage.” No sooner were his words spoken than a came by and said, “By the way, Josh, did you young man plunged in, swam across the pool and ever find out who stole your pig?” climbed out—unscathed but breathless. “Nope,” said Josh. “Not till just now.” “Congratulations!” the tycoon greeted him. “Do you want my oil fields?” “No!” gasped the guest. It makes you think… “The 10,000 head of cattle?” Two men who lived in a small village got into a terrible “No!” the young man shouted. dispute that they could not resolve. So they decided to “Well, how about my daughter’s—” “No!” talk to the town sage. “You must want something,” said the puzzled host. The first man went to the sage’s home and told his “I just want to know the name of the guy who pushed version of what happened. When he finished, the sage Quote of the Week me in!” said, “You’re absolutely right.” A church is a hospital for The next night, the second man called on the sage sinners, not a museum for Getting the message across? and told his side of the story. The sage responded, saints. “You’re absolutely right.” Abigail Van Buren Afterward, the sage’s wife scolded her husband. Church Typos “Those men told you two different stories and you told Please place your them they were absolutely right. That’s impossible— donation in the envelope they can’t both be absolutely right.” along with the deceased person(s) The sage turned to his wife and said, “You’re you want remembered. absolutely right.”

Do you have a funny story, quotable quote or sermon illustration? Send them to The Church of England Newspaper, 14 Great College Street, London, SW1P 3RX or email [email protected] E4 www.englandonsunday.com October 28, 2012

t is late July and there are four men standing in the such films.” the viewer can ask the characters questions – and they mud in Sandy Bay beach near Weston Super-Mare. For the remainder of 2009 James and Matt, with the answer back! This series has enjoyed critical acclaim as IThey are waiting for the sun to re-appear to film the help of a few friends and family, managed to shoot 12 films Dave Newton, Director of YFC confirmed: “This is by far next scene. Jon Bonner (a West End actor) is covered in throughout the UK. There were six films based on Easter the best piece of media I have seen aimed at this age. The mud, surrounded by cameras, tripods, boom microphone and the other six on Jesus’ Miracles. message, production quality and creativity is second to and a plastic children’s Wendy House. This is not your James tells us: “The one film we will always remember none.” usual Monday afternoon scene but for the Relive shooting was ‘Breakfast on the Beach’ when Jesus Along with each series, Relive have also produced a Resources team these are the lengths they go to, to tell a appears to Peter. We hired a small boat in Porthcurno in wide range of resources for churches and schools good Bible story. In this case they are shooting a short Cornwall. After 30 minutes Matt was sea sick and including church curriculum, object talks, craft templates, film based on Jesus’ parable “The Wise and Foolish throwing up over the side of the boat and we had run out RE lesson plans, assembly outlines, drama activities and Builders” for their fourth series Relive Parables. of petrol. We then had to row to shore onto a crowded teacher’s background notes. It all began in the living room of co-founder James surfing beach in full costume with all our equipment. Relive are fulfilling the vision to not only bring the Bible to Life for 21st century kids but also to equip and resource teachers in schools and churches throughout the UK and abroad. Relive recently entered the Relive Christmas series into the Christian Broadcasting Council Media awards in London on 5 October. In the category of ‘Best DVD Resource’ James and Matt were presented with The Gold Award. The judges commented: “This has the makings of something special. Brilliant for schools and churches. Very entertaining. The judges very much liked the interactive aspect of the series.” In his acceptance speech, Matt thanked the CBC and spoke of how thankful we are for the opportunity God has given us to fulfill the dream that began in James’ living room! Early in 2013, Relive will be releasing their hotly anticipated fourth series: Relive Parables, exploring The This is by far the best piece of media I have seen aimed at this age Relive the Bible

Hamilton. Along with his good friend Matt Rogers, a dream was born. As a trained actor and children’s ministry leader himself, James has always strived to find inventive ways to make God’s Word accessible to children. James had already spent six years working as an actor in Saltmine Theatre Company where he established “Red Balloon”, the UK’s first nationally touring Christian children’s theatre company, and was now a children’s ministry director in a large church in the Midlands. James recalls their conversation that night back in 2008: “If only we could create short films that relive Bible stories that could be used in schools and churches”. “Well why not? Let’s do it”. Matt replied. Matt and James had both worked in Saltmine together and now Matt was beginning to build his reputation as a highly skilled filmmaker. “All we need is a camera, a microphone, a laptop and some editing “The lifeguards were more than a little baffled. But Good Samaritan, The Wise and Foolish Builders, The software”. we were alive ... and got the footage we needed!” Great Banquet, The Unforgiving Servant, The Lost Sheep With no money and much prayer, James and Matt got to In November 2011, Relive released their long-awaited and The Prodigal Son. Again, through six short films, work on their first film “Happy as Larry” based on the third series: Relive Christmas. As with the other short they aim to use their unique skill in helping people of all parable of the lost sheep. God provided the money for the films, we meet characters from the stories who relive ages to experience the fun, themes, emotions and reality equipment, James wrote a script and they found a field in what happened from their perspective. They are the of God’s Word through film. Shropshire. storytellers and we see flashbacks from the action. We James recalls: “It was rough and ready in that field, meet Mary, Joseph, a Wise Man, The Shepherds, Herod surrounded by sheep and other things you find in a field! and The Innkeeper. The Relive films and resources are available for purchase at: But we learnt so much about the challenges of making In this series, there is a bonus interactive feature where www.reliveresources.co.uk

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper October 28, 2012 www.englandonsunday.com E5 Trademarking Jesus? before Christ. The coming of preventing others from using it. the Christ-child is the climax of And to do that is to act in the exact a deep and complex account of opposite way to God’s work in the the interaction of God and cre- incarnation. ation. The Christ-child comes, not to But I fear that the Godbaby the church or the religious estab- advert is not making a theological lishment, but to bewildered par- claim when it proclaims that ents, frightened shepherds and ‘Christmas starts with Christ’. It’s foreign astronomers. This is God actually a claim of ownership over renouncing any claim to a trade- Christmas itself. In view of the mark, giving himself away for us merchandising, the shopping and to do whatever we will with him. the Christmas specials, it’s an Moreover, the incarnation is understandable temptation for the itself an important protest against church to want to stake a claim the attempts to trademark, over Christmas. But it is a tempta- monopolize and control human tion to be resisted. To yield to this beings themselves, whether that temptation is to commodify be in patenting parts of the Christ, to produce a special reli- human genome, or selling people gious piece of Christmas mer- into slavery itself. If we belong to chandising. And that brings us anyone, it is to the God who creat- back to the trademarking of God- ed us and who sets us free. babyTM. Christmas is not ours. Its roots Trademarking the Godbaby is a are in the Hebrew Scriptures and claim to ownership, a means of its future in a new heaven and a new earth where people will come from East and West, North and South to take their By Simon Taylor Midnight Mass. So who exactly place at the feast. This un- is this advert aimed at? Is it to trademarked Godbaby, Son of As I left the Cathedral this correct the Docetic tendencies an un-copyrightable God, evening, one of the choristers was of the church’s carols? Or is it offers himself to us. Not as a being rehearsed singing Silent intended for a wider audience? present to be unwrapped and Night. The shops are full of tinsel “Christmas starts with thrown away when it no longer and Santa Claus, and the long Christ,” proclaims the strap entertains, but as the gift that Strictly/X-Factor build-up to line. (In fact this has been the can re-make us into the free December has started. Christmas strapline of the ChurchAds.Net and unpatented people that will soon be upon us and with that Christmas adverts for the last God longs for us to become. comes this year’s poster from three years.) But none of the God will meet us anywhere. ChurchAds.Net – ‘GodbabyTM.’ Gospel writers would agree. He can even be found in the GodbabyTM is a mixed bag. And Matthew, Mark and John all shops this Christmas. it raises some fundamental ques- start with clear references to tions, not about our understand- the book of Genesis. Luke The Rev Canon Dr Simon ing of Christmas, but about why starts with John the Baptist and Taylor is Canon Chancellor of we want to engage in advertising hymns – hymns rich in allusion Derby Cathedral and CMD at Christmas, and the significance to the wonders of the Old Tes- Officer for the Diocese of Derby of that trademark symbol placed tament. Christmas starts long next to the central figure of faith. There is a strong and good lead to this advert. Godbaby cries and wees. Godbaby is a    ! real baby, that’s what we’re sup-  %  ! $! ( !      ! + ! ( posed to take from this. This is ($ +$!&!!  !   %  good, solid incarnational theol- !$ - &(!  (% ! $+ ogy, if a little genteel. Presum- ! +  &!  (  % &!   #    ably he also poos and pukes. ! "! +&! ! &+ ( And insofar as this is a chal- &! - lenge to some of the carols we sing, it is helpful. This Christ- !( $!"!  $ ($    mas we are bound to sing: “The & -   "  $   ($!"% Little Lord Jesus, no crying he ($ ,!(!( !% ( !%$ makes.” But babies that don’t   01332 ! 013+332+ % (      $  ! ( + cry don’t get fed. They may  %+ %! %-$!  " even die. If God baby can wean $# ( ! !+  +!(  " )!!+ us off some of the sillier  ! !!! $ ! &! ($-  ( aspects of our carols then it will   (!!($   !'+!   have done some good.   $ ($ &  %  !(! But Godbaby doesn’t just cry and wee. He also “saves the ($  ! +!'!  - world”. We know what they’re  (  $(   &!! & + getting at, but “saves the !  $ !      ! !+ &! ( world” is just a little reminis-   !  (     !-  ($  !! ($  cent of Superman. ‘Saving the $ !      .# " /+ &( ! % !  ( !  world’ is understood by those * ( % ( ($&  ! of us within the church, who  "%+  %($!( $($ know what John 3:16 says. But it needs a good deal of unpack-  !($  - ing for those who only engage #%&&('))+*+*" with church at Christmas; ask anyone who’s ever preached at  $ $ E6 www.englandonsunday.com October 28, 2012

together just right,” says Hushpuppy. “If one piece busts – even the smallest piece – the entire universe gets busted”. Remarkably, Dwight Henry who plays her daddy is by trade a baker, making quality doughnuts in New A precarious Orleans – close to where independent filmmakers Court 13 are based. Having got back in business after Hurricane Katrina, Henry auditioned for them and got the role of Wink. Wallis auditioned for her part when she was five years old (the call was for girls aged 6-9). One report existence says she was good at reading and screaming. That hardly does her justice. Hers is a rare performance of supreme confidence – easts of the Southern Wild (cert. 12A) is an odd in narration as much as in yelling and running, and par- take on life on the margins of the Mississippi ticularly when she takes charge of the situation when BDelta, and has already taken awards at the the authorities declare the Bathtub a mandatory evacu- Cannes and Sundance film festivals. It’s a fanciful ation area. As her father falls ill, she leads the escape account of the often fractious relationship between six- from the evacuation centre. year-old Hushpuppy (Quvenzhané Wallis) and her Writer Lucy Alibar worked with director Benh Zeitlin father Wink (Dwight Henry) as he ekes out a living on to adapt her stage play, Juicy and Delicious, for the the bayou. screen. The play’s original protagonist was a boy (per- It’s a precarious existence in more ways than one, haps to avoid any hint of autobiography) so transposing from trying to catch catfish by hand to surviving hurri- the central relationship to father-daughter allowed a cane season. They live in a small waters-edge communi- fresh dimension to the work. If there’s an Oscar® in the ty called “The Bathtub” where most homes are shacks offing, it may be for best adapted screenplay. on stilts. The work of Terrence Malick has been cited as an Hushpuppy has her own place, but manages to set it influence in the style. Alibar herself makes links to her on fire, and moves in with Wink, just as a storm blows Southern Baptist background, and says she wanted to up – a storm bad enough to cause many residents to focus on the emotional and spiritual realism of the flee while others are too stubborn or too drunk to go. story, but it’s not intended as Christian parable – Wink decides to ride it out, but this storm is symbolic of though you can detect biblical imagery from the flood what’s happening to the earth. to the theme of death to life, even if that means in a Events in Louisiana are mixed with the ice-shelf remade world. crumbling, and the release of aurochs frozen in the ice Not everyone will make the emotional connections in for millennia. Now what’s depicted may not be real – the story, but it’s often a joyous experience, not least in the point of view seems to be that of a six-year-old with the Zydeko-influenced soundtrack. The thoughts and a vivid imagination to go with the vivid realities – but as hopes of Hushpuppy, so brilliantly interpreted by the a fable about the end of the world it’s a dramatic treat- precocious Quvenzhané Wallis, linger in the mind to ment. make this the year’s indie hit. “The whole universe depends on everything fitting Steve Parish loves.... – but you can brighten up your life metaphorically, as cliched as it is. A few acts of so never again will going out mean kindness here, a run to get the endorphins pumping missing out. Whether you want to there and an evening planned with friends is sure to get READING – The Manual: Power/Poker/Pleasure/Pork keep up with the news or The Only the smile back – not that we will be able to see it behind Pies by Carl Beech Way Is Essex, there is something for your hat and scarf. The first of two books, this collection of short everyone with the 50 channels on devotionals has got the boys, and secretly the girls, offer; wherever you are. No wonder BAKING – Cupcakes excited to get studying each day. Written for men, by it won App for the Year for 2012... With The Great British Bake Off hype still lingering in men, these 60 days of notes are no-nonsense guide to download it now at . the air, this week the College Street office has been your walk with God – even Bear Grylls, the ultimate swept up in the hysteria and got the action man, is a fan! Written by Carl Beech from DISLIKING – The Weather... baking trays out. This easy recipe, Christian Vision for Men, start each day right with this I hate to break it to you, but the summer has gone and available on the website, will make pocket-size book. we won’t be seeing it for a while, (cue an inbox full of you look like a GBBO finalist - even emails asking how the summer can have gone when it if you can barely cook an egg. DOWNLOADING – TV Catchup never really arrived). But lighten up guys; the trick is to For the full recipe and much more, Never miss a programme again. This handy app can be make your own sunshine. I’m not talking physically of visit and click on the College Street downloaded to your iPhone, Android or tablet for free, course – we can barely afford the electricity bills as it is tab at the top of the page.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper October 28, 2012 www.englandonsunday.com E7

Graham Turner is a well-known journalist who now lives in teachers. Those interviewed include Rowan Williams, answers. retirement in Oxford. He was the BBC’s first economic Morris West, John Polkinghorne, Helen Prejean, Keith Tom Wright continues his SPCK series ‘Bible Guides correspondent and later worked for the Ward, John Lennox and David Tacey. Tacey, an Aus- For Everyone’ with a new book on Revelation. This is a Daily Telegraph. As well as economics he tralian academic, is one of the best commentators on book full of bizarre imagery that has given rise to all kinds also wrote on religious topics and is a com- alternative spirituality. of apocalyptic speculation. Bishop Tom unpacks the book’s mitted Christian. In the Power of Silence Sacristy Press, the imaginative new publishing real message. Here we see evil vanquished by the power of (Bloomsbury) he talks to monks, Quak- house based in Durham, continues to bring out inter- Christ. In New Testament Prayer for Everyone Bishop ers, psychiatrists and others about the esting new books. In Faith and the Age of Science Tom distils and reprints his reflections on prayer offered in value of silence. He investigates Catholic former vicar Mark Silversides offers an original view other volumes in the series. ‘The New Testament not only contemplatives as well as Zen masters. of the relationship between faith and science. Rabbi tells us to pray and invites us to pray. It draws us into This is book that examines the value of Lionel Blue hails this as ‘an outstanding book’ that is prayer. It helps us make prayer not just a habit but the silence in music, psychotherapy, music, reader –friendly to those who are not scientists. Con- deep heartbeat of our lives’. Can anyone match Tom the theatre and the pursuit of peace and cepts and terms are explained simply and the argu- Wright’s combination of dazzling scholarship and ability to reconciliation as well as in spirituality. ment strives to be fair to all sides. write good, popular, devotional works? Highly recommended. Ayrton Senna by Richard Craig (DLT) looks at the Christmas will soon be upon us and if you would like to Roland Ashby is an English-born Aus- man some have hailed as the ‘messiah of motor rac- prepare for the great feast Bloomsbury has a book to help tralian journalist who edits the Melbourne ing’. The 2010 film about him verged on the hagio- you. Inside the Christmas Story offers meditations for Anglican, Australia’s best diocesan paper known for its graphic, depicting him as someone put on earth to fight the Advent season. It is written by Anthony Bash who excellent articles on spirituality and theology as well as injustice, a beloved child of God. But does he owe his rep- works as a chaplain Hatfield College, Durham, where he church news. In A Faith to Live By (DLT) Ashby inter- utation to the fact that he died, aged only 30, in front of mil- also teaches in the Business School, and Melanie Bash, a views 25 leading Christian scholars, authors and spiritual lions of TV viewers? This book sets out to provide the consultant Clinical Psychologist who works in Newcastle. Faith and science God and the Scientist In recent years he has concentrated on eschatology, sonality, Ward asks how we know that that physical replica Fraser Watts and Christopher C Knights looking at how Christian faith can respond to the consen- of a person would also be a mental replica, with all that per- Ashgate, pb, £17.99 sus among scientists that in the far distance this universe son’s memories, desires and traits of character? A lot is going to come to an end and the view of some scientists, depends on how Polkinghorne understands the informa- n the current debate about the relationship between such as Sir Martin Rees, that the end may be nearer than tion-bearing pattern. Is this a physical structure or more religion and science Christians are fortunate to have in we think. like a mathematical sequence that can Itheir ranks a number of able, believing scientists who in All these topics be abstracted from any physical struc- addition to being eminent in their own field are also far ture? more knowledgeable about theology and philosophy Polkinghorne does not really answer than the likes of Richard Dawkins. John Polkinghorne, Ward’s questions although the does Anglican priest, fellow of the Royal Society and a for- affirm his belief in human psychosomat- mer Professor of Mathematical Physics at Cambridge, ic unity in contrast to the Creator who is is a first-rate scientist who is also in the pure Spirit. of theologians. Among the other essays Terry J In this new collection of essays a number of scientists Wright examines Polkinghorne’s and theologians assess Polkinghorne’s work. The book account of divine action, Junghyung begins with an autobiographical chapter by Polking- Kim looks at Polkinghorne’s eschatol- horne, which he entitles ‘Confessions of a Bottom-up ogy and compares it with that of Molt- Thinker’ and he also writes a concluding chapter, mann, Russell Re Manning discusses responding to points made by the other contributors. Ian Polkinghorne’s natural theology, and Barbour writes a chapter comparing the views of Polking- Philip Clayton focuses on divine kenosis horne, Arthur Peacocke and himself, a response to a in Polkinghorne’s account of creation short book Polkinghorne once wrote providing his own and divine action. As in the other contri- commentary on the work of the same three theologians. butions, these writers highlight Polk- Polkinghorne’s contribution to theology has been made inghorne’s achievements whilst in a number of areas. He has championed ‘critical realism’ are discussed in a first- pointing to the questions his work rais- and what he calls a new or revised natural theology. Draw- class collection of essays. John Polkinghorne es. ing on chaos theory he has attempted to describe ways in If a prize is to be awarded In his eschatology a major theme in which God can be thought of as acting in the world. Steer- it must go to Keith Ward Polkinghorne’s thought is the creation ing clear of process thought he has pushed for a more for a brief essay in which he defends the concept of the of the new out of the old. The ‘new creation’ is the transfor- kenotic understanding of God. Avoiding dualism he has soul and attempts to nudge Polkinghorne further in the mation of the old. If this understanding is abandoned, it is tried to explain the concept of the soul in terms of informa- direction of idealism. Responding to Polkinghorne’s under- difficult to make sense of the first creation. But unlike tion-bearing patterns of personality. standing of the soul in terms of a continuing pattern of per- Moltmann, Polkinghorne does not hope for fulfilment with- in the present universe. Conscious of scientific predictions about the future, Polkinghorne fixes on a transcendent source of hope. Examining Polkinghorne’s natu- ral theology, Russell Re Manning accuses him of being unfair to the old natural theology and of being too modest in his claims. For all his taste for philosophical and scientific speculation, Polking- horne is an orthodox believer who takes the Nicene creed as his theo- logical basis. This is bound to fuel the charge that when science and faith conflict he comes down on the side of faith. Critics point to the fact that he concedes the underlying mathematics of chaos theory is deterministic but he still appeals to it in understanding divine action. That criticism is discussed in this book, a work that is not without its own criticisms of Polkinghorne but nonetheless presents him as a cre- ative theologian whose faith gives him the confidence to grapple with the issues science raises in very fruitful way.

Paul Richardson Ea nnn.g2lmc2eo28u2ecy.dor Odtobgs wa, w01w

By the age of seven, a child born today will have spent one full year of 24-hour days watching screens, rising to three full years by the time s/he is 18, he says. On average, British teens clock up six hours’ screen time a day at home, while North American children manage almost eight hours, Janey Lee Grace he says. Yet research suggests that the negative impacts on health and wellbeing kick in after just two hours. It seems there are links with heart disease, stroke, obesity and dia- Live Healthy! Live Happy! betes, as well as other biological effects associated with being sedentary that exercise does not seem to reverse. One of the most worrying aspects of this report for me with four chil- dren is that Dr Sigman reckons prolonged screen time seems to impair the ability to express empathy and reduce attention span because of its effects on the neurotransmitter dopamine, which has a key role in the ability to pay attention, and is produced in response to “screen Ditch the electric nanny! British teens clock novelty,” It is also a up six hours’ screen key component of the ull-time parents and grandparents beware! dren have regular access to an average of five dif- brain’s reward system ‘Curb kids’ screen time to stave off major ferent screens at home by the time they are 10 time a day at home and implicated in Fhealth and developmental problems,’ was the years old, in the form of TVs, games consoles, addictive behaviour. headline from a new report urging us all to ditch smart phones, laptops and tablets. No wonder kids find what for some is the only bit of free childcare we sitting in school listen- have – the television set and DVD player. ing to someone teach- Doctors’ leaders and government need to take a ing sometimes boring: stand on “world’s favourite pastime,” says leading where are the flashing psychologist Dr Aric Sigman, who wrote the book lights!! Remotely Controlled. He gave a speech at the Royal Some countries College of Paediatrics and Child Health, and have started to take according to a paper in an influential medical jour- the issue on board, nal published last week, The Archives Of Disease in notably the US where Childhood, he says children’s obsession with TV, it’s thought even computers and screen games is causing develop- Google and Apple mental damage as well as long-term physical executives are consid- harm. ering sending their In the face of mounting evidence, doctors’ lead- children to Waldorf ers and government should take a stand and set Schools where screen clear guidelines on an activity that has so far elud- use is delayed till the ed the scrutiny that other health issues attract, early teens. I must say argues Dr Aric Sigman. I’m totally with Aric: Changes to daily screen time and delaying the we can’t turn back the age at which young children start “the world’s clock but we can set favourite pastime” are urgently needed to stave off limits. Anyone know the risk of serious health and developmental prob- of a good old-fash- lems. ioned radio pro- Children of all ages are watching more screen gramme aimed at media than ever before, he says, and what is more, kids? they are starting earlier and earlier. Britain’s chil-

13 In the NT, member of a conserva- 12 Where Jacob saws God's angels tive aristocratic Jewish priesthood before reuniting with Esau [Gen] PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 821 by Axe named possibly after Zadok [Matt, (8) Mark] (8) 14 'And Jesus, when he had found a 15 Town of Benjamin, east of Bethel young ---, sat thereon...' [1 Sam; Ezra; Neh; Isa] (8) [John/KJV] (3) 19 Where Moses commanded Joshua 16 '...you have no authority to ------to build an altar [Josh] (4) taxes, tribute or duty...' 21 '...seventy years, the ---- of a king's [Ezra/NIV] (6) life' [Isa] (4) 17 Woman often accepted to be the 22 The OT book of sound advice, wife of Philemon [Philem] (6) with instructions on many themes 18 '...I will give you ------of bronze.. ' (8) [Mic/NIV] (6) 24 Umbrian home of the founder of 20 Head of a convent (6) the Greyfriars (6) 23 '---- silver plate weighed a hundred 25 'You, therefore, have no ------, you and thirty shekels...' [Num] (4) who pass judgment on someone else...' [Rom/NIV] (6) Solutions to last week’s crossword Down 1 OT book in two parts (6) Across: 7 Shinto, 8 Mammon, 9 Seth, 10 Abi- 2 ‘Crazy driver’ eponym after the nadab, 11 Mormon, 14 Seir, 15 Asa, charioteering king of Israel [2 16 Jews, 18 Talent, 20 Jeremiah, 22 Kings] (4) York, 24 Joshua, 25 Ararat. 3 '------why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day' Down: 1 Thee, 2 Anthem, 3 Hosannas, 4 Omri, [Matt/NIV] (4,2) 5 Emmaus, 6 Rogation, 12 Obed- 4 '------be anyone who eats food Edom, 13 Matthias, 17 Seethe, 19 Lay- today!' [1 Sam/NIV] (6) man, 21 Imam, 23 Read. 5 'The first living ------was like a lion...' [Rev/NIV] (8) 6 Type of Jewish zealot some claim John the Baptist to have been (6)

The first correct entry drawn will win a book of the Editor’s choice. Send your entry to Crossword Number 821 The Church of England Newspaper, 14 Great College Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3RX by next Friday Across 9 Caesar who ordered the census which brought Mary and Joseph to Name 7 '------married two women, one named Bethlehem [Luke] (8) Adah and the other Zillah' 10 Victim of the Bible's first homicide Address [Gen/NIV] (6) [Gen] (4) 8 '...he may bring ------to those who live 11 Biblical country east of Babylonia, Post Code in Babylon' [Jer/NIV] (6) capital Susa [Gen; Isa; Dan; Acts] (4) Leader & Comment Sunday October 28, 2012 www.churchnewspaper.com 9 Comment The many-sided Church of England: The communion legacy and future prospects The Church of England is an interesting animal, perhaps reminding us of the over-used parable of the blind man feeling his way around an ele- phant: our Church has all manner of parts making it up. The church historians will tell us that it is unusual in refusing the dichotomy of of the saints ‘Catholic’ and ‘Reformed’, preferring to maintain a reformed catholicity in the theological, rather than denominational, sense. It is synodical himself – as known in two different ways.” And and yet episcopal in government and order, its diocesan bishops being Peter Mullen those biologists who think that the mind is a vague part of the elected General Synod, which includes laity – quite unlike and tenuous something produced by the brain are the Orthodox and Roman versions of church government. It is estab- Next week we shall commemorate All Saints and committing a logical fallacy. For, as St Augustine lished in England, no longer in Wales, and this means that some of its All Souls. When we pray for the repose of the souls pointed out 1,600 years ago, “If the mind were real- bishops sit in the House of Lords, that the Archbishop of Canterbury of those who have died, are we entirely convinced ly the brain, then for the mind to think of itself, it anoints the monarch and performs baptisms, marriages, and funerals about what we’re actually doing? For some perhaps would have to think of the brain. But actually, the for the royal family who must be prepared to be Anglican in order for it’s just a nice thing to do, to remember by name mind is present to itself immediately and does not this system to work. those whom we love but see no longer? Is it just need to represent itself as the brain.” It is not the This is a very ancient structure, making Church and monarch for- sentimental? I know we say “I believe in the resur- case that the brain is the hardware and the mind mally absolutely core to the nation’s institutional life. The Law courts, rection of the dead and the life of the world to epiphenomenal software. Rather the mind uses the for example, are formally speaking rooted in the monarchy, justice come,” but do we really believe it? It does seem a brain as it uses other parts of the body – such as the itself is therefore a systemically grounded in this faith, formally speak- tall story. leg. ing. The Church of England therefore performs a constitutional role of The old word for resurrection is anastasis – Our modern atheists seem to imagine that disbe- the deepest importance. standing up again after you’re dead. It’s a good trick lieving the resurrection is something new - as if In addition to this the parishes up and down the land are local if you can do it. But to many this seems nearer the those primitive people in the Bible could believe it churches with clergy, in town and countryside, maintaining the faith of truth: because they were primitive, but enlightened mod- Christ liturgically week in, week out, and running all manner of groups “O dark, dark, dark. They all go into the dark, ern atheists suppose they know the truth: that for all age groups who care to come along. Here is the lifeblood of our The vacant interstellar spaces, the vacant into the Christianity is, as Larkin said, only “a vast moth- church, its local churches with active lay people and clergy seeking to vacant, eaten musical brocade created to pretend we never live out the love of Jesus. In all its worship the Bible is read probably The captains, merchant bankers, eminent men of die.” But the modern atheists are wrong when they more than in any other denomination, in parishes and cathedrals, and letters, think that their scepticism about the resurrection is the sacraments of baptism and holy communion celebrated as confir- The generous patrons of art, the statesmen and the their own novelty. I’ve got news for them: the peo- mations of our participation in Christ. rulers, ple in the Bible didn’t believe in the resurrection Church schools are popular and apparently effective for education, Distinguished civil servants, chairmen of many either. although in terms of inculcating the Christian faith in pupils far less so, committees, Those Bible people were not fools. They were according to research regularly done. Likewise chaplaincies in higher Industrial lords and petty contractors, all go into just as sceptical as Mr Parris and Ms Toynbee. education, the NHS, prisons and armed forces remain in place in the dark, When Jesus walked to Emmaus with some of his rather different modes. In short, the presence of the Church of Eng- And dark the sun and moon, and the Alamanch de disciples on the first Easter Day. Did they say, “Oh land runs wide and deep, and is turned to when communities suffer Gotha Jesus, it’s great to have you back from the dead!” loss as the space where God can be turned to, without conditions of And the Stock Exchange Gazette, the Directory of Far from it. They said, “Women made us aston- membership. But the 1997 cultural revolution put in train an ideology Directors ished... saying he was alive.” And St Paul knew designed to undo any real Anglican ethical ‘glue’ for society, encourag- And cold the sense and lost the motive of action.” - many sceptical people: “Some man will say, How ing radical ‘diversity’ as an ideal and in terms of population movement. East Coker by TS Eliot are the dead raised up and with what body do they The established Church now finds herself in an awkward position as come?” just one among many religions, and having to downplay her truth There is a powerful and fashionable Even the apostle St Thomas claims in the interests of multicultural orthodoxy. Our Church faces materialist movement going on at the didn’t believe Jesus had immense difficulties in being an authentic Christian Church rather moment. Every media outlet seems returned from the dead. than a quasi-governmental ‘ministry of religions’. Establishment exists to employ its resident atheist to pour Those Bible people When Mary Magdalene and in form and ceremony, and at parish level pastorally, and will need very vigorous scorn on the church and the the other women told the disci- careful shaping by our next Archbishop. hope of eternal life. It is time we were not fools. ples that Jesus had risen, “Their returned the argument. For apart They were just as words seemed to them as idle The Church of England Newspaper from this noisy atheist-materialist tales, and they believed them lobby, there are very few philoso- sceptical as Mr not.” St Paul met lots of sophisti- with Celebrate magazine incorporating The Record and Christian Week phers these days – even secular cates, Guardian-reading Atheni- Published by Religious Intelligence Ltd. philosophers – who believe in materi- Parris and Ms ans, who laughed at his Company Number: 3176742 alism. It seemed natural to be a mate- Toynbee preaching the resurrection to Publisher: Keith Young MBE rialist when people thought that eternal life. Scepticism then is matter was composed of hard little nothing new. lumps called atoms, but modern In God there is no here and Publishing Director & Editor: CM BLAKELY 020 7222 8004 physics – modern? I’m talking about then a hereafter. There is simply Chief Correspondent: The Rev Canon GEORGE CONGER 00 1 0772 332 2604 the physics which has been orthodoxy for as long eternal life in God. This is the communion of saints. Reporter: AMARIS COLE 020 7222 8700 as a hundred years - tells a different story. We are at one with those who have gone before. An actual atom is not a solid little ball of stuff at And this oneness, this communion, is expressed in Advertising: CHRIS TURNER 020 7222 2018 all. The facts are stunning. Imagine a single atom and by love. We pray for them today because we Advertising & Editorial Assistant: PENNY NAIR PRICE 020 7222 2018 blown up to be the size of the interior of St Paul’s love them. Not because we used to love them and cathedral. The nucleus of that atom would be only a it’s nice to recall the fact sentimentally. But because Subscriptions & Finance: DELIA ROBINSON 020 7222 8663 speck of dust at the centre of that great space and we love them – present tense. Our Requiem prayers Graphic Designer: PETER MAY 020 7222 8700 the electrons surrounding it microscopic. Most of are a living, continuous solidarity with those we the interior of the atom is in fact empty space. Mat- love. And in praying for them we are affirming our The acceptance of advertising does not necessarily indicate ter in the new physics looks very immaterial. Or belief in the resurrection to eternal life. endorsement. Photographs and other material sent for publication consider the counter-intuitive discoveries of quan- In the communion of saints there is reciprocity. are submitted at the owner’s risk. The Church of England Newspaper tum mechanics: that a sub-atomic particle can be in We pray for those who have gone before and, in does not accept responsibility for any material lost or damaged. two places at once, or that it radically changes its God, we and they are part of the same prayer: for Christian Weekly Newspapers Trustees: Robert Leach (020 8224 5696), Lord Carey character if you look at it. Even that there are parti- prayer is the language of God: of Clifton, The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, The Rt Rev Pete Broadbent, Dr Elaine cles which have no mass. The universe seems more “And prayer is more Storkey, The Rev Peter Brown and more as if it’s made up not of material stuff but Than an order of words, the conscious occupation of mind stuff. Of the praying mind, or the sound of the voice pray- The Church of England Newspaper, So what is this thing which we call our “mind” or ing. Religious Intelligence Ltd “soul?” The mind or soul is not something inside And what the dead had no speech for when living, 14 Great College Street, London, SW1P 3RX the body. For the body is matter. And, as RG They can tell you, being dead: the communication Editorial e-mail: [email protected] Collingwood said: “Nothing can inhabit a house Of the dead is tongued with fire beyond the lan- Advertising e-mail: [email protected] made of matter except something else made of mat- guage of the living.” Subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] ter. Man’s body and man’s mind are not two differ- Little Gidding by TS Eliot ent things. They are one and the same thing – man Website: www.churchnewspaper.com

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 10 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday October 28, 2012 Anglican Life Damned by Association? Or the Lack of it?

By Stephen Kuhrt Most of these factors have been discipline, particularly when actions taken productive or even possible. misunderstood at various points, by both by a member or section of the church fly One of the major problems with the ne of the interesting aspects of conservatives and liberals, to signify that in the face of what it believes, under God, Anglican Communion at the moment is being part of Fulcrum is how often Fulcrum is sliding towards a revisionist to be the right course. the existence of two vociferous extremes Oit is misunderstood by both position on homosexuality. Liberals have This, incidentally, is why ‘The Covenant’ paradoxically united in their opposition to conservatives and liberals. Frequently sensed that Fulcrum is ‘coming around to or some equivalent is still very much these principles. Both are so entrenched attacked by both wings of the Church (and their view’ and conservatives have sensed needed for the Anglican Communion. But in their positions on homosexuality that often, to be fair, in response to a strong (and in some cases strongly declared) that what it does mean is that such discipline they basically regard anyone who critique of their positions) these attacks we are either ‘going native’ or showing will be recognised as being exercised disagrees with them as evil. From this upon Fulcrum are very often based upon what our ‘true colours’ have been all upon fellow brothers and sisters in Christ position there can be no dialogue but only the premise that if ‘x’ is the case then ‘y’ along. rather than badly disguised pagans. It schism and separation, which is why some and ‘z’ must be as well. Neither is the case. Fulcrum has simply doesn’t exclude either, the possibility of a on both extremes want this to occur as Nowhere is this more apparent than in been maintaining our position that a firm really robust response to what we regard soon as possible. These are the ‘loony regard to the hugely contentious issue of opinion can be combined with the as false teaching. But this must be done right’ and the ‘loony left’ and a major homosexuality. Since its founding in 2003, ecclesiological conviction that fellow with awareness that much of the false challenge for the next Archbishop, and Fulcrum has consistently maintained its teaching condemned in the New those within other leadership positions in support of the Church’s traditional Testament is actually that of those the Communion, will be not allowing these teaching that the proper context for sexual Fulcrum has been insisting that markers additional to extremes to deflect the Church from our expression is the union of a man and a baptism and faith in Jesus are required for calling to stay together in the faith that woman in marriage. This stance hasn’t maintaining that fellow others to be accepted as Christians. God can bring about the miracle of changed and isn’t about to. This, after all, is the teaching that Paul reconciliation on this issue. However alongside this, Fulcrum has Christians always possess anathematises in Galatians 1:8-9 and the The reason I have used the expression also always been committed to genuine something that we need to reason that he rebukes Peter in Galatians ‘working compromise’ is because I am dialogue and interaction with those who 2:11-14 – a damning because of lack of increasingly convinced that the centre disagree with this position. This has learn from association! right and centre left on homosexuality shown itself in the Goddard-to-Goddard Recent responses against this viewpoint may well, in reality, be approaching this conversations on homosexuality that we have helped to clarify some of the major issue with rather different questions and published a few years ago between Christians always possess something that differences between conservative concerns which increased dialogue will Andrew Goddard of Fulcrum and Giles we need to learn from. Which is why evangelicals and those of a more help to clarify. Goddard of Inclusive Church. dialogue is so crucial. Whilst our overall ‘fulcrumesque’ persuasion. Key to If, as I suspect, the major issue for Recently we also published two articles position may remain broadly the same, Fulcrum’s ethos is the biblical and moderate conservatives is what we are to on our website questioning traditional genuine dialogue between Christians will ecclesiological commitment to staying preserve as the basic norms for society perspectives upon homosexuality with one always leave both sides not only changed together with Christians with whom we and for moderate liberals it is how we are of them then receiving an article in but in a major and significant way. often profoundly disagree. to relate with genuine love towards those response. Whilst Leadership Team Rather than representing a wishy-washy First because of the point already made who are gay then a working compromise, members agree to uphold Fulcrum’s post-modernism, this position is based that if someone confesses that Jesus is whilst not easy, is possible. position, parish-level pastoral responses upon firm theological conviction. Lord, we are theologically compelled to If I am on to anything here, then staying vary. It is acknowledged that some on the One of the great insights of the ‘New regard them as fellow members of the together is crucial, partly for its own sake Leadership Team have searching Perspective on Paul’ over the last decade body of Christ. and partly because the prize of resolution questions about the Fulcrum position and or so has been the progress made in Second and because of this, we believe on this issue, is simply enormous. It will its application. More provocatively, I reaching a much clearer understanding of that, whatever our differences, we need require a miracle but that is the business recently gave an interview to The ‘Justification by Faith’. At the centre of this one another because ‘us’ as much as of the God we worship! Fear of being Guardian where I said that the next doctrine, most clearly displayed in Paul’s ‘them’ will be wrong on some aspects of damned by association is very real. But Archbishop of Canterbury needs to be letter to the Galatians, is the conviction Christian belief and practice therefore in perhaps it is the precise opposite that we someone who will be able to stare down that once someone declares their faith in need of our brothers’ and sisters’ should possess the greatest fear of. the ‘loony left’ and the ‘loony right’ so that Jesus as Lord, we are obliged to regard correction. the Church can reach ‘a working them as a fellow brother or sister. No Third, because staying together is the compromise’ on the issue of matter what else we might disagree upon. only way of enabling the relationship to be Stephen Kuhrt is Vicar of Christ Church, homosexuality. This doesn’t exclude the possibility of established that will make such dialogue New Malden and Chair of Fulcrum Are self-sustaining bishops on the way?

By Julian Mann churches, the diocese raises the money to pay for its own bish- op, his stipend, expenses and the upkeep of his residence and It is not only net-receiving churches in parish share that are staff. being offered a self-supporting minister by cash-strapped dioce- “Well done,” the diocesan representatives on the Crown Nom- ses looking to make savings on stipends when the incumbent inations Commission are told. “But you’re still going to get an moves on. It is now increasingly happening to net-giving parish- SSB and as an expression of your spiritual partnership with the es, in some cases paying more than £50,000 per annum. rest of the Church of England, you’re going to give the Commis- Even though their new SSM receives no stipend, the PCCs are sioners the money you have raised so they can continue to pay asked to continue to pay their full parish share as an expression for stipendiary bishops elsewhere.” of their spiritual partnership with their dioceses. “But,” says Diocese A, “we consider that we need a full-time In the light of this trend, it might be worth considering the fol- bishop for mission. Our last one was worth every penny in the lowing scenario: it is AD 2025 and the Church Commissioners spiritual direction he gave and the church growth that under are facing grave financial difficulties. They are finding it very God he enabled. We believe growth generates growth. If the hard to find the money for stipendiary bishops and their expens- Lord Jesus Christ continues to add to the number of people who es. are being saved in churches across our diocese, then we are in a So, the House of Bishops, after strong representations by the position to support ministry outside our diocese. Are you sug- Commissioners, persuades the General Synod to agree a target gesting that we are being selfish in wanting our own stipendiary of 10 self-supporting diocesan bishops by 2030 and 20 suffra- bishop?” gans. “No, of course not. A bit congregationalist perhaps. The Diocese A has a Vacancy in See. It is told that its next appoint- cheque is payable to the Church Commissioners by the way.” ment will be an SSB. The Vacancy in See Committee, believing strongly that their diocese needs a full-time, stipendiary bishop, Julian Mann is vicar of the Parish of the Ascension, Oughtibridge, mobilises support. With the positive backing of its net-giving South Yorkshire – www.oughtibridgechurch.org.uk Classifieds and Letters Sunday October 28, 2012 www.churchnewspaper.com 11

continued from page 8 the state seeks to impose its will and values in every area of life; dictating and micro- managing all aspects of the individual, family, business, etc. Multiculturalism was advanced on the ungodly premise of postmodernism, asserting all values are ultimately meaningless in a universe created by the sheer chance random interaction of matter and energy. The problem is that in practice the liberal elite do not act on the assumption that all values are equally meaningless: they assert their own val- ues as absolutes, backing them up with the authority and force of the state. If those who propose multiculturalism can’t or won’t make it work, then they are invit- ing Christians to reassert that there can be but one divinely ordained morality and that it was revealed to our ancestors in the Bible. We assert as a fact of history that God made man in his own image, and gave him the conscience to discern good from evil so that we may choose the former and reject the latter; that the present diversity of moral views fol- low from the Fall corrupting man’s moral compass and consequently our need of God’s mind revealed in Scripture as a corrective. It isn’t that homosexuality alone is intrinsically disordered, the whole of the human race was and we all need the corrective of God’s Word to restore moral health to our con- sciences. In this Science cannot help, it can only observe ‘what is’ in a Fallen world, not ‘what ought to be’, what God intended. Half a century ago our nation changed its mind on homosexual practice, if this was a mistake, would it not be wise to repent and readopt Christian values and outlaw it? Then it need not be catered for in the provision of services. However, as I say, this is not the only solution, the other is for the state to withdraw from mandating every area of life, then with goodwill all around, multiculturalism might flourish. Alan Bartley, Greenford, Middlesex

politicians and the media declaring Silent symbols “Britain is no longer a Christian country, Sir, I think that more Christians should churches are half-empty and there are make more use of the silent symbol. Per- few Christians left.” If every fourth per- haps we could give out a small Christian son they see is wearing a Christian gift instead of sweets to “trick or cross, they would stop thinking this way treaters” who come to our door at Hal- and realise they should take Christian loween. We could perhaps wear a cross opinion into account. lapel pin or small cross necklace. Many We could also buy Christmas cards ordinary people often get little chance to with a Nativity scene on instead of a talk about their faith to new people, but if snowman, and put an illuminated Nativi- they wear a cross in a busy shopping ty in our front window at Christmas, as a mall, for instance, it will be seen by silent but visible witness to the meaning dozens of people an hour. of Christmas. Wearing a cross raises the profile of a A Wills, Christian presence and would help stop Ruislip, Middx

Questions of divine justice Sir, Dreams and dreamers feature in both Old and New Testaments, amongst them Jacob’s dream at Bethel and Peter’s vision in Cornelius’ house. I wonder, therefore, at Martin Bartley’s readiness to disparage Martin Luther King’s ‘dream’ of a time, when black and white people would be equally respected, and also at his separation of social justice from ‘God’s Just Justice’. Divine justice may indeed eventually require a weeding out of the tares but the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats suggests that Jesus’ test of godliness depends more on orthopraxis than on orthodoxy. Whilst Paul was, under- standably, anxious to protect the embryo Church from scandal, Jesus had been unafraid to hang out with notorious publicans and sinners. It was his table fellowship that trans- formed Zacchaeus’ life. None of us is righteous enough to deserve a place in God’s Kingdom, which is why it is all important not to restrict access to Jesus, who alone is the Door. Should the Church bar couples who have been ‘living in sin’, and perhaps have a child born out of wedlock, from a church wedding? Should it refuse to dedicate a civil wedding, following divorce, or to bless a same-sex partnership? Surely not! Rather it should endeavour to help fur- ther all human be-comings, as people variously struggle to live more according to the spirit and not the flesh. Of course, it is a category error to equate the ‘flesh’ with the body, as that would deny ‘the body’s grace’ and demean the Incarnation. Serena Lancaster, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos. Biblical demands on church leaders Sir, When considering nominations for Archbishop is any consideration given to the scriptural requirements as outlined at 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1? For example Titus 1:9 would exclude all nominees in the Church of England. Bob Morris, Email

Don’t miss an issue!

You can order this newspaper from your local newsagent. Simply fill in the form below and your newsagent will ensure a copy is reserved for you every week: Please reserve a copy of The Church of England Newspaper for me every week until further notice

Name......

Address...... 12 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday October 28, 2012 Register

ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER The Rev Edward Orme, APPOINTMENTS NSM (Associate Priest), Reading St Agnes with St Paul and St Barnabas (Oxford): has The Rev Ian Brothwood, Sunday 28 October. Pentecost 22. Psalm 130, Mt 10:32-42. Pray for Iglesia Episco- retired with effect from 6 October 2012. Rector, Selsdon St John with St Francis pal de Cuba Mr Nicholas Rutter, (Southwark): to be Vicar, Croydon St Assistant Lay Chair, Lichfield Deanery Michael with St James (same diocese). Monday 29 October. Psalm 131, Mt 11:1-19. Ikwuano - (Aba, Nigeria): The Rt Rev (Lichfield): has resigned with effect from The Rev Ruth Bull, Chigozirim Onyegbule 13 September 2012. NSM (Assistant ), Burntwood (Lich- Mrs Mithra Tonking: field): to be NSM (Assistant Curate), Lich- Tuesday 30 October. Psalm 132, Mt 11:20-24. Jaffna - (South India): The Rt Rev Dr is now Director of Administration’ and field St Michael with St Mary and Wall St Daniel Thiagarajah Assistant Diocesan Secretary (Lichfield). John (same diocese). The Ven John Green, Wednesday 31 October. All Hallows Eve. Psalm 133, 1 Kgs 6:1-14. Ilaje - (Ondo, CORRECTION (Coventry and Birmingham): to be Nigeria): The Rt Rev Fredrick Olugbemi Archdeacon Pastor (Coventry). The Rev Canon Martin Coppen, The Rev Caroline King, Thursday 01 November. All Saints. Psalm 134, 1 Kgs 8:1-11. Ile - Oluji - (Ondo, Vicar, Hurstbourne Priors, Longparish, St NSM (House for Duty Team Vicar), Nigeria): The Rt Rev Samson Adekunle Mary Bourne and Woodcott (Winchester): Wheatley (Oxford): is now Team Vicar, to retire with effect from 7 January 2013. Dorchester (same diocese). Friday 02 November. All Souls’ Day. Psalm 135:1-7, 15-21, 1 Kgs 8:12-21. Ilesa - On retirement he will become Canon The Rev Tanya Lord, (Ibadan, Nigeria): The Rt Rev Dr Olubayu Sowale. Ilesa South West - (Ibadan, Nige- Emeritus, Winchester Cathedral (same Assistant Curate, Bristol St Matthew and St ria): The Rt Rev Samuel Egbebunmi diocese). Nathanael (Bristol): to be Priest-in-Charge, Southmead (same diocese). Saturday 03 November. Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26, Mt 11:25-30. Indianapolis - (V, The READERS The Rev Dr Elizabeth Pitkethly, Episcopal Church): The Rt Rev Catherine Waynick (Oxford): to be NSM (Associate Clergy), Oxford St Andrew (same diocese). Mrs Sheila Lancaster The Rev David Ruddick, (same diocese). (transferred into the area) to Hayfield & Assistant Curate, Elmswell (St Edmunds- LAY & OTHER Chinley with Buxworth (Derby) bury and Ipswich): to be Team Vicar, Mor- APPOINTMENTS Mrs Lynda Herbert den (Southwark). RETIREMENTS & licenced to Doveridge, St Cuthberts The Rev Elizabeth Sewell, RESIGNATIONS Mr Neil Bradley, (Derby) Rector, Knaresborough; and Priest-in- Manager of Christian Giving (Lichfield): Mr Michael Wilson Charge, Nidd (Ripon and Leeds): to be The Rev Andrew Cooper, has retired with effect from 30 September licenced to Glossop, All Saints (Derby) Residentiary Canon, Ripon Cathedral Database Administrator (Lichfield): has 2012. (same diocese). retired with effect from 20 September Mr Tim Judson: The Rev Lisa Shemilt, 2012. is now Interim Pioneer Minister, Wolver- THE 2012 BIBLE Assistant Curate, Walton St John (Derby): The Rev Annette Hanny, hampton (Lichfield). CHALLENGE to be Assistant Curate (Minister Responsi- NSM, Oldbury, Langley, and Londonderry; The Rev David Mackenzie Mills, ble and Director of Studies), Morley with and Chaplain, Sandwell Mental Health Minor Canon and Precentor, Canterbury Smalley and Horsley Woodhouse (same NSM and Social Care Trust (Birming- Cathedral (Canterbury): to be Rector, Kin- Day 302 Daniel 11-12, Psalm 97, Revelation diocese). ham): has resigned with effect from 1 Sep- ross St Paul (St Andrews, Dunkeld and 21 The Rev Melusi Sibanda, tember 2012. Remaining Chaplain. Dunblane, The Scottish Episcopal Day 303 Hosea 1-2, Psalm 98, Revelation 22 Priest-in-Charge, Rednal; and Area Dean, The Rev Barbara Kingston, Church). Day 304 Hosea 3-4, Psalm 99, Matthew 1 Kings Norton Deanery (Birmingham): to NSM (Assistant Curate), Lee Good Shep- The Rev Michael Oke, Day 305 Hosea 5-6, Psalm 100, Matthew 2 be Vicar. Remaining Area Dean. herd with St Peter (Southwark): has NSM (Assistant Curate), Tilehurst St Day 306 Hosea 7-8, Psalm 101, Matthew 3 The Rev Andrew Ward, resigned with effect from 13 October 2012. George and St Mary Magdalene (Oxford): Day 307 Hosea 9-10, Psalm 102, Matthew 4 Rector, Walbrook Epiphany (Derby): to be has retired with effect from 6 October Day 308 Enjoy hearing the Scriptures read also Rural Dean, Derby South Deanery 2012. aloud in church

Poaching skate in the oven with fresh fish stock couldn't be Recipe of simpler, and accompanied by a simple orange and lemon sauce, it makes a no-hassle dinner. Serve with roasted Wine of the Week the Week potato slices and courgettes or beans. INGREDIENTS Tesco Finest Fiano 2011 Tesco £6.99 Serves: 4 stock, preferably 675 g (1½ lb) even- home-made Italian white wines get better and better, as sized new potatoes, 3 oranges their making has greatly improved over past scrubbed and halved juice of 1 lemon decades, particularly if they come from Italian local grapes native to their region (there are 1 tbsp extra virgin 30 g (1 oz) butter olive oil many, many varieties). If that’s the case, they 4 tbsp clear honey can display on their label, as here, the letters 4 pieces of skate wing, salt and pepper IGT (more or less the equivalent of France’s about 600 g (1 lb 5 oz) vin de pays). Though many Fiano bottles in total 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley to garnish come from the Campania, east of Naples — 250 ml (8½ fl oz) fish the grape does well on volcanic soils — excellent ones also now originate from the same earths in Sicily, as this. Serve lightly chilled, to get the best of Skate with citrus-honey sauce its complexity. The gold in the glass also has something of the colour of hay about it: on the nose there is a whiff of that, in METHOD combination with peachy fruit ripeness. Held in a potent medium body, experi- ence an elegant balance of dry mineral Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 50 mins and pour into a small pan. Add the lemon juice, but- notes, something of hazelnuts, expertly 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F, gas mark 6). ter and honey. Cut the peel and pith from the blended in with citrus and apple fruit, Put the potatoes in a roasting tin, drizzle over the oil remaining orange with a sharp knife. Working over joined by a hint of spice at the finish. and add salt and pepper to taste. Toss well. Roast on the saucepan to catch the juice, cut in between the Alcohol by Vol. 13.5%. There’s an overall the top shelf of the oven for 25–30 minutes or until membrane to release the segments. Set the seg- impression of restrained richness, tender. ments aside. which joins with its clean crisp subtle 2. Meanwhile, arrange the skate in a single layer 4. When the skate is cooked, carefully lift it from acidity to make a good food match with in a large shallow ovenproof dish and pour over the the stock and arrange on plates. Gently warm the crunchy roast pork or sausages, salami, fish stock. Cover tightly with foil and poach in the sauce to melt the butter, but don't allow it to boil. even perhaps some cream-sauced pasta. oven for about 25 minutes or until the fish will flake Add the orange segments and season with salt and Graham Gendall Norton easily. pepper to taste. Pour over the fish, sprinkle with the 3. While the fish and potatoes are cooking, make parsley and serve immediately, with the roasted the sauce. Squeeze the juice from 2 of the oranges potatoes. Anglican Life Sunday October 28, 2012 www.churchnewspaper.com 13 A land of promise?

By Jeremy Moodey ism, the report will seek to navigate a per- EAPPI to be a serious and scrupulously tance to any country that engages in a con- ilous passage between understanding the non-partisan organisation, did not recog- sistent pattern of human rights violations. Your starter for 10: what are the four Jewish longing for a homeland, and Chris- nise the JC’s criticism, even if we under- Jewish groups in the US were so outraged “Instruments of Communion” of the Angli- tian support for this yearning, and the cries stood the Jewish sense of hurt. But the by the letter that they immediately with- can Communion? I have been an Anglican for justice of the Palestinian people. debate had clearly touched a drew from a planned national for 30 years and had no idea what the Jewish-Christian roundtable answer was. In fact, I could easily have mis- meeting. understood the question and volunteered Archbishop Jackson’s that the instruments were a chalice, a pyx report, which has been (great Scrabble word), some wafers and a shrouded in secrecy during bottle of sacramental wine. its lengthy drafting, can be In fact the Instruments are the Archbish- expected to strain every op of Canterbury, the Lambeth Confer- sinew to see both sides of the ence, the Primates’ Meeting and the theological debate. For a Anglican Consultative Council (ACC). This document that is also intend- last institution starts its triennial meeting ed to be a study guide, in Auckland this weekend. encouraging readers to The ACC, consisting of bishops, priests, explore Scripture and reach and laity from all the Anglican their own views about God’s provinces around the world, is generally faithfulness to his people, seen as the most representative church the land and justice, this is body. It is also the only ‘Instrument’ that perhaps to be commended; a has a proper constitution, dating from more tendentious text would 1969. But its resolutions are merely adviso- have generated more heat ry, leading one ecclesiastical sceptic to con- than light. The real question clude recently that the ACC has “talked is: will the ACC debate actu- (indabaed) its way into obscurity”. The 80 ally lead to any tangible or so Anglicans gathering in Auckland action, given the Biblical under the chairmanship of Archbishop imperative to “loose the Rowan will presumably take a different chains of injustice” (Isaiah view. 58:6)? By the way, I had to look all this up. I sus- In their 2009 Kairos docu- pect most Anglicans in the pews, like me, ment, Palestinian Christians get little further than the Archbishop when called on their fellow believ- thinking about the constitutional structure These cries include the voices of Pales- nerve with Britain’s Jewish community. ers around the world to “revisit fundamen- of their church. tine’s rapidly diminishing Christian com- Indeed, Jewish-Christian relations are talist theological positions that support But despite its advisory nature, the ACC munity, whose own Kairos Palestine coming under increasing strain as more certain unjust political options with regard has addressed some controversial topics in document in December 2009 received and more church bodies wake up to the to the Palestinian people… to stand along- its time. Its 2005 conference in Nottingham widespread attention, and not a little criti- sclerosis that has afflicted Israeli/Palestin- side the oppressed and preserve the word was dominated by one topic, you’ve cism from Jewish groups, for its descrip- ian peace talks and the palpable injustice of of God as good news for all rather than to guessed it, homosexuality. The next con- tion of Israeli occupation as a “sin” and its Israel’s 45-year occupation of East turn it into a weapon with which to slay the ference, in Jamaica in 2009, was largely apparent endorsement of boycott, divest- Jerusalem and the West Bank and contin- oppressed”. monopolised by the Anglican Covenant ment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel. ued settlement building, in violation of The ACC’s discussion on Christian Zion- debate, an issue that will figure significant- The ACC debate comes at a sensitive international law. ism in Auckland next week may not mark a ly at the Auckland forum this time round. time for Anglican-Jewish relations. In July Earlier this month, leaders of 15 US sea-change in Anglican attitudes to But there is another potentially toxic the General Synod passed a controversial denominations, including the Presbyteri- Israel/Palestine, but it will certainly be a issue up for discussion this year, one that motion in support of the Quaker-coordinat- ans, Evangelical Lutherans and United start of the debate. Anglicans have generally avoided: Chris- ed Ecumenical Accompaniment Pro- Methodists, supported by the Rabbinical tian Zionism. The Most Rev Dr Michael gramme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI). Council of Jewish Voice for Peace, wrote to Jeremy Moodey is Chief Executive of Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin and chair of The vote was followed by an angry editori- the US Congress asking it to investigate Embrace the Middle East, the inter- NIFCON (the Anglican Communion Net- al in the Jewish Chronicle describing the the legality of US military aid to Israel, denominational development charity work for Inter Faith Concerns), will pres- EAPPI, an initiative of the World Council of given what the Churches called “wide- formerly known as BibleLands, which ent the Communion’s first major document Churches, as “grotesquely partisan” and spread Israeli human rights violations com- tackles poverty and injustice in the lands of on the subject. Entitled Land of Promise? the debate as “a day of shame for the mitted against Palestinians”. The US the Bible. You can find out more by visiting An Anglican Exploration of Christian Zion- Church”. Those, like me, who know the Foreign Assistance Act prohibits assis- www.embraceme.org Beating the decline in traditional crafts by working with churches Young, traditional and craftsman are not three words you or renovation is an affordable way to add original and high floors, pews and pulpits. The magnificent doors were recre- would associate with a small business success story in quality pieces to their homes, churches or community ated and reinstalled with glass to bring light into Woburn these tough financial times. But husband and wife partner- spaces. Church. ship James and Ruth Sneath who live in Bedford have been Ruth works alongside James to promote and manage the “James came to us on recommendation from All Saints, beating the odds. business. Queen’s Park, Bedford. His work on the entrance of St Sneath Antique and Architectural Restoration was estab- “We have been so pleased to receive a great deal of fan- Mary’s, Woburn, has been of excellent quality,” the Rev lished five years ago, a couple of years after James finished tastic feedback on our work over the years and to see so Stephen Nuth said. a five-year apprenticeship in Antique Furniture Restoration. many customers returning to have their investments and James explains that it was a real ‘crossroads’ moment in his unique and cherished buildings restored or renovated.” For further information on the services offered by Sneath life. James explains that it is often a solitary job, that requires Antique and Architectural Restoration please contact “I was stuck in a job that I really disliked and desperately a lot of patience and judgement, but seeing the end product [email protected] 07870605197, 01234 300486 wanted to get back into the workshop. I’m a hands-on guy always makes it worthwhile. www.sneathantique.co.uk and love the process of restoring or creating something, so The couple love seeing architecture and I took the plunge!” furniture given a new lease of life, a family Many people advised that craftsmanship was not fashion- favourite being restored to its former glory able anymore but James and Ruth thought differently. They or creating a piece that adds depth and  noticed that people were interested in restoring and reviv- interest to a church or building.   ing old buildings. They also had faith that many people James has done work in a lot of interest-     value good craftsmanship and don’t want to dispose of well- ing places from Woburn Abbey to Arsenal made furniture or see well-crafted interiors fade away. Football Club but particularly enjoys work-            They feel that restoring, adapting or creating good quali- ing with churches. Recently James has  ty woodwork is an eco-friendly and a fulfilling process. been fortunate enough to work in some Their customers are often surprised to find that restoration beautiful churches on anything from doors, 14 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday October 28, 2012 Feature Self-Esteem – A Biblical View by Maurice Titmarsh become discouraged. we have everything to gain meaningful, more purposeful way see him glorified. It cannot be denied that in the (Philippians 1:21). to live. They have discovered that This is the wonder of the Self-esteem is all about the way Bible we can read about those Honesty and humility are the there is a better way to spend biblical message. Flawed men we see ourselves. Some people who did just that. People like key to good ‘self-esteem’. They their days on earth than simply and women can be forgiven men have a very high opinion of King David, who twice asked of keep us from thinking we are living for that which is merely and women, who then become themselves while others have an himself: ‘why are you cast down, better than we are. They enable temporal. focused men and women; extremely low one. Too high an O my soul?’ People like Job who, us to see that there is only One For it is in seeing that we are focused on God’s goodness and opinion and we will find that we in the midst of what was a who is truly worthy of praise. precious to God that we discover grace rather than on anything cannot always live up to our tremendously traumatic They help us gain a clearer our worth. It is in knowing that within themselves. expectations. Too low an opinion experience, said: ‘I am blameless, understanding of who and what he loves us with an everlasting It is this ‘focus’ that enables us and we can feel inadequate and in yet I do not know myself; I we are in the sight of God. love that we are motivated to live to take a higher view of life and of some cases become depressed. despise my life’ (Psalm 46 In Philippians chapter 2 we are the best life we can. It is in doing ourselves and long for that which It is important therefore that vv.5&11; Job ch.9 v.21). Nor can confronted with Christ’s perfect his will, as it is revealed in his is best. It is when God sets the we have a healthy balanced view we escape the fact that the Bible example of humility and the Word, that we are assured of a standard and Jesus is looked to of ourselves and for the Christian teaches that all men are fallen apostle urges us all to: ‘let this heavenly reward that is promised as our example and the Bible is believer that means a biblical sinners, having inherited Adam’s mind be in you which was also in to those who are faithful (1 Peter taken as our guidebook that we view. sinful nature. Christ Jesus’. He speaks of how 1:7; Jeremiah 31:3; Matthew begin to see the reason why he We live in a world where so However these ought not to be Jesus did not cling to his position 25:21). has made us. It is that we might much is influenced by what other the things that ultimately in glory, he did not put his own These are the things that really seek him and find him and get to people think and say. A person’s determine the way the Christian interest before everything else, make life worthwhile. These are know him and enjoy him forever confidence can easily be knocked sees himself. Rather, he should but he ‘humbled himself’, he the things that can give people (Acts 17:27). if they are considered, or see himself as one who is became a servant, he became a real confidence. These are the consider themselves, to be out-of- ‘accepted by God’ through faith man, and he became ‘obedient to things that will give people real step with current opinion or in the beloved Son Jesus. That is the point of death, even the death hope. Because these are the Maurice Titmarsh is an ex- fashion. The temptation is to what really matters to him of the cross,’ (Philippians 2:5-8). things that turn the spotlight minister and itinerant preacher want to jump on the bandwagon. (Romans 5:19; Ephesians 1:6). As a result millions of lives away from ourselves, and the (Bible references are taken from So to those who are tempted to So, when it comes to have been transformed. Millions things that we do, and focus it the New King James Version of the make that ‘jump’ the apostle Paul measuring ‘self-esteem’ the of people have found a more clearly upon God and Scriptures). writes: ‘for we dare not classify Christian does not ask, how do I positive, more prompt in us a ourselves or compare ourselves see myself? Nor does he ask, desire to with those who commend how do other people see me? themselves ... but they, What he asks is, how do I stand measuring themselves by before God? It is therefore themselves, and comparing vitally important to know themselves among themselves, what the Bible has are not wise,’ (2 Corinthians to say on this 10:12). matter. And to those who, having The biblical refused to ‘jump’, want to stay approach is to be upright on their spiritual feet the honest with ourselves apostle writes: ‘for I say, through and say: ‘if anyone thinks the grace given to me, to himself to be something, everyone who is among you, not when he is nothing, he to think of himself more highly deceives himself’ and to than he ought to think, but to confess: ‘not that we are think soberly, as God has dealt to sufficient of ourselves to think each one a measure of faith’ anything as being from (Romans ch.3 v.12). ourselves, but our sufficiency is The Christian places his from God’ confidence, not in himself, or in (Galatians 6:3; 2 Corinthians the opinions of others, or in the 3:5). things of this world, but in the God who has brought him to It is also to be humble and to faith, acknowledging that this is acknowledge that in and of not something he has done for ourselves we have nothing worth himself, but the result of God’s boasting about. But, by faith in love, and mercy, and grace. That Jesus Christ, we have everything is not to say that Christians do that is of any worth. Outside of not ever lack confidence or Christ we are nothing, ‘in Christ’

PRICES HELD Subscribe to the Annual Subscription rates: online edition for UK £65, Retired: £55 (UK only) just £25 a year including free online edition Subscribe today! Europe: £90 (€140), Rest of World: £110 (US $220), I wish to pay by  cheque credit card  debit card  other Please make cheques payable to Religious Intelligence Ltd Online edition: £25 Or call 020 7222 8663 With an annual subscription you can have full access to our website with enclose £ ____ ($____ ) or  I authorise you to debit my account with the amount of £ ……….. ($...... ) regularly updated news. Card number: __ _ _/_ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ Expiry Date:…...... /…...... Issue No:......

Simply fill in the form and send it to: Valid from: ...... /...... Security Code:......

Subscriptions Department, OR: you may transfer funds direct to our Bank at Barclays Bank PLC. Religious Intelligence Ltd, Sort Code: 20-57-06. Account No: 10298034. Account Name: Religious Intelligence Ltd 14 Great College Street, London, SW1P 3RX Name:...... Address: ......

Or visit www.churchnewspaper.com Postcode...... Daytime telephone: ...... and pay via PayPal Email...... Signature:...... Sunday Sunday October 28, 2012 www.churchnewspaper.com 15

Living in Oxford I am daily reminded of will ask questions, push at the boundaries people who have made their mark on the of knowledge, question the status quo. world. Sculptures, memorial plaques, THE SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR Some will settle for the comfortable route, buildings, street names and so forth pro- while others will ask the wrong questions claim the famous, the shapers, the people By the Rev Dr Liz Hoare and go down blind alleys. Some of them who have moved humanity on in the realm will come into contact with the good news of knowing and understanding. For some of Jesus Christ and will be invited to ask of them it was a costly path to tread. Fry, prison reformer, Edith Cavell, nurse; tian faith is a questioning faith. It doesn’t questions about him. Change, including change in how we Edward the Confessor, king; Teresa of settle for easy solutions because the king- Pray that among the questions they ask, understand the world is not always wel- Avila, teacher of the faith; Nicholas Ridley dom of God turns things upside down. there will be a yearning for meaning that come. and Hugh Latimer, bishops and martyrs to Faith in God challenges the comfortable leads them to Jesus. And pray too for all the For example, some of the scholars name a few of them. These figures stood nature of many of the acceptable ways of unknown but faithful men and women remembered challenged the status quo up for their beliefs and in many cases paid doing things because it looks forward to a around the world today who are taking the with their new insights. The Christian the ultimate price for doing so. They too world where values are different. Our faith costly path of questioning and challenging Church also has its movers and shakers, questioned the status quo and refused to grows as we question our own motives and evil. Those who are saying there is a differ- past and present. Most Christians can settle for easy answers. assumptions against the word of God. ent way to live, another way of doing name a favourite preacher, writer or leader Elizabeth Fry questioned the treatment Every year thousands of students pass things. They may not be remembered on a who is well known. In the past week or so doled out to prisoners. Ridley and Latimer through Oxford, many of them hoping to plaque, but they are known to God and the Anglican lectionary has recalled to our questioned the established religious make their own mark on the world via the they are graven on the palm of his hand. minds some of those who have lived out beliefs of their day. We grow by question- heady mix of academia and the pursuit of (and died for) the faith in the past: Pauli- ing, pushing at the boundaries and chal- excellence. The Rev Dr Liz Hoare (né e Culling) is tutor nus, bishop and missionary; Thomas Trah- lenging the status quo. Anyone with a Some of them will no doubt have their in prayer, spirituality and mission at erne, poet and spiritual writer; Elizabeth toddler is all too well aware of this. Chris- names remembered in the future. They Wycliffe Hall

SUNDAYSUNDAY SERVICESERVICE Sunday Readings for 4 November 2012 A fulfilling life: Proper 26 - 4 before Advent - Year B

Deuteronomy 6:1-9 Hebrews 9:11-14 away from the City Mark 12:28-34

Who are we, and how do we understand our identity? Long ago, in the book of Deuteronomy, By Steve Morris lovely people and talking about Jesus and the people of Israel were taught to define themselves as a people chosen by God from among travelling together for a while. I feel sorry the nations, to receive his blessing and to be as a first-born among the nations of the earth. Let’s scroll back 10 years. I’d have been for all the middle-aged men and women They were to be distinguished from their neighbours and from others who lived amongst getting up very early, putting on the busi- travelling to airports and stations for them by their faith in God, who created them and sustained them through many difficult ness suit and heading for the airport. Per- meeting dates and pitches and presenta- times, and brought them safely out of slavery to a land that was to be their own. Their way of haps I’d have been heading over to Paris tions, who wonder ‘when did life get like life too set them apart from all others, for they were uniquely blessed to receive the wisdom for a meeting or flying to Edinburgh for this?’. I am so joyous to get a chance to of God revealed in the Law that was bestowed upon them. But above all, they were to identi- an early presentation or pitch. start over. Not just by being saved, but fy themselves as people who believed in God, and at the heart of their prayers lay the Shema It looked glamorous, but it wasn’t much also by being able to use my talents in a Yisrael, “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One”, a devotion that sets the presence fun really. Corporate life, even when you new way. of God at the heart of every waking endeavour and every prayerful thought. Who are we? We are a consultant, has a tendency to It makes us reflect on how God works are a people who belong to God and owe everything to him. squeeze your personality and make you in our lives. What I do know is that God Creation itself is the first of the many wonders that God has revealed to us, making us in into an actor. has a terrific sense of humour and that if his own likeness and image so that we may know and love him, and sustaining everything in But during that time I saw a lot of the we let him, he will surprise us. being from moment to moment. But whatever good there is in this present order of being, it world and learned a great deal. In the I am as guilty as the next person of falls short of the glory of God because of our disobedience and our pride, and without the eyes of the world I was a success – meas- painting God too small. But I don’t want help of God we are doomed always to be subject to the power of sin and to the righteous ured by the usual ruler. to – I want to allow God to have his way. I judgement of God upon sinners. At one time the people of God sought to purify themselves Now I could still be that middle-aged am happy that he has put me in a room by the offering of sacrificial victims whose blood was shed as an acknowledgement of the man in a suit. But I’m not. Well I am a chasing bluebottles. I wonder if any of my price that sin requires. But no such offering even by a high priest, however costly, or howev- middle-aged man, but the suit has gone, readers long for a fresh start, for a sense er often repeated, could accomplish our redemption. Jesus Christ alone has entered into the and the expense account lunches and of lightness and peace and a chance to do sanctuary of heaven, bearing his own blood as the eternal atonement for the sins of many, First Class travel. something that feeds the heart as well as the gift and ransom which God himself has provided so that his people might be restored to Yesterday morning I was the head? holiness and renewed in faith in him above all else and all other. in church running my Let me give you an In the past, our forebears in faith understood the seriousness of the Fall and our plight as beloved Daytimers group. I example of our God of sinners, in a self-imposed exile from God from which we were unable to set ourselves free. pull up a table, take in a cake surprises. My mum Burnt offerings and sacrifices were a powerful acknowledgement of the righteous judge- and meet up with a wonder- became a Christian ment of God upon our disobedience and our preference for the material order, or worse, for ful group, of mainly older just a couple of years the false gods with which we so readily populate our spiritual landscape. The offering of people who are around dur- Let me give you an ago. She is 78. My dad blood signified the cost of our failure to live according to God’s will and purpose for us. How- ing the day. We discuss the example of our God had died and she was ever, although we are not able by means of human works to set aside his judgement, God has news, read the Bible, tell at home on her own. made it possible for us to begin to learn obedience by revealing himself to us in the scrip- each other our life stories of surprises She went to church tures, so that we might take to heart his commandments. Jesus spoke approvingly of the and pray together. and met her wonderful scribe who understood the meaning of God’s word, for this man had recognised that the first This week we had a dis- vicar, Deborah Chap- commandment is also the most important: that we should love God with all of the strength traction. As we began read- man, at St Hugh’s, we possess; and flowing from this insight, that we should love one another for the sake of ing the Bible a bluebottle Northolt. She read the God who loves us first. It is in such a fashion that we can become godly people, and citizens made an unwelcome appear- Bible and a strong no longer of an earthly kingdom, but of the kingdom of God. ance in our room. It seemed faith developed. Do The Reverend Stephen Trott to take a liking for George. George is a you know what she does now? wonderful man – a former accountant Well my mum was a grammar school HYMN SELECTION and racing journalist. He must be about girl. She loved words and language. She 80 and he has been such an encourage- always picked me up on my diction. ment to me. She has now, at church, started teach- But this blessed fly wouldn’t leave him ing people new to this country how to Hymns for Proper 26 alone. Each time we tried to read the speak English. From someone who was And can it be Bible it landed on his head and only the shy and tended to see her house as her God is love: his the care rest of us swishing around got it to move. castle, she has suddenly blossomed in This world you have made Eventually a couple of us got some maga- her gift of hospitality. To be in your presence zines and rolled them up and chased the She is alive and using the talents God Think of a world without any flowers fly a bit. But it still loved George. So I gave. She says she is speechless by the Send forth your Spirit, O Lord called our caretaker, who brought in way, at this late stage in her life, she is He’s got the whole world in his hand some trusty fly spray. And after a bit of finally doing what she always was meant Lord, the light of your love squirting the blighter went away. to be doing. She rings me up with stories Father, we adore you It was in the car home from church that about her day, how she loves the people Praise God, from whom all blessings flow it finally hit me, what a change God has she teaches and she is simply a person brought in my life. fully alive… and that is the true glory of I am happy to be sitting around with God. Who would have believed it? c Milestones

As the nation celebrates the 350th anniversary of

the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, last Sunday, Derby Cathedral conducted Eucharist accord- ing to the 1662 rite. The Bishop of Derby, Dr Alas- tair Redfern preached at the Service, with representatives from each parish in the Diocese invited to join in the celebrations… Traidcraft joined forces with ActionAid, Friends of the

Earth, SPEAK and War on Want to stage a demonstration at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills last week, highlighting the need for the government to ensure the new supermarket watchdog has teeth… Concert trio ‘In Voice and Verse’ celebrate the 350th anniversary of the Book of Common Prayer, with a concert in London on Wednesday October 31, and one in Middlesex‘ on Saturday November nothing if you have £16,000 or more in 3. Contact [email protected] for savings. details... October 24 was UN Day, marking the Retaining the welfare state means 67th anniversary of when the UN Charter came PAUL getting the population to understand into effect… British scientists will be involved in that we do need a safety net to help the European Space Agency’s quest to travel to RICHARDSON those in need and that this safety net the moon to look for water in 2018, it has been needs to be generous enough to enable announced. beneficiaries to enjoy a decent life. Church and World Universal benefits are coming under This topic has now given a lot of criticism at present but they are rise to so much ridicule important in retaining middle class that I doubt if the support for the welfare state. If people regulations would ever be feel they are getting nothing out of it enforced. and only those they think of as Mr Frank Cranmer of the Losing faith in the ‘scroungers’ are benefiting, they cease Churches Legislative Advisory to support the system. Unfortunately Services on the row over the re- at present when those in employment use of jam jars by voluntary find they do need a period of help the groups money offered is not enough. David welfare state? Goodhard, head of the Demos think tank, has suggested a return to a con- Those of us who value and support the of the country like the South East. tributory welfare system as envisaged welfare state ought to be worried by Unemployment is associated with inner by Lord Beveridge, involving improved People the latest British Social Attitudes Sur- city youth or decayed Northern cities. payments for those who have made vey. This shows some support for a Jonathan Haidt, author of The Right- contributions, and a safety net that cov- small increase in taxation and continu- eous Mind, argues that one of the big ers everyone. ‘The Team Rector of the Parish of Old St Pancras, ing support for the NHS but it also divisions in modern American society In the past increased growth was London, the Rev Philip North, has been appoint- reveals a collapse in support for social is over the understanding of ‘fairness’. expected to fund welfare. Gordon ed by the Queen as the of Whit- security. In past recessions people were Surveys show that many on the politi- Brown thought the age of boom and by, in succession to Dr … The Rev ready to aid the unemployed. Now they cal Right see fairness in terms of pro- bust was past and that we could look Alyson Buxton has been appointed Director of are less sympathetic. portionality so that people get back forward to a long period of uninterrupt- Ministry for the Diocese of Ely... The Ven John In 1991 58 per cent were prepared to benefits in proportion to the contribu- ed growth. Now an American econo- Green has been appointed the Archdeacon Pas- see more spent on benefits even if it tion they have made. People on the Left mist has voiced the heretical thought tor of the Diocese of Coventry… Tom Sefton has meant higher taxes; today this figure is are much more inclined to see fairness that the days of unlimited growth may joined the Church of England’s Mission and Pub- down to 28 per cent. A YouGov poll in terms of equality. They are troubled be over. lic Affairs Division as adviser on Economics and reported 74 per cent wanting welfare by the rising gap between rich and poor Professor Robert Gordon argues that Social Policy, having spent four years at the payments cut. It is a figure the Conser- and want to see measures to tax the growth is driven by technological inno- Church Urban Fund... Following a survey of vatives have seized upon. The Chancel- rich. vation and that current innovations do parishes in his Diocese regarding the mapping lor knows cuts to the welfare bill are People on the Right worry about a not have the economic potential of such out of ministry, the Bishop of Derby, Dr Alastair popular with voters. ‘culture of entitlement’; people on the past developments as the invention of Redfern, said: “We constantly need to find new What are the reasons for this Left worry that the poor are getting the steam engine, electricity and the life and new ideas to refreshing the mapping change? People have always com- poorer and the rich are getting richer - internal combustion engine. The ‘infor- process.”… Disgraced American cyclist Lance plained about ‘scroungers’ but there is leading to what Haidt calls a ‘new cul- mation revolution’ through which we Armstrong is to be stripped of his seven Tour de evidence that support for the welfare tural war over fairness’. I suspect this is are currently living has less dramatic France medals, for cheating. state declines as a society becomes as true of Britain as it is of America. economic consequences than past more diverse. There is less trust in plu- In 2011 the bill for pensions and ben- changes. Population decline, levelling ralist societies. The welfare state began efits came to nearly £200 billion, 40 per off (or decline) in education standards, in homogenous Northern European cent more than it was in 1999. Many growing strength of non-Western Next Week’s News nations; it never gained as much sup- taxpayers think people are fiddling the economies, rising resource costs and port in a racially divided United States. system and living off the state until high levels of private debt are all having The growth of an underclass, people they need help themselves. Those who an impact on growth. A series of lectures and talks focusing on justice who are permanently unemployed, has are in employment and suffer a tempo- My suspicion is that many people issues starts from November 4 at Southwell added to the problem. Recipients of rary loss of job are shocked to find out sense such changes are taking place Minster, with speakers including a judge, a uni- benefit now often seem like a separate how little the system actually provides: and are lowering their expectations. versity professor and local politicians… Works of caste to people in the prosperous areas £67.50 a week for six months and then But in such a situation we should not art by hundreds of schoolchildren across Suffolk rush to agree with those who argue will be featured in a major exhibition, ‘Flying governments must shrink. Govern- High’, in six Grade I listed churches until Novem- ments must be careful to make the best ber 10. The churches are part of a £45,000 church- use of the resources available but no es tourism project involving 24 churches in six one should imagine it will be pleasant clusters, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund to live in a society where the disabled and run by the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and or the unemployed are left to care for Ipswich… On Wednesday October 31, Liverpool themselves. Cathedral will host ‘Night of the Living Dead’ at The role of government has been a 8pm. With the help of smoke and lighting, the key issue in the American election. It Cathedral will make the most of its gothic charac- could become a key issue here in the ter, but details are being kept largely secret, future. Those who make the case for beyond this video the welfare state need to do so with an online: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfrHv eye to what is sustainable in the current PV-6dw… On November 1, Lord Maginnis of economic climate and with the aim of Drumglass will lead a debate in the House of winning the support for their policies Lords on the status of refugees currently in from the majority of the population. Camp Liberty, in Iraq…

© Copyright 2012, The Church of England Newspaper. Registered as a newspaper by Royal Mail. Published by Religious Intelligence Ltd, 14 Great College Street, Westminster, Londo n, SW1P 3RX, Telephone: 020 7222 8700. Imagesetting by Classified Central Media Limited, 4th Floor, Central House, 142 Central Street, London, EC1V 8AR, 020 7216 6400. Printed by Mortons Print Ltd, Newspaper House, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6JR. Tel: 01507 523456. Newstrade distribution: Comag Specialist Division, Tel: 01895 433800.