March 2015 • £1.50 Magazine of the Scottish Episcopal Church
Celebrating 10 years 02 CONTENTS
Catch up with news from the Scottish Episcopal Church in between printed editions of inspires, by subscribing to inspires online at www.scotland.anglican.org/who-we-are/publications/inspires/
A JOURNEY THROUGH EASTER, AND &11 &07 10 PALESTINE & ISRAEL 06 EASTER’S COMING
LOVE AND &15 14 MARRIAGE...?
Page 3 Pages 10 & 11 Pages 20 & 21 Editorial Bid Thou our sad divisions cease – Credit Unions – People helping a journey through Palestine People Page 4 10 years strong! Page 12 Pages 22 & 23 Views & Voices Politics of the real world Page 5 Views & Voices Page 13 Pages 24 & 25 Forming people for ministry – Reviews Pages 6 & 7 The Scottish Episcopal Institute Easter, and Easter’s coming Page 26 Pages 14 & 15 Letters Page 8 Love and Marriage…? Listening to children and young Page 27 people in Church Pages 16 & 17 The Final Word Spotlight on a Diocese – Brechin Page 9 Page 28 Focus on Faith – interfaith Pages 18 & 19 Notices dimension to being Episcopalians Living by the Rule
EDITORIAL 2005-15 TEN YEARS 03
Welcome to the re-launched inspires magazine! Issue 63 The first edition of inspires was published Editorial Team in March 2005… 10 years ago! The Rev Chris Mayo Lorna Finley Over the past 10 years much has happened, both The Rev Kate Reynolds within and out-with the Church, and this first of our 10th Karen Willey anniversary editions attempts to reflect some of the things that contribute to the life of the Scottish Episcopal Church Contact details – its past and its present; and its hopes for the future! inspires 21 Grosvenor Crescent, In this edition, we hear some views and voices of a few Edinburgh, EH12 5EE. people’s experiences of the Church over the past 10 0131 225 6357 years (we will continue to feature more views and voices [email protected] throughout the year so if you want to contribute to this page please get in touch!). We hear what some of Publisher our young people have to say about the Church. Our General Synod of the international focus is reflected in the experiences of a Scottish Episcopal Church journey through Palestine as part of a Christian Aid visit. Scottish Charity No SC015962 We hear about a new initiative that addresses the growing demand for spiritual accompaniment and “searching out Subscriptions the old paths”. We look to the future formation of people Anne Brickell for ministry in the new Scottish Episcopal Institute and 0131 225 6357 meet the people leading this. The issues relating to same [email protected] sex relationships and equal marriage have somewhat dominated much of the Church’s time and energy over Advertising the past few years, and continue to do so. Each edition of Victoria Stock the magazine this year will carry an article related to this 0131 225 6357 topic – this edition highlights one view on the Theology of [email protected] Marriage.
A new feature of the magazine includes ‘Spotlight on a An audio version of inspires is available Diocese’ – we will feature highlights of the life of each free of charge for those registered blind of our seven dioceses. The first one we hear from in this and partially sighted from the Dumfries edition is the Diocese of Brechin. Recording Service. For information please contact Andrew Murray at the Dumfries We have included a Letters to the Editor page to Recording Service, 24 Catherine Street, Dumfries, DG1 1HZ. Tel 01387 253927 encourage discussion and debate and offer a platform for readers to share their thoughts, opinions and musings. The views expressed throughout this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor, nor are they necessarily the official I hope you enjoy reading the 10th anniversary inspires views of the Scottish Episcopal Church. magazine and, along with the others on the Editorial Team, Acceptance of advertisements does not look forward to receiving your feedback and letters. imply endorsement of the goods or services. The Rev Chris Mayo Permission must be sought for any form Convener, Information and Communication Board and of reprinting. Editor, inspires Magazine 04
10 YEARS STRONG!
Congratulations to inspires on ten years of valuable contribution to the life of the Scottish Episcopal Church!
The Most Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church
IT’S also ten years since new Scottish Episcopal I moved to Scotland! Institute provides Then, I knew relatively formation-led training little about the life of the for the next generation Scottish Episcopal Church. of clergy and Lay Readers. The years since have been We are more at ease with a time of extraordinarily our diversity, recognising challenging and fulfilling the gifts which our evangelical ministry – and very busy. community brings to our life. Scotland is now home for We seem to have the energy Alison and for me and we are and the confidence to sustain our very happy here. worshipping and pastoral presence The early period of my time right across Scotland when others in Scotland was spent trying to are finding themselves in retreat. understand the context. The Scottish exploring. I gradually began to see Beyond Scotland, we’ve continued Episcopal Church is both like and that this Church was entering into to develop an active network of unlike the Church of Ireland of a time of opportunity. In my own Diocesan Companionship links and Southern Ireland – the church of my diocese we carried out a review in other partnerships. In my travels family roots and of my clergy forbears. which our congregations said they around the Anglican Communion, Both are small churches shaped in wished to move from ‘decline to I’ve found that there are many places some measure by shared culture growth’. That in turn led to the testing which have some of our history and identity. The Church of Ireland of a diocesan initiative in outreach and intertwined with theirs. They feel carries the legacy of establishment growth – called Casting the Net. a comfortable belonging with us and has tended to define itself over On a wider canvas, it was clear that in a way which belies our relatively against Roman Catholicism. The we were becoming a more substantial small size. That same connectedness Scottish Episcopal Church has nothing national Church in the mainstream of enables us to play a significant role in of establishment in its makeup. It Scottish life. Gradually we have begun the Anglican Communion. is shaped by the complexities of to live into that role. We work hard at Ahead lies the question which Scottish history – the Jacobite links, establishing our place in the ‘public faces most churches today in the the penal experience. It has tended square’ through contributions in the developed world – our response to to define itself over against Scottish media. We engage with the Scottish issues of human sexuality. Archbishop Presbyterianism. Ireland is soaked in Government and in public discourse. Justin Welby has suggested that we religion – Scotland, carrying the legacy There have been other significant should strive for ‘visible unity in Christ of the Scottish Enlightenment, tends changes. We speak more easily with functional diversity’. This too will to be secular. of mission. We’ve taken difficult challenge us. By God’s grace, we shall I spent time testing, asking and decisions about our training - the move forward together. • VIEWS & VOICES 2005-15 TEN YEARS 05
NICOLA STURGEON DAMIAN BATES SCOTLAND’S FIRST MINISTER EDITOR IN CHIEF ABERDEEN JOURNALS LTD
We are committed to openly There’s never been a better time to engaging and empowering our engage with your communities than communities. via the media, particularly at a local
On the 10th anniversary of the Scottish Episcopal Church’s and regional level. inspires publication, I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the substantial and enduring influence of You have so much going on… what are you waiting for? the Christian faith in transforming and inspiring Scotland’s history, people and culture. You are men and women of influence and have the opportunity to use the platforms of the media to speak The Scottish Government values Scotland’s Christian your message and that of the gospels, in an engaging, communities and the important role they play in relevant and compelling way. You have so much going developing community cohesion. The Scottish Episcopal on, so much happening and so much to shout about. Church plays a vital part in this work through Interfaith So what are you waiting for? Scotland and the annual Just Festival as it promotes the development of inter faith relations and dialogue. Get in touch with the newsdesk and/or editor and ask what they are interested in; offer to meet them to discuss As a Government, we are committed to openly what you have to say and build a line of communication. engaging and empowering our communities, promoting participation through democracy and dialogue. We value We may all have technology at our fingertips but the commitment and leadership of Scotland’s churches communication in this manner is the same as it’s always in this engagement as we work to make Scotland a fairer, been: know who your audience is, what you are trying more inclusive society. We look forward to continuing to to say and engage, personally, with those who can be work with the Scottish Episcopal Church and Scotland’s the conduit to getting your message across. It isn’t Christian communities through 2015 and beyond. • rocket science! • 06
easter, and easter’s coming
The Rev Canon Ian Paton
Easter was the only ‘feast’ apart rejecting him. This is why Palm Sunday it was the Passover or not (the from Sunday that the early Christians is also called “The Sunday of the Gospels do not agree on this), it was celebrated. That is why some still say Passion.” It helps us to enter into Holy understood by Jesus and the first that the Church year has only two Week, and to recognise what is to Christians as the new Passover in his real seasons: ‘Easter’ and ‘Easter’s unfold. blood. coming.’ It’s also why the services that make up the final three days Maundy Thursday Stripping of Holy Week – the triduum – tell The triduum begins on Maundy After Communion, the Sacrament is just one story, the story of Jesus’ Thursday as we remember Jesus’ gift taken to a separate altar or chapel, to suffering, death and resurrection – the of the Eucharist, and his command be used on Good Friday. Then, while a Paschal Mystery – and are really one (mandatum, from which comes psalm is read, the altar and sanctuary continuous liturgy. ’Maundy’) that we should love one are stripped bare of all cloths, crosses, another as he loves us. and candles. With this solemn gesture, Palm Sunday: The Sunday of the the stripping and abandonment of Passion Foot-washing Jesus is represented, as we prepare First there is Palm Sunday. The service The gospel is from John’s account for Good Friday. has two parts. In the first half, we of the Last Supper, in which Jesus celebrate Christ’s triumphal entry into does not take bread and wine at all, Watching Jerusalem. This is a big celebration, but washes his disciples’ feet. By this Because this is one liturgy over three starting ideally outside the church, action Jesus says, here I am as servant, days, the service has no final prayer or crying ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ do this in memory of me. blessing, but moves straight into the We receive crosses made out of palm So the service includes ritual silent Watch. Sometimes this is kept leaves. We go in procession to the foot-washing. Some churches have throughout the night, people taking church. It is festive and joyous. a representative group (twelve, like their turn in prayer and stillness, but But then, back in church, we hear the apostles), whose feet are washed otherwise until midnight. It dramatises the long reading of the Passion - the by the priest. Other churches invite the disciples watching with Jesus that full story of the arrest, trial, suffering the whole congregation to take part. night in Gethsemane. and death of Jesus. Not quite the However it is done, it is a sign of celebratory mood of the procession. everyone’s call to communion with Good Friday Everyone should notice this stark Christ through service. The Liturgy of Good Friday begins contrast – how the crowd went from with silence. We don’t need to be ‘Hosanna!’ to ‘Crucify!’ in a matter of Eucharist welcomed or gathered. It is as though days. It makes us recognise how easily The service now remembers Jesus’ we have been gathered since the we can go from welcoming Christ to final meal with his disciples. Whether night before. 2005-15 TEN YEARS 07
The Passion on Maundy Thursday, and what that “Rejoice, heavenly powers. Sing, The service includes the reading liturgy means. Even in his death Jesus choirs of angels! Exult, all creation around of the Passion, as on Palm Sunday, is the bread of life. God’s throne! Jesus Christ, our King, is but this time from John. Reading it risen! Sound the trumpet of salvation!” dramatically, with everyone taking a Departing in Silence, Again. part, shows how we are all involved in We again end in silence and darkness, The Readings the Passion of Christ. to link this service with the Easter A series of readings now tell the story Vigil, just as our beginning in silence of salvation - the creation of the world, Veneration of the Cross connected us with Maundy Thursday. the fall of humanity, Abraham’s near A large cross or crucifix is now sacrifice of Isaac, the exodus from brought into the church. It represents The Easter Vigil Egypt, the Covenant at Mount Sinai, the wood on which our Saviour The Easter Vigil tells the whole story and God’s promises to restore his gave his life. So we come forward to of our creation and redemption. It people. They lead up to the singing venerate or honour that. Sometimes was originally the only celebration of of the Gloria, and the final Gospel people kiss the cross, kneel before it, Christ’s death and resurrection. It is reading, the Resurrection of Christ. or touch it with the head or the hand, a long service, but all of its symbols taking part with others in this action come together for one purpose, to Baptism and Eucharist which is a prayer. remember the saving actions of God. Standing in the light of Christ, we reaffirm our Baptism, and baptise new members Intercession The Fire – the sign of our journey with Christ The Good Friday Prayers and their Early on Easter morning, before from death to life - and the Eucharist – style (on which is based the way dawn, is the best time for the Vigil. In the sign of living his risen life. Sunday intercessions are now done) the darkness and silence (linking the are perhaps the oldest liturgical ritual Vigil with Good Friday and Maundy Easter’s Coming we have. We pray at the foot of the Thursday) a fire is kindled, and from Holy Week places the suffering of Cross for the unity of all Christians, for that fire, the Easter Candle is lit, “May Jesus alongside the suffering of the the Jewish people, for people who do the light of Christ, rising in glory, world. Easter is how God takes the not believe, for people in public office, dispel the darkness of our hearts and cross and makes it a sign of the victory and for people who are suffering. minds.” From that candle we all light of life over death, goodness over evil. smaller candles and go in procession In the liturgy of Holy Week and Easter Communion into the church. The deacon sings the we can glimpse the Resurrection for There is no celebration of the Exsultet, the ancient song thanking our own suffering, and try to help Eucharist on Good Friday, but instead God for all he has done and is doing others find it in theirs. Christ is Risen! we re-connect with the Lord’s Supper in the Resurrection: He is risen indeed! • 08
LISTENING TO CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN CHURCH
Claire Benton-Evans, Youth & Children Officer for the Diocese of Edinburgh
‘WE’RE fed up of having church in Aberdeen’s Westhill Community have something to say? This is one done to us!’ This was the response Church, an Out Loud Event for important way in which they can make from a group of teenagers whose children, families and church leaders in their voices heard. church leaders asked them what Edinburgh’s St Mary’s Cathedral and In church this Sunday, let’s listen to they wanted from the church. The All-Age Worship services in Inverurie what our children are saying in their leaders had expected requests and Galashiels. Each event was lively, awkward questions, their wondering for more youth events or a better colourful and interactive: children about the Bible, their wacky ideas venue for their meetings - instead, were invited to build a church out and their profound observations. they were challenged by teenagers of Lego, explore the Bible through Let’s pay attention, too, to their non- who wanted to roll their sleeves Godly Play storytelling, pray creatively verbal communication: what do their up and get involved. ‘The Church with bubbles or chocolate coins and drawings tell us? What is the child is supposed to be about helping have fun with music and technology. who hides, or yells, or plays on the people,’ they said. ‘Well, we want to Toddlers engaged in Play & Pray altar steps, telling us about our help!’ These teenagers didn’t want to activities in the nave of the cathedral worship? Let’s listen, and be ready for be entertained, they wanted to serve, (and the Bishop of Edinburgh joined whatever might happen as a result of and as a result they have become in!). There was also a Confirmation that listening. • involved in helping with their local class for two teenagers with learning Community Care bus, delivering disabilities and a workshop on praying The Listening Project was devised essentials to local people in need. and worshipping with children with by Stephanie Brock, Children and This is just one example of special needs. Families Ministry Officer for the Diocese what can happen if we really listen It is hoped that the Listening of Aberdeen and Orkney, and Claire to the voices of young people Project will inspire church leaders Benton-Evans, Youth and Children in our churches. It can change and volunteers across the Scottish Officer for the Diocese of Edinburgh. things, both for the young people Episcopal Church to listen afresh to A full report on the project will be themselves and for the Church. their children and young people, and published on both diocesan websites. Last autumn a Listening Project was the Listening Project Report contains conducted jointly by the Dioceses many practical ideas and helpful Photographs by Stephanie Brock, of Edinburgh and Aberdeen and resources. showing Play and Pray with the Orkney, which aimed to listen to As inspires magazine celebrates Bishop of Edinburgh; a Play & Pray children’s experience of church, and its 10th anniversary and re-launch leader listening to toddlers; Rev to amplify their voices within the in March, the editorial team would Lynsay Downs explaining worship wider Church. The Listening Project like to feature more contributions with children with special needs; a team ran weekend events in each from young people in the Church. Confirmation class for teenagers with diocese, featuring a Family Fun Day Do you know young people who learning disabilities. 2005-15 TEN YEARS 09
LAST October, in the wake of the to inhabit and articulate a minority horrific murder in Syria of the British religious identity: a faith that is THE Aid worker, Alan Henning, I was greeted with incomprehension at invited, in my capacity as Co-convenor times, and yet finds ways to offer interfaith of Edinburgh Interfaith Association, to something distinctive and vital to the visit and speak at Annandale Mosque common life of Scotland. in Edinburgh. I arrived as the main And that confidence in a distinctive dimension Friday prayers were beginning, and identity and offering is increasingly so found myself in the midst of that true of the different religious to being large body of people at prayer. The communities amongst us: Buddhists, Imam addressed them in Urdu, and Sikhs, Unitarians, Jews, Hindus, then their own discipline of prayer Muslims – to name some. Each is the scottish started: the men around me stood, manifestation of a long tradition of knelt, prostrated themselves, cupped religious thought and practice, now their hands behind their ears in a working out in necessarily incomplete episcopalians profound gesture of a desire to listen, ways what it means to live out the and murmured quiet prayers to God. fundamental truths of that tradition It was an experience both familiar and in Scotland today. The answers that strange, for I know something about emerge from each tradition to that The Rev John prayer, about the desire to be in the challenge are different, of course, and Conway, Convener presence of God, to speak and to occasionally will be in disagreement of the Committee for listen, and yet this was very different with the priorities and beliefs of Relations with People to my practices of prayer. another tradition. Such disagreements of Other Faiths To be in that company whose need to be negotiated, but on the attention was directed to God was whole difference is not experienced as humbling and disorientating, for conflict, but as a helpful questioning although I could connect and make of what you in turn find important, sense of much of that practice of and how your tradition articulates and prayer, other parts were mysterious, lives that truth out. even incomprehensible to me. I was So a vital part of what it means to then asked to offer a word. I sought to be an Episcopalian today is knowing reassure that somewhat beleaguered something of our neighbours and community that others in our city what animates them. That exploration understand when Muslims insist that helps uncover the riches of our own ISIL are betraying the heart of Islam, tradition, encourages friendship, and that any attempt to characterise builds acts of solidarity across religious our times as witnessing difference and creates community. The a fundamental clash between Islam paradox of our interfaith present is and the West is deeply misguided that the more we reach out and engage and false. with our diverse neighbours, the more That moment of meeting and faithful to Christ we become. • solidarity was a small example of what it might mean to engage with the diversity we often trumpet. Of AS EPISCOPALIANS WE SHOULD course the context was a reminder KNOW SOMETHING OF WHAT that diversity must have limits, and IT FEELS LIKE TO INHABIT that motivated my desire to stand AND ARTICULATE A MINORITY alongside Muslim brothers and sisters RELIGIOUS IDENTITY: A FAITH in abhorring violence. But I was also THAT IS GREETED WITH reminded that alongside our common INCOMPREHENSION AT TIMES, humanity is a richness of religious AND YET FINDS WAYS TO OFFER expression that is disarming, strange SOMETHING DISTINCTIVE AND and exhilarating. VITAL TO THE COMMON LIFE OF As Episcopalians we should SCOTLAND. know something of what it feels like 10
BID thou our sad divisions cease: a journey through palestine and israel
The Rev Kate Reynolds
I BEGAN this past Advent in the Scotland in Jerusalem. Tears filled my his schoolyard opposite a settlement, dark in Bethlehem. I was the Scottish eyes as we sang: O come, Desire of when asked what their favourite TV Episcopal Church representative nations, bind / In one the hearts of all programme is: “The news. We always (funded by the Provincial Overseas mankind; / Bid Thou our sad divisions watch the news hoping for change Committee) on an ecumenical cease, / And be Thyself our King of and for peace.” partnership trip to visit humanitarian Peace. / Rejoice! Rejoice! / Emmanuel A Jewish filmmaker for B’Tselem, organisations and advocacy groups shall come to thee, O Israel. the Israeli Information Centre for in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Over ten days, we had heard so human rights in the Occupied Territories as part of an ecumenical many stories of land lost and dignity Territories: “Working for human rights partnership trip organised by the Church crushed. Seen so many scenes of for all people, Israeli or Palestinian, of Scotland’s World Mission Council. division and devastation. Felt the fear is an action of love to my country.” At 4.30 in the morning on the which permeates the communities A young Beduin father in the South First Sunday of Advent, we stood on both sides of the wall. Security Hebron hills whose house was at Bethlehem Checkpoint 300 amid and peace and unity seem a distant, demolished shortly after his first child the hundreds of Palestinian workers impossible dream in this troubled was born: “All I want is to live with queuing to travel through to work land. The longings of Advent had my wife and daughter, to provide in Jerusalem and beyond. The never felt so real, so urgent. them with shelter, to raise a family. It’s checkpoint was packed and the queue I thought back to the voices we simple. But every time we build, our was going nowhere. So we wandered had had the privilege of hearing: the lives, our hopes are destroyed again.” the streets and watched Advent dawn voices calling for justice, the voices And over and over, everyone we met through the olive trees. We stood in shouting for an end to occupation, — Palestinian, Israeli, Jewish, Christian, silence at the foot of the eight metre the voices crying out for peace. Muslim, man, woman, child: “We want high separation barrier, the carefully A Jewish father who had lost peace. But it is so complicated.” graffitied messages of hope and his daughter in a suicide bombing peace and unity unable to mask its when she was only 14: “I will not Bid Thou our sad divisions cease, / ugly reality. use my victimhood to victimise and be Thyself our King of Peace. We rejoined the queue at the others. To be pro-peace, to speak Advent has now passed. We have checkpoint, and for an hour and out against Israel’s actions as a state celebrated the coming of Emmanuel, twenty minutes, we stood in the is not antisemitic. Please tell your God with us. And now we have jostling, shoving, desperate crowd, community that.” entered the season of Lent, a season at times so close to those around us An old Palestinian farmer who had of self-examination, a season when we we could feel their hearts beating. I seen his family land gradually taken consider what it means to journey with looked into eyes which held no hope from him: “I want peace. I do not want Christ into Jerusalem and towards the and watched shoulders sink under the violence. But when soldiers destroy cross, a season of both prayer and weight of exhaustion as we trudged your house, kill your brother, beat intentional action. through the concrete corridor towards your mother, you can see why suicide It is so easy to feel helpless in the security gate. I saw Israeli teenage bombers do it. To live like this, to die, the face of the deep, complex, soldiers, some looking bored, others it is all the same. You are all complicit. complicated systemic inequality and terrified. And I wondered how any of You all stand by while we suffer. You injustice which exists in Israel and them could do this, day in and day do nothing. Jesus was crucified by Palestine. It can seem impossible to out, and still keep any sense of sanity empire. Now Europe and the USA know how we — as individuals, as and humanity and dignity. That single and Israel are stabbing us in the belly. congregations, as the Church — experience summed up the effects of the They are crucifying us.” can make a difference. systemic oppression and degradation Young teenage children in Jalazon I was fortunate to be able present throughout the land. refugee camp in Ramallah whose to attend the Kairos Palestine Later that morning, I sat in the brother had been killed by Israeli Conference in Bethlehem at the service at St Andrew’s Church of police when he was playing football in end of my visit. Marking the fifth 2005-15 TEN YEARS 11
anniversary of the publication of the Kairos Palestine document, a I THOUGHT BACK TO document written by Church leaders in Palestine, it was an opportunity THE VOICES WE HAD for Christians from all over the world HAD THE PRIVILEGE to worship and pray alongside our OF HEARING: THE Palestinian brothers and sisters and to learn more about the ways the VOICES CALLING FOR occupation affects their daily lives. JUSTICE, THE VOICES Most importantly, it was a chance to discuss how the wider church can not SHOUTING FOR AN only stand in solidarity with them but END TO OCCUPATION, also advocate, giving voice to those THE VOICES CRYING whose voices are rarely heard. Throughout, a constant refrain OUT FOR PEACE. echoed: Pray; pray for all who live in the shadow of occupation. But we were also urged to share stories, learn facts and engage with those who are in positions of authority in our country. And our brothers and sisters living in the land we call Holy extend an invitation to all their fellow members in the Body of Christ to come and see — to see not only the ancient stones where Jesus walked 2000 years ago, but to go on pilgrimage to the living stones, to visit the prophets of today, to see firsthand not only the sad divisions but also the hints of hope for the reign of the King of Peace. •
Kate has blogged about her recent visit to Palestine and Israel at revisedontology.com 12 VIEWS & VOICES
THE REV PROFESSOR PAUL FOSTER THE REV MARION CHATTERLEY THE VERY REV DR EMSLEY NIMMO PROFESSOR OF NEW TESTAMENT, CHAPLAIN, WAVERLEY CARE RECTOR, ST MARGARET’S CHURCH, LANGUAGE LITERATURE AND ABERDEEN AND DEAN OF THE DIOCESE THEOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH OF ABERDEEN AND ORKNEY
A spiritual constant in my life. From baptism to theological training Walking with St Moluag! I arrived in Edinburgh twelve years – 10 short years. In the last ten years there has been ago from the south; when I say Christmas 1984 and I was on a a definite ‘drop-off’ in attendance the south I do not just mean the journey of spiritual exploration. I’d of young people in church. Everyone south of England where I had been moved away from the Judaism of has noticed it, and everyone is immediately prior to coming to my childhood and, after a foray into bewailing it! The universal cry is……. Scotland, but rather before that from Eastern spirituality, I found myself ‘They’re just nae interested!’ Australia – which definitely counts as at Old St Paul’s in Edinburgh. The Last year, in the first half of May the south! splendour and the colours and one of the younger members of St My time in Edinburgh has been the candles and the rhythm of the Margaret’s Vestry (they are nearly all varied, from being Warden at Pollock service had enough resonance from younger than me!) and myself went Halls (University of Edinburgh Student the synagogue experiences of my on pilgrimage from Aberdeen Accommodation), my academic childhood to feel comfortable and Cathedral to Lismore Cathedral work at New College, to my role as before I knew it I was a regular attendee. retracing the steps of St Moluag, non-stipendiary priest at St Mary’s September 1985 – my 4 month who had founded the Diocese of Cathedral, Edinburgh. daughter and I arrive at Church for our Aberdeen in 566 AD at Mortlach, My involvement in the Cathedral, Baptism. This feels like an enormous Dufftown. for example in preaching and pastoral step along a path that is unknown We didn’t just walk, we sailed, care, has echoes in my other roles, but very exciting. Most importantly, aided and supported by Sea Cadet such as my teaching at New College, it’s a path that feels right – I’ve Units across the North of Scotland. or being called late at night to see a encountered Jesus on my journey The exercise was threefold - bring distraught student in Pollock Halls. and my life has been changed. St Moluag out from the shadows St Mary’s Cathedral has been a Fast forward 10 years to and give him his rightful prominent spiritual constant in my life, but not September 1995 and I am one of the place in the history of early Christian an unchanging constant. There has new intake at TISEC (the theological mission in Scotland; to raise monies been much that has changed and institute at that time). God has called for the renovation of St Andrew’s evolved, that reflects growth and me to ordained ministry, the church Cathedral Aberdeen and to engage responsiveness. While some members has recognised that call and I am with youngsters. In the end we greatly have been there the whole time, about to start training. raised St Moluag’s profile, £14,000 others have come and gone. Of Those ten years passed quickly, was collected for the Cathedral and course it is possible to remember the and yet were filled with riches beyond we met lots of youngsters. packed Christmas and Easter services, my imagination. I discovered that I It was a classic opportunity to however, the real life and growth is love liturgy, that I love silence, that engage the young with the history carried out Sunday by Sunday, week I love responsorial psalms. I found of this country and to talk about the by week. • new ways to pray. Most importantly, importance of Christian faith in our I discovered that I am loved and culture, and believe me they wanted valued by God and that I can share to know the story. One way in which something of that love and Grace with we can engage with youngsters is to the people I meet. be involved in chaplaincy like schools Ten years of blessings. Ten years or the Sea Cadets. If young people of growth. My first ten years in The don’t come to us then we have to Scottish Episcopal Church. • go to them. • 2005-15 TEN YEARS 13
The Scottish Episcopal Institute (SEI) – forming people for ministry
The Rev Canon Anne Tomlinson
Our Church’s new training agency will be officially launched later this year and much more will be written then about this exciting development. But here’s a trailer:
The new • As its strap-line indicates, SEI will prepare people for licensed ministry as Lay Readers and Clergy. By means of seminars, reflection groups and residential events in community, women and men will be shaped into competent and confident public The who and accompany candidates as their ministers of the Gospel. SEI will These developments will be rolled vocation unfolds, and as some oversee their formational pathway out by four staff members based in proceed to formation for authorised from the first stirrings of discerning the General Synod Office and by a ministry. She will be seeking to a call right through to the first three wider faculty of ancillary teachers and engage the Church in the quest years in public ministry. diocesan accompaniers. The core staff for ministers to serve the Scottish • But it will also encourage the Church will comprise: Episcopal Church and its mission. as a whole to become ‘a learning • Rev Canon Anne Tomlinson, • Denise Brunton, Administrator and community’, sharing educational Principal. Anne will teach the the SEI’s Protection of Vulnerable resources more widely than simply Field Education component and Groups Co-ordinator. Denise has amongst the student cohort, and be responsible for residential been with the SEC since 1991. She supporting the development of events and pastoral oversight. As oversees the daily administration, other recognised lay ministries for a Vocational Deacon she is keen to acts as a liaison with students, mission. help the Church understand and dispersed SEI staff, as well as the • It will make widespread use of value a variety of ministries, and core staff, and co-ordinates the digital communication and social offer appropriate training for each. library needs of the students. media, ensuring equal access to • Dr Michael Hull, Director of Delivery of the other taught educational resources across the Studies. Michael is a new member of components will be done by subject Province. SEI’s staff, having started in January. specialists from across Scotland. • It will enable congregations to Michael, who holds a doctorate in Candidates will be accompanied become deeply involved in the biblical studies, comes to SEI with locally by Diocesan Advisors who will training of ministers ‘on site’ as part much experience in theological help them integrate the disparate of their Field Education studies. education and administration. parts of the learning experience. • It will seek to enrol younger He will teach the New Testament candidates for fulltime ministry, component and be responsible You supporting them through their for academic oversight, instruction The Institute is the Church’s training university studies. and validation, and coordinate agency. Please • It will develop new methods of improvements of SEI’s on-site and • make use of its resources missional leadership for ministry in virtual-learning environments. • discern and encourage tomorrow’s Scotland today. • Rev Canon Alison Peden, Provincial leaders • It will encourage student exchanges, Director of Ordinands. Alison, together • help to shape trainees who are placed widening people’s experience of the with Diocesan Directors of Ordinands in your congregation or locality Anglican and Porvoo Communions. and Vocations Advisers, will guide • pray for all involved in SEI • 14
Love and marriage...?
The Rev John McLuckie
ONE of the very positive things about marriage. I don’t want to start which is, by its nature, life-creating. that has come from our current from specific biblical precedents. In an understanding of marriage that discernment about our Church’s The few texts that treat marriage puts these characteristics first, the response to the change in civil law are well-known and contested so I procreation of children is one aspect to allow same-sex marriages is the want, instead, to think about a more of its life-creating nature, but not a opportunity to think again, from first fundamental theological principle: defining characteristic. A marriage principles, about what our theology what is the nature of God and how can also be life-creating in many of marriage is. Some have voiced can human relationships reflect that other ways. For example, a marriage concern about fundamental changes nature? can bring to birth a new human to our traditional understanding of One answer to that question community in a household, whatever marriage, but the more I consider is given in the introductions to our its composition. In my own family, my this question, the more it seems to current marriage liturgies which, grandparents’ generation was not me that we have been on a trajectory in keeping with our evolving unusual in offering a family life to a in our theology of marriage for a understanding of committed human friend’s child after that child’s mother very long time. Indeed, it seems relationships, give primacy to our had died in childbirth. Parenthood likely to me that Christian theology response to the love of God. Marriage is not confined to biological of marriage is always developing as speaks of the nature of God as love reproduction. And we can see how we discover more and more about because it is founded on love and, a committed relationship brings what it is to be a human person in a to paraphrase the letters of John, new realities to birth in each of its committed relationship with another. the love we have towards God and partners – one life drawing previously In our own church, the publication the love we have towards others are undiscovered things out of another. of our new marriage rite in the last the same love. They are inseparable So our thinking about marriage decade has been a key moment in and intimately connected. God’s has already begun to see the nature of that development and what follows is love is shown to us in Jesus to be God’s love as foundational and other very much a personal reflection on this sacrificial, generous, forgiving, characteristics as dependent on that theological journey. joyful, healing, faithful. God’s love as foundation. But there is another, less So, in the light of that new shown to us in the Trinity as mutual, prominent characteristic of the nature liturgy, and the development in creative, communal, dynamic, of God that is present in our marriage understanding it represents, I want to transformative. A marriage can reflect liturgy and which might also prove think about some of the key aspects these aspects of divine love through to be capable of shedding new light of what it means to think theologically a committed, generous covenant on our understanding of the call to a 2005-15 TEN YEARS 15
married life. And that is the language MARRIAGE SPEAKS OF THE NATURE OF GOD of unity. This is a very traditional understanding of marriage which is AS LOVE BECAUSE IT IS FOUNDED ON LOVE... also present in our Prayer Book liturgy THE LOVE WE HAVE TOWARDS GOD AND THE – it is a union that is reflective of the union between Christ and his Church. LOVE WE HAVE TOWARDS OTHERS ARE THE In recent years, the churches SAME LOVE. THEY ARE INSEPARABLE AND have been giving a lot of attention INTIMATELY CONNECTED. to the call to unity. The ecumenical movement has an obvious interest in this call and a recent, significant document from the World Council of Churches So the union that we express in above our common humanity, we (WCC) expresses that call clearly. In marriage can also be seen as part inadvertently create the conditions the Unity Statement adopted at the of our fundamental human vocation for value judgements based on WCC’s Assembly in 2013, unity is seen to realise the true nature of the life these characteristics. Marriage can as God’s call for the whole creation that is God’s gift to us. And if that express our human unity beyond and the unity of the churches should reconciled unity, which Christ’s gift racial difference. In the marriage of be seen as being in the service of to us in ‘a creation restored by love’ people of the same sex, might it not that greater unity. The unity of God’s (Scottish Liturgy 1982) is based be that we are also beginning to creation is our most pressing concern on the most basic level of shared see, in sacramental form, our God- as we face violent conflict based humanity, the question of sexual given human unity beyond sexual on divisions of human creation and differentiation in marriage is seen difference? alienation from the rest of creation in a different light. This is not to In the last decade, our Church has through our careless exploitation of deny our human diversity, but to say expressed its evolving understanding the earth’s resources. The more we that our differences are secondary, of God’s love demonstrated in our emphasise difference, the harder it is our unity primary. Unity must be committed married relationships. to overcome division. The realisation expressed where there is sexual In the decade to come, might we of our common humanity, of our unity, differentiation, but that differentiation see our evolving understanding of is nothing less than an insight into the is not essential to unity. If we elevate the unity of God the Holy Trinity very nature of God’s creation and, any of our wonderfully varied human expressed in a new way in the therefore, the nature of God. characteristics so that they have status marriages we celebrate? • 16
THE DIOCESE OF BRECHIN
Diocese of Brechin
Bishop Nigel at a Saints & Sinners – Meet the Bishop event
Fit for the 21st Century Anglican mission society specialising Dowling in a couple of pubs to chat The Diocese of Brechin is the Scottish in evangelism. Based at two very with local people. Episcopal Church in the City of different worship centres, St Luke’s Advertised as Saints & Sinners – Dundee, Angus, the Mearns and Downfield, an outer estate church Meet the Bishop, the two evenings Carse of Gowrie – the area between which had virtually died, and St Paul’s, attracted a keen interest in both Perth and Aberdeen. Steeped in a thriving city centre Cathedral, it is Arbroath and Dundee. The event the Episcopalian faith from the reaching people in fresh ways. at the Downfield Hotel in Dundee eighteenth century persecution Led by Priest Missioner Rev featured interviews, questions and period – immortalised in the iconic Kerry Dixon, the Centre of Mission answers with the Bishop, live music painting ‘Baptism from Stonehaven was launched last autumn and much and food. Paula Batard, landlady of Jail’, reproductions of which are found encouraged by a recent visit from the The Old Brewhouse and member throughout Scotland – the diocese Archbishop of Canterbury, as part of St Mary’s Arbroath, commented, grew rapidly under Bishop Alexander of his visit to the Scottish Episcopal “it’s a great idea, like Jesus taking his Penrose Forbes 1847-76. Today this Church. Archbishop Justin Welby message to where people socialise”. compact diocese has 30 churches and described the St Luke’s café church Bishop Nigel says, “I felt a need chaplaincies, served by a team of fifty approach as, “inspirational, this to keep Lent out and about, and clergy and Lay Readers. is exactly what the Church should people have responded warmly to the The Rt Rev Dr Nigel Peyton, be doing, welcoming everyone.” opportunity. Folk do have concerns for Bishop of Brechin appreciates the Bishop Nigel hopes that the Centre the serious side of life and are curious challenges and opportunities facing of Mission “will become infectious, about Faith, God and Church - there his diocese, “we are tackling decline, inspiring new initiatives for growth have been some challenging and trying to re-imagine each church. Our and outreach across the diocese.” moving encounters.” churches are often well located and In addition to the pub evenings, those which are growing in numbers Out and About with the Bishop Bishop Nigel spent an afternoon and outreach interpret their context What football team do you support? serving customers at the Rainbow well and tend to do things differently.” What’s the worst thing that’s ever Charity Shop run by St Andrew’s happened to you? Why do you Church in Brechin and visited Doing Church Differently believe in God anyway? These are just Clepington Primary School in Dundee The Centre of Mission in Dundee some of the questions posed when engaging with the youngsters in is a collaboration between the Bishop Nigel pitched up recently with a lively classroom session about Diocese and Church Army, a UK-wide Church Army Pioneer Evangelist Craig people’s jobs. 2005-15 TEN YEARS 17
Bishop Nigel also enjoyed “a sitting through the whole of our the whole service and are fully part demanding and eye-opening” late beautiful liturgy every single Sunday of it through readings, intercessions Saturday night out in city pubs & actually feels like? And more to the and helping me tell the rest of the clubs with Dundee’s Street Pastors, point, why would they want to be a congregation what the Gospel reading an ecumenical team who convey part of something they have been was all about that day. The service is a an open-minded concern for the excluded from?” simple form of communion that all can customers and staff of Dundee’s Sam’s two congregations require follow whatever age.” vibrant nightlife. different approaches for children. “When not in church throughout On Maundy Thursday Bishop Nigel “Like many churches we do not know the children are encouraged to tell and Provost Jeremy Auld are hosting whether we will have no children, 3 us what they have been up to in a special lunchtime Soup & Soul with or even as many as 15! Each week is a their time together. We also always Dundee’s rough sleepers on the steps surprise and can be very much hit and make sure that they tell us any news of St Paul’s Cathedral - a variation miss. But there is no excuse for not especially if birthdays are happening on the traditional Holy Week foot- being prepared to welcome whoever that week! Any excuse for cake, washing ministry which in previous comes in through our doors. All this candles and singing. What we do each years has seen them cleaning shoes in takes is time, a little bit of thought week isn’t radical but sustainable and the busy City Square, including those and access to Google. At St Mary & loving.” of the iconic Desperate Dan statue. St Peter’s Montrose, I am blessed in What happens during the week having a couple of wonderful ladies is also key. Being a visible presence, Children’s minds who have nurtured and sustained our always in her clerical collar, Sam has “By taking children out of the liturgy Young Church. In regular meetings we quickly become known to the staff to do ‘stuff’ elsewhere in our church support each other sharing ideas and and students of Montrose Academy, buildings, have we over the last two plans for the coming month.” the primary school associated generations broken the link in children “Whilst at the moment we still with St Mary & St Peter’s and the minds between what adults do in take the children out at the beginning local independent school, through Church on a Sunday and what they of the main Sunday morning service, assemblies, seasonal events and do?” we also have a regular All Age regular social contact over their The Rector of Montrose and Worship Communion Service on the lunch-hour. “We are fortunate in that Inverbervie, The Rev Samantha first Sunday of every month. This was our church in Montrose is used as a Ferguson has been considering this well established and well supported gathering point for School services. question afresh. “Is it any wonder before I arrived and we often have Being a welcoming and familiar face that many children, once they reach a social lunch event afterwards. The at these events is vital and, for me, a teenage years have no idea what children stay in the church throughout sheer joy”. •
The Archbishop of Canterbury speaks with local school pupils during his visit to St Luke’s café church
THIS COMPACT DIOCESE HAS 30 CHURCHES AND CHAPLAINCIES, SERVED BY A TEAM OF FIFTY CLERGY AND LAY READERS.
St. Mary & St. Peter, Montrose 18
LIVING BY THE RULE
The Rev Andrew Bain Chaplain, Emmaus Community of St Benedict, Edinburgh
LAST year we had the pleasure of This bold initiative might seem prayer for monks and nuns who do. welcoming members of the Chemin unexpected; however, it seems to be Nevertheless, the aim of holding the Neuf (New Way) Community for symptomatic of an increasing desire to day in prayer, allowing prayer and a brief visit to Emmaus House “search out the old paths” (Jer 6:16). a sense of sacredness to permeate in Edinburgh. This is the same Many Christians now seek ways to all we do work just as meaningfully community which the Archbishop live out faith and discipleship in more in new communities, families, little of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin intentional ways. There is a growing groups of friends who commit to Welby, invited to join him at Lambeth demand for spiritual accompaniment, pray together, as they do in convents. Palace almost immediately after his with more and more people looking This new religious life, then, looks arrival. Four members of this mainly for some kind of “soul friend” with to live out what are very ancient Catholic, but ecumenical, family whom the joys and challenges of life charisms: prayer, hospitality, study, consist of one Anglican couple, a can be shared. New experiments in recreation, love for creation – a Catholic vowed sister, and a Lutheran creating community are springing up balanced life in what can seem like ordinand. Whilst there has long as people seek out fellow disciples a crazy and frantic world. been a presence of the religious to walk this intentional journey This balanced and intentional life at Lambeth, this means there is with them, finding that support, way of living, with a measure of now a new expression of that life accountability and common prayer accountability to supportive friends, at this significant focal point for can really make a difference in living is enabled by a Rule of Life. Christians world Anglicanism. More recently out our commitments – in other words have often devised such rules for Archbishop Justin followed this up enabling the Christ-life to flourish in themselves or adopted modified with a further initiative, namely an each of us. forms of monastic ones, and the rule invitation for young people from Whether you call this “fresh is seen not as a straitjacket to hem us across the Communion to live at expressions”, “new monasticism” in or constrain us in any way, but as Lambeth for a year to experience or what you will, there is in fact little a constant inspiration to reach for a this new form of religious life, that’s new about this. These are fuller life in Christ. now named the “Community of indeed “old paths” we’re treading Again the source could hardly be St Anselm”, guided by a newly again. The pattern of regular more ancient. Benedict’s first words appointed Prior, a young Anglican prayer for those of us who don’t in his Rule: “Listen my child to the priest from Sweden, and an additional live in monasteries will, of course, teachings of your master and incline sister from Chemin Neuf. be different from the pattern of the ear of your heart” invite us into 2005-15 TEN YEARS 19
that deep attentiveness in which the THIS NEW RELIGIOUS LIFE, THEN, LOOKS TO LIVE voice of God and the presence of God are to be found in everything OUT WHAT ARE VERY ANCIENT CHARISMS: PRAYER, and everyone. For Benedict nothing HOSPITALITY, STUDY, RECREATION, LOVE FOR is “ordinary”; rather everything is CREATION – A BALANCED LIFE IN WHAT CAN SEEM charged with the sacred. The tools of the monastery are to be treated just LIKE A CRAZY AND FRANTIC WORLD. as the sacred vessels of the altar; the youngest novice is to be listened to as much as the most experienced monk. The tone of the Rule is generous and of St Benedict, I will keep the balanced. “The strong should be following Rule of Life each day: given something to strive for and the • Set aside time for prayer, including weak nothing to intimidate them”. prayer for family and friends, for It is intentional Christianity taken to Emmaus Community of St Benedict the max, a school of holiness for brothers and sisters, for the Church everyone. It is utterly realistic. and for the World Benedict modestly says this is a “little • Read from scripture or from some rule for beginners”, but he has an other sacred or spiritual text unshakeable conviction that it works. • Do something for someone else Live this way and a joyful Christian life • Do something for my own self: is within our reach, he says. body, mind or spirit After a number of years of living • Treat my family life and my daily with Benedict’s rule, a fledgling work as my main Christian ministries new community has emerged in • Seek the holy in everyday tasks and the Diocese of Edinburgh, with duties encouragement from both the Rt Rev • Try to see Christ in everyone I meet” • Dr John Armes (Bishop of Edinburgh) and the Rt Rev Brian Smith (former If you would like to know more or Bishop of Edinburgh) before him. The to share in this new initiative, then Emmaus Community of St Benedict enquire through www.ecsb.org.uk. has grown out of the Rhythm in Daily We’ll be delighted to hear from Life groups begun at the Church of anyone interested in both present the Good Shepherd, Murrayfield, and future expressions of religious and the evolving community life at community life in the Scottish Episcopal Emmaus House. The small group of Church. Archbishop Justin commended this search for a new exploring of the founding members (some seven of us) old paths with these words: live across the city in our own homes, “If we want to see things changed, but gather regularly for prayer and it starts with prayer. It starts with a mutual support and to encourage new spirit of prayer, using all the each other in the living of our own traditions, ancient and modern. When very modest Rule. Whilst it certainly is it comes, it will be linked to what has modest, the commitments it contains gone before, but it will look different are intended to help us reach for that – because it is a new renewal for new balanced and fuller life and to both times. God’s created community is stretch and inspire us along the way. perfectly designed for its time and Our Rule looks like this: place. It almost always comes from “In fellowship with my brothers below. It comes from Christians and sisters in the Emmaus Community seeking Christ.” • 20
CREDIT UNIONS – PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE
Donald Urquhart, President of Capital Credit Union
IN recent months there has been than customers and surplus rather come with no hidden charges and no considerable attention focused on than profit. penalties for repaying the loan early credit unions as a viable solution to and it is also possible to carry on the challenges facing many people The ‘Common Bond’ saving so that by the time you finish who find themselves in difficulty, A credit union’s customers are its repaying the loan your savings would particularly with payday and other members and it can only offer services have grown as well. predatory lenders. The Archbishop to members. This is primarily because Credit unions make it easy to save. of Canterbury’s comments in relation credit unions are co-operatives. Even a small amount saved each week to credit unions replacing the major However, in the UK it is also a will soon mount up. payday lender Wonga attracted a legislative requirement contained • Credit unions serve the community significant amount of publicity and within the Credit Union Act 1979, so when you invest in your local the Scottish Government’s ‘12 Days the principle piece of legislation credit union you know it’s your of Debtmas‘ campaign in December applying to credit unions in the UK. neighbours or colleagues who are 2013 contributed to increasing To be a member you must meet the benefiting, not outside shareholders the focus on credit unions without ‘common bond’ criteria set by the • You can save as much or as little as necessarily clarifying for many exactly credit union, that is you must satisfy you like, weekly, monthly or as often what a credit union is. Did you know the membership requirements such as as you wish that 1 in 20 people in Scotland is a that you live or work in a certain area, • Deposit savings at local branches, member of a credit union? belong to a particular organisation or shops, collection points, by direct As someone who has been a work for a certain employer. debit or directly from your wages volunteer at a credit union for over • Credit unions aim to pay a 22 years and who has been involved Promoting responsible lending dividend on savings once a year in the Credit Union Sector locally, Credit unions promote responsible to all members, depending on nationally and internationally, the lending and the services they provide performance. phrase ‘best kept secret in the should give all members access to: financial services sector’ is a recurring • Basic banking services – offering Distribution of profits theme and when I advise people that members an account that allows The dividends that credit unions I am a director of a credit union, the them to have access to their savings distribute to their members means most common response is ‘what’s a at any time the money stays in the community credit union?’ so I am going to try and • Savings accounts –encouraging rather than going to the faceless answer the question for you and, in members to build up their assets shareholders of corporates such doing so, I might shed some light on and accumulate savings as banks. Credit Unions are also the ‘best kept secret’. • Affordable loans – taking into committed to improving the economic account the member’s personal and social well-being of members. Financial Co-operative circumstances, payment history and In many credit unions life insurance A credit union is a member-owned ability to repay the loan is included at no extra cost, making financial cooperative, democratically • Financial education and access it easy to build up a useful nest egg. controlled by its members, and to money advice - empowering On the death of a member savings operated for the purpose of members to make informed choices can be doubled by the insurance and promoting thrift, providing credit about financial products paid to whoever the member chooses. at competitive rates, and providing • Insurance products – enabling (subject to conditions) other financial services to its members to build on and protect members. Many credit unions also their assets. The Rules provide services intended to support Some credit union loans will cost Credit unions have a number of community development locally or you no more than 1% a month on clear objectives enshrined in their sustainable international development the reducing balance of the loan (an constitution. These rules are: on a national level. Credit unions offer APR of 12.7%), many credit unions • Promoting thrift – members must be many of the same financial services charge less and some may charge encouraged to save as well as borrow as banks, but often using a different more dependent on a risk assessment • Providing credit and loan products terminology, such as members rather of the borrower’s requirements. Loans with fair and reasonable interest rates 2005-15 TEN YEARS 21
• The efficient use and control of members’ savings for mutual benefit in order to earn a rate of return (the dividend) • Educating members to use money wisely, devise a budget and manage their financial affairs • Members own and control their credit unions Because credit unions are co- operatives, members have a say in how the credit union is run and the directors are elected from the members, by the members, to represent their interests. Surveys of than going to faceless shareholders. • More than 3.5 million children (27%) customers at banks and credit unions They are also committed to improving in the UK are living in poverty have consistently shown a significantly the economic and social well-being of • Two-thirds of children living in higher customer satisfaction rate with members. poverty are in families where at least the quality of service at credit unions. one adult works Credit unions have historically claimed External Regulation and Scrutiny • Child poverty is projected to rise to provide superior member service In the UK, Credit Unions are regulated from present levels if current policies and to be committed to helping in the same way as banks, building don’t change members improve their financial societies and other financial deposit • The average full-time pay of the situation. In the context of financial takers through the Treasury’s CEO of a Financial Times Stock inclusion credit unions claim to Prudential Regulation Authority and Exchange 100 company in 2012 was provide a broader range of loan and the Financial Conduct Authority. £4.3 million while the average wage savings products at a much cheaper The members’ savings are also of a UK worker was £26 500, cost to their members than do most protected by the Financial Services a multiplier of more than 160 microfinance institutions. Compensation Scheme to the same • The wealth of the richest one Almost all Scots are currently extent as they are for other financial percent of people in the world eligible to join a credit union and services institutions. amounts to $110 trillion, 65 times get access to an extensive range of the total wealth of the bottom half services including a current account, Credit Unions in the Wider Financial of the world’s population life savings, insurance, cash ISAs and Picture • Almost half of the world’s wealth is even mortgages. In recognition of the At a time when the challenges of the now owned by just one percent of strength of the movement in Scotland economic meltdown are still facing the population and the role credit unions play in most of us, the difficulties in which • The richest 85 people in the world offering safe savings, affordable many people find themselves in own as much as the bottom 50% of credit and a wide range of financial relation to making ends meet are very the world’s population. services to people in communities well publicised in a variety of ways. What has all this to do with Credit up and down the country, past and For many, the economic recovery is Unions? Well those of us actively present Scottish Executives have been somewhat illusory and the policies involved in credit unions believe that keen to support the development of austerity that most of us (although credit unions and, indeed, a cooperative and growth of credit unions. In 2013, not all) have all experienced have approach to business and finance in Scottish credit unions received a total been based on the stigmatisation of general, can be the solution to many of more than £1.3m from the Scottish sections of the population and the of the problems facing our society today, Government’s Third Sector Enterprise dissemination of misinformation, much particularly wealth inequality. Indeed, Fund which will help credit unions of it for political reasons. in many other parts of the World (the upgrade their facilities, extend their However, a quick examination of Philippines, the Caribbean and countries services to a wider range of people, some reliable and reputable sources in South and Central America), credit and continue to develop and grow (the World Bank, Oxfam, the Child unions and similar microfinance as thriving social enterprises offering Poverty Action Group) provide some approaches have been at the heart of a real local, ethical and co-operative pretty harsh facts that make us all sit a number of very positive developments alternative to the banks. up and think: that have addressed poverty and • 13 million people live below the financial exclusion brought about Distribution of profits poverty line in the UK by significant proportions of the Credit unions distribute their profits • In 2012/2013, foodbanks fed nearly population being underserved or to members in dividends and thus the 350 000 people, almost 130 000 of not served at all by the mainstream money stays in the community rather whom were children financial services such as banks. • 22
THE POLITICS OF THE REAL WORLD
Justin Reynolds
THE rusting garden gate refuses clear, logical policy programmes, The problem is of course that to yield. I push, hard as I dare, and utopian visions. Politics as science it just seems so downright hard. force myself through. fi ction. And that inclination for the So I stayed in front of my computer Rain water pooled on overhanging abstract guided my subsequent path screen, with my books. Easier by far leaves spills and runs down my neck. towards a career some way from the to look on, commenting on the efforts As I crunch up the path I glimpse tangled business of politics. of others. a fi gure peering out of a fi rst fl oor I’m now working as a digital I can fi nd all kinds of window. I ring the bell. A distant radio designer, immersed in a rational rationalisations for my decision a plays. As I half expect no-one comes universe of disciplined grids, cursive couple of years ago to fi nally get out to the door. typefaces, shimmering gradients, and do something, but a curious little I fi nd a suitable angle of attack to subdued colour palettes, crisp episode sticks in the mind. force the bespattered leafl et through photography and smooth vectors. While idly browsing a bookshop the bristling draught excluder. It is late All framed within the neat rectangle my eye was caught by a chapter afternoon. There are only 30 more of a softly glowing computer screen. heading: ‘Idiotism’. Reading on, I houses on the list. A defi ned world whose elements learned that the word was coined by And I ask myself again: why am I, a can be snapped into shape to form the ancient Athenians to refer to the pale introvert, a creature of books and perfect compositions. Or to put it in status of a private citizen disinclined coffee shops, out here, on another theological terms, a realm of pure to engage in the public life of the Saturday, canvassing for a political spirit, unstained by matter, agreeable city state. Their ‘idiocy’ consisted not party. It’s a good question. This piece to those, like myself, of a gnostic in their low intelligence, but in their is my latest attempt to answer it. disposition. passivity: a preparedness to leave I’m not a complete novice. I’ve So how did this particular 21st century the business of democracy to others, long been interested in politics. gnostic end up stuffi ng soggy political to do their own thing, to tend their Indeed I studied it at university. But leafl ets into recalcitrant letterboxes? own gardens. I should emphasise the word ‘studied’: Well, any idealist who has not Interesting, I thought, and brief exposure to the intrigues of quite given up on the hope that continued browsing. But as I stepped student politics was suffi cient to another world is possible, whose out of the shop I realised the term provoke some distaste for the hard utopianism hasn’t decayed into described me perfectly: someone who realities of political campaigning. cynicism, is a kind of latent activist. takes the time to be well informed, Those of a more pragmatic I have tried, but I cannot agree who notes the world’s failings, who disposition enjoyed the rough and with the pessimist that things are as complains about ‘them’, the ‘political tumble. But I soon found that I was they are because that is just the way class’, and yet who does nothing. rather better at thinking about how of things. If we can imagine something Yes, I thought, that’s me: an idiot. to change the world than actually perhaps we can at least try to realise And I knew the label would stick attempting in some small measure it. I have never quite given up the till I turned my eyes away from the to do so. hope that the world can be fi xed, newspaper and did something. Ideas, books and seminars I could that progress is possible, in spite of So I joined a party. I turned up handle: esoteric political philosophies, everything. for meetings and put my name down 2005-15 TEN YEARS 23
SO I JOINED A PARTY. I TURNED UP FOR MEETINGS AND PUT MY NAME DOWN FOR THINGS. AND I WAS PLEASED TO FIND THERE IS STILL SOME OPPORTUNITY TO PHILOSOPHISE: THERE ARE POLICIES TO DEBATE, OPINION PIECES TO WRITE, POINTS OF POLITICAL DOCTRINE OVER WHICH TO AGONISE.
for things. And I was pleased to find the-same’, ‘anyone-but-you’ and recognition – so simple that it can there is still some opportunity to ‘not-after-what-you-did-last-time’. be hard to see – that the world is philosophise: there are policies to But to my pleasant surprise most not a blank canvas on which a new debate, opinion pieces to write, people are polite, tolerant of being design can be sketched, or comprised points of political doctrine over disturbed, and often quite willing to of adaptable building blocks that can which to agonise. talk, pleased to that effort has been be taken apart and reconstructed. But the day-to-day business made to solicit their views. Each new government inherits of politics is just that: business. And I don’t think it’s just a matter the world as it is, a fathomless Committee and sub-committee of common courtesy. Yes, there’s confusion of traditions, prejudices, meetings, the adoption of reluctant a pervasive disillusionment with cultures, institutions and clashing officebearers, the organisation of mainstream politics, but people ideologies that must be coaxed and fundraisers, the purchase of raffle still recognise that the business of charmed rather than directed. The tickets, the designing of flyers, the being canvassed is integral to life in state isn’t a gleaming iMac, awaiting setting up of rain sodden marquees, a democracy, to being regarded as reprogramming. It’s more like an old the manning of stalls on windy street a citizen rather than a subject, with mainframe, a monstrous contraption corners. the right, and indeed obligation, to patched together with thickets And, above all, canvassing: be consulted. There’s a recognition of cords and cables that must be the sisyphean task of meeting the that our democracy, imperfect as it is, painstakingly rewired. electorate, the attempt to win the is a gift entrusted to us by previous That complexity is the price of trust of strangers without which generations, secured after much democracy. Political reform is hard, nothing else matters, without which struggle. compromising and implemented the most carefully crafted policy This, I think, is the very essence in the teeth of opposition from programme is fit only for the of politics: the methodical grind of opponents who will look to reverse recycling bin. getting out and speaking to voters, it when their time comes around And the process of making seeking nothing more than to present again, as it will. But that is the way contact, even in this digital age, a party’s position accurately, and to of it. remains resolutely analogue, an leave them to make of it what they will. I’m writing this in a notebook, prior almost comically laborious process To dip into theology again, you to another canvassing session, on a of knocking on doors, one-by-one, might say politics is a thoroughly bitter February day, looking out of the street-by-street, an endless business incarnational business: the clash of a cafe window, watching the passers-by of cold fingers, missing number plates, political programme with reality, with on their way back to homes whose barking dogs, broken service buzzers the brute fact of a sceptical public that peace I may soon be disturbing. and sepulchral tenement stairwells. must be persuaded, with infinite pain. It’s drizzling. Mist is obscuring a And, of course, people. The A tough stage for idealists. church spire, and there’s a sheen of summoned occupant, warily peering But they are necessary. The water on the rooftops. But I can see from behind the door. visionary can see the city on a hill some light on the horizon, a prospect Certainly, there is the occasional towards which political effort strives. of brighter weather. I pack up: it will door slam. A smattering of ‘you’re-all- For them the challenge is the simple soon be time to start again. • 24 REVIEWS
Iona: The Other Island Author: Kenneth Steven and Iain Sarjeant Publisher: St Andrew Press ISBN: 9780861538300 RRP: £14.99
The Story of Iona: An illustrated history and guide Author: Rosemary Power Publisher: Canterbury Press Norwich ISBN: 9781848255562 RRP: £12.99
A great many books have been written about Iona and that is unsurprising given the central place that it has had and continues to have in the spiritual life of Scotland and beyond. It does however raise the question as to why we might need more. These books are very different, to most that I have encountered before.
The fi rst offers photographs, prose any poetry to introduce the reader to the riches of Iona, that lie beyond the confi nes of the restored Benedictine Abbey and the ruined Augustinian Nunnery. In other words it takes us to the places that most visitors to Iona do not fi nd. Iain Sarjeant’s photography has a wonderfully spiritual quality to it, whether it is of landscape or of the details of pebbles on the shore, seaweed or patterns in the sand. Both Iain’s photography and Kenneth Steven’s poetry and prose clearly come from people who have spent a great deal of time exploring Iona, starting with childhood visits and continuing for many years. The book is organised by 19 locations, mostly around Iona’s coastline, which are marked on a far from detailed map, although the narrative does provide guidance as to how to fi nd them. This is a well designed book with photography that is well reproduced and would serve as a guidebook for anyone who was spending a few days on the island about which Samuel Johnson wrote: “That man is little to be envied whose piety would not grow warmer amid the ruins of Iona.”
The second is very different. In the fi rst half of her book, Rosemary Power takes her reader on an historical journey. She sketches what Iona might have looked like to the visitor before Columba, during the Columban period and in each century up until the Middle Ages. What she is trying to help the visitor to Iona to do, is to read into the landscape and the historical remains what they might have encountered in each period. The second half does much the same for the period of the Benedictine Monastery and that of the Augustinian Nunnery. There is much detail in her account, but it is never dry or remote. Another well designed book, with many black and white photographs and occasional pieces of poetry from the periods being discussed, which helps to evoke the spirit of the age being considered. This is another useful ‘guide’ for visitors as from specifi c vantage points Rosemary describes what one might have seen at particular times, so that one can picture what life might have been like on Iona through its long history of spiritual renewal.
The Rev James Currall REVIEWS 2005-15 TEN YEARS 25
Selma Paramount Pictures, Pathé and Harpo Films
“Heartbreaking and inspiring” is how this stunning film about the epic march from Selma to Montgomery and Martin Luther King’s leadership in persuading President Lyndon Johnson to sign the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is best described.
Heartbreak pervades the film. Feelings of utter bewilderment, anger, frustration and fear are experienced through the various characters being portrayed by some superb and compelling acting. It is heartbreaking as juxtapositions between personal and political motivation are played out against a background fuelled with a passionate sense of injustice and ignorance of basic human rights.
Inspiration runs through the two hours through glimpses of hope and moments of triumph. Similarly, poignancy and heartbreak are never far away. The moment when King consoles the grandfather of the murdered activist Jimmie Lee Jackson, killed by white police, hits hard with the words “God was the first to cry” – the emotions of both King and Cager Lee (Henry G. Sanders) in this scene capture all the heartbreak and inspiration that this film so brilliantly portrays.
The ensemble cast produces a united performance that is a true tour de force. David Oyelowo is mesmerising as King, alternately producing the raw power of the man’s public face whilst simultaneously shrinking to smallness in the face of grief or personal shame. The encounter between Martin and Coretta (played by the superb Carmen Ejogo) as she confronts him over his infidelities reveals the man whose layers have been scraped away, the energising speeches reduced to a single word, ‘no’ when asked if he loved any of them. However, there is not a single wasted performance in the entire film.
The film lasts approximately two hours but allow time following it to simply pause and reflect – it has a profound effect on a range of emotions and on how we each have a role in shaping the way others live.
In its own ways, this is a Lenten journey – at once bringing the viewer to inspiration, grief, revulsion, hope. It will challenge and inspire anyone who sees it!
The Rev Chris Mayo 26 LETTERS
Support and wisdom Photo Caption competition needed
The efforts of all those involved with the Scottish Episcopal Institute in breathing life into what was an apparently failing body are to be commended by the whole Church. Staff and students are worthy of support If you want to have – in prayer and money – by everyone. a go at suggesting However, I think it is a great pity a caption for this that the Provincial Lent Appeal by the photo please email: College of Bishops on behalf of the inspires@scotland. Institute jeopardises the possibility of anglican.org or that support by its blatant ageism. The post your caption to appeal worded on behalf of “younger inspires Magazine, candidates…to offer a lifetime of The General Synod ordained service” lacks any real basis Office, 21 Grosvenor in theology or practise. Crescent, Edinburgh, Leadership in the early Christian EH12 5EE. Entries to communities was almost exclusively be sent by 27 April. entrusted to those described as “elders”, gifted with wisdom and maturity. They combined knowledge with the experience of life. Over the past three decades the Episcopal Church has taken this to heart in its widespread development and use of non-stipendiary ministry and we perhaps should look more to this ministry for our effective missional leadership for the future. “Fresh insights and energy” are by what goes on ‘behind the scenes’. and thoughtful all the staff were, no means restricted to “younger This week, that opportunity arose and whether they were dealing with the candidates”. But wisdom only comes we made our visit in the company family and congregation ‘front of with experience as Bishops should know. of one of our local funeral directors, house’ or ‘behind the scenes’ The Rev Tim Morris who made the arrangements with the dealing with the more technical crematorium for us. aspects. It was a very useful and informative For my part, I now feel much experience. The crematorium staff better equipped to answer the Praise for were very helpful, showing us the questions that family and friends whole process from the point at which might have, in a helpful and honest Crematoria the coffin disappears from view of way. Perhaps this sort of visit should the congregation, until the ashes are be a part of the training of all those Over the last few years the news in the urn, for return to the family who are licenced to take funerals, media have presented us with or for scattering in the crematorium clergy and lay readers alike? ‘horror’ stories about what goes grounds. I was touched by how caring The Rev James Currall on in crematoria. As a relatively newly ordained priest in the Scottish Episcopal Church, I agreed an early inspires welcomes letters from readers, of not more than 300 words, which can be sent to objective with my training Rector [email protected] that we would visit one or our local Letters must be accompanied by the writer’s name, address and daytime telephone crematoria, in order to get a better number. The editorial team of inspires reserves the right to edit letters and not to publish. understanding of how they work and THE FINAL WORD 2005-15 TEN YEARS 27
The Rev Philip Blackledge
Russel brand – their atheism is based not simply BRAND CHALLENGED on rationality but on moral grounds. FRY’S THEOLOGY, god’s chief political They feel that if God exists, he’s horrible, and they don’t want PHILOSOPHY AND spokesperson anything to do with him. BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION. However, leaping to the defence of AND HE AND FRY IN THIS THERE was a very interesting us theists was (who’d have thought DEBATE SEEM TO BE exchange about God a few weeks it) Russell Brand. Younger, thinner ago. It began with an interview MIRRORING A ZEITGEIST and sexier than Stephen Fry, he’s also WHICH SEEMS TO BE by Stephen Fry, the cuddly, clever, equally funny. If you like your humour avuncular “National Treasure” of the on the colourful side. CHANGING. modern age (some folk have referred Brand challenged Fry’s theology, to him as “the non-thinking man’s philosophy and biblical interpretation. thinking man” but that’s no refl ection And he and Fry in this debate seem to on him). be mirroring a Zeitgeist which seems He was being interviewed by to be changing. However in recent years, the the gentle Irish chat show host, Gay Sociologists spoke of the period same sociologists have spoken of the Byrne. During that interview, Byrne of the “Great Disenchantment” of the “Re-enchantment” of the world. The asked him, “Were you to fi nd yourself 20th century. Science and empirical younger generations, like Brand and at the Pearly Gates, face to face with evidence became all, and there was others, who have hardly been exposed God, what would you say to him?” no room for mystery. Towards the end to any of the traditional religions at all, Fry’s response was righteous of the twentieth century, it seemed have found the presence of God, or anger. “ I’d say - bone cancer in as though every question which was at least the need for God, all on their children? What’s that about? How worth asking could be answered own. They reject the idea of empirical dare you! How dare you create a by empirical evidence and scientifi c evidence being enough, and want world in which there is so much misery method. We got so good at scientifi c to re-imagine the world on a cosmic that is not our fault. It’s not right, it’s method that if a question couldn’t scale. utterly utterly evil.”. be answered in this way, we began This comes with a healthy rejection “And you think you’re going to believing that it wasn’t a question of dogmas, but with a yearning and get in?” asked Gay Byrne, rather worth our time. Peter Atkins, a famous a knowledge for God. Just as Fry splendidly. Fry’s response was that chemist and atheist once told the is representative of the old age of he wouldn’t want to be associated Duke of Edinburgh “Why questions secularism, perhaps Brand, sweary, in any way with such a God. aren’t real questions”. To which the naughty, clever, funny Russell Brand, That heroic moral stance against Duke replied “Why’s that then?” is a symbol of a world-view to which God is not new. Many atheists feel Brilliant. our Church needs to listen. • 28 NOTICES
APPOINTMENTS RESIGNATION RETIREMENT
BAKER CAMPBELL JACKSON The Rev Liz Baker appointed Rector The Rev Elizabeth Campbell from The Rev Margaret Jackson from Rector at Holy Trinity, Pitlochry; St Andrews, Assistant Priest at St James, Stonehaven, at St James’, Stonehaven and St Philip’s, Strathtay; St Adamnan’s, Kilmaveonaig St Philip’s, Catterline and St Ternan’s, Catterline, and from Priest in Charge at St and All Saints’, Kinloch Rannoch on 8th Muchalls on 25th January 2015. Ternan’s, Muchall on 16th January 2015. January 2015. IWUAGWU BRAUER The Rev Chukwuemeka Iwuagwu from DEATHS The Rev Thomas Brauer appointed Non-Stipendiary Priest at St Mary’s Diocesan Missioner of the Diocese of St Cathedral, Glasgow on 15th February 2015. CAMERON Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane on 1st On 9th December 2014, The Rev Donald February 2015 having resigned as Priest KEULEMANS Cameron: 1929. Cranmer Hall, Durham in Charge at St Luke the Evangelist, The Rev Andrew Keulemans from Rector 1968-70. D, 1970. P, 1971. Glenrothes, St Margaret of Scotland, at St Peter, Musselburgh on 3rd January C, Holy Trinity, Hull 1970-1973. V, Christ Leven and Finnian, Lochgelly on 21 2015. Church, Eaton, Cleveland 1973-1982. R, St Mungo, Balerno 1982-1987. January. Warrant, Dioc of Edinburgh 2000-2014. KILGOUR Assist P, St Paul & St George, Edinburgh. GIBSON The Very Rev Richard Kilgour from The Rev Kenneth Gibson appointed Provost at St Andrew’s Cathedral, LAWRENSON Priest in Charge at Holy Trinity, Monifieth Aberdeen on 31st January 2014. On 26th February 2015, The Rev on 21st December 2014. Michael Lawrenson: 1935. Univ of Leeds MANDER BA 1960. Coll of the Resurr Mirfield KING The Rev Canon Peter Mander from 1960-1962. Univ of L’pool Cert in Soc The Rev Preb Bob King appointed Rector at St James the Less, Cruden Sc 1965. Univ of Newcastle Dip in App Rector at St Andrew’s, Kelso on 2nd and St Mary-on-the-Rock, Ellon on 26th Soc Studies 1969. NS Trg 1971-1974. December 2014. January 2015. D, 1974. P, 1974. NSM, St Luke’s, Glenrothes 1974-1990. Dioc Supernum 1990-1995. Chapl, HM Prison, Perth MACLEAN MILNE 1991-1995. Central Fife Team Ministry The Rev Canon Allan Maclean appointed The Rev Canon James Milne from Rector 1995-2000. Rtd 2000. Rector at St Vincent’s Edinburgh on at St Bride, Glasgow on 7th February 22nd January 2015. 2015. POW On 15th January 2015, The Rev Canon PEDEN MORTIS Joyce Pow: 1929. SRN. RSCN. RNT. The Rev Canon Alison Peden appointed The Rev Lorna Mortis from Rector at St NS Trg 1986-88. St John’s Notts Cert Rector at St Modoc’s, Doune on 6th Paul & St John the Evangelist, Airdrie on in Christian Studies 1988. D, 1988. P, March 2015 having resigned as Rector at 18th February 2015. 1994. NSM, St Columba’s, Largs 1988- Holy Trinity, Stirling on 28th February. 2000. Warrant, Uni Dioc of Glasgow & RICHARDSON Galloway. Hon Can, Cath of the Isles, SMITH The Rev Andrew Richardson from Rector Millport 2009-2015. The Rev Canon Jeffry Smith appointed at St John the Evangelist, Ballieston, Rector of St Mary and All Souls, St Kentigern, Dennistoun, and St Serf, SKELTON Coldstream on 15th January 2015. On 7th December 2014, The Rev Canon Shettleston on 7th February 2015. Pamela Skelton: 1938. Hull Coll of Ed Teaching Dip 1958-1960. NS Trg 1975- TAGGART 78. Edinburgh Theo Coll 1980-1982. The Rev Terry Taggart appointed Priest Dss, 1978. D, 1986. P, 1994. Dss-in-C, in Charge at St Peter’s, Stornoway and St Barnabas, Moredun & Edin Youth Org St Moluag’s, Eoropaidh, Isle of Lewis on 1982-1991. Assoc Min, Christ Church, 23rd January 2015. Edinburgh 1991-1997 & p/t Episcopal Chapl, Royal Edinburgh Hospital 1992- 2005. Hon Can, Edinburgh 2000 - 2014. Warrant, Dioc of Edinburgh 2006-2014.
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