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NOW AVAILABLE ON  NEWSSTAND FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014 No: 6252 of to remarry

By Jordanna May Fr Kirk commented in 2010: cy – and would defend and “The doctrine of matrimony is explain it to anyone who came Bishop THE , the closely associated with ecclesi- to me for advice.” Jonathan Rt Rev , ology and so it would seem The Bishop told us this week: Baker announced last week that he is utterly unacceptable that “I wrote to clergy last week to to remarry. divorce and remarriage be part inform them that, having He immediately wrote to his of the regimen of those who received the consent of the clergy, affirming his support are called to represent and Bishop of , I will remar- for those of his clergy who effect the unity of the Church.” ry in the spring of next year. oppose the remarriage of He added: “Promoting “I reached this decision after divorcees, saying that he will divorced is a far more a great deal of thought and continue to support them in serious matter than homosexu- prayer. I fully respect and their stance. al bishops because it is under- understand the position of cler- In a letter that was sent to all mining one of the fundamental gy who exercise their right not his clergy, Bishop Baker, who teachings of scripture.” to conduct further marriages is also chairman of Forward in Fr Kirk has since moved to in church and will support Faith, said that he had received the Catholic Ordinariate but as them in continuing to adopt permission from the Bishop of then founder and national sec- such a policy.” London and the Archbishop of retary, representing FiF, it’s Concerning his role in For- Canterbury. fair to say that his views carry ward in Faith, he said: “Being For some who have read this across to the other Forward in nearly at the end of a four-year news, they will be thinking Faith members. term as Chairman of Forward about ’s (FiF) In the Bishop’s recent letter in Faith, I informed colleagues reaction to the news, in 2010, explaining the decision to at our last council meeting on that divorced bishops in the remarry, he said: “I hope that 19 October that I will not be CofE, would be allowed to those of you who exercise your putting my name forward for remarry. In particular, then right not to conduct further election again in November national secretary of FiF, Fr marriages in church can be when my term comes to an Geoffrey Kirk declared his reassured that that is a position end. I feel privileged to have strong criticism of the decision I fully respect and understand, led Forward in Faith and look under then Archbishop of Can- and that I will support you in forward to its continued terbury, . continuing to adopt such a poli- achievement.” Call for inclusive bishop in Edmonton

THERE HAVE BEEN calls for a bishop who will ordain parishioners – wanted an appointment of someone from clergy are opposed to the appointment of the Rev Philip women to be appointed in Edmonton when Bishop outside London and by far the majority argued for North of St Michael’s in Camden Town as the new Bish- retires in December. someone who would promote, support and encourage op. Fr North is a highly regarded parish who The call has come from clergy and laity in St Pancras, women in ministry,” he said. served with distinction as Warden of the Shrine at Wals- Primrose Hill, Belsize Park, West Hampstead and Kil- He added that ‘it is a scandal that in Edmonton we ingham but had to turn down his appointment as Bish- burn. Clergy and PCC members have written to Bishop have just three women running parishes out of op of Whitby in December 2012 after 110 parishes in asking for a ‘more inclusive bishop’. over 100 churches when nationally close to 50 per cent the Cleveland Archdeaconry signed a letter saying they One of the clergy behind the campaign is the Rev of parishes are now women’. were ‘puzzled, dismayed and very disappointed’ to be Andrew Cain, Vicar of St James and St Mary’s in West Dorothea Hackman, churchwarden of St Pancras, given a bishop who does not ordain women for the third Hampstead, where Bishop Wheatley was himself once Primrose Hill, told the same newspaper that: “Camden time in a row. the Vicar. Bishop Wheatley interviewed Fr Cain after does not want a bishop who discriminates against Traditionalists who have been ready to compromise his recent marriage to his long-term male partner. women. Peter Wheatley can be a very sweet and spiri- over the appointment of women bishops in return for Fr Cain told the Camden New Journal that at a recent tual man who has been very sweet to refugees but, and assurances that their position remains one that is meeting of the North Camden Deanery the vast majori- I mean a massive but, his behaviour is discriminatory in respected in the are likely to see the ty present said they would welcome a woman bishop. this day and age.” campaign in Camden as evidence that a determined “Everyone present - including the more conservative According to the Camden New Journal, some of the group of liberals is trying to marginalise them.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper i2 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday October 31, 2014 News Gafcon ‘an Cathedrals benefit instrument from repair fund

A LARGE NUMBER of cathedrals are set to benefit from the World War I Centenary Repair Fund. Money from the fund is designed to help repair some of Eng- of unity’ land’s most historic buildings. Culture Secretary Sajid Javid announced that a total of £8.3 million will be available for 25 Anglican and six Catholic cathe- GAFCON has become a de facto instrument of unity for the drals. Anglican Communion, the Archbishop of Kenya, the Most This is the second round of grants from a fund Rev Eliud Wabukala, said on 24 October in a pastoral letter to worth £20 million in total. Applications for a third the global Anglican reform movement. round will close on January 21, 2015. Recounting his visit to Atlanta to install Archbishop Foley One of the largest grants has gone to Newcastle, Beach as the second primate of the ACNA, Archbishop which has received £155,000, which will be used to Wabukala wrote that Gafcon was “emerging as a new and repair the roof of an 18th Century library that houses effective ‘instrument of unity’ for the Anglican Communion. the song school. “That reality was underlined at the investiture of Archbish- Among the Catholic Cathedrals to receive a grant op Foley Beach as the second Archbishop of the Anglican was St George’s, Southwark, situated just across the Church in North America by the Primates gathered in road from the newly re-opened Imperial War Muse- Atlanta, representing Gafcon and the Anglican Global South, um. receiving him as a Primate of the Anglican Communion.” In a joint statement the Church of England and the Archbishop Beach’s “investiture demonstrated that the Roman Catholic Church said: “By investing in the realignment of the Anglican Communion is now established buildings, we will be able to showcase cathedrals at and unstoppable,” he said, and “Anglicans around the globe their best as they offer a range of events, commemo- are now affirming this fact.” rations and services to their communities.”

• training for teachers and other school staff to improve their confidence in dealing with lesbian, gay, School initiative welcomed bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues • teaching relevant LGBT issues in lessons in a way THE CHURCH of England has welcomed the new £2 Nicky Morgan, Secretary of State for Education and that young people can understand million fund set up by the Department for Education to Minister for Women and Equalities, said: “Homopho- • making sure that victims are supported and perpetra- tackle homophobic bullying in schools. bic, biphobic and transphobic bullying affects every- tors understand the consequences of homophobic, The Church of England’s Chief Education Officer, the one, not just young people who may identify as LGBT. biphobic and transphobic bullying Rev Nigel Genders, said: “Bullying of any kind is never “Any young person who is different can find them- The spokesman added: “This government has been acceptable, and schools should always be places where selves subjected to distressing and intimidating homo- clear that schools should take tough action on all forms every pupil is encouraged to flourish and celebrate phobic abuse. of bullying and all schools must have a behaviour policy their identity. That is why we provided guidance, earlier “This funding will help schools take on the challenge that challenges all forms of bullying. this year, for schools on how to tackle homophobic bul- of making sure bullies do not stand in the way of our But the new fund was not universally welcomed. lying effectively, and I’m delighted that the Secretary of young people achieving their full potential.” Antonia Tully of Safe at School (part of the Society for State is now providing funding to help schools even fur- Jo Swinson, Minister for Women and Equalities, said: the Protection of Unborn Children) said: “Tax-paying ther.” “Young people should grow up feeling safe expressing parents will soon become aware that their money is A Government spokesman said that such bullying who they are, and we know that homophobic bullying actually being spent on the promotion of homosexuali- can deter children from being themselves, achieving stands in the way of this.” ty. This has certainly been the experience of parents at their full potential and developing the important skills The funding comes as new research - carried out by Welford Primary School in Birmingham, who are they need to succeed. NatCen Social Research - found that some schools protesting against the introduction of a teaching pro- The money will be offered to charitable and not-for- already have initiatives in place that work well, such as: gramme named Challenging Homophobia in Primary profit organisations that come forward with creative • taking a ‘whole school’ approach to homophobic, Schools (CHIPS). ideas to stamp out homophobic, biphobic and transpho- biphobic and transphobic bullying, with clear anti-bully- “CHIPS was introduced without any parental consul- bic bullying in schools. ing policies that are applied consistently tation,” she said. Archbishop reflects on mining Bishop backs law change ARCHBISHOP and the President of the Methodist Conference hosted an ecumenical day of reflection on mining at Lambeth Palace last week. It was THE CHURCH of the Province of “steering the discussion into matters attended by representatives of mining companies as well the West Indies’ Bishop of The that simply do not arise. I consider it as a number of NGOs and faith organisations. Bahamas has given his support to to be a red herring,” he said on 16 The mining companies themselves took the initiative in four constitutional amendments that October. asking the Church of England and the Methodist Church will be presented in a national refer- “We cannot have different strokes to provide some Christian ethical input to conversations endum next year banning sexual dis- for different folks, ie, different rules about the future of the industry. crimination and liberalising the for men and women,” he said. In 2013 a Day of Reflection was hosted at the Vatican by country’s immigration laws. Fears that liberalizing the coun- the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. In prepara- In his presidential address to the try’s immigration laws would see an tion for the event at Lambeth Palace, theologians and 113th meeting of synod in Nassau, influx of Haitian and Jamaican immi- representatives from the two Churches visited mines the Rt Rev Laish Boyd, dismissed grants overrun the country were around the world. claims that banning sex discrimina- misplaced, he said. “There are thou- The hold large investments in tion would give gay rights activists a sands of persons who have been in mining companies, including BHP, Rio Tinto, Anglo legal foothold to allow same-sex this country for decades, some of American and Glencore. marriage. them all of their lives, many who In his address to the day of reflection, Archbishop “These amendments are about know no other country,” he said. Welby referred to the ‘natural resource curse’ that often establishing gender equality and “If we are going to be just and fair, means that in the long-term counties do not benefit from seek to equalise the means of trans- there must be a discussion about a oil and mineral resources. mitting citizenship.” path to regularisation and even citi- Same-sex marriage fears were zenship for some of these persons.”

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper i3 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday, October 31, 2014 News Analysis: As the death toll from Ebola continues to grow, we look at how Christians should respond Responding to the new plague

By J John the 14th century) or even the Spanish Influenza out- Modern western society does not think about death. break at the end of the First World War, which esti- We distance ourselves from mortality to the point that it Estimates of the spread of the Ebola epidemic change mates have suggested may have claimed over 30 is possible to live to the age of 60 and never see a dead daily but the death toll is already in the thousands and million lives. body. We frequently shun using the word ‘death’ as if by there are warnings that we may be seeing 10,000 people For another, we are specifically told that Christ’s avoiding the word we can avoid the event. But death die a week in the near future. return will occur without warning. remains compulsory for rich and poor alike: there is no Although at the moment almost all the cases are con- And, finally, I am troubled by a response to an opportunity to opt out of it. fined to Africa, there is a real nervousness globally appalling human calamity that sees it primarily as some The Ebola crisis is an unwelcome reminder that about the epidemic. Indeed, it’s not hard to feel uneasy marker on ‘the prophetic timetable’. death can occur suddenly and without warning to any of about a contagious virus for which there is no vaccine Our reaction to the Ebola tragedy must be heartfelt us. Therefore, getting right with God while we can is as and especially one that delivers death in such a nasty compassion. If you or I had lost a loved one to Ebola I urgent a matter as it ever was. way. think we would find little comfort in being told that Finally, I think we can see this epidemic as an oppor- The unease brings with it some obvious questions: ‘Is their loss was an indicator that we are in the last days. tunity. We live at a time when religion in general has a it spreading?’ and ‘Am I safe if l travel?’ Yet there are If I am cautious about this disease being a sign I am poor reputation. That is hardly surprising: there’s a lot also deeper, more profound questions such as ‘What far more certain that it could be seen as a warning. All of bad religion about today. I have no doubt, for exam- does it mean?’ and ‘How should how we react?’ the evidence suggests that this is an outbreak that ple, that the average atheist has found their own partic- I think there are four possible meanings we can see in should not have happened. The medical scientists tell ular faith (and it is a faith) greatly strengthened by the the outbreak. us that it started among the poorest of the poor because appalling things done in the name of God in the Middle Could it be that this disease is a sign? Already I am they had been reduced to eating wild animals that natu- East. hearing murmurings, from those who like to match rally carry the virus. Nearer to home, has been mocked as a world events with their own interpretation of biblical They tell us that it spread because the health services weak and ineffectual faith whose followers differ from passages, that this could be an ‘End Time’ plague, some in these African countries were too stretched to be able other people only in that they have less fun. This out- sort of appalling event preceding the Second Coming of to identify and contain the infection. break presents tremendous opportunities for Chris- Christ. Certainly, if we read about the nightmarish way So, at one level, this is a warning that there is a price tians to stand out by demonstrating that we have two in which Ebola kills people it’s not hard to be reminded to pay for global poverty. We have survived HIV/AIDS, qualities our world respects – even if it lacks them – of some parts of the Book of Revelation. we may survive Ebola, but the next new virus may not courage and compassion. Well, I suppose the epidemic might be a sign. But I’d be curable or containable. In an age of fear we need to show courage. If you are prefer to be cautious. I think too that we can also see this epidemic as a fearful, I recommend the first six verses of Psalm 91. For one thing, nothing we have seen so far is remote- reminder. In our complacent world, preoccupied with ly on the scale of either the Black Death (which killed progress and personal satisfaction, Ebola has walked in Those who live in the shelter of the Most High as many as 50 per cent of the population of in like the proverbial ghost at the feast. will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armour and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

We don’t just need to stand firm against fear, good though that is; we need to go further and reach out in compassion. The Ebola crisis brings to mind two inspir- ing parallels in history with regard to leprosy: in the 19th century, Father Damian gave his life to work among lepers in the Philippines; and in the 20th centu- ry, the missionary doctor Paul Brand devoted his life to helping reduce the savage effects of this dreadful and poorly understood disease. Ebola is bad news. But if, in it, we can show courage and compassion, then God can turn bad news into good news.

The Rev Canon J John is Director of the Philo Trust www.canonjjohn.com

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper THE 2 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday October 31, 2014 News Diocese of York THE The , Dr , has dedicated the DIARY CHURCHIN newly built organ in Bishopthorpe Chapel in thanksgiving for the life of Professor Henry Chadwick, his former tutor at Send your events to Cambridge. [email protected] The dedication took place during an Evensong service at or Tweet @churchnewspaper Bishopthorpe, attended by family members of Professor ENGLAND Chadwick’s family. 31 October Archbishop Sentamu said: “Henry Chadwick was a wonderful priest, pastor, theologian and musician – it is right and fitting that this organ is dedicated to him.” 7pm Bradford Cathedral: Assistant Director of Music, Jonathan Eyre, provides the live organ improvisa- tion for the movie Dr Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Jekyll & Mr Hyde. On Wednesday December 3 the award winning Ipswich Winter Night Shelter (IWNS) will open its doors for the 15 coldest weeks of winter. Churches 1 November across Ipswich will be offering hospitality and shelter to the homeless under the IWNS project. The Rev Canon Paul Daltry, Minister for Church and Community 11am Pray and Fast for the Engagement within the Diocese, is chair of the trust. The shelter works Climate launch, St alongside the Ipswich Locality Homelessness Partnership to encourage John’s Waterloo, with homeless people to receive help and advice to restore their lives. the Rev Steve Chalke. Bernadette Ross-Smith, Deputy Chair of the IWNS, said: “We are totally Other services are dependent on volunteers from the Ipswich area to cover three shifts every taking place across night of the week in seven church halls in Ipswich. Volunteers are particularly the UK. needed for the night and the morning shifts, from 10pm to 7am and from 6.45am to 9am.” 3 November The venues for the shelter will be: Mondays, The Salvation Army, Bramford Road; Tuesdays, St Mary’s at Stoke, Stoke Street; Wednesdays, Ipswich Community Church, Clarkson Street; Thursdays, Christ Church / St Pancras, 6.30pm Dave Tomlinson Tacket Street / Orwell Place; Fridays, Burlington Baptist, London Road; leads a workshop on Saturdays, St Margaret’s, Bolton Lane; and on Sundays, Hope Church, Fore his book, The Bad Hamlet. Christian’s Manifesto, London Centre for Spirituality, St Edmund the King, The opened the new Carroty Wood sports hall Josh Perry, a 15-year-old from Wiltshire and local MP John Lombard Street, Lon- last Thursday. Glenn facilitated a Q&A with local churchgoers in support don EC3. Free. Carroty Wood is an Outdoor Adventure Centre located on the for Christian Aid’s Hunger for Justice campaign. The event, 7pm Living without ene- outskirts of Tonbridge, Kent. It is run by Rock UK, which is a not-for- also attended by the Rt Rev Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of mies: Christian profits Christian charity running four centres in the UK. Salisbury, was set up in order to engage locals with the responses to war and campaign that encourages churchgoers and others to lobby violence. Andrew to make climate change a political priority in the UK. White: living without Josh said: “My Mum has a friend who is a Solomon enemies in Baghdad, Islander and she e-mailed us about the event, saying, ‘We St Martin-in-the- need help, and we need it now, and any pressure you can Fields, London WC2, apply on politicians is appreciated’.” free. Bishop Holtam, said: “I’m calling on churchgoers to do three things on climate change. Firstly, to pray to God, talk 8 November with others and inform their conscience about the issue. Secondly, to think about what they can do as individuals. Thirdly, but perhaps most importantly, to pray for those 7.30pm Psalms Project con- most affected by climate change, especially in the poorest cert with Steven parts of the world.” Faux, St Michaels Our picture shows (from left to right): the Rt Rev Edward Without in Bath. Condry, Bishop of ; John Glen MP; Josh Perry; Tickets cost £10, £6 and the Rt Rev Nicholas Holtam, . concession and will be available to buy from the Bath Festi- val Box office. 10 November

7.30pm Living without ene- mies: Christian responses to war and violence. Mike Diocese of Salisbury Wooldridge and for- St Peter’s Messy Church in Winterbourne Stoke celebrated the eign correspondents, Harvest Festival with a Harvest Loaf. Children worked with a view from the front churchwarden Vicky Moorhouse to make the loaf and little bread line, St Martin-in-the- rolls in the shape of caterpillars and butterflies. Fields, London WC2, free.

Diocese of Hereford 12 November Shropshire Churches Tourism Group is making a final call for local Diocese of churches to sign up to be listed in their brochure. The group aims to The , the Rt Rev visited provide information on Shropshire’s historic churches to service their The Chaplaincy Team from Blackpool Victoria Hospital. 7.30pm (and nightly until 15 tourist industry. Bishop Julian was shown around the hospital to meet patients November). Cuck- The Tourism Group are looking to ‘score a century’ and get 100 and talk to them about their care and their thoughts on the field Dramatic Socie- churches signed up, they currently have 90 listed. chaplaincy service ty presents the Christine Tinker, who chairs the group and lives locally, said: “This Bishop Julian said: “I was delighted to be able to visit the multi-award winning is not just about churches either; tourism is worth more than £500 Blackpool Victoria Hospital during my latest Deanery visit play Racing Demon million to the county and our churches play a major role in that and to see the excellent work being done by all the staff by Sir David Hare in industry,” there.” Holy Trinity church.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper www.churchnewspaper.com Friday October 31, 2014 News 3 Legal challenge after Christian school told to invite non-Christians to lead assemblies

AN INDEPENDENT Christian school has been told tute, has told the media that evidence is emerging of what response to make to a letter it has received from that it must invite someone from another faith, such as ‘how new regulations are requiring Ofsted inspection the Christian Institute. Nicky Morgan, Secretary of a Muslim imam, to lead assemblies. teams to behave in ways that do not respect the reli- State for Education, is a practising Christian and some Ofsted inspectors are reported to have downgraded gious ethos of faith schools’. observers think the case highlighted by the Christian the school from ‘good’ to ‘adequate’ and accused it of “The new requirements are infringing the rights of Institute is an example of officials with little under- being out of step with British values. The school has children, parents, teachers and schools to hold and standing of religion implementing new directives in an been threatened with closure if it does not change its practice their religious beliefs,” he said. insensitive an inappropriate way. policies. The Christian Institute is not naming the school con- The Department says it is trying to encourage pupils The Christian Institute, which is planning a legal chal- cerned but says that it is in the home counties. Two to accept and engage with different faiths and beliefs lenge to the regulations, said the school was told ‘to church schools have also been criticised by Ofsted. and to understand a range of different cultures within invite a leader from another religion such as an imam to Bolton Parish Church C of E Primary School has been the school and beyond. The Christian Institute accuses lead assemblies’. The instruction came in the wake of told it needs improvement and inspectors have said that the Department of ‘overreach’ and says that rules now the ‘Trojan horse’ scandal in Birmingham, which has children at St Benedict’s School in Bury St Edmunds call for teachers to ‘actively promote’ rights defined in led Ofsted to introduce new rules requiring the active show insufficient awareness of the dangers of radicali- the Equality Act 2010, including those relating to sexual promotion of ‘British values’ such as tolerance. sation. orientation and transgender rights. Simon Calvert, deputy director of the Christian Insti- The Department for Education says it is considering

Divestment in fossil Young people Cameron told to protect religious views if he wants to win General Election CAMPAIGN group, Grassroots Conserva- laws to protect their view within the party, fuels celebrated dubious about tives have told UK Prime Minister David arguing that the manifesto marginalised Cameron to introduce legislation in order the views of ‘their best footsoldiers’. Ministers, students and families cele- to protect Conservatives who don’t sup- Mr Woollard said: “Mr Cameron must brated the number of churches politicians port single-sex marriage. kick start the healing process with ordi- divesting their investments in fossil YOUNG PEOPLE care about poli- Grassroots have called for the introduc- nary members and voters who have felt fuels, on the steps on St Paul’s Cathe- tics and their faith influences their tion of ‘conscience clauses’ within the marginalised and ignored if he is to stand dral. political attitudes but they are less Conservative Party manifesto that would any chance of winning the next election.” Some 49 churches and faith com- convinced about the effectiveness of ‘provide reasonable accommodation’ for In the letter, Mr Woollard wrote: “There munities have taken the lead, includ- politicians according to a survey by all churches, teachers and public sector was no mention of ripping up the cen- ing the World Council of Churches, the Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) of workers within the party who disagree turies-old definition of marriage in the the Anglican Church in Perth and six the Baptist, Methodist and United with same-sex marriage. Grassroots fear Party’s manifesto and, given the speed of Anglican dioceses in New Zealand. Reformed Churches. this concern among members could force the legislation, many important questions Christian Climate Action visited the An online survey was carried out in their loyalties over to UKIP. were left unanswered. We now have two headquarters of the Church of Eng- preparation for the JPIT conference In a letter to Downing Street, Robert tiers of marriage, one which includes land with balloons and a large party ‘Love Your Neighbour: Think, Pray, Woollard, Chairman of Grassroots Con- important concepts like adultery and con- invitation to encourage the Church Vote’ at which Archbishop Justin servatives, called for ‘religious freedoms’ summation and one which does not.” Commissioners to join the party. Welby is to a keynote speaker. The Hannah Martin of Christian Cli- aim of the conference is to equip mate Action said: “The Church has a Christians to be active in the run-up to Former Archbishop highlights tax historic precedent for supporting the next General Election and is divestment campaigns, as it did to aimed at people under 25. It will take avoidance damage support the end of Apartheid in South place in February 2015, in Coventry Africa. The fossil fuel divestment and is open for registration. BISHOP ROWAN WILLIAMS said people are now becoming aware of the damage done movement is growing and the In the UK voter turnout among 18- by tax avoidance when he introduced a panel discussion to launch a new report from Church needs to be on the right side to 23-year-olds is extremely low. Christian Aid ‘Tax For the Common Good: A Study of Tax and Morality’ at an event held of history. We are challenging the Research by YouGov indicates that of in St Mary-le-Bow. Church because we love it. We want it the 3.3 million people entitled to vote Appearing with the former Archbishop were Prof Esther Reed from Exeter Universi- to be the prophetic voice for those for the first time in the 2015 election, ty, the Rev Dr Angus Richie from the Centre for Theology and Community, Dr Joanildo affected by climate change that Jesus 2 million of them will not be bother- Burity from the Joaquim Nabucco Foundation in Brazil and Toby Quantril, Christian called it to be.” ing. Aid adviser on economic justice. The Church of England currently The young people contacted by the According to Christian Aid, countries lose more from tax avoidance by major compa- has £60 million invested in major fos- churches said they would be more nies than they receive in aid. As speakers pointed out, it has taken austerity in Britain sil fuel companies while the likely to vote if the politicians and awareness of the measures taken by Amazon, Apple and other companies to avoid Methodist Church has £58 million engaged directly with them and were paying UK tax that has made people in this country concerned about the issue. (figures from 2012). The Churches ready to listen to them. They also Toby Quantril argued that tax cannot be considered in isolation from questions of are currently reviewing their invest- complained they were not given morality. Esther Reed drew attention to New Testament teaching and warned that in an ments in the context of climate enough education of key issues and increasingly interconnected world tax laws have not kept pace with the way global cor- change and are due to report back in criticised political education in porations operate. Angus Ritchie argued that business needs the state and that govern- 2015. schools. ment creates the conditions in which wealth generation is possible. Geoff Barnard, a trustee of Brighthelm United Reformed Church in Brighton, which was the first UK Church to divest, told the party: “It’s clear that the burning of fossil fuels is not sustainable. We divested from fossil fuels because we don’t want our money to support an indus- try that is destroying the planet. “We were surprised to be the first church to take this step and hope others churches will soon join us by divesting from fossil fuels”.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 4 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday October 31, 2014 News Muslim to address General Women bishops to lead Synod on Middle East crisis agenda for Synod DR FUAD NAHDI will make history morning will be followed by questions when he takes part in a presentation and prayer, while the plight of reli- at General Synod on violence against gious minorities in Iraq and Syria will THE FINAL legislative hurdle for the con- Also on the first day there will be debate religious minorities in Iraq and Syria. be the focus of prayers throughout secration of women as bishops will take on Guidelines for the Professional Conduct The Business Committee said it was the two-day Synod meeting. place on the first day of next month’s meet- of the Clergy. aware of the concern in church and Dr Nahdi is the executive director ing of General Synod in London. Part of this will centre on the place of the nation on the imprisonment and per- of the Radical Middle Way and found- Under the seemingly innocuous title of confessional, and whether this should secution of Christians and those of ing editor of Q-News. It is the first ‘Amending Canon No 33’, the Archbishop remain confidential. other faiths at the hands of the Islam- time that a Muslim has been invited to of Canterbury will ask Synod to vote in This issue has gained prominence follow- ic State. address Synod. favour. But what the motion will do is pro- ing the report of the Cahill Inquiry, but the While there had been initial The others taking part in the pres- mulge, or make legal, the consecration of debate in Synod will only be to decide demands to schedule an emergency entation include the Rt Rev Nick women bishops. The outcome is not in whether the subject can be debated by debate on the subject, it was decided Baines, Bishop of Leeds, His Grace doubt. But once Synod votes in favour (and Synod in future. If Synod agrees, it is likely to give Synod the opportunity to hear Bishop Angaelos, the general secre- the House of Bishops confirms it later), dio- to be delayed until the next Synod is elect- the contributions of a range of distin- tary of the Coptic Orthodox Church ceses will be able to choose women as their ed next summer. guished and knowledgeable speakers in Great Britain, and the Rev Dr bishop. Another major item for Synod to consider on the subject instead. Rachel Carnegie, the co-director of The first dioceses that will be able to will be on the Anglican-Methodist A presentation on the Tuesday the Anglican Alliance. choose a woman will be Southwell & Not- Covenant. Eleven years on from the signing tingham, Gloucester, Oxford and Newcas- of the Covenant, and months after the tle. However, there are six dioceses that Methodist Church voted on the subject, could see a suffragan appointed first. Synod will be asked to vote to take the leg- Outlining the agenda for the Synod, Sec- islation forward. Little time for Private retary General William Fittall said that if Part of this will be to recognise the inter- there was a choice between two outstand- changeability of ministers, and Synod insid- ing candidates, there was a provision for ers say that one of the stumbling blocks is Members’ Motions women to be chosen first, mainly because that the Church of England has not recog- no women have been chosen ever before. nized women as bishops. However, by the ALTHOUGH THERE is no room on calls on Synod to affirm the public The vote on the amending canon is likely time of the debate that situation is expected the agenda for the two-day Synod doctrine of Christian marriage to take only a few minutes, as it cannot be to have changed. And from the Methodist meeting for Private Member’s “between a man and a woman, as set amended, and has already been passed by side, the question is whether they will Motions, there is the possibility that a out in the Book of Common Prayer.” Synod and Parliament. It will be followed appoint their own bishops. debate could take place on the burial The second most popular motion, immediately by the Archbishop of Canter- On the political front, there is likely to be of people who have committed sui- tabled by John Ward (London), calls bury’s Presidential Address. intense scrutiny over a debate on the Coali- cide. on Synod to give its consent to The rest of the business over the two-day tion Government’s ‘spare room subsidy.’ The Rev Canon Michael Parsons’ churches or chapels to be used to session will focus mainly on legislative busi- A diocesan synod motion (originally from (Gloucester) motion calls for legisla- register civil partnerships. ness, including debate on the Draft Care of Bradford, but since incorporated into the tion to allow those who have taken However, in their report, the Busi- Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales) their own lives to be buried in accor- ness Committee ruled that it would (Amendment) Measure, Draft Diocesan calls on the Synod to promote ‘with the dance with the rites of the Church of be “unhelpful” to schedule these at Stipends Fund and the Draft Naming of Government and partners from the social England. this group of sessions because of the Dioceses Measure. The latter will allow for and housing sector ways of ensuring access His motion is third in the list, with forthcoming Shared Conversations. dioceses to be named after geographical to suitable local housing for all, especially two others gathering more signa- They said it was “neither timely nor locations, rather than after a town or city, as for those who are vulnerable without tures. One of these, tabled by Andrea appropriate for these Private Mem- has been the practice hitherto. increasing levels of debt.’ Minichiello Williams (Chichester), bers’ Motions to be debated. Inquiry reveals safeguarding failures

A CATALOGUE of fail- was now aged 72 “and in apy for cancer in the passed these on to the made there), did not tell and distress and a consid- ures are listed in the my view there is no likeli- throat. “In view of this I Archbishop of York and about fresh erable degree of sadness Inquiry chaired by Judge hood whatsoever of this have no doubt whatever accepted reassurances allegations from Australia and pain”… and “I once Sally Cahill QC into the alleged behaviour recur- that there is simply no from later meetings with or vice versa. again apologise for having affair, ring now.” possibility of his acting as Lord Hope that the matter It also criticized the tone to raise the matter with but it is the former Arch- After meeting with has been alleged of him”. was being dealt with. of his letters to Wadding- you.” bishop of York, Lord Waddington to discuss the However, the Inquiry However, the Inquiry ton that included terms The report said: “Our Hope, who comes out allegations, he said the found that the treatment claims that it hadn’t. Lord such as “I am sorry to conclusion… is that his badly. priest acknowledged he for cancer had been in Hope failed to inform the have to write to you fur- concern for the welfare of He was informed of may have acted in ways 1994 and he was quickly Bishop of North Queens- ther on this matter”… “I Robert Waddington complaints about the for- that could have been mis- back to full health, enjoy- land about the new allega- well realise that this seems to have been para- mer , interpreted but “could not ing overseas holidays as tions (which could whole business will have mount in his response to who retired to his diocese, recall any particular inci- late as 2004. They accuse corroborate the claim caused you deep disquiet these allegations.” in 1999 by the Bishop of dents … which were of Lord Hope of not investi- North Queensland in Aus- the seriousness you gating his health. “If he Waddington: Church leaders respond Manchester choirboy in the 1980s when tralia. In his response, describe.” was a risk to children, this THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK said that he was the Dean of Manchester. Lord Hope said he He went on to state that continued after 1999,” the he was “deeply ashamed” about the Former Archbishop of York Lord “deeply concerned” about Waddington was “severely report states. Robert Waddington case as the Cahill Hope defended his handling of the affair. the allegation, but debilitated” after undergo- Later, in 2003, com- Inquiry published its report. He said that he was “disappointed” stressed that Waddington ing chemo- and radio-ther- plaints were made to the Dr John Sentamu commissioned the that the Inquiry “raised concerns” about Diocese of Manchester, Inquiry led by Her Honour Sally Cahill QC his handling of two cases of alleged child alleging child abuse and into the Church of England’s response to abuse while he was Archbishop. 2" ))%)) )'')( inappropriate behaviour allegations against Robert Waddington, a He said: “I always took great care and by the former Dean, who former Dean of Manchester. acted in, what I believed to be, an appro- +1 +##,).+ +#-! 3 had also risen to be Gen- Dr Sentamu admitted that the Church priate and effective manner.”  &*.,+ -#(#-,)(-#(. ., )+ .-.+ eral Secretary of the “was not vigilant enough to ensure that The current , ! ( +-#)(,)#(-" +1 + ))%)# -1 Church of England Board these things did not happen, failing both the Rt Rev David Walker, was forthright: ) #().-')+ ).--" 0)+%)  of Education (1977-84). to watch and to act, where children were “Robert Waddington abused children. )# -1-"-/( , (-.+# ,)& ,*+#-.&! ' These were brought to at serious risk.” He abused them in Australia and in Eng- the attention of the then The Inquiry was examining allega- land.” )(--())" ))(    )+$$)#())(&#( 0000*,0)+!.% Bishop, the Rt Rev Nigel tions that Waddington had abused a He exploited the trust placed in him, McCulloch. He reported child in the 1960s when he was head- first as a teacher and then as a priest, to " +1 + ))%)# -1 !#,- + "+#-1)  )#'#- 1.+(- )  to the inquiry that he had master of a school in the Diocese of gain repeated and unsupervised access North Queensland, Australia and also a to the children he abused.”

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper www.churchnewspaper.com Friday October 31, 2014 News 5 Asia Bibi appeal Diocese criticised over rejected by court child abuse cases A REPORT published by Australia’s Royal Coast Children’s Home and not providing Commission into Institutional Responses a pastoral response, the Diocese of THE LAHORE High Court “around 25” mullahs “to to Child Sexual Abuse has concluded the Grafton’s response had a detrimental has rejected the appeal of apply pressure and push for Anglican Church of Australia’s Diocese of effect on abused former residents.” Asia Bibi, the Pakistani the sentence … to be Grafton failed in its legal and moral respon- The report also criticized Archbishop Christian woman sentenced upheld. sibilities towards children in its care, and Roger Herft of Perth. “In 2002, archbishop to death for blasphemy. Nasir Saeed, director of failed to exercise oversight over abusive Roger Herft, then Bishop of Newcastle, On 16 October the court CLAAS-UK, stated: “While clergy. became aware that Reverend Allan Kitch- refused to overturn her the rest of the world con- The 27 October report presented to par- ingman had been convicted of five counts conviction for having demns such draconian laws, liament examined the diocese’s response of indecent assault of a child. He did not allegedly made derogatory Pakistan continues to perse- to child sexual abuse at the church-run start disciplinary proceedings against comments about Muham- cute its minorities simply North Coast Children’s Home. It found the him.” mad while arguing with a Muslim because of their religion. I have to diocese had disavowed responsibility for The diocese of Grafton and Newcastle neighbour. now remain hopeful that the abuse committed by one of its priests at “could both have taken action in response The Centre for Legal Aid Assis- Supreme Court judges will look at the home, declined to give victims com- to the professional standards matters con- tance and Settlement (CLAAS), an the case objectively and allow the pensation, and failed to follow its own inter- cerning Reverend Allan Kitchingman inter-denominational organisation final appeal, eventually acquitting nal guidelines on reporting child abuse. including his discipline. There was no working for persecuted Christians in Asia.” Among its 28 findings, the Commission clear system in place to determine which Pakistan, reported the 30 spectators’ Her lawyers are to submit her case stated that “by denying legal liability on the Diocese would assume responsibility,” the seats at the court were taken by to Pakistan’s Supreme Court. basis that it did not control the North report stated.

Bishop Former Archdeacon’s Gafcon appoints operations officer pleads for assets frozen THE PRIMATES’ Council of the Gafcon movement Archbishop Eliud government A MANITOBA court appointed to the post has appointed an opera- Wabukala has frozen the assets of archdeacon by his tions officer to oversee the intervention of the former Angli- father Bishop Jim affairs of the global reform can Church of Cana- Njegovan, is alleged movement. da’s Archdeacon of to have defrauded In a pastoral letter dated Brandon, after the the diocese by incur- 24 October, the chairman of diocese’s insurance ring $90,175 in credit Gafcon, Archbishop Eliud company brought card cash advances, Wabukala, announced that suit to recoup over $46,660 in meal and Philip Robinson would C$200,000 embez- bar bills, $13,277 begin work in November. zled by the Ven Noah spent at hotels, His “initial focus will be the Njegovan. $8,107 spent on fuel mobilization and growth of On 20 October the and travel and $6,791 our global fellowship, Brandon Court of for three trips to Las including the launch of a Queen’s Bench Vegas between Janu- contact programme to granted the diocese’s ary 2010 and Sep- widen understanding of nors, Mr Robinson has Also developing a portfolio motion. Its civil law- tember 2012. Gafcon’s leading role in the “Extensive Financial Sector of Non-Executive roles in THE PRIME Bishop of the suit seeks $250,000 A further $31,488 renewal and reform of the experience gained in a the Public, Private and Episcopal Church of the for fraud, breach of was spent on pur- Anglican Communion.” career in professional charitable sectors, within Philippines, the Most Rev trust, breach of con- chases such as cloth- According to his biogra- accountancy practice, com- groups such as Gislen Soft- Renato Abibico, Bishop of tract and fraudulent ing and massages, the phy published on the web- merce and financial regula- ware Private Ltd, the Northern Luzon, has written misrepresentation statement of claim site of the Aldro tion. Supreme Court of the Unit- to President Benigno Aquino and $100,000 in puni- alleges. Criminal Preparatory School in Kent, “Currently consulting on ed Kingdom, Electronic urging government interven- tive damages. charges filed last year where he serves as chair- European Regulatory Poli- Money Association and the tion in a dispute between vil- Njegovan, who was were withdrawn. man of the board of gover- cy for the Money Industry. Geffrye Museum Trust.” lagers and an energy company accused of despoil- ing their land. In a statement made public on 3 October, Bishop Abibico THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND WORDS stated Hedcor, Inc. — a It was great to see so many of our customers at the recent Christian hydropower company that Resources Exhibition in Manchester. Priory Automotive attended this operates 21 power plants — fabulous two day event and were amazed that so many people came had unlawfully secured per- over to visit their stand just for a chat. People wanted to say “Thank mission to build a hydroelec- you” for all their help in obtaining them such a great car and to have tric dam on the Chico River a general catch up whilst browsing around the event. in Luzon. The bishop told the Mani- The general consensus from our customers was, that whilst they la Times the company had were at first a little sceptical about dealing with a motor car supplier acted in a “flawed, deceitful that was not on the high street, these doubts were soon dispelled and fraudulent” in gaining once they were actually talking to us, and completely disappeared government approval for the when their new car was delivered to their front door. project. It had colluded with a government agency The Priory team has over 35 years’ experience in supplying the highest quality motor cars within the Christian community, whilst charged with protecting the always keeping a keen eye on the overall costs. This is why there rights of indigenous are no hidden charges when you deal with them. A lot of garages tribesman by creating a “non- charge for administration costs, charge extra for a warranty, a existent” tribe from which it service, road tax and even a valet! The price that Priory gives you is received approval to build the final figure:- they even deliver your new car directly to your door the dam. and will not charge you a penny more. So why not try them the next Local villagers had peti- time you are looking to change your car? It will be a revelation. tioned the government to Friendly, honest and independent advice that you can trust. cancel the project, the bishop said, “because of disrespect For further information, please call 0114 2559696, of the environmental laws or visit and destruction of the envi- www.prioryautomotive.com ronment.” 6 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday October 31, 2014 Letters

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Mammontide Friendly fire who, as far as I know, has granted by God to the infant Sir, We all know the Church Sir, For Andrew Carey to use one family situation he knows never returned. Seed of Abraham; which grant annexed the Yuletide festival about (10 October), where the medical profession had safe- Our naivety produced a must remain firm for ever, many centuries ago. Since the guarding concerns about a child, to castigate the number of large crop of ‘bogus colleges’ without the Lord’s own late 18th century it has adoptions that have taken place in the last year is so disap- (some of them turned out to express revoking or abroga- increasingly become part of a pointing. Especially since, in the situation he describes, this be two rented rooms with no tion of it; which can never be festival of mammon-tide. would not have resulted in the child being adopted, and full-time staff) and, eventually, proved from Scripture that he When I was young most peo- appears to be one of safeguarding and medical diagnosis. He there was back-pedalling - also has done. ....” ple went back to work after refers to this situation as one where a family was caught up with disastrous results. Some Central to this long running Boxing Day: many now have in so-called ‘friendly fire’. Hardly. genuine students, who had defection from infant baptism two weeks off. In fact, nowa- The tragedy is that there are thousands of children in des- sent off thousands of pounds is the belief that the heart of days, it is a five-month festival. perate need of fostering or adoption. And, yes, in many of to such colleges never got the service is our confession I got my first Christmas mail- these cases it is against the wishes of the birth family, but their money back. On behalf of our faith to God and ing on 1 September: the sales results from by a decision made in the courts, and by quali- of one such, who had lost mankind. If so, then indeed it have become inclusive. fied and trained professionals. They only take this step when £4,000, I spent about 45 min- is presumptive for parents to Little these days seems to children are at risk of such harm that removal is in their best utes on the phone to an offi- speak on behalf of their chil- be celebrating the winter equi- interests. cial in the British Council in dren and put words into their nox, when we begin to see the Can I suggest that Andrew Carey looks at the great work Dhaka. He mourned the situa- mouths. days start to draw out again, of Home for Good, (http://www.homeforgood.org.uk/) now tion that had arisen which However all through Scrip- or remembering the Incarna- a charity, which has been campaigning to encourage Chris- meant that many students had ture the covenant signs are an tion of God. Shops are already tians to be more involved in both fostering and adoption. I by-passed the usual vetting assurance from God to men of full of Christmas cards: many hope such involvement would help balance his view and let procedures of the BC. his promises to us. The rain- have also been advertising him see that families are not targeted. Better still, he could I do not remember any bow is a perpetual reminder Halloween. spend a day on the front line with social workers, where he acknowledgement of this that God has promised never Few seem to question this would undoubtedly experience some not so friendly fire. episode in the media. Of again to destroy the earth by a festival of mammontide. Yet Simon Bass, course, those genuine stu- universal flood (something he why start celebrating midwin- Chief Executive, CCPAS dents ‘caught out’ by this busi- has failed to do if it was only a ter whilst summer is still mak- ness, hardly ever reported it local flood). Circumcision was ing its way out? Halloween is because of the ‘shame’ factor. the sign and seal to the now a firm fixture and has politicians even though their the last people to be surprised How convenient for us! descendants of Abraham that insidiously become engulfed promises are regularly bro- to discover that Stage One of Angela Robinson, God had promised to be their into this extended period of ken. most processes to dig our- Southport and their children’s God. Simi- celebration. So we get witches Colin Bricher, selves out of a hole involves larly, baptism is a seal on the and ghouls alongside the Northampton repentance ... Thanksgiving New Covenant promise to nativity story. It makes it too We were warned this would Sir, In his article “Persuading God’s people. easy to see the Baby Jesus as Special services happen, back in the 1960s, by them to have a Thanksgiving,” When John the Baptist was a fairy story along with previ- Sir, Special performances of a remarkable generation of (24 October) the Rev John interrogated as to why he was ous characters. theatre shows are sometimes European statesmen - most of Hartley states concerning this baptizing (John 1:19-28) both Yet demons and the Lord held for autistic children, them in uniform during World alternative service of sides took it that he was per- Jesus Christ are very real which contain no loud noise War 2. They failed to get the “Thanksgiving and Blessing” forming the long promised whereas supposed joys of and are calm and tailored for European Union off the that “It’s the service I do most- sign of the New Covenant that mammontide are fantasy. them. This is because high ground (for which they had ly here.” Adding without any God would “sprinkle the Many find that out too late volume noise frightens many better aims than “What’s in it qualifications or explanations: nations,” “sprinkle” us with with debt, broken relation- autistic children. for ME?”) but produced the “it’s the one I had for my own “clean water” etc. ships or feelings of deflation. I wonder if any Sunday Brandt Report – remember it? children,” as if there was no Yet John makes it clear that Nowadays remembering the schools or church services – warning that, if Europe did incongruity for one of our this sign is only a sign and birth is quickly despatched to are, or could be, held for chil- not address the issue of world ministers to choose this path, seal on the promise of the bap- be followed by the sales on dren with autistic spectrum poverty, it would be swamped a path premised on the par- tism of the Spirit to be inaugu- Boxing Day. disorder (ASD). The special by refugees desperate to emi- ents’ inability to confess the rated by Christ. After that God came to die, but the services could leave out some grate from their native coun- faith or to make the required event Peter confirms that the Crucifixion is virtually of the usual elements - such as tries. Instead, we preferred to promises for “Baptism” prop- promise of the Spirit is to the skipped as increasingly Good when the leader shouts to the be diverted by the Cold War er or both. Jew, their children and those Friday is an ordinary working children “I can’t hear you, and the awful cost of produc- Now contrast his practice outside the covenant who are day. So we move straight on to shout louder!” which can be ing armaments – and a dam- with an earlier Evangelical brought within it (Acts 2:39). gorging expensive Easter upsetting for ASD children. aging mindset. Anglican position that: “Bap- How can this promise be to Eggs. These will have been in Autism is rising, with some Nor did it help when, in a tism is ... not only for the the children of Jews but not to the shops for weeks, leaving estimates stating that as many dreadfully ill-advised proce- solemn admission of the party ours? If to all children of good Friday a blip in Easter- as one in 54 boys may suffer dure, presumably aiming to baptized into the visible believers, why not seal the tide. the condition, so it could be increase the number of for- Church, but also to be unto promise with the appropriate Sadly all too often the really worthwhile to encour- eign students in the UK, the him a sign and seal of the sign of the promised grace? Church plays along with this age autistic spectrum children Government stated that every covenant of grace ... which is Alan Bartley, instead of preaching Jesus and their families into church. student who could produce a rightly administered by pour- Greenford, Christ in season and out of Ann Wills, letter of invitation from a ‘col- ing or sprinkling water on the season. People tend to forget Ruislip lege’ in the UK, HAD to be person in the name of the Mystery that Christ actually walked given a visa and there was a Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Sir, In Peter Mullen’s ‘Quest this earth for 33½ years and Immigration issues sudden flood! I myself, while ... we also hold that infants for Understanding’ (10 Octo- even more so that demons Sir, I marvel that every discus- Principal of The British may, and ought to be baptized ber) he plays the ‘Mystery’ and other evil spirits are out sion on the subject of immi- School in Dhaka, signed a in virtue of one or both believ- card once more in describing there to deceive us. gration lacks a vital first form to back a Bangladeshi ing parents, because the spiri- various theories of the atone- Whilst a great many fail to paragraph, acknowledging friend’s cousin to come to tual privilege of a right unto, ment as conjectures and sub- engage with the gospel mes- our share of responsibility for study law in the UK who and a participation of the ini- sage, they seem to trust our it. Christians should surely be turned out to be a scallywag tial seal of the covenant was Letters continued on page 12

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Afghanistan: a noble and thankless task British forces leaving Afghanistan after 13 years of guerrilla war- The gradual changes fare deserve the most profound thanks of the nation, as of course do the widows and bereaved of the 453 fallen in that grisly conflict. Some 2,177 were wounded in action, and another 5,174 suffered from disease or non-battle injuries. The vast majority of deaths took place after the deployment to Helmand Province in 2006, the Tal- in the churches iban stronghold. The charity Help for Heroes has done exceptional work in reminding us of the plight and courage of the disabled from the Synod’s discussions were all about. What is Afghanistan, as of course has Prince Harry with his Invictus Games there to debate? The church has proclaimed the project and ongoing support for his fellow soldiers. The public has same truths about sexual morality everywhere rallied to support their amazingly brave military men and women PETERMULLEN and always since New Testament times. If it is who put their lives on the line. supposed that this teaching has been in the But there has been criticism of the politicians and Whitehall wrong for 2000 years, on the basis of what is it MOD as being ‘blind’ to the battlefield realities and needs, as in the All the bien pensant modern Catholics are crying proposed to amend it? BBC 2 documentary ‘Afghanistan: the Lion’s Last Roar?’ And as into their Chardonnay. Cristina Odone with a The deep seriousness of this crisis of authority that title indicates, this may be the last time that the UK deploys whole “saddened” page in the Daily Telegraph; is unprecedented in modern times. If – when – military power abroad, because of the amazingly deep cuts made to Clifford Longley, all disgusted Tunbridge Wells, the modernisers get their way, the “reforms” the armed forces by the Coalition and because of the increasing dif- on Thought for the Day; Edward Stourton in ensuing will amount to a repudiation of the New ficulty in persuading voters that such interventions are useful and mourning on The Sunday Programme. As I write, Testament, of the teaching of St Paul and of Our not counter productive. I can hardly wait for the weekend to see what the Lord himself. There is a word for this and it’s not The soldiers obey orders and go to the task assigned to them: the editor of The Tablet has to say. (By the way, do a very nice word: apostasy. politicians are the ones who choose that task. They chose to invade you recall that Malcolm Muggeridge used to But what’s the back story, the real agenda? Iraq, to bomb Libya, and to enter Afghanistan in order to prevent it refer to that paper as The Pill?) Simply and horrifically this: The socialist, becoming a state that supported al-Qaeda against western inter- What these eminent RC “liberals” are so upset moral radical Francis is the Vatican Establish- ests. The army leaves with the Taliban undefeated, but with a non- about is the unwillingness on the part of the ment’s revenge for the last two Popes – the Taliban government in power, with an relatively well-trained army required majority of bishops attending the recent courageous, vigorous John Paul II and the saintly to resist them, and with girls being allowed to go to school. All Extraordinary Synod to vote in favour of Pope scholar Benedict XVI. These men were two of the these are worthy outcomes. The underlying worry is essentially Francis’ proposed reforms of Catholic teaching most gifted and capable Pontiffs in the history of cultural and religious: the Taliban are still popular in many villages, on sexual morality. the Church. they are co-religionists with villagers and the newly trained army But cheer up, all ye trendy left-footers, you will John Paul did much to bring down communism and so will be trying to turn the government forces to their side in get your way. Just have a little patience. Your bat- in Eastern Europe and consequently in the the long term. The nightmare would be for that to happen and the tle to repudiate the New Testament’s teaching on USSR. Whereas Francis has declared again and Taliban culture return soon, with the Taliban seizing all the mod- sexual ethics is not lost. The recent defeat is only again his hatred of capitalism – that economic ern military equipment left by NATO, as the Islamic a minor setback. The bishops, returned to their engine, the free market, which has raised more State seized it from the feeble Iraqi army recently. dioceses, will in the time-honoured political chi- of the world’s population out of poverty than any When the British army left Basra in 2007 it had over- canery of committee-work, hold a “debate” – no other system in history. seen the oppression of previously free Muslim women doubt in incense-filled rooms. Then they will Benedict taught traditional theology with by hardline Islamic leaders, and was accused of leaving return next year for Extraordinary Synod 2. At tremendous brilliance, insight and originality, the population to be terrorised by them. Removing Sad- this meeting – and if not, at Extraordinary Synod wrote one of the best books ever to appear about dam removed a liberal regime in Basra and gave it to 3, or ES4, get the result the liberal elite desires. Jesus, promoted the Latin Mass and willed an extremists. That is not the case in Helmand: but the This is an ancient machination and it’s called end to the ubiquitous trivialization of worship. population does not seem to be exuding gratitude to our gradualism. It was the policy of the communists Those two great popes actually believed the self-sacrificing soldiers as they leave, despite their and socialists in the Fabian Society. But perhaps Christian faith. The Vatican Establishment does- efforts at building schools and hospitals, roads and the RCs have actually picked up the technique n’t believe it. They are modernisers and secular- infrastructure. from Anglicans. ists in thrall to the libertarian ethics of the It does not seem that the military stopped opium pro- I recall sometime in the late 1980s the General metro-political elite. And now they have their duction, for fear of alienating the locals. And yet, wher- Synod vote went against the of man in Francis and they are revelling in the ever we have deployed military muscle in Muslim lands, women. Dr Habgood, then Archbishop of York, moment. we receive no thanks for it, and at home accusations of stood up immediately after the vote and said: In the policies and declared intentions of Pope crusading help the cause of radicalisation. But the mili- “The vote has been lost. Now we must think of Francis we see the beginning in the Catholic

Comment tary, if not our politicians, deserve our most serious how we are to proceed.” But surely, if the vote is Church of a split that has already occurred in the thanks. lost, the logical and just thing is not to proceed? Anglican Communion worldwide. On the one But that is not how modernizing side is a liberal hierarchy epit- politicos behave. As we all But cheer up, all omized by such as Rowan The Church of England Newspaper know, the women priests issue Williams who, in his last came back to the Synod in 1992 ye trendy left- address before his retire- with Celebrate magazine incorporating The Record and Christian Week and the radicals got their way. It ment, said: “The church has a Published by Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd. was the same with the women footers, you will lot of catching up to do with Company Number: 3176742 bishops measure and – only secular mores.” Whatever Publisher: Keith Young MBE give it time – it will be the same get your way. happened to “Be ye not con- with homosexual marriage. Your battle to formed to this world”? These are strange days in the On the other side are the Publishing Director & Editor: CM BLAKELY 020 7222 8004 Roman Catholic Church. The repudiate the believing bishops, priests and Chief Correspondent: The Rev Canon GEORGE CONGER 00 1 0772 332 2604 circumstances preceding the New people in Africa, Asia and Advertising: CHRIS TURNER 020 7222 2018 Pope’s appointment were odd, much of South and Central to say the least. Benedict XVI Testament’s America. In those places Advertising & Editorial Assistant: PENNY NAIR PRICE 020 7222 2018 was the first Pope since Grego- Christianity is alive, thriving Subscriptions & Finance: DELIA ROBINSON 020 7222 2018 ry XII in 1415 to resign his teaching is not and daily increasing its num- Graphic Designer: PETER MAY 020 7222 8700 office. Francis began his occu- lost bers. In Europe and the USA pancy of the See of St Peter by where the liberal elite rules, The acceptance of advertising does not necessarily indicate sending out a questionnaire to the Anglican Church is in endorsement. Photographs and other material sent for publication all the world’s Catholics asking them what they unstoppable decline. The reason is plain enough. are submitted at the owner’s risk. The Church of England Newspaper does believe and what they would like the Church to People are voting with their feet – and not for a not accept responsibility for any material lost or damaged. teach them. Church that will slavishly follow those secular It was a novel approach coming, as it did, from mores so admired by Rowan Williams, a Church Christian Weekly Newspapers Trustees: Robert Leach (020 8224 5696), Lord Carey of Clifton, The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, The Rt Rev , an historical and hierarchical institution. in which the faith itself has been so secularised Dr Elaine Storkey, The Rev Cindy Kent Francis was hoping the bishops would support and demythologised that its content is now no his desire to alter the Church’s teaching on sexu- more than a set of picturesque metaphors for The Church of England Newspaper, al morality. When, by a clear majority, the bish- socialism. Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd ops refused, poor old Frank sounded quite I am not pessimistic, for Our Lord has prom- 14 Great College Street, London, SW1P 3RX miffed and rounded sharply on those who dis- ised that the gates of hell will not prevail. When Editorial e-mail: [email protected] agreed with him, denouncing their, “…hostile we look at what has happened to the Anglican Advertising e-mail: [email protected] inflexibility, that is, wanting to close oneself with- Church and what is now happening in the Roman Subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] in the written word, and not allowing oneself to Catholic Church, we can only say that the gates be surprised by God.” of hell are having a damn good try. Website: www.churchnewspaper.com In other words, God forbid that bishops should take the Word of God as revealed in Scripture as Peter Mullen’s Website/Blog is at: in any way authoritative for the forming of their revpetermullen.com opinions. I can’t imagine what [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 8 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday October 31, 2014 Comment

aerobics classes, which I hate. I’m not a runner either (fell over and ended up bleeding and bruised – the kids laughed) and Janey Lee Grace swimming – well it’s just too wet and plays havoc with your hair. But I’ve finally found a few activities that work for me, walking is one – yep good old one foot in front of the other, but at a decent pace and for quite a while. I do Pilates and Yoga and best of all Nia – it’s a fab- The benefits of exercise ulous movement class suitable for all, it takes move- To exercise or not to exercise – that is the question. Not study discovered people who were physically active in ments from the dance arts, the healing arts and the surprisingly, most people would say if you want to main- their leisure time were less likely to suffer from depres- martial arts so you may find yourself twirling and tain an ideal weight and ensure mobility as you age some sion, with every weekly session of activity reducing the swirling, doing some Tae-Kwando-style kicks or exercise is critical. But now its official: regular exercise risks. some jazz dance moves all to varied and eclectic can also reduce your chance of becoming depressed. In In fact Professor Power of the UCL institute said: “If music. fact the Daily Mail headline was ‘Getting off the sofa everyone was physically active at least three times a If you’re struggling to find something that suits three times a week could reduce a person’s chances of week, we would expect to see a drop in depression rates, you give it a try, there are around 100 teachers becoming depressed’. not to mention the benefits to physical health.” across the UK and there’s even adapted Nia for I don’t think they are referring to merely prizing your- So it’s a no-brainer – a case of ‘use it or lose it’. If you those who need to remain seated. self out of the soft cushions purely to grab a beer and are able bodied there has to be a way. If that’s not for you, just get off the sofa and blow more biscuits though! For years I hated all exercise because I thought it had the cobwebs away with a brisk walk round the block Researchers from University College London in their to involve sweating it out in gyms or ‘no pain, no gain’ – it beats feeling depressed. www.nianow.com Revelations from Rowan Stockholm Syndrome?

Not surprisingly press coverage of Leslie Griffiths’ interview with Rowan Williams on Premier He was educated at a Jesuit university and after he was released from Radio focussed on his confession that in his own eyes he didn’t make a very good job of being his first captivity in Libya James Foley wrote a widely quoted letter . He admitted to disappointing liberals without reassuring saying how much prayer meant to him. When he was beheaded after conservatives and revealed that there are marks in the flat at Lambeth Palace where he kicked being held a prisoner in Syria by ISIS Pope Francis telephoned his the furniture in frustration. Once he told his teenage daughter: “You do realise I’m shouting at Catholic family but now it seems that before he died Foley converted you because I can’t shout at the Archbishop of Nigeria.” But there was much else in one of the to Islam. Foley was not alone. According to The New York Times most revealing interviews Rowan Williams has ever given. He told how he spent his second report on the last days of the hostages a number converted before night as a student at Cambridge with a homeless man and that this made him resolved to try to their death and took Muslim names. Foley took the name ‘Abu have ‘binocular vision’ and never forget the poor and marginalised. Referring to his work on Hamza’. Although some prisoners converted to get better treatment the Russian theologian Bulgakov (who was anti-Semitic) he commented that all great writers it is said that Foley’s conversion was sincere and that he took to and thinkers are products of their age for 80 per cent of their time so Luther was anti-Semitic reciting the Qur’an. He was captivated by Islam. Only a handful of and Augustine had a blind spot about women. “But there is still 20 per cent of their work that is captives stayed true to their own faith, including Steven Scotloff, who miraculous and this makes the difference,” he argued. A good example of how charity can aid was Jewish. On Yom Kippur he kept the fast by telling the guards he scholarship. Some of us continue to refer to Dr Williams as ‘Bishop Rowan’ but he did reveal could not eat because he didn’t feel well. Treatment of the prisoners that his formal title, ‘Lord Williams of Oystermouth’, was his second choice. He was told no deteriorated when the ‘Beatles’, English-speaking guards, took over. one would be able to pronounce the name of the village where he was born. Foley shared his meagre rations with other prisoners and even offered one prisoner his only blanket. According to the FBI, eight per cent of all hostages identify with their captors, a phenomenon known as ‘Stockholm syndrome’, a term first used to describe the Old crumbling cross behaviour of Swedish hostages in a bank robbery.

T h e P r a yer B o o k C ro ss i n G o l den G a t e Pa r k i n Sa n Fr a nc i sc o i s c rum bl i ng a nd so m e o f t h e sa ndst o ne Holding Power to Account l et t er ing h a s di sa p p ea red but a t t em p t s t o rest o re t h e c ro ss m a y p ro v o ke a c o nst it ut io na l c r i si s. ‘Exaro’ is a website that takes its name from the Latin word meaning ‘I plough’ or ‘I dig up’. Am er i c a n c o urt s h a v e no t l o o ked It aims to ‘hold power to account’. The Church of England is now firmly in its sights ki ndl y o n rel igi o us m o num ent s o n following a number of cases of abuse involving clergy, the latest being the affair of Robert st a t e o r f eder a l l a nd a nd Sa n Waddington (reported elsewhere in these pages). The website has obtained the copy of a F r a nc i sc o h a d t o get r i d o f o ne c ro ss letter Archbishop Justin Welby wrote to the mother of three boys who attended a C of E in 1990. T h e Pr a yer B o o k C ro ss school and were abused. An initial letter from Marilyn Hawes, a practicing c o m m em o r a t es t h e f i r st use o f t h e Christian, received a standard two-paragraph reply from Lambeth Palace Pr a yer B o o k a nd t h e f i r st C h r ist i a n so she wrote again. The reply is dynamite. The Archbishop admitted serv i c e in Engli sh in Am er i c a o n t h e there is a legacy of ‘unacknowledged cases in the C of E’ and promised sh o re o f D r a ke B a y in 1579. T h e ‘we are taking all necessary steps to face these’. He suggested Mrs o ff i c i a t i ng m i ni st er w a s Fr a nc i s Hawes meet with Bishop Paul Butler and that meeting took place on D r a ke’s c h a p l a i n, t h e R ev F r a nc is Tuesday. The Archbishop said he had read Mrs Hawes’ letter Fl et c h er. Erec t ed i n 1894 a nd a with ‘deep sadness and dismay’ but what is noticeable about his gi f t f ro m t h e C h urc h o f comments is the admission of other cases. It was not until the Engl a nd, t h e c ro ss w a s visitation of Chichester ordered by Archbishop Rowan Williams m ea nt t o be seen by took place that details of abuse committed by Bishop Peter m a r i ner s a t sea but i s no w Ball came to light yet those details must have been known in a l m o st c o m p l et el y h i dden by t rees. Wi t h a h ei gh t o f 60 f eet the diocese for some time. Where else will ‘unacknowledged i t i s t h e t a l l est c ro ss i n Sa n Fr a nc i sc o . C a n t h e m o num ent cases’ be brought to light? ev er be rest o red o r w i l l l ega l f unda m ent a l i st s det erm i ned t o p reserv e t h e sep a r a t i o n o f c h urc h a nd st a t e ensure i t s Whispering

ev ent ua l dem o l i t i o n w i t h o ut ev er h a v i ng t o go t o c o urt ? The Gallery Mi ssi o n D o l o res i s a n el o quent w i t ness t o t h e C a t h o l i c ro o t s o f Sa n Fr a nc i sc o . C a n’t t h e c i t y p reserv e a rem i nder o f a n Angl i c a n ro l e i n i t p a st ?

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For years governments have completely unjustified and View from the Pew discouraged women from tak- damaging government policy. ing years off work to put their She said: “Osborne fails to What’s the obsession with Russell Brand? family first. They have done so understand that mothers car- by progressively undermining ing for children are working. I have no idea why the commentariat of our national news- and abolishing any transferable They are caring for their kids. papers are so exercised by the political writings of the for- tax allowances that benefit mar- He obviously thinks this has no mer comic Russell Brand, nor indeed why our national riage, only restored recently in merit unless they are paid for it broadcaster, the BBC, makes a habit of inviting him onto a derisory amount. so it counts towards GDP. Sac- flagship news programmes to discuss political and econom- Child benefit restrictions and rificing children’s wellbeing for ic matters. child care tax breaks aimed at GDP is odious and wrong-head- He has no platform, no constituency and no support for seducing women back to the ed. Only a bean counter would his views. His only qualification for comment is his extreme workplace are ways in which make it government policy.” wealth and celebrity and the fact that he is most notorious the government is seeking to The tragedy is that this type for abusing an elderly man in a public phone call by using meet a target of returning of policy is reflective of a whol- obscene language about his sexual exploits with his grand- many women to the workplace. ly new cavalier and dogmatic daughter. The Chancellor, George attitude to women and family He’s entitled to some degree of rehabilitation in the public Osborne, says he wants half a life in all three main political square but he is certainly not entitled to be regarded as a million more women in the parties. There is very little serious commentator on public affairs. workplace by 2016 allowing the recognition of the fact more That he is, in fact, listened to and fawned upon is a matter UK to match the female widely that the insistence on of serious concern. The failure of our political classes to employment rate of German separating mothers and chil- engage with the public and the widespread perception that they are dishonest, duplicitous and self- (‘George Osborne gets stay-at- dren at an early age is damag- serving is the sole basis upon which Russell Brand’s views could be taken at all seriously. home mothers back to work’, ing to family relationships. The We now need serious political reform in the wake of a collapse of trust in conventional politics. A Daily Telegraph, 22 October Church finds it very easy to be review of our creaky voting system would perhaps be the best place to start. In the recent Scottish ref- 2014). involved in anti-cuts agenda but erendum the views of teenagers were often highlighted by the media in the light of the fact that 16- Laura Perrins, a former bar- cannot bring itself to criticise year-olds were able to vote for the first time. Perhaps this was an experiment that might have some rister who now leads a cam- aspects of government social lasting benefit in engaging young people with politics. paign group, Mothers at Home and economic policy towards Russell Brand and others urge young people not to vote, but in fact early political engagement in an Matter, is now one of the few the family which are much act such as voting might be the antidote to the sort of despair and cynicism that currently predomi- voices raised in criticism at this more damaging. nates. America’s troubled PAUL stance on the world RICHARDSON stage Church and World

Henry Kissinger has described America To an English visitor many of the raise the quality of teachers. The bright- years ago despite economic growth. for most of its history as being torn issues Americans talk about sound famil- est and the best are not going into teach- Immigration policy remains a difficult between isolationist and crusading iar. As in Britain the deficit is a big prob- ing and this needs to change. political issue but overall immigration instincts in its foreign policy. Americans lem, one few politicians are prepared to Travelling on America’s trains and has helped America, producing a popula- have either tried to cut themselves off confront realistically. The right are in roads it doesn’t take long to realise more tion that is younger than many other from the world or tried to set the rest of denial about the need for tax rises, the needs to be spent on infrastructure. The Western nations and encouraging the the world to rights. left cannot accept cuts in public services. American Society of Civil Engineers has start of many new businesses. Today Americans realise it is impossi- At present the federal debt is over $16 graded America’s rail, road, bridges, Under Barack Obama America has ble to impose their ideals on other trillion. The government can still borrow dams, drinking water, power grid, avia- seemed unwilling to exercise its power. nations but they also understand that fairly cheaply but in the long term this tion system and waste disposal at The man who was elected on the conflicts overseas have an impact on the figure is not sustainable. When state between C and D. strength of his opposition to the Iraq war homeland. In a globalised world we can- debt is taken into account, the situation Top of the list of problems for many has been reluctant to enter into new for- not pull up the drawbridge. Kissinger is even worse. Americans I spoke to is the political sys- eign entanglements. But even Obama has also claimed that Americans have One fifth of the budget goes on nation- tem. Congressional boundaries are has admitted America remains the ‘indis- been ‘ambivalent’ about their great al security, one fifth on health, another drawn in such a way as to make for safe pensable nation’. power status and that ambivalence is fifth on social security (mostly retire- Democratic or Republican seats leading Mood swings are common in Ameri- much in evidence today. ment), 12 per cent on welfare, unemploy- to polarisation. Candidates can win with- can foreign policy. It took time to recover America remains the world’s pre-emi- ment and disability payments, and six out appealing to the centre. Special inter- from Vietnam, and Iraq has produced nent power. Roughly one fifth of all gov- per cent on interest. That leaves just over ests exert enormous power, not least another reaction. Americans accept ernment spending, five per cent of GDP, 20 per cent for everything else. through funding. Cable television and there is no simple solution to the prob- goes to the military. Total spending on As in Britain, more could be achieved the internet have combined to ensure lems of Syria or other Middle Eastern defence is $500bn, a sum greater than with greater efficiency and productivity. that many Americans only take their nations but they also realise they cannot those of the next 10 countries combined. The amount spent on health care is way news and opinions from a source they stand aside and let events take their China may be growing faster than Ameri- out of proportion to the benefits gained. know they will find sympathetic. course when this means the triumph of ca, although its rate of growth has slowed A major reason for America’s strong But although America faces problems an organisation like ISIS. Hillary Clinton down, but many of its people are still poor economic performance in the past was it also has important assets. Thanks to has signalled her desire for a more and there are large calls on its resources. its educational system. It was the first fracking and rising oil production (due to robust foreign policy and even Rand Paul On a recent visit to the States, talking country in the world to achieve universal new technology) America is now a major has pulled back from the isolationism of to a range of people from journalists and education. America still boasts many of source of energy. It is due to overtake his father. Harvard professors to old friends and the world’s leading universities but its Saudi Arabia in oil production in 2020 Three weeks in America left me con- ordinary churchgoers I found a strong school system is not performing well. and it is already the world’s leading pro- cluding that the country is not about to consensus that although America still America has slipped down the interna- ducer of natural gas. At the same time oil step down from its leadership role and that has a crucial role to play in the world it tional league tables and the consensus is consumption has been restrained and although there are problems there is also also has problems it needs to fix at home. that the way to reverse this decline is to still stands at the same figure as it did 10 energy and determination to fix them.

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By Catherine Butcher, growth trends in ‘a land where the HOPE’s Communications Director, number of people who were part of the reports from the Festival of Life church was at its height in 1935 and which has been going down for 79 years’ Two of the world’s most influential he asked: “What can reverse that? In church leaders knelt together recently, human terms nothing. In God’s terms as 40,000 people prayed for them and for prayer.” the renewal of the Anglican Church. He painted a picture of the Church as The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin ‘a reconciled church, loving one another Welby was the keynote speaker at the - where lonely people across the country Festival of Life in London’s Excel centre where the 40,000 members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Pastor Agu were gathered for a night of prayer. Irukwu, who Asking for forgiveness from the Black- leads the led churches in the UK, he said: “My The Archbishop of Canterbury and the General RCCG (UK) at brothers and sisters I seek your Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of a Festival of forgiveness because the Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye with their wives, Life reception which I’m a part turned from you in the kneeling as 40,000 people prayed for them and for for Christian 60s and 70s, when you began to come to revival in the Church of England leaders the UK in great numbers.” He described the Black-led churches as a gift to the UK. Church of England.” churches. His first priority as The prayer festival was hosted by the Commenting on this significant Archbishop, he explained, was for ‘a General Overseer of the Redeemed meeting Roy Crowne, HOPE’s Director, renewal of prayer’ in the UK and in the Christian Church of God (RCCG), said: “There are moments in your Anglican Communion: ‘a renewal of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, worldwide Christian experience which you feel are prayer and of communities that pray’. leader of this, the fastest growing historic. I felt that Friday evening at the “There has never been a renewal of Church in the world who acknowledges Festival of Life was one such moment. Christian life in this country without a see hope when they see the Church – his own roots in the Anglican Church. We were honoured to bring together the renewal of prayer,” he added. because we are the picture of Jesus they There are now 720 RCCG parishes in leader of the Anglican Communion and Preaching on the Parable of the see.’ the UK. the leader of fastest growing Church in He called on the Church to Following the Archbishop’s prayer he the world. Never underestimate the be confident ‘that there is no prayed: “Thank you for the Church of power of relationship. Yemi Adedeji and better decision that any human being can ever make, at any point in their life, in any One of the choirs at the Festival of Light country in the world, than to be a disciple of Jesus Christ’. And he concluded: “When we have a church that prays; that The General Overseer of the is reconciled and reconciling, Redeemed Christian Church of and that tells people God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, confidently about Jesus, then greeting the Archbishop of the dawn will break, hope will Canterbury behind the scenes rise, our countries will be at the Festival of Life transformed, and the empty threats of economies and terrorists will be utterly, finally, overthrown – to God Prodigal Son, he highlighted be the glory.” the fact that the father ran to meet his lost son. “We are to Season of prayer launched run to the lost and find The Festival of Life saw the launch of them,” he said. “There three months of prayer throughout the should always be three UK using a specially-produced prayer people who do not know the calendar published for HOPE Together Lord Jesus Christ for whom by national Christian broadcaster UCB, you are praying – every day.” and distributed free to churches of all Looking at the church denominations throughout the UK including the 40,000 RCCG members gathered at the Excel Centre. England – for this Church that brought Rachel Jordan have both prayed and Acknowledging the role of HOPE the light of the Gospel to us in Africa. worked hard to make this Together as a catalyst, bringing Many of them died in order that we may unprecedented moment a reality.” churches together, Archbishop see the light. My Father, my God, I cry HOPE’s Associate Director Rev Yemi Justin said: “You keep finding them to you: Revive this Church. Restore the Adedeji and Dr Rachel Jordan, the popping up here and there making glory of the Church of England.” National Mission and Evangelism things happen, bringing people Pastor Enoch and Archbishop Justin Advisor to the Church of England, are together and doing the right thing, and their wives then knelt as the 40,000 both part of the HOPE leadership team. in the right way, at the right time.” Christians at the event prayed for them and for their churches worldwide led by Renewal of prayer needed The Archbishop of Copies of the HOPE/ UCB prayer Pastor Agu Irukwu, the RCCG (UK) In his sermon Archbishop Justin said Canterbury with Roy calendar can be downloaded or leader who said: “There will be no that the Anglican Church needed to Crowne, HOPE’s ordered in bulk by phone 0845 revival in the UK without revival in the learn lessons in prayer from the RCCG Director 6040401 option 2

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By Henry Whyte Coming. On the contrary Christians are to be active in working for the coming of It is almost impossible to say anything Will the horrors of God’s Kingdom in the here and now. new about the First Word War. Billions This does not only mean ongoing of words have been said and written evangelism and the building up of God’s about it but more are necessary. Its church but also prayer and work with tragic events will rightly be in the hearts wars between others to promote peace with justice. and minds of countless people at this For many Christians this has meant time. Between 1919 and 1945 the service in the armed forces on the basis national Two Minutes Silence was that sometimes, in a fallen world, the observed at 11.00.am on 11 November, nations ever end? peace needs to be actively defended. Armistice Day, to coincide with the One way to see the armed forces is to timing of the end of hostilities in 1918. view them as police at the international Nowadays this time of silence is on level. There are few people who will not Remembrance Sunday, which is the these terrible conflicts can be reconciled may have had an immediate stage that call for their help if an intruder breaks nearest one to 11 November. with the prophecies in the Old preceded it but is chiefly to be seen in into their home and begins to attack The Great War, as it came to be Testament about the coming of the coming of Jesus Christ and in the both people and property. Sadly, the use known, was the first major conflict in universal peace. One such prophecy is era of the Christian church that is the of force may sometimes be necessary to which the weapons of war were that of Isaiah who declared that swords time in which we now live. The Gospel restrain and arrest the criminal. This is manufactured on a widespread will be beaten into ploughshares and of Matthew points up many ways in not a good thing but it may be the least industrial scale and at its peak no less that “nations will not take up sword which his life and death were fulfilments worst option in a situation that is not a than 80,000 men and women were against nation nor will they train for war of Old Testament prophecies. One good one in the first place. employed at Woolwich Arsenal. So the any more.” example is his birth to a virgin in Thank God that we can look forward war involved not just those in the armed Can Christian people really believe fulfilment of the words of Isaiah. to the day of final fulfilment when the forces but vast numbers of non- such words when the evidence of the However not all Old Testament wolf will indeed lie down with the lamb combatants as well. There were millions last hundred years, indeed thousands of prophecies are completely fulfilled in the and there will be no more wars or of civilian deaths through military years, is so much to the contrary? The coming of Jesus Christ because, as he preparations for them. Until that time it action, disease and famine. only honest response is to recognise made clear in his teaching, the Kingdom is only realistic to recognise that wars The numbers of those killed, together that such prophecies have not yet been of God has arrived but is not yet finally and lesser conflicts will continue. In with those seriously wounded are so fulfilled. This does not however mean established. It is both now and not yet. such an ongoing situation, and in the enormous that they are almost beyond that they will not come true because Old Which means that Christian believers words of Jesus, “Blessed are the belief. Who can possibly even begin to Testament prophecies have at least have to live with all the tensions of being peacemakers”. It is Christian take in all the pain and agony of three levels of fulfilment - immediate, new people in Christ whilst still living in peacemakers who have a vital part to 37,000,000 deaths and injuries amongst intermediate and ultimate. a world in which the powers of sin and play so that the appalling events and all the nations involved? A visit to the The immediate level or stage of death remain very active and powerful. destruction of the First World War and Tower of London to see the hundreds of fulfilment is that which took place at the So it is only when Jesus returns in of other wars since then will not be thousands of ceramic poppies planted in time or soon after the prophecy was first power and great glory that evil and repeated. what was the moat has however helped spoken. Sometimes this is the only death will finally be abolished and all the The news of increasing tensions in the many people to new understandings of fulfilment of an Old Testament prophecies of the Old Testament will be Middle East highlights how important the appalling scale of casualties in the prophecy. For example, several of the ultimately fulfilled. Until that time there this is. First World War. prophets foretold the fall of Jerusalem will be “wars and rumours of wars” as The horrors, death and destruction of and the exile of its people in the 7th Jesus said in Matthew Chapter 24. this war and others in the 20th century century before Christ. This happened as This does not mean that all that The Rev Henry Whyte is a former all raise big questions for thinking they said it would happen. Christians can do is to sit back with Officiating Chaplain to the Forces people. One such question is how all The intermediate stage of fulfilment resignation and wait for the Second “Comfortably Kenya’s boldest autobiography” By Chris Sugden ‘truth to power’. He came to moved evangelicalism on from prominence through early being a movement in the Even from his heavenly home, morning radio talks on Voice of Church for evangelicalism to David Gitari, Archbishop of Kenya, applying the Cain and being an expression of the Kenya 1997-2002, is “Troubled Abel story to the recent but church’s faith itself. but not Destroyed”. His unexplained murder of a His preaching and teaching autobiography with that title leading politician. He led the ministry was to expound the was launched, in front of 100 opposition when Kenya’s word of God. He writes: “I wish clergy, senior lawyers and second president, Daniel Arap to share what I hold dearly in media, in All Saints Cathedral Moi, abolished the secret life, commitment to the Lord Hall Nairobi on Thursday 16 ballot. It is widely believed in Jesus Christ, serving him and October, just over a year after Kenya that President Moi the church with absolute his death at the age of 76. instigated the gang who dedication and rendering Archbishop Eliud Wabukala, attempted to assassinate sincere service to God’s people his current successor, Archbishop Gitari in 1989. and to Kenya.” reminded them that Gitari had Since student days David Troubled but not Destroyed regularly spoken of and applied Gitari had recorded his Daily is sure to become a textbook Jesus’ compassion for the Occurrences in 25 volumes of not only for African Church crowd (Matt. 9:35) to the over 500 pages each. From Reviews in the Kenyan Press my desire that the present History and Kenyan Political structures and politicians and these in retirement he culled an already read: “In life he rattled generation and posterity will History, but also for what it churchmen in those structures autobiography of 346 pages the living and in death he have the story as told by the means to be Anglican with a that harassed those who were (with bibliography and index). speaks of the dead” and “Not actor,” he wrote. “No one transforming mission and sheep without a shepherd. “His It is hoped that these will be even death has stopped Gitari writing my story can get all the ministry for Church and Nation spirit of compassion and preserved in an archive for from speaking his mind.” facts correct except me.” in the 21st century. boldness are needed today.” researchers into Kenyan John Mwendwa noted that Archbishop Gitari was a The book has been published Paul Muite asked where was church and national history. even in death his father global Anglican leader, by Isaac Publishing, a branch of the voice of today’s church on His son, John Mwendwa, continued to be Troubled but certainly on a par with Barnabas Fund with social injustice regarding the claimed it would be Kenya’s not Destroyed as a review in Archbishop Desmond Tutu in commendations from oppressed. “He never kept most candid autobiography yet, the The Sunday Nation urged stature and in what he achieved Archbishop John Sentamu and quiet on important issues of the since so many writers did not that the Archbishop should for his country. Lord Carey. day.” tell how they got and have used a ghostwriter. His He demonstrated a new style It is available from the Oxford Kenya Television’s main news maintained their wealth and family, with his widow Grace, of leadership by identifying Centre for Religion and Public the night before covered the power and evaded prison terms. now 70, all strongly held that a younger gifted leaders and Life, 21 High Street, Eynsham, book in an unusually long five- Gitari had poured out his heart ghostwriter was the last person releasing them into ministry. OX29 4HE minute package. This was a and life to be critiqued, he said. he would have wanted. He had He saw no incompatibility ([email protected]) for £15 national event. And his story, left intact, would feared that his story would be between mainstream plus postage and in digital form From the earliest days Gitari mean “some people will be changed to suit the context and and being an on the internet before had not shrunk from speaking highly angered”. market of the publishers. “It is evangelical church leader. He Christmas.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 12 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday October 31 2014 Classifieds Is ‘good disagreement’ a good thing? Susie Leafe, There are many, many issues on Reform which Christians can agree to disagree. When the Church of England faces a But the central truth that we should problem we have a tendency to create be seeking is whether the issues of a new idea or concept to get us human sexuality at the heart of these through it. Twenty years ago the idea conversations are issues on which of ‘two integrities’ was born to seek to Christians are free to agree to manage different opinions over the disagree, or not. The Pilling Report ordination of women, today offered two answers to this question. differences of opinion about human The majority said that Scripture was sexuality will apparently be managed unclear and further conversations by ‘shared conversations’ leading to were necessary to ‘better understand ‘good disagreement’. the mind of Christ’. The Bishop of But what is meant by ‘good Birkenhead’s Dissenting Statement disagreement’? The Archbishop of gave a different vision for Canterbury, the conversation – one based on the and David Porter, the Director of Church exploring and gaining Reconciliation, all agree that ‘good confidence in the biblical teaching disagreement’ is something that we laid out in the Evangelical Alliance are being asked to seek, something report “Biblical and Pastoral that has implications and something Responses to Homosexuality”. that is an outcome as well as a The majority view has prevailed and process. Their comments over the ‘good disagreement’ rather than past six months make it clear that ‘seeking the truth’ is the goal. This ‘good disagreement’ is not just the means that, all those in the Church of ability to listen carefully to others England, whatever their views on with whom we disagree. It’s not just issues of sexuality, will be asked to the desire to seek to understand why disagree well – and to remain someone may have reached a very “committed to one another as different opinion without pre-judging disciples of Jesus Christ” (May 2014), the basis of their argument or their see something of Christ in each other motives. ‘Good disagreement’ is an (June 2014) and ‘share together a end point: it is the goal. place of common baptism and faith, Which is strange. Surely, as (September 2014) regardless of Christians we should be seeking whether the outcome of the agreement rather than disagreement? conversations might be heretical. Martin Davie has written an excellent Thus, those entering into these essay called “Why disagreement is conversations need to agree that they not good”, which I commend to all are not discussing any issues that can readers of The Church of England be described as sinful and thus Newspaper. In this he says: “The requires repentance from those who vocation of the Church is to be a have been baptized and desire to live community where as far as possible under the lordship of Christ. disagreement does not exist because The Reform Council may be truth is known, accepted and accused by some of ‘over-interpreting’ celebrated.” these statements but if ‘good Now, no one is suggesting that disagreement’ is both the process and Christians should all be clones, the objective then we cannot advise constantly singing from the same our members to take part. To do so hymn sheet and wearing the same would be to ask them to be party to clothes. There is wonderful freedom overturning the way Christians have in the Christian life and great interpreted Scripture for two diversity in God’s creation so we may thousand years and rejecting the come to very different opinions about views of the vast majority of the all kinds of things but at the same Anglican Communion and other time agree that these are matters on Christians in the world today. To do which God has given us a choice. so would be divisive.

Letters continued from p6 – let’s tweak a common under- transgression of a written code sight’. A victim is someone bought out (redeemed) the standing of the role of law. Mary (Paul). But Square One morality whose dignity, rights, wellbe- debts owed to each other stitutes for what he calls ‘origi- Roe’s letter (same CEN) gives looks more like this: God loves ing, and sense of self-worth (hobha is the Aramaic for sin nal doctrine’, summarised, pre- the traditional understanding of you and therefore he is angry have been diminished by the act and debt). What is left for me to sumably, by the phrase ‘Christ sins as ‘individual acts of disobe- with me for what I did to you; of this offender. But as God is do therefore is to apologise to died for our sins’. Peter takes dience to God’s law’ (which she God loves me and therefore he entire in himself within the love those who have a valid moral this in turn as symbolic of – goes on to point out might be is angry with you for what you of the Trinity he cannot be claim of debt against me as something else? somewhat culturally subjec- said about me. That simple made into a victim even if, by recognised by God, and to for- A theory is an attempt at tive). By that, God is calling us transposition shows that the jus- Anselm, his honour is suppos- give those against whom I have explanation because, in the to account for our transgres- tice of God flows naturally out of edly questioned in the trans- a moral claim. atonement, we do indeed seek sions of whatever is deemed to his love for us. We are each gression of The Law. So It remains to say that there is to understand what God has be disobedience to God’s law. other’s offenders and victims. whatever is owed by way of pay- one ‘vertical’ sin, forgivable by done for us in Christ. However, The psychology that goes God is not the victim to whom back and apology is, in the first Jesus, which is blasphemy. A words like ‘Mystery’ or ‘tran- with an authority in law over the some payback is owed. instance, owed to each other blasphemy is strictly defined in scendent and mystical’ don’t do accountability of its subjects To pick out the difference in (thus, the ‘horizontal’ rather Judaeo-Christian thinking as that; they just leave us unable to nearly always concludes that outlook, Elihu points out to Job than the ‘vertical’). bringing down the good name give a coherent account for ‘the retributive payback is also owed that God receives nothing at The making up for sins, this of God. It is also worth pointing hope that is within us’. We need, to that authority – God, in our ‘your hand’ one way or the other atonement, may be a strange- out that a reformulation of the however, to be able to explain case. However, elsewhere in the but a ‘man like yourself’ cries sounding, one-off, event but it is gospel in this way re-establishes the work of Christ to others in Bible, the law is stated to be sec- out because of oppression; but not a mystery (which in Paul’s its strong connection with order for them to ask; ‘I know ondary (Leviticus, Stephen’s David’s psychology in Psalm 51 time, in any case, meant a secret Judaeo-Christian ethics that is I’ve done wrong to named per- defence before the Sanhedrin, after he created victims of newly revealed). That payment often considered separately sons. Well, where do I stand Hebrews) as delivered through Bathsheba and Uriah is tradi- in suffering (it is not referred to from atonement and reconcilia- before God, and what do I do intermediaries (Moses and tional. To God he says, ‘against as penal retribution) is the basis tion in systematic theology. next?’ angels), which was instituted in you, you only have I sinned and of God’s forgiveness of us Dr Alf Latham, First – and this has to be brief order to turn immorality into done that which is evil in your because Jesus has, in effect, Liverpool University; semi-retired www.churchnewspaper.com Friday October 31, 2014 The Register 13

period of three years from 7 November 2014. BIBLECHALLENGE ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER DEATHS Day 304: Hosea 3-4, Psalm 99, Friday 31 October. All Hallows Eve. Psalm 121, Gen 42:1-17. Johannesburg - Matthew 1 (Southern Africa): The Rt Rev Stephen Mosimanegape Moreo Day 305: Hosea 5-6, Psalm 100, Saturday 1 November. All Saints Day. Psalm 122, Gen 42:18-25. Jos - (Jos, The Ven David Banfield, Matthew 2 Nigeria): The Most Rev Benjamin Kwashi former Archdeacon of Bristol and holder Day 306: Enjoy hearing the Scriptures Sunday 2 November. All Souls Day. Psalm 32:4-9, John 1:19-28. PRAY for Iglesia of the Bishop’s Permission to Officiate read aloud in church Episcopal de Cuba: Cuba - (Cuba): The Rt Rev Griselda Delgado Del Carpio; in the since his Day 307: Hosea 7-8, Psalm 101, of Cuba - (Cuba): The Rt Rev Ulises Prendes retirement in 1998, died on Thursday 2 Matthew 3 Monday 3 November. Psalm 33:13-22, Isa 5:1-6. Kabba - (Lokoja, Nigeria): The October 2014. Day 308: Hosea 9-10, Psalm 102, Rt Rev Steven Akobe The Rev Peter Jackson, Matthew 4 Tuesday 4 November. Psalm 34:1-10, Isa 5:7-17. Kadugli & Nuba Mountains - Retired; formerly Rector of Napton-on- Day 309: Hosea 11-12, Psalm 103, (Sudan): The Rt Rev Andudu Adam Elnail the-Hill & PiC of Lower Shuckburgh & Matthew 5 Wednesday 5 November. Psalm 34:11-22, Isa 5:18-25. Kaduna - (Kaduna, Stockton (Coventry), died on 30 Day 310: Hosea 13-14, Psalm 104, Nigeria): The Rt Rev Josiah Idowu-Fearon September. Matthew 6 Thursday 6 November. Psalm 36:5-9, Isa 5:26-30. Kafanchan - (Abuja, Nigeria): The Rt Rev Marcus Dogo APPOINTMENTS Charge of St Mary at Hill (London), also The Rev Dr Steven Charles Benford, to continue as: Chaplain to the Queen, RETIREMENTS & RESIGNATIONS Vicar of the Benefice of York, St Luke Chaplain to Speaker of the House of (York), has resigned to be Vicar of the Commons, Priest Vicar at Westminster Benefice of St Joseph the Worker, Abbey, Prebendary at St Paul’s The Rev Avril Jane GAUNT, Northolt (London). Cathedral, , has resigned her post as Chaplain with The Rev Charlotte Gale, (London). the North Bristol NHS Hospital Trust, PiC: Lillington St Mary Magdalene & The Rev Philip Brooks, effective 30th September 2014 (Bristol). Old Milverton St James (Coventry), to to continue as Rural Dean for a further be Vicar: Lillington St Mary Magdalene five years until 15 October 2019 LAY AND OTHER APPOINTMENTS & Old Milverton St James (Coventry). (Derby). The Rev Andrew Grant, The Rev Beatrice Nambuya Musin- Assistant in the Benefice of di, Liz Agbettoh, Bramham has been appointed as Vicar Anglican Chaplain - Dover Immigration Schools Improvement Officer Diocesan of the Benefice of Marton-in-Cleveland Removal Centre (Canterbury), to be Board of Education, to be Chief (York). Chaplain - HM Young Offenders Executive for Cidari Education – the The Rev Martin Hammond, Institute, Rochester (Rochester). Multi-Academy Trust which was set up Team Vicar: Bedworth Team The Rev Nicholas Vesey, last year by the . Subscribe to the (Coventry), to continue as 0.5 Team Vicar of New Catton, St Luke with St Christopher Knight, CEN in the Vicar, Bedworth Team and 0.5 Chaplain, Augustine (Norwich), is to be Episcopal has been re-appointed as a Member of George Eliot NHS Trust (Coventry). Chaplain at Aspen Chapel, Colorado, the Churches Conservation Trust for a Apple Newsstand The Rev Prebendary Rose Hudson- USA. period of three years until 6 November Wilkin, The Rev Simon Willetts, 2017. Incumbent of Holy Trinity with St Philip Curate: Leamington St Paul (Coventry), Beth McHattie, PRICES FROM JUST 69p and All Saints, Haggerston (London), to to be Associate Vicar: Christ Church, has been appointed as a Member of the be: SSM House for Duty Priest in Virginia Water (Guildford). Churches Conservation Trust for a

NEW READERS

Caroline Allen, who will work in the Clifton Team Ministry: Sharon Winders, St Simon and St Jude, Rainworth, and St Mary of the Purification, Blidworth; Simon Gledhill, St Martin of EVERY Tours, Bilborough, All Saints, Strelley, and St John the Baptist, Bilborough; Jane Oldfield, St Peter, Ruddington; Kathryn Browne, St Peter, Ravenshead; Bishop Tony Porter; Ann THURSDAY! Godfrey, St Giles, Edingley, and St Michael the Archangel, Halam; Andrew Third, St Peter, Ruddington; Michelle Greenbury, St Peter, Toton (Toton Churches LEP); Ann Kowalski, Hucknall Team Ministry, all in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.

WINE OF THE WEEK

First Class Pinot Noir 2013 Majestic 2 for £8.99 on offer (£5.99 each) www.majestic.co.uk

First Class! The label evokes the great era of steam age travel, with the “conductor” named as a Majestic buyer; we travel it says from station to station across the globe. The journey starts in Chile, the Casablanca valley, of high reputation for its wines. To enjoy, take a little time to settle into your First Class armchair. In the glass the colour is a lighter red: give it a swirl for four minutes or so. Then, on the nose, there’s soft red fruit. Sip, and held in a medium body, encounter first the robust almost earthy tannins from the black skins of the pinot noir grapes. (They come from nowhere else, as the wine is matured without oak). There’s a touch too of pepper. Then the fruit rises free, raspberries and redcurrant. Not quite what we get from this great grape when the bottle comes from Burgundy’s Cote d’Or, but it is very acceptable, particularly at the two-bottle price. Alcohol by Vol. 13%. Goes well with roast pork. Graham Gendall Norton 14 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday October 31, 2014 Sunday

There came a point in Jesus’ ministry when he confronted his disciples with the question : ‘Who LIZHOARE do you say that I am?’ The same question comes to SUNDAYSERVICE r us today, the seeker after truth , the one who is I believe… in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord running away from the truth and the one who o ‘Who do you say that I am?’ Mark 8:29 would like to dare to believe . Perhaps it comes to 3rd Sunday before Advent - t My early Christian life was very Jesus -centred the committed believer too , for we need to see Sunday 9 November 2014 in respect of the Trinity and I believe I gained a Jesus with fresh eyes, to see him more clearly and c great deal from this focus . For as long as I can to hear his call on our lives again and again. Peter Amos 5:18-24 remember, the Christian faith was understood as responded to Jesus ’ question enthusiastically but 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 e centred on a relationship with Jesus who was sav- soon messed up and later let down his Lord com- Matthew 25:1-13 r . This has pletely. His restoration is a comfort and a precious i iour, friend, Lord, brother and master shaped my own spirituality : my prayers are often encouragement to all of us who have done the The fact that this is the third Sunday before Advent will

d directed to Jesus, my imagination pictures Jesus same. probably not be the dominant thought in most people’s

l in his earthly life , my attempts to explain why I Walking the Christian way is all about following minds, on this Remembrance Day in the 100th anniver- call myself a Christian centre on describing a rela- this Jesus who makes himself known to us and sary year of the start of World War One. Our readings,

a tionship with the God who has made himself calls us into a relationship with him. God’s Son our however, do give a perfect opportunity to speak about known in Jesus. The centrality of the cross in Lord, the ‘pioneer and perfector of our faith ’ some of the issues thrown up by the memory of the war.

u evangelical spirituality means that this emphasis (Hebrews 12:2). Giving our assent to his divine They teach that a final cataclysmic day of reckoning is

t on the second person of the Trinity is fundamen - nature is only part of it. We are invited to share his coming, for which prepared Christians can hope while i tal. Preaching the cross means preaching the life , life, to experience the attractive and compelling others ought to fear.

r death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ nature of his invitation to come and follow , to Amos 5 speaks to the warmongers who long for a big i and their implications for the whole world. abide in him , to look forward to beholding him battle to sort the men from the boys, so to speak. Do not This next part of the Creed, then, is no optional face to face in glory. desire that decisive day, the Day of the Lord, in such a p extra. To say ‘I believe in Jesus Christ his only Son mood. Might does not make right when uncoupled from our Lord’ is as important as the first part of the Thanks be to you, our Lord Jesus Christ, righteousness. The religious zeal of Amos’s audience is s Creed, which focuses on God the Father. Sadly for all the benefits which you have given us, utterly misplaced; its hypocritical noise is offensive not

e there are many people who attend church who are for all the pains and insults which you have borne pleasing and its solemnity sickening to the God who more deist in their beliefs than Christian. There for us. loves justice more than pomp and outward show. Those

h are people in congregations who struggle with the Most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother, who rush headlong into the fray in such a context will idea of Jesus being equal with God, despite partic- may we know you more clearly, quickly find the end is worse than the beginning, and t ipating in the life of their local church . Perhaps love you more dearly, their hopes of resolution will be dashed by evils greater they have never encountered him in a personal and follow you more nearly, than they foresaw. Mock religiosity is an inadequate way. day by day. preparation for the sudden onrush of God’s judgement. Jesus’ parable of the 10 ‘bridesmaids’ (or literally ‘vir- gins’), reminds us that the day that is coming will be a day of separation, of disappointment to many who are not truly prepared. The foolish ones look ready, with their lamps, but do not have the fuel required to light a flame. All become drowsy and sleep before the great The Main Thing and long-anticipated arrival of the groom. Yet when that moment suddenly comes, preparation in advance is all that counts. There is no second chance to grab some oil Don’t they know the gospel? and we don’t want your group to and not just look ready but be ready. The door will be JONATHAN PERKIN Surely they do? (Evidently the spoil our group. Without the irrevocably shut at that unexpected hour. church in Rome did not know some gospel, divisions proliferate in the Paul writes to the Thessalonians who were eagerly New Wine things because he often writes in church. It may be over music styles, waiting for the day, because he had told them of its chapters six and seven ‘Don’t you service styles, church government splendour. Macedonians longed for a great king to Many years ago I remember a well- know…?’) No, the problem in the styles and so on. The list is endless restore the glory days of their Alexander, but the parou- known speaker saying: “The main Roman church, as indeed in our over what divides a church, but the sia of Jesus, his royal visitation, would be more magnifi- thing is to keep the main thing the present churches, is not that we cause is always the same. The cent than anything that great homegrown general had main thing.” Great soundbite, but don’t know the gospel but that we gospel of grace is not lived out. laid on in his vast empire. Yet some amongst their num- what is the main thing? We have are not living it. The truth of the Unity comes through the truth of ber had died without seeing the day, causing confusion recently at our church been preach- gospel is not permeating our lives the gospel. That’s why Paul takes amongst the church. Paul writes to alleviate their con- ing through the book of Romans in and being worked out practically in three chapters in the epistle to unite cerns about their fallen Christian comrades. our morning services. our churches. We know it but we both Jew and Gentile believers in They would grieve for their brothers and sisters in the The great preacher, Dr Martyn don’t! So Paul painstakingly spells it Rome. Only the gospel humbles us faith, but should do so with hope in their hearts. All who Lloyd-Jones, preached on Romans out in the first four chapters, and to ground level so that human pride trust in Jesus are united to him: just as he died and rose every Friday night between 1955 then its implications thereafter. ceases to make divisions. Only the again, so shall they. When he comes again, they shall and 1968. He preached on chapter ‘Therefore...’ begins chapters five, gospel enables us to live together in accompany the king. They shall not be disadvantaged six for seven months. He was once eight and 12. unity with people unlike us. by their death before the day, but take a privileged posi- asked in 1943: “When are you going What I have begun to realise is Unless the gospel message per- tion of precedence ahead of those who remain alive to preach on the book of Romans?” that unless the gospel message is meates our thinking, then we will until that time. A cry of command, an angelic call, and a He replied: “When I have really firmly rooted in our beings then never reach out with enthusiasm to divine trumpet blast will herald the descent of Christ understood chapter six.” It took three things begin to happen. a lost world. The moment we forget from his seat at the Father’s right hand to his place of him another 12 years before he to live the gospel is when we turn honour in the new world. The dead in Christ will rise started the series. To the utter We lose the grasp of our identity the church into a club of people like first, whenever and however they died. We who are left relief of the congregation, I assured in Christ. It is only the gospel that us. It is only the gospel that will alive at that time shall only then be caught up to meet them that I was only going to spend gives us security, significance and cause us to cross every human bar- them. eight weeks on the book – a kind of acceptance. Knowing that we are rier to reach people who may be We will be with the Lord forever. Judgment day for bird’s eye view, a chapter a week. loved, valued, forgiven and set free very different from us. After a year some, is reunion day for Christians. No wonder Paul Of course, Martyn Lloyd-Jones was by God can only come through faith at our present church, my wife and urges us to encourage one another with these words. right, chapter six is a key chapter in in the gospel of Christ. The minute I noticed that there weren’t enough They give strength and hope to suffering and grieving the whole epistle, and I am still try- we forget this is the moment that ‘oddballs’ in the church. So we believers who can long for ‘that day’ with more than ing to get to grips with it. we look to other things instead of prayed for them, and they quickly wishful thinking. Hope is guaranteed by the solid reality However, chapter six is not the the gospel. This has a devastating arrived. That’s healthy! (Realising, of Christ’s own resurrection from the dead. main thing although it is an essen- effect as we then begin to compare of course, that I am probably one of tial understanding of the main ourselves with others and disap- the oddballs.) Dr Lee Gatiss is editor of the NIV Proclamation Bible thing. The main thing is the gospel. pear down a rabbit hole of either Identity, unity and outreach are and Director of Church Society In Romans 1:15, Paul writes that superiority or inferiority. Again and three marks of a healthy church (www.churchsociety.org) he is ‘so eager to preach the gospel again, we need to remind ourselves operating in the truth of the gospel also to you who are at Rome.’ One of the gospel. of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the may well ask, why is Paul so eager Unless we grasp the truth of the many encouragements, such as the to preach the gospel to Christians gospel then the church quickly dis- New Wine network, to keep the HYMN in Rome who already know the integrates into separate factions. If church gospel-centred. The main SELECTION gospel? Surely, there will be God loves me and he loves you, thing is to keep the main thing the amongst them a few unconverted then we are all on equal footings. main thing. O Lord, the clouds are gathering brethren who need to hear the The moment we forget that is the Jonathan Perkin is Vicar of St Awake, awake: fling off the night gospel for the first time. But Paul moment that we start preferring Andrew’s & St Bartholomew’s Let saints on earth in concert sing hasn’t got them in his sights. He our little group to your little group. Churchdown, and a New Wine Thy hand, O God, has guided wants passionately to preach the In fact we begin to think that our Network Group Leader in Abide with me gospel to Christians. group is better than your group, Gloucestershire.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper www.churchnewspaper.com Friday October 31, 2014 Reviews 15 Brad Pitt reveals his Fury over war

counts as “a righteous act” is lost in FILM OF THE WEEK revenge and the occasional war crime. There’s a lengthy interlude after the capture of a town where Collier and Nor- Fury (cert. 15) is the name scrawled on man enter an upstairs apartment where the WW2 tank manned by Sgt Don “War- Irma (Anamaria Marinca) tries to hide daddy” Collier (Brad Pitt), Boyd “Bible” her teenage cousin Emma (Alicia von Swan (Shia LaBeouf), Trini “Gordo” Gar- Rittberg) from the victorious and libidi- cia (Michael Peña), and Grady ‘Coon- nous soldiers (excluding Swan who Ass’ Travis (Jon Bernthal). As they nurse reads his Bible). Norman and Emma do the Sherman tank back to base, another some fraternising, first duetting on a member of the crew lies dead inside. Schubert lullaby, then behind the closed Norman Ellison (Logan Lerman) is the doors of a bedroom; it’s a bit of a tease typing clerk drafted in to make up the about rape by invading troops, and simul- number – it’s so unlikely that it must be taneously touching and disturbing. an error, but nobody seems to correct it, The final encounter between Fury and and off they go on another sortie with a a German Tiger tank (the only one in gunner who seemingly has never fired a working order, borrowed from Boving- gun. So suspend your disbelief, hang it ton Tank Museum) leaves Collier and on the rack with the captured Iron Cross- his crew as the only obstacle to German es, but save some suspension for the troops’ occupying a vital crossroad. An final reel. SS battalion is on the way and Fury’s Some of the story may be bunkum, but crew have a choice of fight or flight. - after the cast spent a week in a movie Shia LaBeouf is reported in an inter- “boot camp” to prepare - there’s a grim view to have “found God” during filming, realism about war. We see bodies crediting David Ayer, “a full subscriber crushed under tank tracks, bodies dis- to Christianity”. Amid the mayhem and membered by shells, bodies bulldozed the moral ambiguity, and facing a sacrifi- into a grave, bodies buried in rubble, and The story is set on one day in Germany press coverage you might have thought cial mission, Swan quotes, “Whom shall I bodies carefully arranged for the final in April 1945. Sgt Collier had kept his they were rumbling German tanks past send, and who will go for us? Then said I, pull-away shot. crew together and alive through North the local war memorial during the two Here am I; send me” and, improbably, Lebanon, a 2009 film by Samuel Maoz Africa and D-Day, but some of Hitler’s minutes silence. Collier provides the reference. about the Israeli invasion of 1982, was most ardent troops are now defending Bible Swan gets his name from his As a reminder that war is hell, Fury is shot almost entirely from the point of the Fatherland, alongside old men and faith – he asks Norman if he’s saved, and very effective and the story is powerful if view of soldiers in a tank. Fury does go children in a futile “total war”. on getting Norman’s reply, “I’m bap- unlikely. Given that some American audi- outside that confined space but maybe Writer-director David Ayer, former US tised”, makes an assumption he must be ences have cheered the scene depicting owes some of the interior shots to Navy submariner, got in trouble last year an Episcopalian. Swan is always ready a war crime, the moral message may Maoz’s autobiographical film, while when filming in rural Oxfordshire. The with a Bible verse, and even Collier need some work. many of the set pieces were designed day’s shoot didn’t finish till 2am, on attributes their survival to God’s grace, from contemporary photographs. Remembrance Sunday, though from but any just war doctrine and what Steve Parish

Bishop of Buckingham, although not short of theo- riage transformed rather than being joined by a new logical argument, falls somewhere between the third vocation? BOOK OF THE WEEK category and the second. offers a more straightforward defence Song sees a changed attitude to marriage in of same-sex marriage. He looks at biblical teaching Christ’s own celibacy, in his call to give up family but he also has much to say about the historical Covenant and Calling responsibilities in order to follow him and in his dec- development of marriage. In what is perhaps the Robert Song laration that some have made themselves eunuchs most useful section of his book he sketches out the SCM, pb; £15.50 for the sake of the kingdom. In the Old Testament changing approaches to marriage by the church and procreation and keeping the family line going are of he knocks firmly on the head any idea that church More Perfect Union, huge importance. In the new world inaugurated by and state in Britain had no differences in their Alan Wilson the Resurrection what matters is being incorporated approach to marriage until the arrival of same-sex DLT, pb, £9.99 in Christ and entering the kingdom of heaven in marriage. which marriage has ceased to exist. Not all his arguments convince. Rather cleverly he An astonishing change of atti- In a way that few theologians acknowledge, the tries to suggest that non-Western societies are still tude towards homosexuality New Testament marks a radical change in under- showing a colonial mindset in their views about sex. has taken place in Western standing about marriage. From this Song does not It was the British and other colonial powers who first society in a comparatively draw the conclusion that marriage should cease. brought in laws banning homosexual practices and short period of time. It is a rev- Rather he argues that the eschatological context and these laws have continued to inspire prejudice. The olution in moral values that is the goodness of creation have led to tension between situation is a good deal more complicated that this. likely to fascinate future histo- the claims of celibacy and the claims of marriage. Many homosexual actions did take place in tradition- rians. But whatever the causes Marriage and procreation are no longer to be taken al societies but they were not of a kind that could be of the change, it is a develop- for granted for those who are in Christ. solemnised in marriage. ment that presents the church- A short review cannot trace every twist and turn of In initiation ceremonies, for example, they were es with a major challenge. the argument, but the conclusion is that as well as seen as being to transfer male strength and promote According to a recent poll, less marriages oriented to procreation and celibacy there bonding rather than express affection. Male slaves than 30 per cent of Christians is a place of ‘covenanted partnerships’, between could be exploited in a sexual way. Government laws under 45 think same-sex mar- either persons of the opposite sex or persons of the (and missionary preaching) certainly influenced atti- riage is wrong. same sex that can have sexual expression even tudes but they did not operate in cultures where Theologians are wrestling though there is no intention (or possibility) of chil- affectionate homosexuality was common. with the issue. For some, it is a dren. It is unfair to say of Archbishop Rowan Williams’ development in secular cul- Song sees the attraction of using civil partnership attempt to hold the Anglican Communion together ture that must be resisted. ceremonies to mark covenant partnerships but that ‘the institution ate the man for breakfast’. What Others are more inclined just recognises that this will be difficult, not least because the Archbishop was trying to do was what every to go along with what the culture is saying. The more partnerships will be seen as second best rather than Archbishop of Canterbury must try to do. It is what discerning are going back to the Christian tradition as a different vocation. The result is that Song comes Pope Francis is also trying to do. It was to enable and asking whether the changed moral climate casts to support same-sex marriage but by a rather compli- Christians from different culture backgrounds to lis- fresh light on Christian teaching (and whether Chris- cated route. Readers who follow his argument will ten and learn from each other as they tried to discern tian teaching has anything to contribute to the new find it theologically stimulating. what scripture and tradition mean for our time and moral understanding). A question many will ask is why marriage and what the Spirit is saying to us in this present age. Of the two books under review, that by Robert covenanted partnership have to be seen as different Song falls into the third category while that by the vocations. In the new order, can’t we speak of mar- Paul Richardson

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper COLLEGE STREET SW1 Putting some heart CITY OF WESTMINSTER into Halloween

Pumpkins up and down the land will children. They point to the example It is estimated that three years after be on display tonight, but not all of of Hani, 8, who is now living in the civil war broke out in Syria over 3 them will be featuring scary faces. Lebanon as a refugee. His family million people have been displaced. World Vision has been running a shares a small sleeping area and Most have fled to countries like campaign to encourage young people kitchen with three other families. His Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Turkey. to carve hearts in their pumpkins parents say he is traumatised by the Syrian families find themselves in a instead. The point of their effort is to events in Syria and his schoolwork hopeless situation; they live in over- show solidarity with the ‘vulnerable has suffered. They hope that Hani crowded conditions and as they children of Syria this Halloween’. can have a better education so that he aren’t allowed to work, they are des- They point out that while this is a can live a better life than the one perately running out of money for night of fun for many in the West, they’ve had - without fear. basics, such as medicine. over 1.5 million children in Syria live “Conflict in Syria has meant that About half the refugees are chil- in real fear every night of the year. So over three million people have fled to dren who often find it difficult to get this year, as part of their annual neighbouring countries including schooling, show signs of trauma and ‘Night of Hope’ campaign, they are Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Turkey. some girls are being forced to marry appealing to people taking part in But safe passage to neighbouring men much older than themselves Halloween to show some support. countries is not the end of the misery because their desperate families can On their website and as part of the The world’s largest children’s char- for refugee children,” says Justin no longer support them. campaign they have templates for ity is asking people to carve hearts Byworth, World Vision UK’s CEO. World Vision is hoping that by carving hearts in pumpkins, recipes and then post the pictures on their “These children have lived with the encouraging people to carve hearts and even how to use pumpkins to cre- Facebook page most horrific forms of conflict in into their pumpkins they will be able ate the ingredients for facials, (facebook.com/worldvisionuk). Peo- Syria. They’ve endured violence; to bring some hope to the children because they are packed with anti- ple can go further and text ‘Heart’ to most have lost friends, neighbours or who live in fear constantly. oxidants, as well as vitamins A, C and 70060 to donate £5. family members. A Night of Hope You can find out more about their E, that will help fade sun spots, pre- A spokesman for the charity said shows them we haven’t forgotten campaign by visiting vent wrinkles and eliminate redness. the situation in Syria is desperate for they are still suffering.” worldvision.org.uk/anightofhope

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adopt the tongue of the ------' [Job/NIV] Canaanite nations [Gen] (7) PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 923 by Axe (6) 4 Father of Methuselah who lived for 365 11 'Eat it ------; it is the Lord's Passover' years [Gen] (5) [Exod/NIV] (2,5) 5 Second name of a disciple whose mean- 13 Paul's companion on his first visit to ing is the subject of much conjecture (8) Greece [Acts] (5) 6 Buddhist and Hindu religious writing (6) 15 'Two or three prophets should speak, 12 Christian in communion with the see of and the others should ----- carefully what Canterbury (8) is said' [1 Cor/NIV] (5) 14 Clerical garment (7) 17 Follower of one of the largest Noncon- 16 Great prophet during the reign of Ahab formist doctrines (7) [1 & 2 Kgs] (6) 20 '...your God will come...with ------retribu- 18 'Preach the word; be prepared in ------and tion he will come to save you' [Isa/NIV] out of ------' [2 Tim/NIV] (6) (6) 19 'Then Joab took Amasa by the ----- with 21 Tower of ------, which killed 18 people his right hand to kiss him' [2 Sam/NIV] when it collapsed [Luke] (6) (5) 23 Philistine stronghold where Samson died 22 'Whoever finds their ---- shall lose it...' [Judg] (4) (Matt/NIV] (4) 24 'The ------', parable warning against the folly of materialism [Luke/NIV] (4,4) Last week’s solutions: Down Across: 1 Boil, 3 Judgment, 9 Tear off, 10 Oaths,1 1 1 'He maketh the ------woman to keep Ecclesiastes, 13 , 15 Recede, 17 Zen Buddhists, 20 house; and to be a joyful mother of chil- Argob, 21 Enraged, 22 Desolate, 23 Espy. dren' [Ps/KJV] (6) 2 'Those things, for which our unworthi- Down: 1 Bethesda, 2 Isaac, 4 Unfair, 5 Good Shepherd, 6 ness we ---- not...' [BCP] (4) Extreme, 7 Test, 8 Tower of Babel, 12 Feast day, 14 3 Of or from the second of the twelve Avenges, 16 Advent, 18 Signs, 19 Band.

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