NEWS AUTUMN 2016 New Faces at Trinity

INSIDE: What does it mean to forgive? A tribute to Alex Motyer …and lots more www.trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk Cover photo: Meet five of the eighty new students who’ve joined us (p10). in all our similarities and differences, into the In this issue Newsletter photography by Chris Dobson. kind of community the world is longing to see, that in our commitment and love for one another we would bear witness to Christ’s NEWS coming kingdom.

From the principal 3 Kingdom Learning: We also believe in College news 4 the importance of knowing and engaging From the principal deeply with the Bible. While we often have Faculty news 8 fun together, we are here to learn—in the n the New Testament, Paul prays for the classrooms and in context—so that we might Alumni news 21 IPhilippians: ‘And this is my prayer, that serve God to the best of our abilities. The first your love may overflow more and more principal of Trinity, Alec Motyer (whose life with knowledge and full insight to help we celebrate on page 18) was an impressive FEATURES you to determine what is best, so that on biblical scholar who said simply of himself, the day of Christ you may be pure and ‘I am just a man who loves the word of God.’ New Faces at Trinity blameless, having produced the harvest of His love for God’s word motivated him to 10 understand the Bible as deeply as possible This autumn, Trinity welcomed a record intake of new righteousness that comes through Jesus and to help others do the same. We aspire students, with 63 new full-time and 17 new part-time Christ for the glory and praise of God’ students. Here are a few of their stories. (Phil 1:9-11). to honour his legacy of deep and thoughtful biblical scholarship today. We hope and pray this as well on behalf of our students—that their studies here would Kingdom Leading: It can be tempting to 15 What Does It Mean to Forgive? deepen their love for God and neighbour, and focus on the ‘gloom and doom’ talk about A Q&A with Tutor in Theology and Ethics Rev Dr Jon Coutts that God would be preparing them here to the future of the church and declining church about what it means to forgive and reconcile in the context serve him well and faithfully. attendance figures, but sometimes I wish of the church. everyone could see our dining room when all But what can this vision mean in reality, as we of our students and their families meet to eat attempt to put this into practice at Trinity? lunch together, or our chapel as passionate disciples worship and pray together. We had 18 A Tribute to Alex Motyer Kingdom Living: We believe in the a record number of new students join us this Four of the many people impacted by Alex’s faithful service importance of learning together in year, and that means lots more people to reflect on his ministry as the first principal of Trinity College. community. As I talk with the many influence the church, the world, and society students who have joined us this autumn, for the Kingdom of God. God is working in overwhelmingly they say they wanted to the lives of these men and women, and I study at Trinity because they valued the see such excitement among them, and that ways in which the Trinity community would excitement is contagious. May God reap a harvest of righteousness through Christ in Trinity College is a theological training college located in Bristol, England, dedicated to deepen their experience here, and benefit them to his praise and glory. equipping students to live like the Kingdom of God is near as they prepare to lead churches their families as well. But community also and Christian ministries around the world. The college offers certificate, diploma, bachelor’s, means the challenge of being real with one graduate, and postgraduate programmes to both residential and nonresidential students. another. It’s not easy. We’re all human with differences—our community includes people Trinity College News is published twice annually by the college to inform, serve, and connect who are married and single, male and Trinity’s alumni, students, and friends. To contact the editor, please email Melissa Stratis, female, younger and older, ordinands and [email protected], or call + 1 (44) 117 968 0205, or by mail at Trinity College, independent students, coming from different Rev Dr Emma Ineson Stoke Hill, Bristol, BS9 1JP. For more information about Trinity, including recent news and blog regions with different stories and callings. Principal posts, please visit www.trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter We need to allow the Holy Spirit to build us, and Instagram. 2 33 students travelled from around the world Trinity NEWS to Trinity, twenty-three of whom presented papers related to their current research topic. Rev Dr Walter Moberly (pictured, right), who is professor of theology and School of Leadership biblical interpretation at Durham University, Completes First Year delivered a lecture titled ‘More Jesus or Another Jesus? A New New Testament and Last spring, the School of Leadership Questions of and Religious Truth.’ He completed its first year, offering students also participated in a panel discussion on two leadership tracks, one for first-year his recent book Old Testament Theology students, and another for second-years. (Baker, 2013), a book with which the PGR During their two years of training, students community had engaged during the spring gather in the chapel fortnightly for the could put up a team.” I said I’d hold them to term’s research seminar. Student Michael sessions, which run between September and that.’ The squad includes two women who’ve Rhodes was awarded the annual paper prize April and cover topics in the areas of leading Library and eat lunch at the historic Ye Olde served in the British army, a university rower, for his essay ‘Forward Unto Virtue: Formative yourself, leading people, leading change, Cheshire Cheese pub. ‘It’s been a pleasure and many for whom this is their first time Practices and 1 Corinthians 11:17-34’. The and leading mission. Topics could range to get to build new relationships with playing rugby. The team meets at lunchtime conference also included a book launch and from personal development issues, such as faculty, staff, and fellow students, who have on Wednesdays to work on ball handling and reception to honour New Testament tutor Dr ‘Developing courage’, to practical topics that inspired and humbled me as they’ve shared basic training exercises before learning touch Jamie Davies’s new book, Paul Among the include ‘Handling conflict’ and ‘Pioneering their research and passion for thoughtful rugby and how to play proper seven-a-side. Apocalypses? At the end of the conference, as a leader—church planting and fresh discipleship,’ said attendee Trevor Neill, a They hope ultimately to get a fixture with a PGR students travelled to London to view the expressions’. The majority of the sessions Baptist from Birmingham. local team. ‘Life at Trinity is holistic—training fourth century Codex Sinaiticus at the British are led by CPAS Leadership Specialist Ian the body, mind, and the soul—so it is a fitting Parkinson, who is passionate about coaching and exciting beginning to integrate women’s and mentoring leaders, especially those sport into the rhythms here. Oh, and it’s a involved in turning around less promising good excuse to have a laugh together!” church situations and those who want to says Thea Smith, a first-year ordinand from see a missional culture develop in their Coventry Diocese. churches. ‘It has been great having the theory combined with Ian’s practical experiences in turning churches toward growth,’ says Bristol Trinity on Instagram ordinand Neil Shepherd. Are you on Instagram? You can now follow us at ‘trinity_bristol’ New Women’s Rugby Team for regular photos from Trinity. We continue to post news, blog posts, and This autumn, a squad of fifteen Trinity photos on Twitter at ‘trinity_bristol’ and on our students have formed a new rugby women’s Facebook ‘Trinity College Bristol’ page. sevens team. In its early stages, the squad is coached by missiology tutor Rev Dr Howard Valedictory Worsley, who had previously been a player Postgraduate Conference On 27 May, students, faculty, staff, and their service. The Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Bishop of and then chaplain at a semi-professional From 22-24 June 2016, we hosted our annual families spent all afternoon on Trinity’s lawn Taunton, preached on Colossians 1:9-20, in a rugby team in the Midlands. He is joined postgraduate research (PGR) conference, an celebrating the end of the academic year sermon titled ‘Be prayerful. Be prepared’. For by Trinity’s Property and Facilities Manager event during which Trinity College and Bristol with a barbecue, bouncy castles, sumo the formal farewell at the end of the service, Malcolm Bourne, who is a rugby sevens Baptist College welcome our postgraduate wrestling, a magic show, and other games. Trinity’s forty leavers each received a gift specialist. ‘We were chatting at meal time, researchers for three days of presentations, The next morning, the Trinity community from the principal before their pastoral group and they were talking about my background,’ discussion, workshops, and interaction gathered again at St Mary Magdalene tutors laid hands on them to pray for each of says Howard. ‘One of the students said, “We with a noted senior scholar. This year, thirty Church in Stoke Bishop for its Valedictory them and for their future ministries.

4 5 Trinity Tigers members and students, mainly a way of using sport to create friendship, as well as colour plates to build relationships across faiths,’ says Sam. Staff NEWS Congratulations to the Trinity Tigers, who of all her artwork ‘There was a real sense of fun, and it was a competed in the Bristol University League created at Trinity. great starting point to build relationships.’ last spring in Division 2. Just hoping to remain For more information Andrew Lucas Celebrates in the league, in the end the team finished in or to buy a copy, visit 25 Years fifth place of ten teams, and the five-a-side Student Ministers in India www.shospace.co.uk. This year our team won their league. ‘We were competitive Last Easter, ordinand Adam Pitt was invited executive director, but played with integrity and honesty,’ says on a mission trip to Bangalore, India, to Andrew Lucas, Trinity FC Captain and ordinand Rob Smith. Students Travel to Israel see the work of Touch India International celebrated twenty- Ministries and its founder Sister Josna five years of service Last May, Trinity students participated in a Anthony. ‘Our visit there was preaching and to the college, joint trip with Baptist Bible College students prayer from beginning to end,’ says Adam. and staff and to Israel under the leadership of Rev Peter ‘On several occasions I was asked “You faculty gathered Hatton from the Baptist College and former will share the gospel now, brother?” by the to celebrate the Trinity chaplain Rev Dr Brett Cane. ‘People tell mischievous sister, delighting in pushing us occasion with Andrew and his wife, Mel, you that going to the Holy Land would open out unprepared. In each instance, whether a who assists Trinity students as disability the Bible to you,’ says Trinity student Shakeel remote village filled with Hindu shrines or an advisor and study support tutor. ‘Andrew Nurmahi, ‘but I was blown away by how much urban Baptist church, my greatest asset was has been at the this was true. I personally found it a defining the content of the doctrine in focus module heart of the life of experience in my life and faith.’ I’d just completed at Trinity. The time spent Trinity College for a in this module to understand the different quarter of a century,’ perspectives on the death and resurrection says Principal Trinity Students Release EP of Christ, to see the whole story of the Emma Ineson. gospel in the Old and New Testament, and ‘His deep wisdom, Last spring, three of our leaving ordinands, careful dedication, Joel Mennie, Denis Adide, and Dave Hendra, and pastoral heart worked together to create a three-track have impacted a EP titled Bless the King, which was picked generation of students, faculty, and staff. It up and released by a record label in June is a joy to work with him, and with Mel, and on iTunes. ‘In addition to working very I am deeply grateful for their commitment hard on our essays and placements, we’d to the work of God in this place.’ been thinking a lot about the expression of Christian thought in the context of spoken/ New Staff musical creativity,’ explains Joel. ‘Using the We have recently welcomed a few new community theme of the Kingdom and Ordinand in Interfaith members into our kitchen team: Ian Beatitudes as our base, we committed time Cricket Match MacIntosh as Catering Assistant and to transfer our thoughts into pieces of work. Audrey Husson as Hospitality Assistant. There were many reasons why we wanted Last September, ordinand Sam Rylands was The nursery also welcomed nursery nurse to undertake this project, but perhaps most selected for the ’s Sarah Hawes last September. We hope important is our desire that this EP might cricket team for an interfaith cricket match they enjoy their time here! somehow be a parting gift to our community between Anglicans, the Vatican, and a Muslim team from Yorkshire. The week-long to have multiple metaphors at my disposal at Trinity’. All profits raised through the sale of Farewells the EP were given to the charity Care4Calais. tournament included a trip to Canterbury was invaluable. I turned up at each new before the three-way match in Edgbaston, location with my Swiss Army gospel, with a Roy Bailey retired last summer from his work which the Archbishop’s team won. Team tool for every job. I learnt a huge amount on as maintenance officer after fifteen years at A Trinity Book members, who included ordained Anglicans, this trip about the power of prayer and praise Trinity. This November, Donna Drinkwater, Our former artist-in-residence Sheona Catholic seminarians and a , and in the face of suffering. But I also learned that who has worked at Trinity for nearly six years Beaumont has created a book that includes practising Muslims, spent time before the knowing your doctrine is not the dry study of as a domestic assistant, will be leaving the fascinating historical images of Stoke tournament sharing together about the theories about God, it is the foundation of being college. We are grateful to Roy and to Donna House, contributions from Trinity faculty outworking of faith in communities. ‘It was able to share the gospel anytime, anywhere.’ for all they have contributed to Trinity.

6 7 ways in which the Psalms model a response In September, Tutor in New Testament Queen’s Chaplain met to share communion Faculty NEWS to the experience of violence and considered Dr Jamie Davies presented a paper on with fellow Queen’s Chaplains and the some of the pastoral and missiological salvation history and revelation in Markan Archbishop of Canterbury at . David Firth Joins the Faculty implications of this. He has published popular apocalyptic epistemology at the British New She spoke last April at the Bristol Diocese and academic works on the Old Testament, Testament Society’s annual conference at the conference about ‘Connecting with God’, and including commentaries on 1 and 2 Samuel, University of Chester. In June, he presented also led the Bristol Diocese and Esther, and Joshua, along with other books a paper on ‘Son of God’ and apocalyptic Retreat and preached at on Deuteronomy, Isaiah, and 1 and 2 Samuel epistemology in Mark’s gospel at the both ordination services in July. and the Spirit of God in the Old Testament. Symposium for Biblical and Early Christian ‘Trinity’s vision for living like the Kingdom is Studies at the University of St Andrews. He Tutor in Church History Rev Dr Nigel near is an exciting one that holds together also worked with the British Sign Language Scotland published The New Passover: the biblical vision of discipleship and mission,’ Translation Project as a translation consultant, Rethinking the Lord’s Supper for Today. David says. ‘We’re delighted to be joining providing linguistic and theological advice on a college that puts this at the heart of its their translation of the Greek text. Tutor in Christian Doctrine communal life and what it means to study Dr Justin Stratis wrote and to serve within the Kingdom.’ We warmly a chapter in the book welcome David and his wife, Lynne! The End of Theology: Shaping Theology for the Farewell to Knut Heim Sake of Mission (Fortress Press). He wrote ‘Reason At the end of the academic year, we said and the Presence of goodbye to Dr Knut Heim, who had served at God: Reflections on Trinity for six years as tutor in Old Testament. Rev Dr David Firth joined Trinity’s faculty John Webster’s “Trinity Knut has taken up a new post across the this September as tutor in Old Testament and Creation”’ for the Henry Center for pond at Denver Seminary in the US as and academic dean. ‘David brings a Theological Understanding in the US. great combination of significant biblical professor of Old Testament. scholarship, a passion for teaching, a head for In May 2016, Tutor in Missiology Rev Dr organisation, and a heart for community,’ says Additional Faculty News Howard Worsley spoke at the European Principal Emma Ineson. David has previously Tutor in Theology and Conference in Christian Education (ECCE), served six years as lecturer in Old Testament Ethics Rev Dr Jon Coutts a biannual gathering of Christian children’s and Director of Studies at St John’s School has written A Shared workers and thinkers on ‘Children’s of Mission in . He has a wide Mercy: Karl Barth on Spirituality and Faith Development’ and led range of ministry experience, having served Forgiveness and the a workshop on ‘The Child as Theologian’. as a pastor in his native Australia as well Church for InterVarsity In October, Principal Rev Dr Emma Ineson In June, he addressed the Lancashire and as spending a number of years working in Press. He wrote an article spoke at the Willesden Episcopal Area clergy Cumbria Theological Partnership (LCTP) in Zimbabwe and South Africa. He also taught for The Reader magazine conference in Lille, France, on ‘Priesthood Cumbria on ‘Children as Agents in Mission’ Old Testament for seven years at Cliff (autumn 2016) titled in a Democratic City’, and also preached and also gave a paper at Liverpool Hope College before coming to St John’s. David ‘To learn to love your at the consecration service for the Bishops University on ‘Developing RE as Missio chairs the Old Testament Study Group of the neighbour must you learn to love yourself?’ of Berwick and Bolton at . She Dei’. He led a week-long seminar in July Tyndale Fellowship for evangelical scholars In August, he spoke about the importance wrote two weeks’ content for the Church on Franciscan missional spirituality at Lee from around the world, is general editor of of God-talk at the British Sign Language of England Daily Lectionary Reflections. Abbey Devon. the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary, ‘Signs of God’ summer school. In September, In September, Emma traveled to her first and serves on the International Advisory he attended an editorial board meeting meeting with the ’s Faith Board for the journal Old Testament Essays. for the Grove Books Pastoral Series, and in and Order Commission in Mirfield. During the Connect with us online! He preaches regularly in local churches. For July attended the International Bonhoeffer summer, she led several leadership sessions For regular updates on Trinity, follow his doctoral studies, David focused on the Congress in Basel, Switzerland. at New Wine United 2016, and, in her role as us on Twitter or Facebook.

8 9 and family life pastor, focused on building the understanding. ‘You can never presume to family of God in his church, and wondering know what the issues are, let alone what New how to build community in such a diverse city. the solutions might be,’ says Mark of the church’s outreach to refugees, foreign Mark knew what it meant to experience the domestic workers, and others. ‘Jesus looks This autumn, Trinity welcomed church as family. Born in Wales, he grew up at people, he gets into their group, goes into a record intake of new students, in Hong Kong with his parents. He returned their homes and eats their food. He sits on Faces briefly to the UK for secondary school and with 63 new full-time and 17 new the street with those on the street who have university, but at the end of his first year of part-time students. Here are a nowhere to live. He hears their stories and university his mum grew sick with cancer weeps with them. Only once we’d done that few of their stories. and died only a year later. One of Mark’s first at Trinity could we start to build family and actually memories of leading worship was when his be constructive.’ father asked him to lead them in worship at his mother’s bedside as she passed away Then one day, as Mark prepared to preach on New Year’s Eve in 2001. In the weeks about the Old Testament kings, he thought that followed, as Mark grieved, his father about Saul. He thought he could identify with suggested a year-long return to Hong Kong, that young king in certain respects—and he to the place that felt most like home. could see that Saul had relied on his gifts and favour rather than relying on God, which In Hong Kong, Mark immersed himself in the made Saul insecure, trying harder and harder community of The Vine, and they became in his own strength. ‘I knew I was running extended family members who ministered on fumes,’ Mark explains. ‘All I’d learned to him in his pain. The year passed, and Mark growing up, through training and seminars, finished his law degree in the UK, then returned I’d exhausted it. I didn’t want to crash like to Hong Kong. But before he could begin Saul. I prayed with my wife, and we felt called to practice law, those leading The Vine met to pursue a season of sincere theological with Mark to ask him to join them in church study and reflection and rest.’ He and the ministry. Mark and his fiancée Kayi sensed the church agreed that if he studied part-time, Holy Spirit’s call, and, Mark says, ‘I let go of the church work would become a distraction, six years of study and all the money it took to so Mark became a full-time independent pay for it. I became the associate worship and student at Trinity, living in Bristol to be close creative arts director.’ After five years in this role, to his father again and his wife’s family. Mark experienced that moment in worship, saw the glow of those faces before him, and ‘Being a full-time independent student can recognised that he wanted to help build the be challenging,’ says Mark. ‘You have to family of God in new ways. raise funds for yourself. Part of my spiritual formation is learning to surrender and With the support of the church’s leaders, The Hong Kong Pastor They came as people who were treated as trust—that’s an essential part of our time Mark transitioned roles and began to oversee second-class citizens all week long, who at Trinity. If I’m going to encourage church As Mark Nam stood in front of the The Vine’s small group ministry, with more would silently take seats in the back and members to step out in faith, I can say that 2,000-member Hong Kong church The Vine than ninety groups meeting across Hong quickly leave at the end. He felt God asking I’ve done it. If I’m going to tell them to let go leading worship, he noticed something that Kong, Kowloon, and the outlying islands— him, ‘What do you see?’ And Mark realised and embrace the new life God has for them, would change the direction of his ministry. creating teaching materials, investing in that what he saw was depth and resilience. I can say I’ve done that myself.’ Mark pauses From his unique vantage point, he saw the leaders, leading mission trips into China and Despite everything, these people sought God. and continues, ‘I miss The Vine. I miss it glow of certain faces, separate from the the Philippines, and developing ministries He felt God say, ‘They are the living stones very much. But I’m finding a new family at others. He saw foreign domestic workers, to the Cantonese-speaking community and with whom I’m going to build my church.’ That Trinity. I’m inspired by the other students’ refugees from Africa and East Asia, people foreign domestic helpers. without homes, the elderly. He realised with moment began a year-long transition for Mark acts of faith, of obedience. I’m inspired by a jolt that the church’s Sunday celebration from serving as a worship and creative arts As the church grew, the pastoral issues the stories of others around me who are wasn’t necessarily comfortable for them. director to becoming the church’s community grew in complexity, and Mark grew in growing in community.’

10 11 Laura had spent fifteen years working in The Doctors, Stopping to Seek God programme, because they saw Trinity as a Chatham, the second most deprived A year ago, medical doctors Tom and Harriet place where they could engage academically area of Kent, as a probation officer Dove decided that they needed to take a while also moving closer to family. with forty to fifty people on her year to step out of the intense pace of their During their interview day, Harriet sat caseload. ‘The rewarding thing was lives and reflect. Married for two years, when people wanted to change, and listening with Tom and thought about her the Doves were both working at a hospital own desire to deepen her understanding of being able to give them the skills in Nottingham, where they’d completed the Bible since becoming a Christian a few to change and move on—it’s medical school. providing a valuable service years earlier. ‘When we visited, I realised I both to them and to the As part of their year-long break, the Doves could do this also,’ she remembers. ‘I didn’t community they’re from.’ But travelled to complete a Catholic pilgrimage have to have a certain background or to increasingly Laura felt like along the Camino de Santiago, journeying have already done certain things. When she was only doing half a 900 kilometres on foot for five weeks across they talked about spouses doing part-time job; she wanted to help Spain to Santiago de Compostela. ‘We were studies, I thought I’d like to do that. But then restore people’s souls taking time off from the conveyer belt of when they talked about the community here, along with their life skills. medicine that kept going,’ Tom explains, and what it can mean to learn in community, I ‘having a break from the system to regain thought, I want to do this.’ Though Harriet had The Probation Officer with She started to look into a perspective. The walk was very quiet—the already secured a place for her GP training in a Newborn new career in community or youth work. Her same rhythm every day. Walk, then eat lunch. Bristol, the surgery accepted her deferral of friends asked her why she wasn’t training to Walk, then have a snack and a drink. Walk, As Laura Faturoti moved through the the job for the year it would take to complete become a vicar, and after saying no many then have supper. It was such a simple way ordination process—pretty sure she was going the Certificate programme full time. times, she began to consider it. to live; it gave us space to reflect and to walk to pass her BAPs and halfway through looking with God. It was about slowing our minds ‘I want to grow my faith with all these people,’ at colleges—she found out she was pregnant. Laura gave birth to Levi just two weeks down so we could think a bit more clearly.’ Harriet adds, ‘with people from all different before induction at Trinity, and the newborn ‘I was kind of thinking, I’m not sure this is backgrounds and viewpoints, and to have has attended a full course load with his mum By the end of their pilgrimage, Tom had going to work. I might need to put this off,’ discussions with people with different for the first term. ‘Who on earth would do recognised a possible interest in pastoral she says. But Laura already has two older experiences.’ this?’ Laura says now. ‘But we’ve done really work and deeper theological study, and children, age 9 and 10, and had wanted to the Doves were discussing the idea of With their shared concern for medicine and see the family moved and settled before well. There’s no way I could do this without theological college. The couple visited Trinity, ministry, the Doves wait to see the ways in secondary school. a massive amount of prayer. There are a lot of people praying for us. And everyone with Tom considering the Graduate Diploma which God may direct them after Trinity. She was twelve weeks pregnant when she here has been amazing. So many people in and her family came to visit Trinity. During lectures have come up to me to say what a her interviews with Principal Emma Ineson blessing it is to have Levi in class. Once, in and Tutor in Christian Doctrine Justin Stratis Howard [Worsley]’s lecture, Levi woke and she mentioned her pregnancy. ‘They both started to scream. I was hurrying to quiet said, “That’s fine—we’ll do whatever it takes him, and Howard said, “That is a fantastic to make it work.” Trinity was the only college reminder that Jesus came as a baby and to respond like that.’ As Laura and her family disrupted everything.”’ drove away from college, she remembers, ‘It just felt so right for all the family. The spouse Laura and her family will be in Bristol, living stuff was not all geared toward women. For and serving in the Fishponds area, for two my husband, Ebun, and me, it was important years, with no idea where God may lead that this was something we did as a family. them next. ‘The uncertainty is really hard—it’s It is really important that we all had the time hard especially as I think of our children. We and space in these two years to be formed literally just sold our house and came here. in this, and that’s why residential training was But through all of this God has a plan. We’ll the only option we looked at.’ do this, and we’ll trust him for the next step.’

12 13 The International Politics Student a possible call to the church while gaining a wide range of ministry experiences. They As Sam Rylands completed a programme placed Sam in Tollington Parish, London. in international politics at the University of With his interest in politics, Sam says, ‘I have Nottingham, he found himself wanting to a passion for social justice, for seeing how know more about his Christian faith. He began the church can work for that and serve its a postgraduate programme at Cambridge to community.’ He found himself working in a study theology and simultaneously became community dealing with drug, knife, and gun more involved in his church. crime, and discovered how much he valued As he sat one morning in chapel, thinking his time spent in youth ministry. At the end of about his life and where he might be his year in the programme, Sam was offered headed—questions about possibly teaching, a choice between two roles—a chance to or working in law or politics, or charity work— apply his interest in politics and international Sam had a sudden clear sense of God saying relations in the House of Lords or a role in to him, Sam, you are going to be a vicar. In youth and community work in Tollington. He the moment, it seemed clear enough, but chose to continue at Tollington because he Sam couldn’t help feeling some skepticism, felt called there and believes that the church and so he prayed to ask that if this were is the best place to seek the transformation God’s will, he would provide a sign to confirm of communities. that. Sam went to church that evening, in Now an ordinand from London Diocese, Sam the centre of Cambridge, and listened to a came to Trinity because during his visit ‘the sermon about God keeping his promises thing that struck me was the very vibrant to Abraham. The speaker intoned, ‘If God is community life. I recognized that part of the calling you—do it, do it, do it!’ education is the community aspect. The staff Sam enrolled in the Church of England genuinely felt welcoming and interested in What Does It Mean Ministry Experience Scheme, which offers me as a person, and it felt like the college young adults placements in churches is going in a really healthy direction. It is a around the country to help them consider vibrant place to be.’ to Forgive? Our Tutor in Theology and Ethics, Rev Dr Jon Coutts, has recently written A Shared Mercy: Karl Barth on Forgiveness and the Church (Intervarsity Press) to explore what it means to forgive and reconcile in the context of the church.

What are the qualities of that I realised a lot of my worries revolved Q: ‘Christian’ forgiveness? around questions I had not yet thought to ask. Questions about forgiveness, and the Ten years ago when I left my difference it makes to church. And the more first pastoral ministry to go I looked into the meaning of forgiveness the A: to seminary, I must say I was more I realised how complicated it could pretty rattled. I wasn’t sure be. Does it mean forgetting the past? Does exactly what leading a church was supposed it require an apology from the other person? to mean anymore. It wasn’t until a class Does the other person even have to know on reconciliation taught by David Guretzki I’ve forgiven them? As these questions

14 15 crystallised, I realised that a confessing God who would otherwise brace them for of Christian life and community—whether What ought Christian Christian might have very different answers transformation. In contrast, forbearance trusts we think we’ve sinned recently or not. In Q: forgiveness to look like in the to them than would someone else. To make God and freely forgives, even as it looks to the grace of Christ, there is freedom for a context of the church body? a long story short, as I studied this under him for truth, justice, and reconciliation. It community wherein one can hope to be both the guidance of John Webster it became is the manifestation of forgiveness that is helped and held to account. The church The truth is I think there’s no one clearer and clearer to me that to explain what called for when a confrontation is still on is meant to be a community in which such way that forgiveness is going to it meant for a Christian to forgive someone, its way to resolution, when an offender is interpersonal confession and forgiveness of A: look at any given moment or in we were going to have to be able to identify not available, or when the offender is not sin are most richly and hopefully embedded. any given situation. For a long it purely as a gift of God. This means it is not predisposed to enter the reconciliation time it might look like forbearance (which simply an attitude adjustment, and certainly process. As the incarnate Son of God works might look to a passive observer just like How ought Christian not something I grant from out of my moral out his accomplished reconciliation in time, tolerance). At another time it might look like forgiveness to impact both superiority (even if in a particular instance I forbearance is the form forgiveness takes Q: speaking the truth in love. Still later it might the person wronged and might be in the right). In its truest sense, to when hope is all one has. look like patience in the face of a slow road to the person who has done forgive another is to share a gift God has restoration. In any case, I think it always ends something wrong? given to both the forgiver and the forgiven up looking like community. More often than What have your studies taught alike, and to do so in the context of the larger not we need help to forgive, not to mention you about the practice of Obviously we can all think of story of God’s reconciliation of the whole Q: to discern what’s wrong and seek correction Christian confession? cosmos to God’s self in Christ. Perhaps this A: many situations where the and restoration. Too often, however, we settle sounds obvious, but I’m not sure how often actual speaking of forgiveness for less than the mutual life of truthful love One of the most surprising side we let it really play out in our approach to to another person seems that is held out for us in Word and Sacrament. effects of studying forgiveness broken relationships, let alone in the way we A: (and maybe is) downright impossible. The We set churches up to be ‘nice’ places for has for me been a richer approach church. nature of the offense may yet be unclear. conflict avoidance, and then when the dam understanding of confession. The offender may be long gone, unaware, bursts we react with gossip and slander until I always thought confession was what you What is the difference between uninterested, or even dangerous. None of it is all smoothed over and the shallow peace did once you figured out what was wrong responding to wrongs with a these situations is simple. Indeed many of has been restored for the powers that be. Q: with you. But what makes us think we know general principle of tolerance our relationships will in this life always fall This is not pretty. It really isn’t much different what is wrong with us? What if confession verses responding with what short of ideal. But that doesn’t mean we than anywhere else. In fact you can probably begins and ends with confessing Jesus as you call ‘Christian forbearance’? shouldn’t have the ‘ideal’ in view. Even if find football teams and workplaces that are Forgiver and Lord, and only then involves our only option is to forgive someone in our healthier places to be than that. But if we see the naming of sin? When it comes to our A good example of the heart—no conversation allowed—we ought how central forgiveness is to our life together, interpersonal relationships this ends up difference this view makes is to at least have in mind what forgiveness we might look less like a ‘nice’ bunch of A: being pretty important. So often we go into when we apply it to the value hopes for—namely, reconciliation. One of people with a shared set of interests, and a confrontation or a moment of forgiveness of tolerance. As a social value, the most important things I learned from more like a community who is learning to with the assumption that we know full well tolerance may for the most part be a vast my professor in seminary was not to leave love and live authentically across difference— who was right and who was wrong. improvement upon intolerance, but it still forgiveness alone, but to see it in its vital and thus like a witness to the reign of God. falls short of what is called for in Christian But what if confession is what both the connection to other aspects of Jesus’ forgiveness, and that is the imperative of offending and the offended party are doing ministry of reconciliation. So to answer the question, what forgiveness hopes for is forbearance. I spend quite a bit of time when they seek Christ in their broken Rev Dr Jon Coutts is tutor in theology Christ’s correction of the person who has on this in the book, but the way I explain situation and come to agree with his appraisal and ethics at Trinity. In addition to working it briefly in class is by pointing out the of what has occurred? The offender comes done wrong, and restoration of the person for several years as a pastor in Canada, difference between ‘to each their own’ and to agree with Christ in the mode of apology, who has been wronged. Even if correction Jon completed a master’s programme with ‘bearing it forward’. One sounds easy, the and the offended agrees with Christ in the comes in ‘baby steps’, and restoration is only a thesis on the theology of GK Chesterton’s other sounds a lot like patience. One finds mode of forgiving. Both are agreeing with slow or partial—well, as 1 Corinthians 13 says, The Man Who Was Thursday and a PhD its grounds in self, the other in Christ alone. what Jesus names as the problem. I suppose love always hopes, and this is the goal with at the University of Aberdeen, focusing One aims at isolation, the other aims at a this kind of process sounds a bit riskier, a forgiveness too. The key in forgiveness is his research in ecclesiology and the ethics shared life. One sounds like giving up, the little less self-secure, but I actually find it to give these hopes to Christ in prayer and of reconciliation. other holds out hope. Tolerance can become rather freeing. Truth be told, I’ve come to community, so that one is not manipulating a kind of a buffer between people and the see confession as one of the primary acts the corrections and restorations oneself.

16 17 Rev Gervais Angel appointed dean of college and principal Former dean at Trinity in 1971, he refused to allow any academic A Tribute to staff member of any of the three colleges Alec’s principles as a theological educator were: to be made redundant by the process of 1. The Word of God, i.e. the Christian the merger, whatever the financial cost of John Alexander Motyer Scriptures, as authority on God and on life. employing them all. 2. The whole of life as response to the 4. Passion for the Lord. Alec’s style of 1924 - 2016 authority of the Word of God. This is being and doing could not be typecast communicated publicly in speaking, writing into Conservative or Open or Reformed or In August 2016, Trinity’s first principal, and behaviour/obedience. This is absorbed Charismatic Evangelical. His passion for the Rev Alec Motyer, passed away just before inwardly by constant study and ‘unceasing Lord gave him an independence from the categories formed by people. Alec’s liberal his 92nd birthday. In 1950, Alec took up his prayer’. To my knowledge he read the Bible in the original languages for at least an hour spirit had to be experienced to be believed. first teaching post at Clifton Theological each day, and he probably prayed as much He disagreed with some of his academic colleagues on points of interpretation, but College; he was named vice-principal as he breathed. I heard him preach at the Southern Counties Convention at Weston this did not affect his love for them. in 1954, a position he held for eleven on the sin of prayerlessness, and he offered 5. Passionate about righteousness. Alec years. After serving as vice-principal of me an opinion that if every Christian studied had an edge, which came out in his teaching, Tyndale Hall, Alec was named principal and prayed aright there would be no need against sin in all its forms, against destructive for charismatic renewal. What’s the point, if forces which led to sickness or disaster, and when Clifton, Tyndale, and Dalton House you’re already walking with the Lord? against heresy which ran directly against combined to form the new Trinity College 3. Community as the environment for being a the clear teaching of the Word of God. in 1972. We remain deeply grateful for his Christian. He stressed that private daily prayer Hierarchical priesthood based on non-biblical asceticism and Old Testament views of ministry, and would like to share these was necessary for a healthy life as a Christian, but loving one’s neighbour as oneself was priests were anathema to him; his preferred reflections on his life. for him an odd command if there was no colour for a cassock was blue, like a Reader. one around to love. On this principle he was His God is no respecter of persons, and his an inclusive community former. In 1971 he ministers are at best only fellow-members of I can remember him saying to us once that Rev Canon Dr Herrick Daniel faced, with the Lord, the task of forming one the Body of Christ. Alec held firm to this New if we made a mistake in reading the wrong Trinity alumnus community out of three distinct components. Testament understanding of ministry. Collect, for example reading next Sunday’s Alec’s task was to form a community My family and I owed him, and Beryl, so I was a student at Trinity College Collect instead of the present one, not to where the love of Christ was shown. When much, but that’s another story. approximately forty-three years ago and was worry about it. In fact, people would think fortunate enough to have had Alec Motyer that you were a forward-looking person. and Jim Packer as associated principals. Also, when one preaches the same sermon more than once, it is great because every I have many happy memories of Alec Motyer, time it is preached, it becomes more mature. whom I consider a modern spiritual giant One of the most powerful messages I heard in our time. When I was at Trinity I chose from him was one on Leadership, where to study the Hebrew language, which was he pointed out that God gives a person the optional, because of Alec’s great influence quality of leadership, as leadership involves on me. He was a man who lectured with big responsibilities. He gave examples of tremendous passion on whatever subject great leaders like David in the Old Testament, he undertook. He had a real conviction in who was called and appointed by God. his preaching, and he would present his message with extraordinary accuracy. He Finally, during my two happy years at Trinity believed strongly in the theology of the College, I was richly blessed by Alec Motyer’s Old Testament as the foundation on which teaching, preaching, prayers, examples the New Testament is built. Above all, he of godly living, personal encouragement, The students and staff of the newly formed Trinity College in 1972. In the front row beside Alec declared the totality of the authority of the clarity of thought, fellowship, and thorough Motyer is Associate Principal Jim Packer and Dean of Women Joyce Baldwin, with Dean Gervais Bible as the Word of God. knowledge of his subject. Angel next to Joyce.

18 19 Drs Gordon and David Wenham Trinity faculty members Alumni NEWS Alec made a massive contribution to the lives of many, many people as a theologian 1950s Lawrence Barham Memorial Trust (LBMT) building project in Cyangugu, a 37-bedroom and scholar and theological educator. The Canon Raymond J. Lee (Tyndale 1956) is annexe that will help to provide sustainable awarding of a Lambeth DD to him for ‘services now 86 years of age, and in September will local employment, encourage tourists to the to theological education’ was well deserved. reach the 60th anniversary of his ordination at area, provide accommodation for business, Southwark Cathedral. When we both began our theological studies government, and NGO visitors as well as in the 1960s, Alec was one of those scholars—a church and mission teams. You can learn more fairly small band at that time—who offered Derek Osborne (Tyndale about their work at lbmt.org.uk. a real and well-thought out alternative 1957) has written Rain to the often sceptical approaches to the to My Roots: A Pastor George O’Brien (Clifton 1964) had served as Old Testament that were dominant in our Among the Psychologists at St James’ Carlisle from 1964 to 1968, universities, breathing life into what others (White Tree Publishing, and then as vicar of Doxey Parish in Stafford made a dry subject. Other people were strong 2015), which explores a from 1968 until 1988. He also worked as a on questions of language and background; creative conversation hospital chaplain in Stafford from 1988 to 1999. Alec Motyer, with his sons Steve and Mark, at Alec, while being a fine Hebraist, stood out between psychology Clifton College in the 1950s. This year Doxey celebrated forty years since as someone who helped us to appreciate and Christianity to ask to the church building was dedicated. ‘We were what extent psychology Rev Richard Simmons and engage with the theology of the Bible, its delighted to see past members,’ George says. themes and message. Unlike some scholars can lead us into self- ‘The first baby baptised there turned up, now a Trinity alumnus who have expertise either in the Old Testament understanding and self-fulfilment, promote married family man. The building, like us, shows As an ordinand training in 1973-75, I have or the New Testament, he was interested enriching relationships and encourage some wear and tear!’ George celebrated fifty great memories of Alec in my two years at in the big picture of the whole Bible, writing positive aspirations, and what positive years as a priest this year, and he and his wife, Trinity. He was a great pastor, preacher and commentaries on Old and New Testament. changes should result from personal faith in Mary, celebrated fifty-three years of marriage. theological educator. When he preached, Jesus Christ. Trinity alumnus Bishop David He was also a very good teacher: we both in chapel or at a local church, e.g. Redland Atkinson has written a foreword for the book, 1970s benefitted from this, when he kindly gave Parish Church, his face would light up as he which includes mention of J Stafford Wright us some tuition in basic Hebrew before we Heather Fenton (Trinity 1977), editor of The shared with us the amazing good news of and several lecturers from that era at Tyndale. began our theological studies in Cambridge; Reader magazine, recently attended the the God of the Covenant. He was so easy we thought he was probably a better teacher 150th anniversary service for the Reader to talk to informally in and around college, 1960s than the famous teachers of Cambridge! He movement at All which made us feel we were more family than inspired and encouraged us, and we and so The Right Reverend Kenneth Barham (Clifton Souls Langham community. Sue and I had to see him before many others owe him a great debt, and not 1963) celebrated his 80th birthday this year. Place in London, we were allowed to get engaged in 1974, and just academically: he was a family friend; he Ken was born in Uganda, brought up in what which was also he was very supportive to us on our shared preached at David and Clare’s wedding, and is now Burundi, educated in Kenya, farmed attended by Prince journey together. Being part of Trinity in its Gordon as a research student lodged for a Jerseys in Uganda, was a bishop in the Philip as Patron early days was a great privilege and one that year with the Motyers in London. Anglican Church of Rwanda, and is now Hon of the Central has shaped my ministry for over forty years. Assistant Bishop of Chichester, in the Church Readers’ Council. I still look back on my time at Trinity Bristol We thank God for his friendship (and for his of England. He recently raised funds for a with great affection and bless Alec and the humour!), and for him as a gracious, humble Dr Henry (‘Laurie’) Thompson (Trinity 1978), faculty and all my fellow students there for and kind servant of the Lord. who is currently interim dean/president and being such an inspiration for Christian ministry. associate professor of liturgical studies at Trinity School for Ministry in Pennsylvania, US, recently enjoyed a visit from fellow Trinity alumna Janet Roberts, when she came Trinity will host an afternoon tea and memorial gathering for Alec Motyer on the from Liverpool and preached at Incarnation afternoon of 15 May 2017 at Trinity College, following the Association AGM. Church in the Strip District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He says, ‘We had a wonderful More details will be announced in due course. If you are interested in attending, reunion and caught up on many Trinity Bristol please email [email protected]. memories and friends.’

20 21 80s Dan Papworth (Trinity Liz explored where God wanted her next, she Dr Greg Wagenfuhr 1999) has this year been received out of the blue a letter from Bishop (Trinity 2012) has written Pixie (Carolyn) Paris Rowe (Trinity 1982) ordained for seventeen Alistair Magowan, and since then has been the book Plundering and David B Rowe (Trinity 1983) are now in years. Life and ministry Team Vicar in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, (Hereford Egypt: A Subversive Winchester, where David is vicar of Christ have been varied and Diocese) for four-and-a-half years, looking Christian Ethic of Church. They loved their rich and fulfilling unexpected, including after two village parishes. ‘God has taught me Economy (Cascade seven years as leaders of Lee Abbey Devon getting married in the that he can use every part of us to bring about Books 2016). Christian Community and are now trying to church where he was his purposes, even and perhaps especially Azariah Williams (Trinity do intentional community in a parish with a team vicar and now the parts of us that are weak and we’re not 2012) and Anna France- fairly eclectic congregation of about 800. having two lovely boys, very fond of! With God’s help and sometimes Williams have launched David is using his experience from previous aged 2 and 4. He has in his strength(!) we have explored together a new resource that they diocese jobs by serving on the Board of recently written a book titled The Lives Around what he is doing in the community and have hope will help families: www.thelifevillage. Education. ‘We are delighted to be in the Us: Daily Meditations for Nature Connection, sought to join in, so that “church” is for some a com. ‘The idea for The Life Village actually same parish as former students at our time which was published in June, and which less weird and off-putting concept—surprise, came to us whilst we were on our summer in 1980-83, James and Jane Lunn-Rockliffe,’ makes links between the lives of forty different surprise, we’re people just like them—warts placement during our time at Trinity,’ says Anna. says Pixie. ‘We are also in touch with James creatures, all native to the UK, and the Bible, and all! I’m now moving back to Leicester ‘It is inspired by the African proverb “It takes a Bruce, who is just south of us in the New with suggestions about how the reader can Diocese to be Rector of Whitwick, Thringstone village to raise a child”. It’s a growing movement Forest. We are just down the road from Clive take these insights into daily life. and Swannington—three former coal-mining of parents committed to creating a supportive Hawkins, whom we also trained alongside, villages. My licensing was on 15 June. God has community around their child from birth. We and are trying to send many of our large 2000s given us a shared vision for the communities have a Life Village for each of our children and number of ordinands Trinity way! At the Revd Andrea Williams there. Our heart’s desire is to glorify God it’s been transformative.’ moment one of our four children and his (Trinity 2007) died last through worship, prayers, praise and loving one wife are training for church leadership, but September after suffering another within the whole community, under the Dennis and Sharron potentially one more in some capacity, and from cancer in recent guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit.’ Coburn (Trinity 2013) one son-in-law is exploring his calling. Our years. After Andrea studied will be staying with youngest has just got a place at Central in at Trinity for a year, she 2010s the Diocese of St London training in acting, so the fine tradition was ordained in Chichester Edmundsbury and Ipswich Rev Dr Jeanette Sears of Breadrock Theatre Company carries on.’ Cathedral in 2007 and but moving around fifteen (Trinity 2011) has written returned to her home church in Hastings as miles to Brandon in an article for Woman curate. For the last few years she has been Suffolk, where Sharron will 90s Alive magazine to associate priest with Nettlebed and Greys take up her first post as a Eric Kyte (Trinity 1998) is currently serving in commemorate the 25th Group of Churches near Henley on Thames. Missional/Pioneer Priest in the Benefice of St Aotearoa, New Zealand. He has been vicar of anniversary of the death Peter’s, Brandon with Wangford. Her licensing St John’s Roslyn since August 2011, where he Liz Angell (Trinity 2008) of children’s author Eve was on 7 September. Brandon is a small says, ‘I’m one of at least three Trinity alumni worshipped at St John’s Garnett, a believer and a but growing town surrounded by forest and serving in the province. At present I’m at Egham from 1999 to 2006, pioneer in the depiction of diverse in culture. The Coburns’ children Jake the General Synod of our church and room during which time she the urban poor in fiction. and Jessie still remain in Bristol, where Jessie sharing with Simon Winn. We were reflecting worked as a desk officer Many have forgotten is studying photography and Jake works. that it’s twenty years since we first met at with Tearfund, looking Eve now, but she managed to beat Tolkien’s Dennis is still being creative! Trinity! The [spring 2016 Trinity News] article after partner organisations The Hobbit to win the Carnegie Medal for on reading the Bible with children is brilliant! and projects in French- best children’s book in 1937 for her novel The Keep in touch! (I rarely say that about anything especially re: speaking Africa. God Family from One End Street. Jeanette has We’d love to share news from your life children’s work—for the moment I chair the called her to ordained ministry during her time also contributed to CS Lewis at Poets’ Corner, national board for ministry to all the Under at St John’s, and she completed her training at edited by Peter Williams and Michael Ward and ministry with fellow Trinity alumni. 40s).’ Eric and his wife Sarah have five children, Trinity. Her curacy was with the Fosse Team (Wipf & Stock) and has just brought out her Send your news and photos to two of whom are grown and in the UK. in Leicester Diocese around Syston. While third novel, Murder and Mr Rochester. [email protected] or to Melissa Stratis, Trinity College, 22 23 Stoke Hill, Bristol, BS9 1JP. “I’ve learned that studying theology is not the dry study of theories about God, but the foundation of being able to share the gospel anytime, anywhere.” - Adam Pitt, ordinand

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