E I D S A man and his robot IN E6

THE SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2013 No: 6168 www.churchnewspaper.com PRICE £1.35 1,70j US$2.20 CHURCH OF ENGLAND THE ORIGINAL CHURCH NEWSPAPER ESTABLISHED IN 1828 NEWSPAPER Row over bishops’ letter opposing welfare caps SUPPORT by the Archbishops of Canter- telling Sky News that “there is nothing should be felt more than ever, not disap- opposed to only three per cent of savings bury and York for a letter to the Sunday moral or fair about a system that I inherited pear or diminish. It is essential we have a from the wealthiest households. Nearly Telegraph by 43 bishops claiming that cap- that trapped people in welfare dependency. welfare system that responds to need and nine in 10 households with children will be ping welfare benefit to one per cent a year One in every five households has no work. recognises the rising costs of food, fuel and hit, including 19 in every 20 single families. will have a ‘deeply disproportionate’ on That is not the way to end child poverty”. housing. “If this bill is passed it will make life so children has caused controversy. Lib Dems who are opposing further wel- “The current system does that by ensur- much harder for 11.5 million children and By convention, the two Archbishops do fare cuts welcomed the intervention by the ing that the support struggling families their families,” claimed Matthew Reed, not sign letters to the press written by bish- Church. Tim Farron, a evangelical Chris- receive rises with inflation. These changes Chief Executive of the Children’s Society. ops but their support for this letter drew tian and Lib Dem President, described mean it is children and families who will Both The Times and the Daily Telegraph criticism from Conservative politicians and Archbishop Welby’s words as ‘incredibly pay for high inflation rather than the gov- published editorials criticising the views support from Labour. important’ and said he had strengthened ernment.” expressed by Archbishop Welby. The Daily The intervention by Archbishop Welby is the Liberal Democrat position. Former Lib Shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, Telegraph said ‘high taxes and spending seen as a sign that he will not hesitate to Dem leader, Paddy Ashdown, who has said the Archbishop was right to speak out. are moral issues too’ and The Times enter political debates on issues where he been less outspoken against Government She said Labour would like to see benefits argued that the Archbishop’s critique of believes the Church has an interest and a welfare cuts than Tim Farron, also wel- rise with inflation funded by restricting tax welfare plans would be stronger if he sup- responsibility. As he has shown in his con- comed Archbishop Welby’s involvement in relief on pension contributions by the high- plied alternatives. tribution to the debate on banking, his old the debate. est earners. “Clerics are stronger on moral outrage Etonian background does not mean that he In a statement released by Lambeth The Children’s Society welcomed the let- than they are on practical politics,” said the will take the side of privilege. Palace, Archbishop Welby said: “As a ter and the support of the two Archbishops. editorial in The Times. It accused the Arch- Work and Pensions Minister, Iain Dun- civilised society we have a duty to support It estimates that a total of 60 per cent of the bishops and Bishops of not being able to can Smith, a practising Catholic, was quick those among us who are vulnerable and in savings brought about by the cap will come say where money should come from in a to hit back at the Archbishops’ comments, need. When times are hard, that duty from the poorest one-third of households as time of austerity. Church stands with Falkland Islanders in poll

AS THE PEOPLE of the Falklands voted in a referendum about their future as a British overseas territory on Monday, the Church expressed its solidar- ity with them. The Rt Rev Stephen Venner, Bishop of the Falkland Islands, put out a statement in which he said that the people there ‘will be much in my thoughts and prayers as they seek to determine their future under the world’s spotlight’. The most iconic building in the islands, the Cathedral, found itself used as a backdrop for TV cameras filming the referendum and the announcement of the result on Monday evening. The Rector of the Falkland Islands, the Rev Dr Richard Hines, reported that over 60 extra reporters and media people were in the Falklands to cover the referendum. He wrote a special prayer for the event: Creator God. Lord of all, bless and guide the people of the Falkland Islands, and every one who reports or comments publicly on this weekend’s historic referendum. Grant that all may be undertaken here and around the world with care, with mutual respect, and with the highest regard for truth- fulness. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. It was perhaps not coincidental that the referendum took place on Com- monwealth Day.

LETTERS 8 • ALAN STORKEY 9 • COMMENT 9 • CLERGY MOVES 12 • ANGLICAN LIFE 13 • SUNDAY 15 • PAUL RICHARDSON 16 2 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday March 17, 2013 News Inside... Church ‘alienating people’ Britain’ s leading evangelical newspaper By Amaris Cole much else have led us all too often to view Lords in 2008, he has been active in issues our fellow believers as enemies, rather than of reconciliation, contributing to peace-mak- THE BISHOP of Bath and Wells delivered exploring how staying committed to one’s ing in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Zimbab- his last Presidential Address to the Dioce- principles, people can reach out and even we. san Synod last week, giving a more personal find common cause with those who believe He is due to retire as Bishop of Bath & and reflective speech than has been heard differently from them. Wells on 22 June. previously. “What is for sure is that the methods that Bishop Peter added: “I will shortly move Speaking of the Church of England in we are employing are not finding common from the front benches to the time-hon- ‘The perfect church: perfect in all its imper- cause, and we are alienating many people,” oured back pews of my local Church of Eng- fections’, the Rt Rev Peter Price noted the he said. land. I am not looking for it to be perfect. I recent divisions and said in its difference “Sexuality, ordination and other ecclesial know, however, that it is good. the Church will find shared experience and subjects are not ‘fundamentals’. Love, com- “I don’t plan, immediately at least, to offer common ground. passion and humility are.” my services for theirs, or anyone else’s, News ...... 1-7 The Bishop said: “Our conflicts over Since becoming the Bishop of Bath and services. I am looking forward to a time of Your Church ...... 2 issues of sexuality, women bishops and Wells in 2002 and a member of the House of just ‘being in church.” UK News ...... 1-5 World News ...... 6-7

Comment Letters ...... 8, 11 Leader ...... 9 Bristol vicar found guilty of voyeurism Alan Storkey ...... 9 THE BRISTOL Crown Court has handed down England on Sunday an eight-month jail term, suspended for two Canon Andrew White ...... E1 years, to a Somerset vicar found guilty of Andrew Carey ...... E2 voyeurism. Whispering Gallery ...... E2 Judge Neil Ford QC sentenced the Rev Richard Bishops’ welfare letter ...... E3 Lee, (49), the former vicar of St Augustine’s Judy West ...... E3 Church in Locking and St Mary’s Church in Hut- Lee Gatiss ...... E4, E5 ton last week after the suspended clergyman pled Arts & Media ...... E6 guilty to eight counts of voyeurism and 18 counts Books ...... E7 of making indecent images. Janey Lee Grace ...... E8 According to the prosecution Mr Lee compiled Crossword ...... E8 a collection of several hundred photographs by secretly spying on three girls and a woman in his The Record parish over the course of 10 years. The vicar was College Street ...... 10 arrested in July 2012 after the images were spot- Classifieds ...... 11 ted on his laptop computer. Clergy Moves ...... 12 Mr Lee, who is married to the Rev Ann Lee Latimer Trust ...... 13 (47) and has two children, acknowledged his Baptismal Integrity ...... 13 crimes before court and pleaded for mercy from Henry Whyte ...... 14 the judge. In his summing up, Judge Ford said he Spiritual Director ...... 15 Rev Richard Lee (second from right), is would withhold imprisonment but Mr Lee had Sunday Service ...... 15 pictured outside Locking's St Augustine's lost his calling as a clergy. He was also banned Bob Mayo ...... 15 Church in 2008 with his wife Rev Anne Lee from working with children indefinitely and must Paul Richardson ...... 16 (left), former Archbishop of Canterbury complete a sexual offenders’ programme. People ...... 16 George Carey and his wife Eileen. The diocese of Bath and Wells stated Mr Lee Milestones ...... 16 had been suspended from the ministry following Next week’s news ...... 16 his arrest last year. News from Your Church your diocese

Durham: St Mary’s in Heworth, Gateshead, has decided 35 other local authorities including Newark and Sherwood it increasingly unequally. The gap between richest and to spend part of a donation given by a donor on felling two and Mansfield by giving all 2,291 people a Living Wage of poorest is greater than it has been for over 30 years. Dur- mature trees, probably self-seeded, which had been reduc- £7.45 per hour. The Rt Rev Paul Butler, the Bishop of ing our years of growing prosperity, the vast majority of ing light to the church and depositing leaves in its gutter- Southwell & Nottingham, said: “The Living Wage has our increased wealth went to those who were already rich ing to make way for a disabled access ramp. The donation made a significant difference to the lives of many already -- while the poor actually became poorer. This is neither and the removal of the trees is also allowing the creation of across the country. It speaks of justice and dignity. It is a just nor sustainable. Christians have a special responsibili- the ramp, which will also make it easier for funeral servic- step that can and should be taken. Some say we cannot ty to care for the poor, especially in an economic down- es. The Rev Nigel Warner said: “For some time, the afford to do it; my sense is we cannot afford not to do it if turn. It is not just that Jesus cared for the poor and outcast Parochial Church Council has been concerned about a we are to respect and help those working on the lowest or that the more you give the more you receive. The large sycamore which darkens the church and puts a lot of wages.” Last March the County Council passed a motion greater challenge to those of us who are comfortably set- leaves in the gutters. We have also been concerned to acknowledging “Paid work is the most important route out tled is that Jesus made his home among the poor. That improve access through the main door to the church. The of poverty, but a substantial number of workers are still means the poor have something to give to those of us who donation will enable a lot of work not just to improve the paid wages that are simply not enough to support them or are relatively wealthy.” access for the disabled but a lot of other work so that when their dependents.” people arrive at the church they will not be disappointed Sheffield: The Bishop of Doncaster, Peter Burrows, by what they find.“ Salisbury: The Bishop of Salisbury, Nicholas Holtam, has attended the Yorkshire Main Miners Commemorative spoken of his concern for the poor of his Diocese as his Service at Edlington Colliery on Saturday to remember Nottingham: This Saturday dozens of people from across Thought for the Month in the Sarum Link newspaper. He the 133 miners who lost their lives at the Colliery. The Nottingham are cleaning-up in West Bridgford County said: “Tackling poverty ought always to be on the Bishop led a march of remembrance, accompanied by Hall to highlight that “cleaning just don’t pay around here” Church’s agenda. This is especially true in what might be Edlington Town Mayor Georgina Mullis, that also saw a after uncovering the poverty pay of 2,291 people working a ‘triple dip recession’. According to the Church Urban commemorative wall, garden and statue unveiled in the at the County through Freedom of Information Requests. Fund, if you live in the poorest areas of England you are on grounds of Edlington Community Centre. In remem- Community organisation Nottingham Citizens is calling average likely to die 26 years earlier than those living in brance of the 133 miners who lost their lives, a plaque was for candidates in the May elections to take a stand and the richest areas. Our country as a whole has become placed in the commemorative trust garden with their make work pay, in line with recent announcements from more prosperous. We generate more wealth but distribute names.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Sunday March 17, o012 www.churchnewspaper.c3m 2 NEWS IN BRIEF Payday regulations ‘must go further’ Apologies issued The Association of Christian Financial Advisers is welcoming new meas- ures to control high-interest Payday loans, but says regulation must go fur- ther. ACFA is calling for a maximum interest rate and a ban on rollover credit to protect the poor and vulnerable from exploitation. The Office of Fair Trading has announced high interest rate lenders are to face advertising over Jersey cases curbs and come under greater supervision, following evidence of ‘wide- spread irresponsible trading.’ By Amaris Cole Bishop of Winchester to act on ACFA spokesman Aidan Vaughan said: “This is a good start, but action his behalf on the Island, but against high-interest loans must not stop there. ACFA is calling for a maxi- THE ARCHBISHOP of Canter- that for everything else, includ- mum interest rate; a ban on ‘rollover’ lending from month to month; inter- bury has offered his ‘personal ing his licence, he holds a est rate comparisons with other forms of ‘normal’ debt; the affordability of apologies’ to the vulnerable patent only to the Queen. repayments to be discussed, and for the whole lending process to be docu- women whose complaint of This could have been trans- mented.” abuse was ‘failed’, leading to lated to mean it was not within The Church of England is also supporting the strong stance taken by the the suspension of the Dean of the power of the Bishop to sus- Office of Fair Trading in giving the leading 50 payday lenders 12 weeks to Jersey last week. pend Mr Key, only the Ecclesi- change their business practices or risk losing their licenses. The Bishop of Winchester, Rev Tim Dakin astical Courts of Jersey, which Malcolm Brown, Director of the Church’s Mission and Public Affairs the Rt Rev Tim Dakin, with- operate outside the mainland Team, said: “This report clearly shows that there are deep-seated problems drew the commission of the courts, could suspend him or with the way the whole payday loan market is operating at the moment. Very Rev Bob Key on Friday the whole of the Church of Eng- else the Queen could have with- Many borrowers are already in a financially precarious position, and all too following a diocesan report by land.” drawn her patent. often payday loans are making their situation worse.” the Safeguarding Panel, effec- A statement from the diocese However, a spokesperson Too many people are being granted loans that they cannot afford to tively suspending him. said: “The report describes a from the Diocese has claimed repay, according to the OFT, and too much of the industry’s revenue – The report found failures of number of areas where proper that this is not the case, and around a half – is reliant on customers who fail to repay their loans on time. the implementation of key poli- practice was not followed that legal advice was sought The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, a strong sup- cies in relation to a complaint including an apparent failure to before the suspension was porter of Credit Unions, said: “I warmly welcome the action taken by the by a vulnerable adult parish- take the complaint seriously, a made. OFT which will contribute to improved access to affordable finance across ioner in 2008 of alleged abusive perceived lack of neutrality, He said: “There is no doubt England. In the longer term, in order to ensure that all members of society behaviour of a churchwarden in poor communication and lack that it’s an Episcopal Church in have access to affordable credit and other financial services, the develop- Jersey. of action.” Jersey and the Bishop has ment of Credit Unions and other forms of local finance is essential.” The Most Rev Justin Welby The Bishop also sent his authority to do this.” said: “I wish to add my own per- apologies to the alleged victim. The spokesperson said this sonal apologies to the young “Protecting the vulnerable is case is about the vulnerable
Ahead of the conclave to
A new guide to help parents and the women who was so badly let at the heart of the Church of woman who was let down, not elect the successor of Bene- carers of children, who may be at risk of down.” England’s mission. With that about the legality of the Dean’s dict XVI, Cardinal Cormac running away from home, is being The Bishop of Winchester, comes a duty to ensure those in suspension. Murphy-O’Connor invited launched by The Children’s Society, who is responsible for the need are properly looked after,” The Bishop of Winchester’s Catholic communities of Eng- offering a range of advice, from what Church of England in the Chan- he said. investigation has now begun. land and Wales to pray for the questions parents and carers will be nel Islands, is now beginning an “This Independent Report Andrew Robinson, Chief Cardinal Electors, saying the asked by the police, to what to do when investigation into the conduct suggests that, put simply, our Executive of the Diocese of whole Church should be pray- their child returns and why young people of the case and other matters policies were not implemented Winchester said: “The Diocese ing the right man is appoint- run away, available at www.childrenssoci- raised by the report, with as they should have been. takes its safeguarding duties ed, not just those individuals ety.org.uk/sites/default/files/tcs/run- reports that he flew to the “I am particularly disappoint- very seriously. This is why we who are choosing the next aways_parents_guide_2013_final_six-pag Channel Islands on Monday to ed that the Dean of Jersey commissioned the Independent Pope. e.pdf. liaise with clergy on Jersey. refused to cooperate with the Report and is why we have Welcome for steps on child sexual abuse The Archbishop offered his review and I have now ordered taken action to ensure our safe- full support for Bishop Dakin’s an immediate and thorough guarding polices are robust and Following last week’s announcement from the Director of Public investigation, saying he needed investigation. adhered to. Prosecutions on tackling child sexual abuse, Matthew Reed, Chief ‘full cooperation from all “In the wake of the report, “We are determined to learn Executive of The Children’s Society, said: “Today’s announcement involved’. difficult but necessary and deci- from the mistakes made in this from the Crown Prosecution Service and the Association of Chief But Mr Key is reported to sive actions are required to particular case and shall be Police Officers is a much-needed step in the right direction. have ‘refused to cooperate’ with ensure that, in the future, pro- enhancing our safeguarding “Thousands of children are sexually exploited every year in this the report, contributing to his cedures will be followed proper- procedures and policies.” country. These numbers are very alarming, but they may only be suspension. ly.” The Archbishop of Canter- the tip of the iceberg. Far too many victims go undetected and per- The Archbishop added: “We Earlier this week, there were bury concluded: “Every day, petrators unpunished, and the conviction rate for child sexual cannot place a high enough concerns as to the validity of the vulnerable come to us for abuse is simply nowhere near good enough. importance on safeguarding this suspension, however. shelter, for support and for “All too often children tell us how they are being let down by the issues and it is vital that lessons Some commentators suggest- comfort. very professionals employed to protect them.” are learned from this case, not ed that the Dean of Jersey “Their trust cannot be taken just in Jersey but throughout holds a commission from the for granted.” Church wildlife survey launched Christian Ecology Link is launching a Europe-wide Churchyard Wildlife Survey, inviting church groups to complete a simple questionnaire pre- pared by the Biodiversity Working Group at the European Christian Envi- Concern over children who miss free school meals ronment Network Assembly last August. The survey questions are simple and women’s groups, children’s groups, LARGE NUMBERS of children in poverty are to make free school meals available to all chil- men’s groups are all being urged to take part. missing out on free school meals, according to dren living in poverty. It wants people to contact Dr Judith Allinson, a botanist from Yorkshire who is coordinating the research carried out by the Children’s Society. their MP in support of the campaign. questionnaire in UK, said: “Even if you only have a small inner city church, An analysis of 57 constituencies revealed six in Nearly half of teachers surveyed said they saw there are likely to be weeds on the pavement outside. As the Bible says, 10 children not receiving a free meal while in children go hungry at school. Many low-income God sees the tiny sparrow fall. some areas the number rose to two-thirds. families are unable to get free meals because “If you don’t know the names of the weeds invite a local naturalist to help, The worst affected regions are the east, south- both their parents are working – no matter how or visit www.ispot.org.uk. I was delighted to hear Prince Charles champi- east, southwest and London. The joint top two little they earn. oning the protection of our countryside this week for the sake of future constituencies are Horsham, and Bognor Regis The Children’s Society estimates that 2.2 mil- generations. Running a wildlife survey event in your local churchyard is a and Littlehampton with 69 per cent of children in lion children are living in poverty in England and good way of learning about wildlife.” poverty not receiving free meals, closely fol- that of these 700,000 are not even entitled to a Visit http://www.greenchristian.org.uk/archives/4999 for more details. lowed by Mitcham and Morden and Arundel and free school because their parents are working South Downs at 68 per cent. even though their incomes are very low. The second European Messianic Jewish Theological Symposium Of the 533 constituencies in England, only 22 An interactive map, produced by the Children’s met in Berlin last month, attended by academic theologians who have fewer than 10 per cent of children n poverty Society and available on its website, shows the have completed or are engaged in postgraduate and doctoral stud- missing out on free school meals. number of children living in poverty missing out ies, to construct a distinctive Messianic Jewish theology that is both The Children’s Society has launched a ‘Fair on free school meals in every parliamentary con- biblically based and relevant to the cultural and historical context of and Square’ campaign to call on the Government stituency in England. post-Holocaust Europe. [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 4 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday March 17, 2013 News Bishops keep up attack on cuts

BISHOPS IN the House of Lords lone-parent households, 95 per tackled extensively through the struggling to make ends meet but have kept up their attack on the cent are affected. whole welfare reform process. quite clear that child benefit is to Government’s planned welfare “For example, a single nurse on This comes over to me as twisting be used not for the general house- reforms. average earnings for her profes- a knife in a wound. I regret that hold expenses but by the mother A group of 43 bishops – backed sion of £530 a week would lose the Government have felt that to help her children,” he said. by the Archbishops of Canter- nothing at all as a result of the this is the area where they have to Bishop Packer also called for bury and York - wrote to the Sun- Bill. If she had two children, she find that £0.9 billion.” the lower level of the disabled day Telegraph attacking the plan would lose £424 a year in 2015-16. Bishop Packer told peers: “My child addition to universal credit to cap most benefit rises at one “Families with lower incomes personal allowance, winter fuel to be removed from the cap. per cent over the next three are those who end up being the allowance or bus pass benefits “Many of the things that the years. worst affected, whether by reduc- could be withdrawn or taxed if we Government have done have had And in Lords debates on the for child benefit, child tax credit tions in housing benefit or the took a different line. the effect of protecting some of legislation that brings the change and the child additions within uni- freeze on child benefit, and so “In this Parliament, £9 billion those with disabilities, yet this into effect, the Bishop of Ripon versal credit to be removed from on.” has been spent on the increases particular piece of support for dis- and Leeds, John Packer, the cap. He said the proposals he was to personal allowances and £4.7 abled children is being subjected described the plans as like “twist- “Time and again in these suggesting would cost £0.9 bil- billion on fuel duty-an effective to the one per cent cap,” he said. ing a knife in a wound”. debates on welfare reform, we lion, but the Government had cut by not increasing fuel duty.” This comes over to me as twist- The letter called for the Gov- face the challenge that our other options to save money. He said there had been a “con- ing a knife in a wound. I regret ernment to act in the Lords to reforms have a disproportionate “It is not fair to argue that wel- tinued chipping away” at the that the Government have felt “protect” children from the effect on children,” he said. fare benefits cannot be excluded value of child benefit, which he that this is the area where they impact of the Bill when the legis- “Overall, some 30 per cent of from the work that we have been said most families regarded as have to find that £0.9 billion. I will lation is debated again next week. households are affected by this doing in order to respond to our being specifically for children. not repeat the argument that In the committee stage debates Bill. Of those with dependent chil- fiscal crisis,” he said. “My experience in West York- there are other areas where we last week, Bishop Packer called dren, 87 per cent are affected; of “Welfare benefits have been shire is of families on low pay could have found it. Visa restrictions come under fire Bishop opposes wages THE FORMER Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan those who come from the Commonwealth to study. Williams has used his first speech as a life peer in “This does not apply only to students. Is it really the House of Lords to criticise current visa restric- appropriate, for example, that a respected academic board abolition tions on students and academics. from a developed Commonwealth country should Lord Williams of Oystermouth, who was a mem- be required to provide for the central administration THE BISHOP of Hereford has spoken out strongly against the ber of the Lords as Archbishop and was re-intro- an account of every trip that he or she makes away Government’s plans to abolish the Agricultural Wages Board. duced earlier this year after being given a peerage from their academic base? Bishop Anthony Priddis was one of four cross-party supporters following his retirement, spoke out in a debate on “I refer to a case that has lately become somewhat of an attempt in the House of Lords to spare the board, but peers the proposed Commonwealth charter. notorious in Cambridge. voted in favour of its abolition. He praised the importance of supporting Com- “Similarly, the immense complications that attend He argued getting rid of the board, which sets minimum rates monwealth students to study in the UK. the visa system for many who plan short-stay study of pay and conditions for farm workers, would lead to supermar- But he warned: “We need to keep under review trips or attendance at conferences or training events kets forcing down wages. those aspects of our Border Agency activities which in the UK have not done much to win hearts and “The pressure to abolish the AWB is coming principally from may impinge negatively on the welcome offered to minds. horticulturalists, large farm businesses and large estates - with the supermarkets behind them - seeking all the time to push down prices at the expense of wages and despite the realistic costs,” he told peers during a debate on the Enterprise and Regu- Lords back bishop on castes latory Reform Bill. Bishop Priddis said Winston Churchill had established wages THE HOUSE of Lords has over- areas covered by the Equality Act dice than the law. councils in 1909 and when the majority were got rid of in the whelmingly backed an attempt by - namely, education, employment “It has had a most powerful 1980s the agricultural one was retained “on the grounds that the the former bishop of Oxford to and the provision of public goods educative effect. Nothing could industry required some central oversight to prevent wages being outlaw discrimination on the and services”, he said. be more significant and effective driven down unacceptably. grounds of caste. Lord Harries said that after the in reducing discrimination on the “In order to consolidate and build upon the progress achieved Lord Harries of Pentregarth, a Government had considered the grounds of caste than to have a in terms and conditions during the past 30 years, we need to persistent champion of the rights research they had proposed a pol- clear-cut law saying that discrimi- retain and further develop, and update, the Agricultural Wages of Dalits, the so-called untouch- icy of education rather than law nation in the public sphere will Board, not abolish it,” he said. ables, in the sub-continent and in change. not be tolerated. Bishop Priddis said the National Farmers Union had criticised the UK, wants caste to be listed He told peers: “The Dalit com- “India, Bangladesh and Nepal the AWB as a “bureaucratic irrelevance” since the launch of the alongside race in equalities legis- munities in this country are all have laws against discrimina- minimum wage, but he argued the board set out six different pay lation. deeply disappointed by this long- tion on the grounds of caste. The grades. His amendment to the Enter- awaited response. Indeed, there problem in those countries is that He said: “It also recognises the provision for guaranteed wage prise and Regulatory Reform Bill are more than 400 community the caste system is so deeply levels for those between the ages of 16 and 21, which are of was heavily backed in the Lords, leaders from all over the country entrenched that the laws are not course not covered by the national minimum wage. where peers defeated the Gov- expressing their feelings outside properly enforced. “This relates to another vital area, namely that of attracting new ernment by 256 votes to 153. the House at the moment. “The situation in this country is entrants into the work of the agricultural sector. It is crucial not The previous Government “I find it disappointing and gen- very different. The law is, on the only for the health of the industry but the health of the nation. accepted changes to the 2010 uinely distressing because not whole, effective. If other coun- “Food security is, thankfully, slightly higher up the national Equality Act giving them the only are the recommendations a tries see nothing shaming in hav- agenda than it was, with our still only producing about 70 per cent power to legislate against dis- distraction from the real issue but ing a law, why should we?” of the food we consume.” crimination on the grounds of they could cause a great deal of He said there were 200 million Bishop Priddis said the wages set by the board were also used caste and Lord Harries argued hard feeling and resentment and Dalits in the world and they faced as a benchmark for other rural workers. the time had come to bring in the be seriously counterproductive.” “institutionalised prejudice”, He said agriculture was a fragmented industry with a lack of new laws. He said an education campaign often being confined to jobs such competition for labour in some areas of the countries. He said the Dalit community in was likely to be regarded “as as manual scavenging. “In the more sparsely populated parts of our nation, there is not UK was about 480,000 strong, patronising and interfering, while “It is indeed a surprise and a the same labour mobility, and without the Agricultural Wages and have been concerned for at the same time distracting from shock to learn that caste preju- Board and enforced parity of pay, there would not be the knowl- some time about discrimination the essential issue”. dice has come to this country,” he edge of what rates are being paid on a neighbouring farm or one against them. Lord Harries said: “We know said. “It is not, of course, in that 10 miles away, nor the knowledge about overtime rates, pay for Research commissioned by the that in the case of legislation on extreme form but we need to younger workers, accommodation allowances and the other last administration had shown race nothing has been more show that in any public form it is things covered by the agricultural wages order,” he said. there was “discrimination in the effective in reducing racial preju- totally unacceptable.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Sunday March 17, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 5 Hillsong tops first official chart of Christian music

By Amaris Cole launch will give a boost to the sales of Chart we can now, for the first time, these recording artists. shine the spotlight on those artists who THE OFFICIAL Charts Company In the United States, Christian and are enjoying significant success through launched the UK’s first Official Christian Gospel music accounts for seven per cent recorded music too. and Gospel Albums Chart this week, of all recorded music sales, selling 26 “We look forward to working with with Hillsong United stealing the top spot million albums last year. Christian labels and supporting partner with their song Zion. It is hoped the success of the music Compassion to bring the new chart and The new weekly sales-based Top 20 over the pond will be replicated here. its featured talent to music fans of the recognises the growing interest in Chris- Osmar Maskatiya, the Director of UK.” Matt Redman tian and Gospel music and the United Charts for the Official Charts Company, The critically-acclaimed Zion, which is Kingdom’s first chart to rank the genre. said: “The popularity of Christian and the chart’s first Number 1, is Hillsong also scooped a Top 20 hit, accompanied With latest figures showing 7.6 million Gospel music to date has largely been United’s third studio album, and has by LZ7, for which he also picked up two adults now attend church each month – demonstrated through its vibrant live already ranked top 5 on the US Billboard gongs at this year’s Grammys for the 15 per cent of the population – the Offi- sector, however with the launch of the and top of the charts in their native Aus- track 10,000 reasons. cial Charts Company hope this new Official Christian And Gospel Albums tralia. The partnership with Compassion, The band said: “We are honoured that which works internationally for Christian our album, Zion, has reached Number 1 child development and advocacy, aims to on the UK’s Official Christian & Gospel ‘bring worship and justice together’, Albums Chart, and would like to thank CEO Ian Hamilton said. all those who have supported Hillsong “This is a defining moment and United. changes the landscape for Christian and “It is humbling and exciting to know Gospel music in the UK,” adds Jonathan that this album is inspiring people not Brown, Managing Director of Integrity just in Australia but across the globe to Music, the UK’s biggest Christian and live with purpose and to put their trust in Gospel record label who have supported God. In a world where negativity is so the development of the chart they say on dominant, we hope Zion can be a sound behalf of Christian and Gospel music of joy and hope.” labels. To celebrate the launch, the Official “Christian music has always been a Charts Company also compiled what part of society in bringing hope and would have made the Top 20 of the Chris- encouragement. With the development tian and Gospel music chart last year. of this new chart it will bring significant Friar Alessandro made it to Number 1, profile to this growing genre.” having made it into in the mainstream Premier Radio and UCB will broadcast Top 40 albums chart with his album Voice the chart every week, and the tracks will of Assisi. also be listed on the charts official web- Christian worship leader Matt Redman site, www.officialcharts.com. Mothering Sunday marks its centenary MOTHERING SUNDAY reached aware of those children without local adoption and family support supporting gay adoptive parents, where every child had to stand up a milestone last Sunday. It was mothers or fathers and those for agency that gave support to fami- said that the week running up to and say something good about 100 years ago that the daughter of whom this day was difficult due to lies. He urged people to think of Mothering Sunday could be diffi- their mother. the Vicar of Coddington, Notting- bereavement or family break- someone they could ‘mother’ and cult for children with two fathers. The charity said that one in five hamshire, Constance Penswick- down. He asked parishes to focus give care and love. One gay adoptive parent of its members have had negative Smith, first called for the revival on the work of Family Care, a New Family Social, a charity described a school assembly attitudes from schools. of a celebration that had its roots in the pre-Reformation church. In 1921 she wrote a book advocating observance of the festival. In the medieval church this was      known as Laetare Sunday from "'!' !,#$'##"#! the introit which began ‘Rejoice’. !"#!$" # # !, #" ' .# ! .# It was a time when people trav- '##%)!',!#"&" elled to their ‘mother church’, often the cathedral or main !#%"!!- ## !!)!)% church of the area. Servants were "'!%"%! #  given the day off to visit their %#)!"- mothers and often picked flowers )   ' %) ! ', '!   4 )! for them on the way home. Constance Penswick-Smith ),#""###!!"'!%, spent more than 25 years promot- !)%"( "%##!,)%''!# ing the festival, which caught on - !!)!#)- !"(  and spread to the wider society %"&  %!!! %#)"!) during the Second World War. In #!%"#!"- #!5 "","!#!, her home parish at All Saints, #'##!6!8"#",#  %!" Coddington, large numbers &!" "#" &! 032,111 ' '- !!) & attended the Mothering Sunday " &) !/' " ! %"# 07996,  Service. The choir of the church primary school took part in the "#"* service and mothers were given a #%"#%#&!)& Primula plant. The congregation !# ( ', ') # #!) #+ .# then took part in the ceremony of !#,#)&&!!#)#)%!# ‘clipping the church’, forming a ring around it and holding hands (#!!- to embrace it.   !#





In a message to mark Mother- ing Sunday, the Bishop of South- !%!#!!$ "$%%'&((*)*) well, the Rt Rev Paul Butler, said  !!!#"  # that this year he was particularly

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 6 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday March 17, 2013 News Christians under fire Pensioners take in Zanzibar to the sky

MISSIONARIES in Zanzibar report November. Several churches have “According to the Holy Qur’an, it is the bishop’s compound in Stone been burned over the past few not allowed to take the life of another Town, the island’s capital, came weeks and on the mainland a Pente- person without any reason ... experts under assault by gunmen during the costal minister was beheaded by should dig more to find the source of night of 9-10 March. Guards were Muslim extremists. these acts,” he said. able to repulse the invaders and gun- President Jakaya Kikwete’s move Tanzania’s Daily News reported fire was exchanged leaving several to invite foreign investigators to help that leaflets calling for Christians to defenders seriously wounded. local police thoroughly investigate fight back were being distributed The attack on the home of Bishop the killings has been applauded by over the weekend. “We Christians of Michael Hafidh follows last month’s Zanzibar’s chief mufti, who has Zanzibar and people from the main- murder of Catholic priest Evarist called on the government to actively land living on the islands have decid- Mushi, who was shot and killed by investigate the targeting of religious ed to organise ourselves to two gunmen on the steps of his leaders in Zanzibar, Tanzania’s retaliate,” the leaflet said, according church. A second Catholic priest, Fr Guardian newspaper reported on 4 to the Daily News. “It is high time we Ambrose Mkenda, suffered gunshot March. hit back.” wounds in an attempt on his life on Sheikh Thabit Noman Jongo said Bishop Hafidh and Catholic Bish- Christmas Day while moderate Mus- the terror attacks, believed to have op Augustine Shao condemned the lim cleric Sheikh Fadhil Suleiman been carried out by al-Qaeda-linked leaflets and their content, and urged Soraga was attacked with acid in groups, violate Islamic principles. Christians not to return evil for evil. AT ANY young age, jumping dren agreed…so it will be off a plane into the sky with the oldies and the young only a parachute to break uns.’ your fall can seem alarming. Ralph is also dedicating Christian Aid praises Development Secretary Now if someone said 84- his jump to his late wife, year-old twins were going Jacqueline, on their 60th CHRISTIAN AID has commended the Secretary of State up 8000 feet high and sky- wedding anniversary. He for Intern ational Development, Justine Greening, for her diving on April Fool’s Day, tragically lost her to pancre- speech on female empowerment at an event hosted by that would be absurd. atic cancer three years ago Christian Aid last week, in which activists, academics, Pensioners Frank and and has decided to also do officials and ministers gathere d in New York for the Ralph Land will be making the jump for Cancer Commission on the Status of Women, before Friday’s the plunge in hopes of rais- Research UK. marking of International Women’s Day. ing money for the world’s ‘The other half will go to Lore tta Minghella, Christian Aid’s Director, said: poorest people. Cancer Research UK, specif- “Christian Aid warmly welcomes Justine Greening’s The event quickly became ically to seek treatment for a focus to help women and girls have greater choice, voice a family affair in hopes of devastating cancer with, cur- and control in their lives. raising awareness for Chris- rently, very low survival “Across the world, gender inequality persists despite tian Aid. rates.’ our progress in human rights and equality, undermining “Christian Aid’s initiative In hopes of saving lives our efforts to eradicate poverty. The Secretary of State in organising the sky dive in and ending poverty, the today highlighted the pandemic of violence against the middle of our celebra- twins and four grandchil- women, and Department for International Develop- tions was too good an oppor- dren will make the leap at ment’s work towards a strong outcome at this year’s tunity to miss,” stated 10am on April 1 at Commission on the Status of Women.” Frank. “…My grandchil- Dunkeswell. Christian Aid welcomed the Secretary of State’s plans to launch an international call for action to address vio- lence against women and girls in humanitarian situations Women ‘bearing the brunt’ of and applauded her push for a stand-alone goal on gender Helen Dennis, Christian Aid’s Senior Adviser on Pover- equality in plans that will follow the Millennium Develop- ty and Inequality, added: “We are delighted to hear the Government welfare cuts ment Goals, which will expire in 2015. Secretary of State pledge her personal commitment to a The Commission on the Status of Women provides an stand-alone goal on gender equality in the post- Millenni- WOMEN ARE bearing a “disproportionate” burden of the opportunity to establish goals in tackling violence against um Development Goals discussions.” effect of Government spending cuts, the Bishop of Coventry women and girls, in which Minghella sees is an area that Ms Dennis now finds the need to see a similar commit- has warned in his maiden speech in the House of Lords. needs vital support from govern ments, civil society and ment from other global leaders, and to see a goal on Bishop Christopher Cocksworth also used his speech, in a faith groups alike. She pointed out that not only are achieving greater equality between women and men. debate to mark international women’s day, to speak out women more likely to experience poverty than men, but “As the Secre tary of State said, it is both the smart, and strongly in favour of women bishops. six out of 10 women globally will experience physical or right, thing to do. This could lead to action to protect “The recession is biting hard in Coventry and it is women sexual violence within their lifetime. women from violence and see them re alise their potential who are bearing a disproportionate load,” he said. Minghella looks forward to the UK delegation pushing in business, as political leaders and as drivers of social “The churches in Coventry have fed 18,000 people since for a strong outcome this year. change.” our food bank was established in 2011, many of them fami- lies with young children. “There are regular stories of mothers going without food in order to feed their children; almost one in four of the city’s More young people enter ordination training children are said to be living in poverty.” THE PROPORTION of young peo- in the age group chosen to begin and transform the church in the here He began his speech by paying tribute to his “excellent ple being accepted for the Church of training as a priest last year. He is and now.” women clergy colleagues” who made up 30 per cent of the England ministry is at its highest in currently studying at Westcott The Rev David Newsome, who is priests in his diocese. 20 years. House in Cambridge. his Diocesan Director of Ordinands, “They work tirelessly and with great skill for the good of According to the statistics for He said he is very excited about also understands the importance of their communities,” he said. 2012, 22 per cent of those accepted the new generation. diversity. “The Church will need their like to guide its life as our were under the age of 30. “There was some recognition that “The Church desperately needs bishops in the future, and I assure your Lordships that the The news was widely welcomed. the Church reflects its leaders, and the kind of passion and commitment present House of Bishops is impatient for the collegiality of Former Archbishop of Canterbury keen to engage younger people in that younger candidates can bring. women as bishops, including their presence in this House. Dr Rowan Williams stated: “Without the church. It’s a very exciting, and extraordi- “The absence of women on these benches today is, of young clergy, how can we speak the “I wonder if there’s a certain cyni- nary thing that young people are course, particularly noticeable. language of a new generation?” cism that age brings – I still believe wanting to commit themselves to the “We are committed to seeing this happen for the good of Matt Harbage, 27, is one of the 113 we can radically transform the world Church in uncertain times.” Church and nation.”

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper News Sunday March 12, o013 www.churchnewspaper.c7m 2 Tanzania Church rocked by complaints over election By George Conger tion of the Rt Rev Jacob Erasto Chimeledya elect Jacob Chimeledya will succeed Arch- Archbishop say the cash was used by sup- “as the new Archbishop of the Anglican bishop Valentino Mokiwa after his installa- porters of the Episcopal Church to split the THREE COMPLAINTS have been lodged Church of Tanzania.” tion on 19th May 2013.” KAT off from the Gafcon movement. with the Anglican Church of Tanzania He stated: “The bishops welcomed the However supporters of the sitting arch- Supporters of Bishop Chimeledya have (KAT) by members of the Church’s gener- election result, some describing bishop, Valentino Mokiwa of Dar es rejected these charges, saying Archbishop al synod alleging misconduct and fraud in Chimeledya as a ‘humble’ [servant leader] Salaam, have objected to the vote. A 27 Mokiwa’s interpretation of the canons is the conduct of last month’s election of an who will strengthen unity within the Angli- February 2013 complaint seen by The incorrect and tendentious, while it was he archbishop. can Church of Tanzania and enhance its Church of England Newspaper has alleged who had sought to influence the election Lay and clergy delegates descended mission.” eight constitutional irregularities in the with cash. Archbishop Mokiwa one was from eight coastal dioceses are expected to The statement said the “election was car- voting, including the casting of four more seeking to use his post as a Gafcon primate join the complaints alleging misconduct. ried out by a special Electoral Synod which ballots than electors present. While the to distort the dispute by convincing sup- Both sides accused the other of using for- consisted of bishops, pastors and lay peo- House of Bishops may have endorsed the porters in the West his defeat was engi- eign money to influence the outcome of the ple numbering 129 in total. After the elec- election, critics charge, the Lay and Clergy neered by foreigners rather than local election, however no evidence has thus far tion all the 25 bishops present (except two Houses of Synod have not. political considerations. been presented. who are studying in South Africa) They have also claimed that $50,000 of Copies of the complaints have appeared On 3 March 2013 Dr Dickson Chilon- expressed their support to Bishop American money was used to buy votes of in the Swahili Tanzanian press, and a rebut- gani, Provincial Secretary of the KAT, Chimeledya’s election by signing a legal the Wogogo – the tribal group – for Bishop tal is expected to be released shortly by released a statement announcing the elec- document to endorse the results. Bishop- Chimeledya. Supporters of the ousted Bishop Chimeledya. Clergyman under New court case over police supervision dispute in South Carolina THE FORMER ASSISTANT Bishop of informed me that I was needed for Kampala, Dr Zac Niringiye, reports questioning at the Police Station, in AN EPISCOPALIAN BISH- that he remains under police supervi- respect to the activities I was undertak- OP has gone to court to sion following his arrest last month for ing that morning. I followed in my car secure an order that only he, having distributed leaflets calling for to the Police Station. as the bishop recognised by an end to government corruption. “On arrival, I was ushered in one the Episcopal Church, has In a statement distributed by the office, at which point Officer Omala authority to act in the name Langham Partnership on 20 February told me I was under arrest for ‘inciting of the Diocese of South Car- 2013, Dr Niringiye wrote: “I have since violence’. olina. reported twice to the Police in keeping “I was interrogated for about three The Rt Rev Charles G von- with what I was required to do. Each hours in total, put in the police cell Rosenberg wants Bishop time I am told to report again. I guess where I was for about six hours. I was Mark Lawrence, who has the file is still with the DPP (Director later released on Police bond. I was renounced the Episcopal of Public Prosecutions). I am aware Church, to be told he can no that I could be taken to court and longer use the name and seal charged with the crime of ‘inciting vio- of the diocese. He has asked lence’; or asked to report again; or, a civil court to rule that the released with the case dismissed on diocese of South Carolina is a the advice of the DPP. But clearly there recognised sub-unit of the is no case. Episcopal Church. “These are just efforts of a regime in The suit does not directly survival mode... worried of any dis- refer to property matters but sent. It is tragic that now, it seems, it is it would effectively decide protecting the corrupt.” who controls all the assets of On 4 February Dr Niringiye and the diocese. The ownership members of the Black Monday Move- of individual parish proper- ment — an initiative by Ugandan Civil ties is not addressed in the Society Organizations (CSOs) to com- complaint. bat government corruption — were “The intention of this suit is arrested by police for distributing their straightforward,” said Bishop Bishop Mark Lawrence newsletter on campus of Makerere vonRosenberg. “We are ask- University. A Visiting Fellow at the ing the court to determine University’s School of Law, Dr who is authorized to serve as recognised the hierarchical pal Church. A number of Niringiye said he was handing out bishop of the Episcopal Dio- nature of the church, going parishes joined Bishop leaflets around the Catholic Students cese of South Carolina.” back to a decision in 1872. Lawrence but representatives Chapel and when he returned to his Bishop vonRosenberg Last October, Bishop of the remaining parishes car for a second bundle he was arrest- told that I would have to report to the rests his case on the fact that Lawrence announced that he met on 26 January to elect ed. Police Station on Thursday 14 Febru- the Episcopal Church is an and his diocese had dissociat- the Rev Charles G vonRosen- “It was as I was leaving the precincts ary, as my file was forwarded to the ‘hierarchical church’ gov- ed from the Episcopal berg as their Bishop. A group of Lumumba Hall that a Police pick-up Director of Public Prosecutions erned by a common authori- Church and withdrawn their headed by Bishop Lawrence blocked me. Then another two pick- (DPP).” ty, the General Convention, accession to the church Con- was granted a temporary ups police in riot gear... and then the “Keep in prayer with me and all our to which dioceses must sub- stitution. On 5 December the injunction forbidding the Police Officer (one who is notorious colleagues with whom we are engaged mit just as parishes must sub- Presiding Bishop accepted group of remaining Episco- for dealing with political opposition fig- in this work in Uganda,” the bishop mit to the diocese. Multiple Bishop Lawrence’s renuncia- palians from using the name ures ruthlessly) came to my window, asked. Supreme Court cases have tion of ministry in the Episco- of the diocese.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 8 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday March 17, 2013 Letters

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

GM technology is farmers in the developing world, but can- Middle East peace not afford commercial loans at rates of 20- not needed 30 per cent. Sir, Jeremy Moodey, CEO of the group Embrace the Middle East, notes (“Are we any It will be sad if the Church of England Sir, It is disappointing that the Church of nearer peace in Israel -Palestine”, 10 March) that in 1981, American President Ronald decides to use its investment power further England’s investment arm has decided to Regan launched a peace plan with him quoting Romans 14:19, “So then let us pursue to entrench these vested interests rather support the development of GM crops. what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding”. That earlier effort at negotiating than to challenge them. They are not needed. GM technology has peace between Israel and its enemies, as others yet before and many after, ignore basic Peter Eyres, nothing to do with feeding the world or fundamentals. Lowestoft protecting the environment: it has every- It has been over some nine decades that Israel’s enemies have been employing war, thing to do with money, power and, yes, terror and even ethnic cleansing (from Hebron, Gaza and other locations they lived in kudos – not healthy associations for the for centuries) to deny Jews their legal and natural right, internationally recognized by church. the League of Nations in 1922 and later, in 1947, by the United Nations, based to a great The International Assessment of Agricul- degree on Great Britain‘s Balfour Declaration of 1917. Territorial compromises have tural Knowledge, Science and Technology been offered in the past. for Development, a group of 400 scientists, The Jews lost Transjordan, originally part of the Mandate area, and as we know from has shown that agroecological farming, the New Testament, Acts 8:1, Judea and Samaria, in current parlance “Palestine”, the Your Tweets such as organic, could feed the world and correct geographical terms, are also very much. Jews accepted the 1947 partition, would do so more sustainably and with bet- withdrew from Sinai in 1957 which served as a terror base for the fedayeen, the fore- @GodandPolitics ter outcomes for soils and farmers. Its co- runner of Fatah, again withdrew from Sinai in 1981, offered autonomy in 1979, agreed IDS challenges archbishop over chair, Hans Herren, has said, “GMOs are a to a Palestinian Authority in 1993 and in 2009, Benjamin Netanyahu recognized the benefit cuts>good to see politicians solution looking for a problem.” need for a Palestinian state, albeit demilitarized. None of this has persuaded Mahmoud responding to ABC even if not Sir Albert Howard (1873-1947) put com- Abbas and before him, Yassir Arafat, to engage in any worthwhile peace talks. agreeing posting on a scientific footing. He demon- Given this reality, together with the ever persistent anti-Jewish incitement stemming strated incontrovertibly that compost from official Palestinian Authority outlets, in the media and in school, and from Islam- @BishopPaulB made to his recipe, the Indore method, pro- ic religious figures, I would suggest to Mr Moodey that he pay attention to other vers- If you haven’t yet looked at my Lent duced humus-rich soil full of living organ- es from Romans 14 - “4: Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is series on Money why not do so. isms, and on it he grew crops that were before his own master[a] that he stands or falls... And he will be upheld, for the Lord is southwell.anglican.org and go to immune to pests and disease; livestock fed able to make him stand... 10: Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why Bishops Pages on grass and crops manured with compost do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God”. were similarly immune. Others working in Yisrael Medad, @BpStephenLowe the period between the wars made the link Shiloh Notion that Church shouldn’t between healthy food and healthy people. interfere in politics being revived by The Cheshire doctors’ committee, con- Tories.They forget Church has fronted with a rising tide of sickness, came now controls 95 per cent of the seed, farm- dening for Health or Disease”, read to me leader who was and is on side of the repeatedly to the conclusion, “This illness ers are killing themselves every day as if this was “farming God’s way”, farming poor. results from a lifetime of wrong nutrition.” because the crops have failed to live up to as it ought to be. I later discovered that the Is it fanciful to suppose that this flurry of their promise and farmers are caught in a organic pioneers of the first half of the last @BenPBradshaw concerns about the nation’s health might spiral of debt; this is ironic as improving century had a strong Christian ethos, Good to have @c_of_e bishops be connected to the introduction of artifi- the cotton crop was one of Howard’s specif- something which will come as a surprise to making strong public stand on cials in the 1840s and of white bread in the ic tasks in India, and of course he did it many. For example, quotations from the something unrelated to gender or 1870s? By the 1930s, several generations through the use of compost, not by applica- Bible are scattered through the writing of sexual orientation @churchstate had grown up under this regimen. GM tion of pesticides. Dr Lionel Picton, secretary to the Cheshire technology, based as it is on chemicals, has Indeed, Howard regarded the use of pes- doctors. @FictionFox nothing to say on these issues. Growing ticides as “unscientific and unsound”. If a I can understand that the organic farmer, Had the perfect hymn for clubs at food is biology, not chemistry. crop is diseased or under attack from producing compost from the wastes of his the top of the Championship this The chairman of the Ethical Investment pests, it is because it is weak, lacking the own farm and using it to grow healthy morning: ‘Here for a season, then Advisory Group talks of the “benefits” of nutrients required to resist: why would crops and animals, is not an attractive above’. GM “such as pest resistance, vitamin sup- anyone knowingly eat such a crop? Anyone investment opportunity. He has no need to ply and improved resilience to drought, who does is himself going to lack nutrients buy in fertilisers or pesticides, or medi- @AndrewGraystone frost and saline conditions.” Howard and risk sickness. The answer is to cines for his animals, and the population It’s not been widely reported, but all showed that all these benefits were avail- improve the methods of cultivation. eating his produce makes less call upon the major Christian churches have able by applying compost and ensuring Again, there are known environmental the ministrations of the medical profession joined the CofE in calling on the govt adequate drainage. The answer to vitamin hazards: in Canada, canola seed is so con- or on the products of the pharmaceutical to rethink benefit cuts. deficiency in rice is not “golden rice”, but taminated by GM that GM-free canola can- industry. whole-grain rice instead of polished white not be grown in certain states; in the USA, By the time Howard was embarking on @BishopPaulB rice, just as the Cheshire doctors’ response the use of Roundup has spawned over 120 his researches, artificial fertilisers were #childpoverty when business to illness was to prescribe compost-grown million hectares of herbicide-resistant already well established, and substantial leaders, civic voices, charities, faith wholefoods and their own Cheshire loaf, superweeds, to deal with which ever vested interests had grown up around their leaders all say ‘Please bishop speak wholemeal with added wheatgerm. increasing doses of ever more dangerous use. Howard was therefore able to make out on child poverty’ I must do so It is simply not possible to say, “There is herbicides are being applied. Feeding trials very little headway against the entrenched not one substantiated environmental or have regularly resulted in illness, reduced views of scientists and government depart- @JohnSentamu human health hazard associated with the fertility and early death, but publication is ments and experiment stations, despite Research shows changes to the use of [GM] crops.” The biotech compa- often blocked by the biotech companies. clear demonstrations of the success of his Welfare Benefit Up-rating Bill would nies have persuaded the US government to A fascinating discovery of the 1920s was methods in both the UK and the Empire. have a negative effect on 9 out of 10 prohibit products from being labelled as the mycorrhizal association between fungi Some £90 million has been invested in the families with children. GM or non-GM: therefore, epidemiological and roots. The mycelia from certain fungi Norwich Research Park, where the John studies of illnesses or deaths cannot assess enter the roots of many plants and feed Innes Centre is developing a blight-resist- @markrusselluk whether GMOs had a rôle because there is them directly from the humus or compost, ant potato through genetic modification, It’s good that @ABCJustin and 43 no means of tracing them. In one example, and the roots consume the mycelia. This while the Sárvári Research Trust in Wales, bishops write to challenge the a dietary supplement, L-Tryptophan, pro- gives the plants a very significant boost, which has already developed several Government about how its welfare duced using genetically modified bacteria, but it is not available to farmers using blight-resistant varieties by normal breed- reforms affect kids has been blamed for 40-125 deaths and chemicals because the chemicals destroy ing methods, risked being unable to devel- thousands of cases of serious illness. A the humus and the living organisms it con- op further for lack of £10,000. The Soil follow us leaflet in front of me tells of the problems of tains. Association wants to fund desperately @churchnewspaper on Twitter cotton farmers: in India, where Monsanto Howard’s last book, “Farming and Gar- needed research to boost the skills of small

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper The latest books and films reviewed: E6,7

SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2013 10 Years on, Iraq continues

By Canon Andrew White

t seems impossible to believe that it is almost 10 years since the last war in and Iagainst Iraq. It was painful and difficult at that time as the country I had grown to respect and love was pounded by bombs. In Iraq was the empty church I had also grown to love: it was the Anglican Church of St George of Mesopotamia. We had no congregation: just an empty church with dead pigeons and Hana, the caretaker. His phone no longer worked. Before the war I visited Iraq regularly from my base at Coventry Cathedral. Iraq then was totally different to today. You could walk down the street without fear of being kidnapped or attacked. Yet through- out the land there was total and utter fear. People were often even scared to tell you about the simple things they were experi- encing. Each time I visited I would be accompa- nied by the men from the Ministry of Protocol. The fact was that such a Ministry did not exist: these people were simply the Muhabarat (spies). They would watch us and write reports on everything I did and said. Even now when I am visiting the Grand Ayatollah Hossain Al Sader we look at the long row of chairs opposite and remember that row of chairs was where the Muhabarat would sit and make record of all I said. tion Provisional there was nothing underneath. This is I knew that I was in a land without Authority at the time, where the money has gone, millions has liberty and freedom but everything Ambassador Paul Bre- gone in corruption. The money is in peo- changed one day when my main mer, that we needed to ple’s pockets. Now we have become one of Muhabarat man who had “cared” for sort out religious the most corrupt nations in the world. me on many occasions took me aside issues otherwise we Suddenly I am drawn to think about our to talk to me privately. would be faced with Church. Ten years ago I reopened it with As he took me aside I wondered huge religious sectari- my friend and close colleague Justin Welby. whether he was just watching me. He anism. He is about to become the Archbishop of started to talk to me, but this time it was was broken and destroyed. There was no He responded by saying that first he Canterbury and I am still here in the run- very different from his usual conversation. effective sewage system, the roads were needed to sort out water and electricity down and destroyed country but with the He was not asking about me but talking decrepit and everything appeared broken. before dealing with religion. largest and most wonderful church I have about himself, his family and their corpo- Ten years later I can no longer walk down Just a few weeks later he said it was diffi- ever known. With a congregation of over rate pain. He soon started to cry and cry: the road. I am constantly surrounded by cult to sort out water and electricity 6,000 people. With a big and wonderful the pain of the regime he and his family scores of soldiers and police: they are there because religion kept getting in the way. clinic, with doctors, dentists, pharmacy, were living under was just too great. as my security. The roads are still decrepit Ten years later the water, sewage and elec- laboratory and X-ray Unit. A dynamic It was from that day I realised that Sad- and everything still appears to be broken. tricity still do not work. The only visible school and a major relief programme. dam did indeed have to be removed. From The major difference is that so much of the improvement in Iraq is now the fact that so What I thought we had developed on a that day me, the man of Peace, was saying infrastructure still stands totally destroyed many of the road lamps are powered by short-term basis is still at the heart of all we we had to go to war and Saddam had to be by that war 10 years ago. satellite. The people’s power is still never in do. Our people still have nothing, little food removed. Ten years latter I ask: was that Added to this there is the major destruc- excess of eight hours a day. Where the $6 and no health care apart from what we pro- the right decision, was my support for Sad- tion caused by the terrorism that devel- billion restoration money invested by the vide. One of our young people said to me dam’s removal right? oped immediately after that war a decade US has gone I just do not know. Well, actu- the other day when we have lost every- In days past I could walk down the road. ago. After that war the USA alone invested ally I do. It was not long ago that the inspec- thing Jesus is all we have left. It certainly is, As I did so I could see a country destroyed $6 billion to repair this broken land. I tors were called in to look at the new he is our only hope, he is our certainty, he by years of sanctions. Every car window remember saying to the head of the Coali- sewers. They lifted up the manhole and is our only future and he is our joy.

ANDREW CAREY E2 • WHISPERING GALLERY E2 • JUDY WEST E3 • ARTS E7 • BOOKS E7 • CROSSWORD E8 • JANEY LEE GRACE E8 E2 www.englandonsunday.com Sunday March 17, 2013

expensive energy in the form of subsidies to expertise, in speaking out on behalf of the renewables; over-taxation at the point of con- vulnerable, but I wish they could see things sumption; over-regulation and quantitative in the round. They must also warn about the easing, which is penalising savers. danger of unsustainable debt and spending Andrew Carey: The bishops have every right, and much beyond our means as a nation. ment. The effects of inflation made by Iain Duncan Smith always punish families and over many years that welfare View from the Pew Puzzling issue children. should not encourage I find one particular state- This statement doesn’t dependency. Working people ment made by the Archbish- seem to acknowledge that should be better off than op of Canterbury puzzling. the cost of welfare is borne those who are able to work He said of the benefits uprat- by the public and not the but don’t. ings bill: “These changes will government and very often There is a huge feeling of mean that it is children and paid for in tax by those injustice on the part of many Bishops and welfare families who will pay the receiving it back. We need people, who have seen their price for high inflation, more than ever a simplified pay squeezed and living stan- rather than the govern- system of taxation so that dards drop, that the govern- have a strong feeling that the Church deserving than other vulnerable groups? ment.” welfare serves as safety net ment, and indeed the of England will oppose each and every Yet I can’t help feeling that the bishops The government never for those in need, rather than Church, cares little for them. Icut made to welfare and social securi- are picking the wrong target. While they pays any sort of price, in any- a bureaucratic system of The so-called squeezed mid- ty, notwithstanding record deficits and are right to warn of the effects of the thing other than electoral rebates for those who dle could become an ever irresponsible and unsustainable over- potential effects of the Benefit Upratings terms. The money they tax shouldn’t be paying tax in more alienated section of spending by successive governments. Bill, I can’t feel they are right to back a and spend is public money. the first place. society in the years ahead Yet it is hard not to sympathise with the campaign for specific amendments to it. The effects of policy are Finally, the church must unless their concerns are lis- bishops’ intervention on the welfare They were wrong about the effects of always experienced by the face squarely the fundamen- tened to with respect and upratings bill. On the face of it the Bish- the housing benefit cap last year and they public and not the govern- tal merits of the arguments attention. ops, backing the Children’s Society cam- may also be wrong about child poverty paign, are right that families with children and the various ways of measuring this. Language question Yet, he describes the benefits upratings bill will be hit hardest by the benefit uprat- It seems to me that the target they The Bishop of Bradford is quite rightly a crit- as a ‘welfare cut’, which strictly speaking it ings bill, under which key benefits and should be attacking is the rising cost of ic of the use of loose and misleading lan- isn’t and he also uses the term ‘bedroom tax’. tax credits will no longer rise with infla- living itself. There are many factors guage by journalists and the media. In fact, Whether you agree with the so-called ‘spare tion but by one per cent. behind the fact that costs are rising he is also a critic of the government’s lan- room subsidy’ or not, it is wholly inaccurate It is hard to believe that the govern- unsustainably. My particular concerns guage which he writes has become “increas- to describe this particular cut to housing ben- ment has exempted pensioners and those are corporate greed and the failure to ingly and deliberately disingenuous, lumping efit as a ‘tax’. His adoption of inaccurate with disabilities from the bill but not fami- pass on exorbitant profits to consumers; people on welfare benefits into the category terms, coined for party political effect by the lies with children. Are children any less lack of competition in many industries; of ’feckless scroungers’…” official opposition, seems unusual. New Light on CS Lewis Welby and the media Not yet published in the UK, Alister McGrath’s new biography of CS Lewis is Not even a conclave in Rome has been able to drive Justin Welby from the front making waves in the US. It receives a long review in the current issue of pages. As well as the media storm caused by his comments on welfare, which ‘Books and Culture’ by Don King, a professor of English who has edited Joy drew critical editorials in the Daily Telegraph and The Times, Welby’s colourful Davidman’s letters. King pronounces the biography ‘highly readable’ and sin- past continues to excite journalists. The Times has run stories on the Archbish- gles out four ‘new readings’ of Lewis advanced by McGrath. Surprisingly, op’s covert missions in the Niger delta and on the influence in his life of an McGrath argues Lewis may have got the date of his conversion wrong American pastor noted for his opposition to abortion and gay marriage. The because he confused two trips to Whipsnade Zoo. June, 1932, rather than 28 Daily Telegraph printed extracts from Andrew Atherstone’s new biography that September, 1931, is the date when McGrath suggests Lewis was ‘surprised revealed Welby’s father had once had an affair with Vanessa Redgrave and by Joy’. showed the future Archbishop taking an uncompromising line on homosexuali- Going further than AN Wilson, who thought it likely Lewis and Mrs Moore ty in the 1990s. Welby has tried not to be drawn on this subject since his appoint- were lovers, McGrath argues this was undoubtedly the case. McGrath draws ment and Bishop Nick Baines has blogged that ‘he might have grown up and on newly discovered papers that were only becoming available as his book learned and thought and developed as he matures’. Whether the Archbishop was written to argue that Joy Davidman returned to England in 1952 with the has revised his opinions remains to be seen but meanwhile the press is having specific intention of marrying Lewis. Sonnets she wrote to Lewis picture him trouble knowing what to call him. The Financial Times has opted for ‘Dr Welby’ as an iceberg Davidman intended to melt with a mixture of physical allure although no university has yet heeded this column’s appeal to give him a doc- and intellectual sophistication. torate while the Daily Telegraph is calling him ‘Mr Welby’. Meanwhile, can any- Finally, drawing possibly on his own experience, McGrath claims that one answer this puzzle? Why was the previous Archbishop universally referred Lewis was dogged by rejection from academic colleagues at Oxford, suspi- to as ‘Rowan’ while the new one is known as ‘Welby’? cious that his popular publications and high reputation outside the university had made him something of a ‘superstar’. The Whispering Gallery Yet more on Richard III Atheist heresy hunt If you thought only religious believers engaged in heresy hunts, think again. While Leicester and York continue to claim the remains of Richard III with Darwinists are in full hue can cry after the distinguished American philosopher Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral also signifying their readi- Thomas Nagel suggested in his latest book ‘Mind and Cosmos’ that ‘the mate- ness to accommodate the long-dead monarch, a new possibility has emerged. rialist neo-Darwinian conception of nature is almost certainly false’. Nagel Why not bury the dead king with his sister, Elizabeth of York, in the North makes clear he is not a theist but his book has been welcomed by two Christian Suffolk village of Wingfield? The existence of his sister’s tomb seems have philosophers, John Haldane and Alvin Plantinga. Steve Pinker, however, has been strangely ignored in all the excitement occasioned by the discovery of tweeted that Nagel’s book is ‘the shoddy reasoning of a once-great mind’. As Richard’s remains. Why was it necessary to contact a very distant descen- the New Republic has commented, ‘the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine dent in Canada to identify Richard’s DNA when a sample could have been of the Secular Faith’ has sprung into action. Writing in the New Statesman obtained from his sister? Elizabeth, the King’s older sibling, lived in Wing- Simon Blackburn has even said ‘the book would be a good candidate for going field for over 40 years and was married to John de la Pole, 2nd Duke of Suf- on the Index’. Nagel has been derided for admitting he is a layman when it folk. She was last mentioned as being alive in January, 1503, and was dead by comes to science but what his critics overlook is that he is has written a work of May, 1504. The tombstone of the Duke and Duchess has always enjoyed philosophy, not science. Richard Dawkins often strays from science into philos- modest popularity but locals are hoping that even if her brother does not join ophy and commits many howlers in the process. As the New Republic com- her more people will come to visit the village church. One distinguished per- ments, ‘for the bargain-basement atheism of our day, it is not enough that there son may already have been there. The church visitors’ book bears the signa- be no God: there must be only matter’. ture ‘Charles’ in clear, thick ink. Sunday March 17, m012 www.englandonsunday.co3 E2 The Bishops’ letter on the welfare cap in full

Sir – Next week, members of the House of Lords will Rt Rev David Rossdale, Bishop of Grimsby debate the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Bill. Rt Rev Alan Smith, Bishop of St Albans The Bill will mean that for each of the next three years, Rt Rev David Walker, Bishop of Dudley most financial support for families will increase by no Rt Rev Michael Langrish, Bishop of Exeter more than one per cent, regardless of how much prices Rt Rev Humphrey Southern, Bishop of Repton rise. Rt Rev Chris Edmondson, Bishop of Bolton This is a change that will have a deeply disproportionate Rt Rev David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham impact on families with children, pushing 200,000 children Rt Rev Jonathan Clark, Bishop of Croydon into poverty. A third of all households will be affected by Rt Rev Trevor Willmott, Bishop of Dover the Bill, but nearly nine out of 10 families with children will Rt Rev Adrian Newman, Bishop of Stepney be hit. Rt Rev John Wraw, Bishop of Bradwell These are children and families from all walks of life. Rt Rev James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle The Children’s Society calculates that a single parent with Rt Rev Peter Burrows, Bishop of Doncaster two children, working on an average wage as a nurse Rt Rev Keith Sinclair, Bishop of Birkenhead would lose £424 a year by 2015. A couple with three chil- Rt Rev Clive Young, Bishop of Dunwich dren and one earner, on an average wage as a corporal in Rt Rev Tim Thornton, Bishop of Truro the British Army, would lose £552 a year by 2015. Rt Rev Steven Croft, Bishop of Sheffield However, the change will hit the poorest the hardest. Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill, Bishop of Lichfield About 60 per cent of the savings from the uprating cap will Rt Rev John Inge, Bishop of Worcester come from the poorest third of households. Only 3 per Rt Rev Peter Price, Bishop of Bath and Wells cent will come from the wealthiest third. Rt Rev Stephen Conway, Bishop of Ely If prices rise faster than expected, children and families Rt Rev Alistair Redfern, Bishop of Derby will no longer have any protection against this. This trans- Rt Rev James Langstaff, Bishop of Rochester fers the risk of high inflation rates from the Treasury to Rt Rev James Bell, Bishop of Knaresborough children and families, which is unacceptable. Rt Rev Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol Children and families are already being hit hard by cuts Rt Rev Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark to support, including those to tax credits, maternity bene- Rt Rev Nigel Stock, Bishop of St Edmundsbury and fits, and help with housing costs. They cannot afford this Ipswich further hardship penalty. We are calling on the House of Rt Rev John Pritchard, Bishop of Oxford Lords to take action to protect children from the impact of Rt Rev Ian Brackley, Bishop of Dorking this Bill. Rt Rev Jonathan Frost, Bishop of Southampton Rt Rev Stephen Platten, Bishop of Wakefield Rt Rev Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester Rt Rev David Thomson, Bishop of Huntingdon Rt Rev John Packer, Bishop of Ripon and Leeds Rt Rev John Holbrook, Bishop of Brixworth Rt Rev Graham James, Bishop of Norwich Rt Rev Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester Rt Rev Paul Butler, Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham Rt Rev Peter Hancock, Bishop of Basingstoke Rt Rev Richard Frith, Bishop of Hull Rt Rev Andrew Proud, Bishop of Reading Rt Rev Nick Baines, Bishop of Bradford Rt Rev Anthony Priddis, Bishop of Hereford

Urban Myths Judy West’s A little boy found a rat in his back yard. He jumped on it. He stomped on it. And he killed it. He was so proud of him- self and he ran to show it to his mother. But he didn’t realize that the vicar had come to call. So the excited boy ran into the house, carrying the rat by the tail, hollering to his mum: “Mum, look what I found. I found this rat. I jumped on it, I stomped on it, and...” Notes, Quotes & Anecdotes Just then he noticed the vicar and he finished his sentence Reason to be thankful by saying, “And then the Lord called him home.”

A couple, visiting in Korea, saw a father and his son working in a rice paddy. The old man guided the heavy plough as the boy pulled it. “I guess they must be very poor,” the man said to the missionary who Getting the message across? was the couple’s guide and interpreter. “Yes,” replied the missionary. “That’s the family of Chi Nevi. When the church was built, they were eager to give something to it, but they had no money. So they sold their ox and gave the money to the church. This spring they are pulling the Church Typos plough themselves.” The actor Henry Miss Charlene After a long silence, the woman said, “That was a Irving was once asked Mason sang “I real sacrifice.” why it was that a stage play will not pass this The missionary responded, “They do not call it a could move an audience so way again” giv- sacrifice. They are just thankful they had an ox to much, when a sermon often left ing obvious sell.” people cold. “Why,” he replied. pleasure to the Bishop Ray W Chamberlain Jr, “SEASON OF “It is because we present fiction congregation. SACRIFICE“ as though it were the truth and you present the truth as if it were fiction.” It makes you think… An Ofsted inspector read the following in a head teacher’s notes on his school: ‘The school has an Anglican foundation. My expectations of the children’s behaviour is christian with a small c.’ Submitted by Angela Robinson Do you have a funny story, quotable quote or sermon illustration? Send Bangladesh them to The Church of England Newspaper, 14 Great College Street, London, SW1P 3RX or email [email protected] E4 www.englandonsunday.com Sunday March 17, 2013

The Rev Lee Gatiss became the Director of Church Society in January, follow Chairman of the Church Society’s Council, James Crabtree, interviewed Lee The direction for th

JC: Lee, why is it worth fighting to reform the Church of England? LG: By “Reformed theology” I take it you mean the romance and poetry at the heart of the gospel? The LG: I won’t say “it’s the best boat to fish from.” There are gospel is the story of how God in his mercy sent his many ways to be “fishers of men” today, and we need more Son to purify a people for his own possession, to the labourers for the harvest, regardless of which denomination praise of his glorious grace. It’s a love story, which they serve in. makes most sense when expressed in the biblical idiom Yet, the Church of England has an honoured history as an of predestinating love, intentional redemption, effective instrument for spiritual conversion and growth in our nation. power, and eternal unbreakable covenant promise. It was through a Reformed established church that we were Jesus is a “one woman man” – he loved his bride, his saved from superstition and the false doctrines of Roman people, his church, and he loves her to the uttermost so Catholicism at the Reformation. It was through the national that no one can snatch her away from him. church and the parochial system in the 16th and 17th I think other species of theology tend to dampen centuries that the Puritans sought to reach the dark corners down the wonder and stupendousness of this good of the land for Christ. When we were blessed with revivals in news because they can’t quite believe it’s so good, and the 18th century it was through the preaching of Anglican that God would take our salvation entirely upon his own clergymen like Wesley, Whitefield, Toplady, Hervey and shoulders. Reformed theology at its best seeks to Romaine. In the 19th century, it was the Anglican expression preach this undiluted soul-refreshment and defend it of Christian faith that we exported to the world through the from the adulterating pollution of what the Anglican channels of empire and it was ably defended by men like Homilies call “the stinking puddles of men’s traditions Shaftesbury and Ryle. In the 20th century it was the good old (devised by men’s imagination) for our justification and C of E which gave us John Stott, Jim Packer, Dick Lucas, and salvation.” a number of the country’s finest preachers, pastors, and Again, Reformed theology is what the Anglican theologians today. Reformation was all about. Luther thunderously The official doctrinal standards of our denomination preached grace, and the later Reformers both here and remain Reformed and evangelical to the core, and the Queen on the Continent explored the depths of his insights swore to maintain “the true profession of the gospel... the into God’s message. As later generations of Roman Protestant Reformed religion.” What will these great Catholics, rationalists, and radicals challenged core evangelical servants of the word I just mentioned say to us in Reformation truths, the Reformers worked hard to glory, if our generation fails to fight for what they handed on refute their increasingly sophisticated false teaching, to us? The Church of England today is a serviceable, if especially in their catechisms and confessions (such as somewhat leaky, vessel, and it would be negligent of us to our own Thirty-nine Articles). They handed on to us a simply abandon it to the enemies of the gospel — the gospel pattern of sound teaching and a system of doctrinal which has always been its greatest strength. alarm bells, so to speak, designed to ring as loudly as possible when grace is under threat. There’s nothing wrong with starting new things from scratch, necessarily. But I believe We neglect their hard work to protect us from spiritual danger to our peril. God is greatly glorified through reformation and transformation, and his grace is seen to be at work where this has taken place in the past. Where there is death and decay, the Father JC: What are the main things you have learned about our reformed evangelical can bring new life. Where there is corruption, the Lord Jesus can bring health and heritage while studying for your PhD in Cambridge? soundness. Where there is heresy and apostasy, the Spirit can convict and convert through his powerful word. They will be glorified should England turn back to the truth and again LG: After being in full-time parish ministry since I was ordained in 2001, I’ve been busy enjoy his blessing. So for the glory of God and the good of England, it is worth fighting to writing for the last few years. My PhD is on the Hebrews commentary written by John renew the Church of England as an instrument for God’s purposes. Owen (1616-1683). People know Owen, if at all, as a great Puritan theologian. But like almost all the great theologians of his era, he wrote not just theology but biblical commentary. That JC: Why does the contemporary evangelical church need “reformed” theology? aspect of his and their work has been hugely neglected in the scholarship and consequently

CCooookk tthhiiss!! Sticky Toffee Pudding with Warm Toffee Sauce

Ingredients Method 200g stoned dates For the sauce: 300ml boiling water 125g unsalted butter Line a 24 x 24cm baking dish with buttered baking paper. 1 tsp bicarbonate of Pou soda 2 tbsp golden syrup Mix the dates and boiling water and simmer for 5 minutes. 170°C 75g unsalted butter 75g golden caster Add the bicarbonate of soda – be careful as the mixture will 175g golden caster sugar bubble up at this point. Allow to cool slightly then blitz For sugar 150ml double coarsely with a hand blender. tly un minu 2 eggs, beaten cream Cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the ½ tsp salt 175g self-raising egg a little at a time. Stir in the flour and baking powder until Ser flour the mixture has combined thoroughly, then add the still- toffee 1 tsp baking warm date mixture. Mix well. prune powder

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Sunday March 17, 2013 www.englandonsunday.com E5 wing David Phillips who has moved to parish ministry in the North West. before he took office, to find out what the future holds… he Church Society

in popular perception. So I spent my days reading his mammoth commentary, which at will be. So ask not what Church Society can do for you (though there are many ways it can about two million words in length is nearly three times as long as the entire Bible! It was help and resource Christians and churches); ask, rather, what you can do for England and mind-stretching, and very good for my soul. the Church of England by stepping off the sidelines and getting involved. What’s interesting is that Owen isn’t content with shallow interpretation, or with imposing a piety or a doctrinal framework onto the details of the Bible to smooth out difficulties. Some JC: What will your passions be as the new Director? people assume that is what Reformed theology does. But Owen says he adores the fullness of the scriptures and he shows it by working at the text with the best tools at his disposal, LG: Well, this is a step out of the front line really, because the main work of the gospel is and out-exegeting his unorthodox interlocutors along the way. That has been a joy, an going on week-in and week-out in parish churches. But in a backstage organisation like encouragement, and a challenge every day. Church Society we can encourage and strengthen churches in their life and witness. And I sometimes wonder if evangelicals in our day, for all our supposed hermeneutical that’s what I want to do. advances, are too content with a “main point” superficiality in our handling of the Bible, and In particular, I’d also like to see evangelicals, and particularly conservative evangelicals, don’t truly reverence what the Articles call “God’s word written” as much as our evangelical engaging positively with our denomination. Being involved with the Church of England isn’t forebears did. We are often much more scholastic and driven by logic than they were; Owen always fun. But it’s a vital application of our evangelical dedication to the gospel, which is would never reduce a whole chapter of the Bible to a seven word big idea, for example (as meant to transform all our relationships. If we’re truly committed to the gospel, we’ll be Thomas Aquinas did to whole books), and then just preach the theme sentence from truly committed to seeing it applied not just in our own little patch, but more widely too. different angles. And although he was a fan of sola scriptura he didn’t neglect the Christian To help with that, we need to keep working hard to connect to today’s culture. Church tradition as a whole for the sake of his own novel interpretations. Society has taken up a platform on Facebook and Twitter for the first time, for example, which has strengthened and expanded our connections to a new generation, for whom JC: What can Church Society offer to the contemporary church? Why have you groups and societies don’t exist unless they are enmeshed in the world of social media. Our taken on this job? website is packed full of great stuff, but could perhaps do with a facelift in the coming year, and maybe we can make our resources more accessible to the Kindle-iPad generation. LG: Church Society has a very long history of standing up for these truths when it counts. I don’t know how long I will be privileged to serve as Director (I hope to return to the Yes, we lobby against the destructive tides of revisionist liberalism in church and state. Yes, frontline of parish ministry one day!). But when I leave that role I want to make sure I leave we oppose gospel-obscuring ceremonialism and defective views of salvation by Christ alone. the Society in a strong position in every way, particularly in terms of the size and profile of But in our extensive publishing work and our intimate connections to local churches our membership and the quality of contributions being made at every level of our work. It’s through the patronage responsibilities we hold, we can have a deep and profoundly positive a great encouragement to me that the newly elected Council contains people in their 20s, long-term effect on the nation too. 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s! I’m passionate about expanding our publishing work and both I’m sometimes asked, “Why should I join Church Society? What’s in it for me?” Well, in resourcing and enthusing people through excellent literature, and new things are already in one sense there is nothing in it for you! Being a member of Church Society is not about process here like the Reformed Evangelical Anglican Library series of books. buying benefits and privileges for ourselves. It’s about the glory of God and the good of Most of all though, I am looking forward to meeting people on the ground in Anglican England, and we club together as partners in that work because we see the need to do it in evangelical churches and finding out how we as a Society can better serve them in their fellowship with others. It’s about serving, not being served, as the Master himself put it. mission in the years ahead. I know we’re not the only game in town, but because the Society has a history and a depth to it, there are quite a number of ways to serve, whether that’s by writing in our theology journal Churchman or our magazine Cross†Way or for the internet news service EvNews, serving on Councils and committees, by giving of time, talents, and treasure, or by using our prayer diary to pray. I’m sure there are advantages to having a full time Director (and over the last 60+ years there have been a number of excellent men at the helm). But Church Society is not a one-man band; never has been, never

ur into the prepared dish and bake for 30 minutes at C, or until firm to the touch. r the sauce, combine everything in a pan and heat gen- ntil the butter melts. Increase the heat and boil for 4-5 tes until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. rve a generous slice of the pudding drizzled with the e sauce. It goes perfectly with vanilla, salted caramel or e ice cream, or a little double cream on top.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper E6 www.englandonsunday.com Sunday March 17, 2013 Drama played out in the summer holidays

here’s often a post- less where the film ends then Oscar lull, but in cine- retraces its steps). The book’s obot and Frank Tmas now there’s a lot of inspiration from To Kill a Mock- (cert. 12A) gives good stuff, including what ingbird is less obvious in the film. Rus an “odd cou- may turn out to be best It’s largely Skunk’s point of ple” movie set in “the British film of the year. Bro- view, as she tries to make sense near future”. Frank ken (cert. 15) won the Best of the adult feelings and respons- (Frank Langella) is an British Independent Film es played around her. Her broth- old-time crook, a cat award in December, three er winds her up about bullying of burglar, facing the months before its general first years as she prepares to start onset of dementia. He release. high school, but her friendship can just about find his It tells its story around the with Dillon (George Sargeant) is way to the library, and top end of Drummond Close, a nice interlude to the nasty to librarian Jennifer where three families play out events going on. (Susan Sarandon), but their drama during the sum- The closing near-death experi- the loss of physical mer holidays. Theatre direc- ence, shot in a church and mak- books in favour of “re- tor Rufus Norris makes his ing assumptions about an imagining the library film-directing debut; some afterlife, gets a bit mawkish, but experience” is another elements seem made for the the script rises above making it change that he will struggle to take in. stage, but there are others just a tear-jerker. Perhaps the Frank’s daughter Madison (Liv Tyler) is doing good work in which could only work on biggest surprise is that, despite Turkmenistan, and his son Hunter (James Marsden), something film. the best independent film award, in the city, lives five hours drive away but looks in on his father. Archie (Tim Roth), a it hasn’t got a wider release and is To bridge the gap between regular visits, he buys Frank a robot lawyer whose wife has left largely confined to the arthouse (voiced by Peter Sarsgaard), programmed to keep Frank mental- him, manages his teenage circuit. ly stimulated and alert. son Jed (Bill Milner) and diabetic 11-year-old daugh- Frank is dismissive (“That thing’s going to murder me in my ter Skunk (Eloise Laurence) with the help of live-in Next week: Broken and Robot and Frank are the best sleep”), but once he discovers the robot has no conscience, the Polish au pair Kasia (Zana Marjanovic). Kasia’s new films out, but have the poorer distribution. Held prospect of teaching it the lock-picking tricks of his trade is too boyfriend, teacher Mike (Cillian Murphy), is reluctant over for a week are reviews of two movies with “satu- much to resist. Things get a little complicated when Madison to commit. ration” coverage, Side Effects and Oz - The Great and comes home for an extended visit – she is politically opposed to Rick Buckley across the road has unspecified men- Powerful; they look likely to stay around a while, but robot labour, and turns it off. tal health issues, and his parents (Denis Lawson and here are the teasers. Conversations between human and machine Clare Burt) try to protect him from the world, which Side Effects has Jude Law as a psychiatrist treating a may now be commonplace in movies, but starts at their front door. The film begins as neighbour young woman (Rooney Mara) who kills her husband; they still need a bit of work to give cre- Bob Oswald (Rory Kinnear) attacks Rick as he wash- is her medication to blame, or is our psychiatrist him- dence to the relationship. The fun here is es the car in the drive. self showing signs of paranoia? It’s intriguing that Frank gets a new lease of life from Oswald is a widower, but that hardly explains the enough, but resorts to a rather contrived sequence to being mentor to a bit of malice of his three wayward daughters (Rosalie reveal all its mysteries. metal, even giving Kosky, Faye Daveney, and Martha Bryant). He may Oz is an expensive Disney product, a prequel to the the robot its own love them, and they him, but they are not far from the 1939 MGM classic, telling how showman Oscar simple defence neighbours from hell. Diggs (James Franco) got to the land of Oz and mechanism – a The technique of time shifting (show a scene, then became the wizard. It’s quite clever, visually inven- threat to self- show what had happened just before) works very tive, and rather good fun, though a thin thing com- destruct. effectively in this adaptation by Mark O’Rowe of pared to the most-watched film in cinema history. Daniel Clay’s 2008 novel (the novel begins more or Steve Parish Enjoy Holy Land wines for Easter n Israel, optimal conditions for growing wine exist in the hilly Golan Heights, the heart of the Holy Land. The properties boasted in this area, as Iwith other premier wine regions across the world, include a combination of Competition volcanic basaltic soil, suitable topography and a high altitude. The Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, only produces limited edition wines To win a bottle of this exceptional, Holy Land made during exceptional years. The selection of red, white and sparkling wines wine, just answer the following question: made on the 6,000 acres of producing vineyards Yarden farm will delight even How many international gold medals has the the fiercest connoisseur. Golan Heights Winery won? It is no surprise the winery has won 57 internal gold medals and two Wine World Cups. According to Victor Shoenfeld, Chief Winemaker at Golan Send your answer on a postcard to Golan Heights Winery: “We try to make wine that will characterize us, the Golan Heights Winery competition, The Church of Heights: our special volcanic ground, the snowstorms in winter, and the long England Newspaper, 14 Great College Street, summer days and cold nights, the people of the vineyards, scorched earth, London SW1P 3RX. burned by the sun, and the team of winemakers of our rich experience, abilities Or you can enter by emailing by your and the creativity of each and every one of them. All these create a single bottle answers to [email protected], putting of wine from the winery.” ‘Golan Heights Winery Competition’ in the What better way to break the Lent fast than with a bottle of wine from the subject line. Holy Land during an Easter feast? We are offering four readers the chance to However you enter, please include your street enjoy this, tasting the produce of this special region for themselves. address – and phone number – and confirm If you would like to find out more about Yarden, visit www.golanwines.co.il, that you are over the age of 21. Entries must be or to order from their vast selection of wines, visit www.yardenwines.com. received by 2 April.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Sunday March 12, m013 www.englandonsunday.co7 E2 Understanding the Church today

Lost Church tant debate that is of great relevance to the Church of Eng- Alan Billings land. Here is an area that deserves further study from the SPCK, pb, £12.99 ethnologists, sociologists and practical theologians who are committed to the approach outlined by Healey. Seeking the Church Stephen Pickard, an Australian Anglican bishop, aims to Stephan Pickard provide an introduction to the entire field of ecclesiology. SCM, pb, £25.00 He is familiar with Healey’s work and discusses it favourably but the major influence upon him is the late Explorations in Ecclesiology Daniel Hardy. Hardy was not always an easy read and and Ethnography, although Pickard is clearer he does not have Billings’ Christian B Sharen (ed) knack of making his subject interesting. Eerdmans, pb, £26.99 Hardy stressed God’s presence in creation and redemp- tive presence in social life. He did not see the church as n 2000 Nicholas Healey pub- over against creation but as emerging from it. “The eccle- lished a book entitled Church, sia of God,” Pickard writes, “is always an emergent, cre- IWorld and Christian Life that England shares many points in common with a paper by ative and new form of sociality orientated towards the has had a big impact on the way the Norwegian theologian Harald Hegstad in the book holiness of God and essentially imperfect and unfinished.” theologians think about and write edited by Christian Scharen in which the contributors This raises questions about the church’s relationship to about the church. Healey argued explicitly adopt the approach Healey recommends. the Resurrection and the New Creation but the Resurrec- that instead of studying models or Billings and Hegstad are concerned with the fact that in tion is not discussed by Pickard; nor does he refer to the blueprints for the church, an both England and Norway people have an allegiance to Ascension and Douglas Farrow’s treatment of this in his approach made popular by Avery established or state churches they attend infrequently. As ecclesiology. Dulles, we should look at the con- Billings puts it, there are people who neither believe nor But support for Pickard’s approach comes from an essay crete practices of churches and attend very frequently but still in some sense belong. The in the volume edited by Scharen. Writing on ‘Epiphanic start with the empirical church as conclusion he draws from this is that rather than empha- Sacramentality’ Claire Watkins and Helen Cameron report it actually is. This does not mean sising criteria for membership the Church of England that not only did volunteers in a Night Shelter programme that sociology sets the agenda or should do more to welcome occasional attenders who are to house and feed homeless people fail to link their work to that there is no normative, theo- often agnostic in their beliefs. the Eucharist, they were also resistant to doing so when a logical foundation. The important In arguing in this way, Billings is contradicting the work link was suggested to them. point is to develop a ‘practical- of those scholars who claim that conservative churches Other research points in the same direction: despite prophetic ecclesiology’ that ‘focus- have grown because they offer their members’ clear encouragement by no less a figure than Benedict XVI, es theological attention upon the beliefs. Christian Smith, for example, has argued that many Christians resist a connection between works of care church’s confused and sometimes American evangelicals have been successful because they and sacramental worship. Why is there not a conversation sinful daily life’. have been ready to engage in dialogue with secular culture between scripture and church teaching on one hand and All of the books under review without surrendering their gospel allegiance. He has practice on the other? One answer could be what is termed adopt the kind of approach Healey described them as ‘embattled and thriving’. ‘the professionalization of theology’ and the feeling it is not recommends. Alan Billings never To support his case Billings offers a good deal of anec- for the likes of us. If this is true, it is a damning indictment mentions the American theologian dotal evidence from newspaper columnists and others. He of much modern theology. but his approach to the Church of does not prove his case but he does highlight a very impor- Paul Richardson The pick of the new Christian books

harles Simeon is one of the great fig- Seriously in which Dr Pack- group may have much to gregation can see how it should shape its ures in English Christianity. A leader er looks at basic Christian teach the Church. This rather own particular mission. Cof the Evangelical Revival in the beliefs and some of the mis- unusual work of contex- Church of England, a noted preacher and taken versions of Christianity tual theology deserves a Vicar of Holy Trinity, Cambridge, he was available today. He defends wide readership. As Ben one of the founders of the Church Mission- the necessity of doctrine, the Bradshaw points out, it ary Society. Today his name lives on in authority of the Bible and the can remind the church Simeon Trustees. A famous series of Sil- historical basis of Christiani- not only of the need to Subscribe to houettes was created of Simeon preaching. ty. He supports an alliance of care for the dispossessed They have not been available for 30 years evangelicals and Anglo- but also of the impor- the print but have now been Catholics in defence of tance of learning from reproduced to accom- the gospel in the Angli- them and asking why edition for pany a short booklet, can Communion and they became homeless Silhouettes and offers a defence of the in the first place. Highly Skeletons, published Anglican Church in North America. recommended. £17.50 by the Lausanne In A Treasury of Prayers (Lion) DLT deserve a word of thanks for Movement in collabo- Mary Jo Joslin offers prayers for reprinting two works by Henri ration with the Sime- every mood and occasion. The Nouwen. In The Return of the on Trustees. The prayers are from the Bible and from Prodigal Nouwen looked at the booklet, edited by the rich Christian tradition and there famous parable of Jesus with the help John Benton, Julia are also some contemporary prayers. of Rembrandt’s famous picture. In Cameron and This is likely to prove a popular collec- Home Tonight we have the lectures Michael Rees, gives a tion and will encourage many to pray. on the Prodigal Son Nouwen gave in brief account of Sime- Let’s Stick Together by Harry Ben- small, private workshops. Exercises on’s life and ministry, son (Lion) offers advice to enable hus- and suggestions for times of solitude a guide to Simeon’s band and wife to stay together when are included. That’s right, you can Cambridge, and faced by the challenge of a new arrival Roger Standing is a Baptist minis- subscribe to the print edition and have it some of his prayers and sayings. And the in the family. A new birth is not always an ter and Deputy Principal of Spur- sent to you by post every week for three skeletons? Simeon recommended drawing occasion for joy. Some families break up geon’s College. In As a Fire By months for just £17.50. up a plan or a skeleton of a sermon as an when a baby arrives. This book could be Burning (SCM) he argues the local Email [email protected] alternative to writing out a full text on the used in marriage preparation or even in congregation is the primary location or telephone 020 7222 8663 one hand, or extempore preaching on the baptism preparation. of mission but rather than a one-size- other hand. Stories from the Street (Ashgate) by fits-all approach, he encourages In addition to the print edition you will also get full access to our A new book from JI Packer is a notable David Nixon contains stories of homeless engagement with context, Scripture, website at www.churchnewspaper.com event. IVP has just published Taking God people and suggests that this marginal prayer, and theology so that each con-

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feed? And life pretty much went on like that for the next couple of years – give or take popping out to work and hav- ing another baby. Babies and children don’t come with a manual and it’s a steep learning curve, but let’s face it – we need pampering too! The Imperfectly Natural Parent has to remain sane in Janey Lee Grace all of this too, you know the saying. ‘You can’t help a child into their life jacket until you are wearing your own.’ On Live Healthy! Live Happy! Mother’s Day we should have been celebrating the very special love of a mother and those of us who are mums should remember when things feel tough ‘This too shall pass’. I added to my friend’s ‘new baby con- grats’ card… It’s a rollercoaster, but it’s a laugh a minute! of how to be the best parent I can be. ‘Imperfect’ is the really important bit of this title. You want to be a wonderful mother, you An Imperfect want to live naturally and for your children to be healthy and happy, but you’re only human and the reality is there are times when the kids are cranky, the telly’s blaring out, you’re shouting like a fish- mother’s day wife and you’re about to resort to junk food and e-numbers. Don’t worry — none of us gets everything right and most of us find that when we become parents we seem to inherit ‘A baby is God’s opinion that the world should go on.’ a new middle name: ‘guilt’. Carl Sandburg A friend of mine has just had her first baby and my card read: ‘What’s been your greatest achievement?’ I was asked ‘Welcome to the glorious world recently. I think the person asking was expecting me to of parenting’. I remember get- say having a number one Amazon best-selling book or ting back from the hospital with perhaps touring the world as a backing singer with my first baby, just three days George Michael and Wham! (Yes, that really is a true old, lying him down in his Factoid). But in fact there was no hesitation in my Moses basket affair and won- answer that becoming a mother is by far the thing I’m dering what to do next. I did- most proud to have achieved in my life. n’t have to wonder for long. I had never intended to have children, I was a busy The baby let me know in no career girl who didn’t ever feel broody and wasn’t even uncertain terms he was hav- aware of the body-clock ticking, but when a scan for a ing none of that ‘lying suspected ovarian cyst showed that I was in fact seven down on his own’ busi- weeks pregnant, I realised that God had other ideas for ness. I quickly picked him me and in that instant knew how desperately I did want up, breastfed again … to become a mother. I’m now blessed with four wonder- wasn’t it only 10 minutes ful children and firmly entrenched in the tricky business previously he’d had a

Across 4 Israelite who performed herculean feats against the Philistines until he PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 840 by Axe 5 Recipients of two letters from Paul was betrayed by his mistress [Judg] (11) (6) 7 Prophet and Old Testament book (4) 5 Divine order (11) 8 Clergy (8) 6 'Ye cannot ----- God and ------' 9 '...Hoshea, who had been Shal- [Matt/KJV] (5…6) maneser's ------and had paid him trib- 12 'Their outcry ------along the border of ute' [2 Kgs/NIV] (6) Moab' [Isa/NIV] (6) 10 'It ------the hills for its pasture and 13 'Standing of the ------of the Levites searches for any green thing' were, Jeshua, Kadmiel...Bani and [Job/NIV] (6) Kenani' [Neh/NIV] (6) 11 '...of lions and lionesses, of ------and 14 To those in Palestine and the Roman darting snakes...' [Isa/NIV] (6) provinces in NT times, a title applied 14 Son of Ham [Gen] (6) to the throne rather than its incum- 16 Village near Bethany from which bent (6) Jesus rode into Jerusalem [Matt; 15 Papal ambassador (6) Mark; Luke] (8) 17 'My ---- will be great among the Solutions to last week’s crossword nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets' [Mal/NIV] (4) Across: 6 Gilboa, 8 Seethe, 9 Shia, 10 Buddhism, 18 Part of Genesis featured in Haydn's 11 The east, 13 Doubt, 15 Cross, 17 landmark oratorio of 1798 (3,8) Blessed, 19 Edomites, 21 Apse, 23 Battle, 24 Anoint. Down Down: 1 Kish, 2 Ablaze, 3 Used, 4 Jethro, 5 Chas- 1 'Because of the present ------, I think uble, 7 Abbess, 12 Herodias, 14 Elisha, that it is good for a man to remain as 16 Semite, 18 Season, 20 Toes, 22 Sins. he is' [1 Cor/NIV] (6) 2 'Every firstborn male in Israel, whether human or ------, is mine' [Num/NIV] (6) 3 Another name for Babylonia in Gene- sis (6) The first correct entry drawn will win a book of the Editor’s choice. Send your entry to Crossword Number 840, The Church of England Newspaper, 14 Great College Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3RX by next Friday SCRIBBLE PAD STAIRLIFTS FROM £995 Name NEW OR REFURBISHED FOR AN INFORMATION PACK CALL Address Telephone FREE on Post Code 0800 007 6959 www.castlecomfortstairlifts.com See our notice on page 11 for Clergy disount Leader & Comment Sunday March 17, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 9 Comment When should the Church The Christian speak out?

Archbishop Welby and the bishops of the Church of England have writ- ten a letter denouncing the rate of increase to family benefits over the next three years, since ‘most financial support for families will increase voice in politics by no more than one per cent, regardless of how much prices rise.’ The letter shows that poorest families will be worst hit by the cap, and clear- ly makes a good case for some alteration of the policy. This letter does the CEN article was “Atheist Nick Clegg discovers reflect a charitable attitude, although the text itself does not mention religion in time for polling day.” any specifically Christian themes or principles of the kingdom, it Throughout, there is a shallowness in the treat- argues from an apparently secular basis, and could easily have been ment of Christianity. In the “debate” on gay mar- written by a LibDem, Labour or liberal Conservative politician. This of Alan riage, the Christian arguments were not even heard course is no criticism of the letter, but it does raise the issue of when or understood, let alone rebutted. It is a long-term such ‘speaking out’ should be triggered. problem. In the 1980s Mike Schluter and others For example, during the last Labour government, when the economy Storkey defended Sunday as substantially a day of rest for was clearly being degraded by massive ‘borrow and spend’ policies, hardworking people and especially the retail trade. should the bishops have ‘spoken out’ at the inevitable damage being It rested on an understanding that the underlying done to the nation’s capacity to create the wealth to sustain the benefits rhythm of life needed a break from commercialism. system? Given that the then Conservative Party opposition was basi- The Conservatives backed the supermarkets and cally going along with Gordon Brown’s policies and failing to propose opened up a credit boom that has destabilised the more cautious alternative strategies, we might think that a ‘speaking economy, and now left us with retail parks, which out’ church should step into the vacuum and suggest lower borrowing are vast and people-sparse. Shop workers have tele- and lower deficits. But a church is not a government and has no real The alarm goes and we wake up. But what is the scopes to find customers and wander home burned financial or economic expertise, and has no electoral mandate. In fact alarm? Perhaps it was the fact that the Chancellor, out through overlong hours. An important argu- the church has but one basis to argue from, that of Jesus Christ, and it George Osborne recently revealed that he thought ment has been ignored under the pressure of Mam- is a great pity that he did not figure in their letter at all. It would have the “sword of Damocles” was a biblical reference. mon. been easy to include him in their letter as the Lord of all reality and Fortunately the Archbishop of Canterbury was This outcome is our fault as Christians. We have humanity, who did go out of his way to care for children – children who there to help him out, but, of course, it suggests the walked away from the public square. We have never also need protection from some of the loonier parts of the state cur- Chancellor is biblically illiterate, a tabula rasa of voted strategically or laid out where we stand at riculum in citizenship and sex lessons. Or again, is the church to speak Christian understanding. elections and other periods, but merely shift out for child protection from sex gangs, indeed do more than speak out He, along with others, would not understand the around a bit from the ways our parents voted. The but implement some kind of places of safety in churches up and down logical impossibility of gay marriage, of recognising result is that there is no Christian understanding of the land? marriage in tax terms, of not selling arms, of the any of the major issues of politics current in public Basically speaking out should also include speaking up for Jesus as meaning of a fair wage for bankers and care work- debate and the faith is relegated to a private option. the source of love and care, and involve church action rather than just ers, of honouring the homes of benefit recipients in Signing the online petition at being a pressure group. Also, should the church not speak out for the Christian terms. He, one truly starving in other continents, notably in the Sudan where govern- could surmise, has never ment forces are attacking civilians militarily, as Baroness Cox has read the Gospels, let alone shown: surely one criterion for church speaking out is the life or death the laws of Moses. Indeed, plight of victims and this being totally ignored? whereas for Mrs Thatcher Our church leaders might have spoken out for the Christian commu- the crucial point about the nities in Syria some time ago, or for the Copts in Egypt facing persecu- Good Samaritan was that he tion and even elimination, why the silence there? Yes the bishops’ was a capitalist and therefore letter is worthy, but we look forward to similar support for the even had the money to help, the more desperate around the globe, and in the name of Jesus Christ. crucial point in current Con- servative benefit policy may be that the Good Samaritan walked by on the other side. The Church of England Newspaper But, it is not just the Con- with Celebrate magazine incorporating The Record and Christian Week servatives. Ed Miliband and Published by Religious Intelligence Ltd. Labour do not seem Chris- Company Number: 3176742 tianly literate either. Publisher: Keith Young MBE Miliband does not believe in God, and I’m sure the Cre- ator can cope with that for a Publishing Director & Editor: CM BLAKELY 020 7222 8004 while, but there is also a failure to understand the https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/We_can_Dis Chief Correspondent: The Rev Canon GEORGE CONGER 00 1 0772 332 2604 evils of mammon, the structure of marriage and arm_the_World would be a start. Reporter: AMARIS COLE 020 7222 8700 other deep Christian values. Labour floats along on The remedy lies in our own hands, but it is not the concoction of values arising from Blair’s com- mere activism that is required, but good, careful Advertising: CHRIS TURNER 020 7222 2018 promise with Thatcherism. Of course, in each party thorough thought about the poor, money and cred- Advertising & Editorial Assistant: PENNY NAIR PRICE 020 7222 2018 there are individual literate Christians who see it, arms and warfare, prison, capitalism, the distri- things differently, but the overwhelming pattern is bution of wealth, governance and democracy. Good Subscriptions & Finance: DELIA ROBINSON 020 7222 8663 of a secularism that is largely ignorant of Christian- biblical principles need bringing into the public Graphic Designer: PETER MAY 020 7222 8700 ity. Neither Labour nor the Conservatives have domain. God’s justice involves no partiality to the remotely addressed British militarism, and other rich, but if you have loads of money, you are in the The acceptance of advertising does not necessarily indicate parties seem similarly ignorant of Christian princi- UK like a shot. If you invest £1 million the UK wel- endorsement. Photographs and other material sent for publication ples. comes you, a visa is easy and you don’t have to join are submitted at the owner’s risk. The Church of England Newspaper So, for example, Nick Clegg, is an atheist, (one is the queue like everyone else. There’s a strict immi- does not accept responsibility for any material lost or damaged. tempted to ask after how much thought and with gration policy for you... God’s ways, as given 4,000 Christian Weekly Newspapers Trustees: Robert Leach (020 8224 5696), what level of discussion or reading.) The Creator years ago to Moses, are more principled than our Lord Carey of Clifton, The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, The Rt Rev Pete Broadbent, does not seem to be suffering an identity crisis at own. Dr Elaine Storkey, The Rev Peter Brown, The Rev Cindy Kent this revelation. Yet, at the same time, Clegg Christians can come together to look for solid declared, in this newspaper, that Christian values party representation, so that we vote for the things The Church of England Newspaper, are central to his policies. Since on most under- in which we really believe and not have their votes Religious Intelligence Ltd standings Christian values flow from the God, who, bought cheaply and shallowly. This next election 14 Great College Street, London, SW1P 3RX Nick Clegg has decided, neither exists nor has there will be massive disaffection for all the major Editorial e-mail: [email protected] been revealed in Jesus Christ, this is a surprising parties. They will merely stand in favour of their Advertising e-mail: [email protected] conclusion. But, apparently, he and we believe in own election, nothing deeper. It is the strategic Subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] fairness. This article appeared shortly before the election of a generation. Where will Christians be in 2010 election. The Daily Telegraph commentary on the public square? Website: www.churchnewspaper.com

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Easter is always a great time of celebration, family and food, and a few days off of work or school are always welcome this time of year! Traditionally associated with new beginnings, this is the perfect time to hear from another student who has completed the National Citizen Service – could this be something you would like to try over the summer? Have a look at our website or visit the NCS site for more details. Being able to eat your body weight in chocolate is another brilliant part of Easter. Before you buy your treats, read the review of The Real Easter Egg below, a great way to spread the news about what Easter is really about. Speaking of food, we have a website that might just change your life – or your dinner time at least. Super- cook allows you to enter the ingredients you have in your cupboard and creates recipes using just the products you have – great for when the student loan is running out or payday seems miles away. As ever, I would love to hear from you at College Street on or @AmarisColeCEN.

Wesbite of the Month Learning citizenship residential was at East Barnby which is located in Whit- by. When we got there we were teamed with another SUPERCOOK WEBSITE: My National Citizen Service (NCS) Experience – Shab- NCS group from Newcastle. When I first met my group SuperCook serves up a website help- nam Shakoor, E-ACT Leeds East Academy members from the Newcastle team I was like ‘they ing students answer the “what’s for Part 1 won’t want to be friends with me’, but surprisingly dinner” question. After typing in a list On the first session to meet my NCS group I was ready enough they did and as a group we had a lot of laughs. of kitchen ingredients, the SuperCook to quit altogether as I felt like a social pariah amongst Out of all the activities we did at East Barnby the recipe search engine finds recipes to my group. All the people seemed so confident com- activity that really was out of my comfort zone was beck make using only the ingredients listed pared to me. Neil, our group leader, convinced me oth- scrambling as we had to go in and out of rocks. Al, our – free of charge. Recipes will divide by erwise. He said that it was only the first session and as session organiser, made us jump of this rock but he Starters, Entrees, and Desserts and the weeks went on I would make friends assured us that he would catch us list any additional items needed on the – what he said came true as I did. as he was at the bottom. The rock side, so you don’t spend time reading Although at first I was fall was very low. I think we were an entire recipe only to find they’re scared of meeting new just more afraid of getting wet on missing a key ingredient. After enter- people, I was scared of our first day than jumping down ing items, the site starts to list “Recom- what I was going to miss to be quite honest. mended items” that will open the out on. As a group we did For me the best part about the doors to more dishes. many team building exer- residential was the time we cises. The one I most spent at the beach as the loca- enjoyed was a skateboard- tion was amazing, it was like a ing session, as this was proper holiday so it felt really when I formed most of my good. Near the last day we had THE EGG TO EAT friendships with the group a camp fire on the beach. It was and with my roomies for something I will never forget. The Real Easter Egg is the first and only both residentials. I formed That was my favourite memo- Fairtrade chocolate Easter egg to friends with three confident, ry, being on the beach – it was explain the Christian understanding of outgoing girls who during calm and cool at the same Easter out of the 80 million chocolate the NCS programme helped time. Easter eggs sold in the UK each year. motivate me with their posi- You can find out what hap- This year’s box contains a free activity tivity for whatever challenge pens next in Shabnam’s NCS pack, including such items as the Easter came my way. This was when experience in a future issue story and a biblical quote from the res- I realised that I was never of College Street. If you are urrection text from Mark found both on going to be alone during NCS, aged 16 or 17 and living in the egg and inside the lid. The Meaning- which at first is what I thought England, you can sign-up to ful Chocolate Company Ltd launched would happen. National Citizen Service and join up to 50,000 other the egg in 2010 and has since donated The next week was the first residential. I felt a little people across England taking on new challenges and £40,000 to the Traidcraft Exchange and anxious about being away from family but I was also adventures, learning new skills and making new friends. other charities. Eggs are made from really excited to kick-start my fun-filled adventure! The Visit to say yes to NCS. 125g of Fairtrade milk chocolate and cost £3.99.

The Oxbridge Battle Boat Facts

Over 180 years of battling and the boating rivalry ment sparked a meeting of CUBC, in which the Uni- Announced ‘Dead-heat’ (an official tie) in 1877, still brings game faces to the rowers and fans. versity of Cambridge “challenged” the University of although the judge said ‘a dead heat by five On its 159th anniversary, Cambridge seems to be Oxford to a race in an eight-oared boat over Easter feet.’ the slight favourite; however, no odds have been vacation. 2003 was the closest race with Oxford released yet. Over the years, it leads 81-76 in victo- While the tradition has remained that it takes winning by one foot. ries. place on the last weekend in March because of the There have been six times that the boats sunk. The course, which follows the Thames from Put- original time of the race, the actual first race was Sir Matthew Pinsent is the most ney Bridge to Mortlake, is a gruelling fast-paced pushed back until 10 June at Henley on Thames accomplished blue racer, who won four four-and-a-quarter mile race. The 17-minute race, with an easy win by Oxford. gold medals following wins for Oxford. which is boasting a crowd of 250,000, will start at Since becoming a set yearly tradition in 1856, the The course record of 16 minutes, 19 seconds 4:30pm. boat race is known as the blues, since both teams was set by Cambridge in 1998. The beginning to a fierce annual tradition began don blue colours. Brits far and wide prepare anx- A women’s race is held the week before on 10 February 1829, when two friends, Charles iously to see the two universities battle in London. (24 March) commencing at 3pm. Wordsworth and Charles Merrivale, decided to The BNY Mellon Boat Race will be held Sunday Seven million UK viewers on average with tens make a wager on a boat race. 31 March, Easter Day and again will be broadcast of millions of viewers worldwide. Both confident in their team’s abilities, the argu- by the BBC.

FREE CEN ONLINE FOR ALL STUDENTS! Email your course details to [email protected]

12 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday March 17, 2013 Register

The Rev Janet Cox, APPOINTMENTS NSM (Assistant Curate), Heart of Eden ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER (Carlisle): has retired with effect from 21 January 2013. New Bishop of Blackburn The Rev Richard Finch, The Ven Julian Henderson, Sunday 17 March. Lent 5. St Patrick’s Day. Psalm 26, Job 40:1-11. Mississippi - (IV, Chaplain and Faith Support Officer, Forest Archdeacon of Dorking; and Hon Canon, The Episcopal Church): The Rt Rev Duncan Gray YMCA; and NSM (Associate Priest), Gidea Guildford Cathedral (Guildford): to be Park (Chelmsford):to resign with effect Bishop of Blackburn (Blackburn). Monday 18 March. Psalm 90:13-17, Job 40:15-24. Missouri - (V, The Episcopal from 12 May 2013. Remaining Chaplain Church): The Rt Rev Wayne Smith; West Missouri: The Rt Rev Martin Field and Faith Support Officer. New Dean of Bradford The Rev David Gilchrist, The Rev Canon Jeremy Lepine, Tuesday 19 March. Psalm 89:46-51, Job 41:1-1. Mityana - (Uganda): The Rt Rev Chaplain, Brentwood School Essex Rector, Wollaton St Leonard; and Area Stephen Kaziimba (Chelmsford): has resigned with effect Dean, Nottingham North Deanery (South- from 31 August 2012. well and Nottingham): to be Dean of Brad- Wednesday 20 March. Psalm 70, Job 41:12-24. Mombasa - (Kenya): The Rt Rev The Rev Canon Dr Barry Goodwin, ford (Bradford). Julius Katio Kalu; Assistant Bishop of Mombasa: The Rt Rev Lawrence Dena Acting Archdeacon of Croydon (South- wark): to resign with effect from 13 March. New Archdeacon of Chelmsford Thursday 21 March. Psalm 80:3-7, Job 41:25-34. Monmouth - (Wales): The Rt Rev He becomes Canon Emeritus upon resig- The Ven David Lowman, Dominic Walker nation. Archdeacon of Southend (Chelmsford): is The Rev Elizabeth Halbert, now Archdeacon of Chelmsford (same dio- Friday 22 March. Psalm 119:169-176, Job 42:1-6. Montana - (VI, The Episcopal NSM, Sefton; and NSM, Thornton and cese). Remaining as Acting Archdeacon of Church): The Rt Rev Charles Franklin Brookhart Crossby (Liverpool): to resign with effect Southend. from 28 April 2013. Saturday 23 March. Psalm: 116, Job 42:7-16. Montreal - (Canada): The Rt Rev Barry The Rev Maureen Harrison, The Rev Lesley Ashton, Bryan Clarke NSM, Sutton Team (Liverpool): to retire Team Vicar, Abbeylands; and Assistant with effect from 1 September 2013. Director of Ordinands (Ripon and Leeds): The Rev Helen Jesty, to be NSM (House for Duty Priest), Foun- Warden, Dovedale House and NSM (Asso- Priest-in-Charge, Great Crosby St Luke Chaplain, Naomi House Hospice Sutton tains Group (same diocese). Remaining ciate Minister), Alstonfield, Butterton, (Liverpool): to be Vicar. Scotney (Winchester): has resigned with Assistant Director of Ordinands. Ilam, Warslow with Elkstone and Wetton The Rev Gillian Stanning, effect from 28 February 2013. The Rev Matthew Askey, (Lichfield): to be NSM (Priest-in-Charge, Assistant Curate, Norley, Crowton and The Rev Christopher Martin, Assistant Curate, (Assistant Priest), Elland House for Duty), Calton, Cauldon, Kingsley (Chester): to be Vicar, Sandbach Chaplain, Lyon (France, Europe): to resign (Wakefield): to be Chaplain, The Minster Grindon, Waterfall and Blore Ray with Heath with Wheelock (same diocese). with effect from 31 July 2013. School Southwell (Southwell and Notting- Okeover (same diocese). Remaining NSM The Rev James Terry, The Rev Jeanette Oates, ham). (Associate Minister). Assistant Curate, Blackburn Christ Church NSM (Assistant Curate), Bridlington Prio- The Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, The Ven John Hall, with St Matthew (Blackburn): to be Vicar, ry (York): to retire with effect from 30 April Bishop of Fulham (London): to be also Retired (Lichfield): to be Assistant Curate Tranmere St Catherine (Chester). 2013. Bishop responsible for Extended Episcopal (Minister-in-Charge), Hanbury, Newbor- The Rev Emma Watson, The Rev Antoinette Smith, Care (same diocese). ough, Rangemore and Tutbury (same dio- NSM (Assistant Curate), Birkenhead Prio- Vicar, Blackmore with Stondon Massey; The Rev Dr Saskia Barnden, cese0. ry (Chester): is now NSM (Assistant and Rural Dean, Ongar Deanery (Chelms- Chaplain, Haberdashers’ Monmouth The Rev Trevor Hodson, Curate), St John the Divine, Frankby with ford): has resigned with effect from 3 School for Girls (Monmouth, Church in NSM (Assistant Curate), Broadheath Greasby (same diocese). March 2013. Remaining Vicar. Wales): is now Chaplain Coordinator, (Chester): is now NSM (Associate Minis- The Rev Graham Weir, The Rev Preb Geoffrey Staton, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice (Birming- ter), Latchford Christ Church (same dio- (Manchester): to be Chaplain, Order of the Assistant Curate (Associate Minister), ham). cese). Holy Paraclete Whitby (York). Abbots Bromley, Blithfield, Colton, Col- The Rev Canon Stephen Boyd, The Rev Andrew Lythall, The Rev Kate Wharton, wich and Great Haywood (Lichfield): to Priest-in-Charge, Orford St Margaret; and Assistant Curate, Stockport St George Priest-in-Charge, Everton St George (Liv- retire with effect from 31 May 2013. Area Dean, Warrington (Liverpool): to be (Chester): to be Vicar, Offerton (same dio- erpool): to be also Area Dean, Liverpool The Rev Jonathan Stott, Vicar. Remaining Area Dean. cese). North Deanery; and Hon Canon, Liverpool Priest-in-Charge, Dovecot (Liverpool): to The Rev Milesius Brandon: The Rev Alexandrina Mann, Cathedral (same diocese). resign with effect from 31 July 2013. is now Assistant Curate (Associate Vicar), Vicar, Hanbury, Newborough, Rangemore The Rev Canon Paul Wilson, The Rev Preb Mark Thomas, Croydon St John (Southwark). and Tutbury (Lichfield): to be Assistant Vicar, Hatfield; and Area Dean, Snaith and Vicar, Shrewsbury St Chad St.Mary and St The Rev James Bridgman, Curate (Interim Minister), Branston (same Hatfield (Sheffield): to be Rector, Warring- Alkmund; and Rural Dean, Shrewsbury Assistant Curate, Heswall (Chester): to be diocese). ton St Elphin (Liverpool). Deanery (Lichfield): to retire with effect Vicar, Timperley (same diocese). The Rev Roberta Maxfield, The Rev Paul Witts, from5 April 2013. The Rev Paskal Clement, NSM (Assistant Curate), Oxley (Lichfield): Vicar, South Elmsall (Wakefield): to be Assistant Curate, Oadby (Leicester): to be to be NSM (Associate Minister), Penn Priest-in-Charge, Crosland Moor and Priest-in-Charge, Leicester Resurrection; (same diocese). Linthwaite (same diocese). LAY & OTHER and Chair, Diocesan Forum for Ethnic The Rev Patricia Jane Parry, The Rev Paul Worledge, APPOINTMENTS Minority Anglicans (same diocese). Vicar, Alderley Edge (Chester): to be also Vicar, Ramsgate St Luke; and Area Dean. The Ven Elwin Cockett, Rural Dean, Knutsford Deanery (same dio- Thanet Deanery (Canterbury): to be also Archdeacon of West Ham (Chelmsford): is cese). Priest-in-Charge, Westgate-on-Sea St Sav- now also Acting Archdeacon of Barking The Rev Andrew Norris, iour (same diocese). Mrs Laura Whitmarsh: (same diocese). Vicar, Hook with Warsash (Portsmouth): to be Pioneer Minister, Bayston Hill (Lich- The Rev Belinda Davies, to be Priest-in-Charge Alverstoke (same field). Assistant Curate, Salisbury St Thomas and diocese). RETIREMENTS & St Edmund (Salisbury): to be Priest-in- The Rev Rhona Passey, RESIGNATIONS Charge, Portsea St George; and Continu- NSM (Assistant Curate), Hugglescote, THE 2013 ing Ministerial Development Officer with Donington, Ellistown and Snibston (Portsmouth). (Leicester): to be NSM (Associate Priest), BIBLE CHALLENGE The Rev John Davis, Broom Leys (same diocese). The Rev John Bannister, NSM (Associate Minister), Stafford; and The Rev Matthew Prior, Rector, Whitehaven (Carlisle): to retire Rural Dean, Stafford Deanery (Lichfield): (Guildford): is now NSM (Assistant with effect from 31 March 2013. to be also Chaplain, Abbots Bromley Curate), Cove St John (same diocese). The Rev Paul Barrow, Day 76: Enjoy hearing the Scriptures School (same diocese). The Rev Philip Robinson, Vicar, Hargrave (Chester): to retire with read aloud in church The Rev Alan Dawson, Priest-in-Charge, Rostherne with Bolling- effect from 30 November 2013. Day 77: Deuteronomy 19-21, Psalm Assistant Curate, Hale and Ashley ton (Chester): is now Vicar. The Rev Geoffrey Breffitt, 59, Luke 17 (Chester): is now Vicar, Neston (same dio- The Rev Kathleen Rogers, Priest-in-Charge, Weston (Chester): to Day 78: Deuteronomy 22-24, Psalm cese). Priest-in-Charge, Thornton and Crosby retire with effect from 31 July 2013. 60, Luke 18 The Rev Selina Deacon, (Liverpool): to be Vicar. The Rev Canon Michael Caddy, Day 79: Deuteronomy 25-27, Psalm Vicar, Studley (Salisbury): is now also The Rev Canon Hilary Clare Sanders, Rector, Salter Street and Shirley; and Chap- 61, Luke 19 Assistant Rural Dean, Bradford Deanery Priest-in-Charge Boulge with Burgh, lain, Mothers’ Union (Birmingham): to Day 80: Deuteronomy 28-30, Psalm (same diocese). Grundisburgh and Hasketon; and Rural retire with effect from 24 May 2013. 62, Luke 20 The Rev John Draycott, Dean, Woodbridge Deanery (St Edmunds- The Ven Annette Cooper, Day 81: Deuteronomy 31-33, Psalm Team Vicar, Parr (Liverpool): to be Rector, bury and Ipswich): is now Rector, Carlford Archdeacon of Colchester (Chelmsford): is 63, Luke 21 East Scarsdale (Derby). (same diocese). Remaining Rural Dean. now also Acting Archdeacon of Stansted Day 82: Deuteronomy 34, Psalm 64, The Rev Arthur Hack, The Rev Canon Peter Spiers, (same diocese). Luke 22

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Anglican Life Sunday March 17, 2013 www.churchnewspaper.com 13 The Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other?

By Margaret Hobbs Bible and a newspaper enough for the Archbishop of Canterbury? What else Justin Welby has been well advised by his should he have tucked under his arm? predecessor for the challenging role he is If this were ‘Desert Island Discs’, what about to take on. But as with all such advice reading material would Justin Welby he will still need to exercise careful choose to accompany his Bible? judgement. For example, what is the balance Writing on behalf of a book between the documents in each hand? Many publisher, you would expect me to of those shouting loudly in the Church of argue for him to be given something England today would claim to be drawing on more substantial than the newspaper. those same publications, but one wonders As an Anglican, I would want to make sometimes whether the newspaper has been a strong case for the Book of Common given precedence when it comes to shaping Prayer. Justin Welby is to be their judgement. enthroned on the date of Thomas For example, the world echoes Scripture Cranmer’s martyrdom, 21 March, and when it demands equal rights and freedom the BCP’s 350th anniversary year has of information, but distorts both when it stimulated a number of publications. exercises them beyond their proper limits, Our own ‘Anglican Foundations’ such as in salacious and intrusive series is designed to help all journalism. If we are God’s people, surely Anglicans to understand what is God’s word should determine our outlook unique about our heritage, what more than whatever is considered politically motivated the people who set it up the correct. And in a fallen world, we should way they did, and what – in this time expect strong echoes of that fallen heritage of upheaval and change – should be in the press. As advised by the originator of held on to. the expression, Karl Barth, we need to be conscious of Another purpose of newspaper reading is to be aware of Change is not necessarily a bad thing, but our concern what is secular in source, and be biblically critical in our what is going on in the world. But do newspapers just is to avoid losing the baby with the bath water. So, there is appraisal. inform of events? Or do they go further to reveal an much to be learned from looking more closely at the Having considered ‘which first?’ between Bible and interpretation of those events? A third alternative is that Book of Common Prayer - whether it is the overall call to newspaper, we could go on to ask, ‘which newspaper?’. they can actually change the interpretation and outcome The ‘Very Pure Word of God’ (title of a study by Peter The answer depends on the purpose of reading the of events. I expect all newspaper journalists would (openly Adam), or unpacking the purpose of Morning and newspaper. Is it just to be on an equal footing with the rest or otherwise) agree that their aim in writing is to shape Evening Prayer to build up the Dearly Beloved (a study by of the public, to have access to the same information and the ideas and outlook of the reader. Let’s not get Mark Burkill), or understanding the value of the calendar, so to empathise? If the reader’s goal is to understand the embroiled in a discussion of the benefits or weaknesses of collects and lectionary as they flow Day By Day (a study people to whom he is ministering and the world in which particular newspaper publishers. Suffice it to say, a part of by Benjamin Sargent). they live, the answer could be ‘read all of them’. Someone the critical appraisal referred to above has to be an At risk of over-burdening his hands as he juggles Bible with a background in business might want to adjust that awareness of the existence of this underlying agenda, and and newspaper, I could at least recommend these booklets with a ‘weighted basket’ in proportion to their readership, an evaluation of what is read against the litmus test of and Thomas Cranmer’s inspiring source document to the or even market-directed as ‘local to the congregation’. You God’s standards. That way, the reader will be able to Archbishop-elect’s bedside table. can almost hear the Archbishop gasping as he disappears correct imbalances or errors, as well as to empathise. under a mountain of paper! My final question is ‘What next?’ - in other words, is the Margaret Hobbs is Business Manager of The Latimer Trust Taking Soundings on Baptism By Clifford Owen existing baptismal practice would impel us smouldering wick may fan into flame in the faith response are coming together again to disturbing and unpopular action that we future. More seriously has come the recog- at last. It was Cambridge in the spring of 1963. have found it easy to pass by on the other nition that coming to Christian faith is a I mentioned above Vidler’s Soundings. The Cam had barely thawed out from the side?’ growth rather than a one-off decisive That collection of essays was written in a great winter freeze-up of that year. A friend Vidler went on to admit that in his moment (but it has to begin somewhere, climate of radical scepticism, when the came into my college rooms telling me that parochial days his conscience was uneasy sometime!) The response to this has been foundations of the faith were again blurred I must ‘read this book’. He was searching on the matter of baptismal discipline (and a whole liturgical exercise recognising ini- or thought to be non-existent. In universi- seriously to find the truth of the Christian he was very much a professing Anglo- tiation as a process, which has found its ties, secularisation, agnosticism and many Faith and had put Soundings, edited by the Catholic in those days) way into Common Worship Initiation Serv- other isms run decades ahead of society in then Dean of Kings, Alec Vidler, under my It is possible to trace a thread of bap- ices. general, who despite its misty residual nose. ‘You must read this’, he said. ‘This is tismal concern from the Second World War But I maintain that there is a third factor belief still wanted its babies baptised with- where the discussion is at’. onwards via the Baptismal Reform Move- most obviously at work: growing secularity out too much thought. I too was trying to think my way back to ment and ourselves, Baptismal Integrity. of society; which cannot be far off comple- Now 50 years later in 2013 I have just fin- faith, but I had already been half-captured There have always been a few names of tion. As practising Christians now number ished reading Vidler’s, Scenes from a Cler- by Caius Christian Union, who advised me higher profile, such as Colin Buchanan. a small percentage of the population, we ical Life, his autobiography. In it I found a that I should keep away from books by Col- But the general movement has been much may be witnessing a seepage into popular thoroughly likeable human being; a radical lege Deans! All I needed was the Bible and wider than a few individuals crying in the culture of the fact that baptism really does but with an unswerving centre line of the company of good sound evangelical wilderness. I am continually discovering require belonging. Now that the ‘granny Christian orthodoxy; a bit of a rebel, a moti- students and my soul would be safe! people who are sympathetic to baptismal factor’ is fast disappearing, becoming vator and mentor for ordinands in particu- But in 1988 Vidler’s name came up again. reform and there are many ‘secret disci- involved with church now requires an opt- lar, with no small parochial experience. I had gone to St Deiniol’s Library, Hawar- ples’ in rather than opt-out. It may be that the What impressed me most was that he den, to read up on infant baptism; its ori- My personal opinion is that the concerns baptismal landscape is indeed changing. clearly, ‘walked the talk’. I can see now why gins, history, theology, and current C of E of parochial baptismal discipline, The logical outcome of this secular drift the man who wrote in Theology back in pastoral discipline. Totally by chance I expressed by Vidler in 1940 have been is that baptism can then really become 1940 about infant baptismal discipline was stumbled across an article in a back num- responded to in a variety of ways, but the what it seems to have become for an clearly asking for something to be done. ber of Theology written in July 1940 enti- responses have come down two distinct increasing number, a joyous step forward Was it Vidler who inspired the naissance of tled ‘Baptismal Disgrace’. It was by Alec channels. into the freedom and new life that Christ the original post War Baptismal Reform Vidler! He noted that there was a malaise The first has been the widespread recog- offers to his disciples. There is also much Movement? Let’s keep on taking sound- surrounding the study of baptism. He nition of the phenomenon of ‘believing but evidence that many more parishes are ings! asked: ‘Is then the neglect of the subject to not belonging’. This may be a statement implementing sensible and sensitive bap- The Revd Dr Clifford Owen has recently be accounted for …because the elucidation about ‘residual or folk religion’ but tends to tismal policies. All these things taken retired from the Diocese in Europe. He is of theological principle with regard to our justify baptising all on request because the together mean that gospel, sacrament and Chair of Baptismal Integrity 14 www.churchnewspaper.com Sunday March 17, 2013 Feature Proverbs that retain Wine of their message today the Week Bellota Tempranillo 2011 By Henry Whyte Marks & Spencer £5.99

ife is complex. In personal, local, Shopping in my local Marks & national and international relationships Spencer, I was drawn to the Meal for Lsituations arise in which it can be hard Two at £10 offer. A main course, a side to find the best way forward. Countless dish, a dessert and a bottle of wine, questions and issues come up with conflict- down from what they’d cost individu- ing claims, arguments and counter-argu- ally which would be £16.95. The wine ments. “expertly bottled” by M & S had a The Bible is not a book that provides back label glowing with its praise. instant solutions to the many dilemmas “Polished, succulent… enticing fruit... which life can bring in situations such as the elegant… soft-textured.” The grape breakdown in family or other relationships. was that good Spaniard, Tempranillo. It does however point to the importance of So, a treat was expected. I struggled God-given wisdom as a means whereby the with its tight screw-top: the usual rem- best way ahead can be discerned and trav- edy, placing that under a warm tap a elled, even though it will not be perfect in minute or so, released it. Deep red in every respect. Such wisdom is much need- the glass, the nose gave out good ed in the struggling, suffering and divided savoury notes. But, oh, what followed world in which we live. was a shock, an aggressive, mouth- There is a considerable amount of wisdom curling dryness, no fruit, a bitterness, literature in the Old Testament. The Book of utterly unenjoyable. Clearly, a faulty Proverbs says that the fear of the Lord is the bottle. Obviously, not “corked”, but beginning of true wisdom. So such wisdom common good. wisdom. there are other caus- is not human cleverness that is divorced The current controversies about women Another means by which wisdom is es which make a wine from the divine; its source is in God himself. bishops and same-sex relationships are just acquired is prayer and the Letter of James undrinkable. Back to Indeed the picture is used of wisdom as a two matters which cry out for wisdom, both encourages those who are aware that they M & S, where without person who was involved with the Almighty in the necessary processes and also in the need it to pray for this gift and for its question I was given in the creation of the world. It is not surpris- far-reaching decisions yet to be made. But increase. Wisdom and humility belong another. Though by ing that in the New Testament Jesus Christ so also do a million other matters, many of together and prayer for them is one way of no means deserving is described as the Wisdom of God. which are literally those of life and death, acknowledging to God that there is still the extravagant Wisdom means a growing understanding such as the ongoing slaughter in Syria and much more to be learnt and received. descriptions above, it and insight into the purposes of God and is continuing poverty, hunger and ill-health in With the astonishing developments in passed muster. A practical in its outworking. In the hundreds many countries of the world. It all means worldwide communications the demands on lesson support- of proverbs, composed by Solomon and oth- that part of wisdom is discerning which mat- those in positions of leadership in govern- ing the adage: ers, there are many about family life, the ters will have priority. Another part will be ment and in other areas of life continue to “There’s no world of business and public affairs, kings the readiness to accept that one person’s increase. News from all four corners of the such thing as a and rulers, integrity and justice, rich and decisions about this will not necessarily be world now travels to this country in less good wine, only poor, hard work and laziness, hopes and the same as those of other people. than a second. The desire for instant solu- a good bottle of fears. Wisdom and folly are contrasted as The wisdom teaching of the Bible, spoken tions to complex problems, not least in the wine”. Remem- are the actions of the righteous and the before being written down, indicates that media, seems insatiable. The new Archbish- ber that in law, wicked. The power of the tongue for good or God-given perception and practical insight op of Canterbury is no doubt already carry- goods must be evil is a major theme. are developed through listening and ing burdens of quite unrealistic of “mer- In the New Testament the effects of God- responding to his Word. At the time of one expectations of him. He and many others in chantable quali- given wisdom are compared with those that of his evangelistic missions in London, Billy positions of leadership in the church, in gov- ty”, and come from its counterfeit, which is Graham said that he read a chapter of the ernment and elsewhere will need much retailers will described as earthly and unspiritual. The Book of Proverbs every day. However it is patient wisdom in these coming years. either replace latter leads to disorder while the former is not only in the Scriptures that wisdom is Perhaps one of the best things that Chris- or refund. pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, found and Proverbs tells us that one way a tians can do is to pray in an ongoing way for merciful, impartial and sincere. It produces lazy person can gain wisdom is by studying an increase in God given wisdom, first of all Graham a harvest of goodness. A harvest takes time the purposeful activity of ants! The boy for themselves and then for others. It is not Gendall Norton to grow and the effects of wisdom are not so Jesus listened to teachers in the temple and for nothing that the Bible speaks of wisdom much to be seen in the short term as in their asked questions of them. We are then told as being more valuable than the most pre- longer term and beneficial outcomes for the that he grew not only in stature but also in cious jewels.

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What does it mean to have a biblical spiri- ence we want to live and from this springs tuality? This is a vital question in a mass Christian spirituality that cannot be any- market of alternative spiritualities that THE SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR thing other than marked by both suffering appear to have so much appeal for people and resurrection. today. Paul also gives us the language of adop- For spirituality to be biblical it must be By the Rev Dr Liz Hoare tion to help us in learning more of our rela- rooted in the Bible. The word itself of tionship to God. This complements the course does not occur in scripture but this resurrection theme: ‘And because you are doesn’t mean we can’t use it confidently as Bible teaches us the foundations of our many examples of men and women who sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his long as we understand what we mean by it. faith and directs our way of life as Chris- have walked with God in this way in the son into our hearts crying Abba, Father,’ Biblical spirituality is spirituality that has tians and leave it at that, but anyone who past and it gives us a language and a treas- (Gal 4:6). The Spirit has so many roles in its origins in scripture and provides us with can claim to have met the risen Lord Jesus ury of imagery with which to describe our the practice of our spirituality: as guide and information on which to build our practice surely would not want to leave it at that. It experience. teacher, helper, convicter of sin and so on. of the faith today. But it is far more than is through the reading of scripture: St Paul, for example, gives us the lan- We all have our favourite passages to that. through studying it and meditating on it guage of resurrection to describe the new which we return to be challenged, comfort- Biblical spirituality is spirituality that that we encounter Jesus himself through life that we receive from God and what it is ed, encouraged and inspired. But we have continues to be nourished and challenged the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Thus scripture like to live that life. He also tell us how he to take the whole of scripture as the basis by biblical principles and themes. The takes us straight to the goal of Christian longs to know ‘Christ and the power of his for Christian spirituality and keep return- Bible is the document of the believing com- spirituality, which is to meet with God in resurrection and the fellowship of sharing ing to it as its source and inspiration. I munity and it is as members of that com- the depths of our being and to be trans- in his sufferings becoming like him in his haven’t mentioned the spirituality of the munity that our spirituality is shaped and formed by that meeting. death.’ This is a reminder of the kind of Old Testament and there are riches here developed. We might simply say that the Furthermore, scripture shows us so God we are longing for and in whose pres- too to be explored another time.

SUNDAYSUNDAY SERVICESERVICE Sunday Readings for 24 March 2013 Preparing for Palm Sunday - Year C Luke 19:28-40 Isaiah 50:4-9a Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 22:14 – 23:56 a marathon A triumphal procession is an opportunity for a great general or a ruler to d emonstrate their military might, such as the May Day Parade in Red Square in Moscow, or to cele- brate a particular victory or the end of a war. But when the Messiah arrived at the entry to Jerusalem, he did not appear at the head of an army. There was no booty to show off Bob Mayo to the citizens, or captured kings. Contrary to all expectations, what the people of the city saw was a prophetic parody - a humble preacher mounted not on a fine horse, but on a colt, who came to declare war not upon the Roman occupiers of the city, but upon My saga of marathon running in the Mid- sin and death. Nevertheless they re joiced as they saw him arrive, and began to see the dle East continues. I had been due to run in scriptures fulfilled, amid traditional cries from Psalm 118:26, “blessed is he who comes the Gaza marathon until it was cancelled in the name of the Lord!” because of the Hamas’ refusal to let women For the prophets had foretold such a Messiah: one who was a servant, who came not run. It had promised to be a gala occasion to ru le by force of arms, but to suffer. Popular sentiment desire d a warrior-king, and a with 1,000 children running the route in great victory. The Pharisees and the temple authorities all hoped that the Messiah 1km sections but now will not happen. would re inforce their interpretations of the law. As usual, the human imagination is There is a double subjugation for women. quick to make God conform to our own likeness and image. But the servant of God is to However hard it may be being a woman in be the victim of our inhumanity, destined to be re jected and re viled on his way to the a traditional Muslim society social condi- unjust sentence which awaits him. But it is God, not human tribunals, who is to be our tions in Gaza are made significantly worse judge, and it is his verdict, and his alone matters. Whatever violence is inflicted upon by the Israeli blockade. him, his faith in God re mains unbroken, sustaining him throughout his ordeal, through I have had £1,200 pledged on my Just scourg ing, and nailing, and death on the Cross. God will vindicate him, as the scripture s Giving account and so need to find another say that he will, on the third day following. occasion to run in order to keep faith with Paul spells it out for us in his moving verses in Philippians, where he urges the my sponsors. I have been offered the church to take to heart the example of humility shown to us by Jesus, who had every chance to run in either Brighton or North right to the glory which was his in heaven but chose instead to relinquish his divinity Devon both of who know the circum- and instead to embrace the mortality which is ours, for our salvation as sinners. By his stances of the Gaza marathon being can- complete surrender of self in obedience to the Father, and by pouring himself out as a celled and are happy to see me entered. its own sake. It is this makes marathon run- unique offering and sacrifice on the Cross, he has secured a victory and a name which I have elected instead to run my replace- ning both non-violent and revolutionary. is above all names, as the King before whom every knee should bend, for Jesus the ment marathon in Bethlehem. A group After my 6am run and for the rest of the Messiah is declare d Lord of all. called ‘A Right to Movement’ is organizing day I am accountable to others. I answer When we hear the long re ading of the Passion on Palm Sunday we are taken in heart the marathon emails, wait for meetings and return phone and in mind to share in the events which are described for us. At first we look upon it all (www.righttomovement.com.). The UN calls. I am a part of a complex set of inter- from outside, distant events in a distant time. Soon we identify with the cheering crowd, was organizing the Gaza marathon. This is locking social relationships. I go shopping, welcoming Jesus to our city, hoping that he will be the one to defeat our enemies for us, the Palestine Marathon. There is nowhere driving and put out the rubbish, all of the failing to re cognise that it is for our sins that he has come to die. It is not only the tem- that a Palestinian can go for 26 miles with- time dependant on other people. I appreci- ple authorities and the Roman governor who bear responsibility for his unjust condem- out going through a check point and so ate the political freedom I have in the UK. nation and cruel death, but everyone in the city, from his disciples who abandon him, to marathon running becomes a politically When this social reality becomes oppres- Judas who betrays him, to all who acclaimed him just days before with their Hosannas subversive activity. The right to movement sive, as it is for the Palestinians in the Mid- and their palm branches. We are all guilty of the blood of this innocent victim, the blood is stipulated in Article 13 of the UN Human dle East, marathon running becomes an which God uses to purify us and to seal the new covenant of salvation. It is indeed a Rights Charter as a basic human right: expression of freedom and intent. It is a Good Friday for us, for it is the day when the power of God even in defeat and death, “Everyone has the right to freedom of determination to live in a particular way according to our human understanding, confronts the evil manifested in the greatest of movement”. The Palestinians do not have that involves freedom exuberance and cele- all the crimes we have committed, and turn s the Cross into the very means of our this freedom and so they are organizing a bration of life. I already know this freedom redemption. marathon to be able to do so. in Christ who disarmed the powers and The Rev Stephen Trott Marathon running is rebellious because authorities and made a public spectacle of it ignores the power of convention. When I them, triumphing over them by the cross HYMN SELECTION run through the streets at 6am on a cold (Col 2:15). It is this knowledge that has per- winter’s morning the city belongs to me. I suaded me to run in Bethlehem. I am Hymns for Palm Sunday don’t have to share the streets with other speaking at a conference the day before. I All glory, laud and honour people, as I will have to do later on in the fly out from London at 22.30, arrive in Ride on, ride on in majesty day. I run approximately 20 miles a week Jerusalem at 05.30 and run the marathon at Come, my Wa y, my Truth, my Life and so over the eight years that I have been 08.00. Jesus shall take the highest honour in my current parish I have run over 6,000 My song is love unknown miles. When I run I am not running to get The Rev Dr Bob Mayo is the vicar of St An upper room did our Lord prepare somewhere or to achieve something. I am Stephen and St Thomas Shepherds Bush Stay with me running simply to be able to do so. The with St Michael and St George White City – O sacred head, sore wounded point of a marathon is the movement not (website) www.ststephensw12.org - (twitter) Jesus, remember me the finish; it is the being there not the get- @RevBobMayo www.justgiving.com/Bob- When I surv ey the wondrous Cross ting there. It is something that is done for Mayo-Gaza-marathon Milestones

The deadline to make a written submission to the Public Bill Committee considering the Gov- ernment’s Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill was Tuesday, with many Christian groups that sup- port the traditional definition of marriage urging campaigners to write to their MP or the Prime Minister to make their views known ... Represen- tatives from relevant charities, Christian church- es, and a number of Muslim organisations came together in London last month to explore areas of cooperation between Muslims and Christians who want to support Christian-Muslim cou- ples... A new visitor guide to more than 120 his- toric North East churches is launches at St Nicholas’ Cathedral, Newcastle-upon-Tyne on Thursday... New statistics for 2012 show that the number of young people (under the age of 30)

accepted for training for the Church of England sacramental and communal while allow- ministry last year was 113, 22 per cent of the total ing for diversity. Now in his 80s, Bellah - highest number in the past 20 years... The PAUL deserves to be recognised as one of the Church of England is supporting the strong Anglican Communion’s profoundest stance taken by the Office of Fair Trading in giv- RICHARDSON thinkers. ing the leading 50 payday lenders 12 weeks to He ends his essay ‘Max Weber and change their business practices or risk losing

World-Denying Love’, on which the first their licenses... The conclave to choose the next Church and World part of this column is based, with a warn- Pope began on 15 March... ing that the welfare state is under attack on the grounds that we can no longer afford it because of what are seen as the ‘pressures of the global economy’. Bellah describes globalisation as ‘the ‘world The Church and dominion of unbrotherliness if ever there ‘ was one’. Bellah’s reminder of the role Christiani- ty played in the creation of the welfare state and his warnings of contemporary the welfare debate threats to its existence ought not to be ignored. In Britain it was Archbishop Max Weber is famous for his much- William Temple who coined the phrase debated thesis on the link between ‘welfare state’ and in European countries Puritanism and the rise of capitalism. Christian Democrats allied with Social But the full implications of the link he Democrats to set up welfare systems. Bel- One of our young people tried to trace are not always under- lah has suggested that the existence of said to me the other day stood. In particular, it must not be for- state churches and established churches when we have lost gotten that Weber was no fan of may have helped prepare the way by indi- everything Jesus is all we capitalism. cating that the state had a wide range of have left. In his account of the evolution of responsibilities. religion he regarded the emergence Tough economic times do call for hard Canon Andrew White, of prophetic religion out of what he decisions. The shape of the welfare state Vicar of Baghdad described as ‘magic’ as a key develop- may have to change. Tony Blair was right ment. With prophetic religion the to see the need for reform. Private provi- ethic of brotherliness arrives on the sion of public services free at the point of scene and the idea begins to form that use is not wrong in principle although it within the group those with wealth may not always have the advantages People and status have a duty to help the claimed for it. Means testing may some- needy. According to Weber, euphoria times be appropriate, although we must induced by close communion with not lose sight of the advantage of univer- The Bishop of Doncaster, Peter Burrows, God led to what he termed ‘world- sal provision in fostering solidarity and a attended the Yorkshire Main Miners Commemo- denying love’, which moved beyond a sense that everyone has a stake in the ‘rative Service at Edlington Colliery to remember concern for other members of the clan welfare state. A recovery of a greater ele- the 133 miners who lost their lives at the Col- to a feeling of universal benevolence. ment of social insurance so that people liery... The Rev Dr Jill Duff is to be the Director Weber cites three figures as signifi- feel they have contributed towards their for St Mellitus NW (St Aidan’s Centre), it was cant: Buddha, Christ and St Francis. benefits would be all to the good and opin- announced this week. With experience in parish, Critics have argued that if these teach- Max Weber ion polls show this is popular. pioneer and training roles in Liverpool, she will ers did help religion to overcome But the churches need to combat the become the first Director of this dynamic new boundaries of kinship it often replaced growing sense that those who are living partnership, after being research scientist and them with new boundaries but the Not surprisingly Weber’s announce- on benefits are somehow shirkers and manager in the oil industry prior to ordination... emphasis on universal love cannot be ment of the end of world-denying love scroungers. There are some people who denied even if it was not always put has given rise to a good deal of argu- fit this picture but Government statistics into practice. ment. Jurgen Habermas sees the reli- suggest they constitute only 0.7 per cent Next Week’s News The radical implications in what gious ethic of brotherliness living on, of the total. Karl Jasper termed the ‘axial religions’ in altered form, in the universal ethic Misconceptions about the welfare state were always present even if they were of human rights shaped by the teach- are numerous. How many people know The Scottish government’s consultation on same- modified in various ways by what ing of the Enlightenment and especial- that an unemployed couple with jobseek- sex marriage closes 20 March... The same day Weber described as ‘the organic social ly by Immanuel Kant. er’s allowance receive only £111.45 a sees the International Day of Happiness take ethic’. Change came with the arrival of But the American sociologist Robert week? Or that only three per cent of the place... The Enthronement of the Archbishop of capitalism and the market economy. In Bellah has suggested that we can see total welfare budget goes to the unem- Canterbury will take place on Thursday 21 March this system, abstract laws regulated something of the ethic of the brotherly ployed? at Canterbury Cathedral and can be watched on economic activity, not the personal love embodied in impersonal and In any welfare system there is bound to BBC Two, which will be showing the ceremony relations between master and servant. bureaucratic structures in the welfare be an element of redistribution from the live with Huw Edwards, while BBC Radio 4 will be “Puritanism,” Weber wrote, states of Western Europe. It might rich to the poor. Universal benefits and a live with Jim Naughtie... World Water Day is “renounced the universalism of love seem strange that an American should revival of the idea of insurance are impor- marked on 22 March and the United Nations are and routinized all work in this world make this point but Bellah is no con- tant means of retaining support for the holding a number of international events to help into serving God’s will and testing ventional American. A strong commu- welfare state but in the long run it is the their water project to manage freshwater one’s state of grace... Puritanism nitarian, he was regarded as a Marxist ethic of universal love that is important. resources... On Sunday 24 March at 2pm the accepted the routinization of the eco- as a young lecturer at Harvard but That ethic is coming under threat as West- French campaign group La Manif pour Tous is nomic cosmos, which, with the whole later in life became an active member ern European nations become more holding a demonstration in Trafalgar Square world it devalued as creatural and of the Episcopal Church, seeing in diverse. Churches should speak up in its against same-sex marriage, calling on UK sup- depraved.” Anglicanism a faith that was both support. porters of the campaign to join them...

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