THE CHURCHOF ENGLAND Newspaper Bombing ISIS in Syria: 11.12.15 £1.50 has the case No: 6309 been made?

AVAILABLEONNEWSSTAND p9 Christian groups unconvinced

WHILE Christian groups welcomed some of the find- “Perhaps the incoherence was unintended, but the Theology and Community and one of the Commission- ingsbofythe Commissionneon Religionwand Belief,‘Cthereooutcomemeffectivelymmakesisareligionsiof ohavingnno-reli-’ ersrof theereporpt, commented:ort“The reality must be was ageneral resistance to its recommendations this gion-in-particular,and the effects of that areworrying. faced:nominal Christianity is in decline, and this may week. “It is naïve to believe that anew set offundamental be no bad thing. For the reportalso highlights the role Dr David Landrum, director of advocacy at the Evan- values to underpin public life can be determined merely of faithinchallenging the status quo. gelical Alliance, welcomed the call for the government by pooling the ethical aspirations of all faith and ethical “Wemay have fewer nominal adherents, but thereis to acknowledge and embrace authentic plurality, traditions in the nation,” she said. plenty of evidence the Spirit is at work forming new dis- though he said that some suggestions, particularly in The Religious Education Council of England and ciples –those who seekthe welfare of the earthly city, relation to education, could be interpreted as reflecting Wales (REC) and the National Association of Teachers even as they best witness to their eternal hope,” he adistinctly secular perspective and need clarifying, of Religious Education (NATRE) said they were said. “Thereisnosuch thing as secular neutrality.It’s a delighted that the reportcelebrates the role that reli- Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Con- myth,” he said. gious education plays in preparing pupils for life in cern, said: “The report’s response sets us offinentirely “Calls for a‘new Magna Carta’ to reflect the diversity ModernBritain. the wrong direction. of the UK arelaudable, but it’s important to remember “It is important that the reportisso clear in empha- “In spite of the name, we should not confuse this com- that the Magna Carta, as abasis for human rights, was sising the essential natureofreligious education as the mission with apublic or royal commission. It has been strongly informed by biblical principles,” he added. ‘best and earliest chance of breaking down ignorance appointed by aprivatebody and its conclusions arenot Lapido Media –who contributed to the report—said and developing individuals who will be receptive of the all that surprising, given its make-up. they weredisappointed with some of the recommenda- other,and ask difficult questions without fear of offend- “The reportisright to recognise the enduring signifi- tions. ing’, and we applaud the report’s recognition thatgood cance of religion. Contrarytothe shrill claims of some Dr Jenny Taylor,Lapido Media’s CEO, said: “This religious education is ‘vital …for afairer,morecohe- secularists, religion is not going away.” reportmerely continues the half-century-long war of sive society’.” She said that the reportsuggests ‘we need morereli- attrition against the Christian character of the country. The chief executive of the Religious Education Coun- gion in public life but less Christianity’. “By effectively saying that the public space is ‘plural- cil for England and Wales, Rudolf Eliott Lockhart, wel- “It fails to recognise thebenefit and coherency that ist’, it further privatises any one expression of faithas comed the call for religious education. Christianity brings to our past, present and future. true. “For too long religious education has been treated as Who is it thatreally wants to diminish Christianity’s ‘The reportmakes no attempt to acknowledge or aCinderella subject. Toooften it is under-resourced place inour national life?” she asked. appreciate the debt the nation’s public life owes to and squeezed in the timetable.” Christianity. Canon Dr Angus Ritchie, director of the Centrefor Report: page 4

Joanna Lumley helps Churches trust JOANNA LUMLEY announcedthe winner of theNational Churches Trust ‘Save our Spires’ photographycompetition last week. The winner was a photographofStPeter’s Church in Oundle, Northants, takenbyWilliam Gunson, aDeputyHouse Master at Oundle School. Speaking to Friends of the National Churches Trust, the actress also told the storyofStMaryleStrand. Sherevealed that the church, whichwill formacentral partofLondon’s new North Bankquarter,needs to raise over £4 million to make it as good as new. Shesaid that vicar,FrPhillip Chester has taken her onaprivate tour of the crypt, which contains the remains of former parishioners and which will be excavated when the church is updated. Plans for thechurch include pedestrianisation of partofthe Strand, and rescuing grade I-listed St Mary le Strand from exile on atraffic island.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 2 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday December 11, 2015 THE CHURCH IN ENGLAND

Diocese of Lichfield THE AGeorgian Christmas Market will commemorate Erasmus Darwin’s birthday. As partofthe event, EllieWheeler,the current Lichfield Bower Queen, will begin the celebrations for DIARY Erasmus Darwin’s birthday by cutting the cake. The Cathedral close and Erasmus Darwin House will Send your events to be the location for the celebrations tomorrow (Saturday [email protected] 12 December,9am-4pm),and will provide visitorswith or Tw eet@churchnewspaper an opportunity to enjoy some Christmas shopping and festive activities for all the family. Tracy Newton, newly appointed manager at Erasmus DarwinHouse, said she was happy to be celebrating Dr Darwin’s 284th birthday with festive cheer in The 11 December Close. 7pm ‘The Grinchwho nearly stole Christmas’ - Schools Singing Programme. Liverpool DioceseofDurham Diocese of Guildford Cathedral. Santa Claus, the Grinch, 300 musi- cal elves, 30 dancing elves, illusions, plus a Durham Diocese now has an Morethan £1,000 has been raised at the University of Surrey’s wholehost of fantastic Christmas musicpro- officialchannel on theApple Christmas Carol Service to help child refugees. University of Surrey vided by live band. Tickets £2. News service. chaplains of various Christian denominations werealso present to 7.30pmNight of a Thousand Voices. ChristianAAid Readerscan now subscribe on address the congregation. hosts their annual Christmas celebration at their Apple iOS platform The exact total raised for UNICEF from the retiring collection was Exeter Cathedral. Free, donations welcomed. meaning that they can get £1,148.41. 7.30pmSanktaLucia - AFestival ofLight, An atmos- access to news from the Church The Rev Andrew Bishop said: “These journeys of flight from war, pheric, candlelit procession and carol service of England in theDiocese of terrorand murder arenot how we want to, or should, live.” for all the family. YorkMinster, free. Durham ontheir iPhone. Keith Blundy, Diocese of Leicester Communications Adviser for the 12 December Diocese, said: “Ifweare going One Roof Leicester is launching an appeal to provide emergency to have apresence in every accommodationfor those homeless people who areineligible for 3pmChristmas Praise, All Souls, Langham Place, community,whichiswhat the benefits, excluded from homeless housingorwithout any other London WC1. TamsinGreig is joined by West Church ofEngland is all about, supportnetwork. End Has Faith and the All Souls Orchestra. then we need to use every Alongside the accommodation they hopetoprovide supportand a Tickets £12.50/£16.50. Other seats soldout. opportunity to spread our news daily hot meal. They will work in partnership with other homeless Alsoat7pm as widely as possible. Doing this services and health careprofessionals to ensurethat they identify 6pm SanctaLucia ‘Festival of Light’ Service, Liver- online via emerging digital each person’s needs and develop long-termsolutions. pool Cathedral. Tickets from£12. channels such theApple News To runthis emergency accommodation project they need to raise 7pmAGospel Christmas, City Temple, Holborn service is really important.” £15,000 with which they can provide emergency beds throughout the Viaduct, London, EC1A 2DE. Donations at Also in Durham, the city year. the Christian Aid event, aimedat preventing centrewas transformed forthe Duringthe past year ORL has provided over 1,000 nights of malaria inNigeria, will be aid-matched and Durham CityNativityon emergency accommodation forclients who otherwise would have doubled by the UK government. Thursday. found themselves sleeping on the streets. However,they are‘deeply 7pm Handel’s Messiah performed by the York Among the attractions were concerned’ about the numberofpeople who will be sleeping rough Minster Choir. The celebratedand popular the wise men arriving on during thecold winter months. oratorio, performedbythe YorkMinster camels, an angel at theTown The Rev Helen Hayes, whoruns socialand singing time for the Choir. YorkMinster, tickets from £12. Hall and King Herod’ssleep homeless and vulnerable, says the work of One Roof Leicester is vital. being disturbed abovethe “While the Church and others havebeen able to give us buildings to NatWest bank. be homes for homeless people, the need for emergency 13 December accommodation is desperate.” 10.30amCarol Service thenChristmas Market, Christ Church, Lille, France 6pm Scars and Straw, adramaonthe nativity story Diocese of Manchester from theviewpoint of amodern-day Isaiah – played by London actor Luke Waldock, St Children at St Peter’s CE Primary School Philipand St James Church, Bath, free. in Rochdale celebrated their efforts in 11amChristingle Service, BirminghamCathedral, supporting aschool for orphaned children free. in Africa. 2pm The Exeter Nativity. Afamilyfriendly Tiyamike Mulungu, which is Chichewa retelling of the Christmas Story, withChrist- for “Let us give thanks to God”,ishome to mas Carols at Exeter Cathedral. Free 115 children in asmall village in Malawi. St Peter’s CE school has been supporting the Centre’s provision for education by 17 December donatingapproximately 500 school jumpers, 180 classroom tables, 60 12.30pm Out and About: The girl choristers of classroom chairs and over 1000 books, DurhamCathedral Choir give afundraising following their recent refurbishment and concert inaidofthe St George’s Crypt Christ- uniformchange. mas Appeal, whichprovides supportfor the Mr Aelred Whelan, the headteacher, homeless. St George’s Crypt, Leeds said: “Wefoundourselves with lots of obsolete furnitureand uniforms. We were determined that these should not just be 18 December wasted and could greatly benefit others less fortunate than ourselves. 7.30pm Demelza House Carol Service ‘Celebration of “This has been afantastic project, which Christmas’, CanterburyCathedral. Featuring Diocese of Chichester has not only benefitted the childrenin the CanterburyCathedral directed by Dr Malawi, but greatly benefitted the pupils, DavidFlood, Master of the Choristers The Bishop of Chichester,DrMartin Warner,heralded 2016 families and staffatStPeter’s by as the Year of Mercy across his Diocese at aspecialservice emphasizing the need for charity and in Chichester Cathedral on Sunday. helping others.” 6January The Diocese of Chichester has embarked on afive-year Afurther shipment will be sent to the strategy involving parishes and communities across Sussex. CentreinDecember containing more 9:15am Science and Religion inthe Local Church. St The‘mercy’ themewill bring together much of thework of tables and books. Edmund’s College, Cambridge CB3 0BN growth and renewal in 2016. (until 8th).

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper NEWS Friday December 11, 2015 www.churchnewspaper.com 3

NEWSIN Bishops offersupportafter BRIEF Storm Desmonddevastation BISHOPS IN the North West have They said: “Theseare toughtimes expressed their concerns afterlast for numerous communities across the MP helps weekend’s devastating flooding inthe Diocese who arestruggling with the launch region. effects of flooding following unprece- Churchill On Monday the Bishop of Carlisle dented weather conditions across book visited those affected. On Saturday,at North West England. Work and the height of the crisis, the Rt Rev “Ourthoughts andprayers arewith Pensions James Newcome said: “I live in all those who have been driven from Secretary Keswick so have seen for myself the their homes, thosewho face the dis- Iain Duncan terrible problems that this stormhas comfortofdoing without power sup- Smith meets created and fully sympathise with plies and all whose lives have been theauthors those affected. affected. of God and “Wemust continue to pray forall “Wecan only admirethe emergency Churchill, anew book examining the faith of these people and for all the emergency services for their work during this the wartimePrime Minister.Written by his service personnel and volunteers who major incident and it is important that great grandsonJonathan Sandys (right) and areworking sohardtoensure people people in the worst affected areas con- Wallace Henley,aformer aide toUS aresafe and that properties arepro- tinue to co-operate with them. President Richard Nixon, the book traces tected as much as they can be.” “Numerous volunteers, many from Churchill’s Christian faith.Ithas just been He shared the emotions of those thefaithcommunities, arealsodoing published by SPCK. who had seen similar floods in 2005 Meanwhile the Bishops in the Black- whatthey can to alleviate the situa- and2009. “Onbothoccasions we saw burndiocese praised thework of the tion.” Redtape hold-up communities rally together to provide rescue services. The Met Office said that Honister in Plans by the Archbishop of Canterburyto mutual supportand church families of However,inajoint statement they Cumbria received 341.4mm (13.4in) of offersanctuarytorefugees at Lambeth all denominations extend the Chris- said: “Weremain concerned especially rain in the 24-hour period until 6.30pm Palace have been stalled by redtape. tian hand of love and supporttothose for elderly and vulnerable people and on Saturday.That beat the previous Lambeth Palacehas said it is working with who needed help. those struggling to findthe help they recordof316mm in 2009. the Home Office in exploring its participation “I appreciate how difficult the cur- need. We hope that people can go on In totalabout 55,000 homes had in the emerging community sponsorship rent conditions arebut am confident pulling together in this time of crisis been affected by StormDesmond, and programme. that once again our churches will be and will continue to do all we can to by Monday therewerestill50severe providers of practical supportand offer support.” flood warnings in place. Christmas TV hope prayer.” The Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Rail services north of Preston had Watching televisiontogether at Christmas The diocese issued prayers for Julian Henderson, was joined by the been suspended. means that familiescan have an experience those affected and said that teams of Rt Rev GeoffPearson (BishopofLan- Some 40 schools in the region had as meaningful as attending church, says the church volunteers wereoffering sup- caster) and the Rt Rev Philip North been closed as the University of Lan- BishopofLeeds.Writinginthe festive edition portand help to those affected by the (Bishop of Burnley) in issuing the caster abandoned the rest of the term of the Radio Times, Nick Baines said that floods. statement. followingthe deluge. small gestures like this could bring the familytogether.Hewrote that the shared companionship of relatives watching television together echoed withthe biblical accounts of the shepherds travelling tosee Bishop outlines Christianchallenges to theriseofDaesh the baby Jesus. By BrianCooper East came from these Chris- Daesh seemed to be driv- “belonging to the Kingdom tian communities. This led en by the desiretoreverse of God” but did not believe Chester Cathedral’snewest appointment FACINGthe challenge of some to claim countries this humiliation by building Utopia could be built in this ClaireHendersonDavis, acontemporary Daesh, the Church needs with aChristian tradition anew world order under the world. dancer/choreographer and theologian, is to both strong concernfor had aspecial duty to takein Caliphate —and by “belief Seeking to understand embark on athree-year residency at Chester Middle EasternChristians such Christian refugees, that the time has come for Daesh from aChristian per- Cathedral. and deeper understanding while others argued that a this to happen, that they are spective meant asking Shewill open the 10am service on Sunday of the Muslim world, proper application of Chris- agents of Divine Provi- “whether it really does 20 December with an eight-minute dance on according to theRtRev tian principles meant all dence”, aiming to build an believe that through the ter- the themeof‘Waiting for the Miracle’, Brian Smith,formerBishop refugees had to be treated ideal society. roranideal world will come borrowing the title from aLeonard Cohen of Edinburgh. equally,regardless of reli- Christians spoke of about.” song that formsthe soundtrack of the piece. “In Christian circles there gious back- The idea for this residency began earlier is averyspecific concern ground. thisyear when, in March, the Cathedral about the effectofthis con- Theclaims of hostedaperformance of Passion, a flictontheChristian com- Daesh to be contemporaryre-imagining of the passion munities in theMiddleEast, grounded in storyindance, poetryand music,created, particularly the Oriental Islamcontrasted Pray formigrantsasyou directed and performed by Claire. Orthodox churches, who totally with the The Chester stop was partofahighly seem at times specifically great historic light your Adventcandles. successful UK-wideCathedral tour,which targeted by ISIS,” he and cultural finishedatthe Edinburgh FringeFestival in declared at aUniting for achievements of August, whereitwas filmed. Peace ‘Understanding Isis’ Islamic civilisa- Third Sunday of Advent: John the Baptist Claire, aliturgical theologian, uses her inter-faithevent in Edin- tion, so Chris- performance skills and experience to develop burgh. tians needed contemporaryliturgical spaces that bring “Christians in the Middle deeper under- LordJesus, your cousin John prepared the way foryour people into engagement with theChristian East seem caught between standing of narrative outside traditional liturgical international acquiescence Islamic history coming. structures, while remaining deeply in theexpansion of the including Mus- Blesswepray, allwho speak out courageously against connected to the tradition. IsraeliEmpireintoPalestin- lim perspectives injustice and wrong:somay thelight of your truth burn Her work has been praised by Rowan ianterritory, and the inter- on the Crusades brightly, and the world become afairer, morewelcoming Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury national horrorofthe and “the sense of home forall. and now Master of Magdalene College, expansion of the Daesh ‘humiliation’ and Cambridge, who first became aware of her Caliphate. loss of prestige work when sheled amajor community “It is even said therecould felt in some cir- See our support forrefugees in Europe: project inSoho in 2004/5. soon be no historic pres- cles following www.weareUs.org.uk/advent He said: “Her work is just about unique in ence of Christians in the the rise and theUKatthe moment, and it is doing Middle East.” decline of the Us. The new name forUSPG something groundbreaking; it deserves Many refugees fleeing to Ottoman Registered charity number 234518 everypossible support.” Europefromthe Middle Empire.”

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 4 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday December 11, 2015 NEWS

Church says Commission report is ‘old-fashioned’ THE CHURCH of England has dismissed the inde- BaronessSloss responded to the criticism: “They Canadian pendent reportofthe Commission on Religion and ought to read it abit morecarefully,” she said. Belief in Public Life. The reportalso suggests that publicly funded On Monday the Commission put forwardaseries of schools areopen for the provision of religious- or Primate robbed recommendations responding to the ‘changing role’ of belief-specific teachingand worship on school premis- religion in public life. es should be outside the timetable. Among its recommendations the reportproposes LordHarries said it is unfortunate that the present that the House of Lords should includeawider range emphasis on British values in schools has emerged out at gunpoint of religious traditions. Chair of the Commission, of the counter terrorism strategy. The two men had been Baroness Butler-Sloss said this would include backing The reportsuggests that the Equality and Human invited to the churchin the suggestion that the Lords Spiritual should be Rights Commission should produce best practice Belém’s slums by the stripped from 26 to 16 members. guidelines for matters of religion. Archbishop ofthe Angli- “I’m not suggesting we should put Rabbis and The reportalso suggests the creation of anew can Episcopal Church of Imams on the Lords Spiritual Bench”, she added. ‘Magna Carta-style’ statement of values of public life. Brazil to see the work of “[However] Iwould like to see representations from Among its recommendations is the suggestion that the church amongst the other religions.” faithcommunities should consider opening their poor in the Amazon River- Commenting on the suggestion of reducing the num- places of worship ate regular intervals to other faith side city. ber of bishops in the Lords, TerrySanderson, presi- groups and exploretwinning arrangements with other THE PRIMATEofCanada Brazilian church leaders dent of the National Secular Society,said: “Wehave communities. and his Principal Private “wereexcited to show us enough religious inputinParliament at the moment Earlier this year St John’s, Waterloo, was criticized Secretary wererobbed at the church, because that from those people of faith who arealready appointed. for inviting the Inclusive Mosque Initiative to celebrate gunpoint while visiting an church will represent for To introduce even morewould be disproportionate.” an ‘Inclusive Jummah’, or Friday prayers in the Anglican parish in Brazil’s that neighbourhood a The Commission also calls for morepluralist Church. Clergy said this was aviolation of Canon Law. diocese of Amazonia. sense of hope,” the arch- approachestocivic events, includingthe Coronation, The reportalso recommends that morewomen On 23 Novemberthe bishop said, noting “It chaplaincy and lobbying, and is calling on the govern- become involved in interfaith structures. Most Rev Fred Hiltz, pic- helpsustohave adeeper menttoreview the Lobbying Act so thatcharities are The Commission highlighted the role ofmisleading tured, and the VenPaul appreciation for the con- not prevented from campaigning. public dialogue on religion, drawing the distinction Fehelywereabout to start text in which the church The reportoutlines several recommendations for the between extremism and ultra-conservative views. theircar after their visit to tries to minister faithfully Education sector,including astatutoryrequirement These ‘legitimate ways of living’ often give rise to ‘a St John theBaptist Church there.” that all state schools have asubject dealing with reli- drip-drip attitude of ostracism’. in Belém when agang sur- The incident left him gious and non-religious worldviews. They also want ”Therhetoric aroundcounter terrorism is turning rounded their car. shaken, the archbishop that Government to repeal requirements for schools to Muslims into feeling ‘other’. They should feel as Brandishing pistols the said, but added that living have actsofcollective worship. though theybelong,” said Baroness Butler Sloss. gang robbed Archbishop with crime was the lot of Former Bishop of Oxfordand Commissioner for the The reportalso addressed religious tribunals and Hiltz and Archdeacon many Brazilian church report, LordHarries of Pentregarth, said that good the rights ofwomen,calling for an examination into Fehely of theirwallets, workers. faith schools aresensitive to the fact that divisive social best practice inthe promotion of gender equality in watches and rings. “As Istep back from that actors can be accentuated in faith schools. informal and formal religious tribunals, determining “At one point Iwas in the moment, which was terri- Aspokesperson for the Church of England said: whether marriages between members of minority back seat with Paul, and fying, Ithink: ‘Yes, Ilost “The reportisdominated by the old-fashioned view groupsshould be registered under English law and they had my left armout my watch; Ilost my wallet; that traditional religion is declining in importance and whether religious tribunalsshould be compatiblewith one window and my right Ilost aring;some folks that non-adherence to areligion is the same as human- arbitration legislation. armout the other window lost phones. But you know, ism or secularism.” “Nobody reallyknows what’s going on in some of the tryingtopull my rings off. we all could have been They added: “Most public opinion is strongly ShariaCourts. Ifthey live in this country, thereisgen- They got my bishop’s ring, shot’,” said Hiltz. opposed to the marginalisation of Christianity.” der equality,”commented Baroness Butler-Sloss. but they didn’t get my wed- “We’regoing to get on a ding ring,”Archbishop plane and fly away,and Hiltz told the Anglican these people —this is Journal. what they live with.” ArchbishopsaysSyria is a‘just war’ THE ‘just war’ criteria had been there”, he said. they can offer. met for militaryaction in Syria, the Speaking during the House of TheBishops of Blackburnwere Sudanwants to cut ties Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lords debateonSyria, the Bishop amongst the signatories of the let- Most Rev Justin Welby has of Coventry, the Rt Rev Christo- ter to thePrime Minister,David with US Church declared. pher Cocksworth, said he did not Cameron, demanding abigger THE HOUSE of Bishops of Episcopal Church that had Speaking during aHouse of believethat the high threshold for response to the refugeeresettle- the Episcopal Church of rejectedthe innovation. Lords debate, the Archbishop said the prospect of success for military ment. South Sudan and the The November vote by any action must address the false intervention in Syria has been met. Alsointhe Lords, the Bishop of Sudan have voted to sever the Sudanese House of narrative of extremist theology.He Bishop Cocksworth also asked the Portsmouth,the Rt Rev Christo- ties with the Episcopal Bishops follows adecision added that partofdefeating this Governmenthow they intend to pher Foster spoke in the debate on Church of the USA and taken earlier this year by narrative is showing supportfor measuresuccess of political reset- LordAttlee’s Strategic Defence and have asked their primate, the Kenyan General Synod global mainstream Muslim leaders. tlement and peaceinthe area. Security Review. the Most Rev Daniel Deng to break with the Episcopal Archbishop Welby said any strat- Second Church Estates Commis- Bishop Foster asked ministers Bul, to recognise in its Church over the issue of egy to resettle refugeesneeds to sioner,Caroline Spelman MP, what they plan to do about skills place the Anglican Church same-sex marriage. include astrategy that reduces the spoke in the Commons debate on imbalances within the armed in North America. In their communiqué, number of people seeking settle- militaryaction in Syria. Mrs Spel- forces.Hesaid therewas alack of In acommuniqué the bishops encouraged ment. man said aprominent theological detail in the Review on the 30 per released at the close of Sudanese Anglicans living “Communities that have lived and ideological strategy to run cent reductionindefencecivilser- their 25-28 November in the United States to therefor 2,000 years should not alongside militaryaction should be vants. He said this madehim anx- meeting in Juba, the leave congregations affili- simply be emptied from that considered. ious about thelack of clarity within Sudanese bishops said the ated with the Episcopal region. The additional military She spoke about post-conflict the proposal. June decision by the Gen- Church in liberal dioceses force that we arebringing to this international aid and drew atten- Responding to the Autumn State- eral Convention ofthe and join the Anglican quasi-policingoperation, which is tion to theshaping of post-conflict ment on the Economy,Bishop Episcopal Church to autho- Church in North America. already active over Syria,symboli- planning. Cocksworth raised concerns about rise rites for the blessing of The Primate of the cally—and to someextent signifi- “It is the most vulnerable, and proposals for increased stamp duty same-sex marriages placed ACNA, the Most Rev Foley cantly —adds to what is happening often the women, who have no on additional properties. the Episcopal Church Beach, thanked the voice at all in war.Wehave aduty “This is amatter that beyond the boundaries of Sudanese Church for its to ensurethat they areheard,” she demands attention. Empty proper- fellowship. mark of confidence. said. ties when people areinadequately “In our view such innova- “Despite the ravages of SAYNOTOWAR Mark Henrick MP asked her housed or without housing are tions arenot in conformity war and the suffering of Jointhe Anglican Communion’s whatsteps the Anglican Churchin clearly wrong,” he said. with the Scriptures,” the their people, they are movement for peace. Blackburnistaking to assist Syrian Speakingonbehalf of the clergy bishops wrote. courageously committed Join at refugees. in his diocese, Bishop Cocksworth The break with the Epis- to standingonthe historic www.anglicanpeacemaker.org.uk,or Mrs Spelman said that Black- said therewerecomplexities for copal Church is not com- teachings of theBible and [email protected] Anglican Pacifist Fellowshop, 11 Weavers burnwas coordinating aresponse those occupying accommodation plete, however,asthe Anglican Church.Ilook End, Hanslope, Milton Keynes, MK19 7PA, with local faith communities and as acondition of employment but Sudanese Church contin- forwardtodeepeningour UK Tel: 01908510642. have been advised by local authori- seeking a‘second home’for retire- ued to recognise and sup- partnership for the cause (a registeredcharity) ties on the most useful assistance ment. portthosedioceses in the of Jesus Christ.” Online at www.churchnewspaper.com: Get all the breakingnews stories as they happen If youthink you might livetoold age, this bookisfor you. ‘A book that traces pathwaysof hope withindementia, andthrough dementiacare,deserves a warm reception, and this latest book by Louise Morse is worthy of a particularly wide welcome.’ Revd Dr Hugh Osgood, President, Churches in Communities International Free Churches Moderator

‘This book does much to remove the sting from those who face the condition in themselves, their family or their friends. It does contain signposts to that elusive element in dementia – hope. I learned a lot from this book. I am sure you will too. Do read it.’ Revd Michael Wenham, author ‘My Donkey Body’(MonarchBooks) pilgrimsfriend.org.uk 6 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday December 11, 2015 LETTERS

unsatisfactorynatureofthe answer being due to those asking having “never actually known what Just Warquestions the question is” mighthave been included with a Sir,Over recent days and weeks, the question suggestion of the relevance of that to the debate LETTERS of whether the UK should bomb Syriahas on equal marriage. TO been widely debated. It is not just amatter for The (self-confessed) speciousness of Mr politicians because over the centuries, Bricher’s (actually non-existent) mathematics Christians and theologians have mighthave been referenced as acomfortto THE discussed the theoryofthe just war.One those he opposes, as asymbol of the weakness of EDITOR thing is certain–itcan never be argued, thecontentions of the ethically conservative. from aChristian viewpoint thatgoing to war Imight have suggested that, as thereare more can ever be agood act, since of necessity it sins than sexual ones, perhaps he could try involves one in evil. It may however justifying not allowing left handed people to sometimes be the right and necessarything “enjoy themselves” by following their nature, to do, which is why thejust war theoryhas after all being left handed is condemned 25 times been formulated. Applied to Syria, as to any in the plain teaching of scripture? war,thereare anumber of criteria to be Alternatively,perhaps he would have liked to considered: issue arallying call for the stoning of fat boys 1. Is the cause just? (Deuteronomy 21, 18-20). After all, childhood Warmongering 2. Is it being undertaken as alast resort obesity is agenuine current problem. There Sir, TheArchbishop ofCanterbury argued in the when all other methods have failed? might have been aside swipe at those who insist House of Lordsthat theproposedmilitary action 3. Arethe means employed just? that the moral law is lasting, asking which of in Syriawas within ‘Just War’ guidelines. As 4. Is thereareasonable chance of success? those two laws areonly ceremonial, along with Anglican Pacifists webeg to differ. Jesus -the 5. Arethe results likely to be better than if contraception, marriage after divorce, genocide, prince of peace challengesusto resist thedrive the war had not been fought? racism, slaveryorusury.

3RX. to retaliation and seeing ourselvesasjust. Inthe Thereisnodoubt that the supporters of the However,after the atrocities in Beirut, Paris face of theworld’sviolence Jesus calls us to self- so-called Islamic State pose agravethreat and and Bamako, that letter will not be written. While criticism and to acknowledgeour part in it can be argued that since thereisUnited thereisdisagreement between those of us who perpetuating anongoing cycle of warand hatred. Nations support, the cause is just. Its aims are areChristian who accept and welcome the

SW1P TheChristianresponse is nottojustify the tosecureinternational peace, security and ongoing paradigm shift in our understanding of warmongering of theelite but to callfor freedom. It is not at all certain however that the rights and place of the non-heterosexual in repentanceand to expose thehypocrisy of much bombing Syria will succeed in stopping the Church and society and those who don’t, of ouroutrage at ‘terrorism’.Bombs will not terrorbeing perpetrated. Indeed it might nevertheless we stand solidly on common bring peace andwar will not seejusticereign. incite IS to moreviolence and at the same ground. Should we not pause and reflect on that?

ondon, Only radical conversion ofour hearts willdothat. time win morerecruits to its ranks against Might not that pause be aided by amoratorium Aconversion that willsee us opening our the West. for six months on the publication in The Church

,L borders to the refugee, dismantling thearms In Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya, our of England Newspaper of anything morethan the trade and working forpeace -apeacenot built on involvement in war has made matters worse. mostbriefly factual news reports on LGBTQ diplomacy butupon the righteous reorderingof The same could be true of Syria and thereis related matters? an unjust world. no guarantee of rooting out IS. The risk to Colin Durham, The RevNatReuss, innocent civilians is also considerable since Sturminster Newton ChairoftheAnglican PacifistFellowship the combatantshave by now merged into stminster edited large centres of population. It is obvious Housing proposal thereforethat even on ajust war argument, a Sir,Thereisone area where the present be We Don’t send a cow clear moral case for bombing Syria cannot be Government’s policies for achieving greater Sir,Iwasdismayedtosee that readers arebeing advanced. prosperity for the countryappear to cancel one

may encouragedtosend animals to third world The Most Rev Barry Morgan, another out: on the one hand, we have the drive countries (4 December)because giving animals Archbishop of Wales to get almost everyone to own their own home, is not in thebestinterests of eitherthe recipients from the sale of council housing without Street, or the animals concerned. replacementtothe generous hand-outs to first @churchnewspaper Letters Animals require food andwater -both ofwhich addressed almost entirely by leaders of mega time buyers.

at are in shortsupply in poor,semi-arid countries.If churches, both hereand the USA, am Ialone in On the other,isthe demand for aflexible,

NB: allowed to forage, animals will rapidlydestroythe wondering if aminister (even amanual worker) mobile work-force who, instead of staying put

eet environment, turning vegetationand grassinto from an obscurevillage, with anormal and claiming benefits when they aremade College dust and leaving the landevenlessproductive congregation of 12, would ever get on the redundant, areready to up-sticks and go where Tw thanbefore. platformofsome of our conferences today? thework is (if any such places still exist.) The The harsh environment will behardonthe The downside is thatitgives ordinarychurch slogan is no longer,“Get on your bikes” but the reat address. animals too,and with no laws to protectthem, members, and even new ministers, arather messageisthe same. Anyone who has ever sold .com. many willleadmiserablelivesand be inhumanely unrealistic view as to how ordinarylocal their home knows that this is averycostly 4G slaughtered. Althoughfamilies mayvalue their churches can be transitioned, thus slowing down business. treet animalfor what shecan produce, their desire to the growth of the church andhampering the Almost 10 years ago, when Isold my family ,1 as keep heralive and productive does not mean extension of God’s kingdom. homeinorder to downsize and be nearer my theywill keep her comfortable or meet her The Rev RichardHill, children, the costwas over £6,000 in agents’ fees, needs. Rector,Church Stretton, and Rural Dean of stamp duty and so on, and no doubt it would be Two charities devoted to helping the hungry Condover moretoday.Families who arestretched to the

include without exploiting animals areVegfam limit to take on amortgage can’t guarantee that (vegfamcharity.org.uk)and A well fed world they will be able to buy another home that is (awfw.org). cheap enough to enable them virtually to throw Newspaper Judging values Donationsare used to supply such thingsas Sir,Itisconcerning that Ofsted has decided to away such asum, and takes no account of the please wells, irrigation, seeds, fruit and nut trees, tree startassessing church youth groups. The variations in the value of property in different nurseriesand plants. Theseprojects empower government has so far failed to adequately define parts of the countryorthe frequent delay in the poor to become self-supporting without “British values”, which arereported to be the finding abuyer. letters@churchnewspaper degradingtheir environment andharming measureOfsted will use, so one wonders how it Thismakes me wonder if this is an area in e-mail, England

to animals. will judgethe teaching of traditional Christian which the Church might have aparttoplay.

by In a world that is becoming increasingly aware values to young people in church groups or Private landlords buy to rent as aformof of that our non-human counterpartsare intelligent, Christian youth camps. investment, but aparish, deaneryordiocese

ers sensitive individualswith feelingsand needs JLongstaff, could buy and maintain properties to be let at a E-mail much likeour own,putting price tags on them Buxted rental that covered the cost but was not expected

lett and offeringthem as ‘gifts’ is reverting back to to yield asizeable profit. Individuals could invest an

Church the ignorantpastwhere non-humans were sums of money either on an interest-free basis as viewed merely ashuman ‘possessions,’ to be Moratorium needed partoftheirstewardship commitment, or even usedand abused in whicheverway wesaw fit. Sir,Iwas going to reply to theletter from Colin for the interest rate obtaining on most bank send The

sending Jenny Moxham, Bricher (13 November). It would have included savings accounts (pretty negligible at the Monbulk 3793 an exposition of the role of Deep Thought, the moment) and for aminimum termof, say,three to can

are Victoria, Australia computer that gave “42” as the answer to the years except in certain circumstances, such as Ultimate Question about Life, the Universe and the death of the investor,ofcourse, when the ite you Everything, in Douglas Adams’ comic money could be repaid. you masterpiece The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the MaryPRoe, If Wr or Mega worries Sir, Receiving more mailings of conferences to be Galaxy. The computer’s comment about the Bicester, Oxon

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper LEADER &COMMENT Friday December 11, 2015 www.churchnewspaper.com 7

That is what it will be like. At the Judgement, we shall immediately know our own The multicultural agenda inwardness completely and utterly.Our souls will be laid bare. We shall even know those Thereal things about ourselves that we have most advances relentlessly studiously tried to hide from ourselves, The Commission on Religion and Belief in British Public Life because they aretoo painful to bear: our sins. (CORAB) was established by the Woolf Institute in 2013 to study Rightly the Prayer Book says: The religion’s role in modern-day Great Britain. The Commission significance remembrance of them is grievous unto us; the sounds as if it is agovernmental body rather than athink tank. It burden of them isintolerable. And the key is chaired by Baroness Butler-Sloss and vice-chaired by Edward wordisdisclosed. Not only shall we know the Kessler,who founded the commission. The patrons of the innermost secrets of our hearts but, in that commission areIqbal Sacranie, Rowan Williams, Bhikhu Parekh libraryofGod when the books areopened, and LordHarry Woolf. ofAdvent everyone else –our neighbours, friends and It has just produced its report, and veryunsurprisingly —given enemies –will know our secrets too. What its totally ‘liberal’ membership –ithas recommended that any then? vestiges of the UK being deemed aChristians society should, in Peter MULLEN And last, the rending pain of re-enactment of effect, be killed off, certainly in the educational dimension of allthat you have done, and been; the shame of English life. Christian assemblies should be stopped, as not Bloatedfromtoo much chocolate, giddy on motives late revealed, and the awareness of reflecting multicultural life: “Instead thereshould be new mulled wine and suffocating under piles of thingsill done and done to others’ harmwhich guidelines for inclusive assemblies that are‘appropriate for pupils tinsel, we forget that the coming of Jesus Christ, once you took for exercise of virtue. Then fools’ and staffofall religionsand beliefs’ that contribute to their overall which we pray for in our Advent hymns, is his approval stings and honour stains. From wrong development.” That is classicmulticultural dogma, in effect coming to judgement. to wrong the exasperated spirit proceeds, unless negating the historicChristian cultural identity of England as the ModernChristians shy away from the idea of restored by that refiningfirewhereyou must major one, and seeking to bolster and increase other faiths and judgement. Butmoderndebunkers arenot move in measurelike adancer. ideologies at the same time. alone. Thereweremany even among the friends This recommendation basically endorses the Parekh Report, of Samuel Johnson. Johnson did not sharetheir instituted by another think tank of theleft, the Runnymede Trust, fashionable 18th centurysophistication and the and also entitled –asifagovernmental report–‘The reportofthe tendencytoregardreligious doctrines as if they Commission on the FutureofMulti-Ethnic Britain’, in 2000. Lord weremeremetaphors. He was once in a Parekh’s reportencouraged an Indian-style societyof discussion and he turned morose. communalism, different cultures jostling side by side in mutual Alady asked him what wasthe matter and he peace and harmony,asaladbowl rather than amelting pot. These said, Ithink Imay be damned. reports continue to issue forth from our liberalelitewith pompous She said, ‘What do you mean, Sir,tobe titles, claiming some status beyond that of theopinions of think damned?’ tanks that have an agenda. He replied: ‘Sent to hell and punished The recommendation for ‘inclusive’ assemblies to replace the everlastingly’. traditional Christian-based assemblies is another unrealistic liberal The lady protested: ‘You seem Sir to forget the abstraction of aromantic kind. It would be much morehonest to meritsofour Redeemer’. demand moralistic assemblies with no religious content,orindeed Johnson was in tears, and he said vehemently: to abolish such assemblies altogether.Noobservant Muslim, ‘I do not forget the merits of our Redeemer.But Hindu or Jew is going to want asyncretistic kind of assembly as if ourRedeemer hassaid that he willset some at ‘religion’ werethe same porridgeserved in different bowls. Nor hisright hand and some at his left’. would acommitted Christian. We have been warned. Thereare dozens of Thisisineffect the triumph of the JohnHickview of biblical prophecies of Judgement. HereisSt religions, all of equal value however muchthey contradict each Johnthe Divine in The Book of Revelation on This is the centreofit. At the Last Judgement, other.Itisintellectually and religiously incoherent,as thesubject of Judgement: we shall come to see ourselves as we really are: liberalism so often is. Behold he cometh with clouds; and everyeye the veneer will be stripped away. Our appalling The recommendation of this particular think tank also has the shall see him, and they also which pierced him: mask of self-esteem will be seen for the filthy effect of dumbing down any shared cultural norms, forpeople are andall kindreds of the earth shall wail because rags it always was. left with no cultural identity apartfromthat of supportingthe of him. The difference, you might say,between the identities of rapidly growing minorities and their religions. The Gospel says, ‘Therewill be weeping and sheep and the goats, is that the goats never see The logic of this reportisinevitable: the established status of the gnashing of teeth’. themselves as they really are. They preserve Church of England will havetogo, and into the vacuum will flow The Reverend Ian Paisley preached afamous their veneer of supposed niceness, their religious minorityinfluence and power. open-air sermon on this: Therewill be weeping poisonousself-regardtothe last cornice. And andgnashing of teeth. they go through life feeling good about An old lady heckled from the back: ‘What themselves, as they have been encouraged to do aboutthose who have no teeth?’ by all the psychologists and counsellors. But TheChurch of England Newspaper Paisley replied: ‘Tayeth wull be pruvoided!’ they areonthe primrose pathtothe everlasting withCelebratemagazine incorporating TheRecordand Christian Week So is thatit? Areweall damned then? We are bonfire. And the only reason they cannotbe Published by Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd. certainly all sinners. St Paul says: All have forgiven is that they do not think they need Company Number: 3176742 sinned and fallen shortofthe gloryofGod. We forgiveness. Publisher:Keith Young MBE cannot on our own merits escape condemnation. This is the direct routetohell. The Judgement But thereisOne who does have merits. As St is an offence to their pride. But we have been Paul says again, miraculously: God commendeth warned: If we say we have no sin, we deceive PublishingDirector &Editor:CMBLAKELY 020 7222 8700 his love towardusinthat while we wereyet ourselves and the truth is not in us. ChiefCorrespondent: TheRev Canon GEORGE CONGER 00 10772 332 2604 sinners, Christ died for us. The sheep –the ones on his right hand –are Reporter:JOMAY 020 7222 8700 This is the great mysteryofour redemption. by the grace of God –gaining some of that final And of it Karl Barth says: God does not withhold insight in the hereand now -once we begin truly Advertising: CHRISTURNER020 7222 2018 or stay his judgement. He pronounces fully our to see ourselves as we are, and to realise that we Advertising &Editorial Assistant: PENNY NAIR PRICE 020 7222 2018 most deserved condemnation. But because of have no power of ourselves to help ourselves. Jesus Christ, we experience God’sjudgement When we understand that it is Jesus Christ Subscriptions &Finance:DELIA ROBINSON 020 7222 2018 not as condemnation, but as forgiveness. alone who saves us, then we areseeing GraphicDesigner: PETER MAY020 7222 8700 How can we understand this? The essence of something of the Last Judgement now.Weturn all true religious experience is imagination. As to him when we realise that he is the One, the Theacceptance of advertising does not necessarily indicate Samuel Coleridge told us: imagination is not the Saviour.Wecannot save ourselves. So we begin endorsement. Photographs and other materialsent forpublication same as merefancy; it makes real within us the to makeweak, shy andtimid steps to wherehe aresubmitted at theowner’srisk. TheChurchofEnglandNewspaper does reality which is outside us. Youhave to brood holdsout to us his forgiveness, which is our notacceptresponsibility forany material lost or damaged. over the sacred texts and focus your mind, all salvation. We do this like achild learning to Christian Weekly NewspapersTrustees: Robert Leach(020 8224 5696), your attention, on what they say.Repeat every walk. LordCarey of Clifton, TheRtRev Michael Nazir-Ali, TheRtRev Pete Broadbent, wordslowly to yourself as if memorising apoem. We learntolean on him. When we begin to Dr Elaine Storkey, TheRev CindyKent Take that warning which the priest gives to the receive his love as the cureofall our woe, we couple at TheSolemnisation of Matrimony: begin ever so weakly to love him, andeven a TheChurch of England Newspaper, ... as ye will answer at thedreadful Day of little to starttolove our neighbour,who is made Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd Judgement, when the secrets of all hearts shall in his image. 14 GreatCollegeStreet,London,SW1P3RX be disclosed. These areonly hints andguesses, hints Editorial e-mail: [email protected] Now there’s aphrase for theimagination to followed by guesses; and the rest is prayer, Advertising e-mail: [email protected] play on: when thesecrets of all hearts shall be observance, discipline, thought and action. Subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] disclosed. Website: www.churchnewspaper.com [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 8 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday December 11, 2015 FEATURE

Lessons from Africa

By Amy Ross Change in Africa: Amy bridge, UK involves helping CMSin caRossrwithiCongoleseng for creatpeopleito understandonwhy they delegates to the should‘suffer’ (ie deny them- It may not have made headlines Lausanne Creation Care selves things they sometimes like this week’s Paris gathering, consultation. Amy and take for granted) for the sake of but earlier in the year an impor- her family arepreparing others ‘far away’, so too must tant environmental conference to go and serve as CMS theologians and leaders in the took place in Africa and CMS mission partners in global South explorewhat these mission partner Amy Ross, who DRC. issues mean in their own com- iscompleting aMasters degree munities. in Environmental Management Herewecan follow the exam- and conducting research for A ple of Christ, who suffered the Rocha International, was there. most for the sake of others ‘far In Africa, as in many parts of away’. The challenge in the dia- the world, the impact of climate logueisexposing and acknowl- change seems to be too obvious edging the levels of suffering to be questioned. Denial of the going on in different parts of the problem is not an issue to be globe while still being able to overcome, as Ifound out when I ask: Is it aquestion of having attended acreation careconsul- the ‘rights’ to access resources tation hosted by CMS-Africa or having the‘responsibility’ of earlier this year. caring for and preservingthem? It was partofthe Lausanne Creation Caremovement, Taking responsibility which has been gathering role as peace- on the consumption of natural Towards the end of the confer- momentum in the last few builders in the resources can make life harder ence it was exciting to see each years. Delegates came from conflicts over nat- forthe poor.Protecting threat- national group, representing South Sudan, Malawi, Rwanda, ural resources. ened state forests that play a about 10 countries from East Tanzania, Uganda, Democratic These resources vital role in absorbing global and Central Africa, develop Republic of Congo (whereI’m must often be carbon emissions can also lead goals for application of the preparing to go and serve as a shared across to women not being able to har- knowledge they had gained dur- mission partner), Ethiopia, national bound- vest woodfuel for cooking. ing the week. Kenya, and even Madagascar. aries that were On the other hand, Ithought Many delegates werechurch Thereweresimilarities to the enforced when of Europeans responding to asy- leaders who committed to discussion on climate changein colonial powers lum seekers and economic speaking on creation careregu- the UK butalso some marked divided up the migrants from Africa, who may larly in church services and differences. map of Africa, well ask themselves the same leading by example with their Here, we don’t havetodeal without taking question –“Why should we suf- actions. Seminarylecturers with witchcraft In Africa: there into account tradi- fer [shareour limited jobs and would develop courses on eco- is areal issue around learning Change at home: CMS mission partner Amy tional tribal resources] for the sake of oth- theology and mission organisa- how to separate good creation Ross chairing aCambridge Carbon Footprint boundaries that ers from faraway?” tions would include creation carepractices from traditional faith and climate change event had morenatural- It became obviousduring the careaspartoftheir missional spiritualities that have been ly mirrored conference that thereare very activity.Many planned to organ- rejectedintheir entirety follow- resource zones. deep theological questions ise conferences at the national ing the adoption of Christianity. covering their capacity to over- For example, timber and stemming from the economic level to pass on what they had In order to identify indigenous come problems and manage the water takenfromthe DRC by disparity between Africa and the learned within their own coun- tree species,for example, often environment better.Adopting theUgandan government West and the impact of this on try. the older ‘spiritualists’ arethe an empowering Christian world- incites resentment from the competition for environmental Thereappeared to be little only remaining source of knowl- view allowed them to move Congolese, but thisconference resources. sentiment thatAfrican eco-the- edge but Christians may not away from either dependency provided an opportunity for ology has much to teachthe associatewith them. There is a on outside help or afatalism Christiandialogue between Courage and sacrifice West, although when Isuggest- need for learning and sharing that says “what will be will be”. members of those two nationali- Christians must communicate ed inone public panel discus- about creation carechallenges There arealso other kindsof tiesabout the issue, eventually well across international bor- sion thatthis was indeed the this but can also provide an ‘natural resources’ to draw on. leading to apublicly voiced apol- ders, particularly to address case, this met with around of opportunity for outreach. Many speakers gave striking ogybythe Ugandan delegates conflict stemming from a‘them applause. examples from their childhoods and forgiveness from theCon- and us’ attitude that preserves Inthat spirit Icreated my own New perspectivesand of creation carepractices car- golese. the ‘right’ of people to consume personal goals: implementing old traditions riedout by their parents (espe- This beautiful example shows resources locally at global cost. an environmental policy at my From an African perspective, cially theirmothers), thepotential of the global It requirescourage and sacri- workplace, working towards the theological,spiritual and particularly if they had grown Churchhas thepower to pro- fice to really address these gaining the Eco-congregation political areintertwined. Cor- up in arural area. vide opportunities for under- issues, but if we can do so as the awardfor our church, support- ruption of leaders was seen as a Such helpful traditional prac- standing through dialogue. global Church we will be in a ing UK-basedpolitical action on major problem, and some tices of environmental preserva- position to assist the rest of the climate changeand evenadapt- Africans naturally wonder if tioncould be brought to the Why should Isuffer? world struggling with these ing some features of ‘Farming Africa is cursed by God, given fore.African churches have a Another area wheresuch dia- increasingly pertinent ques- God’s Way’ to apply on my veg the combination of environmen- window of opportunity to help logue is needed is around the tions. garden at home! tal degradation and poverty.Yet jog people’s memories about question “Why should we suffer Climate change affects every For moreonFarming God’s speakers noted that, using tools these things beforeurbanisa- for the sake of others far away?” person on the planet because Way, see www.cms-africa.org. like the Samaritan Strategy,pro- tion takes over andthe memo- The question came from a natural resources must be For moreoneco-congregations moted by CMS-Africa, many ries arelost. young Congolese man, who was shared on aglobal scale. see ecochurch.arocha.org.uk Africans weredis- Christians could also have a underlining how limitations put Just as my work in Cam-

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper FEATURE Friday December 11, 2015 www.churchnewspaper.com 9 Bombing ISIS in Syria: has the case been made? By Jeremy Moodey TheGuardian:“We wouldn’t bomb the suburbs of Brussels Thereisasong in Gilbert&Sul- to eliminate the ISIS cells sta- livan’s HMS Pinafore inwhich tioned there. So why bomb Syri- the First Lord of the Admiralty, an townswhen thereare so theRtHon Sir Joseph Porter many innocent people living KCB, alludes to the intellectual theretoo?” The answer may laziness of so many parliamen- well be that wesee Syrian civil- tarians.‘Ialways voted for my ians as somehow lesser beings Party’s call! Inever thought of than Belgians. thinkingfor myself atall!’ Even Each civilian death in ‘collater- inthe context of asupposed al damage’ from aWestern‘cru- ‘freevote’, these lyrics came to sader’ bomb is arecruitment mindwhen Iheardthe news advert for ISIS. No wonderthat thatMPs had approved the number of ISIS militants has airstrikes against ISIS in Syria. morethan doubled over the last Within hours, British bombs year,fromaround 30,000 to at hadalready started falling. The least 70,000, according to one consequences could be disas- informed estimate. This despite of activityand certainly have no teers and funds into ISIS from that airstrikes by themselves trous, forourselves as well as the tonnes of ‘smart’ bombs and desiretocaptureRaqqa, where Turkey and the Gulf States. will not work. But no one in the for the long-suffering people of other ordinance that has been there arenoKurdish interests. Many MPs, especially Labour, corridors of power seems to be Syria. thrown at the extremists by the And the 70,000 ‘moderates’ appear to have been swayed by listening. By the time you read these US-led coalition. arearag-bag of fighters in over the Prime Minister’s claim that Whereisthe Christian voice words, the British bombs have Thereisatelling section in 100 different armed groups, thereisnow aUNmandate for in thisdepressing debate? In a already started falling, with ter- the conclusion to Mr Cameron’s manyofthem also Islamist in bombing ISIS in Syria. His unanimous vote on Syria 25 ribleconsequences for our- dossier.The Prime Minister outlook, and most of whom are dossier referredtoUNSecurity November,the General Synod selves as well as for the writes: “Air strikes can degrade morefocused onfighting the Council Resolution 2249 of 20 of the Church of England called long-suffering people of Syria. ISILand arrest its advance, but Assad regime than they areon November,which called on on the government ‘to help Yetthe strategic and moral case they alone cannot defeat ISIL. tacklingISIS. member states to take ‘all neces- establish safe and legal routes to formilitaryaction in Syria is We needpartners on the ground It is fantastical to believe that sarymeasures’ against ISIS. But places of safety,including this weak,the legal justification flim- to do that and we need apolitical such adiverse group of rebels, these wereweasel words agreed country, for refugees who are sy,and public supportintheUK solution to the Syrian conflict.” in different parts of Syria, can between permanent members vulnerable and at severerisk.’ is limited, with fewer than half of On this point Iagree whole- be assembled into aunitary of the Security Council who This was taken as implying sup- respondents in arecent poll sup- heartedly with Mr Cameron. force to do the bidding ofHer have vastly different objectives portfor limited militaryaction, porting abombing campaign. And hereinlie two of the funda- Majesty’s Government against in Syria. but whether this extended to a This is alower level of support mental flaws in his arguments ISISinRaqqa. The resolution did not explic- full-scale bombing campaign for militaryaction than when we for war,for unlikeinIraq we As for diplomatic efforts, Mr itly endorse militaryaction, was unclear (the Prime Minis- invadedIraq back in 2003 have no coherent militarystrat- Cameron placed great emphasis which can only be invoked ter’s dossier did not emerge (although such supportwas egy on the ground (which is on the Vienna process begun in under Chapter VII of the UN until the day after the Synod predicated on the infamous necessaryifweare to recover October 2015, but these discus- Charter.AsaChatham House vote). ‘weapons of mass destruction’ the territorythat might be sions made no meaningful expertcommented on theUN As always with the Churchof narrative and quickly ebbed vacated following intensive progress, especially after aclash resolution: “For those whoare England and the wider Anglican away after the event). Yeta bombing) and there is no real between the Saudis and Irani- looking for specificUNauthori- Communion, theremay not nec- majority of our MPs have vision for apolitical settlement ans, and thereisnoimmediate sation for the use of force essarily be asingle united view. marched into the ‘aye’ lobby as to the Syrian conflict which is prospect of aresumption. [against ISIS], this is not it.” But in astrong statement on 1 if none of this mattered. now wellinto its fifth year,with It is also noteworthy that no Nordowehave amandate December Archbishop Barry The Prime Minister’s36-page over 250,000 dead and half of Syrians(whether from the from theSyrians themselves. Morgan in Wales was clear: “A document arguing in favour of the pre-war population of 22 mil- Assadregime or the moderate And this does not just refer to clear moral case for bombing bombing ISIS in Syria, which lion displaced from their homes. opposition) wereinvited to par- getting permission fromthe Syria cannot be advanced.” Itis seems to have hadsuch adeci- On the militarystrategy, ticipate in debating the futureof Assadregime, which is another tragic that so few MPs saw fit to sive impact on our MPs, is not much has been made ofthe their country. The Great Powers area wherethe comparison with heed the Archbishop’s counsel. exactly a‘dodgy dossier’. But Kurds and the so-called ‘moder- pontificating on the futureofthe Iraq falls flat. nor does it offer aconvincing ate’ Syrian opposition fighters in Middle East is adepressing Embrace the Middle East’s Jeremy Moodey is Chief Execu- casefor militaryaction. Syria, who aresupposed to num- echo of almost 100 years ago, focus is on working with local tive of Embrace the Middle East, In practical terms ourcontri- ber (according to Mr Cameron) when Britain and France Christians as they help someof the UK development charity bution to the bombing campaign some 70,000. But as has been attempted to carveupthe Lev- the millions of Syrian refugees which partners with Middle East in Syria is likely to be tiny (it is noted in recent commentary, ant with their ill-fated Sykes- who have fled into neighbouring Christiansinsocial action. Its estimated that the UK hassofar the Kurds arenot interested in Picot Agreement of 1916. countries such as Lebanon. The current appeal for the relief of contributed barely four per cent fighting much beyond their Our efforts would be better overwhelming message that we Syrian refugees in Lebanon is at of the coalition’sairstrikes over immediate and limited spheres spent stopping the flow of volun- hear fromordinarySyrians is www.embraceme.org/appeal. Iraq and Syria combined) so the decision to extend bombing is primarily asymbolic one. The PART UK,aonce great but now rapid- RELARELAX!X! WCW ER EXCHANGE ly decliningpower,trying to WELWELCOCOME keep up with the Obamas, Hol- landes and Putins perhaps? YOOUU R FFUULLLL But what will bombing ISIS HISTORY actually achieve? REDUCED! CCHHEECK Well, moreinnocent civilian deaths for astart. Arecent reportsuggested that over 4,000 FLEXIBLE civilians in Iraq and Syria have FINANCE 62 REG 60 REREG 60 REG 11 REG 11REG BRAND NEW AVAILABLE been killed in the anti-ISIS cam- CITROEN C1 1.0i VW GOLF 1.6 TDi 105 5DR EST CITROEN C4 GRAND PICASSO VAUUXHALLXHALL INSIGNIA AUDIA32.0 TDi SPORT FORD FIESTADIESEL paign since January2014. The VTR 3DR RED 38K BLUUEMEMOTION TECH SE BLACK5K 1.6HDi VTR+ EGS 5DRSILVER 59K 2.0 CDTi SE 5DR GREY 77K 5DR (STARTSTOP)BLACK 1.5 TDCi STYLE 3DR 48 MONTHS (9+47) NNOOWW NOW NONOWW NNOOWW NOW NOW .00 PER death toll is likely to increase in * NATIONWIDE cities like Raqqa, whereISIS OOLNLY £4516 ONLNLY £6751 OLONLY£7375 ONOLLY £6995 OLONLY£8717 OLONLY£11337MOMONTHNTH DELIVERY militants have given up their TOYOUROURDDOOROOR AUTOSAVE....SSERVINGSRERVINGTGCTHEHE CHCHRIRSRISTIAN COCOMMUNITYOY FORROOVER35YEARRSS easily targeted 4x4 vehicles and embedded themselves deeply *Based on personal Contract Hire (PC(PCHH) payment profile 9+47. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions BRANANDDNNEEWW into the city’s 200,000 civilian apply. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantee/ indemnity may be required. We can introduce you to a CACARRSS AVAVAAILILABABLLEE population. Call0845 1a1226910 auuttosave.co.uk limited number of carefully selected financfinance providers. We may receive a commission from them for the introduction. ALL MAKES As Giles Fraser has written in

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 12 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday December 11, 2015 FEATURE

widow to fatten for Christmas. Thereare also collections on the website for Janey Lee Grace foodies, environmentalists, animal lovers, Live Healthy! Live Happy! sports fans and gifts to help the elderly and isolated and many more. www.goodgifts.org If fashion and Bringing cheer at Christmas warmth combined areyour thing - Acolleague was lamenting to me recentlythat she supportpeace projects and help clearupthe mess closer to home is just couldn’t find the right gifts for her relatives. The leftbywar,whether that isliterally clearing the excellent Twin truthis–she said –they’repretty wealthy and they minefields or actively helpingonce hostile Hats initiative. Instead of the Buy One Get One Free have everything they need, but of course Iwant to communities to come together in social enterprise to approach, this is awonderfully simple mission. For impress with agreat gift! Ta da –bring on Good rebuild their lives. everyhat you buy Twin Hats gives ahat to achild or a Gifts… AGreat British Bake Offfan might be charmedto young person withcancer. The concept is simple: instead of giving someone a receive a‘Great Indian BakeOff’gift.This £25 gift Jasmin Julia Gupta is the founder of Cancer Hair Care present that they might not want or need yougive gives low caste girls in India the chance to earn charity and social enterprise Twin Hats. She’s the UK’s something (in their name) to someone who really money,raise their self-esteem and gain independence leading expertinhair loss due to cancer treatment. does need it. by trainingasbakers and helping them to change Youbuy afairly traded, hand-knitted woolly hat and Right nowmany people arewondering what they theirfate and break the taboo of ‘untouchability’. they donate the profits to the charity CancerHair Care. can actuallydoabout the situation in Syria and the Other ideas range from abike to help low-paid refugee crisis andthere’s awhole range of giftsthat youngsters get to work to aturkey for an African www.cancerhaircare.co.uk

g gallery the Whisperin

Mainstream decline Getting the message across Good news story Voting for Mr Nasty If evangelical numbers stay high, Advent doesn’t have much appeal. It’s Moregoodpublicity for all the mainstr Despite the rise of those with no eam liberal American Protestant about waiting and preparation and churches appeared in last week’s churches Spect religious affiliation (‘Nones’) areindecline and this decline is people today areintoo much of ahurry ator.Dan Hitchens (who was evangelicals still represent a posing problems for some famous to wait, whether it’s waiting at a President of OxfordStudents for seminaries. sizeable chunk of the American When Andover Newton supermarket checkout or waiting for Life) has astoryabout the work Seminar populationataround 25 per cent ywas founded in 1807, President Christmas. The idea that anticipation done by the Street Pastors. and in theRepublican primaries of Yale and Congregational leader and preparation make afestival more According to Hitchens, police Dwight Timothy their vote is crucial. Up to now hailed it as an institution destined exciting doesn’t appeal and mince pies forces across Britain reckon the Ben Carson, aSeventh Day to furnish asuccession of learned and Christmas parties appear beforethe impact made by these volunteers Adventist who is notshy to talk ministers for American churches. end of November.Advent does get a has reduced crime by 12 to 15 per seminar Now the about hisfaith, has been gaining yhas announced it is selling its look inwith Advent calendars. cent. “Almost everyLondon muchevangelical supportbut his site and hopingtogointo partnership Traditionally theyhad areligious borough now has aStreet Pastors Ya with votehas started to fall amid fears le Divinity School or shift to alean, message but not any more. According to team,” the Met website notes, operative co- thatheisout of his depth in learning model. One expert one survey only 11 per cent of Advent “and the most immediate result in foreign policy and Senator Ted reckons 80 of America’s 100 mainline calendars on sale this year have everycase has been adropin seminaries Cruz of Texas is making a areintrouble, aworry religious themes with the rest linked to crime inthe areas wherethe ever affecting determined bid for evangelical yone concerned about the futur High Street brands, pop groups or films. teams havebeen working.” In theological eof votes. He believes thereluctance writing and study.Light is shed The survey of Advent calendars was Kingston, whereviolent crime of evangelicals toback Mitt on reasons for the decline of mainline carried out by Fantastic Services, an around the town centrealmost churches by halved Romneylost Republicans the last asurvey that showed they are online homehandyman provider.It between 2005 and 2009, presidential race. He argues there moreready to welcome new members discovered that some 86 per cent of the Pastors aregiven much of the they if are90million evangelicals in the arewhite. AUniversity of Connecticut people wereexpected to open an Advent credit. Street Pastorsdon’t aim to sociology US andthat 54 million stayed at professor,Bradley Wright, calendar on 1December.But while 73 preach but to provide practical out sent homeonElection Day 2012. If he 3,000 emails to churches ostensibly per cent open awindow each day,15per help. They havebottles of water, from can getthe votes of just 10 million someone who had just moved cent open all the windows at once and accompany drunk people to the neighbour intothe of those who didn’t show up last hood. Researchers signed the enjoy the chocolate treats they contain. right bus or taxi and have flip time, Cruz believes he can win. emails with names that wereidentifiable Fighting back against secularisation, flops for women who aretoo white, as There is just one problem. It’s black or Hispanic. Overall th whether it’s the secularisation of Advent drunk to manage their high-heel chur e hardtofind anyone in American ches werestatistically morelikely or Christmas, is not easy but mostPR shoes. The pastors get 50 hours re to politicswho is disliked morethan ply to emails from people who sounded experts reckon the CofEscored a of training and arenow active in Cruz.His freshman roommate at as if theymight be white but when success with its shortfilm on the Lord’s 280 locations. One Street Pastor re the Princeton says he would rather searchers looked at churches by Prayer.Since many people time their told Hitchens how he stopped two affiliation picksomeone from the phone they found that evangelical and arrival in the cinema to miss the adverts, men fightingbyoffering them Catholic chur chips. book than haveCruzas ches responded equally to all getting this film ‘banned’ by three “Thesmell of chips for free President. According to columnist names but that therewas asignificant cinema chains may have led more is hardtosay no to,” the pastor Frank Bruni, hisRepublican racial gap in the response of mainline people to view it online. Actually itwasn’t commented. Street Pastors are Pr colleagues in the Senateloathe otestants. Anyone contactingan banned. The agency that handles the easily recognised by their Episcopal him.“Why do people take an Churchwas 82 per cent lik cinemas’ advertising has ageneral policy baseball caps, blue jackets or tee receive ely to instant dislike to TedCruz?” one aresponse if they werewhite, of notshowing religious or political shirts all with ‘STREET PASTOR’ per 71 former colleague is quoted as cent if theywereblack, 65 per cent adverts. But saying the advertwas printed across them. They area hey wer if saying, “It just saves time.” Will eHispanic and 63 per cent if they banned generated huge publicity,all friendly,non-judgmental presence wereA evangelicalsvote for Mr Nasty? sian. Would the same results be positive, for the church. on Britain’s streets that is helping repeated in England? to give many young people a fresh image of Christianity.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper COMMENT Friday December 11, 2015 www.churchnewspaper.com 11

Royal Householdand the government. Given that it is to be hosted in Westminster Abbey,aChristian place of worship, any interfaith element will have to be consistent with the Christian traditions of this country. Andrew Carey So what about the report’s recommendations: ⦁ “A national conversation should be launched across the UK by leaders of faith communities and ethical traditions to create a View from the Pew shared understanding of the fundamental values underlying public life.” Thisisall well and good, but who is going to supportsuch a national conversation from the Churches if secular pluralism is the default position, as this reportmakes clear? ⦁ “Much greater religion andbelief literacy is needed in every section of society,and at all levels”. This is verygood andthereare some ideas such as annual mediaawards to recognise good examples of religious literacy. ⦁ “The pluralist character of modernsociety should be reflected in Move along, nothing national and civic events”. This, the commission explains, is to make these events reflective of diversity.Consequently,they recommend the appointment of agreater number of peers from other faith traditions alongside the bishops. Frankly,this to seehere recommendation is nonsense when you consider that any future reformislikely to shrink the size of the House of Lords, and thus the Bishops, and may even replace this appointed house with a completely elected body. ⦁ “All pupils in state-funded schools should have astatutory entitlement to acurriculum about religion philosophy and ethics” relevant to today’s society.Theyrecommend anationally agreed curriculum. Ihave some sympathy for this. Ibelieve that RE has been held back by the fact that the syllabus is agreed locally rather than nationally,which creates an unevenness in provision. A national curriculum should be provided, just as long as itisnot written by this Commission because they arestrongly biased towards an understanding of faith that is pluralist. ⦁ They also recommend that the ‘mainly Christian’ element in school assemblies should be replaced with arequirement for a period of spiritual reflection. And perhaps they arerightinwanting some reform. Surely though, the problem of schools notobserving the law is to insist that Ofsted and educational authorities enforce these standards. If it proves too onerous for schools to provide assemblies of a‘mainly Christian’ character,perhaps this could become aweekly rather than daily requirement. Thisisabetter compromise than taking the figurative axe to Christian assemblies. ⦁ Selection on grounds of religion should be reduced in faith schools. In fact this is one recommendation Iagree with. Church of The controversial reportofthe Commission in position of public life is pluralist and secularist England schools at the veryleast should offer themselves as free Public Life has been binned by government and and that any supposed ‘privilege’ that accrues to gift of education to everyone in the parish. This is in line with the Church alike even beforeitwas made public. Christianity in general, or the ChurchofEngland ethos of the Church of England. It is abhorrent to see churches In spite of styling itself a‘Commission’ it was in in particular,ismarginal. In fact, the hospitable twisting the arms of non-churchgoing parents to attend in order to reality aprivately appointed group of people from establishment of the Church of England at least gain aplace for their children. the academic interfaith networks. Though it had guarantees that therewill be avoicefor faith in ⦁ ‘Thought for the Day’ should include speakers from non-religious afig leaf of ‘establishment’ supportthrough the public life, and it is the Church of England that perspectives. It might not have seemed possible, but the patronage of leaders such as Rowan Williams, Sir guarantees that voice and veryoften convenes Commission has found away to make the ‘God-slot’ even more Iqbal Sacranie and LordWoolf, ithad no special gatherings of faith leaders in which they speak to irritating than it currently is. status and deserves no moreconsideration than thenation. ⦁ “A panel of experts on religion and belief should be established to the reports of any pressuregroup and campaign. To take one example: if thereistobea advise the Independent Press Standards Organisation”. Thismight Though its chair,Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss participation of other faiths in the next be agood idea, but if these experts arethe same ones who advised protested that the reportdid not set out to Coronation service, which has been the subject this Commission, perhaps not. disadvantage the role of Christianity,merely to of endless debate for decades beforethis ⦁ It is not all bad however.Other recommendations arepositive add greater participation for those from other ‘commission’ reported, then this will be the including calls for Sharia courts to comply to gender equality,and faiths, the reality is rather different. The subject of negotiation between the various for religious organisations not to face automatic disadvantage when ‘commissioners’ fail to recognise that the implicit interested parties, the Church of England, the applying for funding.

LIZ HOARE thespiritualdiByrtheeRevDcrLtizoHoarer Advent tells us to wake up and keep thousand years of wrong’ is avery is an acute pain and one builtintothe to get our heads round the theological alert, watching for the signs of the accurate pictureofthe present human condition. concept of waiting for the one to come coming of God’s kingdom. worldwide scene. The earthlylongings of displaced who has already come! Sitting in awarmchurch surrounded It was the next versethatseemed to peoples areechoed through the New It’s tempting to open another door in by flickering candlelight Iwondered be addressed specially to those Testament by writers like Paul and the the Advent calendar and concentrate on what Advent means to Christians fleeing undertaking the difficult journeys made author of Hebrews who talk of longing getting ready for Christmas. war and persecution in the MiddleEast. by so many men women and children in to be free from the shackles of this But if our world is broken and we are What signs arethey watching and recent months: ‘And ye, beneath life’s world and present with God forever to in pain, grief or deep darkness, Advent yearning for?The words of the crushing load, whose forms arebending experience the peace and healing that is is aheartcry for the world to be Christmas carol ‘It came upon a low, who toil along the climbing way promised. different. midnightclear’ cametomind. withpainful steps and slow’. The hymn changes gear as it cries Many have come promising change ‘Peace on the earth, good will toall’ Thereseems verylittle to hope for,at ‘Look now’ and continues: ‘For lo the onlyfor things to slip back into their old sounds abit sentimental but this peace best awelcome from strangers who days arehastening on, by prophets seen ways. will come ‘fromheaven’s gracious king’. might offer temporaryrespite from cold of old… when peace shall over all the Only God can bring in the kind of Peace willcome when Jesus returns to and hunger and thenthe slow, earth its ancient splendours fling, and all change that will last, that will establish claimhis kingdom. disorientating process of facing the task the world give back the song, which real justice, peace and righteousness, The next verses speak of a‘weary of trying to make anew life in aforeign now the angels sing.’ change that will bless the whole earth. world’ with‘sad and lowly plains,’ ‘Babel land,not knowing whether therewill be Advent can be abit abstract for those How important it is to watch and pray sounds’ and ‘woes of sin and strife.’ ‘Two aplace for them. The longing for home of us who live in comfort: all that trying and point the way to such ahope.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 12 Friday December 11, 2015 CLASSIFIEDS &FEATURE

ToBy CharlesRaven,mend mucthehofthe pain, conflictneand confusiont?that would Latimer Trust soonfollow.Nearly 15 yearslater,the majority ofthe Anglican Communion represented by Gafcon and the The Archbishop of Canterburyhas taken amajor risk leadership of the GlobalSouth areatthe equivalent of in calling together theAnglican Primates in January step eight; they do not recognise TEC and the Angli- next year and he has already achieved what his prede- can Church of Canada and instead have formally cessor was unable to dowith the announcement that recognised anew Province in their place, the ACNA. the Anglican Global South and GafconPrimates will So of what relevance is‘To Mend the Net’ now? It attend. serves as areminder that adegree of separation is not For these Primates, the decision of the Dar es necessarily church discipline. If the outcome of the Salaam Primates’ Meeting of February2007 (pictured Canterburymeeting is the ‘not adivorce but separate above) must be one of the great ‘What if’moments of bedrooms’ scenario already suggested to the media by recent Anglican historyand they mightwell want to aLambethsource, the Communion might be more revisit it. What if Rowan Williams, then Archbishop of manageable for awhile, but if the See of Canterbury Canterbury, had stood by the Primates’ collegial mind emerges as the hubtowhich all can still relate as to subject The Episcopal Church to discipline ifitfailed Anglicans in good standing then the key question of to give assurances by 30 September 2007 not to autho- disciplineand the ecclesial integrityofAnglicanism is rise Rites of Blessing for same-sex unions, nor to con- unresolved. secrate persons insuch relationships as bishops? The tear in the net will not be mended, but institu- As it happened, Rowan Williams set aside the Pri- tionalised. mates’ decision by inviting the TEC bishops to the Itseems that the ground has been prepared for such 2008Lambeth Conference beforethe deadline. This an outcome by the emphasis on ‘good disagreement’ led directly to the utterly unprecedented withdrawal of as so vigorously promoted by the Anglican Commun- over200 bishopsfromthe conference and to the first ion Office through ‘Continuing Indaba’. It may simply GlobalAnglican FutureConference (Gafcon) in be said that ifweare in arelationship with Jesus, we Jerusalem, out of which the Anglican Church in North must not allow anythingtoimpair our relationship with America was birthed. each other,but the problem with this superficially But thereisanother and now largely forgotten ‘What appealing idea is that it fails to recognise the possibility if’which is just as relevant. Six years earlier,Archbish- that because we aresinners, relationships that are ops Maurice Sinclair and Drexel Gomez produced the intended to lead us closer to Jesus,the head ofthe report‘To Mend the Net’ forthe 2001 Primates’ Meet- Church, can also have the potential to lead us away ing held at Kanuga, North Carolina, under the chair- from Jesus. manship of Archbishop George Carey.They proposed The wisdomof‘To Mend the Net’ with its careful lis- ameans by which the Primates’ Meeting could restore tening and measured discipline, is the recognition that godly order,which was not simply away of dealing what we have in common, what makes us aCommun- with the sexuality crisis, but also addressed the under- ion, is not merelyaffectionthroughhistorical affinity, lying problem of authority and discipline in the Angli- but the reality of beingreconciled to God through can Communion. hearing the Word of God and responding in repen- The reportset out an eight-step process. It was high- tanceand faith. So it is faithfulness to that Word that ly relational and designed to give as much opportunity must governour relationships with each other and as possibletocorrect misunderstanding. Step three, wheretherehas been unfaithfulness, thereshould also for instance, called for ‘constant communication’, but be repentance. the need for repentance was not sidelined, and step For the Primates of Gafcon and the Anglican Global fivecalled for ‘Godly admonition to churches or bish- South, the breakdown of authority and discipline in the ops who refuse to observe the guidelines, with the AnglicanCommunionisatthe heart of our difficulties. intent of calling them back to thetruth’. The mostimportantquestionabout January’s meet- If ignored thisthen led to step six, the sanction of ing in Canterburyisnot how the sexuality issue can be ‘Relegation to observer status in international meet- managed (itisnow veryclear that it cannot be ings’. The last resort, excommunication and the rais- resolved),but whether Canterburycan mendthe net ing up of anew orthodox province, was only reached at and reinvent itself as the focus of atruly conciliar Com- step 8. munionthatorders its life under the authority of Scrip- Despite the report’s obvious significance, therewas ture. Ifnot, such leadership willnodoubtemerge no formal discussion and it was quietly consigned to elsewherewithin theCommunion. history by referral to the Inter-Anglican Theological and Doctrinal Commission. Charles Raven is Adviser to the PrimateofAfrica, Arch- With thebenefit of hindsight thiswas agrievous bishopEliud Wabukala,and writes on behalfofthe missedopportunity to act at an early stage and avert Latimer Trust THEREGISTER Friday December 11, 2015 www.churchnewspaper.com 13

Stockport, Mrs Woodhead has resigned BIBLE CHALLENGE ANGLICANCYCLE OF PRAYER fromher post as Retired Clergy Widows Officer(Macclesfield Archdeaconry) Day 346 Zephaniah 2, Psalm 131, (Chester) with effect from 31 December Mark 9 Friday 11 December.Psalm 67, II Kgs 5:9-14. Willochra - (SouthAustralia, 2015. Day 347 –Zephaniah 3, Psalm 132, Australia): TheRtRev John Stead Mark 10 Saturday 12 December. Psalm72:1,6-8,18,19, II Kgs5:15-27. Winchester - Day 348 –Enjoyhearing the Scriptures (Canterbury, England): The Rt Rev Tim Dakin; Winchester -Basingstoke- read aloud inchurch (Canterbury, England): The Rt Rev DavidGrant Williams; Winchester - LAYAND OTHER Day 349 –Haggai1-2, Psalm 133, Mark Southampton -(Canterbury,England): The Rt RevJonathan Frost APPOINTMENTS 11 Sunday 13 December. Advent 3. Psalm 45: 10-end, Judith 8: 1-8. Windward Day 350 –Zechariah 1-2, Psalm 134, Islands -(WestIndies): The Rt Rev Calvert Friday Mark 12 Monday14December. Psalm 24:1-6, Judith 8: 9-27. Worcester - (Canterbury, David Watts Day 351 –Zechariah 3-4, Psalm 135, England): TheRtRev JohnInge; Worcester-Dudley - (Canterbury,England): To be HonoraryLay Canon Emeritus, Mark 13 TheRev CanonGraham Usher Cathdral of the Holy Spirit (Guildford). Day 352 –Zechariah 5-6, Psalm 136, Tuesday15December. Psalm 33: 1-4, 11,12, Judith 8:28-36. Wusasa - (Kaduna, Mark 14 Nigeria): The Rt RevAli Buba Lamido Wednesday 16December. Psalm 113, Judith 9.Wyoming -(VI, The Episcopal Church): The Rt RevJohn Smylie DEATHS Thursday 17 December. Psalm 25: 3-10, Judith 10. Yambio -(Sudan): The Rt APPOINTMENTS RevPeterMunde Yacoub The Rev JeremyBurslem, who held theBishop of Derby’s The RevAnneHindle, (Peterborough), has been appointed Permission to Officiate in retirement New Bishop of Sherborne RectorofAll Saints Clifton and All Saints Rector of thesame benefice. from 1998, died on 19th November, The VenKaren Gorham, Southill (St Albans), has been appointed 2015. currently ArchdeaconofBuckingham Vicar of Warmington, Tansor, The Rev Raymond Stephen David (Oxford), is to be the 36th Bishopof Cottestock, Fotheringhayand Rossiter, Sherborne (Salisbury). Southwick (Peterborough). RETIREMENTS AND Retired priest, died 29 October 2015. The RevChrisHolden, RESIGNATIONS Formerly NSM Curate at Sale St Anne, The Rev RichardBodle, To be Assistant Curate (OLM –tobe in thedeaneryofBowdon until 1990. Vicar,Churtand Hindhead (Guildford), known as Associate Priest) in theDenby TheRev Peter (Pedr)Beckley, Mr Rossiter retired in 1991 and was to be also surrogate for marriages Group of Parishes, (Derby). Vicar of Greystones St Gabriel and grantedPTO in Chester Diocese from (Guildford). The RevDrPeter Hooper, Priest in Charge of Endcliffe St 1990. The Rev Carol Brennand, RectorofGroby and Ratby (held in Augustine (Sheffield), to resign as The Rev Pamela Frances Smith, Rector inthe Benefice of theUpper plurality withPeckleton) and Area Dean Priest in Charge of Endcliffe St Self-Supporting Associate Priest in the Soar,has been appointed also as of SparkenhoeEast, as Area Dean of Augustineon 31 December but Benefice of Badgeworth, Shurdington AssistantAreaDean of Guthlaxton Framland and Priest in Charge of Ab remaining Vicar of Greystones St and Witcombe with Bentham Deanerywith immediate effect Kettleby with Holwell and Asfordby Gabriel (Sheffield). (Gloucester), died on 14 November (Leicester). (Leicester). The Rev GaryBowers, 2015. The Rev Mark Capron, The Rev Simon Gordon Howell, has resigned and will be movingout of The Rev Patricia(Pattie)Vigers, Assistant Curate, Carlton Colville; StipendiaryTeam Vicar in the Benefice the Diocese (Norwich). holder of the Bishop of Southwark’s Assistant Curate, Pakefield, tobeRector, of theStroud Team Ministry, to be also The Rev Canon John Bundock, Permission to Officiate died suddenly on Dersingham Benefice (Anmer, Interfaith Adviser (Gloucester). Canon Emeritus, Cathedral of the Holy 26th November 2015. Dersingham,Ingoldisthorpe, The RevDrAndy Larkin, Spirit (Guildford), retired from 1 Shernborne) (Norwich). Vicar of Fenny Bentley,Thorpe, October. The Rev MichelleCotton, Tissington, Parwich and Alsop-en- le- The Rev Dr David de Pomerai, Priest in Charge of St Andrew’s Dale, and Rural Dean of Ashbourne, Associate Priest in the Deaneryof Wellingborough (Peterborough),has (Derby),has been appointed Priest-in- Repton(Derby), will retirewith effect been appointed Vicar of the same Chargeofthe Churches of Arden, from1st December,2015. DO YOUWANTTO parish. (Coventry). The Rev Canon Geoffrey Roger The Rev PhilippaJane Donald, The RevDrSally Ann Nash, Harper, ADVERTISE AJOB? Self-Supporting Associate Priest in the Assistant Curate SSM, Hodge Hill, St Vicar of Burton Joyce with Bulcote and Benefice of St John theEvangelist, Philip &StJames, (Birmingham), to be Stoke Bardolph, (Southwell and Churchdown and Innsworth, to be Self- Assistant Priest SSM (to be known Nottingham)has resigned with effect Supporting Associate Priest in the locally as Associate Minister),Hodge from21December 2015. ADVERTISEWITH US ONLINE* Benefice of Twigworth, Down Hill, St Philip &StJames, The RevCanon Margaret Marsh, Hatherley,Norton, TheLeigh, Evington, (Birmingham). Canon Emeritus, Cathedral of the Holy FORJUST £75 YOUCAN POST Sandhurst and Stavertonwith The RevAnthony Patterson, Spirit (Guildford), retired from 1 YOUR JOB ONOUR JOB Boddington (Gloucester). Priest in Charge, has been re-appointed October. BOARD FORAMONTH The Rev Janet Donaldson, as Priest-in-Charge of the Beneficeof The RevMyles Ronald Owen, Priest in Charge of Welford wSibbertoft Bempton withFlamborough, Reighton Curate at BowdonStMary(Chester), to &MarstonTrussell (Peterborough), withSpeeton (York) for afixed termof resign with effect from 31 December hasbeen appointed Vicar of the same two years until 20 December 2017. 2015. benefice. The RevMichaelRoper, The RevRoger Martin Howell JUST FIVE SIMPLE STEPS! The Rev Dr Jeremy Duff, Priest in Charge, St Paul’s Egham Hythe Preece, Team Vicar in Widnes, to be Principal of (Guildford), to be Priest in Charge, St Formerly Incumbent at Bowdon St St Padarn’sInstitute, anew centrefor Barnabas, Epsom (Guildford). Mary, in the deaneryofBowdon, now ★ logonto ministrytraining in Wales which will be The RevStephen Charles Torr, Archdeacon of St Helen’s and www.religiousjobsite.com launched next year. He is also asenior Curate at Abbots Bromley St Nicholas, Warrington (Liverpool), to resign with reviewer oftheological education Blithfield, Colton, Colwich and Great effect from 14 November 2015. ★ clickonHow to advertise institutionsfor the ChurchofEngland Haywood, (Lichfield), to be House for The RevRoger Philip Scoones, your vacancy House of Bishops and alecturerinNew DutyPriest in Charge of Norton St Currently Rector at StockportStMary, ★ choose Post aJob Testament atStMellitus College, North- Berteline and St Christopher (Chester). in thedeaneryofStockport, to retire ★ type in your advert details West. The RevLyndiTrombetti, witheffect from 30 April 2016. Mr ★ The Rt Rev TimEllis, Permission to Officiate (Guildford), to Scoones also currently holds PTO in paywithPAYPAL Bishop of Grantham until 2013, to be an be Housefor DutyPriest in Charge Manchester Diocese. Assistant Bishopinthe Diocese of Walton on the Hill (Non Stipendiary) The RevCarol Anne Tainton, *All jobs advertised in CEN’s Derby (Guildford). Vicar of Lowdham with Caythorpe and printed versionare posted to TheRev James Campbell Ramsey The RevChristopher van Straaten, Gunthorpe (Southwell and Nottingham) our jobsite Gibson, Vicar of St Peter and St Paul, Aylesford is to retirewith effect from 24 July 2016. Curate at Busbridge St John the Baptist (Rochester) has been appointed as Vicar The Rev Elizabeth Tilley, and Hambledon, (Guildford), to be of St Andrew,Sutton Parkand Priest in Assistant Curate (Non Stipendiary) Incumbent of Hurdsfield HolyTrinity Charge of St Peter,Wawnewithin The Wonersh with Blackheath (Guildford), (Chester). Bransholme, Sutton Park, Sutton and to retirewith permission to officiate Email: The Rev Dr Timothy Gill, Wawne Group Ministry(York). from 26 December. [email protected] Vicar of Roby St Bartholomew The RevDianeWhittaker, The Rev Andrew White (Liverpool), to be Vicar of Ecclesfield St Priest in Charge of Potterspuryw Rector,Kirkley (Benefice) (Norwich), is Tel: 0207 222 2018 Marythe Virgin (Sheffield). Furtho &Yardley Gobion wCosgrove & to resign on 31 January2016. The Rev Miranda Hayes, Wicken (Peterborough),has been The Rev Sandra Buchanan Wood- Priest in Charge of Earls Barton appointed Rector of thesame benefice. head, www.religiousjobsite.com (Peterborough), has been appointed The RevChloe Willson-Thomas, Remaining as HonoraryCurate at Vicar of the same parish. Priest in Charge of Brixworth wHolcot StockportStGeorge, in the deaneryof 14 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday December 11, 2015 BOOKS /SUNDAY SUNDAY SERVICE FlemingAn imRutledgepowasrtantone of thenefirstwpwomenertospecbe RighttiveTo Die?on(IVPthe,pb, £8.99).cruciThis isfiawxioell- n ordained in the Episcopal Church and shequickly argued book that explodes many myths behind the 1stSunday of Christmas Sunday 27December gained areputation as apreacher.Now she has campaign for assisted suicide. 2015 produced a600-page book on the death of Christ, The Crucifixion (Eerdmans, hb, £29.99), that Life in the Psalms (Bloomsbury, pb, £12.99) is 1Samuel 2:18-20,26 argues for the importance of expiation and the Mowbray Lent Book for 2016. Patrick Colossians 3:12-17 substitution. She claims thereissomething Woodhouse, aretired canon of Wells Cathedral, Luke 2:41-52. drastically wrong with the human condition that helps the reader to find meaning in ancient texts, only God can fix. This is abook that could exploring their relevance to many of the issues of Our readings this week remind us that the LordJesuswas transform the preaching of all the preachers who our age. dedicatedtoserving his heavenly Fatherfrom the earliest read it. days of his childhood,andthat sincewetooare tolive every Douglas ElloryPett was an Anglican priest and sub- day in communionwith him, afterawhirl of activity over Another major biblicalstudy comes from Professor warden of the Guild of St Raphael. In The Healing Christmas wemay need to pausetoforgiveone anotherand John Barclay of Durham. In Paul and the Gift Tradition of the NewTestament (Lutterworth, restore peace inthehousehold of faith. (Eerdmans, hb, £46.99) Barclay examines the pb, £19.50) he provides asurvey of New Testament Theprophet Samuelwas dedicated to the serviceofGod apostle’s teaching on grace, drawing on insights teaching on healing as asign of the coming of God’s as a childbyhis mother, whohad prayed at the tabernacle from anthropology and studies of Jewish, Greek kingdom. forhis birth.Little Samuelwouldminister before the LORD, and Romanthinking as well as the New Testament wearing alinen ephod,and Hannah would bring him a new to argue that Paul does not teach grace is ‘free’ or Symon Hill is ablogger whose articles have robe every year when she andElkanah went uptooffer their ‘unconditional’. This book will be alandmark in NT appeared in ThirdWay and The Guardian.His new annual sacrifice. And every year, Eli would pray down a studies. book The Upside Down Bible (DLT,pb, £9.99) is blessing on thembefore theyreturned home,while Samuel alively,radical look at the teachingofJesus on such himself grew in statureandinfavourwith bothGod and the John Wyatt, Emeritus Professor of Neonatal issues as money,sex and violence. Highly people. Paediatrics at University College, London, looks at recommended. ThisOld Testamentvignette is clearlythe pattern for euthanasia, assisted suicide and end-of-life carein Luke’s unique story ofJesus’ childhood visit to the JerusalemTemple.Like Elkanahand Hannah, Joseph and Mary go up annually for thePassoverinresponsetothe commandofGod, taking their miraculous child withthem. Whyweneed more than alovesong Theboy is remarkably devoted to God above all, andatthe By Andrew Symes, ground between evangelicals and God’s relationship with his endweare told that hegrew in statureand in favour with anglicanmainstream.org Roman Catholics who sharea people. both God andthepeople. desiretounderstand and JohnPaul II uses reflectionon Yet the Gospel narrative has puzzledmany. How could Along with millionsofother communicate aphilosophy of sex the “Thomistic” tradition and Josephand Mary not know Jesus was still back in the city viewers recentlyIwatched and marriage that isgroundedin other relevant philosophy,but when theyleft? Why doesMaryrefer to Josephas“your transfixed as Adele concluded the Scriptures, linked to the puts the Bible’s authority first;he father”, ifshehad truly beenavirgin when hewas con- her show on the BBC with a wisdom of the ages and makes explores the biblical theme of ceived?Why did Jesus treat his parentslike this andcause spine-tingling rendition of her sense practically,yet is winsome marriage fromAdam and Evein them suchanxiety?Why does he saythey should have classic ballad“Someone like in putting forwardcounter- Eden to themarriage of the known wherehewould be,when they spentsolong search- You”. Itsnot normally my kind of cultural truth. Lamb and the Churchin ing the place?How could he, if hewas trulytheincarnation music but thereissomething West and his team will be Revelation. Once we have of the omniscientGod, somehow “grow”inwisdom? extraordinaryabout her singing, running athree-day seminar in established God’s intention for Itisachallenging story. No doubt it was perfectly natural akind of passionate yearning London from 14-16 January,to our bodies increation, we can for parentstoassumetheir children weresomewhere in the that is of course on one level an which all arewelcome. see moreclearly the answers largecrowdheading home,anditdoes seem theholy couple expression ofauniversal human from his wordonthe goodness of mayhave had other childrentoworryaboutbynowtoo(see emotion –lost love –but like all What is Theology of the Body? singleness and celibacy, Mark 6:3 and Matthew 13:55-56, whichare difficult to square great singersitseems to Between 1979 and 1984 Pope marriage, sex and procreation; withthelater dogmatic invention of Mary’s “perpetual vir- transcend that, and speak about John Paul IIgave aseries of God's plan, but also the ginity”,atortuous and unnecessary doctrine).Joseph was something else deeper and lectures as areflection onthe relentless contemporary regarded asJesus’ father by others whowere notparty to higher that we aremissing and creation of humanity,male and normalisation of how we have the secret of his holy conception, but he tookhis human desperately need. female, as sexualbeings. The 129 deviated fromit. nature from Mary (as ourArticle 2 declares) — which American speaker and writer talks sought todevelop abiblical means he had areal human nature which physicallygrew,all Christopher West (pictured anthropology,oratheology of What can Protestant his powers together. above) believes that someofthe what it means to be human, evangelicals learn from this? The main challenge of the story, however, is that Jesus best music operates on different addressing and countering the Imyself am aconvinced was utterlydevoted to his relationship to God,his Father. levels: entertainment, lovepoetry ideas and attitudes that were conservative evangelical, and Eventhough he respected his parents and wasobedientto and existentialspiritual longing. taking hold in society’s “sexual remainwaryofsomesections of them,heknewthat his life must revolvearound God.And As human beings we havea revolution”. He foresawthat the teaching and the institutions the samemessageisthere for us in Colossians 3. The word natural desirefor aclose without such astrong Christian of the Roman CatholicChurch. ofChrist mustdwellinus richly. As Matthew Henry com- relationship, especially apologetic,Westernculture But Iwant to acknowledge and ments onthis passage: “Those whoaretheelect of God,holy “completion” with aspecial would become increasingly learnfromtruth wherever it can and beloved, ought tobelowly andcompassionate towards “other”. confused about the natureoflove be found. Theevangelical all. While inthis world, where there is somuchcorruption To find this with another and sex, singleness, marriage tradition has been strong at inour hearts, quarrels willsometimes arise. But it is our person is agoal formost,but as and family,and the Church establishing what the Bible says, duty to forgive oneanother,imitatingthe forgiveness St Augustine said, our spirits are would be unable to offer God’s and setting out good pastoral through which we aresaved.” restless ultimately until they find wisdom with aclear united voice. practice. But among some Christmascan be afraught and stressful time. So let us rest, completion in arelationship In particular, according to this evangelicalstherehas been a use the SundayafterChristmas to re-focusourminds on with God. ForWest, “sex is not teaching, we need to recover and loss of confidence in serving Godaboveall, and servingour friends,family, and just about sex”but “is meant to have confidence in the Bible’s commending the historic fellowman in the yearahead. point the way to theultimate insistence that as human beings orthodox teaching on sexual fulfilment of everydesire” (Fill we areabody-mind-soul unit:our ethics; others have rejected it. Dr Lee Gatiss is editor ofThe EffectiveAnglican:Seizing the These Hearts,Random House bodies areasimportant to our Contemporary culturelocates OpportunitiesofMinistry intheChurch of England,and 2012, p11). identity and personality as what authority and truth around these DirectorofChurchSociety So when Adele expresses hope we think or how we feel. Our issues in personal experience. (www.churchsociety.org) that she will find somebody to bodies speak of God’s creation: West’s presentations, geared to love and be loved by,she means he wants to redeem and know us an interdenominational audience, firstlyamale partner,but as whole people withbodies both help us to critique this, and secondly,perhaps unconsciously, now and ineternity. recover confidence in the Bible’s HYMN SELECTION her Creator. Central tothe Theology of the message thatweare not our own, Christopher West has been Body is the Bible’s portrayal of but called to honour God with acclaimed for some time as the the ideal of complementary our bodies. How Christ enables Lord I lift your name on high foremost popular communicator heterosexual union between us to do this is akey component Once in royal David’s city of aschool of biblical teaching male and female as agood thing of the Gospel. Who would think that what was needed called “Theology of the Body”. in itself (fromwhichthereare Details about the conference can be All praise to our redeeming Lord Unusually,this thinking is various deviations because of found at Holy Child who chose the hearts of men increasingly opening up common human sin); it’s also apictureof https://cwestlondon.eventbrite.co.uk

Allbooks reviewedonthese pages are available from www.churchnewspaper.com/shop. In case of difficulty please call 020 7222 2018

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper REVIEWS Friday December 11, 2015 www.churchnewspaper.com 15 Afilm with acompelling resonance FILM OF THE WEEK Sunset Song (cert. 15),adapted and directed by Terence Davies from the 1932 novel by Scottish writer Lewis Grassic Gibbon, is avisually fine film, though with alimited point of view. Davies has wanted to make this since his success with The House of Mirth (2000), and his documentary of hishome town ofLiverpool, Of Time and the City (2008) revived his chances. Though Ken Loach isn’t finished yet, Davies at 70 may vie with him as greatest living British director. Michael McDonough’s cinematography ranges from almost sepia tones for interiors to lingering shots of wheatfields (though would Chris really lie down in a field crushing the crop?) and in itself makes the film worth watching. Otherwise alot rests on whether the cast can overcome an episodic approach to this pastoral tale. English model turnedactor Agyness Deyn takes on the principal role as ayoung woman facing her own life choices –aloyalty to family and to theland, or breakingout to life asateacher.It’s not that obvious why she settles for theformer,and alot of what happens seems just to happentoher,but it’s asolid performance. Set in The Mearns south of Aberdeen, the story follows Chris Guthrie (Deyn) from childhood under an abusive father(Peter Mullan) to independence, marriage, and loss of her husband in the First World War. Thenovel’s changing narrative voices are replicated and much of the narration is direct from the book, as in the observation that “therewerelovely things in the world, lovely things that didn’t endure and the lovelier for that”. foreman of aneighbouring farm, and for some years, behaviour –hehas, moreorless, turned into her Her father John hasalready had four children and blessed with ason, life is good. father.His fate, and others from the area,isinthe book her mother is madepregnant again –we’d call it rape The war intervenes. Reluctant to fight in acapitalist clearly set in the context of achanged world, a now –and withnew twins struggles to cope. Chris’s war,Ewan eventually signs up, after asermon at the changed land, achanged way of farming, but the elder brother Will (Jack Greenlees) suffers violence, Kirk thatwould expose those who refuse to enlist “for ending in the film is more or less the same. pointlessly obedient, at hisfather’s hand, before finally what they truly are–not just cowards but pro-German Alone piper plays “Flowers of the Forest” –areprise leaving. cowards”. For afilm that’s taken 15 years to fund and of the song sung movingly by Chris at herwedding After her father’s death, Chris rejects the assumption make, it’s aremarkable coincidence to hear thatinthe party –and aeulogy for the wardead elides into a that she will sell thefamily’s land at Blawearie in the week of Cameron’s hideous linking opposition to simple philosophy,“Youcan do without the day if hamlet of Kinraddie (a fictional place name amid bombing Syria with terrorist sympathies. you’ve alamp lighted and kind in your heart”. otherwise familiar place names) and decides to work it Ewan returns on leave brutalised, though what he’s herself. Shemarries Ewan (Kevin Guthrie), the been through is evident only from his changed Steve Parish

CD CHOICE WINE OF THE WEEK Graham Norton’sOwn JennBostic The pain on this disc is moreabout her tricky Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Faithful relationships, rather than the grief at the heartof Majestic JennBostic Music her previous release. “Counterfeit” addresses a £11.99(or £8.99 mix and match 6-bottle buy) deceitful lover; “Hurting Me, Hurting You” The Nashville singer- (another Kendall Payne soundalike) describes a There is surely going to be great curiosity at this bottle, by songwriter knows how relationship that isnot working out; while in the those going into Majestic to stock up for Christmas. It is a to connect with aUK feisty pop workout “Shiny New Toy,”she is “SauviGNon Blanc” says the label, the bold initials Graham audience. “Jealous of defiant about not compromising herself: Norton’s own. Not my doing. Isharethe professional name of the Angels”–about “Buy aMercedes Benz /Show it to all of your the television celebrity but mineisthe real GN.Meeting him losing her father – friends /I’m not going to beinthe passenger once he told me his real name: Graham Walker.But, as there became ahit after abreakfast show slot ayear or seat /I’m not your shiny new toy /I’m awareof was already astand-up comedian of that name he substituted two back, and this music featured on Songs of my value.” Norton, as that was among the family surnames. Praise earlier this year. Like the best Christian songwriters, she writes He’s afan of Sauvignon Blanc, especially those Faithful displays the urgency and hurtofa in away that anyone can identify with. “Kinda feel produced by the New Zealand organic producer mellowBeth Hart, the natural melodies and Like falling inLove” captures the vulnerability, Invivio. He’s decided now that they market a, dareone lingering pain of Plumb (“Cold and Frozen”), excitement and hope that come with wanting to say Christened, bottle with his name. He did play an with the feisty hopefulness of Kendall Payne – love someone when you don’t know how they will active partinits making, as samplesfromthe various and vocal similarities to all of these. respond. plantings wereflown to him to tryinthe blending Maybe that is why Ifeel alittle cautious about While initially thereistoo much similarity together with the company’s professionals. this enjoyable release: Bostic is competing in a between the feel of the songs, each develops The result: Ifound agood fruity nose, abalance saturated market, wherenosinger is character with successive listens and the closing of savouryand sweet notes accompanied with indispensible -but that should not take away swing track is verydifferent to the rest. subtle undertones, floral at first, then herbal hints. from the natural way that she builds her tunes. Capturing adisgruntled moment in a The finish was particularly pleasant, carrying on Thereare so many strong songs, with good relationship, she sings, “You know Ilove you, but the citrusflavours. Alcohol by Vol. 12.5%. An points to make. The title track asks about our tonight Idon’t like you at all!” excellent seasonal aperitif. Apercentage of the integrity (“Who areyou goingbe, when there’s With agenerous 14 songs and no real clunkers, profit, says GN, will go to charities. nobody else around?”), while “A Little Grace” is this is worth investigating. about judgmental attitudes. Derek Walker Graham Gendall Norton

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper ExaminingReligious Studies Peter Brierley Level 2.2 per cent. That equates expect thereforethat moregirls to 148,000 studentsfor GCSE than boys would go to church as Most pupils areinYears11and and to 17,000 for ALevel. So the teenagers. However,the 2005 13, or aged about 16 or 18 number of GCSE RS students English Church Census and the respectively,when theytake has doubled in the last 10 years, 2012 London Church Census their GCSE and ALevelexams. andthe number of ALevel RS both showed that moreboys One of the many subjects from students has increased by half, than girls attend church as which they can choose is RS, 52 per cent. So RS is definitely older teenagers, aged 15 to 19 shortfor “ReligiousStudies,” becoming morepopular! (51 per cent boys to 49 per cent which happens to be one of the The success rate ofGCSE is girls in England and 53 per cent morepopularnon-mandatory especially noticeable. More to 47 per cent in London). subjects. than half the students taking RS Amidst theoverall decline of So, for example, the RS GCSE GCSEin2015, 53 per cent, numbers attending church, exam in 2015 was taken by 5.6 obtained an A*, AorBgrade in these examination figures are percent of all GCSE students, their exam, with girlsdoing bet- important as they show that nearly 300,000 young people, or ter than boys (61 per cent to 44 interest in religionamong one student in every18. RS A percent). This is better than the young people is real. It is true Levels weretaken by 3.0 per marks obtained overall for all that Religious Studies now cent of ALevel students, some subjects when only 43 per cent encompasses the study of two 26,000 in total (that is, boys and of pupils obtained these three religions (which was not neces- girls), or one out of every33stu- topgrades. sarily true in 2005 or 2010), and dents. These percentages have not that Religious Studies embraces To give some idea of what changed verygreatly since much morethan astudy of these numbers mean, the num- 2005, showing possibly that RS Christianity or theBible, but ber taking GCSE RS is 15 times isan“easy” option, but more that so many wish to study it the estimated 20,000 young peo- likely that an interest in Reli- surely gives an opportunity ple aged 16 coming to achurch gious Studies is areal interest which could be utilised. inEngland on aSunday. and students thereforedowell Asecondaryschool in Kent than 30 students from the The interestisthere,ifonly a The percentages taking these initbecause they apply them- had aChristian Union, attended school would meet thereeach suitable opportunity can be public exams have been steadily selves to what is being taught. by adozen or so students. A day to discuss many things but given for it to be explored. rising. Tenyears ago, in 2005, Girls do better than boys in nearby church started aYouth including religious topics and the percentage of pupils taking bothGCSE and ALevelexams, Café, opening from 3.30pm to what the church was focusing Dr Peter Brierley may be RS as aGCSE subject was2.6 as thegraphs indicate. This is 5.00pm everyday serving on that week in their youth club, contacted on per cent,and those taking A interesting and one might drinks, cakes and sweets. More which anumber attended. [email protected].

rebelled against David Down 15 '...neither angels or [2 Sam] (5) 2Shortest book in the Old demons, neither the ------PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 980 by Axe 14 Where1was taken after Testament (7) or the future, nor any being sold to the Ish- 3'Everyday Iwill praise powers...' (Rom/NIV] maelites (5) you and ----- your name (7) 18 'Yet man is bornto------for ever and ever' 16 Bible to which content as surely as sparks fly [Ps/NIV] (5) the Protestant OT close- upwards' [Job/NIV] (7) 4Opinion or doctrine at ly responds (6) 20 'If you do not tell me the variance with the official 17 One of the minor OT -----, thereisonlyone or orthodox position (6) prophets (4) penalty for you' 5Anglican prayer equiva- 18 '---- and eat; this is my [Dan/NIV](5) lent to Vespers in the RC Body'[Matt/NIV] (4) 21 'They that dwell in the Church(7) 19 'I am the Alpha and the - wilderness shall ----- 6'...in all our works, ----...' [Rev/NIV] (5) beforehim' [Ps/KJV] begun, continued, and --- 20 Roman goddess, the (5) -- in thee, we may glorify Greek Artemis (5) 22 Lay people in the Angli- thy holy Name' [BCP] can Church authorized (5) Solutions to CrosswordNumber to conduct certain serv- 7'Whether a---- falls to the Across: 1Boiling, 5Micah, 8 ices like 5Dn(7) southortothe north, in Galatians, 9Nob, 10 Timon, 12 23 'He...sends ---- on the the place that it falls, Despite, 13 Judges, 14 Psalms, 17 righteous and the thereitwill lie' Parable, 19 Risen, 21 Eat, 22 Olive unrighteous' [Eccles/NIV] (4) tree, 24 Herod, 25 Eat away. [Matt/NIV] (4) 8'---- the lot between me Down: 1Begat, 2Ill,3Intense, 4 24 'The ------of the rich is and Jonathan my son' [1 Guards,5Moses, 6Canticles,7 their fortified city' Sam/NIV] (4) Hebrews, 11 Moderator,13Japheth, [Prov/NIV] (6) 13 Chiefcity of ancient 15 Serpent, 16 Kenite, 18 Blood, 20 Mesopotamia (7) Needy,23Row.

T h e f i r s t c o r r e c t e n t r y d r aw n wi l l w i n a b o o k o f th e E d it o r ’s c h o i c e . S e n d y o u r e n tr y t o C r o s s w o r d N u m b e r 9 8 0, T h e C h u r c h o f E ng l an d N e w s p ap e r , 14 G r e a t C o ll e g e S t r e e t, W e s tm in s te r , L o n do n , PRICE £1.50 /€2.00/$2.50 S W1 P 3R X b y n e xt W e d n e s d a y Across front and back' your armthey [Rev/NIV] (4) will be as -----asa N am e 1Eleventh son of 8Assembly of stone' 50 Jacob and Rachel church canons [Exod/NIV] (5) A d d r e s s [Gen] (6) (7) 11 'Inher hand she 5'In the 9Traditionallocal holds the distaff 9770964816108 centre...werefour leader through- andgraspsthe ----- living creatures, out the biblical -- with her fingers' P o s t C o d e andthey were period (5) [Prov/NIV] (7) covered in ----,in 10 'Bythe power of 12 SonofBikri who

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper

©Copyright 2015, The Church of England Newspaper.Registered as anewspaper by Royal Mail.Published by Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd, 14Great College Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3RX, Telephone: 020 7222 8700. Imagesetting by Classified Central Media Limited, 4th Floor,Central House, 142 Central Street, London, EC1V 8AR, 020 7216 6400. Print- ed by Mortons Media Group Ltd, Newspaper House, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6JR. Tel: 01507 523456. Newstrade distribution: Comag Specialist Division, Tel: 01895 433800.