B r e x i t L u t h e r ’ s H o w O u r O u t o f S i g h t , C h u r c h e s C h a l l e n g e s L e g a c y C h u r c h O u t o f M i n d ? W o r k i n g C h u r c h e s R e f o r m a t i o n , D o e s i t M i g r a n t T o g e t h e r F a c i n g 5 0 0 Y e a r s o n M i s s i o n i n M i n i s t r y M o r e t h a n a C h a n g e s A c t i o n R e p o r t s C o n t i n u e s W e e k o f P r a y e r

europe.anglican.org No.73 SPRING 2017 2 BREXIT BRIEING – BRUSSELS VIDEO CONFERENCE

THE E u r o p e a n r e x i t e a m A n g l i c a n B T L i s t e n t o Th e

The Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe C h u r c h ’s F e a r s The Rt Rev Dr. Robert Innes Bishop in Europe’s Office 47, rue Capitaine Crespel - boite 49, One of the most important news events of 2016 was the referendum vote for 1050 Brussels Britain to leave the European Union. It is still a conversation topic which Belgium Tel: +32 (0)2 213 7480 engenders passionate feelings. The UK government is working towards Email: invoking Article Fifty of the EU Treaty to begin a formal withdrawal. [email protected] The Suffragan Bishop in Europe The Rt Rev Dr. David Hamid This is a major issue for our Diocese in Europe. Although we are just one of Postal address: Diocesan Office the forty-two dioceses which make up the Church of England, we are its largest Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1160 Email: and most widespread and have a lot of shared knowledge and experience of the [email protected] joys and difficulties of living and serving in mainland Europe. It is encouraging The Diocesan Office that within and beyond the Church of England we are being consulted and 14 Tufton Street, London, taken seriously as this special three page update reports. SW1P 3QZ Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1155 Fax: +44 (0) 207 898 1166 Email: A consultation in January between some emotional and mental health. “Up until now [email protected] church members from the Diocese in Europe these people have received excellent medical Diocesan Secretary and Lord George Bridges, a Minister in the treatment under the Spanish healthcare Mr Adrian Mumford UK government’s Brexit Department, proved system” he said, “but they are having to to be well timed as the previous day, Prime make personal choices now, based on other Appointments Secretary Miss Catherine Jackson Minister Theresa May had given her long decisions which have yet to be made in the awaited and much publicised speech about her future. They already face uncertainty because Finance Secretary vision of how Britain will disentangle itself the value of their pensions are reduced by Mr Nick Wraight­ from the European Union. twenty per cent because of the fall in the Diocesan Website But when the seventeen volunteer delegates pound’s value since the Brexit vote, their www.europe.anglican.org joined Bishop Robert for the event in homes are worth less because of the state of Editor and Diocesan Brussels they learned that Lord Bridges was the property market and they are worried Communications Officer required in London so the UK Ambassador to that if they sell and return to Britain they The Rev Paul Needle Belgium, Alison Rose, offered facilities for a may not be able to afford a home there.” Postal address: Diocesan Office videoconference link to the embassy. Andrew Johnson, from Calpe on the Email: The reports and concerns from Anglican Costa Blanca, asked if the rights of elderly [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)7712 463806 churches in Europe covered topics, including people returning to Britain for economic reciprocal health care, pension arrangements, and health reasons would mean they would Friends of the Diocese dual-nationality and clergy employment rights be allowed full access to the NHS, for Secretary: Mrs Jeanne French in Europe. The Venerable Richard Seabrook which most had already paid contributions. Email: [email protected] from Torrevieja, on Spain’s Costa Blanca, Andrew Murray from Finland said he knew spoke of a deep fear about the future among all too well from experience about the Design and Print older church members in Spain and France. complexities of living in Helsinki with his Adept Design, Norwich He said this was already affecting peoples’ Dutch born wife. Distribution CoDEStorm plc

Front cover picture: “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” “You are the light of the world.” The rocky outcrop village of Ares de Maestre in the Valencia region of Spain serves as a reminder that our faith in Christ is a witness to be seen far and wide. During Lent, Holy Week and Easter we pray our faith in the Lord will be strengthened and blessed. Brussels video conference contributors Brussels meeting delegates PENSIONS, HEALTHCARE AND 3 CITIZENSHIP CONCERNS

Lord Bridges and the Ambassador work in European churches. Might this assured the meeting of the Prime What will happen to my affect Britons too, once they ceased to be Minister’s wish to ideally settle the issue pension which comes members of the EU? of reciprocal rights for UK nationals from the UK? Richard Seabrook from Torrevieja as soon as possible after Article 50 is was eager to explain that concerns for triggered. Some of the complexities of the future were far from one-sided. those rights were illustrated by Pauleen Will there be some Before the Brussels meeting he had Bang from Copenhagen who said many sort of reciprocal canvassed concerns among members of people were in “mixed EU marriages”. healthcare? his congregation and some had said that, Her children were British citizens living whatever the uncertainties, they had in Denmark and had no voting rights Will labour controls voted in last year’s referendum in favour in Britain and were concerned for their mean we can’t get a of leaving the EU. One comment was future status. new Priest? “I feel the UK will benefit from Brexit, Rev Ricky Yates, Chaplain in Prague eventually.” plans to retire this year and wants to stay How will Brexit affect After two hours airing the issues, near the Czech capital but doesn’t want our congregations – will participants said they felt their concerns his uncertain future status to be used as a had been heard but were saddened to have many members go back to return to their congregations with very bargaining chip for Brexit negotiations. to Britain? If he were forced to return to the UK few definitive answers, as the process is would he get proper hospital care, similar still in its early stages. Most participants to what he had been given in Czech felt they had been heard carefully and hospitals and could his care be jeopardised sympathetically. Rev. Brian Davies, from because he would be considered to have a the Aquitaine region of France, who had “pre-existing” health problem? sent various letters to the Prime Minister Future funding for local churches with with little apparent success, commented “I the diocese in Europe could be affected feel this is the first time the government has really listened to me.” by older members returning to the UK A further consultation may be planned with a consequent drop in church giving. as Brexit talks continue. In the meantime Bishop Robert also said he had been church members were encouraged to approached by church Treasurers who from Spain for work and not all of these consider organising national meetings were anxious to know if Inland Revenue were Spanish. Many Eastern Europeans with British Ambassadors in their Gift Aid funding would continue for could also be caught up in fresh border individual countries to keep the churches in the diocese after Brexit. restrictions. Mr McKillop-Smith accepted conversations high on agendas. John McKillop-Smith and Audrey assurances that the British government Singh offered a Gibraltar based view of was aware of these difficulties and was the aftermath of leaving the EU. They working for an urgent solution but he recalled a fifteen-year period when the warned that the government’s major role border between the Rock and mainland was mainly to negotiate a deal for their Spain had been closed until Spain’s entry sixty million inhabitants, not for the into the EU made it legally difficult 25,000 people in Gibraltar. for them to pursue the blockade. Once Recruiting clergy to take on parish Britain, including Gibraltar was no duties in Europe could suffer after Brexit. longer in the Community they warned Current experience showed there could of threats to isolate the residents and be lengthy delays and difficulties getting fears of a “Berlin style” wall. Currently, the necessary paperwork completed for Graeme Lloyd-Robert from Copenhagen 10,000 people regularly cross to Gibraltar people coming from outside Britain to with event co-ordinator David Fieldsend 4 PARLIAMENT GETS A VIEW FROM PARIS

B i s h o p R o b e r t R e f l e c t s o n Th e C onsultation

“I was personally very pleased that the Government, in the form of Lord Bridges, was prepared to put a whole day in his diary to meet with us. In the event, a Prime Minister’s speech and an appearance in the House of Lords meant that the morning event had to be rescheduled – probably for March - and in the afternoon we only got him for a short time on video link to Brussels. But that is the reality of dealing with government ministers.

We were taken very seriously by the sheer range and complexity of the and possible poverty. I will want the staff at the UK Representation issues that the government will have to keep up my own contacts with in Brussels, and it is staff in this to sort out. It was very clear that the government as the actual negotiations building who will be conducting the biggest worries are over health care and get underway to help ensure that the actual negotiations, so I do feel we pensions. Of course for me as a bishop needs of people in our diocese, who have been properly listened to, and I have particular concerns that the most sadly risk being treated as negotiating by the right people. vulnerable people should not be placed chips in a bigger game, are properly The event brought home to me in situations of real stress, uncertainty understood and respected.”

S p e a k i n g D i r e c t ly t o W e s t m i n s t e r On the same day as the meeting in As well as Christopher’s report from as well as offering human stories about Brussels, Christopher Chantrey, France, three other contributors were individuals and their practical concerns Debbie Williams from Belgium, Gareth and anxieties. As is normal, the hearing a member of St George’s church Horsfall, from Italy and Sue Wilson featured on Parliamentary TV and, if in Paris, had the opportunity to from Spain. They are all UK citizen not exactly an ordeal like the BBC’s be in London to give evidence to a living in Europe, able to add some “Question Time” Christopher and his Select Committee at Westminster. important facts to the Brexit Committee fellow witnesses performed admirably.

Christopher Chantrey, from St George’s church in Paris, in London giving evidence to a Westminster Select Committee on Brexit. STEPPING STONES TO OUR 5 DIOCESAN FUTURE

Wa l k i n g – a n d Ta l k i n g – To g e t h e r i n Fa i t h

Across our diocese church members are developing the diocesan strategy – the vision plan for our future, “Building up the body of Christ”. Since the plan was launched two years ago it has been emphasised that it is not a “top-down” toolkit for our development. It is not presented by bishops or archdeacons as a do-it-yourself mission kit but a series of aims which local churches can adopt and adapt to their own situations.

In February, the Archdeaconry opportunity to avoid the familiar of Gibraltar synod spent time printed reports on their church life discussing the challenges and and produced video presentations possibilities. A series of discussion which were well received. groups representing the variety of As this challenge spreads across local churches and settings shared the diocese and with the launch of experiences – hopes and fears and our newly updated diocesan website, the opportunities of a fresh look at there will be an on-line library of our church life – then produced a videos from churches proving that series of worksheets to feed back to we are working together, yet in a the wider diocese. multitude of expressions, One of the methods of focussing to show our faith and on what is being done is the determination for the encouragement from the Bishop to future. create mini video reports to give a The topic will be on the (literally) moving example of the agenda for June’s Diocesan range of activities and initiatives. Synod when local ideas Some chaplaincies in the Gibraltar can be shared with other Archdeaconry used this as an churches across Europe. 6 STEPPING STONES TO OUR DIOCESAN FUTURE

Praise for Diocesan Work to Combat Modern Slavery During a visit to Lambeth Palace some months ago the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew extended an invitation for a joint Anglican/ Orthodox conference on modern day slavery to be hosted by the Patriarchate in Istanbul (historic Constantinople).

The Diocese in Europe was honoured to receive two invitations to take part in this conference on February 6 & 7 which brought together bishops, priests, Istanbul group, February 6-7, 2017 academics and lay activists from both the Church of England and the Orthodox of traumatised people fleeing conflict Church. Canon Malcolm Bradshaw and left vulnerable in a strange land -, MBE Chaplain of Greater Athens and especially unaccompanied children – and Bishop Robert’s Attaché David Fieldsend the growth of human trafficking through were among the fifty or so participants. numbers of these people becoming easy The conference was entitled ‘Sins targets for exploitation. Before Our Eyes – A Forum on Modern Archbishop Justin followed up these Slavery’. After an official opening at remarks by talking about the shameful which the British Consul-General lack of urgency in rescuing such children to Istanbul (bringing a message of shown by state authorities in a number support from the Prime Minister) of European countries. He had got spoke, along with representatives of involved in one case in which three the Turkish Ministers for Foreign orphaned children of primary age had Affairs and Religious Affairs before been living together on their own in both Archbishop Justin and Patriarch the ruins of a bombed out building Bartholomew gave keynote addresses in Aleppo, but were turned down for looking to recruit volunteers to help. underlining the importance they gave to asylum in Britain, even though they had The conference closed with the the issue and dedicating their respective an uncle living in London. One of the signing of a joint declaration by Patriarch churches to action. reasons given was that they had failed to Bartholomew and Archbishop Justin During the Archbishop’s speech he submit their form online! which, amongst other things called mentioned the work of the Diocese in David Fieldsend shared both for church leaders ‘to find appropriate Europe on both refugees and trafficking. experience as an NGO lobbyist dealing and effective ways of prosecuting Four plenary sessions then followed with the issue before he started working those involved in human trafficking, each with session titles including ‘Facing for Bishop Robert and his subsequent preventing all forms of modern Modern Slavery: Engaging the Senses experience organising the diocesan slavery, and protecting its victims – which included an analysis of media survey on activity to combat human in our communities’ and ‘to become coverage; ‘Theological Thinking about trafficking and follow-up work to educated, raise awareness, and take Modern Slavery’; ‘Global and Local the survey including the recruiting of action with regard to these tragedies Features and Case Studies’, and ‘Action volunteer archdeaconry co-ordinators to of modern slavery, and commit by Faith Communities and International publicise the issue and arrange training themselves to working and praying Actors. and the holding of the first area training actively towards the eradication of this Views and experience from every day in Belgium at which those willing scourge’ and committing themselves to continent were shared in the discussion to get involved in action to combat ‘the establishment of a joint task force time, during which Malcolm Bradshaw slavery and trafficking learnt about how for modern slavery to bring forward was able to speak about his work in to recognise the activity, identify victims timely recommendations as to how the Greece with both refugees and trafficking and give follow-up support as well as Orthodox Church and the Church of victims. He was one of a number of hearing from representatives of local England can collaborate in the battle speakers to observe the clear links church anti-trafficking projects (from against this cruel exploitation’. between the movement of large numbers a range of denominations) that were David Fieldsend TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE 7 A DIFFERENCE

M i g r a n t a n d R e f u g e e M inis t ry Updat e s Last Summer, The European Anglican featured the story of Paul Carr who, supported by a group of churches on Spain’s Costa del Sol, embarked on a project to work with refugees and migrants in Greece. Here is his latest news. Following our previous aid mission in This site currently cares for 1,200 Greece this year, with the support of Yazidi Refugees, half of whom are the Anglican Church of the Costa del children. There are only 30 toilets Sol West, my fiancé, Gemma Blanchard and the morale is extremely low. I and and I created a non-profit organisation another volunteer will be staying on called Collective Calling. We are site 24hours a day providing aid and blessed to have the continued support support to those refugees for 3 months. of the San Pedro Church, as well as We have provided enough baby other local communities and churches milk formula for 4 months for the 101 on the coast, so we can continue to babies on site, as well as hygiene kits, help refugees on a long-term basis, with toothpaste and brushes, soap, making sure the aid donations go shampoo and sanitary items. We will directly to where it’s needed the most. also be organising activities for the We have raised €4,869 to help a women, children and adults as one of Follow our Facebook page and refugee site called Petra Camp located their struggles is having nothing to do website for updates in Greece. at the foot of Mount Olympus. day-to-day. www.collectivecalling.org

The hard reality that prompted this Sadly, durable solutions are elusive. Malcolm Bradshaw MBE, conference is that the number of displaced Attending this gathering to search persons globally has reached historic levels for solutions were representatives of the Anglican Chaplain at 65 million people plus. Of these, 51 government and non-governmental in Greece, reports from per cent are minors or children, including organisations, faith-based a conference organised 98,400 minors who are unaccompanied organisations, academics and child asylum seekers or separated children. protection experts – but most by the United Nations The risks faced by children crossing important were the contributions High Commissioner international borders in search of protection made by young delegates with a for Refugees (UNHCR) are significant. Two children drowned direct experience of being displaced. every day crossing the Mediterranean Sea. Topics discussed at the two-day entitled ‘Dialogue on Others have been kidnapped by smugglers conference looked at how to protect Protection Challenges: and traffickers to face sexual and physical children on the move, how to better Children on the Move’, violence, being detained in inhumane implement children’s rights, and conditions and forced into child labour or how to better respond to sexual held this month in child marriage. Many of these children are and gender-based violence aimed at Geneva… stateless orphans. children, among other issues. 8 SHOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS BY OUR LOVE

A W e e k o f P r ay e r a n d S h a r e In January churches across the diocese marked the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with services and special events.

In Monaco Christians from all along the Riviera nearly filled In Naples Bishop Robert joined members of Sant’Egidio Community, the Big Top in Fontvielle for the annual church service at the founded in 1968. Its aims include peacebuilding, work with the poor, International Circus Festival in Monte-Carlo. Representatives of and ecumenical and inter-faith relations. Their nativity scene had a more than 50 churches attended, with a young member from St similar message with the holy family in one part of the scene, and a Paul’s, Monte Carlo leading the parade. Christmas dinner for poor people in another. Sant’Egidio feeds 500 people each Christmas in one of the bigger Neapolitan churches. Photo: Anita Wales Anita Photo:

Members of St Alban’s, Copenhagen went on a walk of witness, In Knokke-Heist, Belgium, St George’s Church hosted this year’s calling at various different churches en route before the walk service where stones of forming a wall of division were turned (known as the kirkevandring) ended at the Swedish Lutheran into the cross as the focus of Christian unity. The cross was then Church with the Bishop of Copenhagen preaching. It is a tradition adorned with candle lights and the sermon was translated into which has been going for many years in the Danish capital. Dutch so everyone could share the message of unity. FOOD, MUSIC AND 9 EXERCISE

Caught on Camer a

Before Christmas, members of Spain’s Costa Almeria and Costa St Mark’s Florence, in northern Italy, encourages a group of walkers Calidas Chaplaincies worked with their local town hall, church known as the Wayfarers who, for their New Year exercise tackled the members to prepare food parcels for local people in need. They sent longest walkway in the world. The Porticoes of San Luca in Bologna 23 bags to Zurgena’s poorest families and during the year continue boast 666 arches, rising over two miles, to take pilgrims to the to give monthly donations for up to 16 families. sanctuary at the summit with its image of the Madonna, said to have been painted by St Luke. The group enjoyed the challenge which took them six hours and offered some great fellowship on the way.

Christmas services in Nyon, Switzerland, in the La Côte Chaplaincy, went with a swing with their traditional Jazz arrangements of ancient carols. It was the sixth annual jazz event and drew 150 people to worship with a slightly more off-beat sound. Musical arrangements were written by La Côte’s youth leader (and flute-player) Calen Gayle. 10 HAMMERING HOME YOUR PRINCIPLES

Beginning The Refor m ation – Questions and Answer s

Across the diocese 2017 marks 500 On 31 October, 1517, Martin Luther communion given in the form of years since Martin Luther’s public sent 95 theses to the Archbishop of bread and wine, married priests, and Mainz. (If he nailed them to the door a rejection of local episcopal or papal declaration set the Reformation of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, he authority. rolling. Rev. Ricky Yates, in probably did so only later, though this This was probably what made the Prague, says the evening services is the “event” being commemorated Reformation attractive to many rulers this year.) Luther’s 95 theses raised and city councils. Luther’s theology at the Frauenkirche, Dresden his concerns about the practice of helped them to assert their authority are highlighting the theme of indulgences, the idea that penance could over against local bishops and the pope. ‘Reformation buchstabieren’. be remitted by paying money to the In England, Henry VIII grasped the church instead of amending one’s life. Reformation as a means of denying Jana Jeruma-Grinberga, Chaplain “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ papal authority in England and accruing to himself the income of the monastic of St Saviour’s, Riga, is involved said, ‘Repent’ (Mt 4:17),” wrote Luther in the first thesis, “he willed the entire lands, as well as securing a divorce from in planning ecumenical events in life of believers to be one of repentance.” Catherine of Aragon. But in this, rulers March to mark the anniversary. He wanted faith to change people’s were concerned to reform the church In the first of three articles for The lives, and to change how they related to and enhance their subjects’ chances of salvation. And so, as the Reformation European Anglican Canon Dr other people, as he affirmed in thesis 44: “love grows by works of love, so that took hold in different places across Charlotte Methuen, Lecturer in people thereby become better.” Most Europe, it was driven by a complex mix Church History at the University of importantly, he believed that the church of theological concerns interwoven with political and economic factors. Glasgow and formerly a Director of has lost sight of what it was about: “The true treasure of the church is the most How are we saved? Does what we do Training in the Diocese in Europe, holy gospel of the glory and grace of and how we behave affect whether or challenges us to God” (thesis 62). not we receive grace? What role does find out more about Luther’s 95 theses were written in the church play in all this? Are secular Latin, the language of the university, but rulers responsible for their subjects’ Luther’s theses and souls? Those were key questions of the they were soon translated into German, Reformation. What are yours? to ask what they and Luther also began publishing in mean for us. German. His criticism of the church’s practice around indulgences struck a note with many people. Salvation, emphasised Luther, could not be bought and sold. Grace was God’s free gift. People ought to be able to hear, read and understand what the Bible actually said. Liturgy should be in the vernacular and traditions such as communion in one kind or the requirement that priests must be celibate, which Luther found had no basis in Scripture, should be Look out for Charlotte’s second stripped away. By the mid-1520s, the insight into Luther oud “Justification Reformation was being “introduced” by Faith” in our June edition. Please in territories and cities across Germany, send us news and pictures of your commemoration events. with vernacular Scripture and liturgy, Wittenberg - Castle Church RECREATING BRITISH 11 ALPINE CHURCH HISTORY

B r i t i s h C h u r c h To u r i s m i n Th e S w i s s A l p s Diane Conrad-Daubrah from the here and encouraged others to follow with one of the most beautiful interiors St Moritz congregation has been in their footsteps – travelogues and of the late 19th Century. Exhibits of memoirs were published as well as many furnishings, artefacts, stained glass researching some local church articles and letters in the British press, and textiles on loan from the Rätische history in the Engadine region of extolling the virtues of the Engadine Museum Chur and the Kulturarchiv Switzerland in the forty years up and Pontresina in particular. Some of the Samedan, give an insight into the to 1900. It is commemorated in a authors and their works are featured in architectural history of the building this year’s exhibition. Other personalities and the traditions of the Church of unique museum exhibition. whose time in Pontresina was significant England. Books, documents and other The second half of the 19th Century or whose lives and work are still relevant items in display cases provide additional saw an increase in prosperity for the today have been selected to represent background information. population of the Upper Engadine. Rail the large number of prominent 19th- The exhibition’s themes represent travel in Europe enabled an increasing Century British tourists. my three years’ research with the number of tourists to undertake the As the number of British visitors in support of experts in Switzerland and first stages of their journey by train. Switzerland increased, their own places England. Images were painstakingly Whereas Thomas Cook’s tours, from of worship became an important part sourced, illustrated information 1863, concentrated on more accessible of the tourism infrastructure. Hoteliers banners drafted and contact made regions, individual travellers came to offered ‘chapel rooms’ on their premises with descendants of prominent Pontresina in search of peace, scenic and often gave land for church buildings, 19th-Century visitors. Using beauty and a restorative climate as well paid for by the British themselves and his photographic expertise and as the challenge of climbing some of the almost always designed by British craftsmanship, Lukas Pfammatter Eastern Alps’ peaks during ‘The Golden architects. The Church of England (www.bilderwerkstatt.ch) has created Age of Alpinism’. appointed seasonal or full-time chaplains a model of Holy Trinity Church In Pontresina, guesthouses and to serve in Europe. By 1914 there were Pontresina and the visitors’ library. hotels were extended or newly built more than 21 English church buildings An audiovisual production gives to accommodate the influx of summer in Switzerland. Of the four in the a glimpse of Victorian life and shows visitors, most of whom were British, Engadine, two remain, in St. Moritz and some of the ways in which British sufficiently wealthy and with time to Scuol-Tarasp; the churches in Samedan visitors spent their time in Pontresina, travel. To cater for their needs, new (1872-1965) and Pontresina (1882- to the accompaniment of opera and jobs were created: mountain guides, 1974) were demolished. Holy Trinity sacred music by the composer Sir hotel staff, coachmen, shopkeepers Church Pontresina was considered by Arthur Sullivan, who was a regular and traders. The information provided Dr. André Meyer, former President of visitor. by early guidebooks such as Baedeker the Swiss Commission for Built Heritage The exhibition rooms are open until or Murray was supplemented by the Conservation, to be the most important 15 April and from 5 June to 21 October writings of those who spent time of the English churches in Switzerland, this year.

A reproduction of the sanctuary for this exhibition 12 CARING FOR CREATION – A WAY OF LIFE

We Can’t Do Everything but

Elizabeth Bussman, diocesan Environmental Officer, has been visiting some Archdeaconry Synods challenging local churches to think and act more responsibly with God’s creation, with a simple worksheet for each church to complete. Here she has news of an environmental event focussing on the animal world and encourages churches in our diocese to become award winners.

As I write this a cold arctic spell has For indeed William Wilberforce enveloped much of Europe causing co-founded the RSPCA, John Wesley much misery especially for many preached animal advocacy within in Th e G r e e n refugees and other homeless people. his sermons, William and Catherine The UK has a particularly proud history Booth were particularly sensitive to W h e e l of celebrated Christian leaders with a animal suffering and Charles Spurgeon heart for caring for the most vulnerable regarded animal cruelty as more C h u r c h in society. All over the country winter than just a moral offence deserving night shelters open for the homeless, hot punishment; but a serious spiritual issue A u d i t dinners are served for the hungry and for the individual. He wrote warm clothing is distributed to the cold. “The most eminently spiritual people As Elizabeth has visited churches display great delicacy towards all living and Synods she has collected things… the person who truly loves his Maker information about how we care becomes tender towards all the creatures his for creation in congregations and Lord has made. In gentleness and kindness as individuals. The Green wheel our great Redeemer is our model.” worksheet covers many aspects of what has been done so far and what plans we have for future activity. Some of the responses so far may encourage you or show where more work needs to be done.

William Wilberforce, the famed Caring for Creation anti-slavery campaigner, helped establish It is now almost a year since educational, prison and health care we undertook our Diocesan reforms. John Wesley, the founder of Christian Stewardship Review Methodism, devoted himself to the Time to reflect on how we are service of the sick, widows, orphans and On March 18th 2017 at the Oasis getting on...... If we are taking our prisoners. William Booth, who began Auditorium, Waterloo, SARX, a relationship to the world around the Salvation Army with his beloved Christian animal welfare charity, will us seriously - as an integral part of our Discipleship we should all wife Catherine, ministered to the be holding the ‘Creature Conference’. be ‘WALKING THE TALK...... ’ very poorest and neediest of London’s Many leaders in the field of animal and 19 th century inhabitants including eco theology, such as Dr Ruth Valerio of alcoholics, criminals and prostitutes. A Rocha, evangelist Dr Tony Campolo The Baptist minister Charles Spurgeon and the former Bishop of Monmouth founded sixty-six ministries including The Rt Revd Dominic Walker will be orphanages, a clothing drive, numerous equipping and resourcing Christians to alms-houses and nursing homes. engage theologically and practically with Yet these celebrated missionaries, animal issues within the Christian life. who were so devoted to ministry among There will be many opportunities to humans, did not restrict their work network and delegates will be resourced to humanity. Rather the love, hope, with the confidence and skills to compassion and mercy they encountered explore, reflect and take action within and reflected to their fellow man their personal lives and communities. compelled them to show concern for More information on this can be animals. found on the diocesan website. TRY FOR AN AWARD 13 FOR YOUR CHURCH

We Can’t Do Everything but We Can All Do Something

Wh y N o t G o f o r a G r e e n A wa r d ?

The Church Times awards encourage and honour Ten years ago the Church Times this work with the 2017 newspaper organised the first Green Church Awards. Since then there Environmental Awards, in have been great advances in scientific collaboration with the Church understanding and public awareness. of England’s environmental At the local level, reducing energy campaign, “Shrinking the use has become an everyday concern, Footprint”. Out churches in and awareness of the need to combat the effects of global warming is the Diocese in Europe are widespread. Recycling has been encouraged to take part. The embraced, and it is now possible to deadline for entries will be subscribe to clean-energy suppliers. June so it is not too soon to Internationally, impressive efforts be thinking about your entry have been made to build on the Kyoto Agreement, culminating in the under these categories: Paris Agreement, now signed by 117 countries, and ratified officially in November. 1. The Green Building Award That’s the good news. In the same period there has been a relentless Looks for notable efforts that are making church buildings greener: increase in climate chaos, as predicted innovative ways to save or generate energy, either by adapting existing by climate scientists. Despite this buildings or in new builds, by reducing draughts, retaining heat, or Green subsidies in the UK have been taking advantage of natural daylight. cut, and the advances made by the EU 2. The Green Congregation Award are in jeopardy. Some of the world’s For congregations who come up with clever initiatives to save energy or worst polluters are taking action, but water, using less and recycling more, and making imaginative use of space only when life in their cities becomes inside and outside the church. And how have congregations reached out insupportable. to the wider community through campaigning and direct action? Individual efforts to save the planet are a vital part of the popular 3. The Biodiversity Award movement to re-awaken governments Churchyards and church land often provide the only green lung in and global corporations about their a community, providing a habitat for rare plants, trees, and wildlife. responsibility to future generations. This award is for inventive action to protect and improve the natural The Church can play a greater part in environment, and increase the biodiversity around churches. this. Its national and global reach put it in a position to influence large numbers 4. The Green Champion Award of people. Its central investments and Seeks out special people, often unsung heroes, who have done great collective wealth give it leverage with things for the environment by example and inspiration, perhaps coming governments and power-brokers. But up with ideas, large or small, that raise awareness and inspire and if its voice is to be heard, its own house challenge others. must be in order. 5. The Green Shoots Award This award will provide funds for projects that the judges consider could go on to inspire and excite even more innovative work, with funding planned for substantial grants for the best entries.

If you would like to enter please let the Diocesan Environment Officer know ([email protected]) and she will forward you details of how to enter as soon as these are made known. 14 SAFEGUARDING UNDER SCRUTINY

“I t ’s L i k e a n I c e b e r g ! ” – S a f e g ua r d i n g U p d at e

The work of our diocesan Advisory committee and the Where A re Safeguarding team has been likened to an iceberg. Nine-tenths of We He ading ? what goes on is not seen by churches or people within the diocese The new database, recently installed – because much of it is routine, yet vital, and personal issues are, in the diocesan office, allows a much improved method of keeping notes of of course, kept totally confidential. But also, like an iceberg, there who is, or is not, checked and trained could be hidden dangers if the system were not operating properly. so that we can have a clearer picture of what still needs to be done. This is important because the Diocese in Europe, with the other 41 dioceses of the Church of England, is to be given a safeguarding inspection by an independent organisation, The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE). Late this year inspectors will examine all written records of our safeguarding work and speak to people involved with this at all levels of diocesan life. They will also examine some individual chaplaincies to see how policies and practices are working at local level. At the end of this, a report will be prepared for the Church of England to note our here re advanced (Level 2) courses at local and W A regional level. performance and offer help and support We Now ? Germany and Northern Europe for the future. trainers have delivered at least one This is why local clergy and lay The number of people that have training session to 21 delegates safeguarding co-ordinators are being registered and completed the online covering 3 countries. Gibraltar Trainers asked to complete a chaplaincy audit basic training in recent months has have delivered 10 training sessions so that a full picture of activity can increased significantly, encouraging to approximately 172 delegates and be completed in good time before the news. At the end of December 993 courses have been held in the Eastern inspection in November. people had completed the child Archdeaconry and Italy and Malta. Against this background there protection e-learning course and 485 Feedback from delegates has been are plans for a further “Training the people have done the safeguarding adults encouraging. Trainers” course at the end of this year e-learning course, with more registered The safeguarding team has also to increase the number of volunteer to complete the process early this year. helped to complete routine checks and safeguarding trainers and deal with the Our recently trained team of trainers renewal certificates for over 600 lay demand for further sessions in every across the diocese is busy leading volunteers and more than 300 clergy. Archdeaconry.

Introducing Transitional M inis try Experienced priests who are looking for a They will be short-term appointments challenge are being sought to encourage lasting about 1-2 years and they may and equip churches in transition be part-time or full time. who would benefit from experienced There will be a five-day residential leadership. training course from Monday, 11th These Priests would be employed to Friday 15th September at St Advertisements are being placed in churches who have enjoyed a Columba’s House, Woking, Surrey. publicising an innovative form of long incumbency or are in a lengthy The costs of the training will be met ministry to be introduced in our interregnum, when a chaplaincy is by the Diocese but participants will diocese. We will be seeking “Interim” facing serious difficulties, conflict or be responsible for their own travel or “Transitional” Ministers for special underperformance or when a need for a expenses. Look out for more details in roles in carefully selected chaplaincies. change of direction has been identified. the Vacancies section of our website. READERS GETTING READY 15 FOR CONFERENCE

G i b r a lta r A r c h d e a c o n r y Baptism by the Dozen G a i n s Th r e e N e w R e a d e r s in La Côte La Côte Church in Switzerland is unique in the diocese because its second congregation is in Divonne- les-Bains, just a few kilometres away in France, making this our only Cross Border Chaplaincy. In February they notched up another record in a service with 12 young people being baptized. Rev Carolyn Cooke, chaplain of La Côte says; “We don’t normally baptize more than one or two at a time but when we started preparing a group of young people to be welcomed at the Eucharist we discovered that some of them had not yet been baptized. Some of the children had siblings who also had not been baptized Rev Elaine Labourel, Warden of Readers, presents Paul Turner as a Reader so we enjoyed our service for 12 History was made in the Cathedral of have reached this position despite youngsters (from five families) in the the Holy Trinity, Gibraltar on Sunday having to deal with health issues ancient church of Gingins, midway between Geneva and Lausanne. 8 January when Archdeacon Geoff but have persevered with the help “I’ve never baptized so many Johnston admitted and Licensed two and support of their families and at one time,” said Carolyn. “I think Readers. Audrey Singh and Pamela friends, the Dean and members of it’s a record – at least for this Baker have been worshipping at the the Cathedral congregation.” chaplaincy.” She was assisted at the Cathedral for some years. About four The two new Readers were part service by Assistant Chaplain, Rev years ago they began the process of of the congregation at the Gibraltar Julia Chambeyron. discerning if God was calling them to Archdeaconry Synod in Torrevieja, Reader Ministry. Spain, in February to welcome Paul It is a double celebration as Turner, from St Christopher’s on Readers have not been licensed the Costa Azahar, as a Reader. Paul to the Cathedral before and this is the second Reader in the three is the first time women have been congregations which make up the licensed to exercise a ministry in the Chaplaincy formed just over 10 Cathedral. Geoff says; “Both women years ago.

A l m o s t Ti m e t o Pa c k f o r C o l o g n e C o n f e r e n c e Final preparations are underway for the Readers in equipping God’s people for second diocesan Readers’ Conference participation in God’s mission in the in Cologne over the weekend of 19th world, so the conference will have a – 22nd May. Bishop David says “The strong outward-facing orientation.” conference will provide spiritual input for Readers in their ministry, some cutting-edge biblical and theological reflection, time for considering the practical application of theology to lay ministry in the world, and opportunity for the Readers from across the diocese to strengthen their corporate life as a community of lay ministers. “There are about 120 Readers and about another 30 in training at present. We anticipate a full gathering! We are very much aware of the role of 16 LENT APPEAL FOCUS ON HUNGARY

programmes. Some clients find their way to CLERGY ON Bishop robert the shelter from impoverished villages in the countryside. Other clients are residents of THE MOVE write s about Budapest who may have suddenly lost a job or been evicted from housing. Still others WELCOME TO his lent appe al make their way to the Menedékház from Rev Robert James (Bob) alternative shelters now abruptly unavailable Horrocks, formerly Team The Menedékház Foundation, to them for bureaucratic reasons. Rector of the Seven Saints Budapest, Hungary The Menedékház is housed in an ageing Team, Bolton (Diocese of Soviet-era military barracks with minimal Manchester) who is now amenities and little privacy for the families Chaplain of St James Anglican Church on the Spanish island of served. It is a roof over the head, a place Fuerteventura. for families to catch their breath while parents seek employment and children try Canon Rodney Middleton, to continue their schooling. A significant currently Vicar of the Anglican proportion of clients are of Roma family Church of St James, Haydock, Liverpool is moving to be background. The Menedékház has also Assistant Chaplain in the provided shelter to refugees and migrants. Church of the Holy Spirit, Costa Although the Menedékház has Blanca, Spain in May. washrooms and toilets, they are in poor repair and communal, offering little privacy LEAVING US or sense of security to families already The Menedékház, founded in 2005 on traumatised. Built decades ago for military The Very Rev Walter Harvey Raymond, Chaplain of St Paul’s, the outskirts of Budapest, helps homeless recruits, the facilities are today wholly Monte Carlo, Monaco is to retire families with children reintegrate into the inadequate and run-down, with peeling from early July. workplace and society at large. The name paint, cracked flooring and tiles, and little says it all: Menedékház, or shelter, originally ventilation. Rev Warwick ‘Ricky’ John Yates, Priest-in-Charge of referred to a temporary refuge in a forest or This year’s Lent Appeal Project aims to St Clement’s, Prague, Czech on a mountaintop placed there for those in fund the comprehensive renovation of the Republic is to retire with effect need of cover during storms and at nightfall. family washrooms, providing individual from the end of April. Last year my wife, Helen, was privileged cabins or cubicles for family groups to to visit the Foundation. As she stood at change, wash, and shower. We estimate the CHANGE OF STATUS/ the front door a family of six arrived who cost of renovation to be in the range of ten TITLE owned no more than a little cardboard to fifteen thousand pounds sterling. Rev Dana English Assistant suitcase. “Is this a prison?”, asked the 4-year Sometimes it is the smallest things in Curate of All Saints, Rome old. Later in the day Helen came across the life that count the most. Washing-up tis now the Assistant Chaplain same family who had been admitted and and toilet facilities are essential and much with particular responsibility for were now crowded into a single bedroom, appreciated among those who are vulnerable Christian Education. enjoying some hot soup provided by the or otherwise just getting by. Please consider Rev Peter Ford, formerly project. how you can support my appeal. I wish you Assistant Chaplain and Port At the Menedékház a professional staff a holy and spiritually fulfilling Lent. As Chaplain in the Cathedral Church of social workers serves some 160 people, usual, you can give money to this appeal of the Holy Trinity, Gibraltar many of whom do not meet the criteria through your church treasurer, who will is now Priest-in-Charge of St of other established social assistance forward money to the diocesan office. Laurence, Lanzarote, Spain.

Don’t forget to keep sending your pictures for our website h at a p s h e o t and magazine as soon as possible after the event featured. T C T L ! (Incidentally, you can find the story behind this woolly caps picture in our website news section) We are looking for action pictures which show your story at its best. Web news is published several times a week and the deadline for copy and photos for the June European Anglican magazine is April 15th. Have you signed up for our diocesan Twitter feed yet? @DioceseinEurope brings you a daily reminder of our Prayer Diary with the latest prayer topics and keeps you informed on events and activities around the diocese and the Church of England. Get a Twitter account, follow us and discover the benefits of being first with the news. We are always looking for social media enthusiasts to join our Twitter Team and help keep our output up to date. For more information, please contact [email protected] Church officers can also get our in-house newsletter DIET by email or it can be found on the website.