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The nation celebrates the Silent Night legacy, p10 NOW AVAILABLE ON  NEWSSTAND FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 2015 No: 6260 A Happy New Year to all our readers, advertisers and contributors Welcome for plan SPEAKING ON behalf of the Church of ing, because greater Lincolnshire is England, the of Leicester, the Rt under-represented in the House of Rev , welcomed a bill to fast Lords, and I saw this as an excellent track women into the House of opportunity to raise in the highest Lords. The bill was presented in the national stage the issues which, as a Dio- House of Commons by the Deputy Prime cese and a community, we are facing in Minister, Nick Clegg. trying to make our part of the country a The bill lays down that if there is a better place for everyone. That represen- woman bishop eligible to sit in the Lords tation may now have to wait some time. at the time a vacancy occurs she will take “However, far more frustrating has precedence over any male bishop eligi- been the wait for women to be able to be ble. If there are two women bishops eligi- ordained bishop, and for an anachronism ble, precedence will go to the one whose to be consigned to history. For that to election as a bishop was confirmed first. happen completely, it is absolutely right The bill is to apply for 10 years, equiva- that women bishops are fully represent- lent to two fixed-term parliaments, begin- ed in all levels of society, parliament and ning on the day it comes into force. The the Church, and I look forward very bill has support from all political parties much to seeing that happen.” Rev Tim Stevens and is likely to come into effect on 6 May, the day after the General Election. Thanking those business managers who had made time to get the amend- Churches urged to tackle World Cup opportunity ment into law as soon as possible, Bishop Stevens said that “we know that women CHURCHES are being encouraged to been formed, under the umbrella There will be 48 games and 50 train- bishops will enrich and strengthen the prepare for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, ‘Engage 2015’, and they have launched a ing centres spread from Newcastle to leadership of the and which a new mission project says will be new website to encourage Christians to Exeter, and Cardiff to Brighton; and we are confident they will also enrich one of the biggest outreach opportuni- get involved ahead of the October cham- almost 500,000 visitors from over 100 and strengthen our voice in the House of ties in the UK this year. pionship, when 20 national squads will nations. The Rugby World Cup is the Lords.” A cross-denominational group has compete for the title. third largest international sports event, The new legislation does not affect the after the Olympics and the football automatic right of the Bishops of Lon- World Cup. don, Durham and Winchester (and Can- The new website is designed to be a terbury and York) to sit in the Lords. If one-stop shop for news, inspiration, no female bishop is available, male bish- information and resources for churches ops will take their place in the Lords and individuals eager to partner with according to their length of service. the campaign. At the end of 10 years the provisions Developed in conjunction with cre- made by the Bill will come to an end and ative agencies ifour and Vidan Lawnes, the current arrangements under the engage2015.co.uk combines an array of Bishoprics Act of 1879 will again apply. rich content, with high-definition video One of the bishops likely to be affected and hi-resolution pictures standing last week gave his support to the plans. alongside written content. Currently the , the Rt Since the launch of the website, Rev Christopher Lowson, is the most Engage 2015 has seen an excellent senior bishop awaiting a “writ of sum- response with people signing up and the mons” - the formal demand to take a seat online platform provides all the informa- in the House of Lords, and the new law tion required to get involved in the cam- could see that moved back indefinitely paign as a church or an individual. from July 2015 (upon the retirement of After an overwhelming response on the ), depending on Facebook and Twitter, Engage 2015 are how many women are made diocesan excited to increase their online pres- bishops. ence and relish the opportunity to share The Rt Rev Christopher Lowson said: all the latest news, interviews and “On the one hand, this is quite frustrat- resources.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 2 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday January 2, 2015 News DIARY Archbishop rebuffs question THE Send your events to [email protected] on same-sex marriage or Tweet @churchnewspaper APPEARING ON riage in the past Dr appeared on Desert 4 January Desert Island Discs just Welby replied: “I’m not Island Discs soon after Archbishop Welby’s music choices: before Christmas the really going to answer returning from Sierra 3pm Epiphany Carol Service Archbishop of Canter- that question very well Leone to show solidari- 1. The Tokens - The Lion Sleeps Tonight with the Cathedral bury declined to give a because we’re now into ty with those suffering 2. Beethoven - Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral Symphony) Youth Choir, Carlisle direct answer to a conversations within from Ebola and those 3. John Tavener - God is With us Cathedral question on same-sex the Church, both glob- combating the virus. 4. Kachipo of Sudan - Yesu Odeshi marriage, saying it ally and locally, and I During the pro- 5. Matt and Beth Redman - Blessed be Your Name 11 January would be ‘inappropri- think to weigh in at this gramme he spoke of a 6. Gerry and the Pacemakers - You’ll Never Walk ate’ to discuss the issue stage is inappropriate.” ‘grim day’ when he had Alone while the church was In a comment that spent Christmas alone 7. Michael Berkeley - Listen, Listen, O my child 7.45pm Organ recital by still debating it. has caused speculation while his alcoholic 8. Benjamin Britten - War Requiem (“Requiem Richard Hobson at He told presenter in his own diocese and father remained in bed. Aeternam”) Christ’s Chapel Kirsty Young: “When I the wider church, the He also recalled his (Alleyns College) listen to people I know , the mother taking him for Dulwich. Free. that I’m listening to Rt Rev Richard tea with Sir Winston Book (not including the Bible or the works of people for whom not Chartres told BBC Churchill. His mother Shakespeare, which castaways automatically receive): 14 January just the issue of sexual- London 94.9 that he had been Sir Winston’s Edward Gibbon, The History of the Decline and Fall ity but the whole way in and the archbishop did private secretary. of the Roman Empire which the Church lives not agree on the sub- “I remember a very Luxury Item: The Complete West Wing: Seasons 1-7 7.30pm Solemn Eucharist at and exists and reaches ject of gay marriage old man,” the Arch- Sts Mary and John, out to people, what it but he praised the bishop reminisced. Cowley, marking cen- looks like to be a holy archbishop for making “And he cried. I don’t tenary of death of Fr church, is something ‘a course of properly know why. And Richard Benson, on which they feel pas- disciplined, facilitated because he cried, I founder of the Cowley sionately and are conversations in the cried. And then we sat Fathers. deeply, deeply, deeply Church one of the and had tea.” in disagreement.” ways in which we’re When he asked his 20 January He added that “if you going to handle the mother later in life why love them you listen issue in the years to Sir Winston had cried carefully”. Asked why come’. she said: “Well, he 7.30pm Dr Priscilla Chadwick he opposed gay mar- Archbishop Welby cried quite a lot.” gives Chaplaincy Community Lecture on values, faith and Ed Miliband calls on aspiration in schools, CCJ unveils new strategy Alleyns School, Dul- Christians to join movement wich, free and new chairman for social justice 21 January BISHOP MICHAEL part of a plan working Ipgrave, the incoming THE LABOUR leader Ed policies to help people on IPGRAVE was wel- towards the “kingdom Chair, were present at Miliband called on low pay with the approach 7.30pm Healing Service, comed as the new chair- of heaven on earth”. the reception, as well as churches to continue their of the current Conserva- Carlisle Cathedral man of the Council of Work will also contin- Lord Howard of Lymp- work to support social jus- tive-LibDem government. Christians and Jews ue against human traf- ne, a CCJ Trustee. tice, just months before The reception focused this week as the organi- ficking and food banks Dr Jane Clements the General Election. on the work of volunteers 22 January zation unveiled a raft of will also be monitored. said: “We are really He was addressing a organising food banks, new initiatives. A “buddy programme” delighted to be launch- reception hosted by Chris- mentoring young people, 7.30pm Carlisle Music Socie- The Bishop has previ- has also recently been ing the new CCJ strate- tians on the Left (formerly and supporting minorities ty at St Cuthbert’s ously been an inter-faith introduced, pairing gy to so many of CCJ’s the Christian Socialist in Iraq and Syria. Church. officer and adviser to Christian and Jewish partners, stakeholders Movement) at Labour Andy Flannagan, politi- the former Archbishop ministers and was offi- and friends”. Party headquarters in cal communications offi- 24 January of Canterbury and said cially launched in Lam- The Council of Chris- Westminster. cer at Christians on the he is very familiar with beth Palace in October tians and Jews is a Over 200 church lead- Left said: “As we approach the issues that face the this year. national organization ers joined MPs including the General Election it is 11amGreen Christian work- CCJ who are “ideally For the 50th anniver- with 32 branches and Stephen Timms, Keith vital that political parties shop on the topic of poised to give a lead” in sary of the Vatican’s over 2000 members and Vaz and Siddiq Khan to recognise the work being energy use in the the area of the Middle Nostra Aetate declara- was founded in 1942 by hear about the party’s done by the churches home environment East. tion, events will be held Chief Rabbi Joseph H agenda, particularly its throughout the country. and how this ties in The CCJ says it wants between leading Rabbis Hertz and Archbishop work supporting food Most of the food banks, with economic justice to ensure “prejudice is and Clergy at Jewish William Temple. banks. which are a real lifeline for in the housing sector. challenged and we can and Christian locations, CCJ works hard to Ed Miliband said: “Poli- so many, are organised by St Aloysius Church, celebrate biblical val- alongside dialogue create constructive dia- tics still needs ideas churches. 20 Phoenix Road, ues”. There are three events with current and logue between Jews because it is ideas that “Our Christmas recep- London NW1 1TA, key groups – Branch new partners, including and Christians on a start movements. Food tion was a great opportu- open to the public, members, Students and at CCJ. wide variety of topics, banks would not have nity for church leaders, but places need to be young adults and Chris- Over 50 CCJ stake- including the situation been organised by a politi- with different political per- reserved. tian and Jewish commu- holders gathered at a in Israel-Palestine, cal party. It required a spectives, to hear how the nities working together. reception on Monday Holocaust education movement.” Labour Party values their One of the important launching the CCJ’s and the global econom- He said that Labour work. Ed Miliband 28 January events coming up is a new strategy, which ic crisis. CCJ continues wants to lead a coalition of showed that he gets it.” service in Chichester was presented by their to work tirelessly to such people working for Shortly after the recep- Cathedral to mark 70 new director Dr Jane combat anti-Semitism change in society. The tion the Labour leader 7.30pm Café Theologique years since the end of Clements and Deputy and intolerance, work- Labour Party, which was issued his support for the talk, Zero Degrees World War 2. Director Elizabeth Har- ing with a variety of itself formed from differ- bid by London’s Premier Bar, University of Christian and Jewish ris-Sawczenko. Christian, Jewish and ent groups coming togeth- Radio to retain its digital Reading Chaplaincy, young people will be Both Bishop Nigel secular community er to work for social licence. by the Rev Ian Mobs- welcomed in Israel McCulloch, the current groups. justice, aims to lead a sim- He said: “I know the by. when they travel there, Chair of the CCJ and For more information ilar coalition today. importance of Premier encouraging them to be the Rt Rev Michael go to www.ccj.org.uk He contrasted Labour’s Radio.”

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TWO GLASGOW MIDWIVES who refused to be tors to any involvement in an abortion by receptionists involved in abortions have lost their case in the and cleaners. Supreme Court. Mr Addison finds ‘worrying’ the statement by Lady Last year at the Court of Sessions Concepta Wood Hale that the Conscience Clause does not cover a doc- and Mary Doogan won the right to refuse to take part tor asked to sign an authorisation form for an abortion. in abortions on conscientious grounds but NHS He also finds ‘frankly disgraceful’ Lady Hale’s judge- Greater Glasgow appealed and the Supreme Court has ment that conscientious objectors in the health service ruled in the Trust’s favour. are obliged to refer cases to a professional who does not Commenting on the judgement, the two midwives share their opinion. pointed out that the number of abortions on the labour In conclusion he describes the judgement as ‘an over- ward of their hospital was a tiny percentage of the work- all disaster for good honourable pro-life doctors and load and it would have been easy to make accommoda- nurses who may well find themselves either pushed out tion for conscientious objection. of medicine or forced to accept that they can never For its part the hospital argued that the conscientious progress and accept supervisory medical posts’. clause applied only to direct involvement in the physical Condemning the Court’s decision, Philippa Taylor, act of abortion and did not cover their supervisory func- part in the actual termination, was more likely to be Head of Public Policy at the Christian Medical Fellow- tions. what Parliament intended when the Act was passed ship, also sees the ruling as an attack on freedom of According to Neil Addison, writing on his blog Reli- than a broad interpretation that could include making a conscience, which she describes as ‘not a minor or gion and Law, despite the fact that the judgement was booking for an abortion. peripheral issue’ but one that ‘goes to the heart of med- delivered by Lady Hale who, in the past, has appealed Mr Addison objects that the Supreme Court had no ical practice as a moral activity’. for the law to make reasonable accommodation for con- basis to decide on a ‘narrow interpretation’ of the con- “It is only because abortion is regarded as mundane scientious objection, the Supreme Court made no science clause and points out that the Act was only and routine in Britain,” she writes “that a case like this attempt to make reasonable accommodation but went passed because assurances were given that there would does not generate huge public outrage and concern. out of its way to limit the conscience clause. be no compulsion regarding participation in abortion. But that reveals as much about the weakened con- The Supreme Court ruled that a narrow interpreta- He also argues that it is wrong to compare midwives science of the British public as it does about the morali- tion, which limited conscientious objection to taking with a medical degree acting as Labour Ward Coordina- ty of abortion.” Go-ahead for Church Commissioners recognised for charitable giving THERE WAS a reminder of the importance of the Church Commissioners at the end of 2014 when they were named as the UK’s second most charitable giver by the newspaper City AM. The total of £207.84 m they gave the Church of England in 2013 earned them the place of eighth highest donor in the Churches’ world. The world’s top giver was the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation who gave away £2,169bn. In Britain the Welcome Trust came first with donations worth £581.5m. Credit Union In 2013 the Church Commissioners announced that its investment fund had exceed- ed its target of RPI + 5 per cent with a return of AIMING TO BE a flagship credit union, the 15.9 per cent. Churches’ Mutual Credit Union Ltd (CMCU) Welcoming the Commissioners’ inclusion in received formal authorisation in December the City AM list, Andrew Brown, secretary to after a rigorous process of examination by the the Church Commissioners, said that it con- regulatory authorities. It plans to begin offer- firmed their commitment to ‘resourcing min- ing its services to those eligible in February. istry and mission in the Church, particularly in CMCU has been formed for and with help areas of need and opportunity’. from the Church of England, the Methodist He added: “Our giving seeks to put money Church of Great Britain, the Church of Scot- behind church-led effective programmes which land, the Episcopal Church of Scotland and the sponsor local communities across the country.” . At first ministers, (including licensed lay ministers), employees and trustees of church charities and the charities themselves will be Bill and Melinda Gates able to become members. It is estimated that this will number 60,000 individuals as well churches and charities. This will enable what the CMCU President, Canon Anthony MacRow-Wood described as ‘a virtuous recycling of money within the church community, through the combined portfolio of savings and loan products’. As well as welcoming savings, CMCU will provide loans to individuals, churches and charities for mission projects and equipment. The Financial Savings Compensation Scheme will cover deposits of up to £85,000. There will be a competitive car loan scheme. Savings products will include ISAs, instant access and regular monthly savings accounts. Once a track record has been established CMCU will be able to apply to the regulators to open its membership to all those involved in the church and to widen its denominational base. CMCU began in 2008. It aims to be an exam- ple of good practice in the sector and aid the Church’s involvement in a crucial section of national life.

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By Kelsey Mangan In perhaps the most revolutionary news of the year, the first female bishop, Libby Lane, was named at last in clash between modernisation and old, revered Judge Sir Paul Coleridge December. This came after the synod formally voted to beliefs defined the Church of England’s 2014 year allow women to become bishops in July. Legal and par- Awithin England. liamentary stages followed until it was signed into law In a year that announced a decrease in Church atten- in November. This news came two years after a nega- dance, the Church has shown many signs of an ever- tive vote in November 2012, and therefore broke the present struggle between protecting closely held glass ceiling that limited female clergy members from traditions and trying to keep up with the times. advancing to the highest positions within the Church. A report published this year by the Church of Eng- The major events of the year within the Church of land showed that Church attendance in the past year England certainly present a tale of modern values decreased by one per cent. The “Statistics for Mission clashing with traditional values. Even with all of the 2013” report revealed discouraging figures that showed chaos centred on homosexuality, marriage, formality the rate of weekly attendance for Church of England and women, the Church really hasn’t changed any of its services has steadily dwindled for years. The number of core beliefs. Instead, it seems to be slowly working people that regularly visit the pews is now less than half towards becoming more inclusive – even with patches the levels of the 1960s. of resistance and rebellion towards change. This rate of decline has given new perspective to the Now, as we recover from this year’s Christmas sea- events of the past year within England. A year of both son, the Church must look forward to Christmas serv- small and revolutionary changes within the Church has ice attendance. Another report published this year by highlighted its struggle to fight back against decreas- the Church Commissioners for church growth remind- ing attendance. ed members that Christmas service attendance has The beginning of 2014 was coloured by debate over also gradually declined over the years. the mid-2013 Parliamentary movement to legalise gay What does the year of 2014 mean for the future? marriage. Gay couples were not able to legally wed until It has been a year of great tumult and hope for the late March, but conflict in belief within the Church future, but also of acceptance and progress. Despite raged throughout the start of the year. The Church’s some chaos, England’s 2014 has been full of encourag- leadership confirmed that they held their belief that ing events for the Church of England, and the Church marriage is between a man and woman for life, but can only hope that attendance this Christmas season called for clergy to support gay members. will fortifiy their efforts to move forward with positive However, High Court Judge Sir Paul Coleridge open- change into the future. ly expressed what he saw as the quick decline of tradi- 2014: The struggles facing the Church tional marriage. He declared that traditional marriage families in England, the General Synod voted to have all was being put at risk by gay marriage. He was given for- mentions of the devil in baptism services removed. The mal warnings to take a step back on his activities by new text simply asked parents to “turn away from evil” Four Gospels both Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas and Justice Sec- and “reject evil.” The Synod looked to make small retary Chris Grayling based on judicial misconduct, but adjustments in services that can seem intimidating to was ultimately pressured to step down as a judge in the general public, in the hope that popular ceremonies April. will show those “unchurched” people the positive influ- In the midst of this conflict, the ence of the Church. passed an official ban against gay marriage within cler- Clergy members also looked to mend ties with long- gy members in March. This was quickly protested by estranged branches of Christianity as the Archbishop Father Andrew Cain, vicar of two parishes in London asked the forgiveness of Black-led churches of the UK Diocese, who announced he would not be frightened in October. Justin Welby away from marrying his partner, Stephen Foreshew. came together with the General Overseer of the In May, the Church of England released the guide Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Ade- “Valuing all God’s children: Guidance for Church Of boye, to hold a Festival of Life, a night of prayer for the England Schools on Challenging Homophobic Bully- Church of England along with 40,000 other believers. ing” to all Church schools in order to tackle the issue of Archbishop Welby said that the church “turned” from bullying of gay children within religious schools. It Black Christians in the 60s and 70s, but together the recognised homosexuality as a “divisive” issue within groups looked for a “renewal of prayer” for the UK. the Church, but urged Christians to not turn a “conve- A new chapter in the personal lives of clergy mem- nient blind eye” to prejudice. bers came when a bishop decided to move on after a The year just gone wasn’t entirely centred on gay previous divorce. In October the , rights and marriage issues, though. It also saw impor- Jonathon Baker, announced his plans to remarry. This tant instances of change and openness. decision raised much discussion within the synod, July brought a movement to buck the clerical collar. where debate over whether to readmit remarried The General Synod voted to approve allowing clergy divorcees to Holy Communion rumbled on, but ended members to choose whether or not they would like to in a greater sense of acceptance. wear casual dress during Morning and Evening Prayer The Church even saw modernisation in the field of and Holy Communion rather than traditional vest- film. The newly released Lumo Project took on the ments. This brought about some rumblings over unimaginable challenge of filming all four gospels, upholding long-held traditions, but many clergy mem- word for word. Producer Hannah Leader took on the bers welcomed the call to dress down and break down a four feature-length films in order to provide Christians sometimes intimidating barrier between clergy and with a database of gospel films of the highest film quali- worshippers. ty and accuracy possible – an unprecedented attempt. Renovation also came in the form of a change to bap- This project was a major movement towards appealing tism services. In an effort to appeal to “un-churched” to both the digital generation and non-Christians.

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By George Conger riage at the church’s 2015 Gen- been jailed by the state on eral Synod. The College of Bish- charges of blasphemy. The The Anglican Communion has ops of the Scottish Episcopal march of the Islamic State settled into an ecclesial Thatch- Church, however, reminded its (ISIS) across Syria and North- erism by the close of 2014 under clergy that although Scotland ern Iraq has seen the forcible the leadership of the Most Rev will have same-sex civil mar- expulsion or conversion of the Justin Welby, Archbishop of riages under law by year’s end, country’s ancient Christian peo- Canterbury. The late prime min- its clergy are forbidden to ples, and by year’s end the vicar ister’s statement: “There is no solemnise such unions or to of Baghdad, Canon Andrew such thing as society,” has enter into a same-sex marriage. White, was ordered to leave the become the settled policy of the While the Church of England country for his own safety. Anglican Communion. saw its first woman bishop Egypt and Tunisia were “I think we have been through appointed in 2014, the General bright spots for Christians in a period when too many people Synod of the Church of the North Africa. The Diocese of have been given to understand Province of Central Africa reit- Egypt has applauded the col- that when they have a problem erated its ban on all women cler- lapse of the Muslim Brother- it is government’s job to cope gy. The House of Bishops of the hood government of the with it,” Mrs Thatcher told Anglican Church of Kenya, country and the return to mili- Women’s Own in a 1987 inter- which has been in the forefront tary-led rule. While the full civil view. of the African Churches in sup- rights of Christians have not “‘I have a problem, I’ll get a porting women clergy (along been realised in Egypt, their sit- grant. I’m homeless, the gov- with the Anglican Church of uation has improved dramatical- ernment must house me.’ They Southern Africa which has two ly following the overthrow of are casting their problems on women bishops and the Church the government of Mohamed society. And, you know, there is of Uganda, which may elect its Morsi. no such thing as society. There first woman bishop in 2015) The Church of the Province of are individual men and women imposed a moratorium on the South East Asia, along with the and there are families. And no election of women to the Roman Catholic Church, has governments can do anything episcopate in consideration of been engaged in legal and politi- ops of the Churches of North sharp reactions from outside except through people, and peo- the strong opposition to women cal battles with the state in and South India say violates the the Anglican world – Roman ple must look to themselves clergy voiced by the Church of Malaysia in 2014. State authori- country’s secular constitution. Catholic commentators were first,” she said. Nigeria. ties seized Bibles belonging to Calls to combat corruption aghast – but widespread sup- The message given by Arch- However, the Church of Ire- the Bible Society of Malaysia and crime were heard round the port within the Australian bishop Welby in his 18-month land saw the appointment of its last year, saying printing the Communion in 2014. Church church. Liberal Anglicans in tour of the 38 provinces of the first woman bishop in 2014, Scriptures in Malay violated leaders in the West Indies, the Australia saw the move as a just Anglican Communion has been while two women diocesan bish- civil law. Court cases forbidding Solomon Islands, Papua New response to the abuses to which one of Thatcherite self-reliance. ops were elected in the Anglican the use of the word “Allah” in Guinea, Central America and some clergy had made of the His office cannot and should not Church of Australia this past Christian literature dominated Mexico continued to speak out office, evangelicals (who had resolve the disputes over doc- year. the news in South East Asia. against the blight of crime in never practiced auricular pri- trine and discipline within the Persecution of Christians Though the Allah-ban remains their communities, while the vate confession) were persuad- Communion, he has told church dominated the news from Africa in legal force, an entente had former Presiding Bishop of the ed of the need to clamp down on leaders round the world. and Asia this past year. Over a been reached by year’s end, Southern Cone, Bishop Grego- abuser clergy, while Australia’s The Anglican Communion is half million people have been with Bibles seized on the Malay ry Venables of Argentina, was Anglo-Catholics backed the not a unitary hierarchical driven from their homes by the Peninsula returned to Archbish- the victim of a violent home measure as well – seeing the church where the centre can Islamist terror group Boko op Bolly Lapok with the under- invasion in Buenos Aires. need to prioritise the problem of sort things out for the periph- Haram in Nigeria. An interna- standing they would be taken to Much of the news from the clergy abuse over a belief that ery. The message heard by tional twitter campaign to raise Borneo. Episcopal Church of the USA confession was a sacrament. overseas leaders from the arch- awareness of over 200 school- Militant Hinduism and Bud- came from the civil courts in In an interview made two days bishop is that churches, like girls kidnapped by Boko Haram dhism in South Asia have affect- 2014, while court cases in Vir- after the final stop on his Com- people, “must look to them- in Northern Nigeria produced ed the Anglican Church also. In ginia and Ontario reaffirmed munion tour, Archbishop Welby selves first.” no results. Terrorism forced the Sri Lanka Buddhist nationalists earlier rulings that parishes conceded separation may lie The locus of debate over closure of the Nigerian diocese have harassed Christians and may not quit dioceses, courts in ahead for the Communion. issues of doctrine, discipline of Daimatura, while hundreds of several churches have been South Carolina, Texas and Illi- However a split was not and ethics surrounding homo- Christians have been killed in destroyed by mobs led by Bud- nois affirmed the right of dioce- inevitable, he said, nor was it sexuality, women clergy, and terror attacks. dhist monks denouncing Chris- ses to quit the Episcopal desirable. The way ahead lay in the sacraments continued to Muslim–Christian relations tianity as a foreign religion. Church. dialogue, he said, and collective move away from the Commu- remain unsettled in East Africa While Myanmar’s Muslim The Anglican Church of action in scheduling events nion’s instruments of unity (The as well. Christ Church Cathe- minority has borne the brunt of North America elected a new such as the Lambeth Confer- Archbishop of Canterbury, the dral was the target of a terrorist Buddhist attacks, the country’s primate, Archbishop Foley ence – postponed from 2018 to a Lambeth Conference, the Pri- bombing in 2014, while over 100 Christian minority has come Beach and the church continues time uncertain – and the Pri- mates’ Meeting, and the Angli- Christians have been murdered under fire as well. A proposed to report strong growth – with a mates’ Meeting. can Consultative Council) to the by the Islamist terror group al- religious freedom law before 13 per cent rise in attendance However the sentiments of local churches. Shabaab in Kenya. the country’s parliament, critics from the previous year. With many of the Communion’s lead- The General Synod of the Persecution of Christians fear, may forbid mission activity the winding down of lawsuits ers in response to the archbish- Anglican Church of Aotearoa, remains the order of the day in within the country. between partisans of the two, op’s call have been somewhat New Zealand and Polynesia in Sudan – with world attention India has seen a spike in anti- the ACNA and the Episcopal mute. “No one would remember 2014 began formal moves focused on the case of Meriam Christian activity by Hindu Church have effectively disen- the Good Samaritan if he’d only toward the implementation of Ibrahim in 2014. Mrs Ibrahim, nationalists in 2014. Church gaged on the national level, had good intentions,” Mrs church blessings of same-sex who has since been able to flee leaders have denounced calls in while on the local level relations Thatcher once said. “He had unions. A marriage commission to the United States, was jailed parliament to make the Hindu range from cordial and coopera- money as well,” she added. The of the Anglican Church of Cana- in Khartoum and sentenced to text the Bhagavad Ghita India’s tive to hostile and litigious. Anglican Communion at the da – accused by conservatives death for her faith. “national book”. Several Indian The General Synod of the close of 2014 has welcomed the as being biased in favour of a Christians in Pakistan have states have introduced tighter Anglican Church of Australia’s archbishop’s words, but its lead- particular outcome – has also been the target of death squads laws banning the conversion of call to end the veil of secrecy ers are waiting upon his actions been at work, preparing the from Islamist groups linked to Hindus and regulating Christian surrounding auricular confes- and use of the authority given to ground for debate over gay mar- the Taliban, while others have mission work, a move the bish- sion of a penitent to a saw him too.

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Food bank questions Inconvenient truth that need to be asked Thanks! Sir, I found J Longstaff’s letter (12 Sir, In your front-page article entitled Sir, I imagine that many CEN readers will not want to let Paul Richardson Dec) regarding our Queen most inter- ‘Archbishop highlights inquiry into switch off his keyboard without expressing their thanks for his always esting. It reminds me that, according hunger’ (12 December), you refer to thoughtful, — and thought-provoking — contributions to the paper over so to the EU, the Queen is a citizen of the Archbishop’s article in the Mail many years. that body. That is to say she is citizen on Sunday. The details about the fami- As one of those with not enough time (or brainpower) to keep up with of another power: she owes allegiance ly he encountered, causing him to be world affairs, current theological issues, and background theological trends, to that community. This is in line with “shocked”, were inaccurately report- I have always been grateful for the way his column enabled me to feel I was Black’s Law Dictionary. The Queen’s ed. keeping up with important books, writers, and issues. He’s saved me a lot of allegiance to Brussels is confirmed in We are told that he met people in a money buying books, and a lot of time digging beyond the headlines. I fin- Hansard (1 Feb 1993). food bank who were having to skip a ished his column most weeks feeling I could bluff my way through an eru- So as Her Majesty is Head of the day’s meals once a week to feed their dite discussion on the topic if I had to. Church of England, my inference is children. This appears to imply that Despite his well-stocked bookshelves and extraordinary capacity to range that The Church of England is under such a situation is not uncommon, as widely over matters both political and pastoral, he managed (unlike some the authority of the EU. According to well as being evil in nature and totally columnists) never to appear partisan or to wish to push his own views down this line of thinking, the EU has the unacceptable in modern Britain. our throats. It’s been a rare and welcome gift, and I’m sure many of us are right to instruct Anglicans to perform In his article the Archbishop wrote grateful for having been on the receiving end. Gay Marriage. of meeting one such family, which con- The Rev Preb Stephen Lynas, Her Majesty also swears allegiance sisted of a couple with one child. The Westhay to God. So is God under the authority couple did go without food on one day of the EU or vice-versa or is HM Eliza- each week and gave the reasons as beth II in an untenable position? Do ensuring their child has enough to eat believes there is so much “hunger certainly not colonialist projects born those who swear allegiance to both and the need to buy four tyres for their stalking the country” instead of mak- out of some abstract hatred of a Her Majesty and the EU also put them- car, which, they said, was required for ing the issue political? benign “other.” I implore you: put selves in an untenable position? them to work doing night shifts. It seems to me to be typical of much down your Karen Armstrong paper- Many have written on this conun- It appears that the Archbishop made of the Church of England’s hierarchy back and pick up anything by Jonathan drum. Some put it that “The Queen no attempt to examine their account, to focus on a social issue in this period Riley-Smith. A real historian of gen- has been betrayed (and the nation sold which raises so many valid questions. of Advent, rather than clearly declar- uine calibre, he justifies them as a into captivity)”. That being so, surely Is missing a breakfast, a lunch and a ing the Advent of the Son of God to reaction to centuries of “Muslim also God has been betrayed. dinner out of 21 main meals really a bring light into darkness, hope to dis- aggression,” that is to say, the lamenta- Ross McWhirter was an active cam- serious matter? Is it a health risk? pel hopelessness and fullness to fill ble bloody contraction of the Christian paigner on this in the last century. Could they avoid missing meals by emptiness. world in the face of expansionism by Sadly he was martyred by the IRA 20 having smaller portions? Where do Mr SP Jackson, both Arabic and Turkic powers. years ago for speaking an inconven- they shop? Do they buy ready-made Wilford, Nottingham Secondly, the Islamist phenomenon ient truth. and take-away meals? Do they manage is clearly without contemporary equiv- Colin Bricher, their money well? Is a car a necessity alent. Both the misguided backwoods- Northampton or a convenience? Are they buying the Slaughter men of the Phineas Priesthood and cheapest tyres? What about electrical Sir, The slaughtering of a large num- those who’ve carried out murderous goods and electronic gizmos? Do they ber of innocent children in Pakistan assaults against the abortion industry Divisions have unnecessarily high mobile phone makes one think of Herod’s actions in the United States are rare, friend- Sir, If Alan Bartley takes stock, he will bills? And so on… 2,000 years ago in response to his wor- less “lone wolves” according to the realise that the painful divisions within I find presenting the account with- ries that his authority was under specialists who studied them, with run far deeper. With the out a proper examination rather disin- threat. We are reminded of those chil- complex motivations starkly opposed emergence of Anglo Catholicism in genuous. Even as it stands, a great dren every Christmas as the story of to the agenda of the Prince of Peace. the mid-19th century, a gospel was many people wouldn’t find it shocking Christ’s birth is retold. That Jesus is Al-Baghdadi’s thugs, on the other being preached opposed to the princi- (especially those on diets!). If they the King of Kings still threatens many hand, number in their many thou- ples of Protestantism. The previous both work 40 hours at the minimum today. Their reactions may not result sands, and enjoy support not only in High Church tradition had never wage, their yearly income (before tax) in the slaughter of innocent people but the Middle East but even here in the taken on the intercession of saints, is £27,000, plus about £1,000 in child the undermining of western civiliza- towns and cities of the diocese where I Roman liturgical practices, the sacri- benefit. Do they have credit cards as tion as we know it would be, in David minister. fice of the mass and the worship of the well as loans to pay off? Just what are Cameron’s words, “a dark day for So, let us recommit ourselves to the Eucharistic elements. the financial situations, past and pres- humanity.” truth: that the world - and Pakistan Alan should admit that what holds ent, of many of those using food J Longstaff, in particular - would be a far better the disparate parties within the banks? Woodford Green place if more men and women were Church of England (evangelicals, lib- The Archbishop went on to recount committed to Christ. erals and the rump left of Anglo the occasion when Jesus told his lis- Ben Randall, Catholicism) are the substantive prop- teners that those who gave food to the Witness Assistant , Pudsey Parish Church erty and monetary endowments and hungry did so to him. Does missing a Sir, As news of the horror perpetrated (Diocese of West Yorkshire & the Dales) the privileges of the establishment. few meals each week really constitute against children in Peshawar reverber- The spirit of the Vicar of Bray still is hunger when compared with the ates around the world, it is more the order of the day, and I venture to hunger experienced by those who important than ever that the ministers Equality “prophesy” there will be no substan- were truly poor at the time of Jesus? of the Church are heard to declare Sir, It is interesting that the “equality” tive schism in the “inclusive” Church Their poverty could well have been that the Way of Jesus is nothing less agenda in Northern Ireland (including of England. That is why the Ordinari- accompanied by despair and despera- exceptional. Too frequently do I find the Ashers case) is being pushed by a ate and the so-called evangelical- tion, hopelessness and helplessness. that robust discussion about Islam is party that is always boasting about inspired Church of England Jesus’ statement was surely directed derailed by a well-meaning colleague how “Catholic” it is, yet is promoting a Continuing have been to date so disap- at his listeners to move them to act as who raises the phantom of “Christian cause quite at variance with Catholic pointing. individuals, not to call on Herod violence.” Please, some clarity. teaching. Should RC leaders be taking Reform, Forward in Faith and Antipas and Pilate to act. Why doesn’t Firstly, yes, the violence of the Cru- this up with the party concerned? LGCM are not budging!! the Church of England mobilise its sades was grotesque – though not John McGrath, Robert Ian Williams, vast resources and members if it unusual for the period; but they were London SE5 Bangor

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper www.churchnewspaper.com Friday January 2, 2015 Leader & Comment 7 Upholding Christian truth for the health of the nations Taking the long view… Christians do not view history and current affairs as do the secular media and politicians. For example the examination of the anniver- of administration, buildings and cash that occupy sary of the start of World War 1 was given ample historical cover- CATFORD so much (too much?) of church life. age, often of high quality. The political, economic and military JAMES Rather than dominating our agendas the ‘stuff’ causes of that war were probed and discussed. Very little attention in our hands is there to be transformed into gifts was given to the Christian lens on this war, nor on theologians of of grace that will extend the kingdom. Compared the day who gave their opinion on the justification for going to war. As the New Year stretches out before us, in a line to the brothers and sisters I meet through my The true lens to enable the Church to gain insight into this catas- attributed to the martyr Oscar Romero, ‘it helps work overseas, we in the West have all the trophe is Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. He is the last judgement to step back and take a long view’. resources we need to do God’s work in God’s come in advance, unmasking the depth of human sin and indeed In his wise words ‘the kingdom is not only way. passing judgement on shallow liberalism, an optimism that per- beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision’. Third, from Judges 19:17, comes the question ished on the barbed wire of the Somme. Treating Christianity as if Yet taking such a long view doesn’t prevent us ‘where are you going?’ The conversation is set in it were merely private opinion, not public truth vital for the welfare from still looking, peering into the distance to see a market square and involves a traveller. Similar of nations and international relations, that was one point made what we and our world might become through exchanges are likely to happen again and again tellingly at the time. Christ and his kingdom. in the coming year. This grave error is successfully tempting us again, as we offer lit- In an age of ISIS and Ebola, child abuse and Why? Because many significant conversations tle dissent to those who tell us that Christian truth is irrelevant for cybersecurity, the Bible asks some penetrating take place in the public square of contemporary public policy, and must be pushed in the closet, must be shut up. questions of us and our society. Posing these society, and many of those involve travellers look- On all sides we can see the baneful impact of this chill factor questions will not only help us identify signs of ing for places to water and tether their ideas and against the Christian faith: altruism is no longer an imperative on the kingdom in 2015, but also help articulate a beliefs. the syllabus for professional courses in the caring professions, it clearer vision for the world in which we want to It might be the popular atheist philosopher has been replaced by self-assertiveness. One in 10 medical stu- live. Simon Blackburn in his classic book Think dents, according to official data, desires to become a GP. Nurse In contrast to many Bible studies where we ask where he says, quite reasonably: “If our intellec- training is again in the news as we are told that only by plundering questions about Scripture, here are five ques- tual house is cramped and confined, we need to the trained nurses from overseas can the NHS function – there tions that Scripture asks us. Take this as a New know what better structures are possible.” seems to be real crisis in recruitment, at least partly caused by the Year meditation as we step back and take the Such sound advice is offered in the market- alienating factor of insisting nurse training be done in university long view. place of ideas and, over the next 12 months, the departments, academicised in the social sciences, moved out of the From Genesis 3:9 comes the question ‘where church needs to be better able to articulate a wards and killing off the apprenticeship system. Conservative are you?’ When God seeks out Adam (and we can compelling and convincing contribution to public Health Minister Dr Sarah Wollaston pointed out this major problem safely assume Eve as well) he is not just asking debate. – and ‘The Blob’ is already desperate to stop her asking such ques- about their sat-nav location. His question is more Or take the 2014 number 1 hit Ghost by Ella tions. profound, in asking where are you at? Or, what Henderson that speaks for many when she sings As we face the New Year Christians must actively have you got yourself into? ‘I keep going to the river to resist being shut up and relating their faith to their work Each month at Bible Society I pray, cause I need something and social contribution. God revealed himself in Jesus write a short update for our that can wash all the pain’. Christ, in the physical, historical, social and personal staff team called ‘Where’s Take this as a Who will sit down and ask a dimensions of life. His Church cannot pretend that the James?’ Alongside my travel fan of the song, or its haunt- Gospel is just one of many equally saving religions, for schedule the question is more New Year ing video, where are you fear of offending governmental equality laws. The role about where am I in myself, meditation as we going in life and where have of the Church is to love all people, but not to baptise how am I orientated right now? you come from? other faiths as in effect the same, a recipe to stop As God asks this question of step back and Two questions that Scrip- preaching Christ except to secularists. It is deeply the first community on earth, take the long ture asks us that develop this unloving to give the impression to others that the claims our society today can be asked line of conversation come of Jesus don’t really matter that much. The shallow the very same thing. Where are view from John 20.15, ‘who are you phrase ‘God was there already’ before missionaries we in our quest for beauty, seeking?’ and from Matthew arrived, is in effect saying that missionaries need not truth and goodness? Where are 20:32, ‘what do you want?’ bother to go into all the world. we over issues like who is a really good person Both are as profound as they are brief. As we Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life of God and how can I become one? Or, more fundamen- pause at the start of a new year we can think the Creator: through him we must look ahead into the tally, what is real? Where, in 2015, is the contem- deeply about them and ask ourselves and our Comment New Year, in obedience to the incarnate, crucified and porary liberal consensus positioned on these friends how they would answer. risen Lord of all. issues? Finally comes perhaps the most perceptive From Exodus 4:1-2 comes ‘what is in your question of them all, one that gets below the hand?’ This question about the resources that cerebral and theoretical. From the same John The Church of England Newspaper were available to Moses speaks to us as well. At 20:15 passage we ponder the question ‘why are with Celebrate magazine incorporating The Record and Christian Week this point in the life of the prophet he was con- you crying?’ This speaks to a society where per- Published by Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd. vinced that even his own people ‘will not believe sonal debt is reported to be what keeps the most Company Number: 3176742 me, or listen to my voice’. Yet God does a remark- people awake at night. It speaks to those who in Publisher: Keith Young MBE able thing with the simple wooden staff that he any way echo a line from Ella Henderson ‘I love happened to have in his hand at the time. He took living in the sin’. 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The research was carried out as part of Unilever’s Project Sunlight #ClearAPlate campaign. Half a mil- lion meals will be provided to families in need through its partnership with Oxfam. They are ask- ing people to show their support by clearing their plate and taking a photo, sharing it on social media Janey Lee Grace using the hashtag (that’s the # for anyone not yet in the loop) #ClearAPlate and perhaps donate meals. It’s a great initiative and good old Oxfam are also offering some tips and ideas for reducing food Live Healthy! Live Happy! waste. I say stop and think and before you start cooking ask yourself ‘are my eyes bigger than my belly’? Most peoples’ are, but sadly if we keep over-spend- More food than we need? ing, over-serving and over-eating the belly might explode too! For when you really can’t clear your Simplify, Simplify, Simplify: that’s my mantra for Christ- On average we leave nearly 10 per cent of every festive plate remember good old staple leftover favourites mas and New Year. I’m not just being an old bah hum- meal, which equates to an incredible £64million of wast- such as Bubble and Squeak: onion, sprouts and all bug, I was shocked to find out that British households ed food. In the Daily Mail they reported that the sprouts manner of veg can be shred and mixed in with throw away enough square miles of wrapping paper to alone would fill 1,000 wheelie bins, while leftover carrots, mashed potato fried up with some herbs and garlic cover an area the size of Guernsey. if laid end-to-end, could reach from London to Munich, served with the cold turkey, and of course the per- I’m sure you also saw the recent survey that said and unused gravy would fill an Olympic-sized swimming fect boxing day dish is a Christmas surprise soup. Britons throw away the equivalent of 4.2 million dinners pool. Yep, pretty much all the leftovers can go in, add on Christmas Day. We fight over the food in the supermarket scrabbling some stock and even the cook had no idea what was Our leftovers add up to 263,000 turkeys, 740,000 for the sprouts, then serve ourselves way too many and going into it till we cleared (or didn’t clear!) the Christmas puddings and 17.2 million Brussels sprouts leave them because we need to leave room for pud, but Christmas dinner plates. So – a surprise for every- across the few days of Christmas. we throw that away too. one (and nothing to throw away). Doing God still an issue. Celebrity Vicar of 2014

Ed Miliband’s speech to a Christmas Party of Christians on the Left was notable for its failure to mention God, the churches, or Sorry, Giles, you don’t win the award. It has to go to the Christianity. Instead he focussed on food banks and the election Rev Richard Coles. At the end of a year in which he and promised he would take a ‘few hours off’ over Christmas. At published the first volume of his autobiography, Coles least Ed will not run foul of the National Secular Society, a fate had blanket cover in the media. He wrote on Christmas in that has not escaped Labour’s new leader in Scotland. If he the New Statesman, his recollections of PD James in The becomes First Minister in Scotland Jim Murphy will be the first Observer and on angels in The Times. For a modern angel Catholic to hold the post, a notable development in a society still he chose John Philip Law and the newspaper obliged by divided by sectarianism. The Free Presbyterian Church of printing an erotic picture of him and Jane Fonda. The Scotland might be expected to be voicing alarm at the prospect BBC gave a whole hour to Coles who featured in a series but not a bit of it. It is the Scottish Secular Society which is of interviews conducted by Fern Britton. There were constantly referring to Murphy’s faith and the Wee Frees have plenty of clips of the Communards and Coles was frank stepped in to defend him. Moderator-elect the Rev David about tensions with lead singer Jimmy Summerville who Robertson has condemned the Scottish Secular Society for gained much of the publicity (and refused to appear on the programme). There was only a brief ‘sectarianism’ in constantly raising the issue of Murphy’s faith. shot of Coles’s partner but his bishop would have been relieved to learn there are no plans to Scottish secularists are not alone in their fears. Word has it that breach church rules and change a civil partnership into a marriage. As in all his media Harriet Harman (who sends her child to a Catholic school) was appearances, Coles came across as an engaging person, willing to acknowledge his failings, among those who pushed to stop the Scottish Parliament having sincere in his faith without being in the least ‘preachy’ and ready to answer questions honestly and authority over abortion because she feared the power of the intelligently. Even when he was a boy, Coles revealed, his mother accused him of seeking the Catholic Church North of the border. The Wee Frees are right. spotlight. Fortunately he seems more human than most celebrities. More attention needs to be paid to Secularist sectarianism in 2015. Awards for 2014 Welby’s Year It isn’t only Richard Coles and Justin Welby who had a good year in 2014. deserves praise for the graceful and 2014 was the year in which Justin Welby came into his own as Archbishop of Canterbury and considerate way he steered one of the Church of England’s started to make his mark. He gave a more confident performance on Desert Island Discs than largest dioceses and managed to combine this with the his predecessor who appeared early in his time at Lambeth before he was even enthroned. demanding role of Chair of the C of E Board of Education. He is Welby’s choice of Gibbon for a book to take with him was a surprise and not everyone would our Bishop of the Year and we wish him a happy retirement. In a want to see every episode of the West Wing (Williams chose Auden’s year which saw the loss of some major Anglican theologians poems as a book and a piano as a luxury). After his grilling by Kirsty such as Bishops Stephen Sykes and John Austin Baker mention Young Welby would have been pleased to read praise from his should be made of someone who had a lower profile but gave the favourite newspaper, The Financial Times which in an editorial hailed Anglican Communion loyal service on many of its international him as ‘an increasingly respected moral voice’. It praised his bodies. Bishop Mark Dyer of the Diocese of Bethlehem ‘powerful impact on some urgent social and economic issues’ and Pennsylvania, was a former Benedictine monk who served on the instanced his work on payday loan companies and food banks. Commission on Women in the Episcopate, the Inter Anglican Comparing him to the more cerebal Rowan Williams it Doctrine Commission and the Commission that produced the portrayed the Archbishop as a ‘practical doer’ who had finally Windsor Report. He was always a voice for moderation and got the Church to accept women bishops, calling him a theological integrity. He chaired the Anglican-Orthodox ‘spiritual leader who is connected to the real world’. The Dialogue that produced the report The Church of the Triune editorial was unfair to Rowan Williams but gave Welby God. He died in November. Finally, Whispering Gallery deserved praise. But the archbishop is not yet the sainted nominates two books as the best in 2014. Sarah Bachelard’s icon who is beyond reproach. He felt obliged to resign ‘Resurrection and Moral Imagination’ established the author, from the Travellers’ Club when it failed to admit women. an Anglican priest from Australia, as an important new Desmond Tutu wrote for the Mail on Sunday and was Whispering theological voice and Charles Marsh’s biography of

interviewed by The Times before Christmas but The Gallery Bonhoeffer shed much new light on a major figure in the managed to get away with staying at the East India Club C20th church. Both books deserved wider attention than they which remains a male-only preserve. received but both received favourable reviews in CEN.

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View from the Pew It hardly seems like five years since the 2010 General election but in 2015 we go to the polling stations again. Sadly, opinion surveys are showing no decisive lead for A great Christmas present for the Church either of the two front-running parties. It looks now that we could be thrown into a longer peri- od of hung Parliaments and squalid backroom deals The appointment of Libby Lane as of Stockport is a among politicians to get their hands on the keys to 10 great Christmas present for the Church of England. Downing Street. The trouble with our current crop of The fact that she was one of the first women to be ordained back in politicians is that when they access the levers of power 1994 and that she has served for a long time in the most important everything they do is designed to ensure that they win ministry of all - in the parish - points to a significant, timely, sacrificial the next election. and hardworking life. This is even more the case when they are forced to For a short time at least a great deal of weight is upon her shoul- horse-trade the policies in their manifestos for the sake of ders and that of her family. She deserves our prayers and gratitude an unholy alliance in government. This government has for taking on such a difficult first. done plenty of good things from most of its welfare reform to opening up education to more academies yet it has failed signally to deliver on its chief promise to halve Another Christmas gift the deficit. What is more, for the purely short-term per- ceived electoral advantage to both Conservatives and Lib- Another Christmas present in the run-up to Christmas in the form eral Democrats it has delivered a complete redefinition of of the news that secularists are annoyed with the government. Their marriage that wasn’t even asked for by the electorate. annoyance is because the government has given Parliamentary time The scale of disillusionment with politics as usual is to a backbench bill that would give legal protection to councils who reflected in the public flirtation with parties like UKIP hold prayers at the beginning of meetings. Labour is also backing and the Greens. There is nothing innately wrong with the bill. supporting either party but the problem is that neither of This is high time after the three-year-old High Court ruling against them have proper manifestos and policies that can be my local council, Bideford, which said technically and narrowly that delivered across the board in government, simply Councils’ prayers were unlawful. because neither of them expects to be in government. Shortly after that ruling, the Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles, Parties of protest - which both of these are - cannot deliv- attempted to bring forward regulations that he claimed would give er good government. Councils the freedom to pray. He was wrong about the effect of his Like most voters I long for a real choice and for non- regulations, which applied very narrowly and did not give councils career politicians who are seeking to give a little back any confidence to carry on with the practice of short prayers before after success or experience of other careers. It is time to a meeting. The age-old tradition has ceased to be observed by many re-emphasise the notion of service as ‘servanthood’ - a councils. So it is probably a case of too little too late for this new desire to see to the needs of others before your own ambi- attempt to reverse that perverse and silly 2012 ruling. tions and needs. To be a public servant is the highest aspiration of all. A Happy New Year to all CEN readers. The United Nations Arms Trade Treaty By Alan Storkey Geneva Disarmament militaries on both sides has a decent intent to control only when ordinary people Conference in 1932 supported remained undiminished. the weapons that are leaching challenge this undemocratic You may not have noticed it, by half the world’s population This latest proposal to cut to terrorist and other groups system root and branch that but on Christmas Eve the through various agencies and arms and arms sales occurred throughout the world and are real world disarmament will United Nations Arms Trade by most of the world’s after the end of the Cold War resulting in tens of thousand of happen. Treaty comes into operation. It statesmen. President Hoover when the USSR had broken up deaths a year. The aim is only A few days after the sea of has been planned and proposed an immediate cut of and there was no conceivable to have regulated arms bought poppies exhibition closed at the discussed since 1997 and you one third in the arms of all use for nuclear weapons. But and sold throughout the world. Tower of London a £240 a head would think it is going to be a countries and all big offensive the arms companies were never Those who have seen it dinner was held in the Tower. It great transformation. After all, weapons, but that position was going to be like turkeys voting through deserve was a networking dinner for it is clear to everyone that the undermined by the arms for Christmas, and under Bush congratulation. global arms companies. world is awash with weapons, companies and their agents and Senior, Clinton and then But one of its principles is Lockheed-Martin, the world’s so that dangerous armed other militarists. George W Bush there was no “The respect for the legitimate biggest, co-sponsored it so that regimes keep emerging and It stalled, when its passing chance that arms could be interests of States to acquire the arms dealers could meet terrorists seem to be able to would have kept Hitler and the controlled. conventional arms to exercise defence people and promote pick up weapons anywhere. Nazis from power. There The UN continued to work at their right to self-defence and their weapons over the food Here is a way to bring this followed the great big weapons the initiative. Meanwhile, the for peacekeeping operations; and wine. world-threatening trade under bonanza leading up to the West armed Saddam Hussein, and to produce, export, import That is the measure of the control, a treaty tightly limiting Second World War. attacked him with more and transfer conventional problem. Some 4 million people arms sales. The Cold War also had a weapons when he invaded arms.” Companies selling some stood and remembered the Before you get excited, it is series of disarmament Kuwait, and then attacked him $400-500 billion of weapons a dead, but inside the Tower the worth revising some of the conferences and the START with more weapons when he year will still be trying to merchants of death peddled history of arms limitation. The treaties limited the supply of had been disarmed. After a maximize their sales, and their wares for the wars still to first attempt was at The Hague nuclear weapons held by the long civil war requiring more weapons have a way of moving come. in 1899. Britain, then the superpowers. In reality, the arms, it armed the Iraq Army. outside the official system, as They will sell to anyone, dominant world power, was stocks had become so vast as to The arms were then taken by they often have in the past with directly or indirectly. They will preparing to undertake the be obscene in their ability to Islamic State forces and now end-user certificates. not easily be deterred. Second Boer War to get a destroy the planet hundreds of more arms are being used to The trouble is that arms Cameron is their salesman. firmer control on South Africa. times over. Nuclear weapons fight the Islamic State and companies and militarists retain When Christians, committed It and the arms companies companies were also given the rearm the Iraq army. The arms control of all attempts at to swords into ploughshares, made sure than no lucrative business of companies did well out of the disarmament. They are part of decide for disarmament and act disarmament occurred. decommissioning these process at least seven times and the political establishment together throughout the world, Then, after the First World weapons – make them and the UN initiative had to wait. whether in Whitehall, the the system can be broken. We War there was the Great destroy them. Really, the Now it has come to pass. It Pentagon or the Kremlin. It is need to decide so to do.

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Catherine Butcher reports

From Ulster to Norfolk and the Outer Hebrides to Jersey – communities across the breadth and length of the UK gathered together in December to celebrate Christmas and to remember Pubs and sports the 1914 Christmas Truce. Premier League football club managers and players read from the Bible. Bishops blessed celebrations in sports stadiums. Publicans made room for carol-singers and provided free mince pies to customers. Churches seized the unique moment – bringing clubs make room communities together to sing and remember a remarkable moment of peace and reconciliation in World War 1. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev Justin Welby, joined Prince William, Duke of , in endorsing the HOPE-inspired Silent Night Carols for Jesus initiative, writing in the carol programme: “This Christmas 2014 we are invited to leave our defended positions and meet those we might consider to be our Club – a joint venture between enemies, exchange the city’s churches and the greetings, make football club. peace and sing The Rt Rev Chris Edmonson, carols. We do this not , who took because of the part in his local event, said: “It actions of those was wonderful to be part of the soldiers 100 years Silent Night event at the ago. But because of Macron stadium in Bolton.” the actions of God The Bolton event saw 11 over 2,000 years ago; schools come together to form as he came to us, at a 300-strong choir, which was great cost, to bring supported by a brass band. reconciliation and And, as in many areas, the peace, joy and hope, service was recorded by local life and light. And he radio to be broadcast on came to us not just to Christmas Day. bring change for one As well as more than 50 day, but for the whole stadium events with clubs of our lives.” such as Crystal Palace, Swansea More than 150,000 City, Preston North End, copies of the Silent Night Carols A selection from programme were events around the given away by country including HOPE’s partner Bolton Wanderers Tearfund – carol FC, Swansea City, singers were invited Birmingham City, to contribute to the Crystal Palace charity’s work with victims of war in Syria. Bournemouth, HOPE also Saracens rugby and commissioned a Ulster rugby – there contemporary version were more than 600 of the carol Silent events in cathedrals, Night, which was churches, schools and released as a single pubs. by tenor Paul Potts. Three venues Wednesday night is usually quiet in the At many events local welcomed Prussian pub – maybe six people, but we filled the choirs sang the carol Prince Philip Kiril, who place!” in both English and asked for forgiveness The Somerset pub carols were led by German and school for what his great great- a worship leader with an electric guitar; children re-enacted grandfather Kaiser they used one of HOPE’s drama scripts the 1914 Christmas Wilhelm II had done. It was and read a testimony from SGM Truce. And thanks to the under the orders of his Lifewords’ replica St John’s Gospel. As massive marketing great-great-grandfather that well as carols they sang some World budget of a major the German army went to War 1 favourites and Christmas pop supermarket chain – the war in August 1914. The songs. Truce story was told to Prince was also interviewed “The landlords and people loved it… millions through a on BBC Radio 4’s Today And they’ve asked us back next year!” Christmas advertising programme and Premier said Patti. campaign with the Radio. Roy Crowne, HOPE’s Director said: message ‘Christmas is for At the other end of the “It’s been amazing to see how Sharing!’ spectrum on a local level in communities have responded to Silent The events had the the Faulkland Inn, Night Carols. We are thrilled that so backing of many church Somerset, local Christian many churches have come together to leaders. The Bishop of Patti Moys said, “The pub make this happen – and that so many Birmingham, the Rt Rev carried posters. We printed sports clubs now want to make a David Urquhart, made a out some of the WW1 community carol service an annual special video to invite the testimonies and put some on event. That’s the lasting legacy we have community to Silent every table, along with a been hoping for: churches at the heart Night Carols at couple of up to date ones of of their communities being good news!” Birmingham City Football lives changed by Jesus.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper www.churchnewspaper.com Friday January 2, 2015 Feature 11 Warm welcome for Church’s first YOUR TWEETS woman bishop

THE SURPRISE appointment of the Rev Libby Lane Lambeth Palace @lambethpalace as the new suffragan was widely Archbishop of Canterbury welcomes appointment of welcomed across the Church, and in wider society. the Revd Libby Lane as the new Bishop of Stockport The , in whose diocese she will serve, moved quickly after General Synod put the @David_Cameron legislation into law to appoint her. The post had been Congratulations to Revd Libby Lane on becoming the vacant since last May, when the previous bishop was first woman bishop in the Church. An historic translated to Exeter. appointment and important day for equality. The Archbishop of Canterbury said he was “absolutely delighted”, while the Prime Minister Yvette Cooper @YvetteCooperMP said it was an “important day for equality.” Congratulations to Revd Libby Lane on her Speculation had been high that the first such appointment as CofE’s first female Bishop. Great news! appointment would be a diocesan post, but neverthe- less there was widespread support that finally the George Osborne @George_Osborne Church of England had its first woman bishop. Absolutely delighted that Rev Libby Lane from Ashley The Rev Libby Lane has spent most of her min- is to become first female bishop. She will be fantastic istry in the northern Province and trained for the Bishop of Stockport ministry at Cranmer Hall, Durham. Her husband, George, is a chaplain at Manchester Airport and she He called on the Bishop of Chester to uphold the Chelmsford Cathedral @CCathedral was one of the women elected as Participant promises made in July and “enable the many thriv- Congratulations from @CCathedral to the Revd Libby Observers in the House of Bishops, as the represen- ing conservative evangelical churches in his Dio- Lane on her appointment as Bishop of Stockport! tative from the dioceses of the North West. cese to continue to serve their communities with The Catholic Group in Synod, and Forward in theological integrity under the oversight of a male Loose Women @loosewomen Faith, both said they would be praying for her, but bishop.” Congratulations to #LibbyLane, the UK’s first female were cautious, noting the implications for ecumeni- The praised the appointment Bishop. Another step forward in equality for all. cal relations. and said he was looking forward “with great joy” to Canon Simon Killwick, Chairman of the Catholic consecrating her at on 26 January next Simon Parke @simonparke Group in General Synod, said: “In the spirit of mutu- year. A great day for the church as a @ManUtd supporter is al respect and flourishing for all in the Church of The Bishop of Chester said: “As the first woman declared the new Bishop of Stockport. Libby Lane is England, we offer our prayers and good wishes to bishop in the Church of England she will face many also a woman. Libby on her appointment as Bishop of Stockport. challenges as well as enjoying many opportunities to “Naturally, we regret the implications for the wider be an ambassador for Jesus Christ. I have no doubt Diocese of @DioTruro unity of the worldwide Church.” that she has the gifts and determination to be an out- welcomes Libby Lane as Bishop of The chairman of Forward in Faith said: “Today’s standing bishop.” Stockport announcement is an inevitable consequence of the The Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Rev Christopher legislation that was passed by the General Synod. Lowson said: “I was delighted to receive the news Paul Bayes @paulbayes We are conscious that there will be enormous pres- that the Church of England has appointed its first Great choice. Calm, wise, prayerful, Godly sure on the Rev Libby Lane as the first female bishop female bishop so soon after approving the legislation in the Church of England. to allow this to happen. Chichester Diocese @ChichesterDio “We send her our good wishes and assure her of “I’m particularly delighted that it is Libby Lane Congratulations to Revd Libby Lane on her historic our prayers as she embarks upon this new ministry, who has been appointed, whom I have got to know a moment. while offering continued support to those parishes, little as she has recently been a participant observer clergy and people that are unable to receive it.” of the House of Bishops, and who will bring signifi- Ruth Gledhill @RuthieGledhill For Reform, the Rev Rod Thomas said: “Members cant gifts to the College of Bishops, particularly from Congratulations Rev Libby Lane! of the Reform network will be praying for the Rev her 21 years in parish ministry and her expertise in Libby Lane and for the in the families, education and hospital chaplaincy. Erin Mobley @ErinTMobley light of the announcement. Whilst not surprised by “I look forward to the continuing growth in A big step forward. Congrats Rev. Libby Lane. this appointment we are very concerned about the women’s ministry, and the enormous benefits that strain it will put on local diocesan relationships.” will bring to the Church of England.” Children’s Society @childrensociety Every blessing to Rev Libby Lane the new NOT QUITE TWIDDLING OUR THUMBS……. Bishop of Stockport. This time of the year is very busy for most of us, but not everyone has a Gyles Brandreth full diary.The run up to the festive period is always a little quieter for @GylesB1 peopleinthe motor vehicle industry.So if you thought that youdidn’t Well done Libby Lane, our have the time to change your car this winter, think again. Here is the first female Bishop: well easiest and quickest way imaginable to get a great used car. done Stockport! It seems so extraordinary now that Priory Automotive can help you in just three simple steps: it’s taken quite so long. 1) Give them a quick call about the car that you are looking for. Nicola Sullivan 2) Let Priory use their skills and locate the very best car for your needs and budget. @nicola_sullivan 3) Wait for them to deliver your fully prepared motor car to your Rejoicing at news of Libby front door. Lane’s appointment as first woman bishop. A godly, This is what Mrs Richardson said about Priory after receiving her Skoda gifted and able person - only last month, “Weare very pleased with the professional service and best of all, a parish we received, the car is just what we wanted. We have already priest. recommended you to a friend and she has purchased a car from you and is delighted with it. Many thanks for atop class service”. Chris Ilott @ChrisJIlott Congrats to Reverend The Priory team has over 35 years’ experience in supplying quality cars Libby Lane for becoming and minibuses to Clergy and Church members, so you can be guaran- the first female bishop in teed of receiving friendly,honest and impartial advice. Partexchangeof the Church of England. An your current car is welcome and Priory will deliver your new car directly appropriate time and to your door at no extra charge. promising example. Please call 0114 2559696 or visit www.prioryautomotive.com

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 12 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday January 2, 2015 Reviews

BOOK OFTHE WEEK

Stress: the path to peace Simon Vibert Art treasures in IVP, pb, £8.99 (or £8.31 from the CEN Shop at www.churchnewspaper.com/ shop)

I have heard more than enough mus- cular Christians in my time. Barrel- store for 2015 chested alpha males who wouldn’t acknowledge a By Brian Cooper ing its collection’s paintings, sculpture, furniture and artefacts dose of stress if it from those centuries. Some 70 portraits by John Singer Sar- got up and hit them A world-class Rubens exhibition; Goya and Sargent portraits; gent [12 February - 25 May] and ‘Wellington - Triumphs, Poli- about the head. But 20th-century American art; British Empire and conflict tics and Passions’ [12 March - 7 June] are notable National despite the attempt to ignore reality, imaged; Celtic Art across Europe; global Pop Art, and sculp- Portrait Gallery offerings, while Estorick Collection of Italian stress has been the unpleasant little ture from Ancient Greece to Hepworth and Calder, are all Art introduces leading 20th-centu ry Italian artist Reneto Gut- secret of the evangelical church. promised in major 2015 UK art shows. tuso [14 January - 4 April]. The church is simply awash with ‘Rubens and His Legacy’ at Royal Academy [24 January - 10 Ancient Greek expression of the human body from Cycladic pastors and leaders driving them- April] is set to be the art event of the year, revealing the Flem- to Hellenistic eras [March 6 - 22 June], Indigenous Australian selves to heart-attacks and whipping ish master’s influence on European artists from Van Dyck to Culture [23 April - 2 August] and Celtic Art [24 September - 31 up those who work for, and with, Cezanne and even Picasso, through themes including Poetr y, January 2016] are key exhibitions at British Museum. them. Elegance, Power and Compassion. Finally, don’t miss ‘Late Turner’ [Tate Britain] and Giovanni So Simon Vibert’s rather wonder- The RA will also showcase US artists Richard Diebenkorn Moroni [Royal Academy], both ending 25 Januar y. ful book on the subject is both timely and Joseph Cornell [14 March - 7 June; 4 July - 27 September], and a breath of fresh air. It happens famed contemporary Chinese artist Ai Weiwei to be rather poetic and well-written, [19 September - 13 December] and Swiss but it’s the content that is really so Enlightenment portraitist Jean-Etienne Liotard impressive. It works because it does- [24 October - 31 January 2016]. n’t pretend to be a self-help book. If Tate Britain presents Victorian sculpture [25 you are struggling with real anxiety February-25 May], ‘Fighting History’ - conflict in and depression issues then there are history painting from the 18th century’ [9 June - other places to go, not least the GP. 13 September], a landmark show of Barbara This book is for those who see Hepworth sculpture [24 June - 25 October], Art stress building up in themselves and and Empire [25 November - 10 April 2016] and a in others and want to understand 70-work Frank Auerbach retrospective [9 Octo- what the Bible says about this. It is ber - 14 February 2016]. Sonia Delaunay’s multi- also full of touching insights into media [15 April - 9 August], ‘The World Goes Simon’s own battles with stress, Pop’ [17 September - 24 January 2016], and especially when he became ill while Alexander Calder’s kinetic sculpture [11 Novem- a vicar in a busy church. ber - 3 April 2016] are Tate Modern highlights, Simon points out that God isn’t while Tate Liverpool offers UK sur realist Leono- Take out a gift subscription for a friend and they can have access all year stressed. It’s obvious, but it is a use- ra Carrington [6 March - 7 June] and Jackson round to The Church of England Newspaper, in print, on their iPad or on the ful insight. If God isn’t stressed why Pollock ‘action paintings’ [30 June - 18 October]. website. From just £35, you can give a gift that they will enjoy all year long! are we? We need to realign our- The ‘Invention’ of Impressionism [4 March - 31 selves and our desires and behav- May], the intriguing ‘Listening to Paintings’ [8 Yes please! I would like to buy an annual subscription for: iours to God’s good plan. July - 6 September] and Goya Portraits [7 Octo- There are times when this book ber - 10 January 2016], are National Gallery key Name……….…….…….…….…….…….…….…….…….…….…….… reminds me of CS Lewis. Simon exhibitions, while ‘Painting Paradise: the Art of writes about his early life and faith the Garden’ [20 March - 11 October] and Dutch Address…….…….…….…….…….…….…….……..…….…….…….… and his love of nature. He explains Artists in the Age of Vermeer [13 November - 14 how he began to realise that peace February 2016] are delights promised by the .….…….…….….…….…….…….……Post Code …………………...… comes though God and not some- Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace. thing we manufacture. He writes Victoria and Albert Museum’s new ‘Europe about looking after our bodies and 1600 - 1800’ galleries open on 2 May, re-display- ❑ I am happy for you to contact the recipient + inform them of my gift being in touch with our emotions. He explains what godly ambition looks like, rather than the ambition My details: that is destructive and worldly. And it is all done with humility and good ‘Rubens and His Name:……….…….…….…….…….…….…….…….…….…….…….… old common sense. Legacy’ at Royal This should be required reading Academy Address………….…….…….…….…….…….…….…….…….…….….. for all church leaders. It might be helpful for those married to them as …….…….……...... Post Code…...... …… well. The book really gets rather perti- I would like to buy an annual subscription for nent on the chapters on anger and worry. These two bedfellows make ❑ print edition - £70 ❑ online edition - £35 for unhappy people and relation- ships and these chapters are packed I enclose payment for £…...... with helpful advice. (Cheques payable to Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd, Conservative evangelicals are 14 Great College St, Westminster, London, SW1P 3RX) sometimes unfairly characterised as or call 0207 222 2018 + pay by card all head and no heart. (The charis- matics are tarred with the opposite equation.) This book will set the Signed ………….…….…….…….…….…….…….…… record straight. You can be a Bible- believing conservative and still be in touch with your emotions and acknowledge the ups and downs of the heart. So, this is a really good book and deserves to become a classic. In its modest way it may lead to some very big, and positive, changes. Steve Morris www.churchnewspaper.com www.churchnewspaper.com Friday January 2, 2015 The Register 13

Oswald (Durham), retired from 30 August, 2014. BIBLECHALLENGE ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER The Rev Rory Reynolds, presently Lead Chaplain to St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust (Southwark) Day 2: Genesis 4-6, Psalm 2, Matthew 2 Friday 02-Jan-2015 Psalm: 97: 1,8-end Isa. 53 resigns with effect 9th January 2015, to Day 3: Genesis 7-9, Psalm 3, Matthew 3 Lafia - (Abuja, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Miller Maza take up secular employment. Day 4: Enjoy hearing the Scriptures Saturday 03-Jan-2015 Psalm: 100 Isa. 60: 15-22 The Rev Gail Souppouris, read aloud in church Lagos - (Lagos, Nigeria) The Most Revd Ephraim Ademowo P-in-C: Shoreham Beach (Chichester), Day 5: Genesis 10-12, Psalm 4, Sunday 04-Jan-2015 Christmas 3 Psalm: 149: 1-5 Phil. 3:1-16 retiring. Matthew 4 Lagos West - (Lagos, Nigeria) The Rt Revd James Odedeji Day 6: Genesis 13-15, Psalm 5, Lagos Mainland - (Lagos, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Adebayo Akinde LAY AND OTHER APPOINTMENTS Matthew 5 Monday 05-Jan-2015 Psalm: 9:1-11 Isa 61:8-11 Day 7: Genesis 16-18, Psalm 6, Lahore - (Pakistan) The Rt Revd Irfan Jamil Matthew 6 Tuesday 06-Jan-2015 The Epiphany Psalm: 72: 1-8 Eph. 3: 1-6 Ruth Martin Day 8: Genesis 19-21, Psalm 7, Matthew O God, who revealed your only Son to the Gentiles by the leading of a star, has been appointed Southwark Diocesan 7 mercifully grant that we, who know you now by faith, may after this life enjoy the Secretary with effect 1st January 2015, splendour of your gracious Godhead, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen succeeding Simon Parton. Wednesday 07-Jan-2015 Psalm: 72: 1,10-14 Eph. 3: 7-13 Mr Simon Parton APPOINTMENTS Lainya - (Sudan) The Rt Revd Peter Amidi Pitia presently Southwark Diocesan Thursday 08-Jan-2015 Psalm: 72: 1,15-end Philemon 1:1-7 Secretary and also Honorary Lay Canon Lake Malawi - (Central Africa) The Rt Revd Francis Kaulanda of Southwark Cathedral departs with New Bishop of Stockport effect 31st December 2014 and will The Rev Elizabeth Jane Holden become Lay Canon Emeritus of Lane, Hotwells) (Bristol). benefice, to be Priest-in-Charge of the Southwark Cathedral on 25th January Vicar of Hale and Ashley and Dean of The Rev Roxanne Hunte, Flegg Group (Martham) benefice 2015. Women in Ministry, to be Suffragan presently Priest-in-Charge of South (Norwich). Bishop of Stockport (Chester). Norwood, Holy Innocents is to be The Rev Moira Ruth Forbes Saun- licensed as also Priest-in-Charge of ders, DEATHS The Rev Patricia (Trish) Bancroft, South Norwood, St Mark (Southwark). Permission to Officiate, (Guildford), to from Winchester Diocese to be The Rev Steve Jordan be Vicar, Hazelwell, St Mary Magdalen, Incumbent: Linch with Iping Marsh & became Associate Priest NSM: Church (Birmingham). The Rev Canon Sarah Alison Liv- Milland (Chichester). Lench with Rous Lench and Abbots The Rev Emma Stanford ingston James, The Rev John (Dru) Drury Arthur Morton and Harvington (Worcester) on became Priest in Charge of Christ Formerly Associate Priest in the Brooke-Taylor, 14 December (formerly Assistant Church Coseley & Priest in Charge of St Benefice of Churchdown; previously presently (OLM) Training Curate in the Curate: Church Lench w Rous Lench Mary the Virgin, Sedgley (Worcester) Warden of Readers and Lay Canon of Benefice and Parish of Holy Trinity with etc). on 1 December 2014 (formerly Assistant Gloucester Cathedral, died on 9 St Andrew the Less and St Peter, Clifton The Rev Paul Kennedy, Curate: Wordsley). December 2014. (known as Holy Trinity Hotwells) to be Priest in Charge of South Westoe to be The Revd Canon Sally Theakston, The Rev Jonathan Peel DL, licensed as OLM Training Curate in the Vicar of South Westoe (Durham). Team Rector of the Dereham and Born 21 June 1937. MC, St John’s Benefice of Saint Stephen with Saint The Rev Jacob Frode Knudsen, District Team Ministry has been College, Cambridge BA 1970, MA 1975. James and Saint John the Baptist with of Bergen Cathedral has been appointed appointed to a new (additional) position Deputy Lieutenant 1975. 2000, Saint Michael, Bristol and Saint George, Ecumenical Canon of Southwark as Priest-in-Charge of Shipdham and Priest 2001. NSM Ashmanhaugh, Bristol and in the Benefice of Holy Cathedral. Bradenham (Norwich). Barton Turf, Beeston St Laurence, Trinity with St Andrew the Less & St The Rev Lorraine Margaret The Rev Debbie Wilson, Horning, Irstead and Neatishead 2000- Peter, Clifton (known as Holy Trinity Lawrence, SSM Associate Minister of Hartlepool St 2007. Retired 2007. Permission to Hotwells) (Bristol). Assistant Curate of St George, Luke (Durham) to be Chaplain/Head of Officiate from 2007. Died 11/12/2014. The Rev Elizabeth Campbell, Gravesend in the Diocese of Rochester, Religious Education, St Peter’s School, Associate Priest of Stonehaven with has been appointed Associate Priest of Cambridge, New Zealand. Catterine and Muchalls (Brechin) to be The United Wye Benefice (part- Priest in Charge of South Shields St stipended) (Canterbury). Simon and Associate Minister of Jarrow The Rev Lawrence MacLean, RETIREMENTS & RESIGNATIONS (Durham). from to be Incumbent: Hove, St The Rev William Chatterton, Barnabas and P-in-C: Hove, St Andrew presently Assistant Curate of (50%) and 50% Diocesan Development The Rev Canon Norman Baldock Blackheath, All Saints was licensed as (Chichester). has relinquished his PTO in the Diocese also part-time Interim Chaplain to the The Rev Gillian Maude, of Canterbury with effect from 10 Greenwich Foundation (without Vicar of Goodrington and Collaton December 2014. stipend) (Southwark). (Exeter) to be Priest in Charge of The Rev Canon William Burke, The Rev Susan Chew, Jarrow (Durham). Rector of Castor w Sutton and Upton w SSM Curate of Haughton le Skerne to The Rev Daniel Merceron, Marholm (Peterborough) will retire on be SSM Associate Minister of Haughton Army Chaplain, to be P-in-C (NSM) 28 February 2015. le Skerne and Sadberge (Durham). Alfriston with Lullington, Litlington and The Rev George Butterworth, The Revd Canon Patrick Foreman West Dean (Chichester). Incumbent: Saltdean (Chichester), who currently has Permission to The Rev Nancy Murray-Peters, retiring. Officiate in the has has become Associate Priest NSM of The Rev Frederick Connell, been appointed to a new position as Peopleton & White Ladies Aston with Team Vicar of the Benefice of the Rural Dean of the Burnham and Churchill and Spetchley and Upton Belvoir Parishes (Leicester), to retire Subscribe to the Walsingham Deanery (Norwich). Snodsbury and Broughton Hackett with effect from 3 March 2015. The Rev Louise Grace, Worcester) on 10 November (formerly The Rev Trevor Davidson, CEN in the currently Rector of Teme Valley North Assistant Curate: Worcester St Vicar of Felling Christ Church Apple Newsstand (Worcester) to leave on 1 February 2015 Barnabas). (Durham), retired from 31 October to move to the . The Rev Trevor Patterson, 2014. The Rev Clare Herbert, presently Vicar of Richmond, Holy The Rev Bill Dolman, PRICES FROM JUST 69p Lecturer in Theology at SEITE now Trinity and Christ Church is to be C: Beckley & Peasmarsh (Chichester), holds the Bishop of Southwark’s commissioned as also Area Dean of retiring. Permission to Officiate. Richmond and Barnes (Chichester). The Rev Canon Peter Richard Hen- The Rev Frances Mary Houghton, The Rev David Pennells, wood, presently (OLM) Training Curate in the presently Assistant Curate of has relinquished his PTO in the Diocese SPECIAL Benefice and Parish of Holy Trinity with Kennington, St John the Divine is to be of Canterbury with effect from 10 SUBSCRIPTION OFFER! St Andrew the Less and St Peter, Clifton instituted and inducted as Vicar of December 2014. (known as Holy Trinity Hotwells) to be Mitcham, St Peter and St Paul The Rev Stephen Hudson, Take out a 6 month print sub- licensed as OLM Training Curate in the (Southwark). TV: Littlehampton and Wick scription to THE CHURCH OF Benefice of Saint Stephen with Saint The Rev Timothy Peskett, (Chichester) retiring. ENGLAND NEWSPAPER James and Saint John the Baptist with Rector: Felpham, to be Rector: Whyke, The Rev Jeremy James, FOR 6 MONTHS Saint Michael, Bristol and Saint George, St George with Rumboldswhyke, St Rural Dean of Rotherfield (Chichester) FOR JUST £35 (UK only) - Bristol and in the Benefice of Holy Mary (Chichester). ceases as Rural Dean. includes free online access to Trinity with St Andrew the Less & St The Rev Karen Rayner, The Rev David Jones, www.churchnewspaper.com Peter, Clifton (known as Holy Trinity Curate in the Redenhall and Scole Vicar of Sunderland St Thomas and St

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 14 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday January 2, 2015 Sunday Is yours an animal- SUNDAY SERVICE 2nd Sunday of Christmas - Sunday 4 January 2015

Jeremiah 31:7-14 Ephesians 1:3-14 friendly church? John 1:1-18 The focus of our readings this week is the joy that comes The Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals recognises parishes and chaplaincies that operate as from God’s cosmic plan to save his undeserving people (“ASWA”) is a charity that works to promote animal ‘Animal Friendly Churches’. It also gives an annual and make them his children by his grace alone. welfare, on the basis that care for all God’s creatures prize for an example of outstanding achievement or Jeremiah’s prophecy (which comes just before his oft- is a non-negotiable part of Christian discipleship. dedication in this area. quoted prophecy of the new covenant, later in this chap- The “dominion” spoken about in the first creation As with Fair Trade, a huge difference can be made ter), begins with a command to “sing aloud with narrative is not a right to exploit other living crea- by people choosing to take comparatively small steps: gladness!” God has come to save his people, and not just tures, but a duty to care from them as befits people for example a commitment to use exclusively free out of Babylon. Those who are scattered over all the earth made in the image of a loving God. Throughout the range eggs or getting the Sunday school to do a proj- will hear his call. Whether they are blind or lame or in Bible, there is a recurring theme that when people ect and build a ‘bug hotel’. It isn’t so long ago that peo- labour, he will gather them all. He will keep them as a are given power by God, it is in the expectation that ple who argued that Fair Trade was for eccentrics shepherd keeps his flock, but also, it says, he will be a they will use it to benefit rather than oppress the who drank strange coffee; Christians thankfully father to them and they shall be his firstborn. weak. changed that culture in the church and in wider socie- The glory and credit for this salvation goes entirely to Furthermore, it is inconceivable that a compassion- ty. God — Jacob is redeemed “from hands too strong for ate creator would make animals capable of thought The importance of economic justice and our ability him”, and the people are “radiant over the goodness of the and feeling, of knowing comfort and pain, and then be to play a part is recognised and many lives have Lord.” He does not share his glory with another, or mere- indifferent to the quality of life they enjoyed. When changed as a result. This is a chance for Christians to ly augment Israel’s own efforts to free herself. And so we see images of animal cruelty on television or the achieve the same feat with animal welfare. young and old, men and women, rejoice and dance and newspapers, we ask what kind of person could have flourish, satisfied with the good gifts that God has freely inflicted it? Similarly, what kind of God would deem it given them. acceptable? The Rev Dr Helen Hall, Paul likewise calls for rejoicing as he blesses God for So, for all of these reasons, it is the mission of Chair – Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals blessing us in Christ. God’s strategy, which he outlines in ASWA to encourage Christians to make compassion- Priest in Charge of the Parish of Lliswerry, Monmouth this magnificent and joyfully breathless single sentence in ate and responsible choices where animals are con- Diocese Ephesians 1:3-14, centres on verse 10: God’s plan to unite cerned. The new ‘Animal Friendly Church’ scheme is Provincial Link for Wales to the International Angli- all things in heaven and on earth under one head, Jesus an exciting development in this work. can Women’s Network Christ. In a similar way to the initiatives encouraging com- Research Associate for the Cardiff Centre for Law and The plan stretches backwards to our unconditional elec- munities to become Fair Trade churches, this project Religion tion in eternity past; brings us redemption in the present through irresistible grace; and reaches out into eternity future with an unwavering, promised hope. We were des- tined for adoption as sons, according to God’s eternal pleasure; we have forgiveness of our sins according to the ‘Tell Me the Old, Old Story’ riches of his grace; and we are destined to obtain an inher- itance, having set out hope on Christ when we heard the By Alan Edwards soon join medicine as a female- gospel of our salvation. dominated occupation. Numbers No wonder Paul peppers this encomium with the lan- A New Year but what will be new worshipping in Anglican churches, guage of praise directed to God alone: it is all “to the about 2015? even if we add Messy Church table praise of his glorious grace, that he freely bestowed on In many ways, nothing at all. A sitters to pew squatters, continue us.” year, as was 2014, of anniversaries. to decline. The omens therefore John also lays out God’s plan from eternity past, begin- Six hundred years since Agin- aren’t good for thinking that mes- ning his Gospel where Moses began his Genesis. In the court. Two hundred since Water- dames in mitres will reverse the beginning was the Word: not just any old Word but one loo. Seventy since the end of World decline. that was with God in the beginning, and which — wonder- War Two. Eighty years since Elvis Typical, say the supporters of fully — was God. When the world was created, he made it. was born. Doubtless readers who the new order, that a stick-in-the- Where there was light, it was light because of him. Dark- haven’t made the pilgrimage to mud like Edwards should pour ness, even the darkness of our sin, could not hold out Graceland will visit the O2 Arena cold water on a new venture. He against this light, which came as a beacon for all. Yet to see the Elvis exhibition. makes ‘top trad’ Peter Mullen because of our rebellious nature, we did not accept this, Actually, no need to trek to Lon- seem redder than Russell Brand. but like Adam and Eve we think to hide from the search- don. Elvis is still alive, wearing his Edwards is so out of touch that he ing light of the world. white jump suit, and thus clad, eas- Bad times believes Wi-Fi is the North Korean John says only some were given the power to become ily fits into your local supermarket ahead?: Nick dictator. As for today’s church, he children of God, and this not from any exercise of the will, bakery, where he’s been working Clegg thinks ‘Common Worship’ means but by God’s power and grace alone. Christ has made him for some time, relaxing after his singing Worship Songs. known, and in his exegesis, he has focused on divine tiring years of touring by going growth will be in classes teaching I’d reply that water is needed, grace. Through this glorious Son, we too can become chil- along to laugh at Elvis tribute acts. Spanish and Portuguese. Why? Is but should be poured to revive a dren of God, who like John the Baptiser point to the light Although 2015 is election year, it because the strong pound is seed that I planted back in 1994. I before us and ahead of us as our only hope and salvation. nothing new will result. If making the Costas even less cost- agreed that it was vital to increase People give gifts at Christmas for all kinds of reasons: Cameron wins, more years of him ly? No. It’s so that followers of Pre- opportunities for female ministry, out of love, out of custom, out of habit, out of fear, out of claiming victories in negotiations miership football, where British but argued that abandoning the hope, out of a desire to win friends and influence people. with the EU, when everyone footballers are as rare as police on tradition of Catholic Christendom God gave his own Son out of pure grace and mercy, to knows the real victor is Fúhrerin your local High Street, can under- by directing women to the priest- make us his children. His priceless gift elicits no mere Merkel. If Labour wins, wind the stand the swear words that players hood and episcopate was taking thank you card, but the deepest songs of everlasting, clock back to ‘the winter of discon- are directing at the ref… the wrong route. heartfelt praise. tent’, Uncle Jim and ‘what crisis’? So 2015 will be another chapter The new ministry for women The only hope for a new look is if in the old, old story. should have involved the revival of The Rev Dr Lee Gatiss is the editor of the NIV Nigel Farage triumphs and Hold on. There is hope of new the role of Prophet. A ministry her- Proclamation Bible and Director of Church Society restores the custom of PMs wear- beginnings after all. So say many alded by Our Lady, shared by (www.churchsociety.org) ing ties. No mention of the Lib churchmen from Justin down- Anna, and carried on by such Dems? No need; no seats will be wards. Don’t forget the advent of women as Hildegard of Bingen, won by them. Cleggie will have to women bishops. A new era and Theresa of Avila, Therese of look for a spot on one of the many new opportunities for church Lisieux, Josephine Butler and Eve- HYMN SELECTION TV game shows for washed-up growth. lyn Underhill. ‘celebs’ - but don’t mention X Fac- However, before we get too A downgrading of female ambi- tor to a man whose party won so excited about the future, let’s look tion? Rather the reverse. Remem- few Xs. back to the past. 1994 and the first ber that in Biblical times Prophets Come, ye faithful, raise the anthem Whoever forms the new govern- women priests taking post brought outranked priests. Can it be this Crown him with many crowns ment - and the smart money is on a about promises that their arrival realisation that causes the clerical Come people of the risen king UKIP-FinF coalition - you can would promote growth. Yet the profession, female as well as male, Thanks to God whose word was spoken depend that it will pledge more only growth has been in the num- to keep quiet about the possibility Of the Father’s love begotten education reforms. Despite the ber of female clergy. On present of Prophets joining the labour cash this will cost, the only area of trends the clerical profession will force?

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper www.churchnewspaper.com Friday January 2, 2015 Reviews 15 Sin, redemption and humour in movies

FILM Roundup of the year

American Hustle started the year well, and won three Golden Globes but no Oscar®, despite nominations in 10 categories. It was swiftly followed by the harrowing true story 12 Years a Slave, which did win three Oscars - best picture, best supporting actress for Lupita Nyong’o and best adapted screenplay for John Ridley - yet not best director for Steve McQueen or best actor for Chiwetel Ejiofor, which went to Alfonso Cuarón for Gravity and Matthew McConaughey for Dallas Buyers Club. The Wolf of Wall Street also did well critically and at cast a caustic eye on fame and people’s bread-and-cir- the box office, but its hedonist amorality, unless intend- cuses lust for sensation. Ken Loach’s last movie ed as a comment on capitalism, seemed too celebrated. (maybe, at 78) was Jimmy’s Hall, and stayed comfort- Meryl Streep’s performance as an ill and embittered ably in last century’s Irish history. mother in August: Osage County was one of the best Another last movie, The Wind Rises from Studio Ghib- female roles of the year, while a bit of a dark treat was li founder Hayao Miyazaki, a mere 73, brought the soft- Scarlett Johansson as a sexy and maybe cannibalistic ening effect of the studio’s hand-drawn beauty to the alien in Under the Skin. true story of the designer of Japan’s Mitsubishi Zero Biblical epic Noah played loose with the Genesis fighter plane. Of the animated films primarily for chil- story, with Russell Crowe’s Noah obsessed with his dren The Lego Movie outsold them all (and everything mission and getting it (scripturally) wrong in thinking else), but The Boxtrolls may be more likely to pick up that God meant to wipe out the human race and just awards. leave the animals. Death and destruction also led to Comedies as usual were hit and miss – the main hit spectacular effects in Pompeii and in Godzilla, the latter was Pride, about how the gay community took up com- maybe just touching on vague ideas of Godzilla as a sav- mon cause with Welsh miners during the 1984 strike. It iour figure. chronicled both the sense of police oppression and (without saying so) society’s change in attitude to same- sex relationships – and it was one of the funniest films of the year. Foreign films seem to struggle for a market these days, as even arthouse cinema screens are taken up with mainstream movies. Two Days, One Night by the Dardenne brothers from Belgium may hit a chord with those who see precarity as likely to throw up good sto- rylines – but Ken Loach has known that for a long while. Leviathan, Andrei Zvyagintsev’s tale of cor- ruption in Russia, takes its title both from the 1651 book by Thomas Hobbes, and from the original image in Job chapter 41. That, and Polish film Ida, about a novice nun discovering a past she didn’t know, look favourites for the foreign film Oscar. On a personal note, local cinemas have been hospitable – the Reel in Widnes has enthusiastic staff, though when I went to see Noah they were shut by unforeseen circum- Undoubtedly the best-planned film of the year was stances; they weren’t saying, but I think they’d Boyhood, which took over 12 years to make. The fiction- had a flood. And the revered Cornerhouse in Man- al story of five-year-old Mason (Ellar Coltrane), and chester will close in the spring to be reborn in new his growing up in scenes filmed each year till he premises as HOME, in a joint venture with the Library turned 18, will be a major contender for Theatre Company. awards. My film of the year choice comes down to two. Wes There were lots of decent dramas on offer, Anderson’s imagination and Ralph Fiennes’ comedic some straightforward like mystery Gone Girl and talent made The Grand Budapest Hotel a delight from some straying into flights of wild fancy like the psyche- start to finish, but in Calvary Brendan Gleeson was delic part-animation The Congress. The stories based on superb as an Irish priest threatened with death for fact, like Fruitvale Station (white cop kills black man) someone else’s sins, the other characters were nicely and The Imitation Game (mathematician codebreaker drawn, and despite occasional out-of-place humour, wins the war, despite being gay), sometimes had a reso- its depth and denouement make it my film of the year. nance that mere fiction couldn’t replicate. Still, David Cronenberg’s Maps to the Stars and Dan Steve Parish Gilroy’s Nightcrawler both had plots and settings that

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By Kelsey Mangan are not as different as they think they What do you do when you are. It is about want elderly people to final- building relation- ly understand young peo- ships.” ple? Make a movie about it. This youth group Older people often down- is non-religious, but play the importance and the church has very value of young people, close ties with its reducing them to an members. The absent-minded Generation group of an average “Me.” However, young peo- of 40-45 young peo- ple in the town of Spenny- ple have used the more embarked on their church as a meeting own mission to show what space. This space they’re truly worth. These has become an young people have been working together with ty members about all of the important safe spot older members of the community to produce a film things young people have to for young people to that seeks to bridge this troublesome generation offer their local community. It be able to meet on gap in understanding and acceptance. was premiered at St David’s Friday nights. They were encouraged by members of the town’s church hall to an audience of Clergy members youth group to pursue the film named Tudhoe church members, community hope that this film Breakout. One of the group’s big supporters is St representatives, local public will encourage David’s Church in Spennymore, and the necessary figures and members of the more young people £5,000 to produce the film was raised by the Area youth club. to take advantage of the group. Vicar, the Rev Gary Action Partnership, the town council, local housing Debbie Mahaffey, one of the people involved in Norman, said: “We support the youth club because organisation Livin, and other individual contribu- the film’s production, said that this film is a “good this is a way of reaching out to young people in the tions. way of showing the older people that our young area and offering them opportunities and new The finished film became a message to communi- people are something to be proud of and that they skills.”

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Lois [2 Tim] (6) Down witchcraft...' [Gal/NIV] PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 931 by Axe 14 Israelite leader, aka (8) Jerub-Baal, who defeat- 1One of Daniel's compan- 15 'He pours contempt on ed the Midianites with ions saved from the fur- nobles and ------the just 300 men [Judg] (6) nace (8) mighty' [Job/NIV] (7) 16 'Then she wiped them 2'She ----- no one, she 17 '...you have stolen my with her hair, ------accepts no correction' heart with one ------of them...' [Luke/NIV] (6) [Zeph/NIV] (5) your eyes...' [S of 18 Name God gave to 4'I called to my ------but S/NIV] (6) Jacob [Gen] (6) they betrayed me' 20 '---- all his skills, Lord...' 19 Husband of Abigail [1 [Lam/NIV] (6) [Deut/NIV] (5) Sam] (5) 5Celebration observed 21 '...why was there still ---- 22 Place where the on the 40th day after for another priest to Israelites defeated Og's Easter (9,3) come...' [Heb/NIV] (4) army [Num; Deut; Josh] 6'When Esther's ------and (5) female attendants 23 '...give his inheritance to came...' [Est/NIV] (7) Last week’s solutions: the ------relative' 7'They cut off their [Num/NIV] (7) hands and feet and ---- Across: 7 Cherub, 8 Lifted, 9 Zeus, 10 24 'Therefore ------will the bodies by the pool...' Lutheran, 11 Serpent, 13 Myrrh, 15 overtake him in an [2 Sam/NIV] (4) Feast, 17 Columba, 20 Rehoboam, 21 instant' [Prov/NIV] (8) 8Those sent to attempt to Seth, 22 Severe, 23 Needle. 25 'O inhabitant of Aroer, convert others to a par- stand by the way, and ---- ticular doctrine or reli- Down: 1 The eye, 2 Arms, 3 Abilene, 4 ' [Jer/KJV] (4) gion (12) Plate, 5 After you, 6 Repair, 12 13 '...impurity and Passover, 14 Mormons, 16 Eleven, 18 debauchery; ------and Battle, 19 Foxes, 21 Shem.

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Across Gospels as the law (5) N am e home of Joseph 11 'Who are those 1Book and and Mary (8) that fly...like A d d r e s s prophet of the 9Book and doves to their --- 9770964 816108 OT (1) (4) prophet of the --?' [Isa/NIV] P o s t C o de 3Town men- OT (2) (7) (5) tioned in the 10 Ecclesiastical 12 Daughter of [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper

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