THE E u r o p e a n A n g l i c a n

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E u r o p e a n U n i t y T he W ee k O f P r a y e r R emem b e r e d

S h o w c a s e F o r O u r C h u r c he s G e n e r a l S y n o d R e c e p t i o n

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THE E u r o p e a n A n g l i c a n

The of in The Rt Revd Bishop’s Lodge, Church Road, Worth, Crawley RH10 7RT Tel: +44 (0) 1293 883051 Fax: +44 (0) 1293 884479 Email: [email protected] The in Europe The Rt Revd Postal address: Diocesan Office Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1160 Email: [email protected] The Diocesan Office 14 Tufton Street, London, SW1P 3QZ Tel: +44 (0) 207 898 1155 Fax: +44 (0) 207 898 1166 Email: [email protected] Diocesan Secretary Mr Adrian Mumford Assistant Diocesan Secretary Mrs Jeanne French D y i n g t o g et Finance Officer Mr Nick Wraight­ Diocesan Website www.europe.anglican.org t o E a s te r D ay Editor and Diocesan Communications Officer The Revd. Paul Needle Postal address: Diocesan Office I was fascinated to learn that the Anglican In this issue, our Bishop dispels a few Email: Church in one of Europe’s smallest myths about a poem that is linked with [email protected] countries has commissioned a booklet bereavement and he underlines our hope Tel: 0034 662 482 944 called “Dying in Luxembourg”. They have of eternal life through the death and risen Friends of the discovered by personal experience that few life of Jesus Christ. Another mistaken Secretary: Rev Canon Arthur Siddal people know what practical steps to take perception is that Christians enjoy their Email: [email protected] in the event of someone close to them. A share of doom and gloom because we look Design congregation in has recently hosted forward to a solemn Holy Week leading to Adept Design, Norwich a series of seminars with a similar aim the joyful celebrations of Easter. Printer and even more urgent in a country where Maundy Thursday, with its message of Norwich Colour Print funerals are expected to take place within service and ministry - looking towards the Distribution 72 hours of death and bereaved relatives cross of Calvary – should have more than CoDEStorm plc are faced with making many decisions at a a little excitement and joy this year as our time when they are least prepared. is honoured to be part of Cover photo: It is said that in Victorian Britain, death the service in Westminster Mallorca has its own special breed was a common topic in polite conversation Abbey. of donkeys peculiar to the island. whereas any mention of matters sexual was And reports of developments in mission Chula stands with Emeritus Reader taboo. The Western world seems to have in the 42 countries where we serve remind Dr George Giri for the annual Palm turned that around! Perhaps the reluctance us that we have plenty to celebrate. Christ Sunday parade at the Anglican to face dying or discuss the end of our lives is alive and we rejoice to be His Easter Church in Palma. Palm crosses are ready to be blessed and distributed is a reflection of growing secularisation. It people. before the traditional procession back is right for our churches to take a lead in to church to start the Eucharist. taking a positive attitude to the subject. Paul Needle Editor, The European Anglican UNIQUE COINS TO MARK 3 A SPECIAL DAY

A H o ly Wee k Roya l H o n o u r f o r the D i o c e s e

When the Queen goes to Westminster Abbey on her birthday, April 21st, she will be greeted by a group of 40 people from the Diocese in Europe who have been honoured by being selected to receive the Royal Maundy

The have been invited to Among the clergy to be honoured will be Canon who nominate people to receive the gift is Canon Ray Jones who served came to The Netherlands in 1970, of Maundy money and invitations as of St George’s, Ypres serving in , have gone to twenty men and twenty in Belgium for ten years until his and Voorschoten later becoming women who have made significant retirement last summer in a unique of North-West Europe. contributions to the life of the ministry to those on pilgrimage to He has contributed much to the Church and of the local community the World War I battlefields. He was welfare of the Anglican church in The number of recipients is related particularly valued when called upon the Netherlands as well as in the to the Sovereign’s age, so this year to officiate at the Christian burial British Community more widely, there will be a total of 85 male and of newly discovered human remains establishing warm and durable 85 female recipients. Westminster of those killed in the fighting. Also relations with other churches in the Abbey has nominated half of the receiving the money from the Queen Netherlands. recipients with the rest nominated by the Diocese in Europe and by the Diocese of and Man (which covers the ). The service will represent both the smallest and largest of the 44 in the . The event will be broadcast live on BBC 1 television and takes place just 8 days before the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton which will also be in Westminster Abbey. Diocesan recipients of the Maundy money include Carey Graziano who has a 50 year involvement with Holy Cross church in Palermo, Italy. She has worked hard in the ecumenical movement and is involved in other M o r e a b o u t the r o ya l m a u n d y secular campaigning agencies such as • The Name “Maundy” comes from the Latin “mandatum” – (meaning, Amnesty. Also honoured is Nancy instruction) of Jesus for his followers to serve others Fjällbrant who has represented St • The coins are specially minted in sterling silver for the occasion Andrew’s Gothenburg on the Nordic • They are struck in denominations of one, two, three and four pence and Baltic Synod for a • The present design has been used since the 1820´s. On one side is a number of years. She was involved picture of the Queen and on the reverse is a number, under a crown, with negotiating funding with the enclosed by a wreath. Church of Sweden for the chaplain • The Maundy custom dates from the when monarchs, in the in Gothenburg. Outside church, tradition of Christ, would wash the feet of beggars she was a librarian engaged in • Westminster Abbey hosted the service for many years although the Europe-wide projects for cooperation present Queen has visited a series of around the country between libraries. 4 DEATH IS NOTHING . . . D e ath i s N o th i n g at A l l ?

e x c e r p t s f r o m a s e r m o n b y B i s h o p G e o ff r e y a t S t A n d r ew ’s , H o l b o r n , o n the c e n te n a r y o f a n o the r a d d r e s s wh i c h h a s p a s s e d i n t o f u n e r a l f o l k l o r e

A hundred years ago, just after the sure and certain death – how and way of disposal of the dead, though death of King Edward VII, Canon when we do not know. this was never the case in this Henry Scott Holland preached a The Victorian and Edwardian age country. sermon in St Paul’s with in which Scott Holland lived was an There is a University Sermon the title ‘Death, the King of Terrors.’ age which knew death, indeed might in Cambridge endowed in the From that sermon an extract has be said to have had in certain ways a sixteenth-century which enjoins the been taken, which today enjoys a morbid interest in death. Jet funeral preacher to address his hearers on popularity at Memorial Services. It jewellery, Jay’s Mourning Warehouse a number of selected subjects. One begins ‘Death is nothing at all…’ and in Regent Street offering the latest of them is ‘daily preparation against goes on to speak about the departed fashion in mourning attire, funeral the fears of death.’ In the Litany in just having slipped into the next cortèges accompanied by attendants the Book of Common Prayer we room. The extract is taken out of known as mutes bearing boards on ask to be delivered from ‘sudden context and certainly does not reflect their heads with nodding ostrich death’. There is a long tradition, not what Scott Holland himself believed, feathers, books of death-bed scenes only in Christian, but in all human but its opening words challenge us and the recording of last words – all history of preparation for the death about what lies ahead of us all, our to be set alongside the development and dying that comes to us all. In in London and other cities of great ancient Egypt and many different urban cemeteries (needed because cultures of the time they saw the of the appallingly overfull parish moment of death, when breath was churchyards) adorned with a whole taken away, and life departed, as ‘it is in variety of mausolea and monuments. powerful and mysterious. Where dying that In the latter part of the 19th century was the life that once animated that cremation tentatively began, and body? Where was that person whom we are grew slowlyin the earlier part of the we had known and loved and valued? 20th century, but now in this country The psalmist said of God: ‘You take born to represents some 70% or more of away their breath and they die, and funerals. Because the church was are turned again to their dust.” Or eternal initially hostile to cremation, for as that pessimistic Old Testament a variety of reasons - it was pagan Book, Ecclesiastes, puts it: “The dust life’ Roman practice; it was contrary returns to the earth as it was, and the to the inherited Jewish tradition of breath returns to the God who gave burial, which of course included it.” The answer to the experience the burial of Jesus; it seemed to of death was often, they have gone run contrary to the Christian hope to the land of the departed, a place of the resurrection of the body – variously conceived, but which was crematoria, which provided the often thought to be fraught with setting for cremation, developed in dangers and was often thought to be a more secular way and at a distance a wraith-like existence. The early from the church. In continental Hebrews thought of the place of the Europe cremation was seen as departed, “She’ol” in that way. a positively anti-Christian Death was terrifying, frightening, . . . BUT THE GATEWAY TO ETERNAL LIFE 5

Avenue of memorial in a continental cemetery

and for the Jews a blasphemer, had a life in which we already share as a been raised to new life, an eternal foretaste in the life at the heart of the life which was victorious over death church, and of the communion of and which was a life and a hope saints. When Christians celebrate the shared by those who believed in him. Eucharist – the Holy Communion Christians die in the hope of the – they do so ‘with angels and resurrection. Christians see death, archangels and all the company of as an Easter hymn puts it, as ‘but the heaven.’ a breaking of relationships, an gate to life immortal.’ The Christian Christians have also used language awful nothingness. It mocks human creed speaks of ‘looking for’ – the about the immortality of the soul – meaning and purpose. It is the ‘last original Greek is ‘waiting in longing language which comes from a Greek enemy’. In the Jewish tradition of expectation for’ ‘the resurrection of rather than a Jewish background, the Old Testament, faith in a God the dead and the life of the world to though we should not make too who delivered his people from come.’ For Christians the horizon of sharp a division between them. What slavery and from exile, the God of life is not death, but resurrection, the is distinctive is that eternal life – life righteousness and justice, led to a life of God’s new creation of which which is about participation in the hope that that God would vindicate Christ is the first-fruits. When we life of God – is always God’s gift. the righteous, that the life he had die our life is commended into the The Christian hope of eternal life is created would be re-created once hands of God, the Lord and Giver grounded in faith in the God who more in the Day of the Lord, the of life. St Paul famously uses the has created us in love to share in the Day of his righteous judgement. The analogy of a seed sown in the earth communion of his own life of love. hope was a hope of resurrection, of a which then comes to a new life. Some years ago Lily Pincus, a raising to life in a new, transformed Writing to the Christians of Corinth distinguished Jewish psychotherapist and transfigured body. That hope he speaks of our being sown as an wrote of her hope ‘that our society was not shared by all Jews. The New earthly body and raised to life as may relearn that death is an essential Testament witnesses to a division a spiritual body, by which he does part of life.’ Christians dare to believe between the Sadducees who denied not mean the kind of wraith like in a God who freely chooses to enter the Resurrection and the Pharisees body such as the ectoplasm that 19th into our dying, and to know it from who believed in it. But the New century spiritualists saw in séances the inside. That is the source of grace Testament and the Christian Gospel – what he means is a body – or that enables human beings – you and also witness to the vindication of bodiliness - animated by the Holy I – to know the possibility that ‘it is Jesus, the expected Messiah, the Spirit of God. In the Easter accounts in dying that we are born to eternal Christ of God, the Lord’s Anointed of the resurrection of Jesus those life.’ Death is not ‘nothing at all’; it is who would deliver his people. who encountered the Risen Jesus the end to which we all come; but is The Easter Gospel which impelled encountered one who was identical an end which is encompassed by the the disciples of Jesus out into and recognisably the same as the love of God, of which St Paul said world mission was a Gospel which Jesus who was crucified, and yet ‘neither death, nor life, nor things proclaimed that the Day of the Lord who was mysteriously transformed present nor things to come can had come; that the Jesus whose life and transfigured. He is the one who separate us.’ In that love known in had seemingly ended in failure on the has conquered death and has been Christ death is indeed the gate to life Cross, blotted out as a crucified rebel raised to the life of the new creation, immortal. 6 LEARNING TO LIVE IN HARMONY

The h o me we B u i l d To g ethe r

Canon Andrew Wingate, O.B.E., is involved with the Dioceses of Gothenberg, Lund and Linkoping, Sweden, in training and education work in the Christian response to other faiths. He is planning a conference to explore this theme.

Since April, I have been based in In March, Gothenburg will host majority of Muslims have come in Gothenburg, as a consultant/teacher a Porvoo consultation, following recent years, from traumatic situations. with three dioceses in the Church those in Oslo in 2003, and Scotland Integration is not easy for linguistic of Sweden in Muslim-Christian in 2007. We will be considering reasons, with no common history as relations. I have also made occasional specifically 12 issues highlighted is found in those who have come to sorties to Denmark and . in 2003, and considering what has Britain from the Asian subcontinent. This has been as an Associate of the happened in the last 8 years in this And Sweden has received many St Philip’s Centre (for Study and fast moving field (see list available on Orthodox Christians from the Middle Engagement in a Multi Faith Society) Porvoo website under Guidelines). East, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kurdistan, in Leicester, of which I was the Gothenburg is an appropriate Palestine, Egypt. Sweden has admitted founding Director. In Leicester the setting for this consultation. Thanks many for whom the doors have been population is edging towards a half to outstanding leadership in the closed in the USA or Britain. There being of other faiths than Christian Diocese, the city is moving towards are more Iraqi Christians in one small (it will be fascinating to see what setting up a local centre, recognising town near Stockholm than in the the 2011 census figures show). My that even in traditionally secular whole of Britain and USA put this coming to Gothenburg was the fruit Sweden, religion cannot be ignored. together, a comment on immigration of several years of working with The largest mosque in Scandinavia is policies in those two countries which Scandinavia, involving young people, to be opened there in May. I am very invaded Iraq in 2003. This complicates footballers, clergy, Bishops and city aware of two factors very different questions of Muslim-Christian officials. from Leicester and Britain. The relations.

Canon Andrew in Denmark with Archdeacon Jonathon LLoyd, Imam Naveed Baig and Pastor Lotta, joint hospital in Copenhagen DIVERSE EXPRESSIONS OF UNITY 7 IN OUR CHURCHES

Young people from from E i g ht d ay s i n O n e W ee k Leicester and Gothenburg During January Christians in churches across Europe joined in representing four faiths enjoying the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The week spans eight days a shared and covers the period from the feast of St Peter to the feast of St programme Paul and has been marked since 1908. These three stories reflect the diversity of those commemorations.

U n i t y a g r ee d i n p r ay e r

I have been much encouraged by i n V e r s a i l l e s engagement at a parish level. There is In the Versailles a real wish to engage. This has been area of the encouraged by the horror caused by ecumenical service the suicide bomber in Stockholm, a was at Notre Dame much smaller version of the London de la Resurrection, bombings of 7/7. England and a modern church Sweden are linked by the revelation shaped like a that the bomber appears to have been scallop shell where between 300 and C l e r g y radicalised as a student in Luton. 400 people were accompanied by t o g ethe r i n Another link across the North Sea is a small orchestra and choir which represented by Somalis. Those who accompanied the songs and provided B r u g g e took asylum in Sweden (and also music during the prayers. At Sint Jacobskerk, Brugge, in in Norway, Holland and Denmark) Everyone joined in saying the Belgium, the main ecumenical service have crossed in large numbers to Apostles’ Creed (though some said for the city Churches provided a Britain. Leicester now has around ...holy , others chance for clergy to worship formally 15,000, more than in the whole preferring the more neutral adjective and to meet one another and deepen of Sweden, mostly having ‘universal’!) and in singing Our informal links and friendships. It migrated twice. Father (to the beautiful setting by was also a first chance for the newly The ecumenical nature of my Rimsky Korsakov). arrived Roman Catholic Bishop of placement has been underlined by The ceremony closed with a Brugge to meet Orthodox, Protestant the way I have shared an office with blessing given by all the clergy there. and Anglican clergy. Marika Palmdahl, the Bishop’s Inter Faith Adviser, in the well known ‘lipstick’ building, which houses o n a c o m a k e s u n i t y a the Lutheran Diocesan Offices. It is M also shown by my role as Associate b i g t o p eve n t Priest of St Andrew’s, Gothenburg. Christians from all along the French Riviera filled the big top of the My wife Angela and I have found International Circus Festival in Monte-Carlo for the annual Ecumenical Prayer a real home there, and I need no Service. Bishop David joined fellow bishops from Germany, France, Italy and convincing of the importance of the Monaco, and pastors from throughout the region – including the Archdeacon Diocese in Europe. of France, from Nice – for this very popular event on the local In Sweden, I have been struck worship calendar. Circus acrobats, horses and clowns invigorate the service of by the title ands contents of a scripture readings, hymn singing and prayer. book by the remarkable writer and Chief Rabbi, Jonathan Sacks, The Home we Build Together. The challenge is to enable integration without assimilation of all our faith communities in Sweden, Britain, Europe. This applies especially to Muslim communities. If we can enable them to be fellow participants, After the service, circus performer, we have the opportunity to be a Bello Nock – winner of a Cloun d’or model for the world. award at the Festival – gave Bishop David a hair raising experience.

8 ENCOURAGING YOUNGSTERS IN THE FAITH

M a k i n g m u s i c i n S o u the r n I ta ly

After the success of an English school project in 2009, St George’s Church, Taormina in Sicily have followed it up with teenage pupils. Teachers and parents from the Liceo Classico Linguistico in Caltagirone took part in a regular Eucharist Service where the youngsters gained a valuable insight into the similarities between Roman Catholic and Anglican worship. Another, slightly younger group took an active part in the Christmas Carol Service, playing “O Come all ye faithful” with clarinet, recorders, guitar, piano and pianolas. With hearty appetites they bought pizzas and cakes on sale in the church which helped raise over 400 euros for charity.

Th i n g s g et me s s y f o r S pa n i s h C h u r c h

Church members in Nerja and Almuñecar in Southern Spain launched Below: In the Spanish resort of a project known as Messy Church Calahonda Archdeacon David during October. It welcomes people of Sutch knows that sometimes it all ages and meets just once a month: is important to get down to a adults come with a child in tow, or child’s level to minister to them vice versa! During a typical session there will be a variety of craft activities based on a biblical theme, then a short, informal worship celebration followed by some food. It is meant to be fun as well as helping those taking part to grow closer to God. Rev , Priest in Charge, says “We know that there are lots of young families living in Nerja and Almuñecar but many of them find it hard to go to the traditional Church on Sundays. So we want to reach out and offer them a completely different experience of Church but one which we hope will help them to come to know and love God.” SPRING SHOWCASE AT SYNOD 9

S h o w i n g o ff – t o S p r e a d the W o r d

A lunchtime reception at the February sessions of General Synod in London’s Church House gave an opportunity for some of the 483 members to meet our Diocesan delegates, both Bishops, the staff and Friends of the Diocese. It was also a formal opportunity to launch this year’s Diocesan Yearbook and a copy was given to all our guests.

Some of the diocesan Synod representatives are still finding their way – both physically and General Synod members Ann Turner, Canon Debbie Flach and metaphorically – around the Canon Ian Hutchinson Cervantes venue and the voting system. As newcomers, Madeleine Holmes says she and Canon Ian Hutchinson Cervantes found there was a lot to be learned quickly although help was available. “My impression was that no opportunity was missed to help all new members – explanations on procedures, voting (both by a show of hand and also electronically), the procedure to speak; question times and also the basic procedures of leaving and entering the chamber and where we could find a non-stop supply of coffee and tea! There is an inordinate amount of paper from Standing Orders (which I must read and know about – all 127 pages!), list of all members and updates on matters under discussion, the Agenda for the Synod, timings and all back- up papers and reports.” Visitors to the reception expressed their interest at discovering the scope of work done by the 44th diocese in the Church of England – geographically the largest and apparently the least well known. Above: Synod reception in London It was a good opportunity to spread Right: A smiling welcome from the word about the Church’s best Bishop Geoffrey kept secret! 1 0 GROWING UPWARDS – CHURCH ROOFTOP DEVELOPMENT

What do you do when your church needs a bigger building but you lack the space needed to extend it? At St Mark´s Church in Versailles, a city just 17 kilometres from the heart of Paris and renowned for its chateau, they are embarking on an exciting building plan to raise the roof of their present worship area to make a brand new church. The Chaplain, Paul Kenchington, explained how it came about.

C h u r c h P r o j e c t i n the S p i r i t o f V e r s a i l l e s

We are building a new church on top small meeting rooms and dedicated architect’s plan requires the builders of our existing church rooms which parking for 60 cars within many to have finished by the end of July have been used for worship for the miles of this place. – and at that point we should have a last 17 years. It is the completion of Not only should this give greater new church. We also hope to raise a a bold vision which came out of the impact on the community through further half a million Euros in order growth of St. Mark´s back in the these new connections but greater to complete the second half of this 1970’s and led to buying the plot visibility, as the tower rises up and final phase, which is an extended of land during the 80’s here at Pont will be seen from the road and entrance foyer with better access, Colbert where the church is now even the nearby motorway. St. toilet facilities, kitchen etc. sited. It’s exciting to be nearing the Mark´s Church has been active in When I am asked why we fulfilment of the original plan. Versailles for nearly 200 years (Our are starting in the middle of an We need this, partly because Bi-centenary will be in 2014), but economic crisis I reply – What better we intend to outgrow our current there are still many people who time to demonstrate the faithfulness facilities! We currently have seating have no idea we are here. When the of God towards those who take for 150 people when all are packed in building nears completion we will do him at his word? Malachi 3:10 says – we are usually over 80% full. We all we can to maximize its publicity “Bring the whole tithe into the are praying for an Electoral Roll of potential. storehouse that there may be food in 200, with a fluid membership greater Funds of 600,000 euros have come my house. Test me in this, says the than that, so the proposed 250 seat in, so far – praise God! Virtually all Lord Almighty, and see if I will not building will suit us well. We also of this has come from present or past throw open the floodgates of heaven believe we have an important role members of the church, with some and pour out so much blessing that to play in serving the community, large and incredibly generous gifts you will not have room enough for and trust that the new facility will from certain individuals. We are now it”. In keeping with this principle, be used by a variety of community holding regular on-site meetings we have challenged people to honour groups – there is (as far as we know) with the architect and contractors, God in their giving, despite difficult no other spiritual conference centre with a view to the start of works circumstances, and God has kept his with a large auditorium, numerous at the beginning of March. The promise. HERITAGE CELEBRATED IN HAMBURG, 1 1 GOD’S LOVE IN LANZAROTE C e l e b r at i n g 4 0 0 y e a r s o f the ‘E n g l i s h C h u r c h ’ i n H a m b u r g

M o the r s ’ U n i o n u p d ate

Monica Schofield shares some plans for her local church in 2012

2012 is not only the year of the opportunity for celebration. The London Olympics and the 50th congregation of St Thomas Becket, anniversary of the Beatles final which nowadays comprises a host concert in the Star-Club in of nationalities including many Hamburg, it is also the 400th Germans, is using this opportunity to anniversary of the founding of the engage with a wider community of ‘English Church’ in Hamburg: people in Hamburg and further afield the firstlegally established Anglican to strengthen the fellowship of its Church in Europe outside the members, and promote the mission of Diocesan president Barbara Woods British Isles, and the first non- the church. A year-long celebration reports that Mothers’ Union continues Lutheran church to be permitted series of events is being planned for to grow in the Diocese with a new religious freedom within the city the whole of 2012 with activities branch in Copenhagen, making walls of the Free and Hanseatic City ranging from concerts to dance, from 11 branches at the start of 2011. of Hamburg. art exhibitions to walks and talks. “We also hope to have a website up To claim to be the oldest or Further information can be found on and running soon – watch for more first of anything in Europe is the website www.stbecket400.de. information”, she writes. “I enjoyed always fraught with the risk of The organisers would like to make being at the Mothers’ Union Quiet challenges but we make the claim this more than just a celebration of St Day in Lanzarote in December where above in italics and await counter Thomas Becket Church in Hamburg, we had the Trinitarian entrance gate claims! It was in the interests of and invite other Diocese in Europe pointed out to us as we arrived. trade, something so precious to Anglican Churches to contribute After an address during the day I the lifeblood of the Hanse that their history to our celebration as a was sitting on a lovely big rock just religious principles can be put celebration of the Anglican Church outside the entrance pondering upon aside, a contract was made in 1611 in Europe. A publication is planned the trinity again as I looked at the between the Senate and the English to include articles from as many 3 hills ahead. ‘God is love’. Then I overseas traders guild, the Merchant churches as possible, especially those looked at the sky – I know they were Adventurers, permitting the with a trading connection. If you are aeroplane trails but...” founding of an Anglican church in willing to contribute or would like Hamburg. The Senate even provided to know more please email a building. The first sermon was [email protected]. preached by the Revd John Wing in All visitors will be specially January 1612 setting a precedent for welcomed with more information religious freedom. appearing on the website during The 400th Anniversary of the course of 2011. Wilkommen in this event provides a significant Hamburg. 1 2 COMMON NAME REFLECTS THE CHALLENGE OF IDENTITY

The W i lt o n Pa r k R e p o r t

Canon Dr Gary Wilton explores the integration of Muslim communities within Europe and checks out his ancestry

The chandeliers sparkle, the portraits look very ancestral and the mahogany furniture has the deep patina that comes from many years of polishing. “This magnificent country house is called Wilton Park? And you are Gary Wilton? Is there A bevy of bishops join Gary Wilton for a connection?” This is the opening a recent meeting with Mr Jorge Caesar to most of my conversations at the da Neves Adviser to President Barroso international conference centre run by the Foreign Office deep in the Sussex countryside. the world faiths, I am often asked Just after the Second World War to contribute to Brussels debates Winston Churchill recognised that on religious diversity, freedom and there was a need for governments, democracy. Last December I was diplomats and experts from across the a speaker at a conference hosted globe to discuss the pressing issues of by the European Commission at the day. He wanted to create a safe the Bavarian Representation. Os place where conversations would be Guinness was the key note speaker. The Bishop of Buckingham confidential and ‘non-attributable’. He and I enjoyed a lively debate with a group of youngsters at So in 1946 Wilton Park was about the importance of religious the Menin Gate in Ypres. They established, and over the years it has freedom as a sign of a healthy are part of a crowd of several hosted literally hundreds of Officials, democracy. hundred who were there for a Ambassadors, Government Ministers, Not so long ago, it seemed as time of Christian reflection Prime Ministers, Presidents, Princes though religion was dying. But and Monarchs. now everywhere I look it seems as I first found myself at Wilton though religion is back. It’s a concern Park late in 2009 at a conference of the EU, its on the news, in the global rise of faith will have a dramatic entitled ‘Muslims in EU cities’. I newspapers and even the subject and far- reaching impact on our century. was delighted to be invited to such of TV comedy drama. Did you Religion is back and not a wonderful setting and delighted watch BBC2s new series Rev last surprisingly from now on I will be to be part of such an important Autumn? I even bumped into the visiting Wilton Park on a regular conversation. The successful actor Tom Hollander in Wippells as basis. Working In collaboration with integration of longstanding and he was being fitted out for the role Lambeth Palace and colleagues here new Muslim communities within of Rev Adam Smallbone. There is in Brussels I will be contributing to democratic society is a major concern no doubt that religion is back. In a series of international conferences for the EU. My contribution to the 2009 Micklethwait and Wooldridge on faith and public life. I am a little conference was to point out that published God is Back. They wrote: daunted but very excited. And just interfaith dialogue really does help On the street and in the corridors of in case you are wondering ....Yes I do the different faiths to integrate in power, religion is surging worldwide. From feel very at home at Wilton Park... European society. It needs to be Russia to Turkey to India, nations that but very sadly its not my ancestral researched more! swore off faith in the last century—or home. Although once in a while I do Given the Archbishop of even tried to stamp it out—are now run wonder if I can spot a family likeness Canterbury’s high standing amongst by avowedly religious leaders…. The in some of the ancestral portraits. A R C H B I S H O P R O W A N I N 1 3 ATHENS AND LEUVEN

F l em i s h H o n o u r s f o r the A r c h b i s h o p

Canon from Brussels reports on a memorable event in Belgium

On 2nd February the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL) honoured the , Dr Rowan Williams, with the degree of Ph. D. honoris causa. It is the first time Dr Williams Williams preached an uplifting and has received an honorary doctorate powerful sermon that addressed the from a Catholic University. And it is vocation of the Christian University is both incredibly humble and yet the first time KUL has conveyed such in contemporary Europe. can operate with ease at the highest an honour on an Anglican dignitary. The ‘laudation’ commended public intellectual level. KUL is situated in Flemish his critical engagement with The Theology Faculty would Belgium and has been a seat of contemporary political and inter- love to establish a chair in Anglican academic learning for almost six religious issues. It referred to the Studies. Dr Williams is supportive centuries. It is the oldest Catholic primate’s clear and even daring and our own Bishop Geoffrey is University in the world and the standpoints on matters of social enthusiastic. An Anglican academic oldest university in the lowlands. concern and praised the archbishop’s in Leuven would be such an It is sometimes known as “The willingness to exemplify a form of important bridge with the best kind Cambridge of the Lowlands”…or leadership characterised by unity in of continental Catholicism. We by other people as “The Oxford of diversity, generosity and dialogue. simply need an endowment from a Belgium”. The archbishop responded with a wealthy patron with a vision for At a mass at the main St. Peter’s speech that was both gracious and the Anglican contribution to Church in Leuven, presided over authoritative. European theology. So I wonder: is by Archbishop Léonard, the head of I left Leuven feeling, again, how there a European Anglican reader out the Catholic church in Belgium, Dr proud I am of an archbishop who there who can help?

A V i s i t t o the A r c h d i o c e s e o f A the n s

this project was acknowledged. There was a looking forward to a greater co-operation between the Church of England and the Church of Greece on welfare issues. The Archbishop celebrated a Sung Eucharist at St Paul’s with a large congregation from the Chaplaincy, Photos: Christopher Ambatzi-Crecy two Orthodox Bishop’s and several St Paul´s Anglican Church in Athens received an Honorary Degree from Orthodox clergy as well as pastors played a key role in a visit by the the Theological Faculty of the from the Greek Evangelical Church, Archbishop of Canterbury to the University of Athens. the German Evangelical Church and Greek Capital in late November. Dr Williams walked in the the Church of Sweden. During the The four day event included a footsteps of St Paul to see the ancient service two songs from Africa were formal reception by His Beatitude sites as well as the most up-to-date sung with the Archbishop sharing in Hieronymos, the Archbishop of social welfare project ‘Church in the the clapping of hands and the swaying Athens and All Greece, before a Street’ initiative. of the body that accompanies such meeting with the President of the The involvement of the Greater songs. Afterwards he planted an olive Republic. The Archbishop also Athens Chaplaincy in three aspects of tree in the church grounds. 1 4 PEOPLE AND PLACES

M o r e N ew s f r o m M e n t o n C l e r g y o n Margaret Turner brings an update from St John’s, Menton in the south of France which has been seriously damaged by work on a the M o ve nearby development, and is now completely closed

Greetings to Much has been rescued from the vestry, and the two thousand books Rev Peter Bustin, of All Saints, Twickenham has been from the library have all been neatly licensed as Priest-in-Charge of St stacked. Only structural engineers Michael, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France, can enter as they assess the building’s in February future. Rev David Oliver has been If there is one silver lining in appointed Assistant Chaplain in this dark cloud, it is the support St Nicholas, Helsinki, Finland from from the French inhabitants of mid-February Menton. Appreciative of such annual Rev John Payne, Chaplain of Queen community events as the Queen’s pictured here, in the centre of town, Mary’s School, Thirsk will become Priest-in-Charge of All Saint’s, Milan Birthday, Remembrance Sunday open for prayer during the week and with The Church of the Ascension, and the Carol Service, as well as until now usually closed on Sundays. Lake Como and The Church of the the many recitals that took place in The latest news is more Holy Spirit in Genoa, Italy at the the church, local leaders have been encouraging. The above-mentioned beginning of May generous in their offers of help. experts now say that, if no further Rev David Phillips, formerly The Mayor has given the free use disasters occur, work should begin Associate Priest in the Benefice of a meeting room on Saturdays; the in the summer, and services might of Elloughton Brough with Brantingham, near York will take Diocese of Nice have offered the resume in the church around up duties as Priest-in-Charge of St use of a small and charming chapel, Christmas. George, Vernet les Bains, France in July Rev Dr Remco Robinson, Parish Priest of St Willibrord’s Church, in Old Catholic Church in The Netherlands is now Mission to A r c h d e a c o n r y S y n o d s Seafarers Chaplain in Vlissingen, also in The Netherlands E l e c te d th i s Ye a r Rev Terence Wilcock, Priest-in- Charge of St Thomas, Crosscrake, A note from Adrian Mumford, or part thereof, to a maximum of Kendal will become Assistant five representatives in total. If, for Chaplain of Greater Athens to Diocesan Secretary serve in the Anglican Church of St any reason, you are uncertain about Thomas, Crete, Greece from April 2011 is election year for the number you should elect, please Archdeaconry Synods sometimes contact the Diocesan Secretary. Farewell to known as Deanery Synod, which It is important to note that those Rev Howard Adan, Assistant means that all existing representatives elected to represent their chaplaincies Chaplain of St John & St Philip, The cease to hold office. Chaplaincies and and congregations are also diocesan Hague, The Netherlands is moving to become Incumbent of the Church congregations must elect their lay electors for both the General Synod of St Philip, Cedar, British Columbia representatives at annual meetings elections and Diocesan Synod in the Church of Canada.) from April this year to serve for a term of three elections (which next take place in Rev Aileen Hackl, Honorary years. Those elected take office with 2012). Assistant Chaplain in the Anglican effect from 1st June 2011. The best resource for questions Church ofChrist Church, Vienna, The number to be elected is on elections, the conduct of retired in February related to the number on your AGMs, PCCs etc. is the Church Moving around electoral roll (with a minimum of Representation Rules. A copy of two representatives for each electoral the booklet may be obtained from Rev A Brian Davies formerly Priest- in-Charge of All Saints, The Vendee, roll). There are two for the first 100 the Church House Bookshop or an France is now Assistant Chaplain of on the electoral roll, then one extra electronic version by E-Mail (from The Aquitaine, France person for every additional 50 names, this office). A VIEW FROM VENCE 1 5

W o r s h i p w i th u n d e r s ta n d i n g

Michael Carberry reflects on why it was that, as a Roman Catholic, though these are, but rather the mutual caring and support which is he was happy worshipping regularly in an Anglican Church surely the hall-mark of any genuine Like, I suspect, many Anglican Obviously the English language Christian community and which chaplaincies in Europe, the church is an important element. Like most extends into the wider community of Saint Hugh of Lincoln in Vence people I prefer to worship God in my through Saint Hugh’s involvement on the French Cote d’Azur draws it’s own language and for some people with local charities and the congregation from a broad spectrum that may be enough but for someone charitable activities of local religious of denominational origins ranging who has lived in France for almost congregations. from Free Church and Evangelical twenty years and is at home in both But over and above all these are Christians through a core of Broad the French language and the French two things about Saint Hugh’s which Church and High Church Anglicans Catholic Church (which I still make it very special for me. to Roman Catholics like myself. I attend) there had to be a lot more. Firstly is the centrality of the sometimes wonder what it is that Liturgy is an equally important Eucharist in the regular worship, the brings so many disparate people factor. Any English speaking Roman frequency with which it is celebrated together in common worship so I Catholic can feel very much at home and the reverence accorded to it. thought it might be of interest to with the liturgy in Saint Hugh’s and That might seem odd coming from set out why I, as a Roman Catholic, several do, but it is not simply the someone who is sufficiently aware of am happy to worship regularly in an familiar words and rituals. It is rather the issues between the Anglican and Anglican church. the importance attached to liturgy Roman Catholic Churches regarding I am certainly not one of those as an aid to worship which helps the Eucharist as to feel unable people who seem to think that us to grow in wonder at the glory to participate fully by receiving one church is as good as another. of Divine Revelation; the concern communion. But paradoxically, it I was brought up in a working for that “Beauty of Holiness” so is the very importance which the class coal-mining community in beloved of the seventeenth century Eucharist is accorded which provokes 1950s Scotland where religious Archbishop of Canterbury, William that reticence - a reticence I certainly and sectarian bigotry was such Laud. This is particularly evident in would not feel in a church where the that when the local Orange Lodge the care taken in Saint Hugh’s over Eucharist was regarded as a purely marched behind their flutes and the celebration of the great feasts symbolic or commemorative gesture. drums Catholic children were called of the Church and in remembering And the second thing? A very in off the streets and the curtains those Saints, ancient and modern, distinguished Roman Catholic drawn! Indeed other Christian who have been standard bearers of priest once told me. “The first and denominations were regarded the Christian message throughout most important task of any priest with rather more opprobrium than the centuries as well as the awareness is to preach the Gospel.” Sitting in the local Communist member of of the two thousand years of tradition Saint Hugh’s Sunday after Sunday Parliament! But even later, in more to which the Church is heir. and hearing the Gospel of the day ecumenical times, and having Music is an important part of expounded in my own language in experienced at first liturgy and as someone all too a way which is at once informative, hand in all its rich variety, I would familiar with the music in the profound, thought provoking and never have envisaged attending an average French parish church I am challenging has been a rare privilege. Anglican Church on a regular basis, happy to say that, despite its small For me, it would be worth attending so why Saint Hugh’s? size, Saint Hugh’s maintains that Saint Hugh’s for that alone. My initial thought when my high standard of sacred music which I am not and do not envisage wife and I first attended the church is one of the glories of the Anglican ever being an Anglican. But my shortly after our arrival in the area tradition. experience in Saint Hugh’s has led was to make an ecumenical gesture Then there is the “fellowship” - me to hope that one day we may and perhaps meet some like-minded not a particularly Catholic word but fulfil the prayer of Our Lord in English speakers who shared our a concept which takes on a particular Saint John’s Gospel that we “all Christian values. That has certainly importance in a small expatriate may be one”. In the meantime, and been true and we now count many of community. By that I do not simply as long as Saint Hugh’s maintains the congregation among our closest mean the Sunday morning coffee or it’s very special character, I am friends. But it was other things which the regular church lunches or other very happy to be a member of the brought us back on a regular basis. church related activities, important congregation. 1 6 A N D F I N A L L Y – BITS AND PIECES

B i s h o p B e at s Wat c h o u r the B a n d W e b s i te Church music lovers have often been The diocesan website is simplistically categorized as purists scheduled for a minor makeover who only respond to the tones of the this Spring. It will mean there organ or trendier types who prefer a will be more news and pictures guitar based band. On a recent visit from around the diocese with to Spain the Bishop found hymns divided and tried to play different much more frequent updating. accompanied by a keyboard, cornet tunes until the Bishop’s booming We always welcome your and euphonium! All went well until voice put everyone back on track, information and photos – and the hymn “Just as I am” when the band singing from the same hymn-sheet! remember that an action picture is worth a thousand words. Please keep your news flowing – and send items to paul.needle@ N ew F r i e n d s S e c r eta r y churchofengland.org. L o o k s F o r w a r d t o the R o l e Canon Arthur Siddall is the new Secretary of the supporting group, The Friends of the Diocese in Europe. He writes about himself...

Having started and flexibility and a ‘different’ approach; ended my full- but, that can also bring its own time ministry away difficulties. The excitement that from the U.K., comes from that different role should first in Bangladesh encourage others, without being and finally in perceived as mavericks. M em b e r s h i p Europe, I have The rich experience of so many of valued “friends” for their help and the Friends of the Diocese in Europe r i te s k ee p encouragement, and their prayers. is such a marvellous resource, and I With friends, we can share our look forward to playing a part in the the L i g ht joys and sorrows, news of good support of this special Diocese in the things and those that are less good, Church of England. S h i n i n g knowing that those friends support A date for your diaries This Edition of the European us, and what we are attempting in the Anglican marks the passing The annual Friends Service in wider Church. from Candlemas to Easter but in London is scheduled for Wednesday Certainly, being away from the baptism and confirmation services 26th October this year. main structures allows a greater across Europe the candles given to families are a potent reminder of Christ whose light shines all the year round. Here a youngster in C h a l l e n g e t o the Oostende prepares to be baptized in the first baptism in that church G e n t l e A r t o f V e r g i n g for some time, and Bishop David The Guild of Vergers was on a profile- flew to the South of France to raising exercise at the recent meeting confirm three candidates who of General Synod and challenged look set to let their light shine the Diocese in Europe to let them before people to the glory of God. know how many of our churches and congregations boasted the services of a verger. The verger from St Albans church in Copenhagen has been to to gain experience and improve her skills. The Guild would like to hear from other locations around Europe. Pictures and information to the editor of The European Anglican please.