THE CHURCHOF The top ENGLAND books for Newspaper Christmas 27.11.15 p7-9 £1.50 No: 6307

AVAILABLEONNEWSSTAND Mayor of London: Cinema

THE MAYOR of London has They said the 60-second the cinema arefull of religion predicted that the cinema ban advert“carries the risk of upset- and politics with which they onaaCdhurch adverbtwillabe tinng,oroffending,waudiences”.ill be reversedengagewith either consciously reversed. However, the country’s cinema London or unconsciously. At theweekend it was authorities, including the BBFC Mayor “The Star Wars film, which revealed that Digital Cinema and the Cinema Advertising Boris the adverts precede, asks Media had declinedabooking Authority have given it the go- Johnson whether technology is the from the JustPray.uk group to ahead. and the greatest power in theUniverse show their advertonthe Lord’s The Archbishop of Canter- Archbishop controlling human destiny or Prayer during the new Star bury, the Most Rev Justin of the ‘force’ –aspiritual gift har- Wars: The Force Awakens Welby,said: “I find it extraordi- Canterburyin nessed by the Jedi.” showings. narythat cinemas rule that it is ascene from The Church also received Church leadersand politi- inappropriate for an adverton the advert supportfromRichard Dawkins, cians united in their anger at the prayer to be shown in the week who said it was amatter of com- ban, amid suggestions that it beforeChristmas when we cele- mercialjudgement rather than a could be open to alegal chal- brate the birth of Jesus Christ.” free speech issue. lenge. He said thatChristians would talize prayer in the digital age. It in terms oflimiting free “If anybody is ‘offended’ by Boris Johnson said on Mon- be astonished and ‘deeply sad- is linked with Instagram, Twit- speech.” something so trivial as aprayer, day: “This is aprayer that is dened’ by this decision. ter and Vine, allowing users to The deputy leader of the they deserve to be offended.” 2000years old and informs our He denied that the advert, in take partinalive prayer feed. Labour Party,Tom Watson MP, And Ibrahim Mogra, of the whole culture. Expect Uturn which he makes an appearance, But Church leaders feel the said: “At the startofeach parlia- Muslim Council of Britain, said: from cinemas.” was upsetting or could offend cinema ban is both “plain silly” mentaryday,MPs recite the ‘I am flabbergasted that anyone ThePrimeMinister said the cinema audiences. and could even have a“chilling Lord’s Prayer.Cinemas have wouldfind this prayeroffensive decision was‘ridiculous’, while “This advertisabout as ‘offen- effect” on free speech. refused to screen it.” to anybody,including people of the ArchbishopofCanterbury sive’ as acarol service or The Rev Arun Arora, the The Bishop ofSheffield, the no particular religious belief. said thatthe ban was “extraordi- church service on Christmas Church’s director of communi- RtRev Steven Croft, while dis- Mark Russell, the leader of nary”. Day.” cations, said: “The prospect of a agreeing with the decision, Church Army,however thought Theadvert, partofthe Just- He issued achallenge to the multi-generational cultural used asermon to highlight the the rowcould be ablessing in Pray initiative, features aselec- cinema bosses: “I think people event offered by the release of radical natureofthe prayer,a disguise. He wrote: “This whole tionofindividualseachreciting need to watch the film and come StarWars:The Force Awakens view that was echoed by North- cinema ad hullabaloo has given aline of theLord’s Prayer. to their own conclusions as to on 18 December -aweek before ernIreland Bishop Harold the Lord’s Prayer the best air However,Odeon, Cineworld whether it is offensive or upset- Christmas Day -was too good Miller: “Who would have time since Kate and Will’s wed- and Vuehave allbanned the ting. Let the public judge for an opportunity to miss and we thought that the Lord’s Prayer ding!” advertfromits planned sched- themselves rather than be cen- arebewildered by the decision would be considered aradical?” The Rev Giles Fraser ule during the new Star Wars sored or dictated to.” of the cinemas. Paul Woolley,the deputy chief observed that it was “interesting movie launch. The adverthas been created “In one way the decision of executive of the Bible Society, that the ad agency initially They said that their policies to back the launch of anew the cinemas is just plain silly but said: “There arelayers of irony offered the CofEa55per cent prevent adverts that arepolitical Church prayer initiative, Just- the fact that they have insisted in thisdecision, since the films discount to encouragethe Lord’s or religious in nature. Pray.uk, that is intended to revi- upon it makes it rather chilling that people themselves watch in Prayer cinema campaign.”

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Diocese of Diocese of York Birmingham Cathedral will host The Rt Rev Mark Bryant, Bishop of Jarrow, York Minster held alate an installation of 2,000 golden has praised the work of volunteers in opening on 22 November for THE boats, suspended as aflotilla supporting important causes. Threshold –one of aseries high above the nave, opening Addressing the Nightstop Conference at of unique services the cathedral’s 300th Christmas the Royal Foundation of St Katherine, scheduled to take place on celebrations. London, on Thursday November 19, Bishop Sundays in the coming DIARY The Soul Boats havebeen Mark called on people to do more for those months. Send your events to made and decorated by in need in society. Threshold services aim to individuals of all faiths and “My worry is that, as asociety,many of us provide an alternative format [email protected] backgrounds from across the live and work and play in verytight bubbles. forworship and areopen to or Tw eet@churchnewspaper city. “The danger is that, as we live in these anyone and everyone The Very Rev Catherine Ogle, little bubbles, we become less and less curious about faith, worship, Dean of Birmingham, said: “We awareofthe human beings around us. exploring belief and how to aredelighted to be hosting the “My passionate belief is that what find and know Christ. 28 November Soul Boats just as the Cathedral volunteering can do is to open our eyes to The services areheld after 9.30am Missional Communities Workshop for reopens after renovation, and as people whose experience of life is very, very hours at York Minster. Church Leaders and their teams. Deal, St we enter Advent. different from ours: other people whose George’s, Deal Kent. “Wehave been profoundly lives arenot any better or worse than ours moved that so many people but simply different.” have been brought together by He added: “If we’regoing to be really 2December this project.This is an committed to thiswhole idea of volunteering outstanding achievement for the and of working with those whose lives get a 1pm Lunchtime organ recitals at Bradford artist and theparticipants and a bit complicated, Iwant to suggest that we Cathedral. Dr Jon Payne (Poole). wonderful finale to our need to keep in front of ourselves the big tercentenaryyear.” picture, the sense of why arewedoing this.” The Soul Boats will be in Nightstop and similar emergency housing 4December place for the first Sunday in schemes for homeless young people aged 16 Advent, 29 November 2015, to 25 provide free, safe, supportive and 12noon Christmas Market. Southwark Cathedral, when members of the public are welcoming environments in the home of a until 6th. invited to the 11am Choral volunteer who offers ayoung person an 6.30pm AMuppet Christmas Carol, Manchester Eucharist and the 4pm Advent evening mealand abed for the night. Stays Cathedral, £10/£5 Procession by Candlelight. can be anythingfromjust one night to afew Diocese of 8.30pm Elf, Manchester Cathedral, £10/£5 They remain on display until weeks. Manchester 9pm Sleepout 2015, St Albans. March 2016. Greater Together Diocese of Sheffield Manchester,ajoint venture 5December DioceseofGloucester between the Diocese of The Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Rev Steven Manchester and Church 2.30pm Very British Christmas fair, St George’s, The Very Rev Stephen Lake, Croft, made avisit to the Ridge Road Mosque Urban Fund, has brought Berlin Dean of Gloucester,has in Rotherham to meet leaders of the Muslim together agroup of six 12noon Christmas Bazaar, Anglican Church, Bonn, received an Honorary community. churches to provide Germany Fellowship from the University The Bishop was greeted by children on overnight shelter to 7.30pmThe Snowman/Frozen double bill, Man- of Gloucestershireatthe arrival at the mosque and given ashorttour of homeless men who would chester Cathedral, £14/10 (family tickets Cathedral. thefacilities. He was accompanied by the Rev otherwise be sleeping £28) Appointed as Dean four years David Bliss, who is the Vicar of rough. ago, he and his colleagues are Rotherham Minster.Councillor Saghir Alam, The scheme, named the responsible for the Cathedral Chair of the Rotherham Council of Mosques, Greater Manchester Winter 9December Chapter,the Cathedral’s then chaired aprolonged discussion of the Night Shelter,isbeing governing body. challenges facing the Rotherham community piloted from January– 1pm Lunchtime organ recitals at Bradford Raising the profile of the at the present time. March 2016 and needs over Cathedral. Music DepartmentChristmas building and its community,his BishopSteven said afterwards: “I came away 100 volunteers to help Special. stewardship has seen nationally from the visit with amuch moreinformed ensureitruns safely and lauded sculptureexhibition understanding of the considerable challenges smoothly.Volunteers can Crucible 2and hospitality to facing the Muslim community in Rotherham opt to covershifts in the 12 December players in the Rugby World Cup at the present time thatwill informother evening, overnight and in 7pm AGospel Christmas, Citty Temple, Holborn at the Cathedral. The Dean is conversations across the town and more the morning. Viaduct, London, EC1A 2DE. Donations at keen to develop links between widely”. the Christian Aidevent,aimed at prevent- the Cathedral and wider ing malaria in Nigeria, will be aid-matched community of all faiths and Diocese of Portsmouth Diocese of Guildford and doubled by the UK government. none. Anew centretotrain ministers The BishopofGuildfordhas shared a in the heart of Portsmouth has platformwith Baroness Warsi to discuss 13 December DioceseofManchester been officially launched by challenges of social integration whilst Bishop Christopher at aspecial retaining identities of faith and culture. 10.30amCarol Service then Christmas Market, Manchester Cathedral will be service. The Rt Rev Andrew Watson spoke Christ Church, Lille, France raising money for charities It celebrated the beginning of alongside the Senior Minister of State for including Henshaws, Royal the Portsmouth Pathway,our Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in Manchester Children’s new centrefor training clergy front of an audience of guests from 6January Hospital and The Christie, with and lay ministers, which Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish their annual carol concerts. accepted its first intake of and Baha’i faiths in the HG Wells Centre 9:15am Science and Religion in the Local Church. For the first time, alongside students in September thisyear. in Woking. St Edmund’sCollege, Cambridge CB3 0BN the carol concerts and The centreisajoint initiative Addressing an audience of 200, Bishop (until 8th). Christmas services, the with Ripon College Cuddesdon, Andrew spoke of the need to feel Cathedral is bringing some of one of the main theological confident in one’s own faith. He the favourite Christmas movies colleges in the Church of expressed concerns thatChristians were 16 January to agiant screen, in the England. The new development afraid to express their beliefs in case of spectacular setting of this willmean that students, trainee offending others, atrait thatother 10am Islam for Anglicans, aCriticalIntroduction medieval church. clergy and lay Readerscan be religions sometimes viewed as apathetic. Part1- led by Stephen Laird. Godmersham The Cathedral is also taughttheology locally without Offering a‘roots down, walls down’ &Crundale Village Hall, Canterbury, Kent. working with Key 103 and their needing to travel. It will cater model for positive dialogue with those of Mission Christmas appeal. New for up to 15 trainee clergy and other faiths and cultures, Bishop Andrew toy donations can be dropped 20 lay Readers at any one time. said he wanted to “affirmopenness, offatManchester Cathedral Led by the Rev Dr James learning, and adventurefromthe basis of 26 January between 10.30am and 4pm. The Grenfell, his most recent role strong roots in one’s own faith.” He said 1pmScience, Faith and God:The Big Questions. lastdrop-offdate is Wednesday was as the director of mission that this type of engagement can make Prof Alister McGrath lectures on ‘Cosmolo- 16 December. engagement for the Christian one stronger and less defensive in one’s gy and Creation’ at Barnard’s Inn Hall, charity Us –formerly USPG. own faith tradition. EC1N 2HH. Free

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NEWSIN Church says faith schools must

BRIEF reBy AStaftainfReporter their ethosreligiouand emphasis; they can’tsbjust dis- asment, principlesis and protocols for this pense with their essentialChurch of consultation will be captured in aMemo- THE has declared England character.” randum ofUnderstanding and we are New safeguarding officer itsopposition to new plans that could see The Department for Education said working on that currently with the Dave Finan is to be the new faith schools stripped of their ethos. that in the case of afailingschool they Department for Education.” Safeguarding Adviser for the Diocese The plans are being mooted in anew would seek ‘in the vast majority of cases’, He pointed out that the Church, one of of York. He previously worked for the consultation exercise by the Department atrust runbythe localdiocese or other the country’s leading suppliers of educa- East Riding of YorkshireCouncil, for Education and proposethat the Sec- church schools. tion, had not opposed the Bill “but the wherehewas the Local Authority retaryofState would be legally required “However,ifthe diocese lacks the details must be ironed out to allow chil- Designated Officer. to intervene in failing schools. capacity to bring about the required dren to continue to have access to effec- Mr Finan, amember of the Christian Such schools could be passed to an improvement, we will pair the school tive education in aChurch ofEngland Motorcyclists Association, said: “As a academy trust, raising concerns in the with astrong non-church sponsor and context.” practising Christian Iampassionate Church. The fear is that the faith schools ensureits religious character is protect- However,hedenied that the proposed about theChurch being asafeplace for would then lose their religious basis. ed.” legislation would ‘compel the Education allnomatter what your age, gender or The Church of England’s Chief Educa- Mr Genders said: “Details of the con- Secretarytotake over church schools background. My background is in tion Officer,the Rev Nigel Genders, said sultation and what it will actually mean in rated by inspectors as inadequate’. childprotection and Ihave worked that, even if failing, “Church schools practice arestill being discussed. As the “Wedon’t see it like that,” he said on within local government for 26 years as must continue to operate with the same Education Minister has said in Parlia- his blog. asocial worker.” Inthatpost he was involved in various roles within children’s safeguarding. Dean climbstobless Shoppers offered an alternative to BlackFriday On Wednesday David Monteith, Dean AS SHOPPERS up and down the country purchases online rather than in stores. of Leicester,climbedthe scaffolding on arebeing offered an alternative to the Larry Bush, Traidcraft’s marketing theCathedral spireonGuildhall Lane, Black Friday sales, as research shows that director,said: “With some of the biggest to bless the new ‘cross finial’. This morethan half feel pressurized by the UK retailers scaling back their involve- ceremony marks akey moment in the Christmas shopping pressure. mentinthis year’s Black Friday sales,it’s work to repairthe stonework of the Anew survey found that 54 per cent of obviousthat consumersare growing tired north transept of the cathedral. respondents say theyhave negative emo- of this materialistic ‘consumption culture’, tions in the run-up to Christmas. They say which is why we’rerunning our Just Fri- Barnabas Fund they feel stressed, anxious, ill, argumenta- day campaign again this year.” founder steps tive and violent. He said that if even just one per cent of down In an efforttocounter these negative the projected sales weremade with ethical, Dr Patrick Sookhdeo feelings, Traidcraft has launched its ‘Just fair trade organisations, it would make a resigned as the Friday’ initiative,encouragingshoppers to huge difference to tens of thousands of international director make ethical purchases. people in the developing world. of the Barnabas The survey,for the charity,found that 43 “We areoffering an alternative with ‘Just Fund on Sunday. per cent of respondents wouldalso like to Friday’, and asking people to take afew He had founded the see the end of Black Friday altogether, moments and think about their buying organization that campaigned for despite predictions that sales today could choices.” persecuted Christians and led it for 22 break the £1 billion barrier. Safia Minney MBE, Founder &CEO of years. Asda, which was instrumental in bring- People Tree said: “Wecan create change, a Aspokesman for the charity said: “We ing the American tradition to the UK, is not different way of doing business and buy areimmensely grieved that current participating this year,and itisestimated Fair Trade, ethically and sustainably this circumstances oblige him to step that four out of 10 shoppers will maketheir Just Friday.” down.” Rev. Paul Mursalin willbecome acting international director and Hendrik Stormwill become CEO. Synod urged to consider endingreading Bannsinchurch PatrickSookhdeo said: “It has been a AS THE NEW General Synod will requireatleast 100 signa- marriages. Mr Trott says that and instead add afinancial privilege to serve the persecuted met this week, members were turesbeforeitiscalled for banns don’t help achieve that cost to intending couples. Churchfor many years. Ihave always being asked to sign amotion debate. been motivated by the needs of that would abolish the read- Critics of the procla- Christiansfacingsuffering. Ihope for ing of marriage banns in mation of banns point manyyears to come Ican continue church. out that in modern serving those whom the world often The Rev Stephen Trott society many couples doesn’t notice. (Peterborough) is seeking arenot well-known to Pray formigrantsasyou “My inspiration has always been supportfor his motion that he thelocalcommunity Barnabas, the encourager,who stood says would cut the‘burden andtheir effectiveness light your Adventcandles. up for the suffering saints of the early and complexity’ of the legal in identifying such fac- Church. Please pray for me, as Ipray requirements. torsasbigamy and First Sunday of Advent: The Patriarchs for others.” Currently, in apractice dat- incest have been ing back 800 years, the names diminished. Divorces down of couples intending to get However,others sup- There were114,720 divorces in married areread out in porttheir retention, if Beckoning God,you called your servant Abraham to leave England and Wales in 2013, adecrease church on at least threeSun- only for symbolic rea- of 2.9 per cent since 2012, when there days beforethe wedding. sons. Prudence Dailey, Ur in search of anew land of promise. were118,140 divorces. But Mr Trott’s motion calls chairman of the Prayer Nowmay the light of your love bringcourage, comfort and for the replacement of these BookSociety, said: hopetoall forced to travel the world in search of safety, life Hindus unite on climate ‘ecclesiastical preliminaries’. “Thisdoes bring peo- and peace. Over 60 Hindu leaders and In their place, he suggests a ple into church organisations havesigned the Hindu mechanism “such as those because they often Order free prayer cardsfor your church: Declaration on Climate Change, calling which have been in operation want to hear the banns foractionfromboth the world’s 900 in Scotland since 1997, when being read.” www.weareUs.org.uk/candles million Hindus as well as by the 196 banns werereplaced by a New Home Office governments meeting in Paris next MarriageScheduleissued by guidelines requirecler- week at the Paris Summit of COP21. the civil registrar.” gy to check the status of Us. The new name forUSPG Anglicans, RomanCatholics, Orthodox His motion, one of the first couples morerigorous- Registered charity number 234518 and Muslims have already signaled for the newly elected Synod, ly after arise in sham their backing.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 4 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday November 27, 2015 NEWS AnotherChichester cleric is sentenced Widespread backingfor ARETIRED Diocese of Chichester dea- imprisonment as he “remains ahigh to 32 months total imprisonment for cinemaadcampaign con had been sentenced to 32 months’ risk of serious harmtochildren”. two counts of making 156 indecent imprisonment for attempting to solicit Between 2010 and 2012 Keeley-Pan- images of children, twocounts of caus- CHRISTIAN leaders across the UK have sex from young boys via the internet. nett would meet young boys at chat- ing or inciting aboy of 14 to engage in lent their supporttothe Church of England The Rev Peter Keeley-Pannett (71) of roomsover Skype and attempted to sexual activity,and two counts ofcaus- over the ban imposed by Digital Cinema Portslade, Surrey, who served as anon- seduce them. ing a13-to-15-year-old boy to watch Media (DCM) over aone-minute advertise- stipendiarydeaconinthe diocese until In passing sentence the judge said images of sexual activity,and one count ment promoting Christian prayer in cine- his arrest last November,pleaded that although he had pleaded guilty to of causing aboy over 13 to engage in mas across the UK theweek before guilty to seven counts of abuse by using the charges and cooperated withthe sexual activity. Christmas. awebcam to meet boys in chat-rooms. police “thereissomething very Asexualharmprevention order was The ad was released as partofthe Judge RobertFraser of the Guildford wrong hereand something needs to also granted, which restricts Keeley- Church of England’s launch of www.just- Crown Courttold Keeley-Pannett that be done.” Pannett’s use of the internet and com- pray.uk, a“new website to promote the hewould have to serve atermof Thecourtsentenced Keeley-Pannett munication with young boys. renewal of prayer in adigital age,” and was due to bescreened in Odeon, Cineworld and Vuecinemas ahead of showings of Star Wars: The ForceAwakens beforeChristmas. Synod calls foractiononterrorism However,DCM, which handles cinema advertising for the cinemas —representing Archbishopbacks 80 per cent of UK movie screens —last week told the Church of England that it would not show the Lord’s Prayer film ban on smacking because it had introduced anew policy in THE ARCHBISHOP of Wales has lent his support the wake of the Scottish Referendum of not to thecampaign to ban corporal punishment of screening political or religious advertising children in Wales. in its cinemas on the grounds that these ads On 20 November the Most Rev Barry Morgan risked upsetting or offending audiences. said he backed thecall by the Children’s Commis- The Moderator of the Presbyterian sioner for Wales, Dr Sally Holland, to ban smack- Church in Ireland, Dr Ian McNie, told the ing. Belfast City Council he applauded the “Today morethanever beforeweneedtostand “Church of England on its initiative to pro- up against violence in our society and teach our mote the Lord’s Prayer in this way, aprayer children abetter way of life.Legislation to remove that was given to us by theLordJesus the defence of ‘reasonable punishment’ is crucial Christ himself. because it reflects the compassionate, non-violent “Thisprayer is used daily by billions of society we want for all children. people throughout our world as aprayer “Physical punishment of children has for too thankingGod for who he is, and the seek- long been acommon part of our culture–children ing of personal guidance and forgiveness should nothave to wait for public opinion to for our lives in afractured and turbulent change, or for the deliveryofbetter services to world.” families. He added: “Undoubtedly manyChristians “Whilethe law sends themessage that it is defen- The Most Rev Mouneer Anis will be dismayed by this decision, although sible to hit achild,children will continue tobehit. not surprised. However,itismyprayer that And in ‘at risk’ families, children maybeexposed to this negative initial response from the severeassaultsinthe name of discipline.” THE SYNOD OF Anglican areas served by the province. advertisingcompany will be turned into a In 2011, Welsh Assembly Members voted in prin- Churches in the Middle East has Three resolutions werealso positive appreciation and understanding of ciple to remove the defence of “reasonable chas- called on European and Middle adopted by the province: the call the importance of prayer.This decision tisement” from the law,but took no further action Easterngovernments to take for a“responsible diplomacy and takes on amorepoignant meaning, espe- in criminalising corporal punishment. firmaction to combat terrorism strategic thinking to” counter cially at this time of year as we approach Last FebruaryDrHolland and Archbishop Mor- across theregion. terrorism, end conflicts, aid Christmas, whenwecelebrate the birthof gan came out in supportofanamendment to the Theprovincial synod of the refugees and “Help the peoples Jesus Christ who encouraged ustopray in Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and nations of our suffering this way.” Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill, which wouldhave and the MiddleEast,meeting in region towardsajustand peace- ThePrimus of theScottish Episcopal removed the defence of “reasonable punishment” Larnaca, Cyprus, also called for ful future.” Church told the BBC Radio Scotland’s when disciplining children. The amendment failed humanitarian supporttothe Thesynod also thanked King “Good Morning Scotland” programme that by avote of 36 to 16. mass migration of peoples across Abdullah II of Jordan for the gift he had watched the film and was “personal- “Just as itisunacceptable to hit another adult so the Mediterranean. of land along the banks of the ly moved by it.” it should be unacceptable to smack achild –more TheMost Rev Mouneer Anis, river Jordan to build St John the The Most RevDavid Chillingworth, Bish- so, in fact, because achild ismorevulnerable,” Primate of the province and Baptist Anglican Church for the op of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane, ArchbishopMorgan said. Bishop of Egypt, told The Church country’s Christians. noted the film showed “a verydiverse “That does not mean that anything goes as far as of England Newspaper,that in Thesynod also “unanimously group of people. They connect their every- bringing up children isconcerned–but it does addition to internal housekeep- affirmed thatour church does day life and work to the Lord’s Prayer.This rule out physical punishment. We all have arespon- ing matters, the diocese also not performmarriage cere- is not an attempt to package or to ‘sell’ reli- sibility for ending the legal and cultural acceptance prayed for peace in Iraq, Syria, monies involving two members gion. Rather it seeks to help people to make of this most common formofviolence against chil- Yemen, Lebanon, and Libya — of the same sex.” connections between life andfaith.” dren.” He observed that Europe and the UK were“living through atime of great sensi- PART tivity about faith issues. The RERELLAAX!!WW PO,000 SDCRSPRC CLYCOPRS CCD&GDEXCHANGE WELLCCOOMMEE terrible events in Paris last week demonstrate thatreli- giously motivated violence is YOOUU Y FULLFULL one of the great challenges HISTORY of our age. “ REDUCED! 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Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantee/ gion from bad and not make indemnity may be required. We can introduce you to a CCAARRSS AAVVAILAILABABLLEE Call0845 1226910 autosave.co.uk limited number of carefully selected finance providers. We the mistake of assuming that may receive a commission from them foror the introduction. ALL MAKES all religion must be seen as potentially offensive.” Online at www.churchnewspaper.com: Get all the breakingnews stories as they happen LEADER &COMMENT FridayNovember 27, 2015 www.churchnewspaper.com 5 Radical reform programme forthe Church The Church of England is in the headlines for two rather different reasons. The first, reportedbyThe Guardian,isthat the new synod is to table aradical programme of ‘Reformand Renewal’ to make the Church ‘fit for purpose’ in the 21st Century,initiated by God, religion Archbishop Welby.Thereisa‘demographic time bomb’, with a huge dearthofyoung members that will be terminal for the Church,and the programme is to address this intermsoftraining bishops as MBA-style managers, fast tracking ‘game changers’ for promotion, and redirecting cash to dioceses that areusing it well, notably awayfromthe rural areas. The Guardian cited fears that this programmewas a information. Newspapers have been around for combination of business techniques wedded to the HolyTrinity, and behundrliefeds of years and, in anycase, most people Brompton, style of presenting and teaching the Gospel. PeterMULLEN relied for information on conversation and that Sociologist of Religion Linda Woodhead of Lancaster University most traditional formofconversation, which is doubted that this approach would enable the Church to regain its gossip. social breadth, and would rather turnitinto asect-type church. In these darkening, backendish days it’s easy to Adam doesn’t like tradition either and he Instead, it needs, says Woodhead, to become fully ‘inclusive’ – let yourself get down in the dumps. What you thinks it averygood thing that: “Morepeople presumably in the politically correct mode of that term-and need is some amusement, alittle entertainment, aremaking up their own minds apart from increasing lay and community involvement, with multi-functional some fun. And when it’s fun you’relooking for, tradition and authority.” use of church buildings –perhaps aTesco at theback of Bath you can’t beat TheGuardian. But making up your mind without tradition Abbey for example? She rejects aconversionist model of church in Recently that blathering leftie rag read only by and authority is like making up paragraphsthat favour ofaformofcultural Christianity.The new Deanof thechattering classes –sorry,Imeant to say don’t contain anywords. To write astory–even Christchurch, Oxford, reputedly the highest paid dignitaryinthe thatworthy pillar of the nation’s intellectual life to writeanewspaper article -istoaccept the Church of England, thinks that the programme could do more andthe custodian of our conscience -published given of alanguage. Youcan’t make up your harmthan good to averycomplex historic structure, and has an article thatannounced, “You don’t havetobe mindinavacuum. Youwill have to be guided by failed to consult with theologians about the natureofthe religious to believe in God.” Like, you don’t have something –whether that’s the Christian Creeds modernisation. To boththese sociological critics the programme to beameat-eater to enjoy abeefsteak. Forgive or thesophistical freethinking of TheGuardian seems to smack of evangelical functionalism. me forstating the blinking obvious –that belief columnists. Thesecond reason the Church is in the news is thatits effort to in God is the epitome and For ajournalist, Adam is not get the Lord’s Prayer,invideo form, into cinemas has failed, as essence of religion. verygood with words. He wants they think it offends policy on political and religious propaganda. TheGuardian being The people to formtheir religious This rejection has produced far better publicity than could have Guardian,couldn’t help rejoicing opinions without referring to been hoped for,and maybe aYouTubepresentation might go that:“The debate and dissension The Guardian tradition. But this is impossible ‘viral’? The Lord’s Prayer is surely awonderful gift fromJesus withinconventional religions, as because “tradition” means that himself tothe churchand to the world, and other faith groups wellasthe ongoing rise in the knows how to which ishanded on. Religion is would surely benefit from it, as well as our secular neighbours and numbers of theunaffiliated, show develop an tradition. Youcan no more have their children. This was agood initiative, and we must ask for that traditional models of faith religion without tradition than moresimple projections of theJesus way from thechurch central arecrumblingbeforeour eyes.” argument or, you can have music without administration: this kind of simple message is exactly what has No doubt this is true in as we say in sounds or sculptures without been missing from the national level of the church. Islington and other centres of materials. Somedecades ago theCatholic Truth Society issued asmall Chardonnay-political chic, but it’s Eastbourne, Next we areinformed: “People plastic-backed booklet ‘The Thoughts of JesusChrist’, to match not true in thecountryside and areincreasingly unafraid to ‘The Thoughts of Chairman Mao’, or ‘The little redbook’, it’s not true either in many inner how to flog a think for themselves, ask fashionableatthe time. Some way of getting gospels and epistles cities. Thereare evangelical and dead horse questions and cometotheir own out into supermarkets and social media would be another simple Pentecostal congregations of conclusions, even when those and vital initiative in our ‘post-Christian’ society,now ignorantof thousands in London, Birmingham and conclusions conflict withreceived dogma.” Jesus. Business models and sociological culturalreligion areboth Manchester.And these thriving churches are But people have always thought for false pathways. Faithfulness to Jesus Christ is our primarytask, certainly “conventional” –inthe sense that they themselves and the one thing you can say for and we can leave the Spirit toimplement the response. observe the convention of believing the Bible. sureabout received dogma is that agreat many Adam Lee, the author of that piece in The peoplehave always refused to receiveit. Guardian knows how to develop an argument or, But consider this notion of thinking for as we say in Eastbourne, how to flog adead yourself.What does it mean? It can’t possibly horse. mean sittingdown and trying to make TheChurch of England Newspaper He goes on –Oh, how he goes on: “The time everything up from ground zeroand year zero. withCelebratemagazine incorporating TheRecordand Christian Week when areligious authority could issue adecree That way leads to solipsism. All so-called Published by Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd. and expect it to be obeyed without question is thinking for yourself involves entertaining Company Number: 3176742 passing.” thoughts that others have entertained before– Publisher:Keith Young MBE Therenever was such atime Adam, not even whether these arethe thoughts of the Apostle in the age of Queen Victoria when half the Paul or the atheist Jean-Paul Sartre. population went to church –which istosay,of Adam welcomes the “moreopen atmosphere” PublishingDirector &Editor:CMBLAKELY 020 7222 8700 course, that the other half demonstrated their which, he says “is helping people finally give ChiefCorrespondent: TheRev Canon GEORGE CONGER 00 10772 332 2604 disobedience by staying away.Even devout voice to doubts that they’ve always had but Reporter:JOMAY 020 7222 8700 Christians have always been noted for their never felt free to express.” independence of mind, or sheer bolshiness, and What’s the meaning of “finally” here? From Advertising: CHRISTURNER020 7222 2018 if they don’t like what the Vicar is telling them, the time of Thomas Didymus in the upper room, Advertising &Editorial Assistant: PENNY NAIR PRICE 020 7222 2018 then they will takenonotice of him. people have always expressed their doubts. You Even successive popes aredisobeyed –for might even say that the opinion of Englishmen Subscriptions &Finance:DELIA ROBINSON 020 7222 2018 example, millions of Roman Catholics use down the ages is contained in the saying, GraphicDesigner: PETER MAY020 7222 8700 contraceptives and that is explicitly contraryto “There’s more faith in honest doubt that you’ll the Church’s teaching. Doctrinal decrees were find in half the creeds.” Theacceptance of advertising does not necessarily indicate issued by the cartload in the 16th centuryand, I’m sureAdam is wanting to be agreeable and endorsement. Photographs and other materialsent forpublication rather thanobey them, many preferredtobe pleasant and, above all things and in all things, aresubmitted at theowner’srisk. TheChurchofEnglandNewspaper does burned at the stake. In the 17th century, the liberal. But his method in trying to achieve these notacceptresponsibility forany material lost or damaged. nation fought acivil war partlybecause people things is that of aman whoprovides us with a Christian Weekly NewspapersTrustees: Robert Leach(020 8224 5696), disagreed about which particular set of decrees key to open aroom that isn’t locked. LordCarey of Clifton, TheRtRev Michael Nazir-Ali, TheRtRev Pete Broadbent, to obey.Inreality,wehave never been a And what anasty,repressive, authoritarian and Dr Elaine Storkey, TheRev CindyKent particularly obedient people. hidebound picturehepaints of the churches. I Adam is no friend of religious authority: “It don’t know achurch in the countrythat TheChurch of England Newspaper, may have worked when churches had a corresponds to Adam’s dark vision. The Political and Religious Intelligence Ltd stranglehold on their members’ access to authorities today –Imean the bishops –seem to 14 GreatCollegeStreet,London,SW1P3RX information, but they’ve lost that power,much to feel just as much at liberty to doubt traditional Editorial e-mail: [email protected] their frustration.” doctrines as any freethinking bluestocking from Advertising e-mail: [email protected] When was that, then? The churches have the time of George Eliot, or writers ofthink- Subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] never had astranglehold on our access to pieces for today’s Guardian. Website: www.churchnewspaper.com [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 6 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday November 27, 2015 LETTERS

Ifshe is saying, however,thatChristians should be sorry fordefending and promoting the Forward-thinking approaches to moral teachings of the Bible then she is prisoners completely wrong. Whilst it is true that we are LETTERS Sir,Iwould like to thank TomStacey for his “as God created us” this never means we have to TO article (13 November) ‘Is thisthe key to stay whereweare –especially in activities that tackling our prisons crisis?’ clearly contradict biblical teaching. As you can tell from theaddress, Iama Your correspondent needs to understand the THE prisoner,and Ifullysupportthe work distinction between orientation and practice. May EDITOR being done by Mr Stacey. Isuggest she reads Is God anti-gay? by Sam When Iread his article in Insider Time Allberry,aminister who has same-sex attraction earlier this year Iwrote to him. So Ibelieve I but shows in his book how to live in accordance must be part of his postbag thatheintends to withGod’s way. pass on to Mr Gove. AlanMinchin, As aChristians and an active member of the Stratfordupon Avon chaplaincy in the prison, Ifind it hardto believe that in these austeretimes we keep Climate change people behind bars for long periods of time at Sir,The Rev Steve Paynter speculates why there acost of £40,000 plus per year,per prisoner. maybefew peer-reviewed articles against the Prominent faith Surely it would be better if prisoners spent current climate change consensus (20 Sir, IagreewithAnn Wills (13 November) that one to two years in prison then to be placed November). weshould keepour faith prominent. on atag and worked in the community as part Consider what happened in another field to the Forme,Christmasposes difficulties.The of theirrehabilitation. celebrated astronomer,HaltonHarp, who was Church actuallyput Christmas into Yuletide, As TomStacey claims Michael Gove is denied access to the Mount Palomar which hasitself beensubsumed by afive-month purportedly determined to change the Observatoryonce he, with good observational

3RX. festival to Mammon.Itis well knownthatthe inexorably expanding prison population. and theoretical reasons, questioned the accepted Christ-child wasnot born in December. I would What it needs is to have someone who is Quasar orthodoxy.Ifitcan happen to someone of love to extract the celebration of the Nativity forward-thinking and wants to see change. his standing, what hope have morejunior from theinterminable commercial festival but it Sadly in the UK we placetoo much credit on scientists? Like of old, scientists arequick

SW1P is so embedded that that wouldbeextremely the stories covered by the tabloid media. to gang up on andsilence anyone questioning difficult. Italso comes acrosstomethat people Also, Ihave two-and-a-halfyears left in their orthodoxy.Istherenosuch thing as global worshipChristmasrather than God.Vary the prison and would like to hear from churches group-think among even honest scientists? way aChristmascarol is sung at your peril –I in the Stockportareathat my wife and myself The most seriousproblem with the whole wouldlovetoletrip on thefirstline of “O come can attend. Climate Change band-wagon is that scientists can

ondon, letusadore him.” RichardJones, only be experts in avery, verylimited field; even Thenativitymyth servesits purpose buttoo HMP Wynott an Einstein can’t master all fields. So those

,L many take itsdetail as scriptural. The visitationof Leyland speaking out tend to be generalists relying on themagiisfalsely juxtaposedinto the nativity questionable computer models. Chaos Theory andtheir number justassumed to bethree. One tells us “Garbage in, Garbage out.” Just asmall wondershow much these interposeditems affect change in asingle input can have wholly ourviews of aliving God. The portraiture of not surprising that secular bodies see all unpredictable outcomes. The envisioned angels as tall whitemen in nighties withlarge religions as discredited. So why should they risk butterfly flapping it wings on one continent stminster edited wingssprouting from theirbacks is afigment of charges of unjustified partisanship in religion by causing atornado on another. the imagination.Iftheshepherds hadbeen allowing one faith to advertise and not others? Against this will be argued that we can trust be We presented with host of cherubim it would be no Why should they offend secularists and those the averages. Not in systems with unpredictable wonder they were scared. of no faith by accepting this or any other faith positive and negative feedbacks. Warmer weather

may Does the Christian Church really want to tap advert? meansplants and trees flourish at higher intothis myth all jumbled up into acontextof We will continue to shoot ourselves in the altitudes, moremoisture, morerain, perhaps commercialism?Churcheshavereadily adapted proverbial foot until we returntoasserting that deserts blooming. As new vegetation absorbs the Street, andsome unashamedly have ‘Christmasfayres’ Christianity is theonly true faith and that all men released carbon dioxide, will therebeanoverall @churchnewspaper Letters in October.Itseems thatthe Church is simply arecalled to serve and worship Godaccording to increase or decrease? Who knows?

at buyinginto the ways of theworld. It is all around his only revealed way. Cutting pollution cutsGlobal Dimming,

NB: us: same-sex marriage, equality agenda,self- AB MacFarlane, particulates reflecting the sun’s heat back to

eet fulfilment, materialism. Stoke-on-Trent space, perhaps explaining global cooling during College The lectionary doesnot start thinking about the early industrial revolution. What about Tw Christmas until Advent, four Sundaysbefore 25 particulates from volcanoes, from forest fires? December. Priortothat we are in the season of What other factors may we have missed? reat

address. Islamic influence Trinity/Pentecost: theChurchsetsitself to Sir,AmIwrong in thinkingthat thewritings of Moreinteresting is the claim of former .com. celebratethe triunenature of God andthe the Egyptian Sayyid Qutb hadatremendous Warmist Peter Taylor,whosebook Chill suggests 4G outpouring of theHoly Spirit for five months.It impact on the thinkingofthose who now preach an approaching Ice Age, since the oceans have treet doestendnot to work over-well butitmakes violence in the name of Islam? He spent from their own temperaturecycles, that these recently ,1 as more sense than beingtrapped in Mammontide 1948 to 1950 in theUSA, wherehewas appalled peaked together and arenow cooling together. for fivemonths. by what he saw in the way of materialism, Finally what about sin? Arenoscientists Has Christendom shotitselfinthe footby violence and sexual license. skewing their data for political or financial gain? dragging itselfinto Yuletide? It isacelebrationof His answer was thedestruction of this evil We know that Godhas deliberately caused this

include midwintertowhich pagan notions have been WesternSociety and his book Milestones had earthly home to decay as both punishment and added.There appears to be noevidence that the one million copies spread around thenear East. I chastisement for the Fall. The carbon of fossil early Church celebrated theNativity andonly fully agree with Andrew Carey in saying that the fuels wereonce partofthe God-given Eco- Newspaper half thegospels mention it. vast majority of Muslims (indeed of most system, and if released may become so again. please I do notwanttodecry Ann Wills’efforts –itis religious adherents) areordinarypeople, getting Something dramatic and far reaching happened goodtoremindpeoplewhy it is called Christmas, on with life as best they can, but it was the with the Genesis Flood that caused our present but why shouldthe Church beonthe defensive? twisted anti-Westernmalice of Qutb (he was diminished lifespan, so arestored pre-Flood eco- letters@churchnewspaper Colin Bricher, imprisoned in Cairoand hanged in 1966) which system mighthave unexpected benefits. e-mail, England to Northampton played abig partinsetting this ghastly ball However,Iamquite surethatafter 2,000 years

by rolling. of Christian history, “many [do] runtoand fro, of Iwould encourage your readers to look him up and knowledge [has been vastly] increased”

ers on the Internet. [Daniel 12:4] so we will be called beforethe E-mail Cinemaban Tony Cullingford, Judgement seat of Christ long beforewesee any

lett Sir, TheChurch of England-sponsored“Just Tewkesbury serious effects of Global Warming. To which an

Church Pray” message has been rejected by“Digital some will carp: “Whereisthe promise of his CinemaMedia”which sells themajority of UK coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all Cinemaadvertising space. Why is this? things continue as they werefromthe beginning

send Confession The

sending Innocuous as the message advocating prayer Sir,Jayne Ozanne’s “Confession Time”article of the creation” (2 Peter 3:4). “Nevertheless we, may seem, it ischallenging to both unbelief,and raises importantissues (20 November). Is she according to his promise, look for new heavens to can

are from its Christianorigins, those of other faiths. saying thatwheretherehas been alackof and anew earth, wherein dwelleth AfteryearsofliberalChristianssupporting the friendship and compassion in churches towards righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13). ite you secularising multi-faith, multi-cultural agenda people who have same-sex attraction then there Alan Bartley, you that effectively concedes that no religion is should be an attitude of being sorry?Ifthis is so Greenford, Middlesex. If Wr or unique in having theauthoritativerevelation; it is she is quite correct. Letterscontinues on page10

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper FEATURE Friday November 27, 2015 www.churchnewspaper.com 7

Christmas books that

VicarofOxon Church,theRev David apparition. Of course,if Oh’Brien’sabook Norvthern Soeul-Football, Puank, stoMatthewrendsyup being to tell Jesus, offersabiographical accountofhis right about the Star, it Christianjourneygrowingupintheworking strengthens thecase for class backstreetsofGreater Manchester. regardinghim as an Whist on hispath through football accurate biographer of hooliganismand punk rock, he starts to read Jesus. theNew Testament from aBible giventohim Colin said that iftheStar by theGideons, and heeventually attends his really did occuratthetime AnglicanChurch.Now a ChurchofEngland of Jesus’ birth, that ‘gives vicar,Davidministers in Lichfield. teeth’ to Matthew’s claim Other inspiring faith storiescan be found in thatJesuswas the therecent releasefrom Darton,Longmanand prophesied Messiah. Todd, John Sentamu’s Hope Stories,20True “At atime when science is Stories ofFaithChanging Lives Today.The often viewed asreligion’s enemy,my Brianand JosephusonAnti-Roman Sentiment’, book suggests that the twocan be really Professor of Christian Origins andSecond Temple good friendsand that, whenthey Judaism atKing’s College, JoanETayloronThe collaborate, it can be very exciting Historical Brian:Exegesis inPracticeand Lecturer of indeed,” he toldus. Jewish Studies and ContemporaryBiblicalCultures, TimothyKeller hasjoinedforces with David Tollerton on Blasphemy,OnFreeSpeech Then his wife, Kathy,toproduce MyRock,My and Now, based aroundMatthias SonofDeuteronomy Refuge (Hodder), abookofdaily ofGath.

Left, Rev David, his Order 6 for the price of 5 wife Alison and their son Joshua

book features experiencesof‘ordinary’ people living devotions basedonthe ‘ordinarylives’. The book openswith an account from psalms that willtake JasvinderSanghera,who embracesGod through her readersthroughthe year. story of arranged marriage. Inhardback,this would For a lighter read try Hodder andStoughton’s make an excellent publication by theexecutive chair of Carefor the Christmaspresent. Family, Rob Parson: Wisdom House.Rob began to think Jesusand Brian, about how he hoped he’d have the chancetotalk to his Exploring theHistorical grandchildren as they grewand theresult is181 pages Jesusand HisTimes via of the author’s sharedwisdom. Monty Python’s Lifeof In The Great ChristComet, RevealingtheTrueStar of Brian is the result of the Bethlehem, authorColin R Nicholl explores the ‘Jesus and Brian astronomy and questforthe StarofBethlehem,going conference’, agathering beyondJohannes Keppler’s ‘Stella Nova’ andinto ofacademics who came recentastronomical research as well askey documents together in2014to from the ancient world. discusswhatthey Colin told us that noelement in had learntabout Matthew’s Gospelhas beenmore Jesus from the To order: subjecttoridicule from sceptics than movie the Lifeof T:01603 785 925 E: [email protected] the Star of Bethlehem. Brian. Quoting offererccoode:de: stbi2015 “They insistedthatno Contributors to astronomical entity could do what the book includea the Star is said to have done”,he chapterby saidand part ofhis bookisabout Professor of demonstrating that this ‘is wrong’. Ancient “Agreat comet such as I have Mediterranean describedmatchesMatthew’s Religions and description beautifully, and it is Culture, Steve virtually impossible to conceive of Mason — ‘What any ancient inventingsuch an havethe Romans unusual and complicatedcometary everdone forus,

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 8 Friday November 27, 2015 FEATURE Agreat bookfor youngerreaders Flo of theSomme by Hilary Robinson and Martin Impey is basedaround Flo,aheroof war and mercy dogwho saves livesgetting medicalkitstotheinjured. It’s aperfect illustrated storyforayoung audience on the FirstWord Warcentenary.

Inspirational titles Jonny Gallant,Managing Director at Alban Books, has picked his favourite Christmasbooks for the year.Hetold us that particular highlights of the year have included titlesbyPope Francis including Morning Homilies I, Morning Homilies II and Family and Life: Pastoral Reflection. AYear with Pope Francis on the Family: Daily Reflections edited by Alberto Rossa contains reflections and quotations primarily on the family and family life for each day of the year,taken from the writings and talksofPope Francis, in a pocket-sized book. Topics range from Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the sacrament of marriage, suffering and family burdens, women, motherhood, to family values and family as domestic church. Jonny said they’ve also enjoyed Joyce Rupp’s book Fly While YouStill Have Wings:And Other Lessons My ResilientMother Gave Me –aheartfelt memoir about her mother Hilda’s final years. Goodness and Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas edited by Michael Leach, James Keane, Doris Goodnough, has 45 readings for Christmas and Advent. 30,(%0#!?>  ? >> Writers include: Maya Angelou, Kathleen Norris, ((,0 (  ?> > ?>>> Frederick Buechner,Pope Francis, Rowan Williams, James Martin, Joyce Rupp, Phyllis Tickle, Marianne Williamson and RichardRohr.

MUSTHT HAVE ChChririststmamassGGififttss 10thAnniviveerrssaarryy! OvOverer New New 20201515 1155,0,00000 BBeeststseselllleerr ccooppiieses sosoldld

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EAN: 5027957-001602 ISBN: 978-1-78259-487-1 ISBN:978-1-78259-412-3 ISBN: 978-1-78259-138-2 ISBN: 978-1-78259-454-3 EAN: 5027957-001619 £12.99 £6.99 £6.99 £6.99 £4.99 £9.99 w NNee NNeew NNeew SAVE £2£2 ORDER TODADAY VISIT www.cwrcwr..oorrgg..ukuk/Chhrriisstmtmas15 OR CALLL ISBN:978-1-78259-419-2 ISBN: 978-1-78259-418-5 ISBN:978-1-78259-305-8 01252784707 0 RRP £8.99 NOW£6.99 £5.99 £1.99 *Offer validuntil 16 Decembember 2015. Prices correctattttiimmeeoofprinting. FEATURE Friday November 27, 2015 www.churchnewspaper.com 9

Pam Rhodes celebrates

Pam Rhodes’ personal collection of the carols, readings, poems and amusing storiesCthathmakerChristmasisspecialtm-for her,andaall thesfamily.Come along in and join the fun!

The PrayerBook Society CWR–Applying God’s The Prayer Book Society is a charity you maynot have heardof. It has no great public profile and Word to everyday life millionsofpounds do not cross its threshold but like many of Britain’s smaller charities it works behind andsometimes in front of the and relationships scenes for an important cause. Throughout the 50 years of CWR’s ministry, So what is acharity connected thousands of churches have hosted with Church services doing these days and why does it matter –even if you seminars, attended courses and taken partin never go to achurch? specially designed CWR church The Prayer Book Society tries to protect The Book of Common Prayer,the programmes. These programmes are Church of England’s service book, which is coming up for 350 years old. It’s created and developed by CWR to resource the only place whereChurch doctrine can be found, its words and phrases are all areas of the church, and the charity has dignified; they read aloud well, they arebeautiful, while talking straight and found particular success with its 40 Days notfudging theeternal issues. They arescriptural and don’t trytocover up withJesus programme (written by Dave the fact that human beings areasinful lot and need help. But this fine Book is Smith, pictured). At the heartofthis post- falling into disuse often replaced by sad misguided translations like plastic Easter resource, which has sold over 15,000 following gold. copiessofar,isaninvitationtoactively If you use the Prayer Book don’t take it for granted; your grandchildren explorethe different accounts of the risen may not have it around to inspirethem or to help them when they need its Jesus. More informationcan be found at wisdom. If you aren’t aregular churchgoer maybe, like many,you haveacopy www.40days.info tidied away somewhereyou mightblow the dust offand explore. If you The most recent ofCWR’s tried-and-tested haven’t, trylooking up Prayer Book in adictionaryofquotations and you will churchprogrammes is Transformed Life beamazed to discover that you have probably been using phrases from the (also authoredbyDave Smith). This series Prayer Book everyday without realising their origin. answers three oflife’s key questions: Who Whether you think it important for faith or whether you think it underpins am I? WheredoIbelong? What am Iliving our language we invite you to find out moreabout us and perhaps join the for?The entireprogramme is underpinned manyfamous people who already supportour little society with abig cause. by the book, which is available to order individually or in bulk via the Transformed For more information should you wish to join the Prayer Book Society please Lifewebsite www.transformed-life.info contact Programmes such as 40 Days with Jesus Ian Woodheadon01380870 384 or the Society office on 011898 42 582 or e and Transformed Lifeare just one of the mail at [email protected] or website www.pbs.org.uk manymediums in which CWR is able to serve individuals, and the Church, in this nation and across the world. Thecharity is committed to helping to apply God’s Word to everydaylife and relationships, and is often recognised by its selection of daily Bible reading notes, such as EveryDay with Jesus. CWR also runs awide range of life-changing courses and seminars fromtheirtwo venues, Waverley Abbey House (Surrey) and Pilgrim Hall (East Sussex). The courses focus on topics such as Bible Discovery, Life & Discipleship and Pastoral Care. Inaddition to this, CWR’s Waverley Abbey College runs full degree programmes in counselling, at both Bachelor’s and Master’s level, for students of all ages.

For moreinformation, please visit www.cwr.org.uk

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper 10 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday November 27, 2015 CLASSIFIEDS &FEATURE With saintly shout and solemn jubilee by the Cathedral Organists’ Association. With a choice of styles, the service and its music can be used Apreviewofthe latest in churches, chapels and schools with full SATB choirs as well as thosewith more limited musical service book from the Royal resources. The collection also caters for avariety of tastes – School of Church Music worship songs such as “King of the ages, Almighty God”and “There’s aplace wherethe streets shine” By StuartRobinson, arealso included. RSCM Switching momentarily from my RSCM hat to that of aparish Director of Music with an eye to his For anumber of years now,the Royal School of budget, Iamattracted to this collection for the fact Church Music (RSCM) has published athemed that thereare 25 different and very appropriate pieces service book to be used for its choral festivals. But to dip into -ranging from Victoria’s Gaudent in caelis that’s not its only purpose: these books of hymns, to Basil Harwood’s Ohow glorious. Jonathan Dove’s psalms, anthems and worship songs have also Kyrie is amovement that’s perfectly manageable by a proved popular with churches themselves for use good parish choir. either in whole or in part. Iwould not buy the entiresetting –it’s too difficult Each book also provides acollection for choir in some places, especially the veryexciting Gloria! directors to dip into; there’s even asuggested run The good number of pieces –including abrandnew order for athemed Choral Evensong using its Magnificat and Nunc dimittis for Parish Choirs by contents. RichardShephard–represent aconsiderable saving. The latest offering about to roll offthe presses – But this isn’t all about the money.Aswith service With saintly shout and solemn jubilee (which takes its books from previous years (such as The Word title from Milton’s poem “Blest pair of sirens”) –isa revealed published five years ago to mark the 400th festival service celebrating God’s Saints in words anniversaryofthe King James Bible, and At all times and music. It’s been devised by Peter Moger, and in all places publishedin2012 to markthe 350th Precentor of York Minster,AndrewReid, Director of anniversaryofthe Book of Common Prayer), the the RSCM and TimRuffer,the RSCM’s Head of focus is that of acelebration. With saintly shout and Publishing. solemn jubilee is no exception. As the compilers have Like its predecessors, this is acomplete service. written: “When we arebaptised, we join avast As it progresses through readingsand prayers, company of men andwomen which stretches across worship leaders and music directors have as many space and time… these areGod’s saints. We honour as threedifferent pieces to choose from at key all those in whom the Church has particularly points during the service. recognised God at work.” Take for example, the Prayers of Penitence where With saintly shout and solemn jubilee will be thereare three contrasting settings of the Kyrie: available soon from RSCM Music Direct: either the simple but effective Taizé chant, or a www.rscm.com/shop or email choice of choral pieces. [email protected],ortelephone 0845 021 7726. The first is fairly traditional –byCharles Wood Significant discounts areavailable for RSCMaffiliates fromhis Mass in thePhrygian Mode –and is and individual members. probably familiar to moresenior choristers. The alternative is something newer –fromJonathan StuartRobinson is the RSCM’s Coordinator in Wales, Dove’s Missa Brevis commissioned afew years ago and Media Relations Organiser

prevenient grace, enabling grace, faith as works and God’s sovereign deterministic will (Aquinas, William LETTERS of Ockham, Luther versus Erasmus, and many TO others up to the Arminius-Calvin debates of the Reformation). As with the question of God’s will and our will,itismostfruitful,Ihave found, to live with THE both sides of the paradox. EDITOR Dr ALatham Middlewich, Cheshire.

Faith questions Sir,Peter Mullen raises for us acommon question Security about the acquisition of faith, what some have called Sir,People arestill reeling from the terroristattacks ‘saving faith’ (9 November). That question seems to on Paris, and life in Europe may notbethe same be the complaint of the ‘bornonce’ class of again as the level of security will undoubtedly be Christian; those who havenever had adramatic higher and people’s sense of safety will feel emotional ‘BornAgain’ moment to startthem on compromised especially in the famous capital cities their way. of the world. The verses that often cause head scratching are, It couldbethat Europe, so used to peace for so ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith; long since WWII, has been lulled into afalse sense and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of of security.One countrythat understands the full works lest anyone should boast’ (Eph. 2: 89;NKJV). threat of Islamic terror, whereIworked for 10 years, By asking Jesus, ‘increase our faith’, the disciples is Israel, as they arefully surrounded by Islamic also appeared to recognise that faith (trust) itself states, mostofwhom have issued threats bent on was the gift of God. But without faith Icannot their annihilation as ademocratic state. Iwitnessed receive anything from God; so it looks like ‘Catch suicide bombs at close range and could fully 22’. The way to haltthe personal dilemma is simply understand the security measures taken in those to acknowledge the mercy of God and appeal for it. times to protect innocent citizens from impossible- At that moment the conundrum is recognisably a to-predict attacks, although the world seemed to paradox because, in appealing for God to have expect Israel to remain with its hands tied. mercy on alack of faith, we areexercising faith. This Now the spectreofterrorappears to be on our is an especially useful and, Ithink, necessarydaily own doorsteps and the talk from France seems to be prayer stratagem if one thinks of oneself in some of high security andeven ‘war.’ Why is Israel kind of grey patch (or even passing through a‘Dark criticised for doing the same? As Mr Netanyahu, Night of the Soul’type discipline). Israel’s PM put it, “Welive in atough Speaking moregenerally,the question of grace neighbourhood.” Europe maynot live in a‘tough (God’s generosity) in the gift of faith has been a neigbourhood,’ but with the latest migrant crisis, troublesome paradox throughout most of Christian mostly from Islamic countries, we mayfind that that historylending itself to arguments about whether neigbourhood is slowly but surely movingtous. one contributes to one’s own faith (Pelagius) or We may even need advice from Jerusalem. whether it is from God alone(Augustine). It has led ColinNevin, to virtuallyinterminable arguments about Bangor COMMENT Friday November 27, 2015 www.churchnewspaper.com 11

philosophy about midi-chlorians and the Force. Couldn’t the Cof Ehave found afilm with some meaning which asked big questions and didn’t involve Jedi Knights? Indeed the cinemas probably decided that athoughtful and Andrew Carey spiritual interruption to the genera buzz of excitement building up to Star Wars was something they wanted to avoid. As a consequence they invented some excuse that they never take View from the Pew religious or political advertising for fear of offending some of their customers. So Ihave to say that the cinemas have everyright to refuse to take adverts if they choose, as long as they areequal opportunity censors. So for example, they cannot now take advertising from the Muslim Council of Britain on an advertthat focusses on the Five Pillars of Islam. Ithink the main thing I’d question is that religious adverts are in any way offensive. This is the problem with modernsociety in that we search around for things to offend us. It seems to me that disagreement is now defined as offensive. Is it really so offensive The birth of a new to hearthe expression of ideas withwhich you might disagree? It’s as though having rightly abolished blasphemy laws, secular society is reinventing them. The new blasphemy law outlaws views it considers contrarian and old-fashioned. And if you’re readingthis smugly saying ‘serve you right’, don’t forget that blasphemy law everyone can fall foul of the new blasphemy laws just by holding the same view for afew years morethan anyone else. Just by growing old and being of adifferent generation from the group that is now setting the rules, you can find yourself on the wrong side of the blasphemy laws. Acontrived case In some senses it all feels alittle contrived and manufactured as theCameron Government attempts to make the case for military action against so-called Islamic State in Syria. The government is gauging the mood of its own and the opposition MPs and responding carefully to serious points made bythe Defence Select Committee. It’s contrived because thereisabsolutely no sense at all to the existing policy position anyway.The very fact that British planes stop at the non-existent border between Iraqand Syria makes Britainalaughingstock. But even moreimportantly,now that France is invoking the right of self-defence, Britain must join with her allies. After all, we also have been attacked: 30 Britons wererecently killed on a beach in Tunisia. That was an attack targeted as muchatusasit was against any other state. We havesofar consistently foiled attacks by Islamic State on our own soil but if we do not defeat them we maynot succeed in repelling all of their futureplanned attacks. And we arenow engaging at atime when we will be partofa much more decisive alliance against allthat these murderous It strikes me that if Iwerewaiting to see the new decided thatthis was thebest film in which to thugs stand for.Therewill undoubtedly be troops on the ground: Star Wars film Imight not be in the mood for any get their message across. It may be amass they will be Kurdish forces and other militias andperhaps even religiously themed advertising however tasteful market audience, but thisparticular mass market Special Forces from arange of nations. The Royal Air Force will it might be. audience is composed largely of male juveniles – not makeamajor difference to the campaign but this will And Ihave to question what the Church’s of the young and old variety –who areobsessed demonstrate that the world is serious about defeating Islamist decision-makers werethinking of when they with light sabres, space ships and junk new age death cultsofthis kind.

LIZ HOARE thespiritualdiByrtheeRevDcrLtizoHoarer Expectation, anticipation, excitement, keeping watch. connected and all should fill us with expectation and not something to fear but rather something that was These words could be describing achild as he awaits joy,but if we arehonest it can be astruggle to remain imputed to him through no merit or effortofhis own Christmas morning, hardly abletobear the agony of watchful and alertday by day,never mindful of thatheceased to regardGod with terror.Now he waiting. They could just as well be applied to Advent anticipation at the bigger themes of the Christian faith. would read the words of Paul in Sunday’s New too, that most majestic and thrilling season of the The Second Coming has not always been something Testament lesson with different eyes. Church’syear when all our hopes arefocused on what to look forwardtowith joyfulexpectation. In the He could take courage that as in Paul’s prayer for the is to come. Middle Ages churches werepainted with pictures of Thessalonian Christians he would be ‘blameless before Advent is about comings, which is what the word impending Doom when God would come as afierce our Lordand Father at the coming of our LordJesus means and thereare three of them to be exact. and unrelenting judge. These pictures must havefilled with all his saints’ (1 Thess 3:13). He coulddesireto We ponder the mysteryofthe incarnation, of God’s the onlookers with dread. increase and abound inlove for allbecause of what first coming intothe worldasahuman being. One church which Iregularly visit hasapainting Godhad done for him in Christ, not so that he might We also look forwardtothe day when he will come about the chancelarchwith ared Devil whose wide- thereby appease awrathful judge. again and this is wherethe anticipation is brought open mouth is swallowing up sinners to everlasting Advent confronts us withheaven and hell, death and sharply into focus for Christians, not least because the torment. judgement in no uncertain terms, but thereisnothing worldaround is so fixated with the secularised dregs of Suchpictures haunted the tortured soul of Martin to fear for God’s children. the firstcoming we call ‘Christmas’. Luther who was never quite surethat he had Instead thereisaconfidence that wrongs will be put The thirdcoming is away of speaking about the confessed everysingle sin that might anger God and right and justice will prevail. As Jeremiah put it in the continued presence of the LordJesus by his Holy Spirit who could find no peace of mind as he contemplated Old Testament reading, the Lordwill fulfil his promise in the world who meetsusinamyriad different meeting God at hisend. It was only as he made his and ‘execute justice and righteousness in the land,’ momentstotransformus. All three comings are revolutionarydiscoverythat God’s righteousness was (Jer 33:15).

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met by aloving God who taughtthem directly -how to help themselves and others. Liebusting is atool that delivers in ashorttime what Janey Lee Grace the Cavans learned over 20 years. It canwork for anyone who believes they were Live Healthy! Live Happy! made for oneness with others and with God butfeel emotionally or spiritually blocked in any areas of life. It works by asking God to identifyissues, dealing with their roots andbringing AChristmas gifttoyourself wholeness, healing and freedom. Amidst the hustle andbustle of preparationsfor the Theyoffer long weekends or week-long cleanses, Over the years they and their facilitators have been festive season have you thought about offering wherethey offer freshly squeezed Juices. In addition, offering ‘liebusting’ sessions, whether at conferences yourself the gift of some peace and quiet while they have proven treatments that will help manage and events, over Skype or in person. Theyhave seen boosting your immunity? your mind and emotions too, plus they offer yoga, manypeople released from their issues: freedom from We assume that Januaryisagood time to detox, Pilates, educational videos and talks to inspireyou to fear,anxiety,depression, addictions, doubt, insecurity, but in factit’s agreat idea to prepareyourselfbefore stay transformed. loneliness, powerlessness and oppression by negative the onslaughtofover-indulgence. Irecently found There aresome interesting extras on offer too for spirits or energies. Often participants express adeep solace at aweekend retreat in the beautiful garden guests who areopen to looking at emotional issues. sense of oneness with others and with God. setting of a300-year-old recently re-developed Helena and her husband Jonathan areChristians and For someone who has always found that Christians Cotswold stone property just outside of arethe authorsofLiebusters, ahugely successful tendtoeschew ‘personal development’ this was abreath Winchcombe, Gloucestershire. Despite the lovely old book that describes their 20-year personal freedom of fresh air,acknowledging that we can all carry awhole building the facilities offer warmth comfortand all journey that gave birth to this work. host of problems and issues, some of them going back mod-cons despite this being adetox regime. They found that sometimes intimate relationships many years and we don’t have to look to ‘new age’ The retreat –named best health holiday in Europe could feel impossible due to ‘stuck’ aspects of their therapies for our healing —isrun by Helena Cavan who believes personalities: they found therapy and counselling transformationmust be from the outside in and the didn’t seem to meet the needs and they believe their www.liebusters.org inside out and they do both verywell! hunger and desperation to find abreakthrough was www.themilestonedetox.com

g gallery the Whisperin

God on the box Pope of Surprises MoreaboutCanon White Ecclesiastical jokes Is TV trying to write Christianity out If the Catholic Church is still a‘Chur MaryWakefield interviewed Canon of our lives? The press has given of ch Mercifully The Times has brought to an Surprises’ it may be because the Andrew White in The Spectator last contradictoryviews. According to the Pope end itsseries of episcopal jokes. The is aPope of surprises. He recently week and thoughthemight be Daily Telegraph the producers of visited final one was not as stale as the others the Lutheran ChurchinRome, something of asaint.After reading his DowntonAbbey weretold to leave although it was notinparticularly good presenting the pastor with achalice, recentlypublished autobiographythat religion out for fear of offending which taste.Hereisthe joke for those who suggests the pontiffmay not mentions friendships with John Paul II viewers. This is why the family is shareh cannotget behind the pay wall. Two is Church’s official position on and Billy Graham she suspected the never shown sitting down to dinner.In businessmen aretravelling on atrain Lutheran orders. Asked by aLuther Vicar of Baghdad might be rather vain that period grace would have been woman an andtrying to complete acrossword. married to aCatholic whys but she found that not to be the case said first. Apparently it was even could he One says to the other ‘I’m stuck on 17 not receive communion in the when she talked with him for two forbidden to show napkins folded in across. Clue: female, four letters, ends Catholic mass Francis replied with hours. Mind you, Andrew White will the shape of abishop’s mitre. ITV wide-ranging a in UNT’.‘That’s easy,’ says his friend, reflection that was not not have harmed his reputation with went to the length of considering a ‘tryAUNT.’ ‘Excuse me’, says abishop entirely clear in its meaning but The Spectator by outing himself as a different name for the series because seemed sitting opposite who is also doing the to suggest that it was up tot Tory.Hewas even prepared to of nervousness over theword‘Abbey’. ndividual he crossword, ‘can you lend me arubber?’ conscience. ‘I will not dare consider the use of ground troops Given the period in which the storyis ogive Afunnier joke comes from John permission because it is not my against ISIS until his wife intervened. set, the absence of any reference to Wilkins writing in the American competence,’ he said. ‘One baptism, Nor did it damage Canon White’s Christianity is surprising. It is also one Catholicbi-weekly Commonweal about faith, one Lord. Speak with the reputation with the right-wing weekly surprising given that the creator of the Lor the recent Synod of Bishops. An dand go forward. Idarenot say when he proved himself out of step series, Julian Fellowes, is aRoman mo apocryphal storyisgoing the rounds re.’ The Pope’s words will not have with liberal opinion. He told Mary Catholic. The BBC appears to be less pleased in Rome. Francis meets agroup of the co-chair of ARCIC, the Wakefield that partofthe problem of squeamish about mentioning pilgrimswho offer himacup of the Most Rev BernardLongley, talkingwith ISIS comes from the Christianity.Anew series of Call the Argentinean tea he loves, maté. The Archbishop of Birmingham, who Qur’an itself. “The trouble is the lack Midwife begins in Januaryand during Popedrinks it down. Afterwards the Synod ruled out holy of forgiveness in Islam,” he said. “I according to the Daily Mail the members of his retinue remonstrate communion for non-Catholic spouses. havelooked through the Qur’an Anglican nuns on whom the series is But withhim. ‘Itmight have been the Pope’s words may not have trying to find forgiveness… and there based, the Community of St John the poisoned,’they say.‘Really,’ Francis entirely pleased the Church of isn’t any.This makes itquite difficult Evangelist, have been consulted about England replies. ‘They weretourists, not either.Lambeth Palace is to talk to ISIS because they can show the scripts and about such matters as Cardinals’. Unlikethe jokes in The reported to have complained about quiteclearly this is what Allah wants. whether the TV sisters would wear a Times thereisanundertone of he Pope’s habit of referring to his Theycan justify their position when white or black veil at awedding. The seriousness to thisone. The Pope is ate friend Tony Palmer as an Allah says you should combat and sisters have helped with storylines Anglican locked in conflict with asection of the Bishop. He did it again at fight the infidel and they say ‘Well, and afew props but kept their names he Curia, people who spread rumours Lutheranchurch speaking of a these areinfidels’. So now the out of the series. But the Mail couldn’t during the Synodthat he wassuffering riend who was a‘deceased Episcopal question is, how can you prove they resist adig at the BBC reporting that from abrain tumour,and the joke bishop’ who everySunday arenot infidels and you can’t.” Over the sistershave not received apenny reflects theatmosphereinRome. The worshipped in his own faith 1,000 members of Andrew White’s for their help. They even had to buy community essay by John Wilkins, entitled ‘Still a and also went with his congregation have been killed by their ownDVD of the series. When ChurchofSurprises’, is an excellent Catholicwife and children to mass. ISIS. He once invited an ISIS manto the sisters pointed out they had not reflection on the Synod. Tony Palmer was abishop in dinner but the man replied that if he even been thanked for their Communion of Evangelical came he would chop the ’s contribution, the Mail reported they Episcopal Churches. head off. weretold this was BBC policy.

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper THEREGISTER Friday November 27, 2015 www.churchnewspaper.com 13

To be Associate Priest NSM in BIBLE CHALLENGE ANGLICANCYCLE OF PRAYER Bengeworth (Worcester).

Day 332 –Micah 3, Psalm 119:145-176, Friday 27November. Psalm 55, Jn 9:35-41. West Ankole -(Uganda): The Rt Matthew 25 Rev Yona Katoneene RETIREMENTS AND Day 333 –Micah 4, Psalm 120, Saturday 28 November. Psalm 119:65-80, Isa 52: 1-6. West Buganda - RESIGNATIONS Matthew 26 (Uganda):The Rt Rev Godfrey Makumbi Day 334 –Enjoy hearing the Sunday 29November. Advent 1. Psalm 68: 1-10, I Thess. 1.WestMalaysia - The Rev David Bendell, Scriptures read aloud inchurch (South East Asia): The Rt RevNgMoon Hing; Assistant Bishop ofWestMalaysia Permission to Officiate (Guildford), Day 335 –Micah 5, Psalm 121, -(South East Asia):The Rt Rev AndrewPhang; Assistant Bishop ofWest retired from 7October. Matthew 27 Malaysia -(South East Asia):The Rt Rev Jason Selvaraj The Rev Canon SBuckley Day 336–Micah 6, Psalm 122, Monday 30 November. St Andrew’s Day.Psalm 122, I Thess. 2: 1-12.West will retireasRector of Gornal &Sedgley Matthew 28 Missouri -(VII,The Episcopal Church): TheRtRev Martin Field (Worcester) on 4December 2015. Day 337 –Micah 7, Psalm 123, Mark 1 Tuesday 1December. Psalm 72:1-4,18,19, IThess.2:13-20.WestTennessee - The Rev Canon Jeremy Cresswell, Day 338 –Nahum 1, Psalm 124, Mark (IV,The Episcopal Church): The Rt RevDonJohnson Vicar,Oxshott, HonoraryCanon of the 2 Wednesday 2 December. Psalm 103:8-13, Isa.5:1-7. West Texas-(VII, The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Guildford, Episcopal Church): The Rt Rev GaryLillibridge;SuffraganBishop of West Texas and Surrogate for Marriages for the - (VII,The EpiscopalChurch): TheRtRev David Reed Leatherhead Deanery(Guildford), to APPOINTMENTS Thursday 3December. Psalm 118: 19-27,Isa. 5: 8-23. SouthernVirginia -(III, retirefrom6December. The Episcopal Church): The Rt Rev HermanHollerith; West Virginia -(III, The The Rev Dr Christopher Halliday, Episcopal Church): The Rt Rev William Michie Klusmeyer Team Rector of the Benefice of The Rev Joanna Anderson, Saddleworth (Manchester), will retire To be Vicar in the Dudley Team (with witheffect from 31 January2016. responsibility for Dudley St Francis &St The RevTerry Litherland, James Eve’s Hill) (Worcester). OLM Curate in the Horwich and The Rev Jane Banister, Rivington Team (Manchester), will Associate Minister (SSM), Tring Team retirewith effect from 10 January2016. Ministry(St Albans), to be Team Vicar, The RevJohn Watts, Tring Team Ministry(St Albans). Assistant Curate, Ashtead St Georgeand The Rev Arthur Barron, St Giles(Non Stipendiary) (Guildford), Assistant Priest of Woodmansterne St retired from 29 September. Peter has transferredtohold the Bishop The Rev Andrew Young, of Southwark’s Permission to Officiate. will resign as Team Vicar in the Eccles The Rev Helen Bent, Team and as Area Dean of Eccles Head of Ministerial Training, Royal (Manchester) with effect from 29 School of Church Musicand Associate February2016. He willbetaking up a Vicar,Rivers Team Ministry(Sheffield), post with CMS working in Nepal. to be also HonoraryCanonofSheffield Cathedral. The Rev Neil Bowler, Vicar of Ranmoor St John theEvangelist LAYAND OTHER and Bishop’s Adviser in Spirituality APPOINTMENTS (Sheffield), to be also HonoraryCanon of Sheffield Cathedral. The Rev Mark Broomhead, Dr Christine Gore, To be part-time Priest-in-Charge of Director of Formation for Ministry Chesterfield St Augustine, (Derby). (Sheffield), to be also HonoraryLay The Rev Katherine Capper, Canon of Sheffield Cathedral. Associate Vicar of Betchworth and The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, has installed Sr Carole as the new Professor Michael Higton, Buckland is to be licensed as half-time Prioress of the Order of the Holy Paraclete. The Order of the Holy Paraclete is Professor,Department of Theology and Associate Vicar of Reigate,StMary based at Sneaton Castle, Whitby,and celebrated its 100th anniversarythis year. Religion, University of Durham, to be Magdalene (Southwark). Sr Carole will be the eighth Prioress of the Order. also HonoraryCanon Theologian of The Rev Michael Champneys, Sheffield Cathedral. who holds the Bishop of Derby’s The Rev Gillian Newton, PermissiontoOfficiate, was licensed as The Rev Kathy LJones, Diocese, has been appointed to the Chair of Sheffield District, Methodist Priest-in-Charge (House for Duty) of Hospital Chaplain at North Tyneside Vicarage of Crowborough, (Chichester). Church, tobealso Honorary Wentworth Holy Trinity,(Sheffield). General Hospital (Newcastle), to be The Rev Pete Spiers, Ecumenical Canon of Sheffield The Rev Mark Cockayne, DeanofBangor. To be also Archdeacon of Knowsley and Cathedral. Director of Parish SupportTeam The Rev Jennifer McKenzie, Sefton (Liverpool). Theophilia (Theo) Shaw, (Sheffield), to be also HonoraryCanon To be also Archdeacon of Wigan and The Rev Sandra Tauson, To be Public Policy Research Officer of SheffieldCathedral. West Lancashire(Liverpool). To be NSM Assistant Curate in the (Southwark). The VenAlastairCutting, The Rev Canon Dr Rosemarie Mal- benefice of St Chad, St Maryinthe Archdeacon of Lewisham and lett, Baumand St EdmundRochdale Greenwich to be also Priest-in-Chargeof Vicar of Angell Town, St John and also (Manchester).This is in additiontoher Sydenham, Holy Trinity with St Area Director of Ordinands, to be also role as healthcarechaplain with the Augustine (Southwark). Diocesan Public Policy Adviser Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. NEW READERS LICENSED The Rev Michael Fish, (Southwark). She will be known as Associate Priest. Priest-in-Charge of All Saints with St The Rev Susan Dianne Morgan, The Rev Chris Wedge, York: Martin Adams, Hutton Cranswick Michael Shrewsbury(Lichfield), has To be NSM Assistant Curate(to be Priest-in-Charge of St MaryPrestwich, wSkerne, Wattonand Beswick; Heather been appointed as Team Vicar inthe known as Associate Priest) in the has been appointed in addition Borough Bingley,Rudston, Boynton, Carnaby, Benefice of Swinton and Pendlebury benefice of St Chad, St Maryinthe Dean of Bury(Manchester). Kilham. Burton Fleming wFordon, (Manchester). Baumand St Edmund, Rochdale The Rev TerryWilliams, Grindale and Wold Newton; Margaret The Rev Helen Fraser, (Manchester). who holds the Bishop of Derby’s Hall, West Buckrose; GeoffHill, St full-time Associate Vicar of Reigate,St The Rev Steve Openshaw, Permission to Officiate, was licensed as Nicholas Guisborough; Susan Hill, St MaryMagdalene will become half-time StipendiaryCurate in the Ramsbottom Associate Minister of Burton All Saints Nicholas Guisborough; Alison Associate Vicar (Southwark). and Edenfield Team, has been appointed with Christ Church and of Branston St Hutchinson, St Peter’s Norton; Sylvia The Rev Dave George, as Priest-in-Charge of St Stephen Elton Saviour (House for Duty), (Lichfield). Swan, St Cuthbert, Marton in Cleveland Vicar in theKidderminster West Team and Christ Church Walshaw The Rev Neil Wilson, (Worcester)tomove to Exeter Diocese. (Manchester). Vicar of Haltwhistle &Greenhead The Rev Penny Goodchild, The Rev Dr Mark Powell, (Newcastle) to be Vicar of Haltwhistle & Assistant Curate of Pinxton, Diocese of RectorofMelbourne, Ticknall,Smisby, Greenhead &Hospital Chaplain (PT) DEATHS Derby,was licensed as Assistant Curate and Stanton-by-Bridge, (Derby),has (Newcastle). (OLM-to be known as Associate Priest) been appointed Canon of Windsor. The Rev LynWortley, of thesame parish (Derby). The RevRogerPreece, Priest in charge of Greasbrough St The Rev Stephen Guy Bowen, The Rev Steven Hall, To be also Archdeacon of St Helens and Mary, Assistant Curate of Rawmarsh St holder of the Bishop of Southwark’s Vicar of Lewisham, St Marythe Virgin Warrington (Liverpool). Marywith Parkgate, Assistant Curate of Permission to Officiate and previously is to be licensed as also Chaplainto The RevIan Price, Kimberworth St Thomas, Assistant Vicar of Felbridge, St John died on 12th Colfe’s School (Southwark). Has been licensed as Assistant Curate Curate of Kimberworth Park St John November 2015 The Rev JeremyHaswell, (SSM-to be knownasAssociate Priest) andAreaDean of Rotherham The Rev Derek RTilston, Assistant Curate, St Paul’s (St Albans), of Eckington and Ridgeway,(Derby). (Sheffield), to be also HonoraryCanon Retired priest in Guildforddiocese, died to be Associate Minister,Grayshott The RevStephen Philip Rees, of Sheffield Cathedral. on 23 September. (Guildford). Vicar at Little HeathinStAlbans TheRev Nick Wright, 14 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday November 27, 2015 BOOKS /SUNDAY SUNDAY SERVICE 3rd Sunday of Advent Sunday 13 December2015

Zephaniah 3:14-20 Philippians4:4-7 Luke 3:7-18

Our readings this week speaktousof wrath, repentance, The choice of and rejoicing, reminding us thatthecoming of the Lord is a day wemustprepare for well. Johnthe Baptiserurgedthepeople ofIsraeltofleethe wrath to come and bear fruits worthy of repentance.They must notpresume on their statusorheritage butbewarned bythethreatofimminentjudgement onall those whodo In his evangelical days John Henry preaching Emmanuel in Matthew’s gospel in Listen not repent. His applicationwas tailored to different Newmanthhelpedeto start ThenRecord, ewto Him.books elementsinhis congregation:allmust share out of their the newspaper to which CEN traces abundance; officialsshould bediligent butnotgreedily its origins. There is no reference to Martyn Lloyd-Jones was amajorfigureinBritish corrupt; soldierslikewise shouldbecontent with their this in the superb selection of Christianity in the 20th Century. Christopher rightful pay and notuseforce to extractmore fromthe Newman’s letters, John Henry Catherwood looks at his life and relevance for the vulnerable. What would hesay toour congregations? Newman: APortrait in Letters,edited 21st CenturyinMartyn Lloyd-Jones (IVP). Also from Johnreminds us that“the goodnews”(for this is what by Roderick Strange (OUP), but IVP David Tripp has written Awe,telling us why a Luke calls it)includes not justthearrival ofour Spirit- thereismuch else of interest. As well sense of awe matters in all wethink and say and do. endowed Saviour, but also theapproach of decisive, divisive as being agreat religious thinker and amaster of judgement. And there isdivision in the background of English prose, Newman was also an accomplished Roberto Morozzo Della Rocca’s Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians too. Rejoice in the letter writer.Highly recommended. new biography Oscar Romero: Lord, he tellsthem,andbewell-known for yourgentleness. Prophet of Hope (DLT) is the fruit This inthecontext of Euodia and Syntyche tearingstrips With the shopsalready inviting us to celebrate of many yearsresearch by a offeach otherand needingsome facilitated conversations, Christmas, Advent can get forgotten. All the more leading authority.This is an in Philippians4:2-3. reason forgetting hold of The Little Book of Advent, accessible biography in paperback Moderationandgentleness requires forgivingothers for compiled by Canon ArthurHowells (William of agreat figureofmodernchurch the sake of harmony, just as God hasforgiven us. Butan Collins). There areselected readings from modern history. outbreak of “the peace of God”also relies onremembering spiritual writers, scripturereadings and prayers for that“the Lordisnear.” Whether thatmeanshiscoming is each day of Advent. Christmas means so much Magna Carta Unravelled imminent or thathispresence is immanent,Paul is moreifAdvent is kept properly. (Wilberforce Publications) is a certainly challengingall those whosquabble, especially collectionofessays by Michael Nazir-Ali, Roger within churches.AsLutherparaphrases here, “Don’t worry. Philip Yancey is one of the most popular Christian Trigg, PaulDiamond and others that looks at the TheLord stands by you… Putaside all yourfear, anger, and writers. Hodderhave now brought out apaperback relevance of Magna Carta for Christian freedom bitterness.Ifyou intend to do any fighting, fightwith edition of Vanishing Grace,which first appeared last today. prayers.” (LW 20:139-140). year.All who haveread Yancey’sbest-seller What’s The Old Testament reading brings us the good newstoo. So Amazing About Grace? will want toread this Twonew volumes have appeared in the ‘Theology He urges rejoicingand songbecause “theLord hastaken book. All to often Christianity appears to be bad of Work Project’ published by Hendrickson. They away the judgementsagainst you.” Wecertainlydeserve to news, not good news, but it doesn’t have to be this arestudy books on Matthew and on Genesis 12-33 be judged,andnot tofare wellinthe process, yet “the way. looking the relevance of scripturefor our LORD is inyour midst; you shall fear disaster nomore.” We understanding of work. will notbear the deserved reproach for our sins, but with Threebooks from the Latimer Trust have just God himself asour warrior champion,wewill befree. been published in the‘Biblical Truth for Today’s Kathryn Greene-McCreight, Episcopalian It is not hardtoseeinZephaniah’s prophecy herean Church series’. In ThinkingAloud Martin Davie chaplain to Yale, has written the 2016 Archbishop of intimation of salvationthrough Christ, who bears the looks at the contemporarydebateabut marriage, Canterbury’s Lent Book. In IAmWith You she punishment for our sins upon the cross and crushes the sexuality and reconciliation and reviews the recent examines the wayscriptureportrays God’s headofoursatanic enemy. He willcome again soon: “At literature. Kirsten RBirkett writes about magic and presence with us as light in darkness, a‘light by that timeIwillbring youhome,atthe time whenIgather the occultinSpells, Sorcerers andSpirits andPeter which we see light.’ Thereisanintroduction by you”, says the prophet. GBolt edits acollection of essays on reading and Archbishop Justin Welby. So,asCalvinprayedattheend of his lecture on Zephaniah 3, “Grant,Almighty God, that as we are at this day so scattered on accountofour sins, and eventhey who seem to be collected in thy name and under thy authority, Take out an annual subscription are yet so torn by mutualdiscords,that the safety of thy Church hangs as it were on athread, while inthemeantime to The Church of England Newspaper thineenemies seem with savagecruelty to destroy all those who are thine,andtoobliterate thygospel, — O grant,that wemay hope in thypromises, so that we maynot doubt, but Our great CHRISTMAS offer! that thouinduetime willbecome our deliverer: andmay we sopatiently bear tobeafflicted and cast downbythee, that Iwish to pay by ❏ cheque ❏ credit Take out anew annual wemay everraise up ourgroanstoheavensoastobe card ❏ debit card ❏ other Name:...... subscription and with this formyou heardthrough the name of thy Son,until being at length Please make cheques payable to will receive three extra copies for freed from every contest, weshall enjoy that blessedrest Political &Religious Intelligence Ltd ...... no extra cost! whichislaidupforusinheaven, and which thineonly Ienclose £____ ) or Iauthorise you Address: ...... 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[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper REVIEWS Friday November 27, 2015 www.churchnewspaper.com 15 Blood, love andloyalty in Mob thinking relationshipwith his FBI boss Charles McGuire (KevinBacon) is moreofaproblem, coming toa FILMS OF headwith appointment ofanew assistant district attorney(Corey Stoll). THE WEEK It’soften not easy watching (two men badly beateninthe first few minutes) but early on Black Mass (cert.15) takes its Bulger is depicted as afamily man. His common title from the book by Dick law wife Lyndsey Cyr (Dakota Johnson), her own Lehr and Gerald O’Neill about complicity passed over,triestodisapprove of his Boston Irish mobster James advicetohis sonDouglas (Luke Ryan) after a (Whitey) Bulger.The book’s classroom fight, to settle things elsewhere: “If full title was“Black Mass: nobody sees it, it didn’t happen”. Whitey Bulger,the FBI, and a Douglasdied from Reye’s Syndrome, aged six. Devil’s Deal”. It’s asituation over which Bulger hasnocontrol, Essentially,that’s asynopsis leading to break-up from Lyndsey. of the plot –somiss three Perhaps the hardest call is the influence of paragraphs to avoid spoilers Bulger’s brother Billy (Benedict Cumberbatch),a (though it’s all public state senator managing to distance himself from knowledge). Thebook’s later his brother’s activity.Reluctance to say what he title “Black Mass: The True accessorytomurder. knew of Jimmy’s whereabouts after he went on the “mutts” (mutated humans looking abit like StoryofanUnholy Alliance For the film, director Scott the runwas theonly direct link. the beast from Pan’s Labyrinth but without an eye between the FBI and the Irish Cooper adopts moreScorsese’s Depp’s chilling performance as Whitey, in its hand), chasing them through sewers –now Mob” is even moreexplicit. style in Goodfellas (1990) – contrasted with Cumberbatch honing his that would have sorted Harry Lime. Katniss’s Thebook’s authors, there’s ascene that’s an brother’s smooth demeanour,could see themget partner in the Games, Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), reporters for the Boston Globe, obvious homage –than best and best supporting actor nominations. has been “conditioned” by the Capitol so cannot had earlier written abook Coppola’s Godfather series. Whether thefilm itself or the director get be trusted –yet he canstill be loved, and Katniss about the rise and fall of Mafia Guys get drawn in to stuff, and nominationsisless likely –itwill not be in the mayhave to choose between him and Gale (Liam boss GennaroAngiulo, the storypartly follows their canon of great mob movies –but as an essay in Hemsworth). convicted in1986 of point of view. “blood, love and loyalty” it has its moments. The dialogue can be abit twee –“May your aim racketeering. Therewas a There’s Kevin Weeks (Jesse betrueasyour heartispure” –but there’s an mention for FBI agent John Plemons), whose own book underlying attempt by author and adapter Connolly. after release from prison, Serious work as theGames conclude Suzanne Collins to give serious thought to Bulger (Johnny Depp) and Brutal:MyLifeinWhitey The Hunger Games series finishes with the fourth rebellion and to what follows toppling of atyrant. Connolly (Joel Edgerton) had Bulger’sIrish Mob,became a partofthe trilogy (the last book being squeezed There’s an unlooked-for modernparallel in the grown up together in South bestseller,fixer Steve Flemmi out to twofilms). Mockingjay Part2(dir.Francis idea of hiding among refugees, and an Boston, but had taken separate (RoryCochrane),and Johnny Lawrence, cert. 12A) doesn’t feel like an unsurprising twist as Snow,bound to apost as ina paths. Bulger was left as leader Martorano (W Earl Brown), afterthought, but brings some of the visual Roman arena, awaits execution. of Boston’s Winter Hill Gang the gang’s hitman, with atally excitement and sense of danger of the original WoodyHarrelson, Elizabeth Banks, and (briefly) when its earlier leaders were well into double figures. film into the scenario of afinal battle as the rebels Stanley Tucci reprise their roles. Poignantly,the arrested, and gained protection Flemmi was probably abetter close in on the Capitol. film starts with the late Philip Seymour Hoffman as from the FBI in returnfor FBI informant that Bulger,but Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) uses up game-maker Plutarch and ends with Haymitch information, sometrue, about Connolly was handlingBulger, moreofher nine lives, and takes on apersonal (Harrelson) reading aletter from Plutarch. the activities of the Mafia. and exaggerating his value. mission to assassinate President Snow (Donald It’s adevice tofulfil Hoffman’s final scene Getting the Mafia was the Whether that wasdown to Sutherland, marvellous in arole that draws even without afake CGI“performance”, and only adds FBI priority,but in the process old loyalty as a“Southie” moreonhis psychopath arsonist in Backdraft). to thesense of satisfaction at his superb career. Connolly gave Bulger childhood pal,orfor his own Would-be president Coin(Julianne Moore) has The wordsare intended to inspirehope in ayouth- immunity forhis own career prospects, is other plans for Katniss, as partofacrack team of oriented series that’s genuinely subversive, as racketeering, which gained ambiguous, but it puts more soldiers whose task will be to follow the rebel young people face aworldinwhich they are from the demise of his rivals. It than astrain on his marriage to advance -makingpromo videos for the cause. marginalised, oppressed even, by their elders. became alicence to kill, with Marianne (Julianne Booby traps in thecity,notably aspectacular Connolly’s tip-offs making him Nicholson).The strain onhis flood of black gloop, puts them at grave risk, as do Steve Parish CD CHOICE WINE OF THE WEEK Stryper and anod toAlice Cooper’s Chateau Le Bonnat Fallen “School’s Out;” while the Bordeaux, Graves 2010 (Frontiers Records) opening track’s guitar has a Co-operative stores, £12.99 definite Sabbath crunch – For Stryper to follow up 2013’s No which is particularly Here’s agood classical claret from Graves, the appellation MoreHell to Pay is ahuge ask. That apposite, as they cover that which tells that this bottle comes from just south of Bordeaux possiblecareer-best had moreenergy band’s most blatantly pro- and from awell-regarded producer.“Graves” means gravelly than it is fair to expect from aband Christian track “After soil. It is said that this area exported wine to that broke records on MTV back in Forever,” taken from Master England from the 11th centuryon. the’80s. of Reality: The grapes areaclassic, elegant blend of This studio sequel might not have “Could it be you’reafraid Bordeaux’s two great grapes, here55per cent quite as much torque, but it is afull-on of what your friends might Merlot, 45 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2010 rock album with some of their most say if they knew you believe vintage, rated outstanding, just ready to drink now, direct lyrics to date: titles like in God above? will be even better kept to 2016. Adeep ruby in “Heaven,” “Yahweh” and “King of Kings” give a They should realize beforethey criticize that the glass, then, on the nose, rich black fruit and suitably God-centred hearttothe release and the Godisthe only way to love.” ahint of herbs. Held in asmooth medium body, title track –about Lucifer’s downfall –continues The songs have ahealthy mix of praise and the palate encountered lively and complex dark the disc’s emphasis on the big picture. everyday life, as in the songs “Pride” and “Big fruits, black ripe cherries, blackcurrants. There When Fallen begins, you could expect it to even Screen Lies.” Oz Fox’s powerful guitar solos, werevanilla and herbalhints too, with balanced trump its predecessor.Inspired by Mel Gibson’s while quite short, still manage to be effective, not tannins giving aslight toasted oak effect. The The Passion of the Christ,“Yahweh” is probably least because they go in unexpected directions. finish was smooth and expansive. Alcohol by their most ambitious track yet, with tempo So this is an on-formStryper takingsome Vol. 13.5%. changes, agothicchoir singing the anthemic title dramatic new directions among the bread-and- Agood match for Christmas roasts especially (Sweet matchingthem for power) and an overall butter classic metal tracks, all running on lamb with atouch of garlic. sense of majesty and purpose. megawatts of energy.Finestuff. On this release Stryper catch flavours of other Graham Gendall Norton bands: “Big Screen Lies” has abig dollop of glam Derek Walker

[email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper Transforming work there is greater honouring your The Work Forum freedom to explainwhy workplace and its team at The London we followJesus. And culture and thatyou even ifyou still feel like don’t cause Institute for youdon’t get that embarrassment to your chance, it’s great to colleague. It’s also Contemporary buildthose friendships worth remembering – ifnothing else they thatmany Christians Q: Iworkinan envvironment that’s Christianity answer will get to see you use certainwords and quite hostile to Christianity and I your questions about living out your faith in phrases whenpraying was acttually reproached once for another context thatmaynotbe talking about my faith at work. faith in the outside ofwork. Even familiar to your How can Ibean effecttive witness without words, the colleague. Tryto use inthis context? workplace… witness of a ordinary everyday ~ Lily, 51, carer inaresidential transformed life is an incredibly language and avoidjargon. Keep it home for and askhimto open their ‘spiritual powerful thing. short – Godknows your heart, and eyes’ or stir their heart’s hunger for your colleague’s needs, and he hears A: Everyworkplace has a different him. Youmightffind the LICCprayer Q: How doyou pray for someone you. (Matt 6:7.)AAlso consider your culture and there are no easy answers journey ‘Pray4Life’ at workwwithout it lookking weird? body language: do youneedto close when it’s a hostile one. But the (licc.org.uk/pray4life) a helpful ~ Mark, 25, office assistant inan your eyes or maybe not? Would it important thing to remember is that support in this. Also we can oftenthink advertising firm comfort themfor you to have a hand God is the evangelist and is hugely that the onlyway to share faithwith on their shoulder or arm or would it creative inthe ways he candraw our work colleagues is at work – but A: That’s a fantastic problem to have! make themnervous?But after thinking people to himself – we are simply there what about invitingyour colleagues to How great thatyouhave someone all ofthat through, the key is simplyto to join inhis plan, walking in stepwith be a part ofyour wider life?Ameal out, asking for you to prayfor them at letyour colleague guide you – ask whathe is doing. So starting with after-workdrinks, a football game at work. Two keythings it’s wise to themwhat they are comfortable with prayer is an obvious but often-mmissed the weekend or an invite to a consider are when and where to pray. and how they would like you to pray essential. Ask God who you might pray Christmas party... in other contexts Youwant to make surethat you’re for them and just go from there.

firmly embedded -----' 24 Judge and prophetess 40th day after his Resur- PRIZE CROSSWORD No. 978 by Axe [Eccles/NIV] (5) who fought theCanaan- rection (9) 13 'You carefor the land and ites [Judg] (7) 13 Spring in theKidron Val- water it;you ------itabun- ley [1 Kgs] (2-5) dantly'[Ps/NIV] (6) Down 15 Third son of Aaron 14 Greekgoddess of wis- [Num](7) dom (6) 1Memorial of asaint held 16 'He ------to pay them a 17 One of the recipients of a in reverence, particularly denarius for the day...' letter from Paul (5) by the RC Church (5) [Matt/NIV] (6) 19 Partsofthe NT,the 2'As for Titus he is my ------18 'For the love of -----isa name forwhich is -and co-worker among root of all kinds of evil' [1 derived from the Old you' [2 Cor/NIV] (7) Tim/NIV] (5) English for 'good news' 3'Stop drinking only 20 Earliest Matriarch [Gen] (7) water,and --- alittle (5) 21 Hebrew wordmeaning wine...' [1 Tim/NIV] (3) 22 'In the course of time, 'nation', having anot-so- 4Oldest Christian feast therewas another battle embracing connotation (6) with the Philistines, at ---' in theBible (7) 5Biblical people of land [2 Sam/NIV] (3) 22 Former Egyptian east of the Jordan, capital Canaanite town, on the Rabbah [Deut; Josh; 2 Solutions to CrosswordNumber road from Joppa to Sam] (9) Across: 3Bartholomew,7Abbeys, 8 Jerusalem [Josh; 1Kgs] 6Place wherethe Anubis, 9Layman, 10 Bede, 11 Nile, (5) Israelites defeated Og's 13 Pastor,17Cattle, 18 Avatar,19Song 23 'Then [Elisha] got on the army [Num; Deut] (5) of Songs. bedand --- -- the [dead] 7Body of water south of boy... [who] sneezed the rift valley of Arabah Down:1Freely,2Impure, 3 seven times and opened [Deut] (4,3) Babylonians, 4Hosea,5Leah, 6 his eyes' [2 Kgs/NIV] 11 Rising of the body of Whitefriars, 12 Litany,14Arabs, 15 (3,2) Jesusinto heaven on the Trains, 16 Nebo.

T h e f i r s t c o r r e c t e n t r y d r aw n wi l l w i n a b o o k o f th e E d it o r ’s c h o i c e . S e n d y o u r e n tr y t o C r o s s w o r d N u m b e r 9 7 8, T h e C h u r c h o f E ng l an d N e w s p ap e r , Across when he began to [1&2 Kgs; Isa; 14 G r e a t C o ll e g e S t r e e t, W e s tm in s te r , L o n do n , PRICE £1.50 /€2.00/$2.50 -----' [John/KJV] Luke; John; Acts] S W1 P 3R X b y n e xt W e d n e s d a y 1The ------: event (5) (7) when Christian 8'He will show you 10 Queen of Ethiopia N am e believers are a----- room whose eunuch 48 transported from upstairs, all fur- Philip baptized A d d r e s s the Earth before nished' [Acts] (7) Christ's second [Luke/NIV] (5) 12 'The words of the 9770964816108 coming (7) 9Capital of the wise arelike 5'Then inquired he NorthernKing- goads, their col- P o s t C o d e of them the hour dom of Israel lected sayings like

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