Are we good enough?

Image via Wikipedthe

The truth is that the Church of England is imperfect and I must admit that it gets things wrong very often indeed.

The truth is that Jesus acknowledges this tendency in humanity. Put more clearly; “He died that we might be forgiven”.

The truth is that we have a duty to Christ to give to our fellow beings our best.  As people of Christ we are called to go further than society might demand and to offer charity; agape, to offer love, the shirt from our back, to go that extra mile.

To hide behind the prevailing societal expectation, indeed legislation, is not an option for Christians in matters of moral behaviour.

To live in a place and quote the laws of that place as adequate justification for doing bad things is to abandon our Christian calling, it is to allow secular powers to govern the actions of  us as individuals and the actions of the Church.

In the matter of employment, the Church has to do what the law requires and more besides.

In matters of human rights for all, the church must do what the law requires and more. 

In all matters we have to do what our society asks, demands, and then do more!

From the Archbishop to the humble member listed on the electoral role, we frequently fail to live up to this standard.  Unfortunately for the humble parishioner, many senior clergy, and too many that are ‘blessed’ with higher office, fail to act in good and honest ways and too often their dealings with people are of low moral quality preferring to protect their own reputations and indeed (very often) prospects.

They will hide behind legislation and perhaps falsify matters, if they are able, in order to protect their reputations.  In some cases they prefer to say nothing rather than give false witness, refraining from speaking the truth clearly and openly.  Anything difficult and unpleasant is brushed under the carpet and stays there.

This is why the frequent use of ‘confidentiality clauses’ in retirement packages for those long serving laity is so prevalent and perpetuates a veil of secrecy and some degree of fear amongst many corridors of power.

If only we could be more forgiving and listen to one another’s story, to understand that we are weak and none of us the paragons of virtue we spend so much time encouraging everyone to believe we are!  The damnation is almost deafening!

This situation in the Church is one that we are all responsible for.  We are too quick to criticise and we love to twitter stories that are harmful.

We need to revive the spirit of forgiveness and be more Christ like, to bend the knee and hear the plea of the sinner with compassion and with forgiveness pouring from our hearts by the grace of God.

We must go that extra mile even if it may cost us, even if others call us fools; for Christ.

How wonderful it would be if the leaders we have would be free to do this Christian thing.

Mr C

Touch

To be touched kindly and with compassion

Caressed with feeling burdened and yet unbound

To be held and cradled by another

Whom you are loved with and contained

Is alive and living and being light.

How this compares with the horrid and dark

The filthy and selfish touch

That you cannot understand but that it is bad

And is going to take so much from you

Is death and destruction and disaster.

So pray that you can live with a kindly touch

And know that this begins at everyone’s hope.

Mr CatOLick

The Three Bishops

Image by Eustaquio Santimano via FlickrI have just had a small spat (my first) on twitter following my comment that the three Anglican Bishops who are submitting to re-ordination to the Roman Priesthood are denying their existing Priesthood, conferred on them by Catholic Bishops in the Anglican Communion.  I have apparently forgotten to read what they have said about that complex issue before making such a sweeping statement.

It is a difficult position for for me as I am very much aware of the issues involved and have lived with the tensions for year now.  I guess I am angry because for those who have been ordained to the priesthood in the Church of England, and who adhere to Catholic teachings, the notion of being re-ordained is just not an option, well not in my opinion anyhow.

For years some of us have longed for reunification of some sort with the Roman Church but we would never compromise on Priestly orders as the Roman's demanded, and we were very clear that our clergy would never submit to re-ordination.  This was, at one time, an absolute position almost a badge of honour and proof positive that you were a true Anglican Catholic.  I don't think the arguments have changed!

What has changed is the utter lack of tolerance shown by sections of the Anglican Communion to the Catholic section, those who did not accept the ordination of women to the Priesthood.  We failed to accommodate them and they have been boxed into a terrible corner, and finally have had to submit to Rome!

In fact both sides have been horrid and there's nothing for any side to crow about, many of us are guilty of intolerance in this sordid matter.

My prayers are with these men as they submit to Rome, a church I love and pray for, but a church I am, sadly, not part of.  I understand their need to argue their position and convince themselves and others that there is no fudge, or slight of hand, but I cannot agree.  We must allow them their brush with the reality of the situation they have been put in.  I must remain staunchly Anglican, and Catholic.

Mr C

Cold Comfort Synod

Image by bondiben via Flickr

The forthcoming synod which will be upon us very soon, will be heralded by a flurry of difficult decisions.  Conscientious Synod members will have pre-booked their rail tickets by now and hopefully thereby saved their diocese considerable sums of money as they take advantage of early booking savings.  The few who are more apt to leave matters to the last minute will be submitting their claims to the church in the same way, but obviously for a good deal more money.  The parable of the wise virgins comes to mind but not to worry, everyone gets into this particular celebration and no one will be left out in the wintry cold of London.

Well at least no one would except that 'the powers that be' have no idea about the cost of London accommodation and delegates are forced to find poor (cold) accommodation near to the venue for Synod or face a long journey to get there but be more assured of a good nights sleep and a reasonable breakfast before the days hard work ahead of them.  Again, early booking can reap some rewards, but  London is a popular place!

Oh so often this situation is bemoaned by synod members and suggestions and indeed 'nicely put complaints' are made, but to no good end.  It appears that the Church of England does not value its Synod members and does not care one jot about their accommodation.

Over and over again Synod members have cried out for a block booking of a large hotel, perhaps, or some other arrangement, but not to leave them with a meagre allowance and left to ‘get on with it’.  If you ring the staff at Church House they will privately sympathise with you and agree that the situation is 'not fai'r or indeed tolerable, but they cannot help you to secure adequate accommodation and you are left to surf the net with your pittance of an allowance gripped tightly in your hand; or more like, a promise to pay it,....eventually.

Of course this really only applies to the delegates who don’t actually live in London or who don’t have friends or colleagues in London, people in the north!  Archbishop Rowan and Mr Sentimoo will have no accommodation difficulties; they will be snuggling into deep pillows and spacious beds at night, and will be able to walk about in their accommodation.  They will not be offering to share their place (palace) to the hard pressed delegates attending their circus this February, nor will the Officers of Church House! 

I wonder why it is not a priority.

Don’t submit to the Archbishop’s ‘Covenant’!

Image via WikipediaThis week key people in the UK will be thinking about their plans to help the people in the Diocese to understand the negative aspects of the proposed ‘Anglican Covenant’.

They will have to face the might of the establishment, not least the force of the Archbishops of York and Canterbury, who are in favour of the Covenant and Mr. Sentimoo particularly is demanding support.

Let’s hope that this restrictive and damaging proposal can be successfully avoided and that moderation and reason prevail.

Statue of Richard Hooker: A founder of 'Anglicanism'. He helped to establish reason and tolerance, along with tradition, as being central to the church.  The Archbishop's covenant is a clear attempt to undermine that foundation.

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Mr C is opposed to the Anglican Covenant because it is an attempt to add yet another layer of bureaucracy to the church.  It is an attempt to centralise the world-wide Anglican Communion and to limit its ability to respond to local situations. The Archbishops support it because of the real power it gives to them and to the ‘establishment’ within the Church in their attempt to keep the church as they want it.

The church has already responded positively to the position of women in the church, and this has inevitably resulted in divisions and fractures in the Church of England and the leaders are very nervous as a result.

The path of change has already been chosen and the church leaders applauded it at the time.  The proposed Anglican ‘Covenant’ is a clear attempt by some leaders to discourage any more change. The Archbishops are attempting to stifle the church rather than allow it to grow and develop, they wish to control any future development by having power to discourage that which they may disapprove of.

It is an unnecessary piece of legislation that destroys  the gift of Anglicanism to the Christian world and includes force by discipline for those who wish to continue in the Anglican tradition of liberalism, risk and diversity.

It is wrong of them to suggest that they would not be given new powers to admonish and punish by introducing this illiberal document into the church and it reveals their desperation every time they deny this part of their document despite its clear inclusion.

It is dishonest and misappropriates the true nature of ‘Covenant’ which is God-given and final, and has been with us since Christ redeemed the world.

We have all that we require for salvation in the documents and covenants we already posses.  The current church leaders cannot usurp the truth of salvation through Christ, and they cannot brow beat the church into ‘good behaviour’.

In opening the door of change, from its very inception, the Church of England has walked along its chosen path devoutly and with courage.  It cannot now wish that it were elsewhere and pretend to be in Rome!

Mr. C.

Related articles

• General Synod: Anglican Covenant debate (thinkinganglicans.org.uk)
• The Anglican Covenant (archbishop-cranmer.blogspot.com)

The liberation of humanity by Christ.

Image by six steps  via Flickr

The inclusivity of the church is based on the notion that to exclude anyone must be God’s ‘will’.  To exclude anyone demands a reason.  To state that reason clearly is a duty before God so that your judgement against the excluded is understood and can be examined properly.

Sin excludes us for a time, until and unless we can ask for forgiveness, repent, and become reconciled by the passion of Christ to God, humanity and the Church.

Sexual orientation and gender are matters that cannot be used to exclude us from being wholly part of the church, not honestly anyhow, for it has no possibility of repentance.  It is what one is and to repent because of it would be to be abhorred by one’s own nature that God made.  It cannot be considered as 'being sinful'.

The liberation of the 1960’s didn’t discover anything new, rather it revealed what was already there, but it has become a challenge to the church.  It is a challenge for the church in that the church cannot ignore the openness of society and must state clearly what it believes when that openness appears to challenge its tradition or doctrine.

The problem arises when the church learns from the liberation of the 1960’s that it is challenged, not in terms of tradition or doctrine, but in terms of its prejudice.

Mr C

UK Law, abandoning Christianity and its values.

Simon Sarmiento reporting on Thinking Anglicans about descrimination against Christians and Christianity in the new version of the UK.


Bishops attack equality legislation again

Related articles

• Bishop of Winchester: legal system discriminates against Christians - Rosa Prince - The Telegraph (richarddawkins.net)
• Christians in the UK are being discriminated against (o-l-p.blogspot.com)
• -Report: Christians are Increasingly Being Marginalized in Europe (answersforthefaith.com)

Anglican covenant Video's by Susangagelmt, on Youtube.

These Video's about the Anglican covenant are very good indeed.

This Sermon Will Not Preach  by susangagelmt on Youtube

http://www.youtube.com/user/susangagelmt#p/a

 

that detail demands that you and I do not hate

The mystery of Christmas is that God became human in order that we might be forgiven.  In this statement of faith there are so many challenges for you and I. That each one of us has been given the opportunity to be saved from sin is challenging because it demands from us all the acceptance that every person 'that ever there was' may be forgiven.

No matter how terrible their sin; ‘he died to save us all’ and that detail demands that you and I do not hate, not endlessly anyhow.  To live the life of salvation is to live the life of potential forgiveness each and every day, each and every moment.  It is no coincidence that at Christmas time we love the story of Scrooge finding that he can be good and that he has the chance to make amends.  It is an Easter story and that is what Christmas is all about.

The challenge facing us is that we must allow that God offers forgiveness to all people.  The challenge is for us to dwell on all those we ‘hate’ and imagine their forgiveness.  This is hard for our world to accept and harder still for many whose religious views preach hatred of others at their core.  In Christianity the essence is not so much about proclaiming what is right and wrong or indeed declaiming others as right or wrong but about God offering us all His salvation.

He was born that we might be forgiven.

MrC

Many many thanks to Graham Richards for putting us on to this one!

FairfaxChurchChrist | 07 January 2009 |  

 

This delightful parody written by Mark Brady tells the Christmas story in a new and...unique...way that will touch the hearts of generations to come. Enjoy!

Mr CatOLick has been to Greenland

Lesley's Blog: Day off guilt

Lesley's Blog: Day off guilt

Chris evans

Ho Ho Ho and a bottle of Rum.  Mixed metaphor I realise but it's cute.  I've been battling with Mr CatOLick's website today and I hope you like the outcome, there's a link above here I hope.Image by Vainsang via Flickr

I'm also playing about with this blogging lark and hoping that the various offers of help that vendors have provided me with make your stay here all the nicer.  If not then it's not been worth the effort!

However I am able to thank my friends at Twitter who have helped me to find copyright free stuff to use on the website. xxx

Tomorrow sees the publication of the Christmas Video and it will be better than anything Radio 2 can offer at York.  The synod juices are frozen, like the rest of the UK and i may give myself a break after Christmas. One thing's for sure, this www stuff is addictive. Bye bye for now.

Winter/Ice-age is here?

With the weather hitting the UK and Europe hard this winter speculation is building that we are on the brink of a new ice-age.  It all began with the electorate giving politicians the cold shoulder over  the the expenses row but it soon developed into a real chill during the elections of 2010.

The feeling here at MrC’s studio is that the situation may get worse before it ever gets better.  My prediction is that the government will be forced to put the kettling on more often.

Latest video

MrC interviews Cyril Smallpiece, international advisor for Anglican Churches this Christmas http://bit.ly/gFVG83

Synodical tradition in London and York

One of the other quaint practices that I have encountered at General Synod is that of eating out in a large group or in a more sinister styled group of two or three.  The latter being adopted by Bishops more ususally.  Then the tradition is to move on to a venue that stays open till late, say two in the morning.  We are uncertain how many Bishops adopt the ‘night owl’ part of the practice openly.

Anyhow the main preoccupation during the whole of the tradition in London is to talk about all the other members of synod who are not present at the table and to poo-poo their ideas, their dress sense, their predicted voting preferences and their general friendliness, or lack of it.

After this process has ended, which may take most of the evening, the tradition is that matters move on to who is likely to be the next Diocesan Bishop of ‘Wheresoever and Therewithal’.  It is thought that this is indeed the conversation most preferred by some Archdeacons and many a Suffragan.  The hilarity that ensues as each probable and improbable candidate is shoe horned into the prospect is a sight to see; with many a stocking clad leg being thrust into the air wantonly, as the ecstatic owner falls off her chair in unbounded laughter and derision.  Great fun is had by many.

What never fails to amaze me is that whilst these discussions can go on well into the night all  participants will be found in the chamber the following morning, and quite a few at synod too.

Of course at York none of this is applicable or at least the tradition is somewhat curtailed as the University security staff now bar all synod members from any rooms other than their beds after eleven.   The situation has become more desperate in recent years as more security staff have been pressed to control the nocturnal revelry of synod members.

Related articles

• Traditionalists make synod gains (bbc.co.uk)
• Religious do not have monopoly on virtue, Queen tells synod (guardian.co.uk)

Mr CatOLick chats to Pastor Dave.

Hello ladies and Gentlemen.

Here it is, the latest Video.  As promised, my interview with American (what an accent) Pastor Dave.

Watch it here.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsgEQsQ6teY

It is more polished that the last production and I do hope you enjoy it.  Next timeI hope to have some timely thoughts on 'Your Church' and the Christmas Season.

MrC

Synodical Tea Rooms

Well I thought I would talk to you about the tea rooms at church house during General synod last month.  Firstly, if you'r unfamiliar with the carry on there, the food is varied  offering both a cooked option as well as various sandwiches, well that is unless you arrive late and then its tuna.  The prices are good for London but I’m told that the food at the Methodist establishment over the road is more varied and cheaper.  In church house the tea and coffee are free!

The overall ambience of the room is a bit odd I’m afraid.  Certainly the wood panelled walls might have been ordered for the Bishops, to make them feel quite at home.  The panelling also has the effect of making the rest of us feel awkwardly superior compared to the student demonstrators ‘kettled’  in the wintry cold outside.

Image via Wikipedia I did espy a policeman in full riot gear charge through the main doors of church house and minutes later reappear from the lower floor.  He charged out again with a little less speed, this time zipping his trousers up as he ran.

That aside, it is the seating arrangements that are truly dire in the tea rooms during General synod.  Knowing that you’re Catering for over 400 members, guests and hangers on might enable you to ensure adequate seating.  It turns out that this is not the case at all. Yes there are tables and chairs, for about 100 at most, the rest have to perch where they can.  The grand wooden panelling and fine ceiling are exposed to the rag tag flopping about of ladies and gentlemen clutching plates of hot food and splashing tea cups close to one another.  The scene would be reminiscent of a debauched ball were it not for the sincere and often serious faces of the participants.

For myself I managed to sit on the floor in a corner of the room and espied the various members pottering about, looking hither and thither as to whom they might like to ‘sit’ next to, or more importantly who they might like to avoid.

Listening to the discussions can be interesting, especially at this synod because of the wheeling and dealings people get up to; such as asking for support for their election to various comittees and posts and suchlike.  They are very blatant.

In a rather amusing cameo, I espied a rather shiny trouser bottomed archdeacon from a northern diocese offering the very last tuna surprise to a short cassocked monk not used to such luxury food items.  I felt the religious grabbed the sandwich with rather more speed and confidence than he should be familiar with.

Hey Ho MrC

Related articles

• General Synod - press reports (thinkinganglicans.org.uk)
• Synod challenge (bbc.co.uk)

The Interview with Pastor Dave.

The Interview with Pastor Dave was recorded today and will be broadcast on Friday via Youtube.   The technical production issues continue to be improved and viewers will be treated to a more interesting style in this video.

Pastor Dave came over to the UK exclusively to be interviewed by MrC and we hoped for a very entertaining time with him.  In the event it was a somewhat intriguing interview with some odd happenings in the studio.  All will be revealed on Friday.

Tribute to Ruthie and Lesley

Mr C's Tribute to Ruthie and Lesley