DOZENS of Church of England leaders will be in Derby today to discuss whether women should be allowed to become bishops.
It will be one of the most important meetings that the Derby Diocesan Synod has had in recent times.
Bishops, clergy and laity will gather at St Alkmund's Church, Kedleston Road, to debate and vote on legislation by the church's national assembly, the General Synod, aimed at allowing women to become bishops in the Church of England.
Members of the Derby synod will also discuss funding and church schools.
Rob Marshall, spokesman for The Diocese of Derby, said: "For as long as I can remember, it's one of the most exciting agendas for the diocese, it includes education, ministry and finance."
More than 30 out of 43 diocesan synods have already voted. The Diocese of Lincoln is also holding a vote today.
The critical number of 23 votes in favour of female bishops has already been exceeded and the measure will return to the General Synod next summer for a final vote.
If approved, it will be sent to parliament for approval and Royal Assent.
The earliest likely date for a woman bishop to be appointed would be 2014.
After voting on the main motion today, synod members will be asked to vote on another motion aimed at providing those who cannot accept the creation of women bishops with greater provision in the Anglican Church.
Synod members will also look at the draft budget for funding the work of the Church of England in Derbyshire over next year.
And they will discuss how Church of England schools should respond to changes taking place in education since the coalition Government has come into power.
Mr Marshall said: "Church of England schools are one of the church's greatest achievements over many decades, and not least in Derbyshire.
"It's not just about educating church-goers but about creating a sense of community in an interfaith context."
The Bishop of Derby, Dr Alastair Redfern, will give a presidential address at the event. He is expected to speak on the recent visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury and to look ahead to 2012.
Saturday, 5 November 2011
Friday, 4 November 2011
Diocese of Derby - Remembrance Video
Really pleased with Remembrance Video
We put a lot of effort into this - and it was really good to get some veterans interviewed: take a look
The Church of England’s Diocese of Derby has produced a specially commissioned video involving ex-servicemen, local Royal British Legion officials, parish clergy and the Bishop of Derby to acknowledge a new generation of people taking up interest in the commemoration of Remembrance Day (11 November) and Remembrance Sunday (13 November).
The video is produced by 33rpm public relations.
In the ten minute video, broadcast from today on www.derby.anglican.org, the Bishop of Derby, Dr Alastair Redfern says: “As we approach Remembrance Sunday it’s very moving and exciting to see so many young people involved in the poppy collections and making an effort to remember. Derbyshire is strong in its uniformed organisations for young people and it’s very hopeful for our country that they are involved in this remembrance moment. You can almost see it being handed on to a new generation.”
One of his clergy, Revd Alicia Petty, Rector All Saints, Sawley says in the film that the nub of remembrance is the notion of sacrifice: “Along with many other churches across the country, we will be holding a Remembrance Service that will include veterans and members of the serving forces. Then we will process out to our local memorial where the rest of the community gather and the traffic stops and, together, we remember. It is really important for us to do that because not only are people still dying for good but there are people who are left behind and all of us need to gather and remember the sacrifices that have been made. Remembrance is more than just one Sunday in a year.”
In a moving contribution from Ex-Serviceman Ken Holton, who served in the Second World War, he explains: “I joined the Royal Navy as a boy in January 1941. Remembrance Sunday to me is something I remember with real feeling because so many of my comrades failed to return from patrol. Each patrol you came back and one of the submarines had been sunk and your comrades were gone. I like to remember all those who failed to return from their patrols, it’s very moving. People seem to do more now, they want to remember, especially the younger generation, I’ve found they want to be part of remembrance.”
Fred Lamb (Ex-REME) says: “We don’t get Government backing [for our Poppy Appeal], we rely on the public to subscribe on Poppy Day and, when you consider the conflicts we have had since the Second World War, this will give extra help to the [Royal British] Legion who will supplement the welfare of the ex-service personnel.”
We put a lot of effort into this - and it was really good to get some veterans interviewed: take a look
The Church of England’s Diocese of Derby has produced a specially commissioned video involving ex-servicemen, local Royal British Legion officials, parish clergy and the Bishop of Derby to acknowledge a new generation of people taking up interest in the commemoration of Remembrance Day (11 November) and Remembrance Sunday (13 November).
The video is produced by 33rpm public relations.
In the ten minute video, broadcast from today on www.derby.anglican.org, the Bishop of Derby, Dr Alastair Redfern says: “As we approach Remembrance Sunday it’s very moving and exciting to see so many young people involved in the poppy collections and making an effort to remember. Derbyshire is strong in its uniformed organisations for young people and it’s very hopeful for our country that they are involved in this remembrance moment. You can almost see it being handed on to a new generation.”
One of his clergy, Revd Alicia Petty, Rector All Saints, Sawley says in the film that the nub of remembrance is the notion of sacrifice: “Along with many other churches across the country, we will be holding a Remembrance Service that will include veterans and members of the serving forces. Then we will process out to our local memorial where the rest of the community gather and the traffic stops and, together, we remember. It is really important for us to do that because not only are people still dying for good but there are people who are left behind and all of us need to gather and remember the sacrifices that have been made. Remembrance is more than just one Sunday in a year.”
In a moving contribution from Ex-Serviceman Ken Holton, who served in the Second World War, he explains: “I joined the Royal Navy as a boy in January 1941. Remembrance Sunday to me is something I remember with real feeling because so many of my comrades failed to return from patrol. Each patrol you came back and one of the submarines had been sunk and your comrades were gone. I like to remember all those who failed to return from their patrols, it’s very moving. People seem to do more now, they want to remember, especially the younger generation, I’ve found they want to be part of remembrance.”
Fred Lamb (Ex-REME) says: “We don’t get Government backing [for our Poppy Appeal], we rely on the public to subscribe on Poppy Day and, when you consider the conflicts we have had since the Second World War, this will give extra help to the [Royal British] Legion who will supplement the welfare of the ex-service personnel.”
Sunday, 3 April 2011
Where have I been?
I know
very sorry!
Promise to do better.
My last two thought for the days on BBC Radio 4 are available on the
www.bbc.co.uk/religion site.
Rob
very sorry!
Promise to do better.
My last two thought for the days on BBC Radio 4 are available on the
www.bbc.co.uk/religion site.
Rob
Sunday, 13 February 2011
Humanism and Pentecostalism
Book Choice
Oxford University Press have been producing an imaginative series of condensed very short introductions to what can only be described as an “interesting” series of subject for several years now. Each book is pocket sized – it will fit easily into a lap top bag and weighs practically nothing – but these books really are brilliant for basic reference purposes. Two of the most recent titles in the series are Pentecostalism – by William K Kay and Humanism by Stephen Law.
Humanism, as opposed to secularism [two terms too infrequently confused in these days of perceived attacks on religion] is a pertinent topical subject. Law, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Heythrop College, University of London, provides us with an excellent introduction and further reading section as well as setting the debate about humanism firmly in an historical context. He looks also at arguments against the existence of God and what kind of moral code humanists are happy with. There are interesting chapters on humanist ceremonies (those awful funerals which are not funerals in a rite of passage kind of way) and a consideration of religious education and humanism.
But it is the chapter on humanism and secularism which I find the most interesting. “Secular societies developed in large measure because people recognized that there are dangers in allying states with religions.” Law believes that religious people should not seek extra favors of the state citing for example the point that when airlines ban their staff from wearing any type of jewelry, which also includes religious symbols. So this is a fascinating pocket guide packed with useful information.
Less important but still interesting for the light that it throws on Pentecostalism is William Kay’s book of the same title. Understanding how Pentecostalism was critically important to 20th century Christian expression is at the heart of this book and, as such, that contribution is only really now being appreciated.
The Chronology is fascinating. It shows that whilst events relating to the rise and rise of Pentecostalism were unfolding- their impact on other churches and society at large were broadly unappreciated at the time.
Rob Marshall
Oxford University Press have been producing an imaginative series of condensed very short introductions to what can only be described as an “interesting” series of subject for several years now. Each book is pocket sized – it will fit easily into a lap top bag and weighs practically nothing – but these books really are brilliant for basic reference purposes. Two of the most recent titles in the series are Pentecostalism – by William K Kay and Humanism by Stephen Law.
Humanism, as opposed to secularism [two terms too infrequently confused in these days of perceived attacks on religion] is a pertinent topical subject. Law, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Heythrop College, University of London, provides us with an excellent introduction and further reading section as well as setting the debate about humanism firmly in an historical context. He looks also at arguments against the existence of God and what kind of moral code humanists are happy with. There are interesting chapters on humanist ceremonies (those awful funerals which are not funerals in a rite of passage kind of way) and a consideration of religious education and humanism.
But it is the chapter on humanism and secularism which I find the most interesting. “Secular societies developed in large measure because people recognized that there are dangers in allying states with religions.” Law believes that religious people should not seek extra favors of the state citing for example the point that when airlines ban their staff from wearing any type of jewelry, which also includes religious symbols. So this is a fascinating pocket guide packed with useful information.
Less important but still interesting for the light that it throws on Pentecostalism is William Kay’s book of the same title. Understanding how Pentecostalism was critically important to 20th century Christian expression is at the heart of this book and, as such, that contribution is only really now being appreciated.
The Chronology is fascinating. It shows that whilst events relating to the rise and rise of Pentecostalism were unfolding- their impact on other churches and society at large were broadly unappreciated at the time.
Rob Marshall
Monday, 3 January 2011
Happy New Year
Very honoured to be asked to do Thought for the Day on Radio 4 on New Year's day.
here's a link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/programmes/thought/
here's a link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/programmes/thought/
Monday, 13 December 2010
Visit to the Holy Land
Address given at St Mary Abbots, London
Sunday 12th December
“You who call evil good and good evil; who put darkness for light and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”
Isaiah 5.20
1. I am just back from a 10 day visit to the Middle East; based in Israel we toured the borders of Jordan, Syria, Lebanon as well as visiting the Palestinian Authority Area.
2. In this season of Advent we look to the great themes of
Bethlehem
Peace
Coming again of Jesus
3. George Mitchell returns this week to the region to try to restart the peace process all over again.
Israel/Palestinians/US/EU have all issued statements appealing to both sides to keep on talking.
4. Peace between Israel and the Palestinians – massive piece in the world peace jigsaw
5. Key issues:
The right of the Palestinians to have autonomous area with all resources
The removal of several Israeli settlements on Palestinian land
6. To understand the complexity of the area it is worth looking at three towns which feature in Christianity to remind ourselves of how the land is complicated.
Nazareth: relatively peaceful/Israeli Arabs/sees few problems
Bethlehem: separated by the horrendous wall: monument to human failure
Jerusalem: divided between East (Arab) and West (Jewish)
7. Amos Oz: “We are talking not about guilt and penitence but about concluding a sensible agreement between two parties with no love lost between them.”
8. What we learn, of course, that the history of Israel is consistent with the kind of issues we are facing today – t’was ever thus.
A quest for God’s peace in a hostile world
Jesus wept over the City and prayed that God’s Kingdom would come
9. Bernard Lewis – in his new book Faith & Power writes:
“With steadfastness and patience, it may now be possible at last to bring both justice and freedom to the long tormented peoples of the Middle East.”
“You who call evil good and good evil; who put darkness for light and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”
Isaiah 5.20
Don’t use semantics to cloud the real questions facing the Middle East.
Sunday 12th December
“You who call evil good and good evil; who put darkness for light and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”
Isaiah 5.20
1. I am just back from a 10 day visit to the Middle East; based in Israel we toured the borders of Jordan, Syria, Lebanon as well as visiting the Palestinian Authority Area.
2. In this season of Advent we look to the great themes of
Bethlehem
Peace
Coming again of Jesus
3. George Mitchell returns this week to the region to try to restart the peace process all over again.
Israel/Palestinians/US/EU have all issued statements appealing to both sides to keep on talking.
4. Peace between Israel and the Palestinians – massive piece in the world peace jigsaw
5. Key issues:
The right of the Palestinians to have autonomous area with all resources
The removal of several Israeli settlements on Palestinian land
6. To understand the complexity of the area it is worth looking at three towns which feature in Christianity to remind ourselves of how the land is complicated.
Nazareth: relatively peaceful/Israeli Arabs/sees few problems
Bethlehem: separated by the horrendous wall: monument to human failure
Jerusalem: divided between East (Arab) and West (Jewish)
7. Amos Oz: “We are talking not about guilt and penitence but about concluding a sensible agreement between two parties with no love lost between them.”
8. What we learn, of course, that the history of Israel is consistent with the kind of issues we are facing today – t’was ever thus.
A quest for God’s peace in a hostile world
Jesus wept over the City and prayed that God’s Kingdom would come
9. Bernard Lewis – in his new book Faith & Power writes:
“With steadfastness and patience, it may now be possible at last to bring both justice and freedom to the long tormented peoples of the Middle East.”
“You who call evil good and good evil; who put darkness for light and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”
Isaiah 5.20
Don’t use semantics to cloud the real questions facing the Middle East.
Friday, 26 November 2010
A Case of Exploding Mangoes: Mohammed Hanif
I decided not, in the end, to put this first novel for Hanif on the book club reading list for the Book Club I run.
It is a very readable, fast moving and humorous novel and it is well written.
It is an attempt to answer the question as to why a Hercules C130 aircraft carrying Pakistan's military dictator, General Zia ul Haq, crashed without explanation.
Weaving a series of plots and stories which, at times become confusing and occasionally difficult to follow - the novel is a good introduction to this part of the world.
It's a good book for the train or the bus - and leaves you asking a lot of questions about humanity and humour.
It is a very readable, fast moving and humorous novel and it is well written.
It is an attempt to answer the question as to why a Hercules C130 aircraft carrying Pakistan's military dictator, General Zia ul Haq, crashed without explanation.
Weaving a series of plots and stories which, at times become confusing and occasionally difficult to follow - the novel is a good introduction to this part of the world.
It's a good book for the train or the bus - and leaves you asking a lot of questions about humanity and humour.
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