A great faith for a big society
More than once I have heard myself speaking of living in an “uncomfortable church”. As I reflect on my eight or so years as a bishop I am drawn again to that understanding. Far from regretting this state of affairs I am somewhat heartened by it.
Since sitting in debates in General Synod in the 1990s where we struggled with contentious matters like the ordination of women and issues in human sexuality, I have come to appreciate a church which does its debating publicly and tries to handle its differences honestly.
Being human is gloriously messy and a faith which embraces that is unlikely to stray far from the message of its central symbol; the cross of Christ. That these debates continue to occupy us is a sign that we are not content to go for simple solutions, nor to underestimate the cost of conviction for others as well as ourselves.
Turning our attention to the bigger picture it is too much of a caricature to equate churchgoing with “comfortable Britain”. As we listen to the Gospel week by week we are provoked to personal confession, to seeking peace with our neighbours and to engagement in the plight of the world. The churches are the biggest reservoir of voluntary activity in the country and I am constantly heartened by stories of costly service and passion-ate advocacy. I hope we will offer robust involvement with the “Big Society” debate and not be afraid of uncomfortable conversations where quick-fix solutions are the only ones on offer.
It is an honour to be called into leadership in such a church and a privilege to serve clergy and people who work so tirelessly to offer a vision of human flourishing. St Paul writes that the creation groans in labour pains; so too those who know the Holy Spirit’s fullness yearn with hope. And the God in whom all things hold together will bring to completion his purposes for this “uncomfortable church”.
To him be praise, now and always.
Bishop of Brixworth
Bishop Donald meets Muslim leaders
Bishop Donald made his first visit to a mosque in the diocese recently when he held informal talks with a dozen Muslim leaders in Peterborough. Sunni and Shia imams, lay members of mosque councils and the Muslim Women’s Forum gathered at the Fezan e Madina mosque – the largest in the city – along with a local Roman Catholic priest and the pastor of the New Hope Church.
Bishop Donald told the group that he was excited about the commitment of faith and community leaders to live and work together in harmony. He explained that contrary to popular assumptions, the church does not have great influence over government and is sometimes marginalised in secular society. Different faith communities need to stand together to affirm the place of faith in society, and work together on moral and ethical issues, he said, a sentiment that was affirmed by the others present.
“Of course we don’t agree on all matters of what we believe,” he said. “The differences between us are import-ant, but there are big areas of agreement too.” He added that he would like to learn more about Islam from Muslims, and hoped that they would be able to hear what Christians believe from Christians themselves.
Retired clergy meet Bishop Donald
About 100 retired clergy, their spouses, and clergy widows packed Castor Church near Peterborough in July for their annual diocesan gathering.
It was the first time that many of those present had met Bishop Donald, who preached at the service. It was also an opportunity to renew old acquaintances and make new contacts. Among the congregation was the former Dean of Peter-borough, the Very Revd Michael Bunker, now living in Oundle, and a priest now retired to this diocese who had known Bishop Donald when he was in Cheshire.
Many retired clergy play a significant part in the life of the diocese by taking services in multi-parish benefices to support the full time clergy, or assisting parishes during clerical vacancies.
Working on a place of prayer
Tim Blewitt, Warden of Launde Abbey, the retreat house for the dioceses of Leicester and Peterborough, describes how the building work is progressing following the recent “Save Launde Abbey” appeal
Launde Abbey is a special place. It is a truly sacred space that has inspired a huge amount of support from individuals and churches. The “Save Launde Abbey” campaign last year, which enabled the current £2.6 million building work on the main house to start, is an example of that prayer filled inspiration.
The covenant relationship between Launde and the Peterborough Diocese continues to grow stronger. There is now a network of individuals, churches and diocesan groups that use the Abbey regularly.
The building work at Launde is moving on at a pace and the main house is being worked on from all sides. The 1950’s partition walls in the bedrooms have come down and the en-suite bathrooms are going in. The lift shaft and new stairwell have been created, new plumbing has been installed and large lengths of electric and internet cables have been laid.
A courtyard room has been built linking the two new dining rooms, which are almost finished. Scaffolding covers the front of the Abbey to allow the dormer gable windows to be rebuilt. There is also a scaffold tower up at the back of the house to enable work to a chimney stack that needs to be completely rebuilt.
A lot of the building work has already been done thanks to an immense amount of effort by so many people last year to raise the necessary funds. Without their generosity none of this would have been possible.
In the midst of all the building work Launde continues to receive guests in the Stables, where 19 bedrooms can sleep up to 29 people. The Oxford and Cambridge Hermitage provides another bedroom. The peace and the tranquillity of this sanctuary of prayer is being maintained. Every day the diocese is prayed for using the Peterborough Diocesan Cycle of Prayer.
For more information about the quiet days, residential retreats and family events offered at Launde Abbey visit www.launde.org.uk or call 01572 717254.
A welcome from the diocesan Guild of Vergers
Church vergers, who assist clergy in all sorts of practical tasks to ensure that weddings, funerals and other services run smoothly, are invited to join the Peterborough and Leicester branch of the Guild of Vergers.
The branch meets roughly once every two months either at Peterborough Cathedral or at another church location. They are part of the national Guild which was formed in 1932 and has the Archbishops of Canterbury and York as its Presidents.
Lance Bloom (pictured) of All Saints, Paston, Peterborough, is the Area Leader of the Guild and has been a verger for 28 years. He would encourage anyone who is involved in this ministry of hospitality, welcome and care to join the Guild and enjoy sharing ideas and experiences with fellow vergers.
“There is plenty of scope for anyone wanting to get involved,” he said. “You can even sit an exam to become a fellow of the Church of England Guild of Vergers.”
For more information contact Lance Bloom on 01733 320999, or email meridian@lancebloom.com or visit www.cofegv.org.uk.
September Events
Some events at churches around the diocese. More