Gazette

The Church o
f
Ireland
www.gazette.ireland.anglican.org FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2010 Price 60p/80c
editorial 2 Home news 3 - 6 world news 7 Focus 8 & 9 columnists 10 - 12
T
he Bishop of Derry
and Raphoe, the
Rt Revd Ken Good,
has welcomed the award-
ing of substantial grants by
the International Fund for
Ireland to two parishes in
derry diocese - all saints,
clooney, in the waterside
area of Londonderry, and
Maghera.
The funding will enable the
employment of staff, running
of programmes and building
of facilities that will benefit
the whole community.
all saints caring
Association, linked to All
saints, clooney, has received
almost 600,000 to allow the
organisation to develop a
programme of community
and cross-community activi-
ties, as well as redeveloping
its stewart community Hall
on the citys Glendermott
Road.
The Revd Malcolm Ferry,
rector of all saints, said his
parishioners believed wor-
ship should connect in a
meaningful way with those
in the surrounding area.
He continued: all saints
Caring Association was born
out of social conscience, as a
vehicle for bringing this idea
into reality. There is a track
record of delivering advice on
social need and an informed
approach to cross-communi-
ty programmes. Therefore, we
recognised that what we need-
ed was a dedicated building.
we were already delivering
and the International Fund
for Ireland recognised this.
Maghera Parish Caring
Association, linked to
Maghera parish, was award-
ed similar substantial fund-
ing. The grant will enable
the employment of three
full-time staff and delivery of
community programmes, as
well as a substantial refur-
bishment of the parish cen-
tre. The development of new
initiatives will benefit every-
thing from peace-building,
youth work and work with
senior citizens to the provi-
sion of shared public spaces
in Maghera, a diocesan state-
ment indicated.
maghera parishs strategic
plan and funding applica-
tion were prepared during
the time of the Revd Robert
Miller as rector. Last January,
Mr Miller left Maghera to take
up the post of rector of Christ
Church, Culmore, Muff and
st Peters in londonderry.
Maghera parish is currently
vacant.
Mr Miller attributed the
success in achieving funding
to a team effort in the par-
ish, adding: we are grateful
for cross-community political
support given to the work of
Maghera Caring Association.
The Revd Mark Lennox
is currently Community
Outreach Officer for the
Maghera Caring Association.
He commented: The ini-
tiatives enabled by this grant
funding come in line with
the diocesan commitment to
Transforming Community
radiating christ. we feel a
sense of excitement at what
God is going to do through
these new initiatives.
Bishop Good welcomed the
initiative taken by the parish of
all saints, clooney, to engage
practically with the commu-
nity, adding: im delighted
that the International Fund
for Ireland has agreed to the
funding of a substantial new
resource to make this work
even more effective. I com-
mend the rector and select
vestry for the courageous ini-
tiative they have taken and
feel sure this project will ben-
efit a large number of people
in the community.
Bishop Good also wel-
comed the decision of the
International Fund for
Ireland to make the award to
Maghera parish. He said that
the parish had a proven track
record of engagement with
the wider community and
added that he was confident
that the community will be
enriched by the work that will
flow from this project.
Bishop Good welcomes major
funding boost for parish projects
Bishop Ken Good
Est. 1856
The Church of Ireland
Editorial, Advertising and
Circulation
3, Wallace Avenue, Lisburn
BT27 4AA
Telephone: 028 9267 5743
(from Republic 048 9267 5743)
Fax: 028 9266 7580
e-mail:gazette@ireland.anglican.org
www.gazette.ireland.anglican.org
Hours: 9.00am - 1.00pm
Editor:
Canon Ian Ellis
Assistant Editor:
The Revd Clifford Skillen
Assistant Editor Online:
The Revd Craig McCauley
Office Manager:
Ella McLoughlin
Office Administrator:
Leah Grant
Classified Advertisements
(which must be prepaid) 8 / 12
(maximum 20 words);
Semi Display and
Display advertisements 5 / 8
per single column cm.
(minimum 5cm);
17.5% V.A.T. payable on all
N.I. advertising.
Advertisements should reach the
above address on the Friday prior to
date of publication.
The views expressed in the features,
news reports, letters and book re-
views are not necessarily those of
the Editor. Editorial comment and
other articles do not necessarily con-
tain the official views of the Church of
Ireland. The Editor reserves the right
to decline any advertisement, letter
or other material without assigning
any reason. Publication of advertis-
ments does not necessarily imply
endorsement of products or services
advertised.
Registered as a newspaper
at the G.P.O.
Typesetting and Make-up by
In-House Publications
Tel: 028 3835 5060
Printed by
Spectator Newspapers, Bangor
Gazette
Gazette View 2 - FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2010 CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE
Editorial
INTER-ANGLICAN THEOLOGY
A
recent meeting of the Theological
Education for the Anglican
Communion (TEAC-2) group in
Canterbury took particular note of work
done by the earlier TEAC Working Party
which resulted in the Signposts state-
ment, setting out the essentials of the
Anglican way.
The Signposts statement - identifying
Anglicans as (a) Formed by Scripture, (b)
Shaped through worship, (c) Ordered for
Communion, and (d) Directed by Gods
mission - had been a resource for reflec-
tion at the Lambeth Conference of 2008
on the subject of Anglican identity. The
Canterbury TEAC-2 meeting, chaired by
Canadian Archbishop Colin Johnson, saw
the statement as also providing a use-
ful framework for theological education
generally, and set out the groups own
aims and its priorities for future work: the
facilitation of networking, the develop-
ment of resources, funding issues, com-
munication and advocacy.
A statement following the Canterbury
meeting announced the groups inten-
tion of holding a consultation for theolog-
ical college principals, as well as building
further on the work done at a consulta-
tion organised for women theology teach-
ers in 2008. A database of Anglican teach-
ers of theology and an updating of lists
of theological institutions were planned,
and more booklets on the Signposts
themes were promised. The translation
of key resources from English into the
various languages spoken in the Anglican
Communion is already work in progress,
and this is to continue.
It was clear that the Canterbury TEAC-2
meeting was businesslike and focused on
the strategy needed for the development
of theological education throughout the
Communion. Those who organised the
meeting and led it are to be congratulated
on forwarding this important project for
Anglicans globally.
Theology is not a luxury in the Church,
nor may it be seen as an ivory tower
exercise. Without theology, the Church
lacks the benefit of informed insight into
the faith itself, the guidance that we all
need in approaching difficult questions
and, not least, the ability to contend for
the faith in a world of much unbelief,
doubt and scepticism.
The world needs the good news of the
Gospel, but the communication of that
good news requires men and women prop-
erly prepared for the task. The integration
of this theological education project as a
Communion-wide enterprise represents
an approach to theology in the Church
that is both realistic and imaginative.
Liturgical Notes
28th March
The SixTh Sunday in LenT
Palm Sunday
Liturgical colour: red or Violet

There seems to be confusion about what readings to use at the principal
service. If you are not having a service with palm leaves at the beginning of
a service, the main focus of the Scripture readings should be on a reading
of the Passion story, Luke 22: 14-23: 56 which may be shortened to Luke
23: 1-49.
Luke 19: 28-40 and Psalm 118: 1, 2, 19-29 are for the extra at the begin-
ning of the service. Not to read the Passion story deprives the vast majority
of Sunday congregations of hearing the story of the suffering and death
of our Lord. The Passion in dramatised form may be found on several
websites and where a Service of the Word is used, a way of presenting the
Passion story can be found in Celebrating the Word (Canterbury Press,
2004) on pages 55 and 56.
The other readings - isaiah 50: 4-9a and Philippians 2: 5-11 - are the same
each Palm Sunday and focus on our Lord as the Suffering Servant.

anGLican cycLe OF Prayer
Prayer is for the Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem,
the Rt Revd Suheil Dawani, and for the peace of the Holy Land.

J.a.B.M.
21st March
The FiFTh Sunday in LenT
Liturgical colour: Violet
This Sunday is the beginning of the latter part of
Lent known as Passiontide.
The Festival of the annunciation of our Lord (colour: White)
is on Thursday.

In the first reading, isaiah 43: 16-21, the prophet of the exile recalls Israels
deliverance from Egypt long before and expects God to do a new thing to
deliver his people.
Psalm 126 is a psalm of hope: Those who sow in tears will reap with songs
of joy.
In the second reading, Philippians 3: 4b-14, Paul declares that to know the
crucified Christ and the power of his resurrection is to have a totally new
set of values.
John 12: 1-8, the Gospel reading, is the beautiful story of Jesus acceptance
of the extravagant outpouring of costly perfume at the supper at Bethany.
anGLican cycLe OF Prayer
We pray for the Liturgical Consultation, its participants and secretary,
as they resource, promote and strengthen the worshipping life of the
Anglican Communion.
revised common Lectionary
Home News CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2010 - 3
T
he present wide
divergence and diver-
sity among mission
agencies in the Anglican
Communion is contributing
to the divisions within the
Anglican Communion itself
and threatening Anglican
unity, Canon Patrick
Comerford told a recent ecu-
menical gathering.
Those divisions and diver-
sity separating the different
mission agencies within the
Anglican tradition of the
Church reflect the divisions
within Anglicanism today
and have also contributed in
a large measure to creating
those divisions, he said.
Canon Comerford was
delivering the annual ecu-
menical lecture-sermon at St
Patricks College, Kiltegan, Co.
Wicklow. Director of Spiritual
Formation at the Church of
Ireland Theological Institute
in Dublin, he is a former
chair of the Association of
Mission Societies; has worked
for CMS Ireland and the
Dublin University Far Eastern
Mission; and is on the board of
USPG Ireland and the council
of USPG in Great Britain.
He went on to say that the
divisions between the mis-
sion agencies and within
Anglicanism can be damag-
ing not only for the witness
and mission of one tradition
within the Church but also
for the witness and mission
of the whole Anglican tradi-
tion - indeed, for that whole
one Church, the Church
Catholic.
Canon Comerford believed
the rift threatening to divide
the Anglican Communion
meant that, for example,
African bishops and arch-
bishops were sending mis-
sionaries and priests to North
America not to convert non-
Christians or to plant church-
es, but to win away members
of the Anglican or Episcopal
Church (TEC).
True mission, he asserted,
like true ecumenism, is more
concerned with the Good
News than with good state-
ments; is more concerned
with proclaiming justice than
passing judgment; is more
concerned with mission than
with conformity; and rejoices
in diversity by finding our
unity in the Word of God.
The emergence of a shal-
low fundamentalism that is
lacking in real spirituality and
which promotes a feel-good
factor but not discipleship,
he continued, threatens the
Church in all its expressions
in various guises. It is, by
nature, opposed to all ecu-
menism.
Canon Comerford con-
cluded his lecture by describ-
ing the present crisis in the
Church in Ireland as the
most immediate challenge
we face in ecumenism and in
mission: a crisis of confidence
in integrity, in morality, in the
life, witness and mission of
the Church.
It is a crisis that is so deep
that it is a barrier to many
people ever being open again
to receiving the ministry of
Word and Sacrament in their
lives. It is a crisis that has
dealt a severe blow to the
whole Church, not just to one
part of the Church, and if we
fail to face this crisis as part-
ners in the Gospel and fail to
walk on the road together, we
will fail to allow the Church to
be transformed by the risen
Christ.
Mission agencies diversity
threatening Anglican unity - Canon Comerford
Pictured at the ecumenical lecture in Kiltegan are (from left) Fr Joe Cantwell of Kiltegan;
Canon Patrick Comerford; Archbishop Walton Empey; the rector of Kiltegan, the Revd Stella
Durand; and Fr Ned Grace of Kiltegan.
Dublin group brave weather to engage with Haiti suffering
By Garrett Casey
M
embers of the con-
gregation of CORE,
Diocese of Dublin,
and friends recently braved
overnight sub-zero tempera-
tures to take part in a 24-hour
fast and sleep-out which raised
over 20,000 (including pledg-
es) for the work of Tearfund in
earthquake-struck Haiti.
The group started the fast
and sleep-out at 8.00pm on
a bitterly cold Friday evening
and continued until 8.00pm
the following day. Amongst
those participating were law-
yers, accountants, architects
and clergy and they spent
the night in tents and sleep-
ing bags at the top of Grafton
Street, one of Dublins busiest
pedestrian thoroughfares.
According to one of the
organisers, the Revd Rob
Jones, curate-assistant
of CORE, with over two
hundred thousand peo-
ple dead and over a million
homeless as a result of the
earthquake, it is hard to
understand the magnitude of
the disaster in Haiti.
Through a very small ges-
ture of inconvenience, we are
trying to engage with, and
appreciate, the suffering there
and, at the same time, raise
desperately-needed finance.
All those involved in this event
want the beneficiaries of our
efforts to know that we are
aware of their hardship and
stand with them.
Tearfund Ireland, through
World Relief Haiti, will use the
funds to support the Kings
Hospital in Haiti, which is one
of the few functioning hos-
pitals in the capital, Port-au-
Prince, and has already set up
and supplied three operating
theatres, staffed by American
and Haitian surgeons, doctors
and nurses.
The Revd Rob Jones (left) and Nico Dowling, of Atlas Language
School, collecting for the work of Tearfund in Haiti in the
course of COREs 24-hour sitout.
Home News 4 - FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2010 CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE
Ordinand recounts experience
in Methodist Church placement
By Jon Scarfe
A
s part of my train-
ing as an ordinand at
the Church of Ireland
Theological Institute, I
recently completed an eight-
week Sunday placement with
the Dublin Central Mission
(DCM) and Blanchardstown
Methodist church.
Why the Methodist Church,
you might ask? First, it was
important to me as present-
ing a practical way of fur-
thering and utilising the
Church of Ireland/Methodist
Covenant and second, I saw
it as a good way of gaining
experience outside my own
denominational tradition.
As the Sundays passed, I
came to feel very much part
of the DCM, though the style
of worship was very different
from that to which I was used.
I helped to lead worship, as
well as giving childrens talks,
preaching and even singing
with the Praise Group.
Though based in the DCM,
I was very fortunate to be able
to attend Blanchardstown
Methodist, a new church plant
in the suburbs of Dublin.
It very much demonstrated
to me how important it is for
the Church to grow; reach out
into new communities; and
build the kingdom.
My experience in the
Methodist Church was very
informative and character-
changing and enabled me
to grow further both in my
spiritual life and in that of
the Methodist tradition. My
prayer is that as I continue in
ministry, I will be able to forge
closer links between our two
Churches which historically
have had such close ties.
Whats On
Whats On provides a free notice box
in the Gazette for Church events:

Maximum 15 words Same notice only twice Entries must come from
clergy or Select Vestry secretaries Entries by email only to gazette@ireland.
anglican.org Entries to be clearly marked in the email subject line for
Whats On Inclusion at the editors discretion and as space permits
Fivemiletown Parish Hall, Barn Dance and Curry Night, 19th March,
tickets from Parish Office.
Enniskillen Cathedral Hall, MU Coffee Morning, Saturday 20th
March, 10.00am-12noon.
Tempo Church Hall, Tempo Parish Auction, Saturday 20th March,
1.30pm.
Drum Village Hall, Co. Monaghan, Bring and Buy Sale, Tuesday 23rd
March.
Cassandra Hand Centre, Clones, Study of St Matthews Gospel,
Christopher Steed, 24th March, 8.00pm.
Enniskillen Cathedral, Healing Service, Thursday 25th March,
1.05pm.
Saddlers Restaurant, Enniskillen, Crosslinks lunch, with Trevor
Johnston, Saturday 27th March, 12.30pm, tel. 9079 6028.
Clabby Church Hall, Car Boot Sale, Saturday 27th March, 11.00am.
St Columbas Hall, Omagh, Craft Fair, Friends of the Cancer Centre,
Belfast, 27th March, 10.00am-4.00pm.
St Polycarps, Finaghy, Stainers The Crucifixion, Sunday 28th March,
at 7.00pm.
St Macartins Hall, Enniskillen, Easter Coffee Morning, Saturday 29th
March, 10.00am-12noon.
Derryvullen South Parish Hall, Passover Service with Dr Kris
Baranuik, Wednesday 31st March, 8.00pm.
Clogher Diocesan Holy Land Pilgrimage, Monday 5th - Sunday 11th
April.
Sinn Fin supports
Protestant schools in Republic
A
t the annual Sinn Fin
Ard Fheis held in Dublin
earlier this month, a
motion in the name of the Ard
Chomhairle (the party leader-
ship) was resolved, declaring
the partys view that the Irish
Government approach to
withdrawing the support serv-
ices grant to Protestant fee-
charging schools is wrong.
The resolution continued:
We believe that a process
should be laid out so that
steps can be put in place in
order to bring these schools
fully into the public educa-
tion system with adequate
supports for those who need
them. The ultimate objective
should be a complete end to
the charging of fees.
It was also indicated in
the resolution that Sinn Fin
understands the frustra-
tion felt by parents in the
Protestant community at
having no choice but to pay
fees so that their children can
attend a school in their cho-
sen ethos.
The resolution continued:
We recognise that this is the
product of an outdated and
antiquated overall education
policy and a government ide-
ology that has spurred on the
creeping commodification of
education.
We believe that all edu-
cation should be public and
funded by progressive taxa-
tion, and that nobody should
have to pay privately to obtain
an education. To this end, we
call on the Irish Government
to ensure that all private
schools are brought fully into
the public education system,
in a manner that recognises
and respects the rights of par-
ents of all faiths and none to
have their children educated
in their chosen ethos.
Dean of Sydney to speak
at evening reception during
May General Synod
T
he Irish Church
Missions (ICM) is plan-
ning to host an evening
reception for members
of General Synod and oth-
ers on Thursday 6th May, at
7.30pm, in the ICM building,
28 Bachelors Walk, Dublin.
The guest speaker will be
the Dean of St Andrews
Cathedral, Sydney, the Very
Revd Phillip Jensen, who will
speak on the subject of Why
I am an Anglican.
Dean Jensen is a regular
speaker at conventions and
a sought-after speaker in
Australia and internation-
ally as an evangelist noted
for his perceptive and incisive
expository Bible preaching.
He has been involved in full-
time ministry for 30 years as
an evangelist, church planter
and Bible teacher.
He is the author of many
books, including By Gods
Word (Vol. I and II), Prayer
and the Voice of God, Guidance
and the Voice of God and the
Gospel presentation, Two
Ways to Live.
As well as initiating a
number of significant
organizations, including the
Ministry Training Strategy
and Matthias Media, Dean
Jensen is director of MTD,
which provides ongoing
training for ministers in the
Diocese of Sydney.
(It is possible to read Dean
Jensens articles on his web-
site: www.phillipjensen.com,
or listen to him preaching
or addressing current issues
with a practical biblical per-
spective on: The Chat Room
or Ask Phillip.)
Dean Phillip Jensen
Home News CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2010 - 5
Canon Terry Cadden, rector of Seagoe, Portadown, Diocese
of Dromore (left), is congratulated by Dean Stephen Lowry
following Mr Caddens recent installation as a canon of
Dromore Cathedral.
T
here are three church-
es in the Mallow union
- St James, Mallow;
St Marys, Doneraile; and St
Marys, Castletownroche - all
of which are active.
St James is a Gothic-style
building, with a very distinc-
tive H shape, a tower and
steeple at one end and a large
chancel at the other.
It was originally built in the
1820s to accommodate 800
people, but with the removal
of the side galleries, it now
holds about 350. The church
was built in the grounds of
the much older St Annes
church, which stands as a
ruin nearby.
The Eucharist is celebrated
on Sundays at 12noon and
Morning Prayer on Mondays,
Thursdays and Fridays at
9.30am. The Eucharist is
also held on Wednesdays
at 11.00am and coffee
and prayer takes place on
Wednesdays at 4.00pm.
St Marys, Castletownroche,
was built in 1825 with a loan
of 1,250 from the Board of
First Fruits. The site of the
church is quite striking, occu-
pying a little hill overlooking
the river and set apart from
the hill on which the main
street of the village is built.
St Marys has a tall, slen-
der spire which is very strik-
ing, especially when viewed
from the river bank near the
Fermoy road.
There is a service in
Castletownroche each
Sunday at 10.30am.
St Marys, Doneraile, has
been used by the Church of
Ireland congregation in the
area since it was built in
1633.
A ring of six bells was pre-
sented by Lady Castletown
of Upper Ossory in 1890 and
the parish still enjoys the
privilege of being one of the
very few country churches
boasting a peal of bells. The
bell, which originally called
people to worship as far back
as 1636, still sits in the porch
of Doneraile church.
The Eucharist is celebrated
in Doneraile each Sunday at
9.15am.
The present rector, the Revd
Denis MacCarthy, was insti-
tuted in 2008 and is assisted
by Avril Gubbins, who has
been a diocesan reader since
2003, and Olive Buckley.
The youth of the parish are
valued for their presence and
their gifts in the enrichment
of the community in the
here and now, as opposed
to simply being perceived
as the future Church. There
is a Saturday morning Bible
Club and an active Youth
Club fortnightly at St James.
The Mallow branch of the
Mothers Union and mem-
bers friends normally meet
on the third Tuesday of the
month in St James hall.
Parish Profile is a series of
occasional articles by Harry
Allen.
Parish Profile
Mallow Union of Parishes,
Diocese of Cloyne
By Harry Allen
Young people pictured in St James church, Mallow, at
harvest time
Archbishop of Armagh issues
statement on policing and justice
T
he historic cross-commu-
nity vote in the Northern
Ireland Assembly on
Tuesday 9th March to approve
the arrangements for the
devolution of policing and
justice powers to Northern
Ireland is warmly to be wel-
comed. It now remains for the
Northern Ireland Executive
and the political parties in the
Assembly to move decisively
to address the many problems
facing Northern Ireland.
The voting in the Assembly
also demonstrated the impor-
tance and legitimacy of prin-
cipled opposition. This was
important in showing the
ability of robust institutions to
express difference whilst, at the
same time, being committed to
the acceptance of democrati-
cally endorsed decisions. Even
in the context of a mandatory
coalition, principled opposi-
tion is required in order to hold
the executive to account.
The people of Northern
Ireland have shown a set-
tled will to build a peace-
ful and inclusive future. The
Churches have also consist-
ently expressed their own
commitment to peace and the
delivery of a shared future. St
Peter, quoting Psalm 34, urged
his readers to seek peace and
pursue it. The vote on Tuesday
and the general reception in
the community at its outcome
is another significant step in
pursuit of the truly peaceful
society for which we all long.
Home News 6 - FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2010 CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE
Ruth Mercer (front row, 2nd
left) is pictured following her
recent commissioning in St
Patricks Cathedral, Armagh, as
Mothers Union (MU) All Ireland
President, with her husband,
Richard (front row, 2nd right),
Bishop Richard Henderson,
MU All Ireland Chaplain (left),
and Archbishop Alan Harper.
Mrs Mercer was accompanied
by members of her family (back
row, from left) son-in-law, Gary
McGowan; daughter, Jenny
McGowan; daughter-in-law,
Karen Mercer; and son, Ralph
Mercer. The commission-
ing of the All Ireland Board of
Trustees also took place at this
service.
MU All Ireland President commissioned
C. of I. delegation on
Civil Partnership Bill
A
delegation represent-
ing the General Synods
Standing Committee
last week met with officials
of the Republics Department
of Justice to discuss the Civil
Partnership Bill.
The delegation consisted of
Bishops Michael Jackson and
Ken Clarke, Canon Katharine
Poulton and Sam Harper.
A spokesman for the Church
of Ireland told the Gazette:
The meeting was at the
request of the Department of
Justice, following on a submis-
sion by Bishop Jackson and
the Standing Committee on
the Civil Partnership Bill.
The group expressed the
view that many in the Church
of Ireland would welcome
the legislation and that it was
important that Government
legislated for all its citizens.
They did, however, raise issues
relating to freedom of con-
science and property.
In response to a request
for further information on
those issues, the Gazette was
told that some members of
the delegation had expressed
concern over freedom of con-
science issues for registrars
who may have objections to
participating in civil partner-
ship ceremonies for same-sex
couples.
The issues of property, we
were told, related to the avail-
ability of parish halls under
the Equal Status Act in respect
of goods and services. We
were told that clarity was also
sought on the issue of Church
halls that were not made com-
mercially available, and that
Department officials had said
they would respond on that
point.
Asked if the delegation had
conveyed a request from the
Church of Ireland for a rel-
evant freedom of conscience
provision to be introduced,
the Church spokesman told
the Gazette that the concerns
raised did not represent a
formal request for any spe-
cific amendments in terms
of a conscience clause, add-
ing: The representatives of
the Minister for Justice made
it clear that the Minister has
already considered similar
representations from other
groups and that he has taken a
decision that such an exemp-
tion would not be in the pub-
lic interest.
The Gazette was further told
that the Church of Ireland
group suggested that with
regard to professional civil
servants who, as State employ-
ees, feel personally compro-
mised were they to act as regis-
trars of such civil partnerships
because of their Christian
faith and practice, and others
who find themselves person-
ally compromised, some way
of respecting their scruple
should be found when the Bill
is enacted as law.
Former Belfast Mission
to Seafarers chaplain
honoured
C
anon Douglas Goddard,
who was senior chap-
lain to the Mission to
Seafarers in the port of Belfast
from 1975 until his retirement
last year, recently received
two awards in recognition of
his long and distinguished
service within the maritime
community.
The Secretary General of
the Mission to Seafarers, the
Revd Tom Heffer, presented
Canon Goddard with the title
Chaplain Emeritus. He is the
first recipient of the award,
having given 35 years service
with the Society.
In addition, the Shipwrecked
Mariners Society presented
Canon Goddard with the
Stoakes Award, recognising
his 28 years service as its local
honorary agent in Belfast.
Canon Goddard said:
Naturally, I am delighted
with both awards and particu-
larly touched by the personal
gift of Chaplain Emeritus
from the Secretary General
of the Mission to Seafarers.
However, I also acknowledge
the support of many people,
too numerous to number, who
have shared the ministry.
While he has stepped down
as senior chaplain, Canon
Goddard will continue to help
with events over the next year,
as the Mission to Seafarers in
Belfast celebrates its 150th
anniversary.
Canon Douglas Goddard pictured with his two awards
World News
CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE FRIDAY 19 mARCH 2010 - 7
South African theologian
dies in drowning accident
S
outh African theolo-
gian, Steve de Gruchy,
who died recently in
a river accident near the
Drakensberg mountains, has
been hailed as a pioneer in
Church activism, economic
and ecological justice.
The 48-year-old University
of KwaZulu-Natal professor
drowned after he fell off a
river tube on the mooi River.
Prof. de Gruchy waved to
his 15-year-old son, David,
that he was alright, but did
not reappear. His body was
recovered 700 metres down-
stream some days after the
accident.
The General Secretary
of the World Alliance of
Reformed Churches, the Revd
Setri Nyomi, said: We have
lost a great theologian and
one who understands our
Christian calling and mission
to be intricately linked with
being Gods agents of trans-
formation and justice in the
world.
The Revd Prince Dibeela,
of the United Congregational
Church of Southern Africa,
who serves on a governing
body of the World Council
of Churches, called Prof. de
Gruchy a God-loving son of
Africa. He highlighted the
theologians drive to make the
Church a presence in social
ethics, noting how Prof. de
Gruchy had been a conscien-
tious objector against mili-
tary conscription during the
apartheid era.
While studying at the
University of Cape Town, he
had been active in student
protests against apartheid.
Prof. de Gruchy was a
signatory of the Kairos
Document, a cornerstone in
the campaign to have apart-
heid declared a heresy.
The son of theologian,
John de Gruchy, he is sur-
vived by his wife, marion,
and children, Thea Siphokasi,
David maphakela and Kate
Tshiamo. [ENI]
Prof. Steve de Gruchy (Photo: ENS/Schjonberg)
Muslim woman in Canada
expelled over face veil files complaint
A
muslim woman has
filed a human rights
complaint after she was
expelled from a Canadian col-
lege for refusing to remove her
face veil.
The Egyptian-born woman,
who is a permanent resident
of Canada, was enrolled in
a government-sponsored
French language class for
new immigrants in montreal,
Quebec.
The school, CGEP St
Laurent, expelled her in
November 2009, after she
refused to remove her niqab,
a veil that covers the face with
only a slit for the eyes.
The school argued that
the niqab interfered with the
language teaching, since part
of the class involved proper
elocution and seeing how a
person pronounced words in
French.
For the teacher, it was more
difficult to hear her, and it was
more difficult for all the peo-
ple to understand what she
had to say, said the schools
director, Paul-mile Bourque.
School officials said they
had tried different ways of
accommodating the woman
between February and
November 2009. She had pre-
viously asked that male stu-
dents in the class not face her,
so school officials allowed her
to give an oral presentation at
the far end of the classroom
with her back turned to the
other students.
The order to remove her
niqab came after officials
from Quebecs immigration
ministry visited the class. She
was told she could take the
class on the Internet.
The woman, identified only
as Naema, told Canadas CBC
News that she wanted to learn
French so that she could work
as a pharmacist in the prov-
ince.
She has filed a complaint
with Quebecs Human
Rights Commission, saying
that her freedom of religion
was violated.
The accommodation of
religious minorities has chal-
lenged many Western nations
in recent years. In January,
a parliamentary panel in
France recommended a ban
on muslim women wearing
face veils in public buildings,
but stopped short of a total
prohibition.
Elsewhere in Canada, an
Ontario court in 2009 ordered
an alleged sexual assault vic-
tim to remove her niqab to
testify in court against two
men accused of assaulting
her. The woman appealed the
order and is awaiting a new
hearing into the matter. [ENI]
C. of E. staff
picket over
pay and
pensions
P
icket lines were cre-
ated last Friday (12th
march) at Lambeth
Palace and Church House,
Westminster, in a row over
pay and pensions. Some 118
members of staff represented
by the Public and Commercial
Services Union voted to strike
for that afternoon. Church of
England employees are angry
that their pay is being frozen
and that changes to their pen-
sions mean some will lose
out on thousands, Premier
Christian Radio reported.
The union said it initially
asked for a three per cent rise
for workers. After that was
rejected, the union offered a
one per cent rise and extra
days for the Christmas holi-
day. This compromise was
rejected.
The Church responded:
Faced with tight budgets,
management had to make dif-
ficult choices, aiming to avoid
job cuts while committing sub-
stantial additional amounts of
money to the defined benefit
pension scheme.
Focus on Lambeth Palace Library 8 - FRIDAY 19 mARch 2010 FRIDAY 19 mARch 2010 - 9
Lambeth Palace Library to stage 400th anniversary exhibition
T
o celebrate 400 years
since its foundation,
Lambeth Palace Library
is offering the public a spe-
cial exhibition, Treasures
of Lambeth Palace Library -
400th Anniversary Exhibition
1610-2010, to run in London
at Lambeth Palaces Great hall
from monday 17th may until
Friday 23rd July.
The exhibition will reveal
centuries of history and hints
at the depth and intellectu-
al value of the items in the
Librarys care, some of which
will be on display for the first
time.
It will draw from the rich and
diverse collections of manu-
scripts, archives and printed
books, built up over the past
four centuries.
Richard Bancroft, Archbishop
of canterbury from 1604 until
his death in 1610, bequeathed
his extensive collection of
printed books and manu-
scripts to the Arch-Bishops
of canterbury successively for
ever, resulting in the formation
of Lambeth Palace Library.
On show will be key items
collected during Lambeth
Palace Librarys 400 years as
a working library, beginning
with the founding collection
owned and used by Archbishop
Bancroft as his theological
arsenal in a time of religious
controversy and as a scholar
and patron of learning.
Treasures include a
Gutenberg Bible (mainz,
1455), the first book printed
in Western Europe from mov-
able metal type; the 12th cen-
tury Lambeth Bible, regarded
as one of the monuments of
Romanesque art; some unique
witchcraft tracts collected by
Bancroft through his interest
in debates over diabolic pos-
session and exorcism; and
henry Jacob, To the right high
and mightie Prince, Iames ...
An humble suppliation for tol-
eration, (middleborough 1609),
annotated angrily by King
James I.
Founding collection treas-
ures include manuscripts from
the dissolved monasteries of
christ church canterbury and
St Augustines in canterbury,
Llanthony Priory and Waltham
Abbey.
many books and manu-
scripts are linked with great
names of the past - a set of the
works of Aristotle, printed in
Venice between 1495 and 1498,
was owned by Robert Dudley,
Earl of Leicester, favourite of
Queen Elizabeth I - handwrit-
ten inscriptions on each title
page are thought to represent
the entwined cipher signature
of Elizabeth and Leicester; and
King Richard IIIs 15th centu-
ry manuscript Book of Hours,
which was in his tent at the
Battle of Bosworth in August
1485.
In the 17th century, further
manuscripts and books were
added to the Library, includ-
ing an account of Archbishop
Lauds trial, which had
belonged to King charles I and
is inscribed Dum spiro spero
(While I breathe I have hope).
Others included George
carews papers on Irish history
and journals of Elizabethan
and Jacobean voyages to the
Americas.
During the 18th and 19th cen-
turies, the collections developed
with the addition of historical
treasures such as the 9th cen-
tury MacDurnan Gospelbook,
produced in Ireland during the
early middle Ages and owned
by King Athelstan of Wessex
(reigned 924-939); Greek man-
uscripts dating from the 10th
century, many in their original
Byzantine bindings; and physi-
cians reports on the illness of
King George III.
An important development
in 1964 was the establishment
of the Friends of Lambeth
Palace Library. The Friends
have presented some very spe-
cial items to the Librarys col-
lection, including a 1516 letter
of indulgence, issued by Pope
Leo X, for the rebuilding of St
Peters in Rome; first editions of
landmark texts in the history of
the church of England; a copy
of the warrant for the execution
of mary Queen of Scots and
an accompanying letter from
the Privy council, dated 3rd
February 1587; papers relating
to the divorce of King henry VIII
and catherine of Aragon; an
account of the baptism of the
future King charles II; papers
relating to the rebuilding of St
Pauls cathedral after the Great
Fire; and a hand-coloured lith-
ograph of the christening of the
Princess Royal, 1841.
In 1996, the Library was
enhanced through the trans-
fer of the pre-1850 collections
from Sion college Library
(established in 1630 for the
benefit of the London clergy),
including an extremely rare
Babylonian Talmud printed
by Daniel Bomberg at Venice
between 1526 and 1548.
As part of the Scala Great
Libraries of the World series,
a beautiful book accompanies
the exhibition: Lambeth Palace
Library: Treasures from the
Collection of the Archbishops
of Canterbury, edited by
Dr Richard Palmer and Dr
michelle Brown. Published in
hardback in march 2010, a soft-
back edition will be on sale at
the Exhibition.
Lambeth Palace Library is
designated as an outstand-
ing collection of pre-eminent
national and international
importance by the museums,
Libraries and Archives
council.
It is the historic library and
record office of the Archbishops
of canterbury and the prin-
cipal repository of the docu-
mentary history of the church
of England. Its collections
have been freely available for
research since 1610.
The records held date from
the 9th century to the present
day, and their broad scope
reflects the office of Archbishop
as head of the Province of
canterbury, his national and
international roles in leading
the church of England and
the Anglican communion
worldwide, and the wealth and
power of Archbishops in past
centuries which enabled them
to collect books and manu-
scripts of the highest quality
and significance.
James I described the Library
as a monument of fame in his
kingdom. Peter the Great, who
visited in 1698, is recorded as
saying that nothing in England
astonished him as much as
Lambeth Palace Library; he had
never thought there were so
many books in all the world.
LAMBETH PALACE
EXHIBITION
DETAILS
Dates: monday 17th may
to Friday 23rd July 2010
Open: monday to Saturday:
10.00am to 5.00pm, last admis-
sion 4.30pm.
closed on Sundays and on
22nd may, 12th and 26th June
2010
Venue: The Great hall,
Lambeth Palace Library,
Lambeth Palace Road, London
SE1 7JU
curator: Gabriel Sewell,
Lambeth Palace Library
Admission: In advance at
www.lambethpalacelibrary.
org or telephone the 24-hour
booking line on 0871 230 1107;
adult 8, concessions 7
Groups must book in
advance (minimum 10)
Free audio guide included
with admission
Disabled access
Travel: Nearest station:
Vauxhall (mainline and under-
ground)
Buses: 77, 507*, c10 to
Lambeth Palace Road; 3 and
344 to Lambeth Road [*Bus
507 runs between Victoria and
Waterloo stations]
MacDurnan Gospels. Archbishop Bancroft, under whose will
the Lambeth Palace Library was set up, acquired a number of
books from dissolved monastic libraries, one of which was the
MacDurnan Gospels. It was gifted by King Athelstan of Wessex
(reigned 924-939) to Christ Church, Canterbury. Prior to King
Athelstan, it was owned by Maelbright MacDurnan (Mael
Brigte mac Tornain), Abbot of Armagh (c. 888) and Raphoe.
The MacDurnan Gospelbook was published in Ireland (prob-
ably Armagh) in the second half of the 9th century. It is written
in Latin and Old Irish on vellum. This pocket-sized book is the
earliest work on view at the 400th anniversary exhibition.
12th century Lambeth Bible. Illustrated is the panel depicting Ruth and Boaz. Latin on vel-
lum. This enormous Bible is one of 12 giant Romanesque Bibles that have survived, albeit
unfinished and missing some illuminations. It was illuminated in south-east England, but it is
not known exactly where or by whom. In the12th century, sets of these enormous Bibles were
produced for monasteries in Western Europe, as a result of Pope Gregory VIIs stressing of the
importance of the Bible in religious and monastic life.
T
he church of England
Record centre at Lambeth
Palace Library holds the
archives of the central institu-
tions of the church of England
and their predecessor organisa-
tions relating to the functions
and activities of the Anglican
church in England, channel
Islands and the Isle of man.
Topics covered by the archi-
val collections include the fol-
lowing:
Buildings, including chan-
cel repairs to parish churches;
construction of new churches,
particularly with the assist-
ance of the church Buildings
commission (1818-1856); par-
sonage houses; bishops resi-
dences; estate properties; and
the archives of the council for
the care of churches;
Churchlegislationandpol-
icy-making since 1919 through
the church Assembly, its boards
and councils and, since 1970,
the General Synod;
Church property, includ-
ing the management of the
corporate estates of the
church commissioners for-
merly belonging to Bishops,
cathedrals and other church
preferments;
Commissions of enquiry
into various aspects of the
church of England, including
Royal commissions and church
Assembly commissions after
1919;
Development of parish
ministry through the creation
and amalgamation of ben-
efices; submission of statistical
returns by incumbents; and the
regulation of fees and sales of
property;
Education, including the
financial assistance and advice
given to church of England
schools in England and Wales
by the National Society (estab-
lished 1811);
Financial assistance given
to the parish clergy, including
endowments to benefice capital
and loans for parsonage houses
by the Queen Annes Bounty
(1704-1948), the Ecclesiastical
commissioners (1836-1948)
and the church commissioners
since 1948;
Work of Christian organi-
sations, including the former
British council of churches
(established in 1942), churches
Together in Britain and Ireland
and the christian Evidence
Society.
The archival records, includ-
ing files and deeds, can be
made available for public view-
ing at Lambeth Palace Library
between 10.00am and 5.00pm
monday to Friday. Anyone
wishing to consult the records
will be required to give five
days notice of their visit to the
Library and will need to obtain
a readers ticket and abide by
Library rules. The records will
be delivered to the Library and
will be retained there for 20
working days.
The Church of England Record Centre
G
azette edi tor,
canon Ian Ellis,
talks to mrs Gabriel
Sewell, the Lambeth Palace
Librarys Assistant Librarian
and curator of its 400th
Anniversary Exhibition.
Listen at www.gazette.
ireland.anglican.org/audio/
audio.html.
Audio:
Interview with
Gabriel Sewell
Soap
10 - FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2010 CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE
This is something that
I need like a hole in the
head, Steve conclud-
ed - to himself - as he
reflected on a conversa-
tion he had had with Eva
Jackson, St Davids saint
in residence.
She had collared him
after church the previ-
ous Sunday saying that
she had a wonderful idea
which she just had to
share with him. When was
he free? She hoped soon
because it couldnt wait.
If it was to work, it had to
be acted on quickly.
Steve arranged a time
early in the week and
braced himself.
Steve, Ive been think-
ing about Good Friday.
You know that this year
Oberammergau is once
again holding its Passion
Play. Well, why not have
a St Davids Passion Play
as well?
Steve was too stunned
to say anything more
than: How?
Ive been think-
ing about that, too, and
Ive been doing a bit of
research - a bit of dig-
ging. She smiled at
Steve in such a way that
brooked no dissent. It
was a kind of victorious,
patronising smile.
I know one parish
where it all started off
as a dramatised read-
ing of the Passion nar-
rative and then it kind
of developed.
Eva looked at Steve
and cocked an eye-
brow that said: Im
sure you want me to con-
tinue.
Steve kept monosyl-
labic: How? If he con-
tinued like this, he would
begin to sound like Big
Chief Sitting Bull!
Well, first of all, they
had a narrator who read
the non-dialogue part.
He was like, continuity. At
first, the rest of the cast
were just going to read
various parts, but then
somebody made the sug-
gestion that they should
dress up to look like the
characters they repre-
sented and then it further
developed into them act-
ing it out at the front of
the church.
But Steve started
to fill metaphorical buck-
ets of cold water.
Just hear me out, Steve,
before you dismiss the
idea. Eva was one step
ahead of him.
First, the only one
to have a lot of lines to
learn was the person who
played Jesus and surely
Jonathan would be able
to play that part.
Second, they did all the
rehearsals after church
in Holy Week. Thats all
they needed - four nights
- and it certainly boosted
their Holy Week congre-
gation.
Eva both raised her
eyebrow and nodded at
Steve as if to say: Now
that caught your interest,
didnt it?
Ive been able to get a
copy of the script. She
handed Steve a folder. In
fact, its all directly from
the Gospels and each
scene is either introduced
or completed by a hymn.
So the congregation par-
ticipates and is not just a
passive audience.
Steve, who had once
been a member of an
amateur dramatic group,
could begin to visualise
what Eva was describing
and the thespian in him
was becoming interested.
I could help you pro-
duce it; that is, if you
didnt need me to play a
part. Ive done my share
of amateur dramatics,
you know, she smiled
triumphantly.
Now what do you
think? Wouldnt it be a
wonderful opportunity?
You havent invited any-
one for Holy Week this
year, have you?
Well, no, Steve admit-
ted. Jonathan and I are
going to share the preach-
ing this year.
There you are. Youll
both be around each
evening and it would
be so dramatic on Good
Friday night and the choir
could also sing some spe-
cial pieces. Look, its all
there, she said, indicat-
ing the folder. Youll only
need to get a dozen or so
for the various parts and
surely theres enough tal-
ent in St Davids to make
it possible. Now please
say yes. She leaned
over and put her hand
on Steves arm.
It certainly has pos-
sibilities, Steve had to
admit, and I suppose
it could work.
There, what did I
tell you. Eva rose to
go. Ill leave it with you.
You know people bet-
ter than I do, but youll
need to get cracking to
be ready to start on the
Monday of Holy Week.
Oh, I am so excited and
thank you, thank you for
being so innovative. Ill
help you all I can. Just let
me know.
She was gone before he
had time to say: Ill think
about it.
By Ted Woods
She smiled in such a way that
brooked no dissent a kind of
victorious, patronising smile
Popular Culture CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE FRIDAY 19 mARCH 2010 - 11
N
orman mailer once wrote of
his disappointment that what
he called the resemblance
between cinema and death had been
ignored by critics.
Ive come to believe that what he
meant was that putting a record of
human beings onto a piece of cel-
luloid is an attempt by mortals at
memorialisation: a colourful, danc-
ing tombstone that will, thanks to the
advances in digital technology, last
forever, on a DVD or hard drive.
You never look as good as you do
when a great director frames your
face; think of Lauren Bacall rising up
through smoke in The Big Sleep or
Harrison Ford cling-
ing to the edge of the
Bradbury Building in
Blade Runner or Jeff
Bridges lolling against
the wall, compos-
ing the song that will
bring him back to life
in the recent Crazy
Heart. The Czech
director, Jiri menzel, even made a
film entirely dedicated to making
an actors face immortal: the short
movie, One Moment, which is com-
posed of archive footage of a famous
Czech actor, from his teenage years
to his eighth decade. Cinema prints
the legend of who we think we are;
mailers right: movies arent neces-
sarily prophetic or even revelatory of
contemporary experience, for by the
time they are made, the one moment
they represent is already over.
This resemblance to death doesnt
have to be morbid, however; I saw
two films lately that are explicitly
about death. They made me feel more
alive and cinema felt more vibrant
for me than it had done in some
time. martin Scorsese, a film-maker
whose status as a former Catholic
seminarian should not be underval-
ued any more than his encyclopaedic
knowledge of, and passion for, cine-
ma history, and Tom Ford, the former
chief designer for the Gucci fashion
house, may not initially seem to have
much in common. However, after
viewing their films, Shutter Island
and A Single Man, such reluctance to
speak of them in the same sentence is
proven unwarranted.
For a start, they both love Alfred
Hitchcocks way of framing actors at
skewed angles; of using garish colours;
and of releasing tension only after
playing with the audience after ratch-
eting our nerves skyward. Beyond
the stylistic similarities to films like
Vertigo and Psycho (both profound-
ly troubling explorations of human
desire and regret), Shutter Island and
A Single Man are examining the same
psychological (and, ultimately, theo-
logical) terrain: how to make sense of
life in the midst of grief.
Shutter Island is disguised as a B
movie homage, complete with mys-
terious villains, closed-off-from-the-
outside-world asylums and threaten-
ing weather, but its really a powerful
lamentation about how we hide our
sins from ourselves in order to define
ourselves as good over against other
people. The moral vision of this film
deserves serious attention; its protag-
onist, played by Leonardo di Caprio,
asks vital questions about the pos-
sibility of living a good life; and while
the outcome is not the catharsis we
might hope for, this is only because
it wants to take life seriously enough
not to pretend that doing the right
thing, or healing ourselves and each
other, are easy.
A Single Man is less bleak, but
focused on sadness nonetheless, as
its central character, played by Colin
Firth, seeks to face the grief of losing
his partner of 16 years. He has come
to believe that there is, and can be,
no solace in his sorrow and so he
resolves to take drastic measures to
end his own pain. We see how under-
standable such a decision might
seem, especially in the absence of a
supportive community; the fact that
his grief is made invisible by homo-
phobia makes it only moreso.
A surprising interruption, however,
challenges his fear that nothing can
change - as it is so often in life, that
an unexpected new
thing arrives to take
our minds to places
where hope can be
found. The Northern
Irish Bible teacher,
Derick Bingham, who
died a few days before
this column was writ-
ten, spoke with great
eloquence and characteristic gentle-
ness about his finding grace in nat-
ural landscapes that he previously
thought he knew well, but only really
noticed when his illness focused his
mind.
Di Caprios character in Shutter
Island wonders aloud about just how
to navigate the moral labyrinth of life
in a post-nuclear age and hopes to find
ways to integrate his bad conscience
with a desire to keep going. Firths
Single Man thinks life is colonized by
darkness, until something reminds
him of the power of beauty and
spontaneity and how sometimes the
best way to face trouble is to accept
absurdity and laugh with it. Cinemas
resemblance to death may be under-
reported, but Shutter Island and A
Single Man are so good at taking
death seriously that they both teach
us about how to live and they them-
selves may just live forever.
Gareth Higgins
Cinemas resemblance to death may be
under-reported, but Shutter Island and
A Single man are so good at taking death
seriously that they both teach us about how to
live and they themselves may just live forever
Shutter Island and A Single Man:
good death?
Life Lines
12 - FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2010 CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE
T
wo recent earthquakes have
wrought devastation. First,
there was Haiti; then, there
was Chile. Lives were lost; build-
ings and public services alike col-
lapsed; and so did much else. For
comfortable westerners like us,
questions arise. They are not new,
but, in the modern intellectual
climate, they will not go away and
facile answers will - thankfully
- be seen immediately for what
they are.
How could a God who is sup-
posed to be loving and all-power-
ful allow such things to happen?
Its a good question.
One answer goes
something like this: if
hes all-powerful and
lets this happen, he
cant be very loving. If
hes loving and cant
prevent it, what sort of
God is he? Either way,
not worth worship-
ping, thats for sure. For some,
this poses a real problem; for oth-
ers, its climbing on the backs of
sufferers to find an excuse for not
believing.
Heres the other answer: sounds
terribly impressive. It shows
how angry God is with the world
(and why wouldnt he be ..?).
Christians, Muslims and others
pitched in with this one on Radio
Ulster in January 2005, after the
Boxing Day tsunami. Richard
Dawkins was on the same pro-
gramme. I can actually under-
stand why he said on air (as he
did): I despise all religions.
Romans 1 shows Gods judg-
ment at work in the world; but
does that really explain every-
thing, giving us permission to
pronounce judgment left, right
and centre? Read the Book of Job
or John 9; you could also pon-
der Luke 13: 1-5. They contain all
the warnings you could ever need
against simplistic explanations.
Now Christians believe what
they do believe (or, at least, they
should do) not because of some
impressive philosophical proof
for the existence of the divine,
but because of the testimony of
Scripture and the person and
work of Jesus Christ - incarnate,
crucified, risen and ascended.
Whatever understanding of suf-
fering we have has to be cen-
tred on him. More of that in a
moment.
Consider now what geology tells
us about how the world works.
Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsuna-
mis and the like mostly occur at
the edges of tectonic plates. Many
readers may have seen some of
this on Prof. Ian Stewarts excel-
lent BBC 2 geology programmes.
These plates cover the earths sur-
face; they are in a constant state
of motion; and thats what causes
these disruptive events.
Theyve been going on for an
awfully long time and its because
of these plates-in-motion that we
have everything we need for life:
oceans, ore deposits, soils and so
on. In other words, the sustaining
of life as we know it on this planet
is closely bound up with these
processes.
But wouldnt it have been nice
if the creator had dreamed up
another world where everything
came ready-made? No mucking
around with moving plates and so
on. Well, maybe.
Its nice when you have a holi-
day to laze around and do noth-
ing for a few days or even a couple
of weeks; but to be dumped on
a ready-made planet with every-
thing on tap and noth-
ing risky ever going
on might just turn out
to be hell-on-earth.
Nothing to challenge
us; make demands on
us; draw compassion
out of us. In a world
like that, would we be
truly human?
I admit to speculating, but I
cant get these speculations out of
my mind.
Here, I return to Jesus. Without
him, there would still be plen-
ty of religion around, but no
Christianity. As we approach Holy
Week and Good Friday, we are
being drawn into the heart of dark-
ness, where sin and evil appear
to be winning hands down. That
they end up defeated rather than
victorious is because God is at the
very storm-centre, in the person
of his Son, dealing with it.
That sounds a great deal better
- even if it still leaves huge ques-
tions - than some philosophical
explanation sent down from a
remote above. Doesnt it?
Ron Elsdon
When ground and faith
are both shaken
Romans 1 shows Gods judgment at work
in the world; but does that really explain
everything, giving us permission to
pronounce judgment left, right and centre?
Book Reviews CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE FRIDAY 19 mARCH 2010 - 13
Jesus and the Gospel
Women
author: Joanna Collicutt
mcGrath
publisher: spCK
price: 10.99
THIs is a book of deep wis-
dom, beautifully expressed. Its
title might scare some poten-
tial readers - mostly men - but
they need not be worried.
This is no feminist tract, but
rather a new and refreshing
perspective on Jesus, using the
Gospel women as a point of
reference.
The author is both priest
and consultant clinical psy-
chologist. she has her finger
on the deep pulses of life and,
through her understanding of
people (not just women), por-
trays a Jesus of warmth and
humanity - a believable Jesus
- in contrast to the anodyne,
quasi-mythological figure that
is so often presented today.
Here we have a Jesus whose
humanity and personality
develop through his contact
with people, both male and
female. Here we have a Jesus
who can be partially explained
in many ways, but who sub-
verts and redefines any easy
title we give him in profoundly
challenging ways: challenging
both to our perception of him,
and also to our self-image and
complacency. It enriches at
every level.
The author launches her
book, somewhat cheekily, by
paralleling Jesus with Jane
Austins mr Darcy. she does
not stretch the analogy too far,
but uses it almost as a thera-
peutic device to help us under-
stand our own relationship
with Jesus: The sense that he
(Darcy) has hidden depths and
smouldering fire beneath the
enigmatic surface allows the
reader to project her ideals,
her needs and fantasies on to
him. so it is with Jesus.
she recognizes that Jesus
has considerable advantages
over Darcy - he is both a real
historical figure and a continu-
ing presence. Despite an initial
scepticism from this reviewer,
the example works remarkably
well as a device to encourage
us to think through the way
we relate to significant others,
both real and imaginary.
mcGrath does not stop
there - the bulk of the book is
taken up with sensitive exami-
nations of Jesus interactions
with the Gospel women - his
mother, mary magdalene, the
syro-Phoenician woman, the
samaritan woman, mary and
martha of Bethany, to name
only the key players.
I will return often to this
book, both for meditation and
inspiration. It projects light
from an angle that I, as a mere
man, could never have done,
but which women readers will
know deep down to be true.
It can do this because it is a
deeply humane book, reveal-
ing a deeply humane Jesus;
thereby, it underlines both his
divinity and his power.
timothy Kinahan
Jesus and philosophy
author: don Cupitt
publisher: sCm press
IT wAs quite a strange expe-
rience to read this book fol-
lowing a month studying the
First Letter of John in my daily
devotions. John was writing
his letter in response to the
Gnostics teaching, as they
tried to persuade people it was
not necessary to go through
Jesus to know God.
They endeavoured to sepa-
rate the world of the flesh and
the spirit. The idea of Jesus
becoming incarnate in a body
of flesh was repugnant to
them.
Don Cupitts basic argument
in this book is that Jesus was
a radical teacher and philoso-
pher, but nothing more than
that. He argues that, for a
generation after his death, his
disciples preserved good tradi-
tions about his message, but it
went downhill from then on.
As people believed that Jesus
was risen, exalted to heaven
and would return to earth to
establish his kingdom, a cult
emerged around him which
blurred the radical nature of
his teaching.
In seeing Jesus as nothing
more than a good religious
teacher or a radical philoso-
pher, it struck me that this is
exactly the sort of teaching
that John wanted to warn his
listeners to beware of.
I couldnt with integrity rec-
ommend this book to indi-
viduals or parishes. I simply
couldnt follow Cupitts argu-
ments about how Jesus was
somehow hijacked by the
Church from being a radi-
cal thinker to become the
messiah.
I found his worldview dis-
piriting and depressing, where
he described life as baseless,
brief, pointless and utterly
contingent, and yet - in its
very nihility - beautiful, ethi-
cally demanding, solemn and
final. (p.2)
I find this such a contrast to
the serenity and dignity with
which I have seen people of
faith approach their death.
If there is any value in this
book, it is to highlight the
challenge of being radical fol-
lowers of Jesus Christ. If this
is the conclusion Don Cupitt
has come to in observing the
impact of Jesus teachings
upon his followers during his
lifetime, perhaps other people
are looking at our lives and
coming to similar conclusions.
That would be a very worrying
thought indeed.
Jonathan pierce
the thinGs he said:
the stoRy oF the FiRst
easteR day
author: stephen Cottrell
publisher: spCK; 80pp
THIs is a small but very power-
ful book. while on Good Friday
there is naturally much reflec-
tion on Jesus seven last words
from the Cross, his words on
Easter Day do not receive the
same concentrated focus.
stephen Cottrell, who is
Bishop of Reading, has pro-
vided his own unique remedy
for this situation in his reflec-
tions on the first words of the
risen Christ.
An accomplished devotional
writer, Cottrell brings a very
lively approach to his work.
The Things He Said is actually
energizing to read, conveying
the Easter story in imaginative
and atmospheric writing.
when mary arrives to anoint
the body of Jesus, the story
is recounted by Cottrell with
feeling: she stares in horror. It
is hideously apparent what has
happened, his body seized by
some over-confident band of
stupid zealots. It is also deeply
frightening. There will be more
controversy. more scandal. The
temperature will rise again.
This time it might consume
her. would it ever be over?
she looks to left and right,
searching for any traces of
where he might be or who
might be close. But she is com-
pletely alone, and all she can
see is desecration.
To meditate with Cottrell in
this way is to be drawn into the
mystery of the Resurrection.
Over the weeks of Lent,
Christians have so many heavy
things on which to ponder and,
if that journey is done right, it
will not have been easy. There
are rigours attached to Lenten
discipline and thought.
Then comes Easter and the
dread is dispelled. To think
on Christs Easter words with
Cottrell is to be both enlivened
by hope and strengthened in
faith.
editor
Advertising
14 - FRIDAY 19 mARch 2010 chURch OF IRELAND GAZETTE
Willowfield Parish Church, Belfast,
(Diocese of Down and Dromore)
is looking to appoint a
Pastoral Worker (part-time)
with special responsibility for ministry to women and seniors.
For further information and job description,
please contact:
Willowfeld Parish Church Offce, tel. 028 9045 7654
or email: offce@willowfeldchurch.co.uk
To apply, please send a letter of application with your
CV and names of two referees to:
Canon David McClay, 290-296 Woodstock Road, Belfast BT6 9DN.
For more information on Willowfeld Parish Church,
please visit our website: www.willowfeldchurch.co.uk
For more information on Willowfeld Parish Community
Association, please visit our website: www.wpcabelfast.co.uk
Closing date for applications is 12noon on
Thursday 1st April 2010.
Diocese of Dublin
The Parishes of Castleknock
and Mulhuddart with Clonsilla
are seeking a
Curate-assistant
We are looking for an energetic priest
to serve in this large, suburban parish,
and who is willing to reach out to all
age groups.
Closing date for applications:
Friday 2nd April 2010
For further information, please contact:
The Revd Paul Houston
Castleknock Rectory
12 Hawthorn Lawn
Castleknock
Dublin 15
Email: revpaulhouston@hotmail.com.
CHURCH FURNITURE:
made and restored,
Billy McCormick.
Phone: Saintfield 9751 9226.
WEXFORD AND KILSCORAN
UNION OF PARISHES
The position of
CURATE-ASSISTANT
is vacant
This post provides an exciting opportunity for:
a varied pastoral ministry in rural and coastal areas
and in the lively town of Wexford;
a partnership ministry involving signifcant responsibility
for a priest colleague;
co-operation with active and responsive parishioners
who cherish imaginative worship and preaching and
within a supportive diocesan context.
A substantial family home is provided and there is good
local educational provision at primary and secondary level.
Full information available from:
The Revd Maria Jansson,
The Rectory, Park, Wexford,
to whom expressions of interest should be sent by
30th April 2010.
Women's Study Fellowship
at




Are you a woman, interested in
discovering more about God and His Word?

WSF is a three year certificated course,
which takes place each Nonday morning.

For more information, come to our coffee morning on
Thursday 1st April at 10am.

For further details, call or email us on

info@belfastbiblecollege.com or 90301551
Advertising CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2010 - 15
THE ADELAIDE HOSPITAL SOCIETY
depends upon your support.
An Adelaide tradition of nursing care from the time of Florence Nightingale.
A bequest to The Adelaide Hospital Society will make possible the future
progress of the famous Adelaide School of Nursing - the national centre
for nursing training for candidates from the Protestant community.
THE ADELAIDE HOSPITAL SOCIETY
guarantees that the Adelaide medical
tradition will flourish in the future.
Write or phone for brochure,
forms for bequests and details to:
The Director,
The Adelaide Hospital Society,
The Adelaide & Meath Hospital,
Tallaght,
DUBLIN 24
Tel: (01) 4142071 or (01) 4142072
Fax: (01) 4142070
Annaharvey Farm
Tullamore
Family activity breaks, Cookery classes
Art workshops, Farm food shop, Day outings organised,
Farmhouse accommodation and great food
Contact Lynda +353579343544
email: info@annaharveyfarm.ie
GRASS MAINTENANCE: WILLIAM CUTHBERTSON
CONTRACTS: Now taking orders for grass maintenance
of graveyards, rectory grounds, sports pitches, etc. For
free estimates, contact William, tel. 028 8953 1232, or
mob. 07799 816691.
KNIGHTSTOWN, VALENTIA ISLAND, CO. KERRY:
Holiday house to let, three bedrooms (sleeps six).
Tranquil surroundings. Beautiful sea views. Tel. 00353
87 2466782 or email: colinmiller1@eircom.net.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Bible College-trained ma-
ture couple to take over ministry with emphasis on
divine healing. Tel. 00353 5793 41706.
WANTED - OLD AND SECONDHAND BOOKS:
Theology, Church history, Bible commentaries, Irish
interest, etc. Good prices paid for libraries and smaller
lots. Will travel to collect. Phone John Gowan, 028
6634 1239, or fax. 028 6634 1844.
FULL RANGE OF
COMMERCIAL CATERING
EQUIPMENT & CONTRACT
FURNITURE
Crockery Cutlery
Kitchen utensils
Cooking equipment
Church furniture
Fridges Freezers
Dishwashers
Beverage equipment
Tel. 028 9077 0195
Fax: 028 9037 0238
Email:
info@caterquip.com
Website:
www.caterquip.com
Site 2, 81 Dargan Road,
Belfast BT3 9JU.
The Maltings, Bray, Co. Wicklow
+353 1 286 4791 www.sna.ie
Church halls / houses / extensions.....
A unique look at Irish, British and world weather, like no other
weather book - to be enjoyed in all seasons
by ALAN JOHNSTON (C. of I. Press Ofcer, 1972-83)
550 photographs (half from Ireland) spanning 70 years
Many amusing and astonishing anecdotes: imagine skiing on the
Road to Damascus. Whats the lettuce/lightning connection?
Amongst readers comments are:
thank you for bringing joy
could wax lyrical for hours
blend of whimsicality and seriousness of purpose
photography really stunning
the Holy Land is my favourite page display
artistic ability ... and sheer delight
DO TREAT YOURSELF or BUY A GIFT FOR A FRIEND!
Available from:
Booklink at www.//tiny.cc/umbrella304
or direct from:
Alan Johnston www.sealcottage50@googlemail.com
or Seal Cottage, 50 Shore Road, Strangford BT30 7NW.
Price: 20 (+ 3.50 p&p if applicable) or 25 (+ 5.00 p&p)
Should I bring an umbrella?
Celebrating weather in photographs
ALAN JOHNSTON
fromBox Brownie to digital ...
THE FELLOWSHIP OF CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER
ANNUAL RETREATS
2010 Retreats at St Columbans House,
Navan, Co. Meath, on
(a) Weekend 11th - 13th June 2010, cost 140 and
(b) Midweek 14th - 17th June 2010, cost 170
Witness: Canon Leslie Crampton,
assisted by Carol Casey.
For further information, please contact:
Joan Condell, tel. 00353 1 4503047.
News Extra 16 - FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2010 CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE
Archbishop of Dublin fears emergence
of two-tier Anglican Communion
By Patrick Comerford
T
he Archbishop of
Dublin, the Most Revd
John Neill, thinks
that a two-tier fellowship
may emerge in the Anglican
Communion as the member-
Churches debate signing the
Anglican Covenant.
Dr Neill, who was speak-
ing recently to members
of the Marsh Society in the
Church of Ireland Theological
Institute, Dublin, said: I dont
like two-tier fellowships, but
it may be a way forward at the
moment.
The Marsh Society is a
student-led discussion group
in the Theological Institute
which invites guest speakers
to talk to students on issue of
interest.
The Archbishop, who
chaired the committee that
finalised the Covenant, said
he expected it would be pre-
sented for ratification to the
General Synod of the Church
of Ireland in 2011.
Questioned later about
his remarks on the likeli-
hood of a two-tier Anglican
Communion, Dr Neill said
he feared it might emerge if
The Episcopal Church (TEC)
and the Anglican Church
of Canada declined to sign
the Covenant. However, he
added: I think there is a will
there to sign it and they want
to sign it.
He thought both member-
Churches recognised the
damage that had already
been done in recent years and
that they would both sign the
Anglican Covenant.
Earlier, he said the
Covenant was now in its final
form and had been sent out to
all provinces in the Anglican
Communion. He said the
Covenant creates a balance
and seeks to create space to
recognise individuality and
interdependence.
Dr Neill believed that
the Covenant should be
seen not as another instru-
ment of communion in the
Anglican Communion but as
an instrument of mission,
seeking to identify the level
of communion that could be
expected in order to hold us
together with freedom to dif-
fer. The Covenant requires
living together and witness-
ing together into the future
and Section 4 included an
emphasis on being together
to grow together.
The Archbishop added that
all communion, at its best,
is limited and, at its worst,
impaired, pointing out that
various forms of limited
or impaired communion
already existed within the
Anglican Communion; for
example, not all the Anglican
Churches that were members
of the Anglican Communion
through the four instruments
of communion attended
the Lambeth Conference,
the Primates Meeting or
meetings of the Anglican
Consultative Council.
Dr Neill pointed out that
Lambeth Conference reso-
lutions were not binding;
they were simply the guid-
ing opinions of the Episcopal
leadership of the Anglican
Communion at the time.
Archbishop John Neill with Paul Arbuthnot of the Marsh
Society at the meeting in the Church of Ireland Theological
Institute.
I
n September of last year, the
Church Army announced
a major strategic and
managerial partnership with
the Christian Enquiry Agency
(CEA).
As a result, the Church
Armys National Officer for
Fresh Expressions, Peter
Graystone, was recently sec-
onded in a part-time capac-
ity to lead in the development
of the www.christianity.org.uk
website and other work con-
nected with the Agency.
Looking ahead to his
secondment, Mr Graystone
commented: It is going to be
a privilege to work with a ter-
rific organisation that enables
people to wake up to the vast
love that God has for them.
The CEA website operates
on behalf of all the major
Churches and mission agen-
cies as a central point of con-
tact for people to explore the
Christian faith.
Church Army
announces secondment
Peter Graystone
The Revd Donna M. Quigley,
Rector of Derryvolgie,
Diocese of Connor; 31st
December 2009.
RESIGNATION
The Revd Stuart S. Burns,
Rector of the Down Group of
Parishes, to be also a Minor
Canon of Down Cathedral,
both Diocese of Down.
The Revd John Ewart, Rector
of the Grouped Parishes
of Bright, Ballee, Killough
and Rathmullan, to be also
a Minor Canon of Down
Cathedral, both Diocese of
Down.
APPOINTMENTS Ordering the
Gazette
For full details about
placing an order for
The Church of Ireland
Gazette locally or
by post or online
(PDF format), simply
telephone our office at
028 9267 5743
(prefix 048 from the
Republic of Ireland;
0044 28 from overseas).
Office hours:
Mon. - Fri.,
9.00am - 1.00pm
Outside office hours,
please leave your name
and number on our
answerphone and we
will call you back.