I recieved my final wage slip from the Church Commissioners in the post this morning. It came with my P45 and all the gumpf about the freezing of my pension etc. Evidently I may "may still be entitled to have an entry" in Crockfords. The covering letter begins "We understand you are leaving..."
This has depressed me more than I was expecting it to.
I will be back to blogging as soon as possible.
I doubt that it will be long.
Saturday, 28 August 2010
Friday, 27 August 2010
LOUD FRIDAY
"... the Hot Rods played a set at London's famous Marquee Club - their opening act was a young band named Sex Pistols. During a residency at the club in the summer of 1976 they duelled for alternate weeks with AC/DC, to see who could cram more bodies into the Marquee during one of the hottest summers on record." (WIKIPEDIA)
For two years the band rode their fame for all it was worth, touring constantly, regularly infiltrating the singles' charts and even appearing on Top of the Pops. But then it all went wrong. First they became poppy and then, even worse, they suddenly became a heavy metal band. Well, the punks dropped them immediately and there was no metal scene to speak of in Britain at the time (we still had the dubious talent of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden to look forward, making this period a golden age for rock music). In the end they broke up (although, predictably, they have reformed and are now doing quite well on the Continent). Basically, they blew it and let British rock 'n' roll down, big time.
I saw the band perform live on three occasions. Once, supported by the reggae band, Aswad, at the Cricket Ground, Northampton. Once, when they turned up and played unannounced at the Moonlight Club, West Hampstead, after their fall from grace. And once, most memorably, in November 1976, when they headlined at The Rainbow, supported by Ultravox. That was one hell of a gig, as this photo, taken after the show, demonstrates (the arrow points to where I was sitting in the second row).
Anyway, here are a load of their tunes to be enjoyed by the fans of loud, who I know are out there somewhere.
A HIP THING TO KNOW ABOUT EDDIE AND THE HOT RODS:
Before rising to semi-stardom in 1977, the Hot Rods underwent several changes in personnel: One of the first members to leave the band was Eddie himself, a dummy that featured prominently in the Hot Rods' early gigs and was discarded as the joke had worn thin.(WIKIPEDIA)
BAND WEBSITE
PRAYER REQUEST UPDATE
From Ellie:
It's almost 3:00 here and, as you can see, I'm not sleeping yet.
Little James was baptized some time yesterday. He will have open heart surgery this morning at 10:00 Eastern (USA) time. It seems that his pulmonary artery is not connected to the ventricle but to another blood vessel. The surgeon said he would die in a month without surgery. Apparently, that condition is quite rare.
My heart is heavy for our precious Jane. She is my brother's second child and has always been a worrier.
I've been keeping vigil but I'm going to try to get some sleep soon.
It's almost 3:00 here and, as you can see, I'm not sleeping yet.
Little James was baptized some time yesterday. He will have open heart surgery this morning at 10:00 Eastern (USA) time. It seems that his pulmonary artery is not connected to the ventricle but to another blood vessel. The surgeon said he would die in a month without surgery. Apparently, that condition is quite rare.
My heart is heavy for our precious Jane. She is my brother's second child and has always been a worrier.
I've been keeping vigil but I'm going to try to get some sleep soon.
YOUR ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED
I am attempting to coble together a calendar of saints for our new ST LAIKA project.
I have the following lists already (click on link for names):
Exciting Holiness (Church of England)
Saints venerated by Anglican Franciscans
Calendar of the Church in Wales
Calendar of saints (Scottish Episcopal Church)
Calendar of Saints (Lutheran)
Calendar of saints (TEC)
Calendar of saints (Church of the Province of Melanesia)
Calendar of saints (Anglican Church of Southern Africa)
Calendar of saints (Anglican Church of Canada)
Among the Cloud of Irish Witnesses (Church of Ireland)
Calendar of saints (Anglican Church of Australia)
Roman Catholic calendar of saints
I would appreciate the names and feast dates of any saints not mentioned in the above lists, especially local ones from your own church or order. Also lists of Orthodox and Coptic saints that just give the popular feasts would be useful (Orthodox calendars tend to have ten or more saints per day).
In the near future I will be asking for suggestions of holy people etc. who, ignored by the rest of Christendom, will be canonized by ourselves (there will be a democratic vote).
People of faiths other than Christian may send in lists of their saints and festivals.
People of no faith must wait until we open the mailbox for suggestions for own saints.
I have the following lists already (click on link for names):
Exciting Holiness (Church of England)
Saints venerated by Anglican Franciscans
Calendar of the Church in Wales
Calendar of saints (Scottish Episcopal Church)
Calendar of Saints (Lutheran)
Calendar of saints (TEC)
Calendar of saints (Church of the Province of Melanesia)
Calendar of saints (Anglican Church of Southern Africa)
Calendar of saints (Anglican Church of Canada)
Among the Cloud of Irish Witnesses (Church of Ireland)
Calendar of saints (Anglican Church of Australia)
Roman Catholic calendar of saints
I would appreciate the names and feast dates of any saints not mentioned in the above lists, especially local ones from your own church or order. Also lists of Orthodox and Coptic saints that just give the popular feasts would be useful (Orthodox calendars tend to have ten or more saints per day).
In the near future I will be asking for suggestions of holy people etc. who, ignored by the rest of Christendom, will be canonized by ourselves (there will be a democratic vote).
People of faiths other than Christian may send in lists of their saints and festivals.
People of no faith must wait until we open the mailbox for suggestions for own saints.
Thursday, 26 August 2010
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Three quotes from three articles
that are really worth reading in full:
The religious prelates, this time the protestant ones, have come out with yet another communique, again telling the world what it already knows; that they are obsessed with homosexual sex.
Rather confusingly, they have called homosexual sex "“innovation of the truth"" [sic]. Never mind that this statement doesn't make make any sense whatever. The only notable thing about the lofty pronouncement is that they reiterated it in front of their boss, Bishop Rowan Williams, who was no doubt watching the proceedings in bemusement.
Frankly, this kind of conduct used to be rude in the traditional African societies these prelates claim they are protecting. We never, ever, invited our elders to our house to publicly lecture them about positions we already knew they were not going to change their or our mind about. It was and still remains un-African to do that. So, on the matter of decorum alone, the protestant clergy get a zero score.
(AfroGay at SEBAS' SPACE)
But it is how gay men of my generation feel rather than what they do that is more revealing. For all our partying back then, were we happy?
"I didn't feel I was living the dream at the time in terms of my relationships or my sex life," says Cons.
"In my youth I wasn't officially gay. Now I live the life of a gay man. I am in a loving relationship and I'm happy and settled," said one of my tweeters.
My own experience is that life has sorted itself out with no particular effort on my part: just when it would be unseemly for me to skulk in the dark corners of nightclubs, I no longer felt the urge to go. It all dovetailed rather neatly. I couldn't put my finger on when exactly this happened – but I remember speaking to my mother one morning after the night before and she commented: "Aren't you a bit old for that sort of thing?"
In my mid 30s, going to clubs was all about booty. As you grow older the success rate may fall below a level that makes the experience worthwhile. Also, it gets boring. In my youth, the early stabs at relationships were usually ditched for the thrill of getting back out there on the hunt. But with age comes the appreciation of what you gain from getting to know someone's name and maybe more.
(The wonderful Julian Clary at THE GUARDIAN)
Anonymous soldiers and Pvt. Anthony Smith, who is on active duty with the National Guard in Arizona, told Truthout they were among approximately 80 soldiers who were punished for choosing not to attend "The Commanding General's Spiritual Fitness Concert" headlined by BarlowGirl, an evangelical Christian rock group, at Fort Eustis on May 13.
After being punished by cleaning the barracks, Smith and another soldier that night organized approximately 20 of the punished soldiers to complain to the fort's Equal Opportunity (EO) office. According to the Army's Deputy of Chief of Staff's web page, the EO program "formulates, directs, and sustains a comprehensive effort to maximize human potential to ensure fair treatment for military personnel, family members, and DA civilians without regard to race, color, gender, religion, or national origin, and provide an environment free of unlawful discrimination and offensive behavior."
According to Smith and another soldier, they were clearly discriminated against because of their beliefs. "Why do Christians get to celebrate their religion while we get to clean," Smith said. "That's the f**ked up part."
(Matthew Harwood at TRUTHOUT)
Thanks to Tracie for sending in the link to the American soldiers' article and to Cathy for sending in the Julian Clary link. Without you I am nothing.
that are really worth reading in full:
The religious prelates, this time the protestant ones, have come out with yet another communique, again telling the world what it already knows; that they are obsessed with homosexual sex.
Rather confusingly, they have called homosexual sex "“innovation of the truth"" [sic]. Never mind that this statement doesn't make make any sense whatever. The only notable thing about the lofty pronouncement is that they reiterated it in front of their boss, Bishop Rowan Williams, who was no doubt watching the proceedings in bemusement.
Frankly, this kind of conduct used to be rude in the traditional African societies these prelates claim they are protecting. We never, ever, invited our elders to our house to publicly lecture them about positions we already knew they were not going to change their or our mind about. It was and still remains un-African to do that. So, on the matter of decorum alone, the protestant clergy get a zero score.
(AfroGay at SEBAS' SPACE)
But it is how gay men of my generation feel rather than what they do that is more revealing. For all our partying back then, were we happy?
"I didn't feel I was living the dream at the time in terms of my relationships or my sex life," says Cons.
"In my youth I wasn't officially gay. Now I live the life of a gay man. I am in a loving relationship and I'm happy and settled," said one of my tweeters.
My own experience is that life has sorted itself out with no particular effort on my part: just when it would be unseemly for me to skulk in the dark corners of nightclubs, I no longer felt the urge to go. It all dovetailed rather neatly. I couldn't put my finger on when exactly this happened – but I remember speaking to my mother one morning after the night before and she commented: "Aren't you a bit old for that sort of thing?"
In my mid 30s, going to clubs was all about booty. As you grow older the success rate may fall below a level that makes the experience worthwhile. Also, it gets boring. In my youth, the early stabs at relationships were usually ditched for the thrill of getting back out there on the hunt. But with age comes the appreciation of what you gain from getting to know someone's name and maybe more.
(The wonderful Julian Clary at THE GUARDIAN)
Anonymous soldiers and Pvt. Anthony Smith, who is on active duty with the National Guard in Arizona, told Truthout they were among approximately 80 soldiers who were punished for choosing not to attend "The Commanding General's Spiritual Fitness Concert" headlined by BarlowGirl, an evangelical Christian rock group, at Fort Eustis on May 13.
After being punished by cleaning the barracks, Smith and another soldier that night organized approximately 20 of the punished soldiers to complain to the fort's Equal Opportunity (EO) office. According to the Army's Deputy of Chief of Staff's web page, the EO program "formulates, directs, and sustains a comprehensive effort to maximize human potential to ensure fair treatment for military personnel, family members, and DA civilians without regard to race, color, gender, religion, or national origin, and provide an environment free of unlawful discrimination and offensive behavior."
According to Smith and another soldier, they were clearly discriminated against because of their beliefs. "Why do Christians get to celebrate their religion while we get to clean," Smith said. "That's the f**ked up part."
(Matthew Harwood at TRUTHOUT)
Thanks to Tracie for sending in the link to the American soldiers' article and to Cathy for sending in the Julian Clary link. Without you I am nothing.
IT'S OFFICIAL - GOD MORE POPULAR THAN FRENCH
From ANGLICAN JOURNAL:
Religious studies has entered the top 10 league of subjects in exams taken by most 16-year-old school students in Britain, with the number of school students completing the course increasing for the 12th year running.
"Twelve years of organic growth in student numbers cannot be ignored. This is a phenomenon that indicates students' appreciation that exploring faith and belief help them to understand the world and become better global citizens. Young people are clamouring for a deeper understanding of religious perspectives on issues of the day and how moral and ethical questions are considered by the major faiths," said Nick McKemey, the Church of England's head of school improvement.
Religious studies replaces French in the top 10 GSCE exam subjects. It is the first time that religious studies has featured in the top 10.
Britain's major faiths include Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism and Coronation Street.
Religious studies has entered the top 10 league of subjects in exams taken by most 16-year-old school students in Britain, with the number of school students completing the course increasing for the 12th year running.
"Twelve years of organic growth in student numbers cannot be ignored. This is a phenomenon that indicates students' appreciation that exploring faith and belief help them to understand the world and become better global citizens. Young people are clamouring for a deeper understanding of religious perspectives on issues of the day and how moral and ethical questions are considered by the major faiths," said Nick McKemey, the Church of England's head of school improvement.
Religious studies replaces French in the top 10 GSCE exam subjects. It is the first time that religious studies has featured in the top 10.
Britain's major faiths include Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism and Coronation Street.
NOT RICHARD DAWKINS OR HOW TO GET TO HEAVEN WITHOUT BELIEVING IN GOD OR ALL THAT STUFF
From PINK NEWS:
A boycott campaign which called on Christians to stay away from the Greenbelt arts festival in protest at the decision to invite gay and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell to speak, has failed, and ticket sales are up.
Earlier this year, Doctor Lisa Nolland said on the Anglican Mainstream website that inviting Mr Tatchell to The Greenbelt Christian arts festival, would put children at risk of sexual abuse and called on Christians to stay away from the event. However, just as predicted by absolutely everybody except Doctor Lisa and a patch of slime mould called Randy feeding on a dead cactus plant in Arizona, the endevour has had the opposite effect, and ticket sales to the festival, which is to be held in Cheltenham this weekend, have been boosted.
Mr Tatchell said: "I would like to thank Anglican Mainstream for helping encourage extra interest in Greenbelt; resulting in more people now planning to attend this year's festival because of the controversy and publicity over my invitation."
He added: "I'm looking forward to meeting the many Christians who are actively involved in campaigns for human rights, equality, democracy and social justice. We have more in common than divides us."
COMMENT: He's a good lad, our Peter. Behind his warrior exterior there's a heart of gold. And quite honestly, if he doesn't end up in heaven then the place won't be included in my interdimensional travel plans either.
A boycott campaign which called on Christians to stay away from the Greenbelt arts festival in protest at the decision to invite gay and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell to speak, has failed, and ticket sales are up.
Earlier this year, Doctor Lisa Nolland said on the Anglican Mainstream website that inviting Mr Tatchell to The Greenbelt Christian arts festival, would put children at risk of sexual abuse and called on Christians to stay away from the event. However, just as predicted by absolutely everybody except Doctor Lisa and a patch of slime mould called Randy feeding on a dead cactus plant in Arizona, the endevour has had the opposite effect, and ticket sales to the festival, which is to be held in Cheltenham this weekend, have been boosted.
Mr Tatchell said: "I would like to thank Anglican Mainstream for helping encourage extra interest in Greenbelt; resulting in more people now planning to attend this year's festival because of the controversy and publicity over my invitation."
He added: "I'm looking forward to meeting the many Christians who are actively involved in campaigns for human rights, equality, democracy and social justice. We have more in common than divides us."
COMMENT: He's a good lad, our Peter. Behind his warrior exterior there's a heart of gold. And quite honestly, if he doesn't end up in heaven then the place won't be included in my interdimensional travel plans either.
PRAYER REQUEST
From our good friend, Ellie Finlay:
Hi, Jonathan. I'm wondering if you can put this someplace more noticable than in the comments where I put it earlier.
My niece, gave birth to her first child Tuesday night. The baby (a little boy) is very sick and is now in the neonatal intensive care unit at the University of Virginia Medical School Hospital. This hospital is quite a distance from where they live so for him to have been transported there indicates how serious this is. The baby will have to have heart surgery. It's not known at this time whether or not he will be able to go home for a while to build his strength up before the surgery. Please pray for the baby, for the parents, and for my brother and his wife.
As if the illness of the baby weren't enough, my sister-in-law just had suspicious mammagram results and has to go back in for another one. She already went through a bout of breast cancer a number of years ago. My brother is sick with worry. His wife is everything to him. She is truly the "tower of strength" in the family.
Hi, Jonathan. I'm wondering if you can put this someplace more noticable than in the comments where I put it earlier.
My niece, gave birth to her first child Tuesday night. The baby (a little boy) is very sick and is now in the neonatal intensive care unit at the University of Virginia Medical School Hospital. This hospital is quite a distance from where they live so for him to have been transported there indicates how serious this is. The baby will have to have heart surgery. It's not known at this time whether or not he will be able to go home for a while to build his strength up before the surgery. Please pray for the baby, for the parents, and for my brother and his wife.
As if the illness of the baby weren't enough, my sister-in-law just had suspicious mammagram results and has to go back in for another one. She already went through a bout of breast cancer a number of years ago. My brother is sick with worry. His wife is everything to him. She is truly the "tower of strength" in the family.
THE SOPPY SHEILA SELECTION
From FREEP.COM:
You can imagine all your own jokes about dogs going to church, and members of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles have heard every one of them 100 times since they began regular weekly worship services with their pets nearly a year ago.
“I have to admit, even I call it the Doggie Church sometimes,” said the Rev. Tom Eggebeen, a Michigan transplant to Los Angeles three years ago.
He has seen the biggest growth in his aging and previously shrinking congregation by launching this weekly, Sunday-afternoon service at which parishioners can bring along their four-legged best friends.
“We asked a focus group of cats if we should include them and they all agreed the dogs need church more than they do,” joked Eggebeen, laughing then apologizing. “Sorry. You can imagine that I needed to develop quite a few lines like that to get people to lighten up and open up to this concept.
On Sunday afternoon, Eggebeen showed up just after 4 p.m. to arrange seating for up to 30 humans and their pets at the 5 p.m. service. He spread out chairs and fluffy white dog pads, using the chapel’s space lengthwise to face a side altar. The arrangement places him just an arm’s reach away from the long front row in this casual service. Occasionally, he pets someone’s dog himself. During the offering, ushers pass both a collection plate that the humans fill and a basket of dog treats that the canines empty.
The canine service lasts only 30 minutes, but the liturgy follows a traditional Christian pattern with an opening call to worship, the Lord’s prayer, a scripture reading, a sermon, hymns and a slight adaptation changing the traditional “prayers for the people” to “prayers for the people and animals.”
At that point in the service, Eggebeen invites people to lay a hand on their pets and join in prayer for the concerns of the world, their lives and their pets.
On Sunday, during those prayers, Eggebeen added: “We also pray for animals living in distress. We remember all those animals who are living under deplorable circumstances.”
During this prayer time, individual prayer concerns from the congregation are mentioned by Eggebeen, as they are in thousands of other churches nationwide. But, this list of prayer requests also includes pets struggling with cancer or other major challenges. On Sunday, he also announced that one pet had died the previous week. Eggebeen asked parishioners to remember that family in their own prayers this week.
“Here’s the simple truth," stated Eggebeen. "Where there is love, there is God. For many people, especially people living alone, their dogs are their best friends, really essential companions in their lives. And we always emphasize: We’re not worshiping dogs. We’re worshiping God. But in this worship service, we welcome the whole family, including our four-legged family members.”
COMMENT: This is something that I will definitely introduce should I ever be given the incumbency of a new parish. I just hope I don't end up in horse country.
Thanks to skittles for sending the link
to this story into MadPriest Towers.
You can imagine all your own jokes about dogs going to church, and members of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles have heard every one of them 100 times since they began regular weekly worship services with their pets nearly a year ago.
“I have to admit, even I call it the Doggie Church sometimes,” said the Rev. Tom Eggebeen, a Michigan transplant to Los Angeles three years ago.
He has seen the biggest growth in his aging and previously shrinking congregation by launching this weekly, Sunday-afternoon service at which parishioners can bring along their four-legged best friends.
“We asked a focus group of cats if we should include them and they all agreed the dogs need church more than they do,” joked Eggebeen, laughing then apologizing. “Sorry. You can imagine that I needed to develop quite a few lines like that to get people to lighten up and open up to this concept.
On Sunday afternoon, Eggebeen showed up just after 4 p.m. to arrange seating for up to 30 humans and their pets at the 5 p.m. service. He spread out chairs and fluffy white dog pads, using the chapel’s space lengthwise to face a side altar. The arrangement places him just an arm’s reach away from the long front row in this casual service. Occasionally, he pets someone’s dog himself. During the offering, ushers pass both a collection plate that the humans fill and a basket of dog treats that the canines empty.
The canine service lasts only 30 minutes, but the liturgy follows a traditional Christian pattern with an opening call to worship, the Lord’s prayer, a scripture reading, a sermon, hymns and a slight adaptation changing the traditional “prayers for the people” to “prayers for the people and animals.”
At that point in the service, Eggebeen invites people to lay a hand on their pets and join in prayer for the concerns of the world, their lives and their pets.
On Sunday, during those prayers, Eggebeen added: “We also pray for animals living in distress. We remember all those animals who are living under deplorable circumstances.”
During this prayer time, individual prayer concerns from the congregation are mentioned by Eggebeen, as they are in thousands of other churches nationwide. But, this list of prayer requests also includes pets struggling with cancer or other major challenges. On Sunday, he also announced that one pet had died the previous week. Eggebeen asked parishioners to remember that family in their own prayers this week.
“Here’s the simple truth," stated Eggebeen. "Where there is love, there is God. For many people, especially people living alone, their dogs are their best friends, really essential companions in their lives. And we always emphasize: We’re not worshiping dogs. We’re worshiping God. But in this worship service, we welcome the whole family, including our four-legged family members.”
COMMENT: This is something that I will definitely introduce should I ever be given the incumbency of a new parish. I just hope I don't end up in horse country.
Thanks to skittles for sending the link
to this story into MadPriest Towers.
CATHOLIC WOMEN ARE REVOLTING
From REUTERS:
Protests are planned throughout the pope's four-day trip to England and Scotland. One group of women, the Catholic Women's Ordination (CWO), will have its message plastered on the side of the buses as they travel along key routes, including past Westminster Hall, at the Palace of Westminster, where the pope is set to deliver a speech to Britain's civic society on Friday, September 17. The group has paid 15,000 pounds for 15 buses to carry the message "Pope Benedict - Ordain Women Now!" for a month.
"We do not want to be disruptive, but I think the church has got to change or it will not survive," CWO spokeswoman Pat Brown told Reuters.
"I am quite hopeful at the moment because I think the church is in disarray."
It also hopes to protest outside Lambeth Palace during a meeting between the pope and Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, spiritual head of the Church of England, the Anglican mother church, and it has also launched a group "Catholic Voices for Reform" to coincide with the pope's visit to counter "Catholic Voices," a media-friendly group which has the backing of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. They will go head-to-head on controversial matters such as child abuse, women's ordination, married priests, homosexuality and the way the church is run.
Protests are planned throughout the pope's four-day trip to England and Scotland. One group of women, the Catholic Women's Ordination (CWO), will have its message plastered on the side of the buses as they travel along key routes, including past Westminster Hall, at the Palace of Westminster, where the pope is set to deliver a speech to Britain's civic society on Friday, September 17. The group has paid 15,000 pounds for 15 buses to carry the message "Pope Benedict - Ordain Women Now!" for a month.
"We do not want to be disruptive, but I think the church has got to change or it will not survive," CWO spokeswoman Pat Brown told Reuters.
"I am quite hopeful at the moment because I think the church is in disarray."
It also hopes to protest outside Lambeth Palace during a meeting between the pope and Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, spiritual head of the Church of England, the Anglican mother church, and it has also launched a group "Catholic Voices for Reform" to coincide with the pope's visit to counter "Catholic Voices," a media-friendly group which has the backing of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. They will go head-to-head on controversial matters such as child abuse, women's ordination, married priests, homosexuality and the way the church is run.
DON'T BLAME MADPRIEST, BLAME KARL
I think I may have posted this before. But as our friend, Karl, took the trouble of sending it in, it's very funny and, at least in the UK, well timed, I'm posting it anyway.
A man who reeked of alcohol flopped on a subway seat next to a priest. The man's tie was stained, his face was plastered with red lipstick, and a half empty bottle of rum was sticking out of his ripped jacket pocket. He opened his newspaper and started reading. After a few minutes, the disheveled guy turned to the priest and asked, "Say, Father, do you know what causes arthritis?"
The priest, disgusted by the man's appearance and behavior snapped, "It's caused by loose living, being with cheap, wicked women, too much alcohol, and a contempt for your fellow man!"
"Well, I'll be," the man muttered and returned to his newspaper.
The priest, thinking about what he had said, nudged the man and apologized, "I'm sorry to have come on so strong - I didn't mean it. How long have you been suffering from arthritis?"
"I don't have it, Father. I was just reading here that the Pope does."
A man who reeked of alcohol flopped on a subway seat next to a priest. The man's tie was stained, his face was plastered with red lipstick, and a half empty bottle of rum was sticking out of his ripped jacket pocket. He opened his newspaper and started reading. After a few minutes, the disheveled guy turned to the priest and asked, "Say, Father, do you know what causes arthritis?"
The priest, disgusted by the man's appearance and behavior snapped, "It's caused by loose living, being with cheap, wicked women, too much alcohol, and a contempt for your fellow man!"
"Well, I'll be," the man muttered and returned to his newspaper.
The priest, thinking about what he had said, nudged the man and apologized, "I'm sorry to have come on so strong - I didn't mean it. How long have you been suffering from arthritis?"
"I don't have it, Father. I was just reading here that the Pope does."
THE SOPPY SHEILA SELECTION
A wild long-tailed macaque monkey has adopted an abandoned kitten, caring for it as his own at Monkey Forest in Ubud, Bali. You can look at at loads more cute photos of the soppy pair at THE GUARDIAN.
Thanks to David Virtue's Bounteous Bosom
for sending the link into MadPriest Towers.
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
THE NEWS AGGREGATOR IS
THE PROPHET FOR OUR TIMES
"Oh, what a tangled web we weave,
when first we practice to deceive."
GAY PEOPLE - A BIGGER EVIL THAN GENOCIDE AND
GIVING BIRTH TO BABY GIRLS DEEMED UNBIBLICAL
From ALL AFRICA:
The Bishop of Butare Anglican Diocese, Nathan Gasatura, who is among the twelve Bishops representing Rwanda at the conference, said that the meeting would also reinforce the need for a common voice among African bishops.
"We shall consolidate our position to really stand against homosexuality now with one voice," he told The New Times in an interview yesterday.
Gasatura said that the African clerics derive their position on homosexuality from the biblical mandate that preaches against any vice that hinders man from producing a fellow man.
In his remarks to the Bishops, Uganda's Prime Minister Apollo Nsibambi said that Africa's challenges like homosexuality need prayers and guidance from religious leaders.
COMMENT: Yes, like I need a hole in the head or singing lessons off Paris Hilton.
And shouldn't somebody be having a word with the President of Uganda? He seems to have gone off script...
From THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION MINISTRY OF PROPAGANDA (ACNS):
Uganda’s President Museveni said today that tolerance was a biblical imperative and that Christians should not “have one minute of time wasted” by those promoting prejudice.
Speaking to almost 400 bishops and other guests at the All Africa Bishops Conference in Entebbe this morning, President Museveni used the Biblical parable of the Good Samaritan to highlight the need to overcome difference and pursue peace and healing.
Drawing on Ugandan religious history, President Museveni explained it took only ten years after the first convert to Christianity in Uganda before Catholics and Protestants were fighting and killing each other.
“I don’t’ know where they heard God wanted them to fight and kill each other,” he said. “A civil war between those calling themselves Catholics and those calling themselves Protestants! Then there was another war between the two of them and Muslims. They were all fighting on behalf of God, they said.”
He recounted the Biblical story of the Good Samaritan to demonstrate that prejudice should not get in the way of peace and helping other human beings. In this New Testament story it is a traditional enemy of the Israelites, a Samaritan, who aids an injured Israelite when members of the Jewish religious elite fail to do so.
“I am always looking for the good Samaritan,” he said. “Jesus says you shall know them by their fruits. You shall know them by their actions. Not by their words, not by their addresses, not by their titles, but by their works, by their deeds, by the products of their works.”
The President said those of all denominations or faiths needed to recognise one another’s right to exist: “If you are a Muslim, so what? I am a Christian. OK, so what’s your problem? You are what you are, but I am what I am. We’re different…I’m here by the permission of God. You must accept me the way I am whether you want it or not.”
He added that anyone promoting intolerance should not “waste one of our minutes with this…We are all created in the image of god, so you are made in the image of god. I don’t know whether God is black or white or Chinese, but we are created in his image—that’s what the bible says.”
He concluded his well-received speech by officially opening the CAPA[1] -run conference for bishops of the Anglican Communion in Africa that is running until Sunday 29 August at the Imperial Beach Hotel, Entebbe. Aims for this conference include mobilising the bishops to tackle the obstacles that continue to keep the continent in conflict, poverty, corruption, poor leadership and disease.
The Bishop of Butare Anglican Diocese, Nathan Gasatura, who is among the twelve Bishops representing Rwanda at the conference, said that the meeting would also reinforce the need for a common voice among African bishops.
"We shall consolidate our position to really stand against homosexuality now with one voice," he told The New Times in an interview yesterday.
Gasatura said that the African clerics derive their position on homosexuality from the biblical mandate that preaches against any vice that hinders man from producing a fellow man.
In his remarks to the Bishops, Uganda's Prime Minister Apollo Nsibambi said that Africa's challenges like homosexuality need prayers and guidance from religious leaders.
COMMENT: Yes, like I need a hole in the head or singing lessons off Paris Hilton.
And shouldn't somebody be having a word with the President of Uganda? He seems to have gone off script...
From THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION MINISTRY OF PROPAGANDA (ACNS):
Uganda’s President Museveni said today that tolerance was a biblical imperative and that Christians should not “have one minute of time wasted” by those promoting prejudice.
Speaking to almost 400 bishops and other guests at the All Africa Bishops Conference in Entebbe this morning, President Museveni used the Biblical parable of the Good Samaritan to highlight the need to overcome difference and pursue peace and healing.
Drawing on Ugandan religious history, President Museveni explained it took only ten years after the first convert to Christianity in Uganda before Catholics and Protestants were fighting and killing each other.
“I don’t’ know where they heard God wanted them to fight and kill each other,” he said. “A civil war between those calling themselves Catholics and those calling themselves Protestants! Then there was another war between the two of them and Muslims. They were all fighting on behalf of God, they said.”
He recounted the Biblical story of the Good Samaritan to demonstrate that prejudice should not get in the way of peace and helping other human beings. In this New Testament story it is a traditional enemy of the Israelites, a Samaritan, who aids an injured Israelite when members of the Jewish religious elite fail to do so.
“I am always looking for the good Samaritan,” he said. “Jesus says you shall know them by their fruits. You shall know them by their actions. Not by their words, not by their addresses, not by their titles, but by their works, by their deeds, by the products of their works.”
The President said those of all denominations or faiths needed to recognise one another’s right to exist: “If you are a Muslim, so what? I am a Christian. OK, so what’s your problem? You are what you are, but I am what I am. We’re different…I’m here by the permission of God. You must accept me the way I am whether you want it or not.”
He added that anyone promoting intolerance should not “waste one of our minutes with this…We are all created in the image of god, so you are made in the image of god. I don’t know whether God is black or white or Chinese, but we are created in his image—that’s what the bible says.”
He concluded his well-received speech by officially opening the CAPA[1] -run conference for bishops of the Anglican Communion in Africa that is running until Sunday 29 August at the Imperial Beach Hotel, Entebbe. Aims for this conference include mobilising the bishops to tackle the obstacles that continue to keep the continent in conflict, poverty, corruption, poor leadership and disease.
DISCUSSION STARTER
A new release from Kingsway:
Your comments on the claim made in the title of this record WITHOUT any references to bottoms, please.
Your comments on the claim made in the title of this record WITHOUT any references to bottoms, please.
MUSIC FOR YOUR LUNCHTIME
GRAND TUFTI IN AFRICA SPECIAL
How did they teach you to be just a happy puppet dancing on a string? How did you learn everything that comes along with slavish funnery?
Tell me something, if the world is so insane, is it making you sane again to let another man tug at the thread that pulls up your nodding head?
How did they teach you to be just a happy puppet dancing on a string? How do you manage to live inside this tiny stage you can't leave?
Tell me something, if the world is so insane, is it making you sane again to let another man tug at the thread that pulls up your nodding head?
A dullard strung on the wire. When the master's gone you hang there with your eyes and your limbs so lifeless.
How did they teach you to be just a happy puppet dancing on a string? How do you manage to speak, your mouth a frozen grin?
A dullard strung on the wire. When the master's gone you hang there with your eyes and your limbs so lifeless.
Tell me something, if the world is so insane, is it making you sane again to let another man tug at the thread that pulls up your empty wooden head?
Your hollow head, your marble eyes, your wooden hands and your metal jaw pins all wait in limbo for the man who knows how to move you this way.
(Natalie Merchant)
OCICBW... Where even the childish snarkiness has style.
ROWAN WILLIAMS - ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY WASTED
August 23, 2010
In February, a brave gay Ugandan man living in exile appeared at the National Press Club in Washington with a paper bag over his head to denounce Uganda's draconian Anti-Homosexuality Bill. He wore the mask to conceal his identity because he feared for his life.
Today, Kushaba Moses Mworeko took off his mask to urge the African Anglican Bishops at the All African Bishops Conference in Entebbe to speak out against Uganda's "Kill the Gays Bill" and other forms of anti-gay discrimination on the continent.
"It is time for Christian leaders in Africa to start promoting peace and stop persecuting LGBT people," said Kushaba Moses Mworeko, who is now living in the United States. "I call on the Anglican Church to speak out forcefully against the Anti-Homosexuality Bill and to support decriminalizing gay relationships across the continent. As the church grows in Africa it must choose to be a force for good and not intolerance."
Speakers claimed that the continent would have 673 million Christians by 2025 and lead Christendom in the 21st century. Egyptian Bishop Mouneer Anis spoke of the significance of this meeting when he told bishops from more than 400 dioceses, "There is no doubt that history is going to record what happens at this conference for future generations. This is no ordinary conference because it's happening in an extraordinary context."
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, spoke at the event, but has yet to effectively use his bully pulpit to shape a more accepting environment towards LGBT people in Africa.
"The All African Bishops Conference offers Rowan Williams a unique opportunity to show leadership and moral clarity by denouncing Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill," said Mworeko. "I urge the Archbishop of Canterbury to show some backbone and set a positive tone for the Anglican Church in Africa. His silence will be seen as a green light for the witch hunts against the LGBT community to continue."
In a new Youtube video, Mworeko sent a message of hope for his LGBT brothers and sisters still living in Uganda.
"We shall continue fighting for our rights and the time to fight is now," said Mworeko. "This is about liberty, this is about equality, this is about justice. We are here to reclaim our freedom."
"If Moses has the courage to put his life at risk to speak out against intolerance and injustice, the least Rowan Williams can do is acknowledge the inhumanity of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill while he is at this conference," said Truth Wins Out's Executive Director Wayne Besen. His indifference to suffering of LGBT people in Africa and worldwide is a great stain on his legacy. Only by finding his voice on this issue can Williams reverse the damage that has occurred on his watch."
In February, a brave gay Ugandan man living in exile appeared at the National Press Club in Washington with a paper bag over his head to denounce Uganda's draconian Anti-Homosexuality Bill. He wore the mask to conceal his identity because he feared for his life.
Today, Kushaba Moses Mworeko took off his mask to urge the African Anglican Bishops at the All African Bishops Conference in Entebbe to speak out against Uganda's "Kill the Gays Bill" and other forms of anti-gay discrimination on the continent.
"It is time for Christian leaders in Africa to start promoting peace and stop persecuting LGBT people," said Kushaba Moses Mworeko, who is now living in the United States. "I call on the Anglican Church to speak out forcefully against the Anti-Homosexuality Bill and to support decriminalizing gay relationships across the continent. As the church grows in Africa it must choose to be a force for good and not intolerance."
Speakers claimed that the continent would have 673 million Christians by 2025 and lead Christendom in the 21st century. Egyptian Bishop Mouneer Anis spoke of the significance of this meeting when he told bishops from more than 400 dioceses, "There is no doubt that history is going to record what happens at this conference for future generations. This is no ordinary conference because it's happening in an extraordinary context."
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, spoke at the event, but has yet to effectively use his bully pulpit to shape a more accepting environment towards LGBT people in Africa.
"The All African Bishops Conference offers Rowan Williams a unique opportunity to show leadership and moral clarity by denouncing Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill," said Mworeko. "I urge the Archbishop of Canterbury to show some backbone and set a positive tone for the Anglican Church in Africa. His silence will be seen as a green light for the witch hunts against the LGBT community to continue."
In a new Youtube video, Mworeko sent a message of hope for his LGBT brothers and sisters still living in Uganda.
"We shall continue fighting for our rights and the time to fight is now," said Mworeko. "This is about liberty, this is about equality, this is about justice. We are here to reclaim our freedom."
"If Moses has the courage to put his life at risk to speak out against intolerance and injustice, the least Rowan Williams can do is acknowledge the inhumanity of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill while he is at this conference," said Truth Wins Out's Executive Director Wayne Besen. His indifference to suffering of LGBT people in Africa and worldwide is a great stain on his legacy. Only by finding his voice on this issue can Williams reverse the damage that has occurred on his watch."
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
THOSE PRUDISH BRITS INCORPORATING "WHO WILL SAVE THE CHILDREN FROM TEH GAY AGENDA?"
From THE CHRISTIAN INSTITUTE (sic):
An ice cream advert which shows two male priests about to kiss with the line “We believe in salivation” is being investigated by the advertising watchdog. Complaints about the ad, for Antonio Federici Gelato Italiano desserts, have reportedly remarked that it is distasteful to religious believers.
Matt O’ Connor, from the ice cream group, said the ad: “celebrates homosexuality and refers to recent press where three priests in Rome were allegedly filmed as they visited gay nightspots. It’s also a live issue in the Church of England which may lead to a split in the church.”
The ASA agreed last month that a separate ad from the same ice cream company, which showed a nun and a priest about to kiss, was “likely to cause serious offence to some readers”.
In 2008 a TV commercial for Heinz mayonnaise which featured two men kissing was pulled by the company after it caused nearly 200 complaints. The advert showed a family scene, but ‘mum’ is played by a man with a New York accent. During the ad he kisses another man who plays the father role.
Viewers said it was ‘offensive’, ‘inappropriate’ and ‘unsuitable to be seen by children’.
COMMENT: Unlike all those soft porn adverts shown 24/7 in an attempt to get us to buy expensive perfume, cars and stuff, I assume.
Matt O’ Connor, from the ice cream group, said the ad: “celebrates homosexuality and refers to recent press where three priests in Rome were allegedly filmed as they visited gay nightspots. It’s also a live issue in the Church of England which may lead to a split in the church.”
The ASA agreed last month that a separate ad from the same ice cream company, which showed a nun and a priest about to kiss, was “likely to cause serious offence to some readers”.
In 2008 a TV commercial for Heinz mayonnaise which featured two men kissing was pulled by the company after it caused nearly 200 complaints. The advert showed a family scene, but ‘mum’ is played by a man with a New York accent. During the ad he kisses another man who plays the father role.Viewers said it was ‘offensive’, ‘inappropriate’ and ‘unsuitable to be seen by children’.
COMMENT: Unlike all those soft porn adverts shown 24/7 in an attempt to get us to buy expensive perfume, cars and stuff, I assume.
WHITEYCAT'S CAPTION COMPETITION
Having been farewelled at a large Assumption Day Mass in Quebec, next week sees Cardinal Marc Ouellet depart Canada's Premier See for Rome and his place in the Vatican's "Big Three" as prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.
Yes. very interesting and all that. But I think you lot can come up with a much better caption. So off you go then!
THE SOPPY SHEILA SELECTION
INCORPORATING "BRICK OF THE DAY"
From THE CONTRA COSTA TIMES:
All cats may have nine lives, but Christopher, an orange and white tabby who lives at a Redwood City veterinary clinic, also has a sixth sense. Dubbing him a "guardian angel," "wonder cat" and "miracle kitty," the staff and volunteers at the Nine Lives Foundation's Feline Well-Care Clinic say Christopher can tell when other cats need help. He will sit outside the cages of sick felines until someone lets him in.
Christopher, who is about 3 or 4 years old, was found on the side of a road by a group of bicyclists in March. He arrived at the clinic unable to stand, his pelvis fractured. He recuperated, and one day simply jumped out of his cage while it was being cleaned. Since then, Christopher has lived at the clinic.
On Wednesday morning he snoozed in his favorite cat bed on a desk, ignoring the hustle and bustle around him. As is typical for Christopher, he was napping next to a terminally ill cat.
"He'll often paw at a cage door to be let in so he can clean and comfort a cat in there," said Robert Lowery, a San Ramon resident and volunteer at Nine Lives.
Last month, when he asked to be let into a cage with two feral kittens that were "untouchable, just hissing and growling." Christopher taught the kittens all about being a cat, and within a couple of weeks they were tame.
But Christopher's biggest claim to fame is likely saving the life of a tiny black kitten that came to the clinic July 11 with severe anemia. She needed a blood transfusion immediately, and the centre's vet couldn't draw enough to even determine her blood type.
Christopher kept jumping up on the operating table, rubbing on Thompson and nuzzling the kitten. So the vet grabbed Christopher and used his blood for the transfusion. They didn't know it at the time, but the kitten had an uncommon "B" blood type found in about 20 to 25 percent of the cat population. As it turned out, Christopher also has Type B blood. The kitten was standing up within about four hours of the transfusion.
Though many people have inquired about adopting Christopher, the staff at the centre are definitely keeping him.
"Who knows how many cats he'll save in the years ahead," one of the volunteers said.
COMMENT:
Christopher, you are a hero and a star and, most definitely, our:
Thanks to Ellie for sending
this story into MadPriest Towers.
All cats may have nine lives, but Christopher, an orange and white tabby who lives at a Redwood City veterinary clinic, also has a sixth sense. Dubbing him a "guardian angel," "wonder cat" and "miracle kitty," the staff and volunteers at the Nine Lives Foundation's Feline Well-Care Clinic say Christopher can tell when other cats need help. He will sit outside the cages of sick felines until someone lets him in.
Christopher, who is about 3 or 4 years old, was found on the side of a road by a group of bicyclists in March. He arrived at the clinic unable to stand, his pelvis fractured. He recuperated, and one day simply jumped out of his cage while it was being cleaned. Since then, Christopher has lived at the clinic.
On Wednesday morning he snoozed in his favorite cat bed on a desk, ignoring the hustle and bustle around him. As is typical for Christopher, he was napping next to a terminally ill cat.
"He'll often paw at a cage door to be let in so he can clean and comfort a cat in there," said Robert Lowery, a San Ramon resident and volunteer at Nine Lives.
Last month, when he asked to be let into a cage with two feral kittens that were "untouchable, just hissing and growling." Christopher taught the kittens all about being a cat, and within a couple of weeks they were tame.
But Christopher's biggest claim to fame is likely saving the life of a tiny black kitten that came to the clinic July 11 with severe anemia. She needed a blood transfusion immediately, and the centre's vet couldn't draw enough to even determine her blood type.
Christopher kept jumping up on the operating table, rubbing on Thompson and nuzzling the kitten. So the vet grabbed Christopher and used his blood for the transfusion. They didn't know it at the time, but the kitten had an uncommon "B" blood type found in about 20 to 25 percent of the cat population. As it turned out, Christopher also has Type B blood. The kitten was standing up within about four hours of the transfusion.
Though many people have inquired about adopting Christopher, the staff at the centre are definitely keeping him.
"Who knows how many cats he'll save in the years ahead," one of the volunteers said.
COMMENT:
Christopher, you are a hero and a star and, most definitely, our:
BRICK OF THE DAY
Thanks to Ellie for sending
this story into MadPriest Towers.
DON'T BLAME MADPRIEST, BLAME MAD DAD
A Mafia Godfather finds out that his book keeper, Enzo, has cheated him out of $10 million. His book keeper is deaf. That was the reason he got the job in the first place. It was assumed that Enzo would hear nothing that he might have to testify about in court.
When the Godfather goes to confront Enzo about his missing $10 million, he takes along his lawyer who knows sign language. The Godfather tells the lawyer, "Ask him where the 10 million bucks is that he embezzled from me."
The lawyer, using sign language, asks Enzo where the money is.
Enzo signs back, "I don't know what you are talking about."
The lawyer tells the Godfather, "He says he doesn't know what you are talking about."
The Godfather pulls out a pistol, puts it to Enzo's temple and says, "Ask him again!"
The lawyer signs to Enzo, "He'll kill you if you don't tell him."
Enzo signs back, "OK. You win! The money is in a brown briefcase, buried behind the shed in my cousin Bruno's backyard in Woodbridge!"
The Godfather asks the lawyer, "What did he say?"
The lawyer replies, "He says you don't have the balls to pull the trigger."
When the Godfather goes to confront Enzo about his missing $10 million, he takes along his lawyer who knows sign language. The Godfather tells the lawyer, "Ask him where the 10 million bucks is that he embezzled from me."
The lawyer, using sign language, asks Enzo where the money is.
Enzo signs back, "I don't know what you are talking about."
The lawyer tells the Godfather, "He says he doesn't know what you are talking about."
The Godfather pulls out a pistol, puts it to Enzo's temple and says, "Ask him again!"
The lawyer signs to Enzo, "He'll kill you if you don't tell him."
Enzo signs back, "OK. You win! The money is in a brown briefcase, buried behind the shed in my cousin Bruno's backyard in Woodbridge!"
The Godfather asks the lawyer, "What did he say?"
The lawyer replies, "He says you don't have the balls to pull the trigger."
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"I think it's very important to bring back the idea of socialism into the national discussion to where it was at the turn of the [last] century before the Soviet Union gave it a bad name. Socialism had a good name in this country. Socialism had Eugene Debs. It had Clarence Darrow. It had Mother Jones. It had Emma Goldman. It had several million people reading socialist newspapers around the country. Socialism basically said, hey, let's have a kinder, gentler society. Let's share things. Let's have an economic system that produces things not because they're profitable for some corporation, but produces things that people need. People should not be retreating from the word socialism because you have to go beyond capitalism."
(Howard Zinn, writer, 2009)
Thanks to Cathy for sending this
quote in to MadPriest Towers.
(Howard Zinn, writer, 2009)
Thanks to Cathy for sending this
quote in to MadPriest Towers.
UK GOVERNMENT'S FEAR OF ROME
LED TO "COLLUSIVE ACT"
From THE BBC:
The police, the Catholic Church and the state conspired to cover up a priest's suspected role in one of the worst atrocities of the Northern Ireland Troubles, an investigation has found. Nine people died in bombings in Claudy, County Londonderry on 31 July 1972.
The NI Police Ombudsman's probe found that high-level talks led to Fr James Chesney, a suspect in the attack, being moved to the Irish Republic. No action was ever taken against Fr Chesney, who died in 1980.
His report, published on Tuesday, found that detectives in 1972 had concluded that Fr Chesney was an IRA leader and had been involved in the bombing. He added that by acquiescing to a deal between the government and the Catholic Church to move Fr Chesney to a parish in the Irish republic, the Royal Ulster Constabulary was guilty of a "collusive act".
He said this had compromised the investigation and the decision "failed those who were murdered, injured or bereaved" in the bombing.
He said some detectives' attempts to pursue Fr Chesney were frustrated ahead of a meeting between Northern Ireland Secretary William Whitelaw and the leader of Ireland's Catholics, Cardinal Conway. There, it was agreed that the priest would be moved to a parish in Donegal, just over the border in the Irish Republic.
On Tuesday the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Cardinal Sean Brady, said the church was not involved in a cover up over the role of Fr Chesney.
The police, the Catholic Church and the state conspired to cover up a priest's suspected role in one of the worst atrocities of the Northern Ireland Troubles, an investigation has found. Nine people died in bombings in Claudy, County Londonderry on 31 July 1972.
The NI Police Ombudsman's probe found that high-level talks led to Fr James Chesney, a suspect in the attack, being moved to the Irish Republic. No action was ever taken against Fr Chesney, who died in 1980.
His report, published on Tuesday, found that detectives in 1972 had concluded that Fr Chesney was an IRA leader and had been involved in the bombing. He added that by acquiescing to a deal between the government and the Catholic Church to move Fr Chesney to a parish in the Irish republic, the Royal Ulster Constabulary was guilty of a "collusive act".
He said this had compromised the investigation and the decision "failed those who were murdered, injured or bereaved" in the bombing.
He said some detectives' attempts to pursue Fr Chesney were frustrated ahead of a meeting between Northern Ireland Secretary William Whitelaw and the leader of Ireland's Catholics, Cardinal Conway. There, it was agreed that the priest would be moved to a parish in Donegal, just over the border in the Irish Republic.
On Tuesday the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Cardinal Sean Brady, said the church was not involved in a cover up over the role of Fr Chesney.
AFRICAN CHURCH GETS TRIBAL
From THE ANGLICAN NEWS SERVICE:
Posted On : August 24, 2010 11:37 AM
Speakers’ messages converge at All African Bishops Conference: “this could be the church’s African century.”
The Bishop in Egypt[1] Dr Mouneer Anis told bishops from more than 400 dioceses at the 2nd All Africa Bishops Conference that this was an historic moment for Africa’s Christian community.
“There is no doubt that history is going to record what happens at this conference for future generations,” he said at today’s opening service in Entebbe, Uganda. “This is no ordinary conference because it’s happening in an extraordinary context.”
He explained that although “Africa groans” under the weight of conflicts, epidemics and poverty the African church was growing in an extraordinary way. It was predicted, he said, to become a continent of 673 million Christians by 2025.
He said that, as a consequence of this growth, the centre of the Christian world was shifting and so was the global role of the church of Africa. He issued a challenge to the bishops present to consider the African church’s place in such a world and said this weeks’ conference could be a turning point in the life of the church of Africa.
He concluded that through the power of God, “We can shape the Christian mind in the whole world…We can take the gospel not just to Africa, but to the rest of the world.”
This theme of unlocking the potential of the Anglican Communion in Africa to impact the continent and the rest of the world was echoed in the comments of several of the key speakers.
Archbishop of Uganda Henry Orombi[2] the Primate of the country hosting the CAPA[3] - run conference, said now was the time for African Anglicanism to “rise up”, that it was time for representatives of the continent to be able to go to other places in the Communion with “fresh wine from new wine skins”.
In his sermon, the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams - who described the conference as “deeply significant” said, “It has been said that this is going to be the African century of the Christian Church in terms of energy and growth and vision. God raises up different countries and cultures in different seasons to bear witness to his purpose in a specially marked way, and it may be that this is indeed his will for Africa in the years ahead.
“And if the churches of Africa are indeed going to be for this time a city set on a hill, how very important it will be for the health and growth of all God’s churches throughout the world that this witness continues at its best and highest.”
This theme of unlocking the potential of the Anglican Communion in Africa also ran through the speech of Chairman of CAPA, Archbishop Ian Earnest, the Primate of Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean, who after thanking the bishops for making the conference a top priority, celebrated the fact that Africa had “come of age”. He spoke passionately about how genuine engagement in the conference could help mobilise the church leadership of the Anglican Communion in Africa to tackle those things that “hinder our ministry as a church” such a poverty, disease and corruption.
He also stressed that the time had passed when Christian mission went from east to west, but that the church was now in a time when mission could go from anywhere to anywhere.
“This conference has been designed to unlock the potential of the Anglican Communion in Africa. If we are able to work together in faith our church has the capacity to bring to the continent transformative energy,” he said.
Posted On : August 24, 2010 11:37 AM
Speakers’ messages converge at All African Bishops Conference: “this could be the church’s African century.”
The Bishop in Egypt[1] Dr Mouneer Anis told bishops from more than 400 dioceses at the 2nd All Africa Bishops Conference that this was an historic moment for Africa’s Christian community.
“There is no doubt that history is going to record what happens at this conference for future generations,” he said at today’s opening service in Entebbe, Uganda. “This is no ordinary conference because it’s happening in an extraordinary context.”
He explained that although “Africa groans” under the weight of conflicts, epidemics and poverty the African church was growing in an extraordinary way. It was predicted, he said, to become a continent of 673 million Christians by 2025.
He said that, as a consequence of this growth, the centre of the Christian world was shifting and so was the global role of the church of Africa. He issued a challenge to the bishops present to consider the African church’s place in such a world and said this weeks’ conference could be a turning point in the life of the church of Africa.
He concluded that through the power of God, “We can shape the Christian mind in the whole world…We can take the gospel not just to Africa, but to the rest of the world.”
This theme of unlocking the potential of the Anglican Communion in Africa to impact the continent and the rest of the world was echoed in the comments of several of the key speakers.
Archbishop of Uganda Henry Orombi[2] the Primate of the country hosting the CAPA[3] - run conference, said now was the time for African Anglicanism to “rise up”, that it was time for representatives of the continent to be able to go to other places in the Communion with “fresh wine from new wine skins”.
In his sermon, the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams - who described the conference as “deeply significant” said, “It has been said that this is going to be the African century of the Christian Church in terms of energy and growth and vision. God raises up different countries and cultures in different seasons to bear witness to his purpose in a specially marked way, and it may be that this is indeed his will for Africa in the years ahead.
“And if the churches of Africa are indeed going to be for this time a city set on a hill, how very important it will be for the health and growth of all God’s churches throughout the world that this witness continues at its best and highest.”
This theme of unlocking the potential of the Anglican Communion in Africa also ran through the speech of Chairman of CAPA, Archbishop Ian Earnest, the Primate of Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean, who after thanking the bishops for making the conference a top priority, celebrated the fact that Africa had “come of age”. He spoke passionately about how genuine engagement in the conference could help mobilise the church leadership of the Anglican Communion in Africa to tackle those things that “hinder our ministry as a church” such a poverty, disease and corruption.
He also stressed that the time had passed when Christian mission went from east to west, but that the church was now in a time when mission could go from anywhere to anywhere.
“This conference has been designed to unlock the potential of the Anglican Communion in Africa. If we are able to work together in faith our church has the capacity to bring to the continent transformative energy,” he said.
Monday, 23 August 2010
AMOS REDUX
Compare and contrast - Bishop Isaac Olatunde Olubowale's comments about female attire reported in THIS POST earlier today and this open letter to Bishop Luke Orombi from Canon Kodwo Ankrah (a retired Anglican priest) published by THE NEW VISION (Uganda), also today:
Your Grace, The Most Rev Luke Orombi, I have chosen to publicly address this communication to you as the Honourable Host to the 400 African Anglican bishops who are coming to Uganda this week. We are informed the purpose of their coming here is to discuss a host of issues affecting the continent. Among the issues are poverty, diseases, matters of justice and peace, wars, ethnic cleansing, genocide; and the relationship between the Church and the State. This is a tall agenda.
According to Amanda Onapito, the public relations officer of the Province of the Church of Uganda, “It is time believers combined their efforts to find solutions to problems that affect Africa.” I am hopeful of all attempts to do so.
It is precisely in this spirit that I am taking this opportunity to write to you and to your guests. As I spent almost 30 years of my life serving the Church of Uganda, I feel that my experience and commitment to the Church allows me to respectfully make some comments and proposals. I cannot help but notice that our church leaders on the continent delight in attending conferences where lofty statements, declarations, and resolutions are made.
In my life of 82 years, I have attended many of these church meetings.
Good intention compels church leaders to meet and talk – but then nothing tends really to follow thereafter. For instance, 36 years ago, Church leaders and their representatives—about 500 persons met in Lusaka, Zambia, and after several days of deliberations, issued a statement which called for action. I quote to avoid misinterpretation: “……Before we can achieve for Africa what is expected of us, before we can become a society which lives wholly and exclusively for others, we must call upon the churches in Africa to allow Christ to set them free, (1) from theological conservatism, so that we can understand, interpret, apply and experience the message of the Gospel afresh, (2) from denominationalism and outmoded church structures, and rigidity and timidity in changing them, so that we may be led by the Holy Spirit in a reality of oneness in Him. (3) from fear to proclaim the new message of redemption and denounce evil boldly, (4) from hypocrisy that leads to denouncing evil abroad and condoning it at home. (5) from selfishness in sharing with one another our resources of manpower, skills, time and finance, so that God may lead us into rediscovery of our missionary role in the use of these resources, (6) from easy dependence upon foreign money and men without making the efforts to educate ourselves for self-reliance.”
Your Grace,
This message was sent to all the member churches of which the Anglican Communion in Africa is a founding member. One would ask, humbly:
Which of the above six points have been implemented by the members of the Conference of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA)? The time has come for the COU to move forward and challenge her guests to be very practical in dealing with the issues confronting Africa. I turn to the issues that have been mentioned above for consideration in the forthcoming “conference”.
These issues are nothing new to many Africans. They experience these problems daily. For instance, the issue of poverty is on the agenda. It is now meaningless to some to even mention this issue. It has become a cliche. For the issue of poverty to have any meaning, one must spell out the many elements of which it is composed. For example, right now, due to extreme poverty, millions of Africans are dying of hunger on the continent. What will the African bishops do practically to help such victims? (Proverb 19:4)
Another agenda item is that of disease. The 400 African bishops of the Anglican Church (CAPA) are aware that medical services on the continent of Africa are in a dire state. Yet, the Anglican Churches have not combined their efforts to establish even one medical school on the entire continent to train medical and health personnel to render health services to the millions of Africans in need. Is it because bishops can continue to access St Luke’s Hospital in UK when they fall sick?
I plead that this august meeting not become just another talking shop. Whatever programmes that the organizers of the conference may have in mind, I beg to add the following practical proposals for your consideration:
Building an institution for an independent financial base for the Anglican Church in Africa.
Establishment of youth volunteer/ paid corps which could provide technical training and work experience for young people to gain skills for employment.
Anglican bishops, leading by example, and requesting that their followers provide compulsory education for their children.
No doubt the conference will also issue yet another awe-inspiring message to match that issued over 36 years ago. It is my prayer that this time the participants will be given a time-frame in which they will be accountable for the resolutions they craft during their meetings.
Your Grace, The Most Rev Luke Orombi, I have chosen to publicly address this communication to you as the Honourable Host to the 400 African Anglican bishops who are coming to Uganda this week. We are informed the purpose of their coming here is to discuss a host of issues affecting the continent. Among the issues are poverty, diseases, matters of justice and peace, wars, ethnic cleansing, genocide; and the relationship between the Church and the State. This is a tall agenda.
According to Amanda Onapito, the public relations officer of the Province of the Church of Uganda, “It is time believers combined their efforts to find solutions to problems that affect Africa.” I am hopeful of all attempts to do so.
It is precisely in this spirit that I am taking this opportunity to write to you and to your guests. As I spent almost 30 years of my life serving the Church of Uganda, I feel that my experience and commitment to the Church allows me to respectfully make some comments and proposals. I cannot help but notice that our church leaders on the continent delight in attending conferences where lofty statements, declarations, and resolutions are made.
In my life of 82 years, I have attended many of these church meetings.
Good intention compels church leaders to meet and talk – but then nothing tends really to follow thereafter. For instance, 36 years ago, Church leaders and their representatives—about 500 persons met in Lusaka, Zambia, and after several days of deliberations, issued a statement which called for action. I quote to avoid misinterpretation: “……Before we can achieve for Africa what is expected of us, before we can become a society which lives wholly and exclusively for others, we must call upon the churches in Africa to allow Christ to set them free, (1) from theological conservatism, so that we can understand, interpret, apply and experience the message of the Gospel afresh, (2) from denominationalism and outmoded church structures, and rigidity and timidity in changing them, so that we may be led by the Holy Spirit in a reality of oneness in Him. (3) from fear to proclaim the new message of redemption and denounce evil boldly, (4) from hypocrisy that leads to denouncing evil abroad and condoning it at home. (5) from selfishness in sharing with one another our resources of manpower, skills, time and finance, so that God may lead us into rediscovery of our missionary role in the use of these resources, (6) from easy dependence upon foreign money and men without making the efforts to educate ourselves for self-reliance.”
Your Grace,
This message was sent to all the member churches of which the Anglican Communion in Africa is a founding member. One would ask, humbly:
Which of the above six points have been implemented by the members of the Conference of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA)? The time has come for the COU to move forward and challenge her guests to be very practical in dealing with the issues confronting Africa. I turn to the issues that have been mentioned above for consideration in the forthcoming “conference”.
These issues are nothing new to many Africans. They experience these problems daily. For instance, the issue of poverty is on the agenda. It is now meaningless to some to even mention this issue. It has become a cliche. For the issue of poverty to have any meaning, one must spell out the many elements of which it is composed. For example, right now, due to extreme poverty, millions of Africans are dying of hunger on the continent. What will the African bishops do practically to help such victims? (Proverb 19:4)
Another agenda item is that of disease. The 400 African bishops of the Anglican Church (CAPA) are aware that medical services on the continent of Africa are in a dire state. Yet, the Anglican Churches have not combined their efforts to establish even one medical school on the entire continent to train medical and health personnel to render health services to the millions of Africans in need. Is it because bishops can continue to access St Luke’s Hospital in UK when they fall sick?
I plead that this august meeting not become just another talking shop. Whatever programmes that the organizers of the conference may have in mind, I beg to add the following practical proposals for your consideration:
Building an institution for an independent financial base for the Anglican Church in Africa.
Establishment of youth volunteer/ paid corps which could provide technical training and work experience for young people to gain skills for employment.
Anglican bishops, leading by example, and requesting that their followers provide compulsory education for their children.
No doubt the conference will also issue yet another awe-inspiring message to match that issued over 36 years ago. It is my prayer that this time the participants will be given a time-frame in which they will be accountable for the resolutions they craft during their meetings.
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
UGLY DUCKLING SPECIAL
From a distance the bullfinch appears to be the most beautiful bird in the world. But from close up, the common house sparrow takes the crown.
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
UGLY DUCKLING SPECIAL
From a distance the bullfinch appears to be the most beautiful bird in the world.
But from close up, the common house sparrow takes the crown.
But from close up, the common house sparrow takes the crown.
Isaac Olubowale's Fashion Column
From THE SUNDAY TRIBUNE (Nigeria):
Rt. Reverend Isaac Olatunde
Olubowale is the Bishop of the
Diocese of Anglican Communion, Ekiti-Oke, in Ekiti State.
In this interview the Bishop
bares his mind on the 2011
election, issues in the church
and national matters.
Excerpts:
How do you view indecent dressing among young ladies, and even among house wives?
Well, it’s a global phenomenon. It is part of the price we have to pay for information technology. The world now is a global village. All these things are watched on the internet. It is also the price we have to pay for the neglect of domestic training. Both the parents and the society are to be blamed for the decadence.
Some wedding gowns are not different from the type of dresses worn to discotheques. Yet some pastors or Bishops will still bless such couples. Don’t the clergy see anything bad in this?
When you talk of ministers of God, that should be quoted. In Anglican Communion, we have our system. For anybody coming to the altar for wedding, we will want to know you. Their is a form for you to fill. You will pass through the counselling section where the prospective couples are told many things.
In Anglican Communion, no bride or member of the bridal train will come to the church or the altar half dressed and be wedded. That is our rule in Anglican Communion. We can’t speak for others. But as ministers of God, we should condemn it because it’s unscriptural. And to condone such a thing that is unscriptural is to incur the wrath of God.
COMMENT:Does the good bishop want to take away all our fun? Turning out on a Saturday to marry some couple, who just want to get the whole thing over with so they can get on with the booze up, is bad enough without having the eye candy removed from the proceedings.
Rt. Reverend Isaac Olatunde
Olubowale is the Bishop of the
Diocese of Anglican Communion, Ekiti-Oke, in Ekiti State.
In this interview the Bishop
bares his mind on the 2011
election, issues in the church
and national matters.
Excerpts:
How do you view indecent dressing among young ladies, and even among house wives?
Well, it’s a global phenomenon. It is part of the price we have to pay for information technology. The world now is a global village. All these things are watched on the internet. It is also the price we have to pay for the neglect of domestic training. Both the parents and the society are to be blamed for the decadence.
Some wedding gowns are not different from the type of dresses worn to discotheques. Yet some pastors or Bishops will still bless such couples. Don’t the clergy see anything bad in this?
When you talk of ministers of God, that should be quoted. In Anglican Communion, we have our system. For anybody coming to the altar for wedding, we will want to know you. Their is a form for you to fill. You will pass through the counselling section where the prospective couples are told many things.
In Anglican Communion, no bride or member of the bridal train will come to the church or the altar half dressed and be wedded. That is our rule in Anglican Communion. We can’t speak for others. But as ministers of God, we should condemn it because it’s unscriptural. And to condone such a thing that is unscriptural is to incur the wrath of God.
COMMENT:Does the good bishop want to take away all our fun? Turning out on a Saturday to marry some couple, who just want to get the whole thing over with so they can get on with the booze up, is bad enough without having the eye candy removed from the proceedings.
POPPA STALIN TIGHTENS THE RULES
From THE GUARDIAN:
Candles, animals, musical instruments, bulky hampers and alcohol are among items banned from the public events during the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Britain next month because "they could pose a threat to others". The list, issued by the Catholic church of England and Wales, is aimed at the tens of thousands who will be attending a prayer vigil in Hyde Park, London, and the beatification of Cardinal Henry Newman in Cofton Park, Birmingham.
According to the official papal visit website, people are welcome to "bring a pilgrim picnic" but they should consider bringing nonperishable foods or "make arrangements to share picnics as appropriate". Hampers and cool boxes "should not exceed 20in x 13in x8in (51cm x 33cm x 20cm)".
The website also states "there are a number of things you should not bring with you as they could pose a threat to yourself or others" – including barbecues, whistles and gazebos.
Catholics are permitted to have sunblock, banners, flags, cushions and small folding chairs.
Fr Federico Lombardi told Vatican Radio that, "People cannot move freely on foot to where the three major public events will be taking place. They must use arranged transportation and all the seats must be allocated to an extremely precise number."
TV presenter Carol Vorderman will introduce a series of "warm-up" acts before the pope appears to a crowd of 80,000. However, and this is very rude of Fr Federico, the well known comedy act, MadPriest And Mimi, have not been invited to perform their popular stand up act despite their obvious love for the Holy Poppa.
COMMENT: I'm no culinary expert but I would have thought that "nonperishable foods" would be extremely difficult to digest.
Candles, animals, musical instruments, bulky hampers and alcohol are among items banned from the public events during the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Britain next month because "they could pose a threat to others". The list, issued by the Catholic church of England and Wales, is aimed at the tens of thousands who will be attending a prayer vigil in Hyde Park, London, and the beatification of Cardinal Henry Newman in Cofton Park, Birmingham.
According to the official papal visit website, people are welcome to "bring a pilgrim picnic" but they should consider bringing nonperishable foods or "make arrangements to share picnics as appropriate". Hampers and cool boxes "should not exceed 20in x 13in x8in (51cm x 33cm x 20cm)".
The website also states "there are a number of things you should not bring with you as they could pose a threat to yourself or others" – including barbecues, whistles and gazebos.
Catholics are permitted to have sunblock, banners, flags, cushions and small folding chairs.
Fr Federico Lombardi told Vatican Radio that, "People cannot move freely on foot to where the three major public events will be taking place. They must use arranged transportation and all the seats must be allocated to an extremely precise number."
TV presenter Carol Vorderman will introduce a series of "warm-up" acts before the pope appears to a crowd of 80,000. However, and this is very rude of Fr Federico, the well known comedy act, MadPriest And Mimi, have not been invited to perform their popular stand up act despite their obvious love for the Holy Poppa.
COMMENT: I'm no culinary expert but I would have thought that "nonperishable foods" would be extremely difficult to digest.
TWO GOOD MEN DONE GONE
THE MADPRIEST CATFISH COLLINS
AND ROBERT WILSON TRIBUTE
(1944 – August 6, 2010)
The Grim Reaper has just paid his second visit in two months to the Parliament-Funkadelic camp. P-Funk guitarist Garry "Diaperman" Shider died in June, and now comes the word that P-Funk/James Brown guitarist Phelps "Catfish" Collins passed away on August 6 after a long battle with cancer. He was 66 years old.
Though he kept a much lower profile, onstage and off, than his bass-playing younger brother William "Bootsy" Collins, Catfish was equally integral to the rise of funk music in the late '60s and early '70s. As a budding guitarist, Catfish set his younger sibling on the path to cosmic funk greatness, convincing him to rig up an old guitar with bass strings. The brothers first played together in a late-'60s Cincinnati, OH funk band called the Pacemakers and experienced their first brush with fame in 1969, when James Brown recruited them to join the J.B.'s after most of his backing musicians had walked off the job over a pay dispute. The Collins brothers only lasted 11 months with the Godfather of Soul but they recorded a number of groundbreaking funk classics with Brown before they left. Catfsh's switchblade rhythm riffs powered such funky monsters as "Super Bad," "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine," "Soul Power," "There It Is" and "Give It Up or Turnit a Loose."
Following their exit from the J.B.'s, the brothers were invited by George Clinton to join Funkadelic in time to contribute to the recording of 1972's America Eats Its Young. Catfish continued to play on and off with Clinton over the next decade, most notably on Parliament's 1978 smash hit "Flashlight." He also toured and recorded with Bootsy's Rubber Band, his brother's successful P-Funk offshoot.
"Catfish was my brother, my father and most of all my best friend," wrote Bootsy in a statement following Catfish's death. "Catfish was a different kind of human being, he only wanted love and peace in every situation. To me Catfish was the one that inspired me to be at one with all that is, which is everybody and everything that was created by the One. Catfish taught me that to be love meant more than just to talk about it. Sure, we all may have a great interpretation of love in our everyday language that people understand, but even a child that don't understand a word knows when he is in the presence of love with no words mentioned. That is who the Catfish was and still is. He was that word that did not have to speak in order for you to understand the depth of his being, his soul, his peace and joy.
"My world will never be the same without him," Bootsy continued. "Be happy for him, he certainly is now and always has been the happiest young fella I ever met on this planet."
— Dan Epstein (SHOCKHOUND)
ROBERT WILSON
(1957 - August 15, 2010)
Robert Wilson, 1/3 of the Wilson brothers who made up legendary R&B/funk group The Gap Band, has died of a massive heart attack in his Palmdale, California home. He was 53. Wilson was known as the "Godfather of Bass Guitar" for his unique, funky style of playing.
Though never given just due by music critics, for the better part of a decade the Gap Band created some great music that has increased in stature over time and has influenced a new generation of artists who have liberally borrowed from the Gap sound in creating modern soul and hip-hop albums.
(SOULTRACKS)
And here is, I hope, a fitting tribute to two such great talents - a megamix of funky stuff that they helped create.
If anyone has (the Godmother of Funk) Roseann's email address in heaven could you let her know this mix is up as it's most definitely dedicated to her.
May the funk be with all three of them.
Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine, Part 1+2 - James Brown
These Are the Jb's - The JB's
Philmore - Funkadelic
What So Never The Dance - Pt. 1 & 2 - Houseguest
Hands Up (Punk Funk) - Godmoma
Groove Is In The Heart - Deee-lite
Labor Day (It's A Holiday) - Black Eyed Peas
I Don't Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance - The Gap Band
Burn Rubber On Me - The Gap Band
Shake - The Gap Band
Outstanding The Gap Band
Sunday, 22 August 2010
DISCUSSION STARTER
I received the following comment from Renz (who may or may not mean it - his motives for saying things are not always straightforward):
As a heterosexual married man, I don't believe you can fully speak to what a gay person should or should not do in this circumstance.
On first reading this appears to be a fair comment. However, when you start thinking about the consequences of always applying this commandment it becomes less of a fair comment and more of a recipe for stagnation and even tragedy.
For a start should I apply this ethic to just my friends? Or must I apply it to my enemies as well? If the latter is true that means I cannot criticize someone for being discriminatory against my friends. And, if I always apply it to my friends, should I stand back and say nothing if one of them tells me he is about to commit suicide?
And what about free speech and expression of one's views?
One thing is for certain - I get more advice concerning my personal life from you than I ever dish out to others and, as overall your advice has made my life "better" rather than worse, I would prefer to carry on receiving it (both good and bad) rather than muzzle everyone.
But you may think differently and may even have a logical and fair formula which allows us to criticize those outside our community but not those within it.
This is a serious post.
As a heterosexual married man, I don't believe you can fully speak to what a gay person should or should not do in this circumstance.
On first reading this appears to be a fair comment. However, when you start thinking about the consequences of always applying this commandment it becomes less of a fair comment and more of a recipe for stagnation and even tragedy.
For a start should I apply this ethic to just my friends? Or must I apply it to my enemies as well? If the latter is true that means I cannot criticize someone for being discriminatory against my friends. And, if I always apply it to my friends, should I stand back and say nothing if one of them tells me he is about to commit suicide?
And what about free speech and expression of one's views?
One thing is for certain - I get more advice concerning my personal life from you than I ever dish out to others and, as overall your advice has made my life "better" rather than worse, I would prefer to carry on receiving it (both good and bad) rather than muzzle everyone.
But you may think differently and may even have a logical and fair formula which allows us to criticize those outside our community but not those within it.
This is a serious post.
POPPA STALIN CHOOSES SIBERIAN OPTION
From THE TELEGRAPH:
Benedict XVI will beatify the famous Victorian convert to Rome, Cardinal Newman, as the highlight of next month’s trip and will also go to the Birmingham Oratory which he founded. But the small Roman Catholic community in Edgbaston and its parishioners are in turmoil after three priests were forced out to separate monasteries across the world. Father Philip Cleevely, Father Dermot Fenlon and Brother Lewis Berry – known as the “Birmingham Three” by supporters – have been told “to spend time in prayer for an indefinite period”.
It comes less than a year after Father Paul Chavasse, the Oratory’s Provost who had been in charge of the Cause to canonise Cardinal Newman, was sent to America by the Vatican representative who is investigating the Oratory following a “chaste but intense” relationship with a young man.
The Oratory has refused to explain why the three priests have been sent away – one is now in America, another in Canada and the third is going to South Africa – prompting worshippers to write an open letter to the church authorities.
It states: “We have seen the inexplicable removal of two priests and a brother who have exerted themselves heroically in the defence of our Catholic families. We have every right to a coherent explanation of what is going on, and an assurance that these priests and brother will be returned to their ministry with us forthwith.”
And for that special gift for your evangelical friends
do visit the OFFICIAL ONLINE STORE:
Benedict XVI will beatify the famous Victorian convert to Rome, Cardinal Newman, as the highlight of next month’s trip and will also go to the Birmingham Oratory which he founded. But the small Roman Catholic community in Edgbaston and its parishioners are in turmoil after three priests were forced out to separate monasteries across the world. Father Philip Cleevely, Father Dermot Fenlon and Brother Lewis Berry – known as the “Birmingham Three” by supporters – have been told “to spend time in prayer for an indefinite period”.
It comes less than a year after Father Paul Chavasse, the Oratory’s Provost who had been in charge of the Cause to canonise Cardinal Newman, was sent to America by the Vatican representative who is investigating the Oratory following a “chaste but intense” relationship with a young man.
The Oratory has refused to explain why the three priests have been sent away – one is now in America, another in Canada and the third is going to South Africa – prompting worshippers to write an open letter to the church authorities.It states: “We have seen the inexplicable removal of two priests and a brother who have exerted themselves heroically in the defence of our Catholic families. We have every right to a coherent explanation of what is going on, and an assurance that these priests and brother will be returned to their ministry with us forthwith.”
And for that special gift for your evangelical friends
do visit the OFFICIAL ONLINE STORE:
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