From KENT NEWS:
Dr Rowan Williams said people had become fearful of the "nasty questioning moments" of life, and had become too willing to ignore the suffering of others. He used an analogy of a recent trip to India to help illustrate his point, describing how he became desensitised to beggars in the street.
He said: "The first couple of days I was there I was deeply upset by the numbers of beggars in the street. After about two weeks I realised I had stopped noticing. ‘Oh,’ I thought. ‘Another beggar. I realised with some shock how very easy it is to stop seeing other people’s needs and other people’s poverty and other people’s suffering, just because it’s so easy.
"It’s the default setting."
COMMENT: Well, it certainly appears to be.
Thursday, 7 October 2010
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Our good friend from Finland, Karl of KARL'S COMMENTS fame has posted a piece that shows very clearly that bigotry and schism are not the preserve of only backward countries like England and the U.S. but that such evils can raise their ugly heads even in places perceived as enlightened, such as the Scandinavian countries.
Karl has kindly posted this article in English so do pop over and read it. I learned about an incident in our friend's life that I never knew before. He is a very brave man and a hero.
Karl has kindly posted this article in English so do pop over and read it. I learned about an incident in our friend's life that I never knew before. He is a very brave man and a hero.
STOP THE CHURCH I WANT TO GET OFF
From CATHNEWS:
Nineteen-year-old Jack Simpson's recovery of his intellectual capacity has been named one of Mary MacKillop's miracles by the Vatican, one that was "held in reserve" as a second miracle required for her canonisation.
COMMENT: There are runners up?
Nineteen-year-old Jack Simpson's recovery of his intellectual capacity has been named one of Mary MacKillop's miracles by the Vatican, one that was "held in reserve" as a second miracle required for her canonisation.
COMMENT: There are runners up?
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
SIMPLE MASSING PRIEST'S daughter (well he says she's his daughter but she's rather babelicious and very intelligent - so I have my doubts) has written a piece on her blog, POCKET.BUDDHA, entitled "When Will It Get Better."
Malcolm said on his blog today that we should go read it. I did and I am now recommending that you do too.
Malcolm said on his blog today that we should go read it. I did and I am now recommending that you do too.
NIENSTEDT SAYS "NEIN" TO COMMUNICANTS
AND CONDEMNS HIMSELF TO HELL
From EDGE ON THE NET:
Archbishop John Nienstedt refused the Eucharist to students wearing rainbow buttons at a Sept. 26 Catholic mass, the Associated Press reported on Oct. 6.
The Sept. 26 mass took place at St. John’s University in Collegeville, the AP report said. Among those attending the mass were about 25 people wearing rainbow buttons as a protest against the Catholic Church’s teachings on homosexuals. Most of them were students from two area colleges, St. John’s University and the College of St. Benedict. St. John’s is a men’s school and St. Benedict is for women; both are Catholic colleges.
The students were galvanized by the recent mass mailing of anti-gay DVDs. They wore the buttons as a sign of disagreement with church policies regarding the treatment of gays and their families. "We wanted to make a statement to Archbishop Nienstedt, to stand in solidarity with GLBT students on our own campus that we don’t agree with what he’s doing," said Elizabeth Gleich, a St. Benedict’s sophomore.
Nienstedt reportedly responded by denying the Eucharist to those wearing the rainbow buttons, instead blessing them with the sign of the cross.
"My understanding of church law is that one is not to deny communion to anyone unless he or she is a public sinner, and that has traditionally been interpreted very narrowly," St. John’s professor Rene McGraw told the media. "My instinct was these are people who were in need, I’m supportive of them, therefore I’m happy to say Mass for them."
According to Dennis McGrath, a spokesperson for the archdiocese, withholding the sacrament of the Eucharist is one way the church punishes anyone who openly opposes its institutional teachings. "Going to the communion rail is the most sacred part of our faith, the Eucharist. We don’t allow anybody to make political statements or any kind of protest" during mass, McGrath said.
A local group, the Rainbow Sash Movement, has long been denied communion when its members have gone to mass wearing the multi-colored sashes that symbolize their support for diversity, reported the Minneapolis Star-Tribune on Oct. 5.
COMMENT: This vile action by Neinstedt goes beyond the normal stupidity and magical thinking of his type of power mad cleric and enters the realms of plain evil. To deny the sacrament is to usurp the authority of Jesus Christ. It is about the most unpriestly thing a priest can do.
Our Lord said, "This is my body."
He did not then say, "And I'm giving it to a bunch of power crazed bigots in funny clothes to decide who can share in it and who can't."
If I was a better Christian I would pray for Neinstedt's eternal soul although I fear it's already been signed over to the boss of the other team.
What a nasty man.
Archbishop John Nienstedt refused the Eucharist to students wearing rainbow buttons at a Sept. 26 Catholic mass, the Associated Press reported on Oct. 6.
The Sept. 26 mass took place at St. John’s University in Collegeville, the AP report said. Among those attending the mass were about 25 people wearing rainbow buttons as a protest against the Catholic Church’s teachings on homosexuals. Most of them were students from two area colleges, St. John’s University and the College of St. Benedict. St. John’s is a men’s school and St. Benedict is for women; both are Catholic colleges.
The students were galvanized by the recent mass mailing of anti-gay DVDs. They wore the buttons as a sign of disagreement with church policies regarding the treatment of gays and their families. "We wanted to make a statement to Archbishop Nienstedt, to stand in solidarity with GLBT students on our own campus that we don’t agree with what he’s doing," said Elizabeth Gleich, a St. Benedict’s sophomore.
Nienstedt reportedly responded by denying the Eucharist to those wearing the rainbow buttons, instead blessing them with the sign of the cross.
"My understanding of church law is that one is not to deny communion to anyone unless he or she is a public sinner, and that has traditionally been interpreted very narrowly," St. John’s professor Rene McGraw told the media. "My instinct was these are people who were in need, I’m supportive of them, therefore I’m happy to say Mass for them."
According to Dennis McGrath, a spokesperson for the archdiocese, withholding the sacrament of the Eucharist is one way the church punishes anyone who openly opposes its institutional teachings. "Going to the communion rail is the most sacred part of our faith, the Eucharist. We don’t allow anybody to make political statements or any kind of protest" during mass, McGrath said.
A local group, the Rainbow Sash Movement, has long been denied communion when its members have gone to mass wearing the multi-colored sashes that symbolize their support for diversity, reported the Minneapolis Star-Tribune on Oct. 5.
COMMENT: This vile action by Neinstedt goes beyond the normal stupidity and magical thinking of his type of power mad cleric and enters the realms of plain evil. To deny the sacrament is to usurp the authority of Jesus Christ. It is about the most unpriestly thing a priest can do.
Our Lord said, "This is my body."
He did not then say, "And I'm giving it to a bunch of power crazed bigots in funny clothes to decide who can share in it and who can't."
If I was a better Christian I would pray for Neinstedt's eternal soul although I fear it's already been signed over to the boss of the other team.
What a nasty man.
CANDLELIGHT IN THE HATEFUL DARKNESS
From LGCM:
The Second International Day Against Hate Crime will be held in Trafalgar Square on Saturday 23 October 2010, 7pm until 9pm (with a two minute silence for all those affected by hate crime at 8pm).
Last year 10,000 people gathered to remember Ian Baynham who died as a result of a homophobic attack in Trafalgar Square on a busy Friday night. In just two weeks Mark Healey and a dedicated team of people made the Vigil happen and honoured not only Ian’s life but the lives of all who have suffered because of homophobic and other hate crime. Tony Green, one of our media officers did press work for the event last October and though not involved this year is keen to make it as widely known as possible.
Mark Healey says: “This year the theme is uniting our communities against Hate. It’s about two issues: Hope and Remembrance. We are organising this event to remember all those affected by all forms of hate crime, not just those we have lost but all those who have felt the pain of losing someone they love – friends, family and work colleagues. We want to show them our support, that they are not alone. Harvey Milk once said ‘you’ve got to give them hope’ and that is really what this event is about – hope that we can stand and work together to better community relations and reach out to each other in the spirit of peace to make the world a better place for everyone.
“In solidarity we are asking as many people as possible to come wearing purple. We plan to organise a Candle-lit Vigil and encourage everyone around the world to join us in a day of hope and remembrance for all victims of hate crime, and to work together to improve our communities.
Last year 10,000 people gathered to remember Ian Baynham who died as a result of a homophobic attack in Trafalgar Square on a busy Friday night. In just two weeks Mark Healey and a dedicated team of people made the Vigil happen and honoured not only Ian’s life but the lives of all who have suffered because of homophobic and other hate crime. Tony Green, one of our media officers did press work for the event last October and though not involved this year is keen to make it as widely known as possible.
Mark Healey says: “This year the theme is uniting our communities against Hate. It’s about two issues: Hope and Remembrance. We are organising this event to remember all those affected by all forms of hate crime, not just those we have lost but all those who have felt the pain of losing someone they love – friends, family and work colleagues. We want to show them our support, that they are not alone. Harvey Milk once said ‘you’ve got to give them hope’ and that is really what this event is about – hope that we can stand and work together to better community relations and reach out to each other in the spirit of peace to make the world a better place for everyone.
“In solidarity we are asking as many people as possible to come wearing purple. We plan to organise a Candle-lit Vigil and encourage everyone around the world to join us in a day of hope and remembrance for all victims of hate crime, and to work together to improve our communities.
YOU CAN FOOL SOME OF THE PEOPLE SOME OF THE TIME AND ROBERT MUGABE MORE OFTEN THAN NOT
Coming so soon after the Ecuadorean fake degree debacle this is very telling. It is funny, of course, but we must not forget that millions are suffering in poverty subject to the constant harassment of out of control, government backed thugs because of the crazed thought processes of Mugabe, one of Africa's most vile megalomaniacs.
From THE DAILY NATION:
A witchdoctor who misled Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's entire Cabinet into believing that petroleum was oozing from a rock has been jailed for 27 months. President Mugabe went to the extent of setting up a Cabinet committee to investigate how the country could benefit from the "discovery" after Rottina Mavhunga claimed to have discovered refined diesel at a mountainous area.
Mavhunga hosted several ministerial delegations at her shrine and was paid thousands of dollars as she sent the government on a wild goose chase. She cleverly exploited a fuel shortage that had gripped Zimbabwe for more than five years.
A magistrate in Chinhoyi, about 100km from Harare, said the witchdoctor deserved a custodial sentence as the government had channelled money to her fake project and which was now lost.
Mavhunga blamed the diesel claim on spirit possession. She said she does not know if the diesel exists.
The government later discovered that Mavhunga and her accomplices were drawing diesel from tanks left by a white commercial farmer who lost his farm during President Mugabe's controversial land reforms.
Mavhunga faces another charge after she allegedly exchanged a stone weighing 18kg, claiming it was gold, for a cow.
Thanks to Rudo for sending this
story in to MadPriest Towers.
From THE DAILY NATION:
A witchdoctor who misled Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's entire Cabinet into believing that petroleum was oozing from a rock has been jailed for 27 months. President Mugabe went to the extent of setting up a Cabinet committee to investigate how the country could benefit from the "discovery" after Rottina Mavhunga claimed to have discovered refined diesel at a mountainous area.
Mavhunga hosted several ministerial delegations at her shrine and was paid thousands of dollars as she sent the government on a wild goose chase. She cleverly exploited a fuel shortage that had gripped Zimbabwe for more than five years.
A magistrate in Chinhoyi, about 100km from Harare, said the witchdoctor deserved a custodial sentence as the government had channelled money to her fake project and which was now lost.
Mavhunga blamed the diesel claim on spirit possession. She said she does not know if the diesel exists.
The government later discovered that Mavhunga and her accomplices were drawing diesel from tanks left by a white commercial farmer who lost his farm during President Mugabe's controversial land reforms.
Mavhunga faces another charge after she allegedly exchanged a stone weighing 18kg, claiming it was gold, for a cow.
Thanks to Rudo for sending this
story in to MadPriest Towers.
RUCTIONS IN ST. PAUL'S & MINNEAPOLIS AFTER
PRIEST GETS HOLD OF COPY OF NEW TESTAMENT
From THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER:
A Minnesota pastor, in a letter to the editor of a major newspaper, has sharply criticized the campaign against same-sex marriage spearheaded by his archbishop, John C. Nienstedt, of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Fr. Michael Tegeder, pastor of St. Edward Parish, Bloomington, took issue with the content of a 18-minute DVD sent by Minnesota bishops to more than 400,000 Catholics throughout the state. "The premise of the DVD," wrote Tegeder, in a letter published Oct. 2 by the Star-Tribune, "is that same-sex couples and their committed relationships are a grave threat to marriage."
The real threat to marriage, the pastor argued, is poverty, citing an earlier report on the effects of the economic downturn on marriage.
"In every serious study, poverty is the top reason for marital breakdowns," wrote Tegeder. "It is very hard to make the case that a small percentage of the population who bond with members of their own sex and seek to live in a committed relationship with members of their own sex could have anything but a positive effect on the general population's appreciation of stable, faithful, life-giving unions."
The DVD promotes a state constitutional amendment that would limit marriage to one man and one woman. Tegeder said the amendment "does not allow even for civil unions, and it would limit current rights for gay and lesbian citizens. We as Catholics can have our own beliefs about marriage. But we must recognize that people of other faiths and of no faith have conscientious beliefs as well."
FATHER MICHAEL TEGEDER
BRICK OF THE DAY
However, I am a bit worried, looking at his photograph, that Michael might be a vampire. I've seen "True Blood," you know. So I'm fully aware that they are quite common in the United States.
Thanks to Whiteycat for sending this tale of moral courage and speaking the word of God without fear into MadPriest Towers.
A Minnesota pastor, in a letter to the editor of a major newspaper, has sharply criticized the campaign against same-sex marriage spearheaded by his archbishop, John C. Nienstedt, of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Fr. Michael Tegeder, pastor of St. Edward Parish, Bloomington, took issue with the content of a 18-minute DVD sent by Minnesota bishops to more than 400,000 Catholics throughout the state. "The premise of the DVD," wrote Tegeder, in a letter published Oct. 2 by the Star-Tribune, "is that same-sex couples and their committed relationships are a grave threat to marriage."
The real threat to marriage, the pastor argued, is poverty, citing an earlier report on the effects of the economic downturn on marriage.
"In every serious study, poverty is the top reason for marital breakdowns," wrote Tegeder. "It is very hard to make the case that a small percentage of the population who bond with members of their own sex and seek to live in a committed relationship with members of their own sex could have anything but a positive effect on the general population's appreciation of stable, faithful, life-giving unions."
The DVD promotes a state constitutional amendment that would limit marriage to one man and one woman. Tegeder said the amendment "does not allow even for civil unions, and it would limit current rights for gay and lesbian citizens. We as Catholics can have our own beliefs about marriage. But we must recognize that people of other faiths and of no faith have conscientious beliefs as well."
BRICK OF THE DAY
However, I am a bit worried, looking at his photograph, that Michael might be a vampire. I've seen "True Blood," you know. So I'm fully aware that they are quite common in the United States.
Thanks to Whiteycat for sending this tale of moral courage and speaking the word of God without fear into MadPriest Towers.
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
After reading about David Cameron's intention to increase the taxes of high earners:
Money is the prey animal of the rich. Attempting to take money from a rich person is like trying to take away a wolf's kill from under its nose. The latter enterprise is a lot less painful if the wolf has previously had its teeth and claws removed.
Money is the prey animal of the rich. Attempting to take money from a rich person is like trying to take away a wolf's kill from under its nose. The latter enterprise is a lot less painful if the wolf has previously had its teeth and claws removed.
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
EVEN THE AMERICANS CAN DO SOME THINGS RIGHT
As an Anglo-Saxon it is my beholden duty to not only believe that the English are better at absolutely everything than everyone else but also to proclaim this claim throughout the world. However, I have to admit that, although our superiority is overwhelming it is not completely true. There are a few things that foreigners do, not only better than us, but actually considerably better than us.
Although I will probably be exiled to the Lowlands of Europe for admitting this in public, I have discovered during the past four years that even the Americans surpass on two particular things. Firstly, they are a lot more willing to give financial support (as individuals, not as a nation) to people in need, especially those in their own locality. Secondly, and I find this even more worthy, they are far more willing than the English to accept financial help when they need it.
In England people, specifically in this case, church people, are very suspicious if someone in their circle of concern asks for financial help. They are also petrified of an act of charity being seen as a precedent. To be fair the latter is probably due to their fear of having to say yes to some people and no to others.However, in the US, although not naive about requests for help, they do seem to have generally acquired the skill of discernment. And those in the States who are on the receiving end of the largesse of others are so much better than the English at receiving. In England we are really crap at accepting charity. We feel incredibly guilty and resentful of the fact that we have had to ask for it. This results in us being clumsy and downright ungracious when it comes to saying thank you.
Both of these "charisms", giving and receiving, have been demonstrated here at OCICBW... recently. One of our gang was faced with the prospect of losing his beloved cat through illness, simply because he couldn't afford the not that expensive vet's bill. You people checked the veracity of our friend's situation and then leapt to his assistance with gifts of money. Although most of these donations, including mine, were quite small, because of the number of people who put their hands in their pockets, little Katzie has now been fully mended and will return to the human she loves and who loves her. Our friend's moment of need only came to our attention about a week ago and yet our friend is now turning down offers of help because he has enough money to pay for the surgery which was all he wanted. Well done you. And well done to the recipient of your generosity. I have learned an incredible amount about how to receive graciously from his example. I have come to realise that the ability to receive is as great, if not more great, a gift than the ability to give. Because in receiving you give something of far greater value to the giver than what you receive from them. Of course, this is only what Jesus told us. But I can be just as dense about even the most obvious words of the gospel as most other Christians. Thank you, Mark, for making me a little less dense.
Although I will probably be exiled to the Lowlands of Europe for admitting this in public, I have discovered during the past four years that even the Americans surpass on two particular things. Firstly, they are a lot more willing to give financial support (as individuals, not as a nation) to people in need, especially those in their own locality. Secondly, and I find this even more worthy, they are far more willing than the English to accept financial help when they need it.
In England people, specifically in this case, church people, are very suspicious if someone in their circle of concern asks for financial help. They are also petrified of an act of charity being seen as a precedent. To be fair the latter is probably due to their fear of having to say yes to some people and no to others.However, in the US, although not naive about requests for help, they do seem to have generally acquired the skill of discernment. And those in the States who are on the receiving end of the largesse of others are so much better than the English at receiving. In England we are really crap at accepting charity. We feel incredibly guilty and resentful of the fact that we have had to ask for it. This results in us being clumsy and downright ungracious when it comes to saying thank you.
Both of these "charisms", giving and receiving, have been demonstrated here at OCICBW... recently. One of our gang was faced with the prospect of losing his beloved cat through illness, simply because he couldn't afford the not that expensive vet's bill. You people checked the veracity of our friend's situation and then leapt to his assistance with gifts of money. Although most of these donations, including mine, were quite small, because of the number of people who put their hands in their pockets, little Katzie has now been fully mended and will return to the human she loves and who loves her. Our friend's moment of need only came to our attention about a week ago and yet our friend is now turning down offers of help because he has enough money to pay for the surgery which was all he wanted. Well done you. And well done to the recipient of your generosity. I have learned an incredible amount about how to receive graciously from his example. I have come to realise that the ability to receive is as great, if not more great, a gift than the ability to give. Because in receiving you give something of far greater value to the giver than what you receive from them. Of course, this is only what Jesus told us. But I can be just as dense about even the most obvious words of the gospel as most other Christians. Thank you, Mark, for making me a little less dense.
OVER AT ST. LAIKA'S
Daily Prayer at ST. LAIKA'S today is from the Book Of Common Prayer 1662. Fans of olde worlde English should really dig it. I adore the BCP offices and show off atrociously when reciting them. The audio file also contains John Bunyan's hymn "Who would true valour see," complete with hobgoblins, and Julian Bream playing "Greensleeves."
LETTER FROM AFRICA
From THE STANDARD (Zimbabwe's leading Sunday newspaper):
The King James Bible is the first English translation of the Christian Bibles. Some people name it “the 1611 Authorised King James”. The Church of England (now known as the Anglican Church) undertook the translating work in the year 1604 and completed it in the year 1611.
The translation work was done as a directive from King James the first, during the time of his reign in England. The New Testament was translated from Greek and the Old Testament from Hebrew. Translation work was undertaken by several scholars, most of whom were from the Church of England. The translating members were arranged into six committees, each working on certain parts separately. Drafts produced by each committee were then compared and revised for harmony with each other. The translation and compilation of the Bible was supported by donations of members of the Church of England. The final translation product was printed and published by Robert Baker in the year 1611.
I believe that the Bible is a sacred book of God. It is His constitution or His infallible message to mankind. The Devil hates people who study their bibles. He knows that the more they study it, the more they become dangerous to his kingdom. I also believe that to avoid further damage to his kingdom the Devil designed a malicious master plan of printing and circulating counterfeit bibles.
Christians should therefore be aware of such bibles which are now in circulation. There is nothing good about them besides seeding deception and heresies among Christians. It is encouraged to check and see if your bible is not one of these deceptive types.
(Simukai Victor Kaponda)
COMMENT: Well don't just sit there staring at your computer screen. Off you go and check. And if you're not sure if your Bible is one of the deceptive types contact Simukai direct c/o The Harare Clinic For The Religiously Deranged, 666 Mugabe Iz Da Boss Avenue, Harare, IH8 YT, Zimbabwe.
And for more ga ga fundamentalist fun check out "A Bible Lesson Gone Horribly Wrong" at PAM'S HOUSE BLEND.
The King James Bible is the first English translation of the Christian Bibles. Some people name it “the 1611 Authorised King James”. The Church of England (now known as the Anglican Church) undertook the translating work in the year 1604 and completed it in the year 1611.
The translation work was done as a directive from King James the first, during the time of his reign in England. The New Testament was translated from Greek and the Old Testament from Hebrew. Translation work was undertaken by several scholars, most of whom were from the Church of England. The translating members were arranged into six committees, each working on certain parts separately. Drafts produced by each committee were then compared and revised for harmony with each other. The translation and compilation of the Bible was supported by donations of members of the Church of England. The final translation product was printed and published by Robert Baker in the year 1611.
I believe that the Bible is a sacred book of God. It is His constitution or His infallible message to mankind. The Devil hates people who study their bibles. He knows that the more they study it, the more they become dangerous to his kingdom. I also believe that to avoid further damage to his kingdom the Devil designed a malicious master plan of printing and circulating counterfeit bibles.
Christians should therefore be aware of such bibles which are now in circulation. There is nothing good about them besides seeding deception and heresies among Christians. It is encouraged to check and see if your bible is not one of these deceptive types.
(Simukai Victor Kaponda)
COMMENT: Well don't just sit there staring at your computer screen. Off you go and check. And if you're not sure if your Bible is one of the deceptive types contact Simukai direct c/o The Harare Clinic For The Religiously Deranged, 666 Mugabe Iz Da Boss Avenue, Harare, IH8 YT, Zimbabwe.
And for more ga ga fundamentalist fun check out "A Bible Lesson Gone Horribly Wrong" at PAM'S HOUSE BLEND.
Monday, 4 October 2010
ANOTHER WONDERFUL MAN DONE GONE
Sir Norman Wisdom
Clown
4th. February 1915
- 4th. October 2010
May he rest in peace
and not cause too much
damage to Heaven.
If you don't find slapstick and farce funny
then you'll never make people laugh.
(MadPriest)
Sir Norman Joseph Wisdom OBE was an English comedian, singer-songwriter and actor best known for a series of comedy films produced between 1953 and 1966 featuring his onscreen "gump" character Norman Pitkin. Charlie Chaplin famously referred to Wisdom as his "favourite clown"
He later forged a career on Broadway and as a television actor, winning critical acclaim for his dramatic role of a dying cancer patient in the television play Going Gently in 1981. He was knighted in 2000 and spent much of his later life on the Isle of Man. Wisdom had retired from acting at the 90 subsequent to decline in his health. (WIKIPEDIA)
NOBEL PRIZE COMMITTEE FORGETS TO
CLEAR THEIR CHOICE WITH VATICAN
The Vatican's Pontifical Academy for Life has criticised the awarding of this year's Nobel Prize for Medicine to IVF pioneer Robert Edwards.
"I find the choice of Robert Edwards completely out of order," said Bishop Ignacio Carrasco de Paula, head of the body which speaks for the Vatican on medical ethics issues.
COMMENT: "Out of order?"
That sounds very English for someone called Ignacio Carrasco. Next we'll probably get a statement from Benny saying that he's slightly miffed.
"I find the choice of Robert Edwards completely out of order," said Bishop Ignacio Carrasco de Paula, head of the body which speaks for the Vatican on medical ethics issues.
COMMENT: "Out of order?"
That sounds very English for someone called Ignacio Carrasco. Next we'll probably get a statement from Benny saying that he's slightly miffed.
PINK FLOYD STAR IN TROUBLE FOR
COMPARING US ECONOMY TO ZIONISM
From NZ HERALD:
Roger Waters has launched a vigorous defence of his views and music after being accused by an American-Jewish rights agency of using images in his stage show that promoted stereotypes.
During a performance of Goodbye Blue Sky at the United States leg of The Wall Live tour, which revives Pink Floyd's hit 1979 album, a B52 bomber projected on to a backdrop is shown dropping symbols including the Star of David and a dollar sign, as well as a crucifix and logos for Shell and Mercedes.
Abraham Foxman, the director of the Anti-Defamation League, said using the dollar sign and the Star of David in sequence echoed the stereotype that Jews were avaricious.
Waters, who was born in Surrey but has lived in the US for 10 years, said the slur was so serious he felt compelled to set the record straight in an open letter to the Independent.
"I watch the workings of politics here and particularly the Republican Party. They work with the axiom that you can tell as many lies as you want - and often the bigger the better - and eventually they will be believed," he said.
"If I don't respond people will see the story and will come to believe I'm anti-Semitic, and I'm not. Nothing could be further from the truth."
The images he chose to project during the show were selected because they are "representative of religious and national and commercial interests, all of which have a malign influence on our lives and prevent us from treating each other decently".
Waters has spoken against Israeli policies and accused the ADL of painting critics as anti-Semitic.
"It's a screen that they hide behind. I don't think they should be taken seriously on that. You can attack Israeli policy without being anti-Jewish," he said.
COMMENT: From an outsider's perspective it does appear that in the US you can go on Fox TV and say the most obnoxious things about anyone you like except the Israeli government. Really this selective freedom of speech is just not on. I mean, am I the only person to notice that placing Mercedes and Shell in sequence is just reinforcing the old stereotype of big German cars being gas guzzlers?
Roger Waters has launched a vigorous defence of his views and music after being accused by an American-Jewish rights agency of using images in his stage show that promoted stereotypes.
During a performance of Goodbye Blue Sky at the United States leg of The Wall Live tour, which revives Pink Floyd's hit 1979 album, a B52 bomber projected on to a backdrop is shown dropping symbols including the Star of David and a dollar sign, as well as a crucifix and logos for Shell and Mercedes.
Abraham Foxman, the director of the Anti-Defamation League, said using the dollar sign and the Star of David in sequence echoed the stereotype that Jews were avaricious.
Waters, who was born in Surrey but has lived in the US for 10 years, said the slur was so serious he felt compelled to set the record straight in an open letter to the Independent.
"I watch the workings of politics here and particularly the Republican Party. They work with the axiom that you can tell as many lies as you want - and often the bigger the better - and eventually they will be believed," he said.
"If I don't respond people will see the story and will come to believe I'm anti-Semitic, and I'm not. Nothing could be further from the truth."
The images he chose to project during the show were selected because they are "representative of religious and national and commercial interests, all of which have a malign influence on our lives and prevent us from treating each other decently".
Waters has spoken against Israeli policies and accused the ADL of painting critics as anti-Semitic.
"It's a screen that they hide behind. I don't think they should be taken seriously on that. You can attack Israeli policy without being anti-Jewish," he said.
COMMENT: From an outsider's perspective it does appear that in the US you can go on Fox TV and say the most obnoxious things about anyone you like except the Israeli government. Really this selective freedom of speech is just not on. I mean, am I the only person to notice that placing Mercedes and Shell in sequence is just reinforcing the old stereotype of big German cars being gas guzzlers?
POWERFUL, INTELLIGENT WOMAN SCARES THE BEJEESUS OUT OF KENYAN EVANGELICAL MAN
From ALL AFRICA.COM:
More than 74 churches have petitioned President Kibaki to sack Cabinet minister Esther Murugi over her last week remarks on gay rights in the country. The minister, while speaking last week in Mombasa, asked Kenyans to learn to co-exist with homosexuals and lesbians saying this is 21st century.
The churches, under the aegis of the Federation of Evangelical Indigenous Christian Churches of Kenya (FEICCK) warned of street demonstrations against the Ms Murugi. In a statement, Dr Methu said Ms Murugi discredited her reputation and was unfit to hold public office.
"This should happen in the shortest time possible; failure to which we shall not be left with any other option other than to ask those who care about righteousness and morality to demonstrate against her, "said FEICCK chairman Bishop Dr Joseph.
Dr Methu stressed unless intended to invite God' wrath, Kenyans should not dare to allow homosexuality and lesbianism to thrive in the country.
"God will punish all forms of immorality despite who is promoting it and are at whatever level."
More than 74 churches have petitioned President Kibaki to sack Cabinet minister Esther Murugi over her last week remarks on gay rights in the country. The minister, while speaking last week in Mombasa, asked Kenyans to learn to co-exist with homosexuals and lesbians saying this is 21st century.
The churches, under the aegis of the Federation of Evangelical Indigenous Christian Churches of Kenya (FEICCK) warned of street demonstrations against the Ms Murugi. In a statement, Dr Methu said Ms Murugi discredited her reputation and was unfit to hold public office.
"This should happen in the shortest time possible; failure to which we shall not be left with any other option other than to ask those who care about righteousness and morality to demonstrate against her, "said FEICCK chairman Bishop Dr Joseph.
Dr Methu stressed unless intended to invite God' wrath, Kenyans should not dare to allow homosexuality and lesbianism to thrive in the country.
"God will punish all forms of immorality despite who is promoting it and are at whatever level."
ARNIE WAS RIGHT -
THE MACHINES ARE OUT TO KILL US
From TYPICALLY SPANISH:
The Spanish Red Cross in Extremadura reports that a 37 year old Senegalese man has drowned, in the La Serena reservoir at Capilla, Badajoz. He was travelling with a friend on Saturday night and it seems the GPS navigation device in the Peugeot 306 had sent them along the road in question returning from a fair in Cabeza de Buey, Badajoz. The data used by the device was out of date, and the road has now been flooded by the creation of the reservoir.
The driver’s companion said that they could not brake in time, and while he managed to get out of the vehicle and swim to shore, his friend drowned.
The Spanish Red Cross in Extremadura reports that a 37 year old Senegalese man has drowned, in the La Serena reservoir at Capilla, Badajoz. He was travelling with a friend on Saturday night and it seems the GPS navigation device in the Peugeot 306 had sent them along the road in question returning from a fair in Cabeza de Buey, Badajoz. The data used by the device was out of date, and the road has now been flooded by the creation of the reservoir.
The driver’s companion said that they could not brake in time, and while he managed to get out of the vehicle and swim to shore, his friend drowned.
THE REFORMATION WAS NEVER LIKE
THIS WHEN I WAS AN ORDINAND
TEC "traditionalists seem to have a completely different idea about Thomas Cranmer than the rest of the Anglican Communion. And, I must say, I approve.
I mean, given the choice between this:
... and this:
... which would get you embracing double predestination?
"Dearly beloved, brethren..." suddenly takes on a whole new level of meaning.
Thanks to Ann for discovering this gem
and forwarding it to MadPriest Towers.
I mean, given the choice between this:
... and this:
... which would get you embracing double predestination?
"Dearly beloved, brethren..." suddenly takes on a whole new level of meaning.
Thanks to Ann for discovering this gem
and forwarding it to MadPriest Towers.
I SUPPOSE IF YOU BELIEVE IN PAPAL INFALLIBILITY
YOU CAN BELIEVE IN ANYTHING
From THE CATHOLIC HERALD:
COMMENT: I personally know Andrew Burnham. But I haven't spoken to him for over fifteen years and maybe he has changed. He has certainly seemed to have changed his mind about gay people as he prided himself on being the straight friend of the local gay priests when he was working in Nottingham. He rang them all up on the night the women's ordination measure was passed by synod and told each of them that he would look after them. Now he wants to join a denomination that officially refuses to ordain gay men to the priesthood even if they are celibate. However, I also remember, and this where he may have undergone a miraculous transformation in the past decade or so, that the main thing that Andrew was "energetically committed" to was his own advancement.
It strikes me that the English Catholic church is extremely naive about these dissident Anglicans. They also vastly overestimate the Anglican congregations thatmay cross over, whose attitude towards mission is not what you would call enthusiastic at the best of times. In fact, these insular throw backs to the 1920s tend to have more gatekeepers in their congregations than the Plymouth Brethren. Mission involves welcoming the other and these congregations will only put up with the exactly similar becoming part of their unchanging world. These dissidents want to leave Anglicanism because Anglicanism is changing. They hate change. They hate the threat of change. They hate even the idea of talking about change. They are as far removed from the Pauline paradigm of mission, of being all things to all people, as you can possibly get.
Perhaps if the Roman Catholics had spent more time looking at the Anglican Church as opposed to looking down on it they would have a better understanding of the true nature of its Anglo-Catholic wing, especially in England. One thing is for certain, if they do welcome all Andrew Burnham's flock into their fold they are, in the words of The Flinstone's theme tune, going to have one hell of a "gay old time."
COMMENT: I personally know Andrew Burnham. But I haven't spoken to him for over fifteen years and maybe he has changed. He has certainly seemed to have changed his mind about gay people as he prided himself on being the straight friend of the local gay priests when he was working in Nottingham. He rang them all up on the night the women's ordination measure was passed by synod and told each of them that he would look after them. Now he wants to join a denomination that officially refuses to ordain gay men to the priesthood even if they are celibate. However, I also remember, and this where he may have undergone a miraculous transformation in the past decade or so, that the main thing that Andrew was "energetically committed" to was his own advancement.
It strikes me that the English Catholic church is extremely naive about these dissident Anglicans. They also vastly overestimate the Anglican congregations thatmay cross over, whose attitude towards mission is not what you would call enthusiastic at the best of times. In fact, these insular throw backs to the 1920s tend to have more gatekeepers in their congregations than the Plymouth Brethren. Mission involves welcoming the other and these congregations will only put up with the exactly similar becoming part of their unchanging world. These dissidents want to leave Anglicanism because Anglicanism is changing. They hate change. They hate the threat of change. They hate even the idea of talking about change. They are as far removed from the Pauline paradigm of mission, of being all things to all people, as you can possibly get.
Perhaps if the Roman Catholics had spent more time looking at the Anglican Church as opposed to looking down on it they would have a better understanding of the true nature of its Anglo-Catholic wing, especially in England. One thing is for certain, if they do welcome all Andrew Burnham's flock into their fold they are, in the words of The Flinstone's theme tune, going to have one hell of a "gay old time."
SHOOT FIRST - MAKE PATHETIC EXCUSES LATER
This is horrible:
From THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE:
Thanks to JCF for sending this
story into MadPriest Towers.
From THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE:
Thanks to JCF for sending this
story into MadPriest Towers.
THE SOPPY KIWI SELECTION
Em Patience has sent in the following piccies for your amusement.
For more cute animals check out
PET BLESSING AROUND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
over at St. Laika's. The photo of Mibi52 is classic.
Also, Kitt has a brilliant scheme for getting some cash to support her JESUS IN LOVE blog. Artist, Trudie Barreras, has volunteered to paint pet portraits from photos and they only cost a staggeringly affordable $25.00. They're rather good, as well.
For more cute animals check out
PET BLESSING AROUND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
over at St. Laika's. The photo of Mibi52 is classic.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Kelvin has a post on young gay suicide at
WHAT'S IN KELVIN'S HEAD
which includes a moving video link.
WHAT'S IN KELVIN'S HEAD
which includes a moving video link.
THE PRAYER LIST
The Prayer List has moved to its new home at ST. LAIKA'S. It is my intention to include them in our daily prayers as well as posting them in text form.
Please continue to send in your requests by email or by comment.
Please continue to send in your requests by email or by comment.
Sunday, 3 October 2010
MADPRIEST IS APPEALING
The administrator of this site is the Reverend Jonathan Hagger (a.k.a. MadPriest). He is a licensed Church of England priest but he receives no salary from any church or any other employer. At present his ministry consists entirely of his work at St. Laika's and OCICBW...
However, he likes to eat occasionally and his blogs cost quite a bit of money to run. So, in true Anglican style a collection plate is being made available for your donations (via PayPal).
Full accounts will be posted here each year. You will never be asked to pledge or tithe but a regular monthly contribution from you would give him security and peace of mind.
Another way to help Jonathan is to buy Amazon products via his Amazon shop. Details of how to do this can be found in the sidebar.
However, he likes to eat occasionally and his blogs cost quite a bit of money to run. So, in true Anglican style a collection plate is being made available for your donations (via PayPal).
Full accounts will be posted here each year. You will never be asked to pledge or tithe but a regular monthly contribution from you would give him security and peace of mind.
Another way to help Jonathan is to buy Amazon products via his Amazon shop. Details of how to do this can be found in the sidebar.
MADPRIEST'S BOG STANDARD SERMON
FOR THE EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
I have posted my sermon for today as a separate file
from the communion service over at ST. LAIKA'S.
from the communion service over at ST. LAIKA'S.
Saturday, 2 October 2010
UK PAGANS GET TAX BREAK
From ASSOCIATED PRESS:
Druidry has been formally recognized as a religion in Britain. The Druid Network, a group of about 350 Druids, will receive exemptions from taxes on donations after the semi-governmental Charity Commission granted it charitable status just like mainstream religions such as the Church of England.
To register as a religious charity in England, an organization must satisfy requirements that include belief in a supreme entity, a degree of cohesion and seriousness, and a beneficial moral framework.
Druidry has been formally recognized as a religion in Britain. The Druid Network, a group of about 350 Druids, will receive exemptions from taxes on donations after the semi-governmental Charity Commission granted it charitable status just like mainstream religions such as the Church of England.
To register as a religious charity in England, an organization must satisfy requirements that include belief in a supreme entity, a degree of cohesion and seriousness, and a beneficial moral framework.
FOLKY LOUD FRIDAY
Happiness abounds at MadPriest Towers as the new Bellowhead album is released this weekend. You'll have read my over the top adulation for this U.K. folk supergroup many times in the past if you are a regular round these parts. So all I will say is that this album does not lessen my admiration for them one iota. It's great. Here's a few tracks to keep you going until you get your own copy.
BELLOWHEAD WEBSITE
PURCHASE HEDONISM VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
Friday, 1 October 2010
MORE ROMAN CATHOLICS DEEPLY WOUNDED
BY PEOPLE NOT AGREEING WITH THEM
From THE JOURNAL PIONEER:
MANILA, Philippines - Government prosecutors on Friday charged a popular Manila artist and tour guide with offending Roman Catholics after he disrupted Mass at the capital's main cathedral to protest the clergy's opposition to contraception.
On Thursday, Carlos Celdran, who is known for distributing condoms and birth control pills to poor residents as he guides tourists through Intramuros, the Spanish colonial-era walled city, interrupted an ecumenical Mass at Manila Cathedral. Dressed in a 19th-century outfit, the performing artist approached the altar and told the priests to stop getting involved in politics and not to threaten civil disobedience against any government plan to promote family planning and birth control, according to police. He carried a placard bearing the name "Damaso," seen in the Philippines as a term of insult for priests. Damaso is the name of a friar depicted in a novel by national hero Jose Rizal who was openly strict with religious practices yet secretly fathered a child.
Celdran, 37, was arrested at the cathedral and freed almost a day later on 6,000-peso ($138) bail. Friends of the artist had set up a Facebook fan page calling for his release, drawing more than 12,000 supporters by the time he posted bail.
"I apologize for being rude, but it was necessary for me to be rude," Celdran told reporters.
COMMENT: For putting his money where his mouth is and being so wonderfully O.T.T. whilst doing so, Carlos Celdran is our:
BRICK OF THE DAY
MANILA, Philippines - Government prosecutors on Friday charged a popular Manila artist and tour guide with offending Roman Catholics after he disrupted Mass at the capital's main cathedral to protest the clergy's opposition to contraception.
On Thursday, Carlos Celdran, who is known for distributing condoms and birth control pills to poor residents as he guides tourists through Intramuros, the Spanish colonial-era walled city, interrupted an ecumenical Mass at Manila Cathedral. Dressed in a 19th-century outfit, the performing artist approached the altar and told the priests to stop getting involved in politics and not to threaten civil disobedience against any government plan to promote family planning and birth control, according to police. He carried a placard bearing the name "Damaso," seen in the Philippines as a term of insult for priests. Damaso is the name of a friar depicted in a novel by national hero Jose Rizal who was openly strict with religious practices yet secretly fathered a child.
Celdran, 37, was arrested at the cathedral and freed almost a day later on 6,000-peso ($138) bail. Friends of the artist had set up a Facebook fan page calling for his release, drawing more than 12,000 supporters by the time he posted bail.
"I apologize for being rude, but it was necessary for me to be rude," Celdran told reporters.
COMMENT: For putting his money where his mouth is and being so wonderfully O.T.T. whilst doing so, Carlos Celdran is our:
BRICK OF THE DAY
TYPO OF THE DAY (?)
From THE CHURCH TIMES:
Blimee! You would have to move fast if you wanted to go
for this job. Do you think they may already have someone
in mind for the job?
Blimee! You would have to move fast if you wanted to go
for this job. Do you think they may already have someone
in mind for the job?
WE'RE OFF!
OCICBW... has today launched two new websites
- ST. LAIKA'S (a totally inclusive worship blog)
and THE ANCHORHOLD (about prayer and stuff).
Please do me a great favour and advertise
both sites on your own blogs.
Oh, and please, please, please do pop over
there yourselves, of course.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
For the purpose of general hilarity, Grandmère Mimi's
name was taken in vain in this cartoon without her
permission. Grandmère Mimi blogs at WOUND UP BIRD.
- ST. LAIKA'S (a totally inclusive worship blog)
and THE ANCHORHOLD (about prayer and stuff).
Please do me a great favour and advertise
both sites on your own blogs.
Oh, and please, please, please do pop over
there yourselves, of course.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
For the purpose of general hilarity, Grandmère Mimi's
name was taken in vain in this cartoon without her
permission. Grandmère Mimi blogs at WOUND UP BIRD.
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