Saturday, 18 June 2011
ROWAN WILLIAMS OUTED AS
AN ENEMY OF THE STATE
Who is this man?
From THE TELEGRAPH:
The young Rowan Williams was once labelled 'a subversive' by a senior MI5 officer over his involvement with a group of Marxist, Trotskyite and socialist campaigners. The secret briefing papers were seen by then Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher and circulated to MPs. The future head of the Church of England first came to the attention of the Security Service when he helped found a left-wing Christian group during his student days at Oxford University. He wrote the original manifesto for the Jubilee Group, claiming capitalism was in its death-throes and "threatens to inflict even greater violence on mankind than it has done before. We must make our stand with the oppressed."
The Jubilee Group was identified as a "problem" neo-Marxist organisation in confidential intelligence documents drawn up by MI5 officer Charles Elwell. He warned of "the problem of Christian left wing groups" and named the Jubilee Group as "the best known and probably most influential". Shortly after his analysis of Dr Williams' group was published, the Prime Minister said the Jubilee Group was "the most subversive group within the religious community in England" and one newspaper referred to it as "a bunch of neo-Marxist trendy clerics."
The group helped oversee a series of campaigns against the introduction of the poll tax, the violent trade union dispute over Rupert Murdoch's decision to move his newspapers to Wapping and the US nuclear base at Greenham Common.
COMMENT: Who'd have thought it? Me and the boss on the same blacklist. I was declared an enemy of the state back in the late 1970s for attending anti-racism demonstrations. I know this because I was turned down for a civil service job because of it. Of course, I've retained my integrity by never selling out unlike the Grand Tufti who has proved himself to be nothing but a foul-weather socialist especially in respect of his youthful demand that "We must make our stand with the oppressed."
From THE TELEGRAPH:
The young Rowan Williams was once labelled 'a subversive' by a senior MI5 officer over his involvement with a group of Marxist, Trotskyite and socialist campaigners. The secret briefing papers were seen by then Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher and circulated to MPs. The future head of the Church of England first came to the attention of the Security Service when he helped found a left-wing Christian group during his student days at Oxford University. He wrote the original manifesto for the Jubilee Group, claiming capitalism was in its death-throes and "threatens to inflict even greater violence on mankind than it has done before. We must make our stand with the oppressed."
The Jubilee Group was identified as a "problem" neo-Marxist organisation in confidential intelligence documents drawn up by MI5 officer Charles Elwell. He warned of "the problem of Christian left wing groups" and named the Jubilee Group as "the best known and probably most influential". Shortly after his analysis of Dr Williams' group was published, the Prime Minister said the Jubilee Group was "the most subversive group within the religious community in England" and one newspaper referred to it as "a bunch of neo-Marxist trendy clerics."
The group helped oversee a series of campaigns against the introduction of the poll tax, the violent trade union dispute over Rupert Murdoch's decision to move his newspapers to Wapping and the US nuclear base at Greenham Common.
COMMENT: Who'd have thought it? Me and the boss on the same blacklist. I was declared an enemy of the state back in the late 1970s for attending anti-racism demonstrations. I know this because I was turned down for a civil service job because of it. Of course, I've retained my integrity by never selling out unlike the Grand Tufti who has proved himself to be nothing but a foul-weather socialist especially in respect of his youthful demand that "We must make our stand with the oppressed."
LOUD FRIDAY ON SATURDAY
Some loud and heavy, psychedelic noodlings from guitarist, Tony Hill, backed by his group, Friction. It was released back in 2001 but Tony's career goes back a lot further than that. He was in a band called The Answers back in 1964 and part of one of David Bowie's early manifestations, a group called Turquoise. He then joined the cult US garage band, The Misunderstood (photo below) and after most of his colleagues were drafted into the US army he came back to England to form the group, High Tide. All this before the 1960s gave way to the 1970s.I love the use of violin on these tracks. It's an instrument that figured quite often on rock records in the early to mid 1970s but which has since, with most "real" instruments, disappeared from rockist recording studios.
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
REPUBLICAN IN BRICK OF THE DAY SHOCK
Senator Roy McDonald on why he will be voting to legalise same sex marriage in the state of New York:
“You get to the point where you evolve in your life where everything isn't black and white, good and bad, and you try to do the right thing. You might not like that. You might be very cynical about that. Well, fuck it, I don't care what you think. I'm trying to do the right thing.
“I'm tired of Republican-Democrat politics. They can take the job and shove it. I come from a blue-collar background. I'm trying to do the right thing, and that's where I'm going with this.”
Bloody 'ell!
A man after my
own heart or what?
Senator McDonald,
you are OCICBW...'s
BRICK
OF
THE
DAY
We salute you.
“You get to the point where you evolve in your life where everything isn't black and white, good and bad, and you try to do the right thing. You might not like that. You might be very cynical about that. Well, fuck it, I don't care what you think. I'm trying to do the right thing.
“I'm tired of Republican-Democrat politics. They can take the job and shove it. I come from a blue-collar background. I'm trying to do the right thing, and that's where I'm going with this.”
Bloody 'ell!A man after my
own heart or what?
Senator McDonald,
you are OCICBW...'s
BRICK
OF
THE
DAY
We salute you.
OOH, YOU ARE AWFUL, BUT I LIKE YOU
As I have often had need to explain to my American readers, we have a law in England, "The Benny Hill Statute" that requires us to always employ a double entendre whenever the opportunity presents itself, especially in the most inappropriate situations. Failure to do so can result in an on the spot fine and complete social isolation. Unlike on matters of morality and general decency the Church of England is, surprisingly, not exempt from this legislation which explains this gem that came out of the mouth (as opposed to coming into the mouth) of the Archbishop of Canterbury's secretary for public affairs, George Pitcher, recently in reference to a spat between his master and former Catholic Herald columnist, Christina Odone (I wouldn't mind catching a glimpse of the hole in her layer). THE TELEGRAPH, reports that George commented about the Archbishop's performance in this tiff thus:
"He took her roughly over the canapés,
but he’s always doing that."
Excellent one, George.
Now, I've never heard the Reverend Pitcher speak but in my imagination he said the above with full Anglo-Catholic, camp flare. Which is, of course, the only proper way to carry off such high quality innuendo.
I hope you all enjoyed this post. I would hate to think that I am just sitting here playing with myself.
"He took her roughly over the canapés,
but he’s always doing that."
Excellent one, George.
Now, I've never heard the Reverend Pitcher speak but in my imagination he said the above with full Anglo-Catholic, camp flare. Which is, of course, the only proper way to carry off such high quality innuendo.
I hope you all enjoyed this post. I would hate to think that I am just sitting here playing with myself.
Friday, 17 June 2011
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
What do you do if your wiener is dirty?
Find out at PERSPECTIVE.
***
Who did this?
Search for clues at A GARDENERS DIARY.
***
What genius painted this?
Meet the artist at COUNTERLIGHT'S PECULIARS.
***
Who knows more about the horrific abuses of human beings in Sri Lanka than anybody else in The Neighbourhood?
The answer is CHELIAH LAITY. Go check out her informed and excellent post and get genned up on the situation for yourselves.
Find out at PERSPECTIVE.
***
Who did this?
Search for clues at A GARDENERS DIARY.
***
What genius painted this?
Meet the artist at COUNTERLIGHT'S PECULIARS.
***
Who knows more about the horrific abuses of human beings in Sri Lanka than anybody else in The Neighbourhood?
The answer is CHELIAH LAITY. Go check out her informed and excellent post and get genned up on the situation for yourselves.
THE PRAYER LIST - 17TH. JUNE 2011
We pray for KIRSTIN AND ANDEE. God is very near.
***
From MaryBeth:
My husband begins treatment for tonsil cancer Monday. Please pray for his peace of mind. Thank you.
***
Posted by Doug at COUNTERLIGHT'S PECULIARS (Thursday):
Michael's grandmother died today. She was born 91 years ago on a farm outside of Galway in Ireland. May she rest in peace.
***
Posted by Tracie at ON HOLLADAY - FLORIDA STYLE:
My coworker Nancy R recently got some scary medical news. Hep C and very advanced cirrhosis of the liver. Some prayer for Nancy would be great. And her daughter, and her husband. I'm sure this, and the soon-to-commence treatment, is going to be very stressful on the whole family.
***
Posted by Ormonde Plater at THROUGH THE DUST:
Murdered this week in the New Orleans area:
6/08 Carnell Allen 17
6/11 Anthony Wilmore 52
6/11 Roderick Fontenberry 20
6/11 Marvin Watts 22
6/12 Cierra Luckie 24
6/14 Checo Yancey Jr. 40
6/15 name withheld 24
6/15 name withheld 20
Please pray for the victims, their murderers, and their families.
***
From THE BBC:
The Islamist group, Boko Haram, says it carried out Thursday's bombing of Nigeria's police headquarters which left at least two people dead.
***
From XINHUA NEWS AGENCY:
The number of Syrians fleeing violence at home and entering into Turkey has reached nearly 9,700, a Turkish border official said Friday.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
***
From MaryBeth:
My husband begins treatment for tonsil cancer Monday. Please pray for his peace of mind. Thank you.
***
Posted by Doug at COUNTERLIGHT'S PECULIARS (Thursday):
Michael's grandmother died today. She was born 91 years ago on a farm outside of Galway in Ireland. May she rest in peace.
***
Posted by Tracie at ON HOLLADAY - FLORIDA STYLE:
My coworker Nancy R recently got some scary medical news. Hep C and very advanced cirrhosis of the liver. Some prayer for Nancy would be great. And her daughter, and her husband. I'm sure this, and the soon-to-commence treatment, is going to be very stressful on the whole family.
***
Posted by Ormonde Plater at THROUGH THE DUST:
Murdered this week in the New Orleans area:
6/08 Carnell Allen 17
6/11 Anthony Wilmore 52
6/11 Roderick Fontenberry 20
6/11 Marvin Watts 22
6/12 Cierra Luckie 24
6/14 Checo Yancey Jr. 40
6/15 name withheld 24
6/15 name withheld 20
Please pray for the victims, their murderers, and their families.
***
From THE BBC:
The Islamist group, Boko Haram, says it carried out Thursday's bombing of Nigeria's police headquarters which left at least two people dead.
***
From XINHUA NEWS AGENCY:
The number of Syrians fleeing violence at home and entering into Turkey has reached nearly 9,700, a Turkish border official said Friday.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
Thursday, 16 June 2011
THE MIDNIGHT JUKEBOX
Three tracks from Downtown Ramblers' new album, "On The Other Side Of The City." File under "ALMOST TOO BEAUTIFUL."
BAND'S WEBSITE
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
KIRSTIN AND ANDEE
MAKE "THE RIGHT DECISION"
I could post the whole of Kirstin's courageous diary entry from today. She would not mind. But I am not going to.
Instead, I am asking every single one of you to read it for yourself at BAREFOOT AND LAUGHING. It is extremely important that you do.
After you have read it you will want to pray.
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
WORSHIP AT ST. LAIKA'S
Here is a service of evening prayer for today, the feast day of both Richard of Chichester and Joseph Butler of Durham. The words and credits can be found at ST. LAIKA'S.
I love the challenge of merging two themes into one to make a seamless liturgical whole. I think I've done quite well with today's challenge. The music in this service, by the way, is a bit eclectic to say the least.
MP3 File
Don't forget to check out THE ANCHORHOLD @ OCICBW... where Ellie has posted a humourous, yet very telling, church notice.
I love the challenge of merging two themes into one to make a seamless liturgical whole. I think I've done quite well with today's challenge. The music in this service, by the way, is a bit eclectic to say the least.
MP3 File
Don't forget to check out THE ANCHORHOLD @ OCICBW... where Ellie has posted a humourous, yet very telling, church notice.
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY WITH
REFERENCE TO THE MORALITY OF OUTING (2)
Nobody would need to come out of any closet
if those in the closet voted with integrity.
if those in the closet voted with integrity.
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
WITH REFERENCE TO THE MORALITY OF OUTING
The Church of England insists on full disclosure from it's prospective ordinands concerning their marital history and the question always comes up, one way or another, when clergy attend interviews for posts. Whether officially or not the disclosure that a clergyperson has been divorced and has subsequently remarried (or, to be honest, just divorced) will have an adverse effect on his or her career in the church. Many selection committees will not consider a divorced priest and it is only very recently that a priest, who is married to a divorced person, has been allowed to become a bishop.
I'm just saying, as they say.
I'm just saying, as they say.
IRAN: THE JOYLESS REPUBLIC
From SOFIA NEWS AGENCY:
Owning dogs has been abolished in Iran, since it is considered "a blind imitation of the vulgar culture of the West." The measure is included in the country's new moral security plan adopted by the Parliament. It will also stop men from wearing necklaces and Western-style haircuts.
Tens of thousands of "moral policemen" are walking in Tehran watching for women potentially exposing any skin as summer temperatures rise. A large number of women and men were detained Wednesday as a result of the crackdown.
Owning dogs has been abolished in Iran, since it is considered "a blind imitation of the vulgar culture of the West." The measure is included in the country's new moral security plan adopted by the Parliament. It will also stop men from wearing necklaces and Western-style haircuts.
Tens of thousands of "moral policemen" are walking in Tehran watching for women potentially exposing any skin as summer temperatures rise. A large number of women and men were detained Wednesday as a result of the crackdown.
THE EVOLUTION OF THE SPECIES
From THE DAILY RECORD:
Driven mad by an itchy wart, a man decided to remove it himself – and shot off most of the middle finger of his left hand. Sean Murphy used a 12-bore Beretta after creams failed to cure the problem.
But his shotgun surgery landed him in court where, yesterday, he received a 16-week sentence suspended for 18 months for possessing an illegal firearm.
Sean of Doncaster, South Yorks, said: “I’m happy with that. The best thing is the wart has gone. It was giving me a lot of trouble."
COMMENT: Anyone looking for an explanation for this man's actions should concentrate on just one word and enlightenment will come to them. The word is DONCASTER.
But his shotgun surgery landed him in court where, yesterday, he received a 16-week sentence suspended for 18 months for possessing an illegal firearm.
Sean of Doncaster, South Yorks, said: “I’m happy with that. The best thing is the wart has gone. It was giving me a lot of trouble."
COMMENT: Anyone looking for an explanation for this man's actions should concentrate on just one word and enlightenment will come to them. The word is DONCASTER.
THE PRAYER LIST - 16TH. JUNE 2011
We continue to pray for Kirstin and Andee.
***
THANKSGIVING
From Brian:
Thanksgiving for my mother whose colonoscopy went well yesterday. She has a condition that seems to be treatable with medication right now; the biopsies will come back next week. She is resting.
***
Posted by Di at THE KITCHEN DOOR:
I've got good news: I've gotten into Lancaster Theological Seminary's new Chaplaincy track MDiv. I'm really excited.
***
FOR YOUR PRAYERS:
From Petty Witter at PEN AND PAPER:
Hi Jonathan, if you could mention Themethatisme. Feeling unwell since Monday, he was taken into hospital on Tuesday evening with what first appeared to be a flare up of his Crohnns Disease but turned out to be food poisoning - not good but better than a flare up of Crohns.
***
Please pray for a friend of mine whose marriage is causing her so much unhappiness that she is considering separation.
***
From Brian:
Continued prayers for me. I haven’t heard back about my job interview and am getting quite nervous and depressed again, though I am fighting it.
***
Posted by David at THE VERNACULAR CURATE:
I lost my beautiful and beloved Dad a few years ago. It wasn't a tragic death in the sense that he sort of went when it was time, and he went peacefully - but he was my dad. Due to many factors, only recently did we inter his ashes and in his memory plant a young tree. It would have been just what he would have chosen too, so we felt proud. That little tree became important not just it was a little tree, but because it was dad's little tree. If I had courage to say or believe it, that tree became the next nearest thing that we had to dad.
Until that little tree was vandalized and snapped. Killed, murdered, defiled, desecrated. To me, my mum and probably to my brother and sister, it isn't the murder of a tree that would have grown strong and proud over decades, but of my dad and his memory. I am left unable to get breath.
***
Posted at DIOBETH NEWSPIN:
Pray for our young men and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for their families:
Spc. Emilio J. Campo Jr., 20, of Madelia, Minnesota
Spc. Michael B. Cook Jr., 27, of Middletown, Ohio
Pfc. Matthew J. England, 22, of Gainesville, Missouri
Spc. Christopher B. Fishbeck, 24, of Victorville, California
Spc. Robert P. Hartwick, 20, of Rockbridge, Ohio
Lance Cpl. Jason D. Hill, 20, of Poway, California
Lance Cpl. Joshua B. McDaniels, 21, of Dublin, Ohio
Capt. Michael W. Newton, 30, of Newport News, Virginia
Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. O'Brien, 21, of Stanley, North Carolina
Lance Cpl. Sean M. N. O'Connor, 22, of Douglas, Wyoming
Pfc. Michael C. Olivieri, 26, Chicago, Illinois
Cpl. Matthew T. Richard, 21, of Acadia, Louisiana
Pray also for the fallen heroes also of our coalition partners, and for the citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan who have died, unnamed and unknown to us, and for those who mourn ... and for an end to this endless war.
***
From THE INDEPENDENT:
The British Government has renewed calls for an independent investigation into allegations of war crimes against Sri Lanka after a documentary showed civilians being shelled and troops summarily executing prisoners. Britain said it would lead international action if the Sri Lankan authorities failed to respond.
Our good friend, Cheliah Laity, who has connections with this part of the world, has asked us for our prayers for the people of this region of Sri Lanka and for justice to be done. She will be blogging about the matter in detail on HER BLOG later today.
***
From YNET NEWS:
A Syria-based human rights activist says security forces have arrested hundreds of men in a northwestern province that has been under military siege for a week.
***
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
United Nations officials warned on Wednesday of “a growing sense of panic” in the volatile Kordofan area of central Sudan, with 60,000 people displaced, aid convoys blocked, ethnic clashes erupting and dozens dead — possibly including several United Nations workers.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
***
THANKSGIVING
From Brian:
Thanksgiving for my mother whose colonoscopy went well yesterday. She has a condition that seems to be treatable with medication right now; the biopsies will come back next week. She is resting.
***
Posted by Di at THE KITCHEN DOOR:
I've got good news: I've gotten into Lancaster Theological Seminary's new Chaplaincy track MDiv. I'm really excited.
***
FOR YOUR PRAYERS:
From Petty Witter at PEN AND PAPER:
Hi Jonathan, if you could mention Themethatisme. Feeling unwell since Monday, he was taken into hospital on Tuesday evening with what first appeared to be a flare up of his Crohnns Disease but turned out to be food poisoning - not good but better than a flare up of Crohns.
***
Please pray for a friend of mine whose marriage is causing her so much unhappiness that she is considering separation.
***
From Brian:
Continued prayers for me. I haven’t heard back about my job interview and am getting quite nervous and depressed again, though I am fighting it.
***
Posted by David at THE VERNACULAR CURATE:
I lost my beautiful and beloved Dad a few years ago. It wasn't a tragic death in the sense that he sort of went when it was time, and he went peacefully - but he was my dad. Due to many factors, only recently did we inter his ashes and in his memory plant a young tree. It would have been just what he would have chosen too, so we felt proud. That little tree became important not just it was a little tree, but because it was dad's little tree. If I had courage to say or believe it, that tree became the next nearest thing that we had to dad.
Until that little tree was vandalized and snapped. Killed, murdered, defiled, desecrated. To me, my mum and probably to my brother and sister, it isn't the murder of a tree that would have grown strong and proud over decades, but of my dad and his memory. I am left unable to get breath. ***
Posted at DIOBETH NEWSPIN:
Pray for our young men and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for their families:
Spc. Emilio J. Campo Jr., 20, of Madelia, Minnesota
Spc. Michael B. Cook Jr., 27, of Middletown, Ohio
Pfc. Matthew J. England, 22, of Gainesville, Missouri
Spc. Christopher B. Fishbeck, 24, of Victorville, California
Spc. Robert P. Hartwick, 20, of Rockbridge, Ohio
Lance Cpl. Jason D. Hill, 20, of Poway, California
Lance Cpl. Joshua B. McDaniels, 21, of Dublin, Ohio
Capt. Michael W. Newton, 30, of Newport News, Virginia
Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. O'Brien, 21, of Stanley, North Carolina
Lance Cpl. Sean M. N. O'Connor, 22, of Douglas, Wyoming
Pfc. Michael C. Olivieri, 26, Chicago, Illinois
Cpl. Matthew T. Richard, 21, of Acadia, Louisiana
Pray also for the fallen heroes also of our coalition partners, and for the citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan who have died, unnamed and unknown to us, and for those who mourn ... and for an end to this endless war.
***
From THE INDEPENDENT:
Our good friend, Cheliah Laity, who has connections with this part of the world, has asked us for our prayers for the people of this region of Sri Lanka and for justice to be done. She will be blogging about the matter in detail on HER BLOG later today.
***
From YNET NEWS:
A Syria-based human rights activist says security forces have arrested hundreds of men in a northwestern province that has been under military siege for a week.
***
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
United Nations officials warned on Wednesday of “a growing sense of panic” in the volatile Kordofan area of central Sudan, with 60,000 people displaced, aid convoys blocked, ethnic clashes erupting and dozens dead — possibly including several United Nations workers.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
SHOULD GAY BISHOPS COME OUT OF THE CLOSET?
My guess is that the majority of OCICBW...'s readers would take the attitude that this is a personal matter for each individual gay bishop to decide and they would have great sympathy for the position these bishops find themselves in. I suggest that although the sympathy is completely warranted the allowance of secrecy is completely wrong.
The bishops in this position were gay before they accepted their promotion and would have been fully aware of the current attitude of the rest of the church hierarchy towards their sexuality. If the church was still in "don't ask, don't tell" mode then not mentioning their sexual identity would be up to the individual bishop to decide and, as we are talking here about "don't ask, don't tell," I would understand if they decided not to tell. But the church is no longer in this mode. The church is discussing and voting on whether or not gay people can be bishops.
The General Synod is the Church of England's government. In English secular government, members of parliament have to declare any substantial personal interests they have in any debate and vote (this does not disqualify them from voting on or debating the legislation). I believe that this same rule should apply to the closeted bishops who are voting, at various levels of church governance, on this matter. The reason they should do this is because their openness, or alternatively their continued secrecy, has an effect on the voting of others. Not only would their disclosure of their sexuality show the reality of the situation, which in itself could very well influence the way any votes go, it would also render it unnecessary for straight colleagues to vote contrary to their own beliefs.
So, what about the outing of gay bishops? Again I am going to be controversial in my answer. If a journalist discovered that a member of parliament was hiding a personal interest in a matter under parliamentary debate and published what they had discovered, the journalist would be applauded for her action, not condemned. I can see no reason why this should not apply in church politics. If somebody has conclusive proof that a bishop is gay and not declaring the fact when debating matters of human sexuality within the "parliaments" of the church, then it is that person's duty to the church community to bring this fact to public attention.
The bishops in this position were gay before they accepted their promotion and would have been fully aware of the current attitude of the rest of the church hierarchy towards their sexuality. If the church was still in "don't ask, don't tell" mode then not mentioning their sexual identity would be up to the individual bishop to decide and, as we are talking here about "don't ask, don't tell," I would understand if they decided not to tell. But the church is no longer in this mode. The church is discussing and voting on whether or not gay people can be bishops.
The General Synod is the Church of England's government. In English secular government, members of parliament have to declare any substantial personal interests they have in any debate and vote (this does not disqualify them from voting on or debating the legislation). I believe that this same rule should apply to the closeted bishops who are voting, at various levels of church governance, on this matter. The reason they should do this is because their openness, or alternatively their continued secrecy, has an effect on the voting of others. Not only would their disclosure of their sexuality show the reality of the situation, which in itself could very well influence the way any votes go, it would also render it unnecessary for straight colleagues to vote contrary to their own beliefs.
So, what about the outing of gay bishops? Again I am going to be controversial in my answer. If a journalist discovered that a member of parliament was hiding a personal interest in a matter under parliamentary debate and published what they had discovered, the journalist would be applauded for her action, not condemned. I can see no reason why this should not apply in church politics. If somebody has conclusive proof that a bishop is gay and not declaring the fact when debating matters of human sexuality within the "parliaments" of the church, then it is that person's duty to the church community to bring this fact to public attention.
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
WHO ARE THE REAL COWARDS?
I know some of you don't like it when I explain a joke but when I cobbled this photoshop together I was thinking about the bishops who dare not speak out on injustice whatever their sexuality because they don't want to rock the boat. I have changed the title to make this more obvious and apologise for any confusion.
However, I'm with Mimi on this one. If just two or three diocesan bishops in the Church of England broke ranks and found the courage within themselves to say what they actually believe then there would be a domino effect nobody could stop, not even the Grand Tufti himself.
WORSHIP AT ST. LAIKA'S
Here is a service of
evening prayer for
today, the feast day
of Saint Evelyn
Underhill.
The words and
credits can be
found at
ST. LAIKA'S.
MP3 File
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY (2)
It is not the uncertain future that I fear,
but the unbearable present.
but the unbearable present.
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Never leave your enemy with nothing because
"nothing" is the mightiest weapon in the world.
"nothing" is the mightiest weapon in the world.
DON'T BLAME MADPRIEST, BLAME MAD DAD
Waiting in Doncaster , to catch speeding drivers, a Police Officer sees a car puttering along at just 22 MPH.
"This driver is just as dangerous as a speeder!" the policeman thinks to himself.
So he turns on his lights and pulls the driver over.
Approaching the car, he notices that there are five old ladies, two in the front seats and three in the back - wide eyed and white as ghosts.
The driver, obviously confused, says to him "Officer, I don't understand, I was doing exactly the speed limit! What seems to be the problem?"
"Ma'am," the officer replies, "you weren't speeding, but you should know that driving slower than the speed limit can also be a danger to other drivers."
"Slower than the speed limit? No sir, I was doing the speed limit exactly," the old woman says proudly. "Twenty-two miles an hour. Just as it says on the road signs."
The Police officer realises the driver's mistake and, trying to contain a chuckle, explains to her that A22 is the road number, not the speed limit.
A bit embarrassed, the woman grins and thanks the officer for pointing out her error.
"But before I let you go, Ma'am, I have to ask, is everyone in this car OK? These women seem awfully shaken, and they haven't made a sound this whole time," the officer asks.
"Oh, they'll be all right in a minute officer," the driver replies. "We've only just come off the A120."
"This driver is just as dangerous as a speeder!" the policeman thinks to himself.
So he turns on his lights and pulls the driver over.
Approaching the car, he notices that there are five old ladies, two in the front seats and three in the back - wide eyed and white as ghosts.
The driver, obviously confused, says to him "Officer, I don't understand, I was doing exactly the speed limit! What seems to be the problem?"
"Ma'am," the officer replies, "you weren't speeding, but you should know that driving slower than the speed limit can also be a danger to other drivers."
"Slower than the speed limit? No sir, I was doing the speed limit exactly," the old woman says proudly. "Twenty-two miles an hour. Just as it says on the road signs."
The Police officer realises the driver's mistake and, trying to contain a chuckle, explains to her that A22 is the road number, not the speed limit.
A bit embarrassed, the woman grins and thanks the officer for pointing out her error.
"But before I let you go, Ma'am, I have to ask, is everyone in this car OK? These women seem awfully shaken, and they haven't made a sound this whole time," the officer asks.
"Oh, they'll be all right in a minute officer," the driver replies. "We've only just come off the A120."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
It appears the haters have been defeated in their attempt to get Judge Walker disqualified from the Prop 8 trial, in California, because of his sexuality. For further details check out IT's post at GAY MARRIED CALIFORNIAN.
***
The Mimivirus has turned up again. Clumber has the scoop at BARKINGS OF AN OLD DOG.
***
Kelli, at PLANETTRANSGENDER, is giving away the current edition of the online, TG magazine, "FROCK" ("the fastest growing online glossy TG magazine").
***
The Mimivirus has turned up again. Clumber has the scoop at BARKINGS OF AN OLD DOG.
***
Kelli, at PLANETTRANSGENDER, is giving away the current edition of the online, TG magazine, "FROCK" ("the fastest growing online glossy TG magazine").
THE PRAYER LIST - 15TH. JUNE 2011
Please join with me in prayer for our friend, Kirstin, author of the BAREFOOT AND LAUGHING blog and her partner, Andee.
From Jane R:
Kirstin now has a cast on the leg with the fracture. It is a clamshell cast, which means one can take it off to bathe and then put it back on and wrap it. She is (more) medicated for pain and is much more comfortable than she was the last two days. She even managed to eat dinner -- sushi, no less.
Kirstin is very thin and has lost her hair, or perhaps shaved some and lost some. She still has her bright smile and got sharper as the evening went on (some of the medication wore off - it still makes her speech a bit slurry) and we chatted about all sorts of things. She has made an important decision about her care which I think best for her to share in detail, and she plans to blog about it in the next day or two. She is peaceful. The tumors are spreading through her body and will probably hit the liver if they have not already. If you had not seen her in a long time you would have a bit of a shock when you saw her. Nevertheless, she is quite lucid except when she is super-medicated (this less lucid state may increase, depending on how much palliative care she needs in the coming weeks) and even seemed to have some energy this evening. She has to be wheeled about in a wheelchair and really can't move about on her own any more.
Andee is a remarkable companion, very loving, very competent.
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
From Jane R:
Kirstin now has a cast on the leg with the fracture. It is a clamshell cast, which means one can take it off to bathe and then put it back on and wrap it. She is (more) medicated for pain and is much more comfortable than she was the last two days. She even managed to eat dinner -- sushi, no less.
Kirstin is very thin and has lost her hair, or perhaps shaved some and lost some. She still has her bright smile and got sharper as the evening went on (some of the medication wore off - it still makes her speech a bit slurry) and we chatted about all sorts of things. She has made an important decision about her care which I think best for her to share in detail, and she plans to blog about it in the next day or two. She is peaceful. The tumors are spreading through her body and will probably hit the liver if they have not already. If you had not seen her in a long time you would have a bit of a shock when you saw her. Nevertheless, she is quite lucid except when she is super-medicated (this less lucid state may increase, depending on how much palliative care she needs in the coming weeks) and even seemed to have some energy this evening. She has to be wheeled about in a wheelchair and really can't move about on her own any more.
Andee is a remarkable companion, very loving, very competent.
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
THE MIDNIGHT JUKEBOX
Quit yer moaning! Stop feeling sorry for yourself! It doesn't matter how bad your day has been it can't have been anywhere near as awful as what this poor bloke has suffered. Blues with a sense of humour (if that's not a contradiction in terms).
A THANK YOU NOTE
I would like to thank you for including a song from my current CD, "It Is Well...," in your May 30th podcast! The track you used was Inspired By Love And Anger. I trust your listeners enjoyed the song.
Wishing you all the best,
Canadian Tenor,
Derrick Paul Miller
As you know I pay for a licence to podcast and the money goes to recording artists. I have also had a very strict policy of only allowing my podcasts to be downloaded (as per the terms of my licence) and never making jukebox items downloadable. I also post all my audio files at 112 kbps which is 200 kbps lower than normal CD quality audio. I believe this is the right way to present music on a blog as it is mutually beneficial to both artist and blogger.
Therefore, I am always so pleased when I hear from one of the performers that I have featured (unless, of course, they have been featured on "Where Does He Find Them," which has never happened and I hope it never will). It makes me feel like I've contributed to the artistic endeavour of the world even though I am no artist myself.
Thank you, Derrick and, I must say, you have one mighty fine voice.
THE HYPOCRISY OF THE ENGLISH BISHOPS
There has been much anger vented recently in this neighbourhood about the ad hoc rules that have been adopted by the Church of England hierarchy in respect of the consecration of gay men as bishops. I would like to point out a glaring bit of hypocrisy. It seems that whilst it is not okay to appoint gay priests to episcopal diocesan jobs it appears to be perfectly okay to appoint gay priests to episcopal jobs when their authority will be restricted to those members of the church who belong to the gay tolerant Anglo-Catholic wing.
My big question is this, "Why did Rowan Williams personally stop Jeffrey John from becoming a bishop and then personally recommended a gay priest to a non-diocesan bishopric recently.
Obviously, all this kerfuffle about sexuality has bugger all to do with theology and everything to do with perceived damage limitation. I can't find the bit in the Gospels where Jesus put such pragmatism first.
My big question is this, "Why did Rowan Williams personally stop Jeffrey John from becoming a bishop and then personally recommended a gay priest to a non-diocesan bishopric recently.
Obviously, all this kerfuffle about sexuality has bugger all to do with theology and everything to do with perceived damage limitation. I can't find the bit in the Gospels where Jesus put such pragmatism first.
THE LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS AND
THE DARKNESS DID NOT OVERCOME IT
From EDGE:
The Archdiocese of Boston commanded St. Cecilia’s Church in the city’s Back Bay neighborhood not to go forward with a mass for GLBT people of faith over Pride weekend. But the spirit could not be suppressed: Local gays, and the church’s pastor, spoke out with messages of love and community. The Rev. John Unni made it clear that in his church, worshipers of all stripes would be accepted into the fellowship.
"You are welcome here, gay or straight, rich or poor, young or old, black or white," declared the Catholic priest in the course of the next scheduled mass. "Here, you all can say, ’I can worship the God who made me as I am.’"
"We are not this renegade, crazy, liberal church," Unni told his parishioners. "We’re just Christians trying to live the gospel."
Unni’s sermon was met with "thunderous applause" and a "standing ovation."
The archdiocese spokesperson, Terrence C. Donilon, sought to cast the hierarchy’s response in terms of love.
"The teachings of the Catholic Church are set in stone, but that doesn’t stop us from loving people from different walks of life." he said.
The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, which celebrated the city’s annual Pride with a concert scheduled for the same weekend, posted a "Response" to the cancellation of the mass on Facebook.
"If you prefer to spread untruths and hate, we still love you - but not your message," the response said.
For having incredibly big balls and the rhetorical eloquence to match, Father John is OCICBW...'s
BRICK OF THE DAY
Also mentioned in dispatches are the congregation of St. Cecilia’s Church and The Boston Gay Men's Chorus.
However, this gentleman, Terrence C. Donilon, didn't make the grade. In fact, his shame is compounded by him being awarded the disgraceful accolade of:
MEALY-MOUTHED LACKEY OF THE DAY
Oh well, you have your bed made for you by friends in high places , you have to lie in it, I suppose.
The Archdiocese of Boston commanded St. Cecilia’s Church in the city’s Back Bay neighborhood not to go forward with a mass for GLBT people of faith over Pride weekend. But the spirit could not be suppressed: Local gays, and the church’s pastor, spoke out with messages of love and community. The Rev. John Unni made it clear that in his church, worshipers of all stripes would be accepted into the fellowship.
"You are welcome here, gay or straight, rich or poor, young or old, black or white," declared the Catholic priest in the course of the next scheduled mass. "Here, you all can say, ’I can worship the God who made me as I am.’"
"We are not this renegade, crazy, liberal church," Unni told his parishioners. "We’re just Christians trying to live the gospel."
Unni’s sermon was met with "thunderous applause" and a "standing ovation."
The archdiocese spokesperson, Terrence C. Donilon, sought to cast the hierarchy’s response in terms of love.
"The teachings of the Catholic Church are set in stone, but that doesn’t stop us from loving people from different walks of life." he said.
The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, which celebrated the city’s annual Pride with a concert scheduled for the same weekend, posted a "Response" to the cancellation of the mass on Facebook.
"If you prefer to spread untruths and hate, we still love you - but not your message," the response said.
For having incredibly big balls and the rhetorical eloquence to match, Father John is OCICBW...'s
BRICK OF THE DAY
Also mentioned in dispatches are the congregation of St. Cecilia’s Church and The Boston Gay Men's Chorus.
MEALY-MOUTHED LACKEY OF THE DAY
Oh well, you have your bed made for you by friends in high places , you have to lie in it, I suppose.
THE BASTARDS! CONTINUED
In English employment law we have this thing called "constructive dismissal." It applies when an employer forces an employee out of his job using any form of unfair pressure and completely ignoring the customary dismissal process. It is illegal.
I am hereby inventing the ecclesiastical equivalent and claim intellectual property rights to it.
CONSTRUCTIVE DEFROCKING: When a bishop forces a priest, deacon or junior bishop out of his or her employment and making it impossible for that clergyperson to get a job elsewhere in the church, without even going through the pantomime of the self-invented, corrupt and very much wanting dismissal procedures of the church. It should be illegal but, as the church is exempt from having to abide by even the most uncontroversial and universally agreed upon moral standards of the secular workplace they get away with it and the offending bishops happily carry on with their own working lives until they reach the age when they can retire and live off their episcopally inflated pensions.
Thank God for hell. To be honest, I sometimes think its existence is the only thing that stops me from committing murder.
I am hereby inventing the ecclesiastical equivalent and claim intellectual property rights to it.
CONSTRUCTIVE DEFROCKING: When a bishop forces a priest, deacon or junior bishop out of his or her employment and making it impossible for that clergyperson to get a job elsewhere in the church, without even going through the pantomime of the self-invented, corrupt and very much wanting dismissal procedures of the church. It should be illegal but, as the church is exempt from having to abide by even the most uncontroversial and universally agreed upon moral standards of the secular workplace they get away with it and the offending bishops happily carry on with their own working lives until they reach the age when they can retire and live off their episcopally inflated pensions.
Thank God for hell. To be honest, I sometimes think its existence is the only thing that stops me from committing murder.
WHAT IS GOOD FOR THE STRAIGHT GOOSE IS
IGNORED WHEN IT COMES TO THE GAY GANDER
Originally posted at LITURGY.
Reposted here with the kind permission of Bosco Peters.
A New Zealand Anglican bishop has waded into the murky waters of the Anglican gay debate and released an oil spill threatening extensive environmental damage.
Reposted here with the kind permission of Bosco Peters.
A New Zealand Anglican bishop has waded into the murky waters of the Anglican gay debate and released an oil spill threatening extensive environmental damage.
This post has been updated June 14
Astonishingly, Bishop Philip Richardson, a self-professed “white, straight male”states:
I believe that General Synod needs to reach an agreed position on these three inter-related issues, in the following order:
First , whether sexual orientation towards those of one’s own gender is a consequence of wilful human sinfulness, or an expression of God-given diversity.
Is there anyone who would publicly suggest that “sexual orientation towards those of one’s own gender is a consequence of wilful human sinfulness”? If you wish to support that position in comments here please make sure you identify yourself completely (I am not interested in flaming and internet trolls participating on this site). I am willing to dialogue respectfully with those who are convinced that homosexual acts are sinful, but even those who hold that position do not subscribe to sexual orientation is a consequence of wilful human sinfulness.
Update (June 14): Rev. Edward Prebble has sent an open letter to Bishop Philip Richardson (full text of the letter here) in which he invites Bishop Philip to second the following motion at the next meeting of General Synod/Te Hinota Whanui :
That This Synod/ Te Hinota Whanui regards sexual orientation towards those of one’s own gender as an expression of God given diversity.
Bishop Philip then goes on to conclude that if a bishop were to ordain someone in a committed, life-long, monogamous relationship with someone of the same sex a Title D process could be set in motion against the bishop, and “one result would be for a public determination that the ordination in question was invalid”.
This is shocking. It shows a basic misunderstanding of validity and if the bishop is correct it shows we can have no confidence in our Title D processes. (Title D is our church’s legislation dealing with standards).
A sacramental action can be invalid because of a defect in the matter, form, minister, or recipient.
Matter: we use water, not sand. Bread and wine, not chocolate and pepsi.
Form: if we say, “I baptise you in the name of the Christchurch wizard, our mayor, and the Hon Gerry Brownlee” the validity would be questionable.
Minister: A lay person does not ordain, a bishop does.
Recipient: “Baptising” a doll or a tree, the validity would be questionable.
Form: if we say, “I baptise you in the name of the Christchurch wizard, our mayor, and the Hon Gerry Brownlee” the validity would be questionable.
Minister: A lay person does not ordain, a bishop does.
Recipient: “Baptising” a doll or a tree, the validity would be questionable.
The debate about the validity of ordaining women is in the category of “recipient”.
But the validity of an ordination is not affected by the degree of holiness or sinfulness of either the minister or the recipient. We worked this out as part of the fourth century Donatist controversy and the conclusion is reflected in
Article 26 – The unworthiness of Ministers does not hinder the effect of the SacramentsAlthough in the visible Church the evil be ever mingled with the good, and sometime the evil has chief authority in the ministration of the word and sacraments; yet because they do not do so in their own name, but in Christ’s, and minister by His commission and authority, we may use their ministry both in hearing the word of God and in the receiving of the sacraments. Neither is the effect of Christ’s ordinance taken away by their wickedness, nor the grace of God’s gifts diminished from those who by faith and rightly receive the sacraments ministered unto them, which are effectual because of Christ’s institution and promise, although they are ministered by evil men.
The references to a Title D challenge come from a legal opinion received from Judge Chris Harding in response to questions from the Waiapu and Auckland dioceses to General Synod Standing Committee. I am responding to the theological dimension of Bishop Philip’s interpretation, not the regularity or otherwise of such an ordination.
Title D Canon II “Of standards required of bishops” 4.3 has “All Bishops of this Church shall be liable to discipline for… Refusal or neglect to use authorised Ordination Liturgies.” Ie. 4.3 is about “form” (see above). Bishops can only use ordination liturgies authorised by our church – they cannot alter them, even if they think they have “jus liturgicum” (the disputed right of bishops to alter and authorise liturgies) in other liturgical rites.
I am aware of bishops in our church altering our authorised ordinal to include authorising e.g. an organist in the middle of the prayer of consecration/ordination, of ordaining a priest and a deacon within the same prayer of consecration/ordination, of inserting gestures and extra words into the prayer of consecration/ordination, of changing presiders half way through the prayer of consecration/ordination, of changing language in the middle of the prayer of consecration/ordination, of moving the place where the rubric has the laying on of hands in the prayer of consecration/ordination.
In each of these cases validity under Title D is questionable. This is an issue of form.
Whenever I have brought this up for discussion with a bishop I have always been treated as some sort of rubrical fundamentalist (which I am not!) But now enter the gay debate, and what is sauce for the heterosexual goose is apparently not sauce for the homosexual gander.
Similar Posts:
BLOG NOTICE 13TH. JUNE 2011
My latest attempt to get advertising for my blog resulted in my application being turned down because OCICBW... contains "adult content" and is "still under construction." I previously tried three other providers but each time their adverts went live I was confronted with a whole load of young ladies who wanted to get to know you all even though I had clicked the "no adult content" option when applying.
The experiment is over. I will be relying on your generosity to finance my full time ministry at OCICBW... and St. Laika's. I am becoming more and more confident about the feasibility of this "stepping out in faith" as subscriptions have risen to £620 per month. This means we are nearly two thirds of the way to a stipend I can, just about, live on. Thank you, everybody, sponsors and prayer warriors alike.
The experiment is over. I will be relying on your generosity to finance my full time ministry at OCICBW... and St. Laika's. I am becoming more and more confident about the feasibility of this "stepping out in faith" as subscriptions have risen to £620 per month. This means we are nearly two thirds of the way to a stipend I can, just about, live on. Thank you, everybody, sponsors and prayer warriors alike.
JUST IN
Archbishop of Canterbury's statement on South Kordofan, Sudan
From Lambeth Palace
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has released the following statement regarding recent violence in South Kordofan, Sudan:
Along with the Christian leaders represented in the Sudan Ecumenical Forum and Council of Churches and many more throughout the world, we deplore the mounting level of aggression and bloodshed in South Kordofan State and the indiscriminate violence on the part of government troops against civilians. Numerous villages have been bombed. More than 53,000 people have been driven from their homes. The new Anglican cathedral in Kadugli has been burned down. UN personnel in the capital, Kadugli, are confined to their compound and are unable to protect civilians; the city has been overrun by the army, and heavy force is being used by government troops to subdue militias in the area, with dire results for local people. Many brutal killings are being reported.
This violence is a major threat to the stability of Sudan just as the new state of South Sudan is coming into being. The humanitarian challenge is already great, and the risk of another Darfur situation, with civilian populations at the mercy of government-supported terror, is a real one.
International awareness of this situation is essential. The UN Security Council, the EU, the Arab League and the African Union need to co-operate in guaranteeing humanitarian access and safety for citizens, and we hope that our own government, which has declared its commitment to a peaceful future for Sudan, will play an important part in this.
From Lambeth Palace
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has released the following statement regarding recent violence in South Kordofan, Sudan:
Along with the Christian leaders represented in the Sudan Ecumenical Forum and Council of Churches and many more throughout the world, we deplore the mounting level of aggression and bloodshed in South Kordofan State and the indiscriminate violence on the part of government troops against civilians. Numerous villages have been bombed. More than 53,000 people have been driven from their homes. The new Anglican cathedral in Kadugli has been burned down. UN personnel in the capital, Kadugli, are confined to their compound and are unable to protect civilians; the city has been overrun by the army, and heavy force is being used by government troops to subdue militias in the area, with dire results for local people. Many brutal killings are being reported.
This violence is a major threat to the stability of Sudan just as the new state of South Sudan is coming into being. The humanitarian challenge is already great, and the risk of another Darfur situation, with civilian populations at the mercy of government-supported terror, is a real one.
International awareness of this situation is essential. The UN Security Council, the EU, the Arab League and the African Union need to co-operate in guaranteeing humanitarian access and safety for citizens, and we hope that our own government, which has declared its commitment to a peaceful future for Sudan, will play an important part in this.
MUGABE AND THE RISE OF
BLACK FACISM IN AFRICA
From WORTHY NEWS:
Anglicans in Zimbabwe are facing increasing levels of political violence in order to silence them ahead of local elections as the current regime forces their churches into a position of political compliance in order to continue to worship there.
Recently the Bishop of Harare, the Rev. Chad Gandiya, issued an urgent appeal for prayer, describing the persecution:
- An intruder broke into the home of the Rev. Charles Muzanenhamo, an Anglican priest in Mhondoro who was away visiting rural parishes. When he returned home, Muzanenhamo expelled the intruder, but when police arrived, they arrested the pastor on assault charges; Muzanenhamo had to spend the night in detention before his bishop could bail him out. That same evening, a newly ordained deacon, Noel Magaya, was forcibly evicted from his home church.
- As Bishop Gandiya's congregation held a wardens meeting, they were informed that thieves were breaking into Zimbudzana's home. Some wardens ran to stop the break-in, and one intruder was caught and taken to the police station. However, when they returned from the station, the wardens found Zimbudzana's home surrounded by riot police who then proceeded to arrest everyone, including priests and three women; eventually they were all released when the charges were dropped.
Bishop Gandiya said the children of his priests are becoming anxious about the safety of their own fathers.
Anglicans in Zimbabwe are facing increasing levels of political violence in order to silence them ahead of local elections as the current regime forces their churches into a position of political compliance in order to continue to worship there.
Recently the Bishop of Harare, the Rev. Chad Gandiya, issued an urgent appeal for prayer, describing the persecution:
- An intruder broke into the home of the Rev. Charles Muzanenhamo, an Anglican priest in Mhondoro who was away visiting rural parishes. When he returned home, Muzanenhamo expelled the intruder, but when police arrived, they arrested the pastor on assault charges; Muzanenhamo had to spend the night in detention before his bishop could bail him out. That same evening, a newly ordained deacon, Noel Magaya, was forcibly evicted from his home church.
- As Bishop Gandiya's congregation held a wardens meeting, they were informed that thieves were breaking into Zimbudzana's home. Some wardens ran to stop the break-in, and one intruder was caught and taken to the police station. However, when they returned from the station, the wardens found Zimbudzana's home surrounded by riot police who then proceeded to arrest everyone, including priests and three women; eventually they were all released when the charges were dropped.
Bishop Gandiya said the children of his priests are becoming anxious about the safety of their own fathers.
CHIT CHAT (16)
This week's discussion starter has been sent in by Tracie.
Here's a stamp. You can use it to mail one postcard back in time to yourself. What would you say, and how old is the yourself to whom you are sending it.
Here's a stamp. You can use it to mail one postcard back in time to yourself. What would you say, and how old is the yourself to whom you are sending it.
MORE ABOUT MY GOD AND YOUR GOD
From the comments to John Shuck's typically provocative but, as always, thought-provoking post, WHAT PRESBYTERIANS BELIEVE (EXCEPT ME).
To save you having to look it up, like I had to:
APOPHATIC: Of or relating to the belief that god can be known to humans only in terms of what he is not (such as `god is unknowable')
Those of you who didn't have to look it up should probably be bothering Tobias or Adventus and not hanging around such an academically challenged blog like what I cobble together.
To save you having to look it up, like I had to:
APOPHATIC: Of or relating to the belief that god can be known to humans only in terms of what he is not (such as `god is unknowable')
Those of you who didn't have to look it up should probably be bothering Tobias or Adventus and not hanging around such an academically challenged blog like what I cobble together.
THE PRAYER LIST - 14TH. JUNE 2011
It appears that only one person, an elderly man, died in the earthquakes that hit the Christchurch region of New Zealand two days ago. Susan at LETTERS FROM A MALVERN VICARAGE posted the following:
We're both fine. It's been a day of 38 aftershocks, 28 of them ranging from 3.0 up to 6.0. Philip was in the city when it hit but was in no danger at the parish hall where the Anglican Diocese now has its offices since the Feb 22 quake. It really rocked our home here and I stood in a doorway while watching walls and ceiling for any signs of cracks. Our dog also came and joined me. I can't imagine what it might have been like in the city which was closer to the epicentre located east of Christchurch. The western wall of the cathedral has been badly damaged including its rose window. One church that was already on the way down came further down and another church where they weren't sure whether it could be repaired or not have had the decision made for them.
***
From Brian:
Please remember my mother again today as she goes for a colonoscopy. She is still very frightened but the prayers last week for her initial consultation certainly held her up. She told me so before I had a chance to tell her you were praying.
Also remember me and my unemployed coworkers. I go to an interview for a new job this week. Last week was a horrible week at work, with people being laid off and fired right and left and I decided I needed to get out while I could and look for a better job so I took the leap and have an interview this week. I won’t be able to go back now so this is a bit trying.
Also, a neighbor is trying to get me in trouble for complaining about excess noise (they play electric guitars, sing on a microphone, and turn up their stereo to high at all hours) and not cleaning up after their dog outside my front door which, in the summer heat, has caused a major fly infestation and a horrible stench when I walk outside. They tried to get me evicted by making an ugly accusation to the landlord to punish me for asking them to fix the problems and warn me off of complaining about them to the landlord . Now I must deal with hostile, vicious neighbors on top of looking for a new job and worrying about my mother’s health. Sigh.
God is still good though and I’ve had a wonderful few weeks free of depression.
***
We pray for saxophonist Clarence Clemons, the Big Man in Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, who reportedly had two brain surgeries after suffering a serious stroke Sunday at his Florida home.
On Monday, he was reported to be responsive and in stable condition.
“Yesterday, it did not look good at all,” a friend told the Springsteen magazine Backstreets on Monday. “Today miracles are happening. He was paralyzed on his left side, but now he’s squeezing with his left hand.”
***
We pray for Cynthia at REVEREND MOM who is leaving her post as interim pastor at Woodmont United Church of Christ, Milford, CT, as a "settled pastor" is moving at the beginning of August. Cynthia is going to spend the summer with her family and we pray that will be a refreshing and loving time for her and whatever the future holds for her that it will be all that she hopes and prays for.
***
UKViewer, at JOURNEYOFDISCOVERY, had a good meeting with his DDO yesterday. There's some procedural nonsense to get through but it is unlikely that this will have a negative outcome. So our friend is very nearly a fully fledged ordinand. We pray that God will continue to bless his vocation and lead UKViewer to where his heart already is.
***
Posted by Red at APPLES OF GOLD:
So today we said goodbye to my Nan. There was a short service at the crematorium and then tea at my parents house. It was all rather lovely actually. I held it together, no tears - rather unusual for me! and read the prayers without wobbling too. I think just completely because I was so sure of where she is now, of her salvation.
***
Please pray for our good friend, Jay Simser at BAILEY'S BUDDY, who is suffering from two types of arthritis at the moment and is in so much pain he has to sleep in a reclining chair at night rather than his own bed. He's also been through some very sad times due to a broken friendship. All in all far too much nastiness, none of which this lovely man deserves.
***
Please pray for Ciss B at JOURNALING MY LIFE AWAY. Every year at this time her home is attacked by a plague of fleas despite all her efforts to stop it from happening. It takes her a good two months to completely eradicate the infestation. To make matters worse, our friend reacts badly to flea bites which makes this unpleasant situation even more unpleasant.
***
From THE BBC:
Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has issued a decree about a potential military call-up, amid rising tension with China. The decree outlines who would be exempt from military draft if war broke out.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
We're both fine. It's been a day of 38 aftershocks, 28 of them ranging from 3.0 up to 6.0. Philip was in the city when it hit but was in no danger at the parish hall where the Anglican Diocese now has its offices since the Feb 22 quake. It really rocked our home here and I stood in a doorway while watching walls and ceiling for any signs of cracks. Our dog also came and joined me. I can't imagine what it might have been like in the city which was closer to the epicentre located east of Christchurch. The western wall of the cathedral has been badly damaged including its rose window. One church that was already on the way down came further down and another church where they weren't sure whether it could be repaired or not have had the decision made for them.
***
From Brian:
Please remember my mother again today as she goes for a colonoscopy. She is still very frightened but the prayers last week for her initial consultation certainly held her up. She told me so before I had a chance to tell her you were praying.
Also remember me and my unemployed coworkers. I go to an interview for a new job this week. Last week was a horrible week at work, with people being laid off and fired right and left and I decided I needed to get out while I could and look for a better job so I took the leap and have an interview this week. I won’t be able to go back now so this is a bit trying.
Also, a neighbor is trying to get me in trouble for complaining about excess noise (they play electric guitars, sing on a microphone, and turn up their stereo to high at all hours) and not cleaning up after their dog outside my front door which, in the summer heat, has caused a major fly infestation and a horrible stench when I walk outside. They tried to get me evicted by making an ugly accusation to the landlord to punish me for asking them to fix the problems and warn me off of complaining about them to the landlord . Now I must deal with hostile, vicious neighbors on top of looking for a new job and worrying about my mother’s health. Sigh.
God is still good though and I’ve had a wonderful few weeks free of depression.
***
We pray for saxophonist Clarence Clemons, the Big Man in Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, who reportedly had two brain surgeries after suffering a serious stroke Sunday at his Florida home.
On Monday, he was reported to be responsive and in stable condition.
“Yesterday, it did not look good at all,” a friend told the Springsteen magazine Backstreets on Monday. “Today miracles are happening. He was paralyzed on his left side, but now he’s squeezing with his left hand.”
***
We pray for Cynthia at REVEREND MOM who is leaving her post as interim pastor at Woodmont United Church of Christ, Milford, CT, as a "settled pastor" is moving at the beginning of August. Cynthia is going to spend the summer with her family and we pray that will be a refreshing and loving time for her and whatever the future holds for her that it will be all that she hopes and prays for.
***
***
Posted by Red at APPLES OF GOLD:
So today we said goodbye to my Nan. There was a short service at the crematorium and then tea at my parents house. It was all rather lovely actually. I held it together, no tears - rather unusual for me! and read the prayers without wobbling too. I think just completely because I was so sure of where she is now, of her salvation.
***
Please pray for our good friend, Jay Simser at BAILEY'S BUDDY, who is suffering from two types of arthritis at the moment and is in so much pain he has to sleep in a reclining chair at night rather than his own bed. He's also been through some very sad times due to a broken friendship. All in all far too much nastiness, none of which this lovely man deserves.
***
Please pray for Ciss B at JOURNALING MY LIFE AWAY. Every year at this time her home is attacked by a plague of fleas despite all her efforts to stop it from happening. It takes her a good two months to completely eradicate the infestation. To make matters worse, our friend reacts badly to flea bites which makes this unpleasant situation even more unpleasant.
***
From THE BBC:
Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has issued a decree about a potential military call-up, amid rising tension with China. The decree outlines who would be exempt from military draft if war broke out.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
Monday, 13 June 2011
THE MIDNIGHT JUKEBOX
I think we should all strive to make at least one person happy every day of our lives. Unfortunately, if you are a grumpy old sod like me that can be difficult and I sometimes get to the end of the day and realise I haven't achieved my quota of happiness giving. But there is no need for me to panic because, fortunately, I have a reliable back-stop. One of my most loyal readers is JCF who happens to be the easiest person to make happy in the world. So, tonight, The Midnight Jukebox plays for JCF (and I've even thrown in a vid that should transport my friend way past mere happiness and into seventh heaven).
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
SLUTS AND NUDISTS TAKE TO THE STREETS
From WALES ONLINE:
The capital of Wales was turned into a sea of flesh this weekend after a naked cycling event rolled into town. The fourth annual Cardiff World Naked Bike Ride set off from Cathays Park on Saturday, attracting around 80 riders in the buff, keen to make a bold statement on cyclist safety in the city.
From LONDONIST:
All the hype paid off, with over 5,000 people marching from Piccadilly to Trafalgar Square at Saturday’s London Slutwalk. It’s amazing to think that a global movement was sparked by one policeman’s foolish comment. The first Slutwalk took place back in April in Toronto, where the fateful statement “avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimised” was made.
COMMENT: I'm a bit concerned that there is an elephant joining these slutwalks. Of course, anybody should be allowed to wear anything they like subject to the rules of whatever locality they find themselves in. Of course, nobody should be raped or molested in any way, full stop (period). But the slutwalk protesters are insisting that what people wear does not increase the chances of them being sexually assaulted. I am not convinced that this is true. And for the safety of women themselves and for the success of this present campaign, it is important that whatever the truth is it is faced.
This week, in the news, there has been much discussion about the sexualisation of children through dress and cosmetics. Overall, the stopping of this trend is being hailed as a good move that will, amongst other things, make life safer for children. So, if this claim is true why does it not apply to how adults dress as well?
Personally I think people dress sexy to look sexy. For the young, especially, it is one of the ways we attract a mate. For pragmatic reasons, we should be careful of how we present ourselves in public. Idealistically, all men should be capable of controlling themselves whatever is on display. You don't just help yourself to a tart in a baker's window just because you're hungry.
The capital of Wales was turned into a sea of flesh this weekend after a naked cycling event rolled into town. The fourth annual Cardiff World Naked Bike Ride set off from Cathays Park on Saturday, attracting around 80 riders in the buff, keen to make a bold statement on cyclist safety in the city.
From LONDONIST:
All the hype paid off, with over 5,000 people marching from Piccadilly to Trafalgar Square at Saturday’s London Slutwalk. It’s amazing to think that a global movement was sparked by one policeman’s foolish comment. The first Slutwalk took place back in April in Toronto, where the fateful statement “avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimised” was made.
COMMENT: I'm a bit concerned that there is an elephant joining these slutwalks. Of course, anybody should be allowed to wear anything they like subject to the rules of whatever locality they find themselves in. Of course, nobody should be raped or molested in any way, full stop (period). But the slutwalk protesters are insisting that what people wear does not increase the chances of them being sexually assaulted. I am not convinced that this is true. And for the safety of women themselves and for the success of this present campaign, it is important that whatever the truth is it is faced.
This week, in the news, there has been much discussion about the sexualisation of children through dress and cosmetics. Overall, the stopping of this trend is being hailed as a good move that will, amongst other things, make life safer for children. So, if this claim is true why does it not apply to how adults dress as well?
Personally I think people dress sexy to look sexy. For the young, especially, it is one of the ways we attract a mate. For pragmatic reasons, we should be careful of how we present ourselves in public. Idealistically, all men should be capable of controlling themselves whatever is on display. You don't just help yourself to a tart in a baker's window just because you're hungry.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)