This is too beautiful for words. The best cover of a Bruce Cockburn song I've ever heard.
PURCHASE FROM AMAZON USA
PURCHASE FROM AMAZON UK
Saturday, 12 May 2012
THE MIDDAY JUKEBOX
This is too beautiful for words. The best cover of a Bruce Cockburn song I've ever heard.
PURCHASE FROM AMAZON USA
PURCHASE FROM AMAZON UK
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
My friend, Viv, at ZEN AND THE ART OF TIGHTROPE WALKING, is a brilliant writer but in her latest post, "Is Light hurt by Darkness? ~ searching for meaning in life," she excels herself. Do check it out and do join in the debate this personal, but also universal, post surely demands.
Are my efforts to exist in a meaningful way damaged by the rising tide of darkness that emerges both from within my own psyche and from the world beyond me? Can I integrate, indeed, should I integrate, my own darkness? Is life about keeping the dark at bay or is it about understanding that darkness is not evil but rather a different state of being essential to survival? Is not only my life but life on earth meaningless or meaningful?
Are my efforts to exist in a meaningful way damaged by the rising tide of darkness that emerges both from within my own psyche and from the world beyond me? Can I integrate, indeed, should I integrate, my own darkness? Is life about keeping the dark at bay or is it about understanding that darkness is not evil but rather a different state of being essential to survival? Is not only my life but life on earth meaningless or meaningful?
Friday, 11 May 2012
PRÊTRE-Á-PORTER
From THE TELEGRAPH:
Now, almost 20 years after the first ordinations of women the traditional dog collar is changing with new ranges of clerical dress incorporating floral designs, paisley patterns and even touches of leopard print.
Some of the latest designs were put on display in a catwalk show at Sandown Park racecourse in Surrey this week at a massive trade fair for all things clerical.
Other ecclesiastical innovations on display at the Christian Resources Exhibition International included a new design of pulpit lectern to fit an iPad, enabling priests to store their sermons on screen – or Tweet.
The Revd Michael Gooch, the UK representative of African Praise Vestments, which has transformed the traditional clerical shirt, said that the influence of women priests had even helped male clergy to “branch out” and inject a hint of colour.
It is extremely unlikely that I will ever wear a dog collar again, but if it was ever to happen I would certainly go for one of African Praise Vestment's shirts (see below). I don't know why so many gay Church of England priests were so against the ordination of women. It was obvious that it was only a matter of time before they would pave the way for us all to dress fabulously.
PLEASE NOTE: The title to this post is one of those that I expect major flattery for. If this is not forthcoming I will sulk all weekend. You may think, "So what?" But just remember those two poor border collie dogs that have to put up with me when I'm in a sulk.
Now, almost 20 years after the first ordinations of women the traditional dog collar is changing with new ranges of clerical dress incorporating floral designs, paisley patterns and even touches of leopard print.
Some of the latest designs were put on display in a catwalk show at Sandown Park racecourse in Surrey this week at a massive trade fair for all things clerical.
Other ecclesiastical innovations on display at the Christian Resources Exhibition International included a new design of pulpit lectern to fit an iPad, enabling priests to store their sermons on screen – or Tweet.
The Revd Michael Gooch, the UK representative of African Praise Vestments, which has transformed the traditional clerical shirt, said that the influence of women priests had even helped male clergy to “branch out” and inject a hint of colour.
It is extremely unlikely that I will ever wear a dog collar again, but if it was ever to happen I would certainly go for one of African Praise Vestment's shirts (see below). I don't know why so many gay Church of England priests were so against the ordination of women. It was obvious that it was only a matter of time before they would pave the way for us all to dress fabulously.
PLEASE NOTE: The title to this post is one of those that I expect major flattery for. If this is not forthcoming I will sulk all weekend. You may think, "So what?" But just remember those two poor border collie dogs that have to put up with me when I'm in a sulk.
PAUL STRID - AUTHOR
This is our good friend, Paul Strid's enormous head. It has to be so big to contain his enormous brain.
And Paul's enormous brain has been working on enormous project for a long time now that has just come to fruition. "The Demon Chasers" is the first part of a saga entitled "The Chronicles of Mídhris," in which Paul has created a complete alternative universe (with maps). Here's the blurb:
The two bravest among the Norrung tribe are separated as Njothir, their chief, must remain at home to guide the people while his soul mate, Ringskild the warmaiden, is chosen as captain of the band. Pjortan the star singer is sent for spiritual protection and guidance and Wulfdar the healer is at hand for mishaps. Jannir the merchant guides them through strange lands and Meldreth, a lecherous warmaiden, always has entertaining stories to share. Others round out the band, each carefully selected for a quest that seems both foolhardy and absolutely necessary.
From a tribal warrior society to sophisticated feudal courts to realms beyond habitation these travelers pass by way of plague-destroyed villages, their first voyage at sea, alehouses, and dungeons. New companions join them, whether desired or not, including a rash count, a magical baroness, and a smooth-talking thief. From the beginning they enjoy the company of a most unusual wolf.
The Chronicles of Mídhris recount the story of Ian's earthly family in two worlds as they play crucial roles in the history of Mídhris down through several centuries. Magic, mythology, social upheavals, and personal adventures are woven together in a richly textured world of imagination. History unfolds in the dramas of the human heart, a stage that is the same in both worlds.
Wow! Right up your street, I would guess. And you can purchase it for a measly $6.17 (£3.82) in Kindle format from Amazon. Remember you don't need a Kindle to read a Kindle book. You can download it to your computer and there are apps for various mobile technologies. Paul has even set up a blog called THE CHRONICLES OF MÍDHRIS on which he is posting loads of stuff that will add to your enjoyment of his book. Now that's what I call "value added." If you order Paul's great opus (part one) using the widgets below, I will get commission and it won't effect Paul's cut. Go on, treat yourselves and make all Paul's hard work worthwhile.
LOUD FRIDAY
This slab of analogue noise heaven will rattle your bass bins.
BAND'S WEBSITE
PURCHASE FROM AMAZON USA
PURCHASE FROM AMAZON UK
DON'T CRY FOR ARGENTINA,
THEY'RE GETTING IT RIGHT
From THE BOSTON GLOBE:
Activists say Argentina now leads the world in transgender rights after giving people the freedom to change their legal and physical gender identity simply because they want to, without having to undergo judicial, psychiatric and medical procedures beforehand. The gender identity law that won congressional approval with a 55-0 Senate vote Wednesday night is the latest in a growing list of bold moves on social issues by the Argentine government, which also legalised gay marriage two years ago. These changes primarily affect minority groups, but they are fundamental, President Cristina Fernandez has said, for a democratic society still shaking off the human rights violations of the 1976-1983 dictatorship and the paternalism of the Roman Catholic Church. Argentina's law is the first to give citizens the right to change their legal gender without first changing their bodies.
Activists say Argentina now leads the world in transgender rights after giving people the freedom to change their legal and physical gender identity simply because they want to, without having to undergo judicial, psychiatric and medical procedures beforehand. The gender identity law that won congressional approval with a 55-0 Senate vote Wednesday night is the latest in a growing list of bold moves on social issues by the Argentine government, which also legalised gay marriage two years ago. These changes primarily affect minority groups, but they are fundamental, President Cristina Fernandez has said, for a democratic society still shaking off the human rights violations of the 1976-1983 dictatorship and the paternalism of the Roman Catholic Church. Argentina's law is the first to give citizens the right to change their legal gender without first changing their bodies.
HIV POSITIVE
From THE CHURCH TIMES:
A Zimbabwean pastor was asked to leave by two churches when they discovered that he was HIV-positive. The pastor, the Revd Maxwell Kapachawo, said that he had been trying to break the taboo about the disease by sharing his status with the parishes; but he was asked to leave as a result. A third parish has accepted his status and his position.
Mr Kapachawo said this week: “I felt I had to speak out. The Church must not shy away from HIV. It needs to be a place of healing and care. We must work together to tackle HIV. Everyone in Zimbabwe has family or friends who are no longer here because of HIV. There are many orphans.
For putting himself in harm's way to help others, Maxwell is our...
BRICK OF THE DAY
We pray for him and for the 4.5 million adults in Zimbabwe who are also HIV positive.
A Zimbabwean pastor was asked to leave by two churches when they discovered that he was HIV-positive. The pastor, the Revd Maxwell Kapachawo, said that he had been trying to break the taboo about the disease by sharing his status with the parishes; but he was asked to leave as a result. A third parish has accepted his status and his position.
Mr Kapachawo said this week: “I felt I had to speak out. The Church must not shy away from HIV. It needs to be a place of healing and care. We must work together to tackle HIV. Everyone in Zimbabwe has family or friends who are no longer here because of HIV. There are many orphans.
For putting himself in harm's way to help others, Maxwell is our...
BRICK OF THE DAY
We pray for him and for the 4.5 million adults in Zimbabwe who are also HIV positive.
ADVERTISEMENT
Public Debate with Michael Sandel - What Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets
Is there something wrong with a world in which everything is for sale? If so, how can we prevent market values from reaching into spheres of life where they don't belong? What are the moral limits of markets?
Date: Wednesday 23rd May 2012
Time: 6.30-8pm (6pm doors)
Venue: St Paul's Cathedral, EC4M 8AD
Speaker: Professor Michael Sandel
Discussants: Rt Revd Peter Selby, Prof Julian Le Grand, Stephanie Flanders
Chair: Ann Pettifor
This event is free and open to all.
Time: 6.30-8pm (6pm doors)
Venue: St Paul's Cathedral, EC4M 8AD
Speaker: Professor Michael Sandel
Discussants: Rt Revd Peter Selby, Prof Julian Le Grand, Stephanie Flanders
Chair: Ann Pettifor
This event is free and open to all.
Noted public philosopher and Harvard professor Michael J. Sandel will explore some of these pressing questions in discussion with Bishop Peter Selby (author of Grace and Mortgage), Stephanie Flanders (Economics Editor, BBC) and Julian Le Grand (Richard Titmuss Professor of Social Policy, LSE). The event will be chaired by Ann Pettifor (Director, PRIME – Policy Research In Macroeconomics).
St Paul's Cathedral is delighted to host a public debate on this vital topic within a sacred space in order to explore the intersection between faith, morality and markets and the power that money has in our lives. Audience questions and comments will be taken.
St Paul's Cathedral is delighted to host a public debate on this vital topic within a sacred space in order to explore the intersection between faith, morality and markets and the power that money has in our lives. Audience questions and comments will be taken.
This public debate is being organised by St Paul’s Institute in collaboration with the London School of Economics and Political Science, JustShare and Penguin UK. Copies of Michael Sandel's new book What Money Can't Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets will be available on the evening, and a book signing will take place following the event.
To register your interest as press, please contact institute@stpaulscathedral.org.uk with your name, publication, postal address and phone number (please note: this information will be sent to the LSE events team so that they can mail out tickets from the 11th May).
To register your interest as press, please contact institute@stpaulscathedral.org.uk with your name, publication, postal address and phone number (please note: this information will be sent to the LSE events team so that they can mail out tickets from the 11th May).
AND NE'ER THE TWAIN SHALL MEET
From PARKES CHAMPION-POST (Australia):
The 2012 Anglican Debutante Ball was held at the Parkes Leagues Club last Friday night with 18 young ladies making their debut. The theme was ‘Jewel of the Night’.
The annual Catholic Debutante Ball is on tonight.
The 2012 Anglican Debutante Ball was held at the Parkes Leagues Club last Friday night with 18 young ladies making their debut. The theme was ‘Jewel of the Night’.
The annual Catholic Debutante Ball is on tonight.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
As the Rabbis put it: "Any love that depends upon something else, when that something else disappears, the love disappears; but if it does not depend upon something else, it will never disappear. (From "Of Slippery Slopes", posted by Tobias Haller at IN A GODWARD DIRECTION)
For the Naughty Nun Joke Of The Day
check out KARL'S COMMENTS.
For a heartwarming, cute cat story
check out CAN IT HAPPEN HERE.
For the Naughty Nun Joke Of The Day
check out KARL'S COMMENTS.
For a heartwarming, cute cat story
check out CAN IT HAPPEN HERE.
HOMOPHOBIC PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL
ENGAGED IN HOMO-EROTIC BULLYING
From THE TELEGRAPH:
Mr Romney and several schoolmates held down classmate John Lauber and cut off his bleached blond hair after seeking him out in his dorm room at their prestigious boarding school. The Post said Lauber was "perpetually teased for his nonconformity and presumed homosexuality" and that he screamed for help as Romney held him down. The paper recounted another incident in which Romney shouted "atta girl" to a different student at the all-boys' school who, years later, came out as gay.
At least at English "prestigious boarding schools" the boys have a long tradition of "making love not war." Which is probably why we now have an Old Etonian prime minister very much in favour of same sex marriage.
Mr Romney and several schoolmates held down classmate John Lauber and cut off his bleached blond hair after seeking him out in his dorm room at their prestigious boarding school. The Post said Lauber was "perpetually teased for his nonconformity and presumed homosexuality" and that he screamed for help as Romney held him down. The paper recounted another incident in which Romney shouted "atta girl" to a different student at the all-boys' school who, years later, came out as gay.
At least at English "prestigious boarding schools" the boys have a long tradition of "making love not war." Which is probably why we now have an Old Etonian prime minister very much in favour of same sex marriage.
GOD BOTHERING 11TH. MAY 2012
The prayer list for today is now up at SAINT LAIKA'S.
If you have a moment, please pop over there, say a prayer and do light a virtual candle as it shows those we are praying for that we do care.
If you have a prayer request that you want including on tomorrow's prayer list, please let me know in the comments to this post, go to St. Laika's and leave it on the Our Prayers forum or drop me an email at madpriestx@sky.com.
If you have a moment, please pop over there, say a prayer and do light a virtual candle as it shows those we are praying for that we do care.
If you have a prayer request that you want including on tomorrow's prayer list, please let me know in the comments to this post, go to St. Laika's and leave it on the Our Prayers forum or drop me an email at madpriestx@sky.com.
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Why do people get so uptight about politicians acting like politicians? Nobody says, "He only delivered that letter because he's a mailman."
Thursday, 10 May 2012
LAST YEAR THEY BULLIED SAINTLY WOMEN
THIS YEAR THEY ARE PICKING ON LITTLE GIRLS
From THE KANSAS CITY STAR:
Long a lightning rod for conservative criticism, the Girl Scouts of the USA are now facing their highest-level challenge yet: An official inquiry by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. At issue are concerns about program materials that some Catholics find offensive, as well as assertions that the Scouts associate with other groups espousing stances that conflict with church teaching. The Scouts, who have numerous parish-sponsored troops, deny many of the claims and defend their alliances.
The inquiry coincides with the Scouts' 100th anniversary celebrations and follows a chain of other controversies. Earlier this year, legislators in Indiana and Alaska publicly called the Scouts into question, and the organization was berated in a series aired by a Catholic broadcast network. Last year, the Scouts angered some conservatives by accepting into a Colorado troop a 7-year-old transgender child who was born a boy but was being raised as a girl.
The bishops are sick. Their church is sick. America is sick. The whole damn world is sick. Bring it on Gog and Magog, do your worst. Christ got it wrong, we ain't worth saving.
Long a lightning rod for conservative criticism, the Girl Scouts of the USA are now facing their highest-level challenge yet: An official inquiry by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. At issue are concerns about program materials that some Catholics find offensive, as well as assertions that the Scouts associate with other groups espousing stances that conflict with church teaching. The Scouts, who have numerous parish-sponsored troops, deny many of the claims and defend their alliances.
The inquiry coincides with the Scouts' 100th anniversary celebrations and follows a chain of other controversies. Earlier this year, legislators in Indiana and Alaska publicly called the Scouts into question, and the organization was berated in a series aired by a Catholic broadcast network. Last year, the Scouts angered some conservatives by accepting into a Colorado troop a 7-year-old transgender child who was born a boy but was being raised as a girl.
The bishops are sick. Their church is sick. America is sick. The whole damn world is sick. Bring it on Gog and Magog, do your worst. Christ got it wrong, we ain't worth saving.
WHO'S THE CAT THAT WON'T COP OUT
WHEN THERE'S DANGER ALL ABOUT?
OBAMA! RIGHT ON
Thanks to Paul(A) for sending this in.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Sam Norton's essay, "What does the Bible say about...?" that he has posted on his blog, ELIZAPHANIAN is an extremely erudite piece of work for someone who lives in Essex.
In other words, the Bible points beyond itself. The point of the Bible is not that we become experts about what the Bible says, but rather that we recognise what it is that is being talked about – and then get on with pursuing that (which is, for a Christian, all about getting to know Jesus and becoming more like Him). Buddhists would call this distinguishing between the pointing finger and the moon which is being pointed to, but the Christian tradition has its own way of describing the difference. In one of his many angry confrontations with the Pharisees, Jesus says “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!” - in other words, the Pharisees, despite their very great knowledge of Scripture, didn't realise what the ultimate point was. They were like football fans whose only knowledge of the game came from reading reports in the newspapers, and who had never actually seen a match played, let alone kicked a football for themselves.
Go check the rest out for yourself. Many of you will not agree with everything Sam says, which is fine. There's nothing that Sam likes more than lively debate. So give him some grief!
He promises us more of his thoughts on the interpretation of scripture, particularly in respect of same sex marriage, in the near future.
In other words, the Bible points beyond itself. The point of the Bible is not that we become experts about what the Bible says, but rather that we recognise what it is that is being talked about – and then get on with pursuing that (which is, for a Christian, all about getting to know Jesus and becoming more like Him). Buddhists would call this distinguishing between the pointing finger and the moon which is being pointed to, but the Christian tradition has its own way of describing the difference. In one of his many angry confrontations with the Pharisees, Jesus says “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!” - in other words, the Pharisees, despite their very great knowledge of Scripture, didn't realise what the ultimate point was. They were like football fans whose only knowledge of the game came from reading reports in the newspapers, and who had never actually seen a match played, let alone kicked a football for themselves.
Go check the rest out for yourself. Many of you will not agree with everything Sam says, which is fine. There's nothing that Sam likes more than lively debate. So give him some grief!
He promises us more of his thoughts on the interpretation of scripture, particularly in respect of same sex marriage, in the near future.
GOD BOTHERING 10TH. MAY 2012
The prayer list for today is now up at SAINT LAIKA'S.
Again, there's some important stuff that needs praying for today, so, if you have a moment, please pop over there, say a prayer and do light a virtual candle as it shows those we are praying for that we do care.
If you have a prayer request that you want including on tomorrow's prayer list, please let me know in the comments to this post, go to St. Laika's and leave it on the Our Prayers forum or drop me an email at madpriestx@sky.com.
Again, there's some important stuff that needs praying for today, so, if you have a moment, please pop over there, say a prayer and do light a virtual candle as it shows those we are praying for that we do care.
If you have a prayer request that you want including on tomorrow's prayer list, please let me know in the comments to this post, go to St. Laika's and leave it on the Our Prayers forum or drop me an email at madpriestx@sky.com.
SOME REASSURING NEWS
From EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE:
Archbishop Barry Morgan of the Church in Wales has been elected to serve on the Crown Nominations Commission for Canterbury, the body that will nominate the next archbishop of Canterbury.
This is good news because his appointment will balance out the appointment of the psychiatrist who believes that you can be cured of "gayness." It is bad news because it means that the good Archbishop of Wales will not now be considered for the post of Archbishop of Canterbury.
Archbishop Barry Morgan of the Church in Wales has been elected to serve on the Crown Nominations Commission for Canterbury, the body that will nominate the next archbishop of Canterbury.
This is good news because his appointment will balance out the appointment of the psychiatrist who believes that you can be cured of "gayness." It is bad news because it means that the good Archbishop of Wales will not now be considered for the post of Archbishop of Canterbury.
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
CAMPAIGN FOR A CHRISTIAN NORTH CAROLINA
I tell you what really does adversely affect family life - having to work on Sundays. I assume that, in North Carolina, from this Sunday on only emergency workers will be turning up at their place of work. Heck, I'm sure this will happen otherwise all those "Christians" who voted for amendment one will be acting hypocritically.
GOD BOTHERING 9TH. MAY 2012
There's some ultra-serious stuff that needs praying for today, so, if you have a moment, please pop over there, say a prayer and do light a virtual candle as it shows those we are praying for that we do care.
If you have a prayer request that you want including on tomorrow's prayer list, please let me know in the comments to this post, go to St. Laika's and leave it on the Our Prayers forum or drop me an email at madpriestx@sky.com.
LETTER OF THE DAY
From THE IRISH TIMES:
Sir, – I am distressed to read that the general synod of the Church of Ireland intends to rush to vote on a motion tomorrow that “faithfulness in marriage is the only normative context for sexual intercourse”. I was appointed dean of Tuam in 1997 and contributed to a briefing paper for the debate on homosexuality at the Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops worldwide in 1998. Its judicious reporting in your paper caused such an uproar in the Church of Ireland – not elsewhere – that I felt obliged to resign. There was no support from Robin Eames, the archbishop of Armagh, who, ironically, went on to chair the committee which produced the Windsor Report, the Anglican communion’s lame response to the issue.
However, since then many who left the cathedral at the time have written to me to apologise or have welcomed me back warmly on subsequent visits. At the time I even had support in the highest offices of State and in the Roman Catholic Church.
Ireland has changed, and, for most people, being gay is no longer an issue. Yet the elderly male leadership of the Church of Ireland lags far behind its laity in showing an inclusive welcome to gay and lesbian people, many of whom try hard to remain loyal to it, and fails conspicuously to engage with contemporary scholarship. Do we have to conclude that the Irish people as a whole are more Christian in their compassion than their churches, and that the bishops lack the vision and courage of the laity? – Yours, etc,
Very Rev IAN D CORBETT
Clevedon
North Somerset
England
GET ME TO A HERMITAGE
I am becoming more and more antisocial, maybe even agoraphobic. I only feel really comfortable when I am safe at home. The world scares me. Negotiating everyday life is getting very difficult for me. It just seems to me that everything out there is negative. Just trying to do a simple task involves dealing with so many barriers put up by people intent on saying "no" rather than "yes." And people, generally, are evil bastards. I can no longer deal with all the negativity out there. So I am adopting avoidance as my main strategy in life. For example, I have completely given up on asking for permission to officiate in my new diocese. I just can't be bothered with jumping any more hurdles when there doesn't need to be any hurdles whatsoever. The hoops to jump through are there simply because people are hardwired to exclude rather than include.
It's the same with the internet. I used to take an interest in everything that was going in out there. I would get involved in arguments and campaign to change the minds of those whose views on life were hurting other people. Now, I don't bother. It's too stressful and, anyway, there's no point. People, generally, are evil bastards. Christ couldn't change them so I'm certainly not up to the task. So now I hide among the likeminded on Facebook.
Yesterday, 60% of voters in North Carolina voted to ban same sex marriage under their state constitution. I actually cannot get my head around that. Why would they want to? Why would they bother? It's like 60% of the people voting to outlaw pastel green curtains. The curtains another person chooses to put up in their home does not affect me in the slightest. It's their choose. It doesn't hurt me or anybody else. It doesn't affect my choice of curtains. Just because somebody buys pastel green curtains does not mean I am going to go out and buy pastel green curtains. If I'm into blue curtains, I will continue to buy blue curtains. And it's the same if two men or two women want to get married to each other. So why even worry about it let alone campaign and then vote to ban it for eternity. The only reason why somebody would stop somebody else from doing something that does not affect them or hurt anybody else is that they are inherently evil, small-minded, vicious, petty bastards who delight in removing the chance of happiness from complete strangers.
I am scared. I am scared of what people have turned into. The concept of "live and let live" has been replaced by the satanic concept of "suffer and make suffer."
It's the same with the internet. I used to take an interest in everything that was going in out there. I would get involved in arguments and campaign to change the minds of those whose views on life were hurting other people. Now, I don't bother. It's too stressful and, anyway, there's no point. People, generally, are evil bastards. Christ couldn't change them so I'm certainly not up to the task. So now I hide among the likeminded on Facebook.
Yesterday, 60% of voters in North Carolina voted to ban same sex marriage under their state constitution. I actually cannot get my head around that. Why would they want to? Why would they bother? It's like 60% of the people voting to outlaw pastel green curtains. The curtains another person chooses to put up in their home does not affect me in the slightest. It's their choose. It doesn't hurt me or anybody else. It doesn't affect my choice of curtains. Just because somebody buys pastel green curtains does not mean I am going to go out and buy pastel green curtains. If I'm into blue curtains, I will continue to buy blue curtains. And it's the same if two men or two women want to get married to each other. So why even worry about it let alone campaign and then vote to ban it for eternity. The only reason why somebody would stop somebody else from doing something that does not affect them or hurt anybody else is that they are inherently evil, small-minded, vicious, petty bastards who delight in removing the chance of happiness from complete strangers.
I am scared. I am scared of what people have turned into. The concept of "live and let live" has been replaced by the satanic concept of "suffer and make suffer."
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
MADPRIEST TO GET TOP CHURCH JOB
I was asked earlier today whether or not there was any chance I might get the Canterbury post that is being advertised at the moment. Well...
This is Trevor Willmott. He is the Bishop of Dover (in other words the real bishop of the Canterbury diocese). Back in the late 1980s, when he was a mere Diocesan Director of Ordinands in Peterborough, he persuaded me to go forward for ordination. It was his idea. The thought hadn't even crossed my mind at the time. He was my DDO throughout my time in college.
Trevor has just been picked to be on the Crown Nominations Committee that will choose two names to go to the Prime Minister, one of which he will choose to be the next ABC. Now, if Trevor remembers me, which he surely must, you never know. On the other hand, if the important people in the Church of England find out that he was personally responsible for unleashing me on the church, he may find himself back in Peterborough Cathedral, sweeping the floors.
I know nothing about Trevor's views on stuff. But he seemed a sensible bloke and certainly not a man with hang ups about women being priests. My guess is that he will be a voice of common sense on this unelected body who hold the future of the Church of England in their hands.
Trevor has just been picked to be on the Crown Nominations Committee that will choose two names to go to the Prime Minister, one of which he will choose to be the next ABC. Now, if Trevor remembers me, which he surely must, you never know. On the other hand, if the important people in the Church of England find out that he was personally responsible for unleashing me on the church, he may find himself back in Peterborough Cathedral, sweeping the floors.
I know nothing about Trevor's views on stuff. But he seemed a sensible bloke and certainly not a man with hang ups about women being priests. My guess is that he will be a voice of common sense on this unelected body who hold the future of the Church of England in their hands.
KATHY RECOMMENDS
Having, at last, published the June issue of "New Words for Holy Communion" (CLICK HERE for details), I'm finally, this evening, catching up with my emails. My Facebook friend, Kathy, sent me a link through to THIS BLOG back on the second of May. I should have read it sooner as it is very good and would have cheered me up when I was panicking last week.
The title of the post:
Top 10 Reasons Why Men Shouldn’t Be Ordained
No doubt many of you will have already seen it, as it was written three years ago. But those of you who haven't should check it out.
The title of the post:
Top 10 Reasons Why Men Shouldn’t Be Ordained
No doubt many of you will have already seen it, as it was written three years ago. But those of you who haven't should check it out.
MRS WILKE RECOMMENDS
Our trace sent me a link through to THIS WEBPAGE. It contains fifty excellent photos of stunning and amazing church buildings. I already knew of a few of them but many were new to me. I really do second Tracie's recommendation that you check them out.
MADPRIEST ON SCRIPTURE
The Bible is a book.
No matter how many times you say "Izzy, wizzy, let's get bizzy!" or "Abracadabra!" over it, it will stubbornly remain a book.
No matter how many times you tell yourself it is more than just a book, it will remain just a book.
A book is not God. For those of you who remain confused as to the difference between a book and God, here is a handy diagram that should help you.
Books are written by:
1) People
2) An infinite number of monkeys on typewriters
3) A clever piece of computer software that randomly chooses words and phrases that, sort of, make sense together
We know that the Bible was written by people. No where in any Bible is there a book by God, monkeys or a computer (just look at the list of contents if you don't believe me).
This will sound very straightforward to most of you and you probably think this post is a bit of a waste of time. But there are some people in the world who go to church on Sunday, not to worship God, but to worship a book. This is just plain silly and a complete waste of their time. Quite honestly, you stand more chance of getting a response to your prayers from God than from a book. In fact, you will never get any sort of a response from a book. They are made out of dead trees which are well known for their reticence.
No matter how many times you say "Izzy, wizzy, let's get bizzy!" or "Abracadabra!" over it, it will stubbornly remain a book.
No matter how many times you tell yourself it is more than just a book, it will remain just a book.
A book is not God. For those of you who remain confused as to the difference between a book and God, here is a handy diagram that should help you.
Books are written by:
1) People
2) An infinite number of monkeys on typewriters
3) A clever piece of computer software that randomly chooses words and phrases that, sort of, make sense together
We know that the Bible was written by people. No where in any Bible is there a book by God, monkeys or a computer (just look at the list of contents if you don't believe me).
This will sound very straightforward to most of you and you probably think this post is a bit of a waste of time. But there are some people in the world who go to church on Sunday, not to worship God, but to worship a book. This is just plain silly and a complete waste of their time. Quite honestly, you stand more chance of getting a response to your prayers from God than from a book. In fact, you will never get any sort of a response from a book. They are made out of dead trees which are well known for their reticence.
JUNE IS BUSTING OUT ALL OVER
CLICK HERE to find out all about it and, if I manage to tempt you into parting with what is an incredibly small amount of money, to purchase it. It's available in PDF format or in Kindle format (and there's Kindle app for all sorts of platforms, from your desktop computer to your mobile phone). You can subscribe to the PDF edition or buy it as a one off.
AND WHAT IS MORE!!!
... if you buy the June edition I will send you a PDF version of the May edition for absolutely nowt (bugger all). If you purchase the June edition on Kindle drop me an email and I will send you a free copy of the May edition in PDF format. Heck, if you just want a copy of the May edition without buying anything, just drop me an email and I will send it to you buckshee as they are only words and I've got plenty of them to give away (this last offer should be particularly attractive to my more Scottish readers and friends).
My email address is madpriestx@sky.com
GLOBAL SOUTH BISHOP BUYS NEW WIFE
From THE STAR:
The head of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Archbishop Eliud Wabukala over the weekend tied the knot with one of the church's senior pastors, in a private wedding conducted in Mombasa. The prelate and his relatives two weeks ago paid Sh140,000 to Luvuna's family in Shimba Hills, as part of the dowry.
Wabukala's wife died almost one year ago, leaving him with several children and sources intimated that due to his position in church, he was expected to get another wife to replace her.
Wabukala preferred to have a secret wedding, according to his close associates, since there were 'several people' who he feared, may interfere with the ceremony.
Hey, if Kenyan Anglicans want to insist that bishops "get themselves wives" and pay for the privilege of having sex with them, that's their concern. It's not my culture, of course. In my culture we regard women as human beings rather than property. I'm sure glad we didn't sign that bloody covenant. If we had I would have had to insure Mrs MP under my home contents insurance and I can't afford that expense at the moment.
The head of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Archbishop Eliud Wabukala over the weekend tied the knot with one of the church's senior pastors, in a private wedding conducted in Mombasa. The prelate and his relatives two weeks ago paid Sh140,000 to Luvuna's family in Shimba Hills, as part of the dowry.
Wabukala's wife died almost one year ago, leaving him with several children and sources intimated that due to his position in church, he was expected to get another wife to replace her.
Wabukala preferred to have a secret wedding, according to his close associates, since there were 'several people' who he feared, may interfere with the ceremony.
Hey, if Kenyan Anglicans want to insist that bishops "get themselves wives" and pay for the privilege of having sex with them, that's their concern. It's not my culture, of course. In my culture we regard women as human beings rather than property. I'm sure glad we didn't sign that bloody covenant. If we had I would have had to insure Mrs MP under my home contents insurance and I can't afford that expense at the moment.
BLOODSUCKERS
From THE ASSOCIATED PRESS:
"In earlier testimony, a woman said her Schwenksville parish was told their priest was leaving in 1992 because he had Lyme disease, when she knew his removal followed an altar boy's fondling complaint."
"In earlier testimony, a woman said her Schwenksville parish was told their priest was leaving in 1992 because he had Lyme disease, when she knew his removal followed an altar boy's fondling complaint."
IRELAND TURNS
Forget about your own provincial concerns for a few minutes and check out what is going on in Ireland. This is a seismic shift of such magnitude it could end up rivaling the Reformation - or at least the split with the Old Catholics. If Austria and the Netherlands get on board this bandwagon, which they are already teetering on doing, it could be the end of centralised Catholicism in Europe as we know it. As I said before, I believe this is why the pope is being so aggressive in the New World.
Monday, 7 May 2012
FIFTY NINE AND A HALF MILLION ENGLISH PEOPLE SUPPORT SAME SEX MARRIAGE
From CHRISTIAN TODAY:
A petition launched in defence of traditional marriage has passed the half million mark. More than 500,000 people have signed the petition from the Coalition for Marriage (C4M) calling upon the Government to retain the current definition of marriage between one man and one woman.
A petition launched in defence of traditional marriage has passed the half million mark. More than 500,000 people have signed the petition from the Coalition for Marriage (C4M) calling upon the Government to retain the current definition of marriage between one man and one woman.
WHAT THE CHURCH NEEDS NOW
IS A CHANGE OF ATTITUDE
I greatly admire Colin Coward and his writing on the CHANGING ATTITUDE website. He has the great skill of being diplomatic at the same time as being open, honest and lacking in all disingenuity. His post, "What type of gay priest is acceptable as a bishop in the Church of England?" following the appointment of yet another closet gay person to the House of Bishops in England is a perfect example of his writing prowess. Go check it out.
This was the comment I left under the post:
Yes. But, of course, in reality it is not quite so black and white. A bishop may be celibate now but have a history of same sex , physical relationships when he was a priest. A bishop may be celibate in England but enjoy sex with a same sex partner when abroad on holiday (and we have all known such annual relationships). Both of these examples show the bishops involved to be first class hypocrites.
The other problem we have, especially within Anglo-Catholicism, is the secret society of gay, closeted priests and bishops and their straight, clerical supporters. The recent appointment and the previous game of musical chairs centred on that diocese, is proof of how manipulative and effective this grouping within the church can be. Martin Warner, when bishop of Whitby, refused to even send me an application form for posts in his jurisdiction, that I would have been ideally suited for. Walsingham is pretty much a no go area for Anglo-Catholics, like myself, who are not Romanist and/or reactionary, when it used to be a place of spiritual beauty for all of us.
I lost my vocation, career, salary, home, pension, church home, tradition, good health and future hopes because of these women hating, self loathing men and those who are complicit in their hypocrisy. And I’m just a boringly ordinary bloke with a wife, who has never been part of any campaigning organisation but who has the unfortunate affliction of answering a straight question with a straight and honest answer. That my life has been ruined because an influential group of gay men, who are open about their gayness with each other, have decided to lie about their sexuality in public, is indicative of the rampant hypocrisy that underlies most of the decisions made by the Church of England nowadays.
This was the comment I left under the post:
Yes. But, of course, in reality it is not quite so black and white. A bishop may be celibate now but have a history of same sex , physical relationships when he was a priest. A bishop may be celibate in England but enjoy sex with a same sex partner when abroad on holiday (and we have all known such annual relationships). Both of these examples show the bishops involved to be first class hypocrites.
The other problem we have, especially within Anglo-Catholicism, is the secret society of gay, closeted priests and bishops and their straight, clerical supporters. The recent appointment and the previous game of musical chairs centred on that diocese, is proof of how manipulative and effective this grouping within the church can be. Martin Warner, when bishop of Whitby, refused to even send me an application form for posts in his jurisdiction, that I would have been ideally suited for. Walsingham is pretty much a no go area for Anglo-Catholics, like myself, who are not Romanist and/or reactionary, when it used to be a place of spiritual beauty for all of us.
I lost my vocation, career, salary, home, pension, church home, tradition, good health and future hopes because of these women hating, self loathing men and those who are complicit in their hypocrisy. And I’m just a boringly ordinary bloke with a wife, who has never been part of any campaigning organisation but who has the unfortunate affliction of answering a straight question with a straight and honest answer. That my life has been ruined because an influential group of gay men, who are open about their gayness with each other, have decided to lie about their sexuality in public, is indicative of the rampant hypocrisy that underlies most of the decisions made by the Church of England nowadays.
Sunday, 6 May 2012
WORSHIP AT SAINT LAIKA'S
A SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION
THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
All are welcome to join me in taking communion.
The order of service is posted beneath the audio file so that you can join in with the service. The words in bold type are the ones we say together.
If you want to physically partake of communion you will require a small piece of bread and a small amount of drink (preferably made from grapes and containing alcohol). How you view the nature of this part of the service is completely up to you.
The order of service is posted beneath the audio file so that you can join in with the service. The words in bold type are the ones we say together.
Click on the arrow on the player to stream.
Download via the MP3 icon below the player.
Download podcast via iTUNES.MP3 File
CLICK HERE for order of service and credits (opens in new window)
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