It's interesting to note that the country with the least
number of handgun related deaths (by far) is also the
country whose police force does not routinely carry
handguns (or any guns for that matter).
Saturday, 15 December 2012
MY COUNTRY, RIGHT FOR ONCE
It's interesting to note that the country with the least
number of handgun related deaths (by far) is also the
country whose police force does not routinely carry
handguns (or any guns for that matter).
WHO WILL SAVE MADPRIEST FROM
THE EVIL, ZOMBIE FLESH EATERS?
It's been nearly a week since I updated you on how my Christmas appeal is going. I am happy to report that during that (nearly a) week the total has risen to a far from embarrassing...
£270
However, I was hoping for quite a bit more than this in order to finance my internet ministry into the coming year. As yet I do not have enough to pay for the running costs I was hoping for let alone anything for myself.
You can find out all about the appeal, what it's for and so on by CLICKING HERE.
And here is the widget you need to click on to make your donation. Absolutely any amount of cash will be greatly appreciated.
As always, donators to my cause, receive a specially created, MadPriest photoshop toon that is not available elsewhere. Well, I like to make this begging for money as much fun as possible for all of us.
CONNECTICUT
And when they found him, lying among the bodies of the children he had killed, they took the gun from his cold, dead hands.
Friday, 14 December 2012
POPE ENCOURAGES KILLING OF GAY PEOPLE
From THE NEW CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT:
Pope Benedict XVI yesterday sent his first tweet from his new Twitter account, then turned around and blessed Rebecca Kadaga, the Speaker of the Uganda Parliament who promised to pass the “Kill The Gays” bill as a “Christmas gift” to Uganda’s Christians. Kadaga was at the Vatican to meet the Pope and to attend the seventh Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians for the International Criminal Court and the World Parliamentary Conference on Human Rights.
Thanks to Paul(A) who sent this story into me.
Pope Benedict XVI yesterday sent his first tweet from his new Twitter account, then turned around and blessed Rebecca Kadaga, the Speaker of the Uganda Parliament who promised to pass the “Kill The Gays” bill as a “Christmas gift” to Uganda’s Christians. Kadaga was at the Vatican to meet the Pope and to attend the seventh Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians for the International Criminal Court and the World Parliamentary Conference on Human Rights.
Thanks to Paul(A) who sent this story into me.
MOTHER HARRIET'S WORK UNDONE
Eleven sisters from the historic Anglican Community of St Mary the Virgin (CSMV) in Wantage, Oxfordshire, are to be received into the the Roman Catholic Church in January 2013. The group, including the Superior of the community, Mother Winsome CSMV, will be joining the poaching pope's Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham.
One sister, who was ordained in the Church of England and is now to be received as a Roman Catholic, said: “The call to Christian unity must always be the primary motivating factor in the decision of Anglicans to enter the Catholic Church. Anything which impedes that process cannot be of God, and so must be set aside to achieve this aim, which is the will of Christ”.
More details at INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC NEWS.
This is incredibly bad news. It's like the beefeaters at the Tower of London deciding to leave for Paris to guard the Eifel Tower. Saint Harriet Monsell and all true Anglo-Catholics have been betrayed by these silly women.
One sister, who was ordained in the Church of England and is now to be received as a Roman Catholic, said: “The call to Christian unity must always be the primary motivating factor in the decision of Anglicans to enter the Catholic Church. Anything which impedes that process cannot be of God, and so must be set aside to achieve this aim, which is the will of Christ”.
More details at INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC NEWS.
This is incredibly bad news. It's like the beefeaters at the Tower of London deciding to leave for Paris to guard the Eifel Tower. Saint Harriet Monsell and all true Anglo-Catholics have been betrayed by these silly women.
BULLY FOR JESUS
From UPI:
A spectator was removed from the crowd at a darts tournament in Britain when his resemblance to Jesus caused the crowd to chant toward him.
"Stand up if you love Jesus," the crowd chanted.
The Professional Darts Corporation said Nathan Grindal, 33, was escorted to another part of the venue to watch the match between Phil "The Power" Taylor and Belgian opponent Kim Huybrechts, as officials were worried the chants would be distracting to the players.
Grindal said he did not find the incident amusing.
A spectator was removed from the crowd at a darts tournament in Britain when his resemblance to Jesus caused the crowd to chant toward him.
"Stand up if you love Jesus," the crowd chanted.
The Professional Darts Corporation said Nathan Grindal, 33, was escorted to another part of the venue to watch the match between Phil "The Power" Taylor and Belgian opponent Kim Huybrechts, as officials were worried the chants would be distracting to the players.
Grindal said he did not find the incident amusing.
 |
| Nathan Grindal: Jewish messiah, monster slain by Beowulf or just an ordinary bloke who likes a game of darts? You must decide! |
RECORD SLEEVES WITH DOGS ON (8)
I've heard some stuff off this album and my guess is that the dog has too, which is why he is so sad.
I have no idea why the girl is fat. It may well have nothing to do with the record. It's probably glandular.
Thursday, 13 December 2012
SKIRTING THE ISSUE
From IDAHO PRESS-TRIBUNE:
A feminist Mormon group is urging women to ditch their skirts and wear pants to church this weekend in a show of solidarity for women's equality. Proponents are lauding the hastily arranged "Wear Pants to Church Day" movement as a way to shed light on what they see as gender inequalities in the church. Critics, however, are deriding the idea as unnecessary and disrespectful.
This is a great idea which would be an even better idea if men turned up wearing skirts as as a way to shed light on the transphobia of their church.
A feminist Mormon group is urging women to ditch their skirts and wear pants to church this weekend in a show of solidarity for women's equality. Proponents are lauding the hastily arranged "Wear Pants to Church Day" movement as a way to shed light on what they see as gender inequalities in the church. Critics, however, are deriding the idea as unnecessary and disrespectful.
This is a great idea which would be an even better idea if men turned up wearing skirts as as a way to shed light on the transphobia of their church.
EPISCOPALIANS LEAST LIKELY
TO BECOME DIRTY OLD MEN
From YAHOO NEWS:
Top 10 Most Practiced Religions Among Sugar Daddies:
#1. Judaism 28%
#2. Evangelicalism 17%
#3. Catholicism 14%
#4. Protestantism 8%
#5. Eastern Orthodox Christianity5%
#6. Presbyterian 4%
#7. Buddhism 3.4%
#8. Lutheranism 3%
#9. Latter Day Saints (Mormon) 2.8%
#10. Episcopalian 1%
SCOTTISH PROVOST CALLS FOR
ENGLISH CLERICAL REBELLION
"Those who are clergy who are supportive of the right of gay couples to marry really have only one option open to them. They should refuse to do any further legal marriages. No-one can force anyone to solemnise any marriage – a fact which has been much glossed over by the media. Some couples in some circumstances have the right to marry in particular places but not the right to be married by any one person." (Father Kelvin Holdsworth)
Read more agitation at WHAT'S IN KELVIN'S HEAD?
Read more agitation at WHAT'S IN KELVIN'S HEAD?
GET REAL!
Marriage is about sex and companionship and, with a few extreme exceptions such as royal marriage, always has been. Everything else, the birth and bringing up of children, financial gains, security, inheritance, honour etc, are the incidentals. Of course, sex (specifically the enjoyment of sex) has evolved in our species to make sure the species continues but couples don't get married to continue the species, they marry for the sex and companionship. If couples married in order to continue the species then human beings would not experience orgasms or enjoy touching each other and intensely sharing their lives with each other. Heck, nowadays women would just go down the AI route.
As Christianity is all about relationship and still holds to the idea that humans have free will, it is Christians who should be championing same gender marriage. It would be more appropriate for atheists to condemn same gender marriage as it is about free will relationship not the selfish gene. Same gender marriage puts the emotional, specifically love, before the mechanistic and practical which again is a Christian way of seeing the world.
Those in the churches who oppose same gender marriage are guilty of buying into the soul-denying zeitgeist of modern, secular, atheistic society. They are functionalists who deny the uniqueness of every living creature. They are stating loud and clear that we are machines and in doing so they are denying the existence of the Christian God who has always allowed his children to choose for themselves and who has always put pure, unconditional love before everything else.
As Christianity is all about relationship and still holds to the idea that humans have free will, it is Christians who should be championing same gender marriage. It would be more appropriate for atheists to condemn same gender marriage as it is about free will relationship not the selfish gene. Same gender marriage puts the emotional, specifically love, before the mechanistic and practical which again is a Christian way of seeing the world.
Those in the churches who oppose same gender marriage are guilty of buying into the soul-denying zeitgeist of modern, secular, atheistic society. They are functionalists who deny the uniqueness of every living creature. They are stating loud and clear that we are machines and in doing so they are denying the existence of the Christian God who has always allowed his children to choose for themselves and who has always put pure, unconditional love before everything else.
WAS CAMERON WELBY'S SURPRISE SANTA?
The one person who has gained the most from the British government's surprise banning of the Church of England from ever conducting same gender weddings is the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. An evangelical and an opponent of same gender marriage he still wants to come across as a leader for all the church. A fight in the Church over same gender marriage if the government had not banned it would have put him in a very awkward position and he would have started off his reign very negatively. One major thing happened between David Cameron's reception for gay marriage campaigners in which he was insistent that gay people would be able to marry in church and the terrible news this week and that was the appointment of Justin Welby as the next ABC. Welby is involved in all sorts of government stuff already and no doubt has the ear of some important players in the government. He also went to the same exclusive school as the prime minister. I think the banning of the Church of England from conducting same sex weddings by the government so that the church does not have to decide on the matter for itself, will probably be the best Christmas present the new Archbishop receives this year.
OH BUGGER, IT'S CHRISTMAS AGAIN (17)
This one really is a classic of the genre. The singer's insistence on using just the one note throughout and the musicians' insistence on not hitting any note with anything approaching accuracy results in a cacophony that leads the listener to hysterical giggling or just hysteria within seconds of the play button being pressed.
According to the sleeve, profits from the sale of this record will go to charity. I'm not sure how that is going to work. I think those responsible for this unique musical vision may earn more for those in need by threatening people into giving them money. Something along the lines of, "If you don't give lots of money to my chosen charity I will play you this record."
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
TOO MUCH MONKY BUSINESS
From BANGKOK POST:
AYUTTHAYA – Two monks were arrested by police on Friday for inappropriate behaviour. Police said Phra Suksawad Sutiyano (real name Suksawad Sawaengkar), 31, and Phra Ponsit Prapatoh (real name Ponsit Santatponlakarn), 42, were caught drinking beer and watching pornography in Wat Phra Ngam. Officers also found three yaba pills and a pistol with two rounds at the monk's dwelling.
On Oct 18 in Chon Buri province, police raided a temple and arrested five monks having a party with alcohol, drugs and women in their living quarters. Police seized drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine tablets, alcohol, pornography, knives and a gun.
This is dreadful behaviour and typical of foreigners. You would never get women being smuggled into monasteries in England. I mean, what would be the point?
AYUTTHAYA – Two monks were arrested by police on Friday for inappropriate behaviour. Police said Phra Suksawad Sutiyano (real name Suksawad Sawaengkar), 31, and Phra Ponsit Prapatoh (real name Ponsit Santatponlakarn), 42, were caught drinking beer and watching pornography in Wat Phra Ngam. Officers also found three yaba pills and a pistol with two rounds at the monk's dwelling.
On Oct 18 in Chon Buri province, police raided a temple and arrested five monks having a party with alcohol, drugs and women in their living quarters. Police seized drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine tablets, alcohol, pornography, knives and a gun.
This is dreadful behaviour and typical of foreigners. You would never get women being smuggled into monasteries in England. I mean, what would be the point?
A CHIP FOR A BED
From UPI:
Rocco Gailloreto, an Illinois market owner, claims a potato chip resembling the baby Jesus, from a homemade batch of chips he created himself, led him to build an entire nativity scene from chips.
"Suddenly, there was this little tiny chip that had a little potato skin on it that looked like swaddling clothes, and suddenly I said, 'Oh!' And it just kind of came to me. Baby Jesus," Gailloreto said.
The baby Jesus chip formed the centerpiece of a nativity scene he made entirely from his homemade potato chips.
"I don't see it as something divine. It's more abstract art, if you will," said Gailloreto.
The Illinois branch of American Atheists have already lodged a complaint with the Supreme Court of the United States concerning the erection of the nativity scene which, they claim, may end up being purchased along with a burger and eaten by some innocent, impressionable young person whilst sitting on a bench in a park or other public space.
Their spokesperson, Anthony Nalgitt, told OCICBW... that the building of nativity scenes out of potatoes was contrary to the American Constitution, broke every international treaty brokered by the United Nations during the last fifty years, would destroy the planet and contained four times as many calories than are recommended by the Surgeon General for daily consumption. He also told us that his organisation was going to retaliate by creating a twenty foot tall statue of Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche made entirely of turnips.
"That'll kill God once and for all," Nalgitt told our reporter.
Rocco Gailloreto, an Illinois market owner, claims a potato chip resembling the baby Jesus, from a homemade batch of chips he created himself, led him to build an entire nativity scene from chips.
"Suddenly, there was this little tiny chip that had a little potato skin on it that looked like swaddling clothes, and suddenly I said, 'Oh!' And it just kind of came to me. Baby Jesus," Gailloreto said.
The baby Jesus chip formed the centerpiece of a nativity scene he made entirely from his homemade potato chips.
"I don't see it as something divine. It's more abstract art, if you will," said Gailloreto.
The Illinois branch of American Atheists have already lodged a complaint with the Supreme Court of the United States concerning the erection of the nativity scene which, they claim, may end up being purchased along with a burger and eaten by some innocent, impressionable young person whilst sitting on a bench in a park or other public space.
Their spokesperson, Anthony Nalgitt, told OCICBW... that the building of nativity scenes out of potatoes was contrary to the American Constitution, broke every international treaty brokered by the United Nations during the last fifty years, would destroy the planet and contained four times as many calories than are recommended by the Surgeon General for daily consumption. He also told us that his organisation was going to retaliate by creating a twenty foot tall statue of Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche made entirely of turnips.
"That'll kill God once and for all," Nalgitt told our reporter.
DROPKICK ME CHRISTMAS
Here's the legendary Dropkick Murphys telling Miserable Christmas like it truly is. If any of you are beginning to have silly ideas about how lovely this time of year is this video should propel you back into reality quicker than Philip Giddings deciding he's against something.
A big thank you to my Facebook friend, Charles,
for bringing this one to my attention.
A big thank you to my Facebook friend, Charles,
for bringing this one to my attention.
OH BUGGER, IT'S CHRISTMAS AGAIN (16)
Bob Marley will be turning in his grave. Two hundred days off purgatory if you can get all the way through it. Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas.
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
PAPAL CRONYISM
From REUTERS:
Pope Benedict on Friday promoted his German priest-secretary to a job that significantly increases his influence and power in the Vatican. Monsignor Georg Ganswein, who has been the closest person to Benedict since his election in 2005, will be elevated to the rank of archbishop in the new job, whose official title is Prefect of the Pontifical Household. As prefect, Ganswein, 56, already one of the most recognizable and powerful figures in the papal court, will arrange all the pope's private and public audiences and his daily schedule. But because he is expected to keep his job as chief private secretary, he will have even more power in deciding who gets to see the German pope, who is now 85 and looking frailer. Ganswein is expected to keep the new job for the remainder of the papacy.
The Pope has told Georg that if he behaves himself and is good at his new job he will allow him put an "e" on the end of his name.
Pope Benedict on Friday promoted his German priest-secretary to a job that significantly increases his influence and power in the Vatican. Monsignor Georg Ganswein, who has been the closest person to Benedict since his election in 2005, will be elevated to the rank of archbishop in the new job, whose official title is Prefect of the Pontifical Household. As prefect, Ganswein, 56, already one of the most recognizable and powerful figures in the papal court, will arrange all the pope's private and public audiences and his daily schedule. But because he is expected to keep his job as chief private secretary, he will have even more power in deciding who gets to see the German pope, who is now 85 and looking frailer. Ganswein is expected to keep the new job for the remainder of the papacy.
The Pope has told Georg that if he behaves himself and is good at his new job he will allow him put an "e" on the end of his name.
EQUALITY
From THE DETROIT NEWS:
As the pastor of the oldest black church in Los Angeles, the Rev. John J. Hunter earned a generous salary, lived in a $2-million home and drove a Mercedes-Benz paid for by the church. His wife earned $147,000 a year running nonprofit organizations connected to the 19,000-member congregation.
A black minister making a fortune out of God in Los Angeles just like the white man. Martin Luther King would be so proud. Free at last!
As the pastor of the oldest black church in Los Angeles, the Rev. John J. Hunter earned a generous salary, lived in a $2-million home and drove a Mercedes-Benz paid for by the church. His wife earned $147,000 a year running nonprofit organizations connected to the 19,000-member congregation.
A black minister making a fortune out of God in Los Angeles just like the white man. Martin Luther King would be so proud. Free at last!
GOD IN A BOXER
From ABS CBN NEWS:
Former Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Oscar V. Cruz does not believe Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao's change in religion led to his shocking knockout loss at the hands of rival Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico.
HEAD OF STATE IN BRIBERY SCANDAL
From GMA NEWS:
Pope Benedict XVI has received not just one but two early high-tech Christmas gifts this year: two new Popemobiles. They are customized Mercedes-Benz M-Class vehicles fitted with the latest technology. Vatican Radio's quoted Thomas Zeeb, managing director of Mercedes-Benz Stuttgart, as saying the new Class M Popemobile includes top-of the range air-conditioning and lighting. He added the new Popemobile's design started last year, taking nine months to adapt to the needs of the Pontiff.
It's strange, isn't it? In most countries it is illegal for a head of state to except anything other than token gifts from other countries and business concerns. Yet, the head of the Vatican State and legislature blatantly accepts huge bribes from all sorts of people and institutions. What sort of an example is he setting to the too easily corrupted leaders of those third world countries where so many Roman catholics live?
Pope Benedict XVI has received not just one but two early high-tech Christmas gifts this year: two new Popemobiles. They are customized Mercedes-Benz M-Class vehicles fitted with the latest technology. Vatican Radio's quoted Thomas Zeeb, managing director of Mercedes-Benz Stuttgart, as saying the new Class M Popemobile includes top-of the range air-conditioning and lighting. He added the new Popemobile's design started last year, taking nine months to adapt to the needs of the Pontiff.
It's strange, isn't it? In most countries it is illegal for a head of state to except anything other than token gifts from other countries and business concerns. Yet, the head of the Vatican State and legislature blatantly accepts huge bribes from all sorts of people and institutions. What sort of an example is he setting to the too easily corrupted leaders of those third world countries where so many Roman catholics live?
JOIN THE AAA -
ALCOHOLIC ATHEISTS ANONYMOUS
Are atheists just a bunch of drunken killjoys?
Well, if Chaz Stevens of Florida is anything to go by they are.And he seems determined to tell the world that atheists stand for the enrichment of the brewery industry. Not only that he wants Christian children to pack in their sober ways and start drinking. At least, I assume that is why he has created an 8-foot-tall "Festivus" pole with beer cans, just six feet away from where Baby Jesus lies in a manger.
"It's just 23 beer cans stacked 8 feet high and conveniently located 6 feet from Baby Jesus," he told the Sun Sentinel.
Stevens had been trying unsuccessfully for five years to get the city to stop the Nativity scene. This year, he asked for permission to express his own unreligious beliefs. He said he decided against a more elaborately designed pole that "would not get as much attention" as a low-budget sign comprising Pabst Blue Ribbon cans.
Yep! Attention seeking would certainly explain it.
What a complete and utter pillock.
Well, if Chaz Stevens of Florida is anything to go by they are.And he seems determined to tell the world that atheists stand for the enrichment of the brewery industry. Not only that he wants Christian children to pack in their sober ways and start drinking. At least, I assume that is why he has created an 8-foot-tall "Festivus" pole with beer cans, just six feet away from where Baby Jesus lies in a manger.
"It's just 23 beer cans stacked 8 feet high and conveniently located 6 feet from Baby Jesus," he told the Sun Sentinel.
Stevens had been trying unsuccessfully for five years to get the city to stop the Nativity scene. This year, he asked for permission to express his own unreligious beliefs. He said he decided against a more elaborately designed pole that "would not get as much attention" as a low-budget sign comprising Pabst Blue Ribbon cans.
Yep! Attention seeking would certainly explain it.
What a complete and utter pillock.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
My friend, Viv has a post up on her blog, ZEN AND THE ART OF TIGHTROPE WALKING entitled "Bullying, practical jokes and the abuse of power." It is very good. Go read it.
Jim (The Spin) Naughton's post, "Do we do a good job in discerning priestly vocations?" is also thought provoking. Go read it at THE LEAD.
Jim (The Spin) Naughton's post, "Do we do a good job in discerning priestly vocations?" is also thought provoking. Go read it at THE LEAD.
FORCED INTO PREJUDICE
The government of the United Kingdom has just announced details of its proposed legislation concerning marriage between two people of the same gender. The surprising and horrible news is that the Church of England and the Church in Wales will be completely banned from conducting same gender weddings even if they decide they want to. The government will also be changing existing equality legislation to make sure that religious groups cannot be taken to court for not allowing same gender marriages and individual ministers of religion will not be able to marry same gender couples unless the organisation they belong to agrees, as a whole, to conduct such marriages.
Basically, it is probably the biggest cock-up the Conservative Party has ever put before Parliament. It's a complete shambles with so many inconsistencies that lawyers, from both the for and against camps, will have a well-paid field day knocking holes in it.
There is going to be a battle over this. The good guys may well be firing their first salvo this evening. I will keep you informed.
Basically, it is probably the biggest cock-up the Conservative Party has ever put before Parliament. It's a complete shambles with so many inconsistencies that lawyers, from both the for and against camps, will have a well-paid field day knocking holes in it.
There is going to be a battle over this. The good guys may well be firing their first salvo this evening. I will keep you informed.
TELLING IT LIKE IT WAS
From THE MAIL:
Martin Wilson, 26, was killed alongside his friend James Morgan, 20, after the car they were in lost control and ploughed into a garden on November 18. Hundreds of family and friends attended Martin's funeral last week but were left speechless when humanist, Donna Lear, who led the service, outlined his catalogue of crimes. In a 30 minute eulogy she told the congregation how Martin left a 'trail of destruction in his wake and more than a few bloodied noses.'She also told the congregation how Martin, nicknamed 'Wils' by pals, had his 'fifteen minutes of fame' when he was caught on TV sprinting onto a football pitch and punching the goalkeeper.
Speaking at the funeral at Carmountside Crematorium in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, she told mourners how prison had become 'his second home.'
She said: 'His escapades often landed him in prison - but that was okay because Wils wasn't a big fan of going to work anyway.'
I've done similar. I once had to conduct the funeral of an alcoholic wife beater. His wife had told me that she was glad he was dead. I told the congregation that the dead man hadn't believed in God and didn't care one jot about his abysmal behaviour, so I wasn't going to hypocritically go on about God and heaven or give an eulogy about how wonderful he was. The only complaints I received afterwards were from Roman Catholic members of his family. But, then, Roman Catholics have a tradition of saying good things about monsters at funerals especially if their local church has benefited from their crimes over the years.
Martin Wilson, 26, was killed alongside his friend James Morgan, 20, after the car they were in lost control and ploughed into a garden on November 18. Hundreds of family and friends attended Martin's funeral last week but were left speechless when humanist, Donna Lear, who led the service, outlined his catalogue of crimes. In a 30 minute eulogy she told the congregation how Martin left a 'trail of destruction in his wake and more than a few bloodied noses.'She also told the congregation how Martin, nicknamed 'Wils' by pals, had his 'fifteen minutes of fame' when he was caught on TV sprinting onto a football pitch and punching the goalkeeper.
Speaking at the funeral at Carmountside Crematorium in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, she told mourners how prison had become 'his second home.'
She said: 'His escapades often landed him in prison - but that was okay because Wils wasn't a big fan of going to work anyway.'
I've done similar. I once had to conduct the funeral of an alcoholic wife beater. His wife had told me that she was glad he was dead. I told the congregation that the dead man hadn't believed in God and didn't care one jot about his abysmal behaviour, so I wasn't going to hypocritically go on about God and heaven or give an eulogy about how wonderful he was. The only complaints I received afterwards were from Roman Catholic members of his family. But, then, Roman Catholics have a tradition of saying good things about monsters at funerals especially if their local church has benefited from their crimes over the years.
ONE FROM THE NUN
A young Scottish lad and lass were sitting on a low stone wall, holding hands, gazing out over the loch. For several minutes they sat silently. Then finally the girl looked at the boy and said, "A penny for your thoughts, Angus."
"Well, uh, I was thinkin'... perhaps it's aboot time for a wee kiss."
The girl blushed, then leaned over and kissed him lightly on the cheek. Then he blushed. The two turned once again to gaze out over the loch. Minutes passed and the girl spoke again.
"Another penny for your thoughts, Angus."
"Well, uh, I was thinkin' perhaps it's noo aboot time for a wee cuddle."
The girl blushed, then leaned over and cuddled him for a few seconds. Then he blushed. And the two turned once again to gaze out over the loch. After a while, she again said, "Another penny for your thoughts, Angus."
"Well, uh, I was thinkin' perhaps it's aboot time you let me put my hand on your leg."
The girl blushed, then took his hand and put it on her knee. Then he blushed. Then the two turned once again to gaze out over the loch before the girl spoke again.
"Another penny for your thoughts, Angus."
The young man glanced down with a furled brow.
"Well, noo," he said, 'my thoughts are a wee bit more serious this time.'
"Really?" said the lass in a whisper, filled with anticipation.
"Aye," said the lad, nodding.
The girl looked away in shyness, began to blush, and bit her lip in anticipation of the ultimate request.
Then he said, "Dae ye nae think it's aboot time ye paid me the first three pennies?"
"Well, uh, I was thinkin'... perhaps it's aboot time for a wee kiss."
The girl blushed, then leaned over and kissed him lightly on the cheek. Then he blushed. The two turned once again to gaze out over the loch. Minutes passed and the girl spoke again.
"Another penny for your thoughts, Angus."
"Well, uh, I was thinkin' perhaps it's noo aboot time for a wee cuddle."
The girl blushed, then leaned over and cuddled him for a few seconds. Then he blushed. And the two turned once again to gaze out over the loch. After a while, she again said, "Another penny for your thoughts, Angus."
"Well, uh, I was thinkin' perhaps it's aboot time you let me put my hand on your leg."
The girl blushed, then took his hand and put it on her knee. Then he blushed. Then the two turned once again to gaze out over the loch before the girl spoke again.
"Another penny for your thoughts, Angus."
The young man glanced down with a furled brow.
"Well, noo," he said, 'my thoughts are a wee bit more serious this time.'
"Really?" said the lass in a whisper, filled with anticipation.
"Aye," said the lad, nodding.
The girl looked away in shyness, began to blush, and bit her lip in anticipation of the ultimate request.
Then he said, "Dae ye nae think it's aboot time ye paid me the first three pennies?"
THE KNIVES ARE OUT FOR GIDDINGS
From GET READING:
Dr Phillip Giddings, who chairs the General Synod’s House of Laity and a driving force in the recent controversial vote which led to the rejection of women bishops, is facing a vote of no confidence.
Lou Henderson of the General Synod press office said: “There has been a call for a meeting of the House of Laity to discuss a motion of no confidence in the chairman. There is no date for the meeting yet but it is likely to be in January.”
Dr Giddings told getreading yesterday: “It is very disappointing.”
When asked why he thought the members of the House of Laity were calling for the vote, he said: “Well you would have to ask them. It is very unusual, in fact I think it is unprecedented. I really don’t think I want to comment any further than that.”
It is understood the move to oust Dr Giddings is a bid to bring forward a further vote on the subject of women bishops at an earlier date than the next election of the new synod in three years’ time.
Like everyone else in the Neighbourhood, I am extremely disappointed in the result of the General Synod's vote concerning women bishops. However, I am also more than a bit worried about the moves by powerful people within the Church of England to override the vote because it is not the result that they wanted.
It wasn't that long ago that we were all wonderfully surprised by the dioceses of the Church of England voting against the acceptance of the Anglican Covenant. I remember that the ensuing sour grapes from the proponents of the Covenant included veiled threats about getting the Covenant imposed on us by other means and I remember being very worried about this possibility. I would have kicked up merry hell if the Grand Tufti had tried to ignore the wishes of the Church membership.
Therefore, I think it would be very hypocritical of me, very hypocritical of us, to call for or take part in moves to overturn the women bishops' vote by devious means. In fact, I think, painful as it is, that we have to accept the defeat because it was inflicted on us in strict accordance with Synod practice. I think we should wait the three years until the next Synod membership is sworn in. If we don't then we will be guilty of playing the same sort of game that Philip Giddings played when he bullied Rowan Williams into betraying his friend Jeffrey John, namely the political game. I hope we are above such behaviour.
Of course, we should not do nothing whilst we wait. We could, and should, campaign to get General Synod to adopt more democratic procedures especially when it comes to the election of its lay members. Philip Giddings represents a very small percentage of the laity of the Church of England and yet, over the last ten years, he has been able to dictate much of the way that the hierarchy has dealt with the controversies within the Anglican Communion and at home. If all the members of the laity got a direct say in who represented them at General Synod we may still lose any vote increasing the acceptance of gay people in our denomination but there would, I am sure, be no trouble in getting a vote through allowing women to live in big houses, earn more money than everybody else, cynically abuse the church's exemptions from employment law and, above all, tell everyone else what to do. Because, evidently, that's what equality is all about.
Dr Phillip Giddings, who chairs the General Synod’s House of Laity and a driving force in the recent controversial vote which led to the rejection of women bishops, is facing a vote of no confidence.
Lou Henderson of the General Synod press office said: “There has been a call for a meeting of the House of Laity to discuss a motion of no confidence in the chairman. There is no date for the meeting yet but it is likely to be in January.”
Dr Giddings told getreading yesterday: “It is very disappointing.”
When asked why he thought the members of the House of Laity were calling for the vote, he said: “Well you would have to ask them. It is very unusual, in fact I think it is unprecedented. I really don’t think I want to comment any further than that.”
It is understood the move to oust Dr Giddings is a bid to bring forward a further vote on the subject of women bishops at an earlier date than the next election of the new synod in three years’ time.
Like everyone else in the Neighbourhood, I am extremely disappointed in the result of the General Synod's vote concerning women bishops. However, I am also more than a bit worried about the moves by powerful people within the Church of England to override the vote because it is not the result that they wanted.
It wasn't that long ago that we were all wonderfully surprised by the dioceses of the Church of England voting against the acceptance of the Anglican Covenant. I remember that the ensuing sour grapes from the proponents of the Covenant included veiled threats about getting the Covenant imposed on us by other means and I remember being very worried about this possibility. I would have kicked up merry hell if the Grand Tufti had tried to ignore the wishes of the Church membership.
Therefore, I think it would be very hypocritical of me, very hypocritical of us, to call for or take part in moves to overturn the women bishops' vote by devious means. In fact, I think, painful as it is, that we have to accept the defeat because it was inflicted on us in strict accordance with Synod practice. I think we should wait the three years until the next Synod membership is sworn in. If we don't then we will be guilty of playing the same sort of game that Philip Giddings played when he bullied Rowan Williams into betraying his friend Jeffrey John, namely the political game. I hope we are above such behaviour.
Of course, we should not do nothing whilst we wait. We could, and should, campaign to get General Synod to adopt more democratic procedures especially when it comes to the election of its lay members. Philip Giddings represents a very small percentage of the laity of the Church of England and yet, over the last ten years, he has been able to dictate much of the way that the hierarchy has dealt with the controversies within the Anglican Communion and at home. If all the members of the laity got a direct say in who represented them at General Synod we may still lose any vote increasing the acceptance of gay people in our denomination but there would, I am sure, be no trouble in getting a vote through allowing women to live in big houses, earn more money than everybody else, cynically abuse the church's exemptions from employment law and, above all, tell everyone else what to do. Because, evidently, that's what equality is all about.
DON'T FORGET THE UNICORNS THIS TIME!
From THE TELEGRAPH:
A full-scale replica of Noah's Ark has opened its doors to the public under stormy skies in the Netherlands. The ark comes in at a whopping 130 metres (427 feet) long, 29 metres (95 feet) across and 23 metres (75 feet) high. It features life-sized displays of animals, including posed sculptures of tigers, giraffe, an elephant and bison. There are also some live animals aboard, including parakeets, pheasants, peacocks and rabbits.
The ark's creator, Johan Huibers, said the opening realised his 20-year dream to educate people about history and faith.
I'm sure the rabbits can be relied upon to go forth and multiply.
A full-scale replica of Noah's Ark has opened its doors to the public under stormy skies in the Netherlands. The ark comes in at a whopping 130 metres (427 feet) long, 29 metres (95 feet) across and 23 metres (75 feet) high. It features life-sized displays of animals, including posed sculptures of tigers, giraffe, an elephant and bison. There are also some live animals aboard, including parakeets, pheasants, peacocks and rabbits.
The ark's creator, Johan Huibers, said the opening realised his 20-year dream to educate people about history and faith.
I'm sure the rabbits can be relied upon to go forth and multiply.
SAME POWER, DIFFERENT ATTITUDE
Electricity company Powershop says a billboard depicting Pope Benedict XVI marrying a male couple is not targeted at Catholics. The four-and-a-half storey billboard is part of a campaign by Powershop, with the slogan "Same Power, Different Attitude."
Powershop chief executive Ari Sargent said the billboard was not targeted at Catholics "per se", but the Pope was an analogy of big power companies.
"It's making the point that some larger institutions can often lose touch with their constituents."
It was never their intention to offend anyone, he said.
Powershop is a state owned company.
Good on yer, New Zealand!
Monday, 10 December 2012
FIFTY SHADES OF HYPOCRISY
From HERALD ONLINE:
Many evangelical women say they wouldn’t touch the racy best-seller, "Fifty Shades of Grey." But evangelical leaders also realize that some members of their churches and Bible studies can’t resist. A month ago, worried that the book could harm Christian marriages, leaders at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary hosted a closed-door women’s meeting on what it all means and what churches should do about it.
“I think they’re asking first of all, ‘Is it truly pornography?’ ” said Terri Stovall, dean of women’s programs at the seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. “We say yes it is because it creates pictures in your head.”
Pictures in your head? Oh, yes, she's talking about imagination. I can see why evangelical "leaders" would be worried about their followers getting one of those.
Many evangelical women say they wouldn’t touch the racy best-seller, "Fifty Shades of Grey." But evangelical leaders also realize that some members of their churches and Bible studies can’t resist. A month ago, worried that the book could harm Christian marriages, leaders at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary hosted a closed-door women’s meeting on what it all means and what churches should do about it.
“I think they’re asking first of all, ‘Is it truly pornography?’ ” said Terri Stovall, dean of women’s programs at the seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. “We say yes it is because it creates pictures in your head.”
Pictures in your head? Oh, yes, she's talking about imagination. I can see why evangelical "leaders" would be worried about their followers getting one of those.
EILEEN'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The membership of the Church is predominantly made up of reactionary, old people and a small percentage of younger people who think and act like reactionary, old people.
Sunday, 9 December 2012
WORSHIP AT SAINT LAIKA'S
A SERVICE OF HOLY 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
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Slowly, but surely, the running total for this year's Christmas Appeal is creeping up and it now stands at a reasonable
£185
All monies raised will got towards the running costs of my online ministry and, if there's anything left over, to get me some new clothes in the January sales.
You can find out all about the appeal, what it's for and what have you by CLICKING HERE.
And here is the widget you need to click on to make your donation. Absolutely any amount of cash will be greatly appreciated.
As always, donators to my cause, receive a specially created, MadPriest photoshop toon that is not available elsewhere. Well, I like to make this begging for money as much fun as possible for all of us.
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