From THE CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE:
Why not women priests?
A papal theologian explains:
"The son of God became flesh, but became flesh not as sexless humanity but as a male," Father Giertych said; and since a priest is supposed to serve as an image of Christ, his maleness is essential to that role.
Reflecting on differences between the sexes, Father Giertych suggested other reasons that men are especially suited to the priesthood.
Men are more likely to think of God in terms of philosophical definitions and logical syllogisms, he said, a quality valuable for fulfilling a priest's duty to transmit church teaching.
Father Giertych said priests love the church in a characteristically "male way" when they show concern "about structures, about the buildings of the church, about the roof of the church which is leaking, about the bishops' conference, about the concordat between the church and the state."
None of which means that women hold an inferior place in the church, he said.
So there you have it, you silly women. You can't become priests for exactly the same reason why you can't read maps or something like that.
Saturday, 2 February 2013
LEARN ISLAM
From THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER:
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 1 — Federal religious authorities today urged Muslims nationwide to respect non-Muslims, but warned against compromising their faith in tolerating other beliefs.
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 1 — Federal religious authorities today urged Muslims nationwide to respect non-Muslims, but warned against compromising their faith in tolerating other beliefs.
CHRIST'S MISSING GEOLOGICAL SURVEY FOUND!
From THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD:
Highly confidential departmental coal maps were found in the offices of the Obeid family during a raid by Independent Commission Against Corruption in November, 2011. But Moses Obeid has told a corruption inquiry that he had never seen a particular map before and as far as he knew, "... it might have have been drawn by Jesus Christ."
Who's he trying to kid?!
Everyone knows that Jesus only ever
used charcoal which is made from wood.
Highly confidential departmental coal maps were found in the offices of the Obeid family during a raid by Independent Commission Against Corruption in November, 2011. But Moses Obeid has told a corruption inquiry that he had never seen a particular map before and as far as he knew, "... it might have have been drawn by Jesus Christ."
Who's he trying to kid?!
Everyone knows that Jesus only ever
used charcoal which is made from wood.
USSR TO USA IN LESS THAN 25 YEARS
From REUTERS:
President Vladimir Putin said on Friday the Orthodox Church should be given more say over family life, education and the armed forces in Russia, as he celebrated the leadership of its head Patriarch Kirill.
"At the heart of all Russia's victories and achievements are patriotism, faith and strength of spirit," Putin said in the Kremlin's gold encrusted Alexeyevsky hall, celebrating the fourth anniversary of Kirill's accession as patriarch.
President Vladimir Putin said on Friday the Orthodox Church should be given more say over family life, education and the armed forces in Russia, as he celebrated the leadership of its head Patriarch Kirill.
"At the heart of all Russia's victories and achievements are patriotism, faith and strength of spirit," Putin said in the Kremlin's gold encrusted Alexeyevsky hall, celebrating the fourth anniversary of Kirill's accession as patriarch.
IT WASN'T ME, GUV - IT WAS EVERYONE ELSE
From THE TELEGRAPH (India):
Kingpin Vinay Tigga (32), a pastor with the Assembly of God Church at Kashipiri in Silli, had masterminded more than 10 robberies in the district in the last 10 months by posing as a Maoist. Eleven guns, a pistol, ammunition and camouflage outfits were recovered after the gang was busted.
Tigga did not accept his involvement in any crime, saying he "only wanted to terrorise those involved in the business of liquor". He claimed that his aides collected levy and committed robberies without his knowledge.
To be honest, as excuses go, it's not very convincing. But, as an Assembly of God minister, he's probably used to people believing any old rubbish.
Kingpin Vinay Tigga (32), a pastor with the Assembly of God Church at Kashipiri in Silli, had masterminded more than 10 robberies in the district in the last 10 months by posing as a Maoist. Eleven guns, a pistol, ammunition and camouflage outfits were recovered after the gang was busted.
Tigga did not accept his involvement in any crime, saying he "only wanted to terrorise those involved in the business of liquor". He claimed that his aides collected levy and committed robberies without his knowledge.
To be honest, as excuses go, it's not very convincing. But, as an Assembly of God minister, he's probably used to people believing any old rubbish.
DON'T BUGGER UP THE SACRAMENTS
OR YOU'LL GET INTO TROUBLE!
From THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
The archdiocese of Los Angeles learned in the late 1970s that one of its priests had sexually assaulted a 16-year-old boy so violently that he was left bleeding and "in a state of shock." The priest said he was too drunk to remember what happened and officials took no further action.
But two decades later, word reached Cardinal Roger M. Mahony that the same priest was molesting again and improperly performing the sacrament of confession on his victim. The archdiocese sprang to action: It dispatched investigators, interviewed a raft of witnesses and discussed the harshest of all church penalties — not for the abuse but for the violation of church law.
"Given the seriousness of this abuse of the sacrament of penance … it is your responsibility to formally declare the existence of the excommunication and then refer the matter to Rome," one cleric told Mahony in a memo.
The archdiocese of Los Angeles learned in the late 1970s that one of its priests had sexually assaulted a 16-year-old boy so violently that he was left bleeding and "in a state of shock." The priest said he was too drunk to remember what happened and officials took no further action.
But two decades later, word reached Cardinal Roger M. Mahony that the same priest was molesting again and improperly performing the sacrament of confession on his victim. The archdiocese sprang to action: It dispatched investigators, interviewed a raft of witnesses and discussed the harshest of all church penalties — not for the abuse but for the violation of church law.
"Given the seriousness of this abuse of the sacrament of penance … it is your responsibility to formally declare the existence of the excommunication and then refer the matter to Rome," one cleric told Mahony in a memo.
NOT VERY AFFIRMING
I am sure the trendy bishop of Chelmsford, Stephen Cottrell, will have a carefully crafted, if somewhat clichéd, explanation as to why he can both love and respect all the gay clergy in the Church of England who, via Affirming Catholicism, got him his high earning job in the first place, whilst kicking them in the goolies (technically known as "doing a Rowan on somebody"), but in my book he is a betrayer plain and simple.
In cahoots with the Vatican's ambassador to Brentwood he has written the following letter to MPs protesting over the forthcoming Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill due to have its Second Reading on Tuesday.
We are taking this step of writing jointly so as to show our concern over certain serious implications of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill.
It is axiomatic that every government of a nation has the right to legislate on how marriage is celebrated in that particular country and for its legal consequences there. However, we firmly believe that no government anywhere has the right to re-define or change the essential nature of marriage itself. This is because marriage both comes from God, as revealed through the Scriptures, and is equally a fundamental part of universal natural law.
In practical terms, although we are obviously aware that safeguards have been offered to grant exemption for religious bodies from some parts of the proposed legislation, it is to be wondered if such exemption would survive scrutiny by the Courts (whether national or international) as well of course, of always being subject to change by parliament itself in the future. We would also ask whether sufficient thought has been given to the inter-meshing between these current marriage proposals and the existing legislation which deals with equality and discrimination. This combination of legislation might well nullify the promised safeguards.
Taking these factors together, there must be genuine doubt as to whether there can inevitably be freedom of conscience and freedom of teaching in the future for all those who – of any religious creed or none – wish to express that truth about marriage which is rooted in Creation itself and is part of our human heritage.
May we also remark that it is of the utmost regret (and of great public comment) that a change to the Law of this magnitude is being undertaken in great haste and without any electoral mandate.
In conclusion we trust you will understand our concern in this matter is not only for the principles we have expressed but just as much for the people involved. Both of our Churches already have – in their own ministries – a deeply-rooted and heart-felt commitment to provide the best possible pastoral care for gay and lesbian people and for their families. You will appreciate that we take very seriously our on-going responsibility to discern and meet their spiritual and individual needs for the future. Though our two churches have responded to civil partnerships in slightly different ways, we believe this is a better and more appropriate way for government to provide for the legitimate needs of same sex couples.
In the light of the reasons outlined above we would urge you to vote against this Bill on its Second Reading next Tuesday.
Yours sincerely,
Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford
Rt Rev Thomas McMahon, Bishop of Brentwood
Ironically, Stephen Cottrell was the sop thrown to truly inclusive Anglicans when Rowan Williams personally scuppered Jeffrey John's appointment as Bishop of Reading, as it was Cottrell who got the job instead. Due to his involvement in this reactionary diatribe I am reducing his odds of becoming the next Bishop of Durham to 3-1.
In cahoots with the Vatican's ambassador to Brentwood he has written the following letter to MPs protesting over the forthcoming Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill due to have its Second Reading on Tuesday.
We are taking this step of writing jointly so as to show our concern over certain serious implications of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill.
It is axiomatic that every government of a nation has the right to legislate on how marriage is celebrated in that particular country and for its legal consequences there. However, we firmly believe that no government anywhere has the right to re-define or change the essential nature of marriage itself. This is because marriage both comes from God, as revealed through the Scriptures, and is equally a fundamental part of universal natural law.
In practical terms, although we are obviously aware that safeguards have been offered to grant exemption for religious bodies from some parts of the proposed legislation, it is to be wondered if such exemption would survive scrutiny by the Courts (whether national or international) as well of course, of always being subject to change by parliament itself in the future. We would also ask whether sufficient thought has been given to the inter-meshing between these current marriage proposals and the existing legislation which deals with equality and discrimination. This combination of legislation might well nullify the promised safeguards.
Taking these factors together, there must be genuine doubt as to whether there can inevitably be freedom of conscience and freedom of teaching in the future for all those who – of any religious creed or none – wish to express that truth about marriage which is rooted in Creation itself and is part of our human heritage.
May we also remark that it is of the utmost regret (and of great public comment) that a change to the Law of this magnitude is being undertaken in great haste and without any electoral mandate.
In conclusion we trust you will understand our concern in this matter is not only for the principles we have expressed but just as much for the people involved. Both of our Churches already have – in their own ministries – a deeply-rooted and heart-felt commitment to provide the best possible pastoral care for gay and lesbian people and for their families. You will appreciate that we take very seriously our on-going responsibility to discern and meet their spiritual and individual needs for the future. Though our two churches have responded to civil partnerships in slightly different ways, we believe this is a better and more appropriate way for government to provide for the legitimate needs of same sex couples.
In the light of the reasons outlined above we would urge you to vote against this Bill on its Second Reading next Tuesday.
Yours sincerely,
Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford
Rt Rev Thomas McMahon, Bishop of Brentwood
Ironically, Stephen Cottrell was the sop thrown to truly inclusive Anglicans when Rowan Williams personally scuppered Jeffrey John's appointment as Bishop of Reading, as it was Cottrell who got the job instead. Due to his involvement in this reactionary diatribe I am reducing his odds of becoming the next Bishop of Durham to 3-1.
WORSHIP AT SAINT LAIKA'S
A SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION
THE PRESENTATION OF JESUS AT THE TEMPLE
CANDLEMAS
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.
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CLICK HERE for order of service and credits
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If Candlemas Day is clear and bright,
winter will have another bite.
If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain,
winter is gone and will not come again.
THE COLLECTION
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Friday, 1 February 2013
LANDLORD PAINTS OVER JESUS
From THE STANDARD:
An image of the Messiah — or a rough approximation thereof — first appeared amid the chipped paintwork of Seanchai, Warrnambool’s Irish pub, in November 2010. It was quickly protected by perspex and drew a small number of curious onlookers. But the second coming of the Lord and Saviour is over, with a new paint job set to wipe Jesus’ silhouette off the Seanchai’s outside wall. The new owners considered keeping Christ’s likeness, but ultimately decided to paint over it in order to give the pub a new lease of life.
I think they'll find that it's the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come and not Jesus. I think they'll also find that it's an Australian pub not an Irish one. Ireland is next door to Wales in the Northern hemisphere. Warrnambool is in Victoria, Australia. But I can understand why they would make such a mistake. Irish beer and Australian beer are both equally as bad.
I think they'll find that it's the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come and not Jesus. I think they'll also find that it's an Australian pub not an Irish one. Ireland is next door to Wales in the Northern hemisphere. Warrnambool is in Victoria, Australia. But I can understand why they would make such a mistake. Irish beer and Australian beer are both equally as bad.
MONK CHANT
The Monks were a bunch of American G.I.s in Germany who picked up on the beat-group fad; they started a bar band called the 5 Torquays that seems, from the evidence, to have been just like every other group of Beatles wannabes. After they got their official discharges, they got a lot weirder, changing their name, adopting costumes and turning considerably more confrontational to keep the attention of easily bored audiences in Hamburg nightclubs — six hours of originals and covers a night, bassist Eddie Shaw has claimed, and eight hours on Sundays. Sometime in 1965, they recorded a bunch of demos (originally released in the late '90s as Five Upstart Americans, most recently reissued as The Early Years); their gimmick at that point was that every song began with a churchy introduction by organist Larry Clark before singer/guitarist Gary Burger started screaming.
By the time the Monks 'sole full-on studio album Black Monk Time came out in early 1966, they were frothing, feverish punk rockers, a decade ahead of their time, whose best songs were called "I Hate You" and "Shut Up." A review of a performance in the German paper Bild-Zeitung declared them "noise, noise and no melody — robot music." It would be a good long while before many people could read that as a compliment. (Douglas Wolk, eMusic)
Thursday, 31 January 2013
BAD TIPPER
From THE CONSUMERIST:
This photo shows a receipt for $34.93 with an automatic gratuity of 18% ($6.29) included. But the diner has scratched out that tip, writing instead that “I Give God 10% Why do you Get 18″ and adding the word “pastor” above his signature. And instead of leaving a tip just wrote a big “0.” In the comments on the post, the person who submitted the image explains that this was just a portion of the total bill for a table of 20, which means the 18% tip is automatically put on the bill.
We understand why someone might be upset about an automatic gratuity. But we can’t recall any religious texts that claim the best way to combat an unpleasant situation is to leave a passive-aggressive note while simultaneously penalizing someone who did not create the problem.
In England we have a law that states that slavery is illegal. This means that waiters, bar persons, taxi drivers, every worker in fact, has to be paid, at least the minimum wage, £6.19 per hour, by their employers. This means that tips in my country can be discretionary although we too have some grasping restaurants who automatically add a service charge to bills (I don't go to them because I doubt the tips go to the waiting staff anyway). I like tipping for good service on the rare occasions that I eat out. But I like the tip to go to the waiting staff (who will no doubt be paid minimum wages) and I dislike the practice of splitting all tips up between all the workers, including the ones on better salaries. I always discreetly go up to the member of staff afterwards and put the money in his or her hand. I also tip delivery drivers who have carried something heavy to my door. But that's probably because I used to do that job myself and would have loved to have been tipped far more than I ever was.
UPDATE: The waitress who posted the receipt online has since been fired by her employer.
This photo shows a receipt for $34.93 with an automatic gratuity of 18% ($6.29) included. But the diner has scratched out that tip, writing instead that “I Give God 10% Why do you Get 18″ and adding the word “pastor” above his signature. And instead of leaving a tip just wrote a big “0.” In the comments on the post, the person who submitted the image explains that this was just a portion of the total bill for a table of 20, which means the 18% tip is automatically put on the bill.
We understand why someone might be upset about an automatic gratuity. But we can’t recall any religious texts that claim the best way to combat an unpleasant situation is to leave a passive-aggressive note while simultaneously penalizing someone who did not create the problem.
In England we have a law that states that slavery is illegal. This means that waiters, bar persons, taxi drivers, every worker in fact, has to be paid, at least the minimum wage, £6.19 per hour, by their employers. This means that tips in my country can be discretionary although we too have some grasping restaurants who automatically add a service charge to bills (I don't go to them because I doubt the tips go to the waiting staff anyway). I like tipping for good service on the rare occasions that I eat out. But I like the tip to go to the waiting staff (who will no doubt be paid minimum wages) and I dislike the practice of splitting all tips up between all the workers, including the ones on better salaries. I always discreetly go up to the member of staff afterwards and put the money in his or her hand. I also tip delivery drivers who have carried something heavy to my door. But that's probably because I used to do that job myself and would have loved to have been tipped far more than I ever was.
UPDATE: The waitress who posted the receipt online has since been fired by her employer.
COCKSUCKER BLUES
From THE JEWISH DAILY FORWARD:
The leading association for mohelim who practice a risky oral blood suctioning technique in their circumcisions has vowed not to cooperate with New York City’s new health regulations governing use of the technique, known as metzitzah b’peh. Brooklyn mohel Rabbi Avrohom Cohn, chairman of the American Board of Ritual Circumcision, said his group would not have parents sign waiver forms, which the city is now requiring as a condition for performing metzitzah b’peh.
“He’s the mayor of the biggest city in the world, but I’m not going to listen to him,” Cohn said, referring to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has strongly backed the new rules. “I have another mayor, the Almighty, and I will do it His way.”
The technique, in which the mohel uses his mouth to suction off blood from around a baby’s penis after cutting the infant’s foreskin, has been found to transmit herpes simplex virus, which can cause serious injury, and even death, to infants. Defenders of metzitah b’peh argue that the DOHMH rule infringes on their religious rights, and some contest the medical consensus on the danger the technique poses to infants.
I don't think the Almighty carries out circumcisions himself and, if he did, I doubt he would suck the baby boy's penis afterwards. To be honest, my guess is that the Almighty would view such borderline paedophilic behaviour as an abomination.
However, no doubt the Bishop of Guildford would approve of this penis sucking practice (see BISHOP OF GUILDFORD TO CHAMPION UNIVERSAL RIGHT TO SACRIFICE VIRGINS). I mean, we can't possibly have one rule for me, one rule for you, can we?!
The leading association for mohelim who practice a risky oral blood suctioning technique in their circumcisions has vowed not to cooperate with New York City’s new health regulations governing use of the technique, known as metzitzah b’peh. Brooklyn mohel Rabbi Avrohom Cohn, chairman of the American Board of Ritual Circumcision, said his group would not have parents sign waiver forms, which the city is now requiring as a condition for performing metzitzah b’peh.
“He’s the mayor of the biggest city in the world, but I’m not going to listen to him,” Cohn said, referring to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has strongly backed the new rules. “I have another mayor, the Almighty, and I will do it His way.”
The technique, in which the mohel uses his mouth to suction off blood from around a baby’s penis after cutting the infant’s foreskin, has been found to transmit herpes simplex virus, which can cause serious injury, and even death, to infants. Defenders of metzitah b’peh argue that the DOHMH rule infringes on their religious rights, and some contest the medical consensus on the danger the technique poses to infants.
I don't think the Almighty carries out circumcisions himself and, if he did, I doubt he would suck the baby boy's penis afterwards. To be honest, my guess is that the Almighty would view such borderline paedophilic behaviour as an abomination.
However, no doubt the Bishop of Guildford would approve of this penis sucking practice (see BISHOP OF GUILDFORD TO CHAMPION UNIVERSAL RIGHT TO SACRIFICE VIRGINS). I mean, we can't possibly have one rule for me, one rule for you, can we?!
STONING IN NORTH BROOKLYN
From SALON:
In ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities across New York state, women wear long skirts and long-sleeved, high-necked blouses on the street; men wear suits and white collar shirts, buttoned to the neck; and girls are told the precise color and thickness of the stockings they can wear to school. And these aren’t just recommendations – community modesty codes are strictly enforced. Not just by social custom, but by a self-appointed, shadowy group of men who police a predominantly Hasidic neighborhood in North Brooklyn, according to a report in the New York Times.
“They operate like the Mafia,” Rabbi Allan Nadler, director of the Jewish studies program at Drew University, told the Times. “They walk into a store and say it would be a shame if your window was broken or you lost your clientele,” he said. “They might tell the father of a girl who wears a skirt that’s too short and he’s, say, a store owner: ‘If you ever want to sell a pair of shoes, speak to your daughter.’”
The issue of non-compliance with ultra-Orthodox modesty rules has crept into neighboring secular areas. In 2009, Hasidic South Williamsburg community members successfully rallied to block a bike lane that brought outside bicyclists — specifically, women wearing shorts — through the neighborhood.
In ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities across New York state, women wear long skirts and long-sleeved, high-necked blouses on the street; men wear suits and white collar shirts, buttoned to the neck; and girls are told the precise color and thickness of the stockings they can wear to school. And these aren’t just recommendations – community modesty codes are strictly enforced. Not just by social custom, but by a self-appointed, shadowy group of men who police a predominantly Hasidic neighborhood in North Brooklyn, according to a report in the New York Times.
“They operate like the Mafia,” Rabbi Allan Nadler, director of the Jewish studies program at Drew University, told the Times. “They walk into a store and say it would be a shame if your window was broken or you lost your clientele,” he said. “They might tell the father of a girl who wears a skirt that’s too short and he’s, say, a store owner: ‘If you ever want to sell a pair of shoes, speak to your daughter.’”
The issue of non-compliance with ultra-Orthodox modesty rules has crept into neighboring secular areas. In 2009, Hasidic South Williamsburg community members successfully rallied to block a bike lane that brought outside bicyclists — specifically, women wearing shorts — through the neighborhood.
RUSSIA'S NEO-STALINIST CHURCH
AND STATE BAN DISSENT
From THE ASSOCIATED PRESS:
Footage of feminist rockers Pussy Riot's impromptu protest in Moscow's main cathedral last year has been banned in Russia. Moscow City Court rejected band member Yekaterina Samutsevich's appeal to be considered an interested party in the case Wednesday, meaning a November decision banning four videos of the protest against Vladimir Putin now takes effect. Internet providers face fines up to $3,000 if they don't block the footage.
Patriarch Krill is a bottom feeder.
Putin is a paranoid coward.
Long live the Revolution!
Long live Pussy Riot!
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
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WELBY SEEING YOU!
I watched the reports of Bishop Welby's farewell service in Durham Cathedral on the BBC last night with a sinking feeling in my stomach. There he was, bigging himself up with talk about how awful being unemployed must be and how it is a disgrace that society allows people to suffer in such a way. Here I am, still unemployed even after asking Bishop Welby for help over and over again during his brief stay in Durham diocese.
My guess is that Archbishop Welby will be a politician who says much, and says it well, but delivers nothing of real help to God's children. He is all for talking about the gospel and keen on spreading it but my experience of him has led me to the conclusion that he doesn't actually know what the gospel is and has certainly never read the bit in it that goes on about helping other people when they are need.
Please pray that those important people of the Church invested with the authority to choose the next Bishop of Durham get it right this time.
My guess is that Archbishop Welby will be a politician who says much, and says it well, but delivers nothing of real help to God's children. He is all for talking about the gospel and keen on spreading it but my experience of him has led me to the conclusion that he doesn't actually know what the gospel is and has certainly never read the bit in it that goes on about helping other people when they are need.
Please pray that those important people of the Church invested with the authority to choose the next Bishop of Durham get it right this time.
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
When governments decide to allow religious groups to be above the law (as in the case of the Church of England being allowed to ignore disability legislation) they should not exempt them from law but merely exempt them from being prosecuted for breaking the law. By doing this they would emphasise that the religious groups are morally wrong and the only reason that they are being allowed to continue in their blatant bigotry is because they might start setting off high explosives in crowded public spaces if they are not allowed to do what they want to do and damn everybody else.
BAPTISED IN BIGOTRY
From THE CHRISTIAN POST:
The Southern Baptist Convention expressed extreme disappointment Monday to news that the Boy Scouts of America will likely approve admission of professed homosexuals as scout leaders, with officials close to the SBC predicting a mass exodus out of Scouting by Baptist churches. A vote on the matter by BSA is planned during an executive meeting in Irving, Texas, the first week of February.
"This is a catastrophic decision for the Boy Scouts of America. In order to placate their East and West Coast appendages, they are tearing out the heart of their Midwest and Southern support. This decision will lead to a mass exodus of traditional, orthodox Christianity from the Boy Scouts, including thousands of Catholic, Baptist and other traditional faith congregations," Dr. Richard Land, speaking in his role as head of SBC's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, told The Christian Post.
I think the SBC has every right to boycott the Scouting movement. I mean, I wouldn't let any son of mine anywhere near a Southern Baptist, least of all the head of their Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Heck, goodness knows what nasty little disease he might catch.
The Southern Baptist Convention expressed extreme disappointment Monday to news that the Boy Scouts of America will likely approve admission of professed homosexuals as scout leaders, with officials close to the SBC predicting a mass exodus out of Scouting by Baptist churches. A vote on the matter by BSA is planned during an executive meeting in Irving, Texas, the first week of February.
"This is a catastrophic decision for the Boy Scouts of America. In order to placate their East and West Coast appendages, they are tearing out the heart of their Midwest and Southern support. This decision will lead to a mass exodus of traditional, orthodox Christianity from the Boy Scouts, including thousands of Catholic, Baptist and other traditional faith congregations," Dr. Richard Land, speaking in his role as head of SBC's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, told The Christian Post.
I think the SBC has every right to boycott the Scouting movement. I mean, I wouldn't let any son of mine anywhere near a Southern Baptist, least of all the head of their Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Heck, goodness knows what nasty little disease he might catch.
Tuesday, 29 January 2013
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I DON'T BELIEVE IT!
From IRISH CENTRAL:
One of Ireland’s leading sexual disease experts has claimed priests, judges and politicians are romping with prostitutes on a regular basis. Urologist Dr Derek Freedman even made the claim to members of the Irish parliament during a discussion on sexually transmitted infections.
He told the Irish Sun: “People from all strands of society use prostitutes from time to time. It ranges from members of the Oireachtas, the clergy, the judiciary to people who are socially deprived, physically disabled and people who may be regarded as unattractive and may not be able to meet people.”
Well I never! Priests and politicians paying for sex. The next thing they will be telling us is that some evangelical church leaders are gay, bears shit in the woods and the pope is a catholic.
One of Ireland’s leading sexual disease experts has claimed priests, judges and politicians are romping with prostitutes on a regular basis. Urologist Dr Derek Freedman even made the claim to members of the Irish parliament during a discussion on sexually transmitted infections.
He told the Irish Sun: “People from all strands of society use prostitutes from time to time. It ranges from members of the Oireachtas, the clergy, the judiciary to people who are socially deprived, physically disabled and people who may be regarded as unattractive and may not be able to meet people.”
Well I never! Priests and politicians paying for sex. The next thing they will be telling us is that some evangelical church leaders are gay, bears shit in the woods and the pope is a catholic.
GERMAINE WEPT!
From THE DECCAN HERALD:
Women monks may have renounced the material world but they appear to have carried forward the concept of “ladies first” in their new life as well and want to implement the same at the ongoing Mahakumbh on the banks of the “Sangam” at Allahabad. The women monks, who were recently bestowed the title of “Mahamandaleshwar” (a religious title bestowed upon senior and respected saints) now want preference over the male saints and sadhus in taking the second “shahi snan” (royal bath–bathing at the sangam by the saints and sadhus of the13 akharas) scheduled on the occasion of “Mauni Amavsya” on February 10 next.
“The concept of ladies first is there in the entire world... the male saints and sadhus, too, cannot ignore it,” say the women monks and add that only the “Acharya Mahamandaleshwar” (senior to them) may precede them in taking the “shahi snan”.
“Women have been accorded the status of goddess in the Hindu religion. They have to be given preference,” said Ma Anandmayee Puri, a Mahamandaleshwar in the Niranjani Akhara.
I always let women go first. I mean, you never know what might be lurking on the other side of the door.
Women monks may have renounced the material world but they appear to have carried forward the concept of “ladies first” in their new life as well and want to implement the same at the ongoing Mahakumbh on the banks of the “Sangam” at Allahabad. The women monks, who were recently bestowed the title of “Mahamandaleshwar” (a religious title bestowed upon senior and respected saints) now want preference over the male saints and sadhus in taking the second “shahi snan” (royal bath–bathing at the sangam by the saints and sadhus of the13 akharas) scheduled on the occasion of “Mauni Amavsya” on February 10 next.
“The concept of ladies first is there in the entire world... the male saints and sadhus, too, cannot ignore it,” say the women monks and add that only the “Acharya Mahamandaleshwar” (senior to them) may precede them in taking the “shahi snan”.
“Women have been accorded the status of goddess in the Hindu religion. They have to be given preference,” said Ma Anandmayee Puri, a Mahamandaleshwar in the Niranjani Akhara.
I always let women go first. I mean, you never know what might be lurking on the other side of the door.
WARNING: THIS MIGHT NOT ALWAYS WORK (2)
From CLICK2HOUSTON:
Around 3:00 a.m. Saturday, crooks smashed through cinder blocks outside the Templo La Hermosa church in the 6200 block of Willowbend near Bob White Drive. Church officials said the crooks were after their musical instruments. What they didn't know was that church members were already en route after an alarm alerted them to the break in, officials said. Pastor Franklin Peraza said it was the quick action of his members that turned the tables on the crooks.
"He opens the door and sees one guy in my office and tries to get the drawers from my cabinet," said Peraza. "They both were shocked to see each other, so the member closed the door and locked the bad guy in."
Peraza said while members held the suspect in the office, they heard some noise coming from the ceiling. Moments later, Peraza said another suspect came crashing through. The members again moved into action, tying the suspect up while they waited for police.
You see, folks, you don't need heavy artillery to beat the bad guys - just some bollocks as we say around these parts.
Around 3:00 a.m. Saturday, crooks smashed through cinder blocks outside the Templo La Hermosa church in the 6200 block of Willowbend near Bob White Drive. Church officials said the crooks were after their musical instruments. What they didn't know was that church members were already en route after an alarm alerted them to the break in, officials said. Pastor Franklin Peraza said it was the quick action of his members that turned the tables on the crooks.
"He opens the door and sees one guy in my office and tries to get the drawers from my cabinet," said Peraza. "They both were shocked to see each other, so the member closed the door and locked the bad guy in."
Peraza said while members held the suspect in the office, they heard some noise coming from the ceiling. Moments later, Peraza said another suspect came crashing through. The members again moved into action, tying the suspect up while they waited for police.
You see, folks, you don't need heavy artillery to beat the bad guys - just some bollocks as we say around these parts.
WARNING: THIS MIGHT NOT ALWAYS WORK
From WPBFNEWS:
Jacquie Hagler and 15 of her friends were at a party when an armed man walked in wearing a dark cap and bandana around his face. The man ordered the women to put their money and phones in a bag on a table.
"That is when I just felt this boldness come up in me, and I just stood up and said, 'In the name of Jesus, get out of my house,' and he said, 'I am going to shoot someone if you don't do what I say,' and I just repeated it again, and as I did, the ladies started chanting, 'Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.' He did a quick scan of the room. This look of terror came on his face, and he just turned around and ran out the door, and that was the end of it," Hagler said.
Police said after the man left the home, he attempted to rob 62-year-old Patricia Pafford at a Bank of America ATM. She began yelling at him, and he fled on foot. The suspect was later identified by Pafford and several women from the party and police arrested him.
FAILED!
Jacquie Hagler and 15 of her friends were at a party when an armed man walked in wearing a dark cap and bandana around his face. The man ordered the women to put their money and phones in a bag on a table.
"That is when I just felt this boldness come up in me, and I just stood up and said, 'In the name of Jesus, get out of my house,' and he said, 'I am going to shoot someone if you don't do what I say,' and I just repeated it again, and as I did, the ladies started chanting, 'Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.' He did a quick scan of the room. This look of terror came on his face, and he just turned around and ran out the door, and that was the end of it," Hagler said.
Police said after the man left the home, he attempted to rob 62-year-old Patricia Pafford at a Bank of America ATM. She began yelling at him, and he fled on foot. The suspect was later identified by Pafford and several women from the party and police arrested him.
FAILED!
THE LEAVING OF LIVERPOOL
From THE BBC:
The Bishop of Liverpool The Right Reverend James Jones is to retire on his 65th birthday, in August.
A good man who won the trust and respect of people of all traditions in the Church. In many ways it is a great shame that it was traditionally the turn of a liberal when Rowan Williams was promoted to Archbishop of Canterbury. If it had been an evangelical's turn we could well have ended up with Bishop Jones leading us and, strange as it may sound, we would, most likely, be worshipping now in a modern, relevant church which was equally concerned with both evangelism and social justice and where "listening and possibly changing your mind about something" was seen as a mark of strength not weakness.
Bishop Jones is a person with well above average discernment. In a way it is a shame that he is also a quiet, polite man without malice, because if he wasn't he may have warned us of what is to come before it became too late. However, perhaps he will become the anticarey - an evangelical bishop who speaks out bravely and loudly following retirement but without any attachment to the Thatcherite/Torygraph reactionary agenda.
On Facebook, a friend of mine, no doubt disgusted at my out of character hagiography of Bishop Jones, wrote, "He's as much a player of people games as any of them."
To which I replied, "Well, he wouldn't be a bishop if he wasn't. In fact, he wouldn't even be a parish priest if he wasn't. He wouldn't have got through the selection procedure for training if he wasn't. And do we not, when we recognise the players of games, play them?"
The Bishop of Liverpool The Right Reverend James Jones is to retire on his 65th birthday, in August.
A good man who won the trust and respect of people of all traditions in the Church. In many ways it is a great shame that it was traditionally the turn of a liberal when Rowan Williams was promoted to Archbishop of Canterbury. If it had been an evangelical's turn we could well have ended up with Bishop Jones leading us and, strange as it may sound, we would, most likely, be worshipping now in a modern, relevant church which was equally concerned with both evangelism and social justice and where "listening and possibly changing your mind about something" was seen as a mark of strength not weakness.
Bishop Jones is a person with well above average discernment. In a way it is a shame that he is also a quiet, polite man without malice, because if he wasn't he may have warned us of what is to come before it became too late. However, perhaps he will become the anticarey - an evangelical bishop who speaks out bravely and loudly following retirement but without any attachment to the Thatcherite/Torygraph reactionary agenda.
On Facebook, a friend of mine, no doubt disgusted at my out of character hagiography of Bishop Jones, wrote, "He's as much a player of people games as any of them."
To which I replied, "Well, he wouldn't be a bishop if he wasn't. In fact, he wouldn't even be a parish priest if he wasn't. He wouldn't have got through the selection procedure for training if he wasn't. And do we not, when we recognise the players of games, play them?"
THE GODFATHER MAKES CATHOLIC LAITY
AN OFFER THEY WILL MOST LIKELY REFUSE
From THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER
(a perpetual BRICK OF THE DAY):
San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone has said Catholics opposed to same-sex marriage should limit themselves to even using the term "only sparingly," as the idea, according to him, is an impossibility.
Speaking to the London-based Catholic Herald, Cordileone stated, “Legislating for the right for people of the same sex to marry is like legalising male breastfeeding."
The good archbishop might be interested to know that, in certain, rare circumstances, males can in fact lactate. As my colleague Brian Roewe reported last year, Cordileone also prefers that Catholics do not use the terms "gay" and "lesbian," but instead "persons with a homosexual inclination."
My goodness, what on earth could have upset the good people at the National Catholic Reporter so much they are attacking members of the hierarchy with such disdain and venom? Oh, I know. Perhaps it's this...
From THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER
(a perpetual BRICK OF THE DAY):
Bishop Robert Finn wrote Friday the National Catholic Reporter is undermining church teachings. He cited coverage of women's ordination, artificial contraception, sexual morality in general, and the "lionizing" of dissident theologies. His remarks appeared in a column titled "The Bishop's Role In Fostering The Mission Of The Catholic Media." It was posted in the online edition of the official diocesan newspaper, the Catholic Key. The bishop praised the work of the Key and went on to write:
In a different way, I am sorry to say, my attention has been drawn once again to the National Catholic Reporter, a newspaper with headquarters in this Diocese. I have received letters and other complaints about NCR from the beginning of my time here. In the last months I have been deluged with emails and other correspondence from Catholics concerned about the editorial stances of the Reporter: officially condemning Church teaching on the ordination of women, insistent undermining of Church teaching on artificial contraception and sexual morality in general, lionizing dissident theologies while rejecting established Magisterial teaching, and a litany of other issues. When early in my tenure I requested that the paper submit their bona fides as a Catholic media outlet in accord with the expectations of Church law, they declined to participate indicating that they considered themselves an "independent newspaper which commented on 'things Catholic.'" At other times, correspondence has seemed to reach a dead end. In light of the number of recent expressions of concern, I have a responsibility as the local bishop to instruct the Faithful about the problematic nature of this media source, which bears the name "Catholic." While I remain open to substantive and respectful discussion with the legitimate representatives of NCR, I find that my ability to influence the National Catholic Reporter toward fidelity to the Church seems limited to the supernatural level. For this we pray: St. Francis DeSales, intercede for us.
Ooh, what a bitch! And what a silly bitch too. No bishop who takes on the NCR is ever going to win. They are an American institution like mom's apple pie and schoolroom massacres. Bishop Finn, if he had any sense would play nice with them and listen to what they have to say. Recent events, such as the reelection of Barack Obama have shown conclusively that the NCR has its finger on the pulse of the American, Roman Catholic laity far firmer than any Benedict appointed puppet bishop. A bishop who insults the NCR insults the majority of their laity and although that laity is well used to ignoring the bishops when they tell them how to vote and what not to do, they may not take so kindly to being insulted. In the USA the Roman Catholic bishops are increasingly spitting in the wind. If they are not careful they are going to end up with another Ireland on the hands. "Look at my words ye mighty and despair, nothing besides remains."
(a perpetual BRICK OF THE DAY):
San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone has said Catholics opposed to same-sex marriage should limit themselves to even using the term "only sparingly," as the idea, according to him, is an impossibility.
Speaking to the London-based Catholic Herald, Cordileone stated, “Legislating for the right for people of the same sex to marry is like legalising male breastfeeding."
The good archbishop might be interested to know that, in certain, rare circumstances, males can in fact lactate. As my colleague Brian Roewe reported last year, Cordileone also prefers that Catholics do not use the terms "gay" and "lesbian," but instead "persons with a homosexual inclination."
My goodness, what on earth could have upset the good people at the National Catholic Reporter so much they are attacking members of the hierarchy with such disdain and venom? Oh, I know. Perhaps it's this...
From THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER
(a perpetual BRICK OF THE DAY):
Bishop Robert Finn wrote Friday the National Catholic Reporter is undermining church teachings. He cited coverage of women's ordination, artificial contraception, sexual morality in general, and the "lionizing" of dissident theologies. His remarks appeared in a column titled "The Bishop's Role In Fostering The Mission Of The Catholic Media." It was posted in the online edition of the official diocesan newspaper, the Catholic Key. The bishop praised the work of the Key and went on to write:
In a different way, I am sorry to say, my attention has been drawn once again to the National Catholic Reporter, a newspaper with headquarters in this Diocese. I have received letters and other complaints about NCR from the beginning of my time here. In the last months I have been deluged with emails and other correspondence from Catholics concerned about the editorial stances of the Reporter: officially condemning Church teaching on the ordination of women, insistent undermining of Church teaching on artificial contraception and sexual morality in general, lionizing dissident theologies while rejecting established Magisterial teaching, and a litany of other issues. When early in my tenure I requested that the paper submit their bona fides as a Catholic media outlet in accord with the expectations of Church law, they declined to participate indicating that they considered themselves an "independent newspaper which commented on 'things Catholic.'" At other times, correspondence has seemed to reach a dead end. In light of the number of recent expressions of concern, I have a responsibility as the local bishop to instruct the Faithful about the problematic nature of this media source, which bears the name "Catholic." While I remain open to substantive and respectful discussion with the legitimate representatives of NCR, I find that my ability to influence the National Catholic Reporter toward fidelity to the Church seems limited to the supernatural level. For this we pray: St. Francis DeSales, intercede for us.
Ooh, what a bitch! And what a silly bitch too. No bishop who takes on the NCR is ever going to win. They are an American institution like mom's apple pie and schoolroom massacres. Bishop Finn, if he had any sense would play nice with them and listen to what they have to say. Recent events, such as the reelection of Barack Obama have shown conclusively that the NCR has its finger on the pulse of the American, Roman Catholic laity far firmer than any Benedict appointed puppet bishop. A bishop who insults the NCR insults the majority of their laity and although that laity is well used to ignoring the bishops when they tell them how to vote and what not to do, they may not take so kindly to being insulted. In the USA the Roman Catholic bishops are increasingly spitting in the wind. If they are not careful they are going to end up with another Ireland on the hands. "Look at my words ye mighty and despair, nothing besides remains."
FAILED
From FOX8:
It didn't take deputies long to locate a man who broke into a Labadieville Church. Assumption Parish deputies say the suspect, who reportedly forced open a church door, activated loud bells that are normally reserved only for funerals. Deputies responded to a call from the priest who lives next door, who told the 911 operator that the church bells were "going crazy". Responding officers arrived at the church and found 32-year- old Hamid Banisaaid inside. Deputies say he was drinking with his shoes off and told officers that he was getting ready to sit down and play the church piano.
For goodness sake! I thought everyone knew that you should never drink with your shoes off. That's exactly what Jesus did at the Last Supper and looked what happened to him the next day!
It didn't take deputies long to locate a man who broke into a Labadieville Church. Assumption Parish deputies say the suspect, who reportedly forced open a church door, activated loud bells that are normally reserved only for funerals. Deputies responded to a call from the priest who lives next door, who told the 911 operator that the church bells were "going crazy". Responding officers arrived at the church and found 32-year- old Hamid Banisaaid inside. Deputies say he was drinking with his shoes off and told officers that he was getting ready to sit down and play the church piano.
For goodness sake! I thought everyone knew that you should never drink with your shoes off. That's exactly what Jesus did at the Last Supper and looked what happened to him the next day!
SMALL EUROPEAN NATION INVADES PHILIPPINES
In a blatant display of religious gunboat diplomacy the Vatican has announced that it will be taking over the government of The Philippines unless all the (supposedly independent) nation's current MPs agree to do exactly as they are told to do by the Pope's enforcers now ensconced in their country.
From INQUIRER NEWS:
Catholic bishops in the Philippines vowed Tuesday to vigorously campaign against politicians who ignored their “moral” teachings, after the church failed to stop the passage of the reproductive health law. The powerful Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said it had decided to target suspect politicians in mid-term elections in May, when thousands of posts from the local village level to congress will be contested. In a statement following their annual plenary, the bishops said they would demand politicians publicly voice their views on critical social issues, ranging from same-sex marriage and divorce to contraceptives and corruption.
“We will force them to walk the talk and state their positions on the moral stance of the church, as well as their convictions on how they will run the country,” said Francis Lucas, who heads the group’s media unit.
The stormtroopers of the Vatican do not appear to want to learn the lessons of their empire building past. A recent attempt to take over the legislature of the United States of America by blackmail and bribery failed miserably when their foot soldiers (the Catholic laity) mutinied on mass and joined the freedom loving American, electoral army. I think it very likely that the Filipinos, now that they have tasted enlightenment and freedom, will not be eager to return to the virtual theocracy that they have had to endure for so many years. If not, I suggest we ask the French to go in. They have proved themselves well capable of kicking the butt of puritanical fundies, intent on getting everybody to serve their malicious god and be miserable.
From INQUIRER NEWS:
Catholic bishops in the Philippines vowed Tuesday to vigorously campaign against politicians who ignored their “moral” teachings, after the church failed to stop the passage of the reproductive health law. The powerful Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said it had decided to target suspect politicians in mid-term elections in May, when thousands of posts from the local village level to congress will be contested. In a statement following their annual plenary, the bishops said they would demand politicians publicly voice their views on critical social issues, ranging from same-sex marriage and divorce to contraceptives and corruption.
“We will force them to walk the talk and state their positions on the moral stance of the church, as well as their convictions on how they will run the country,” said Francis Lucas, who heads the group’s media unit.
The stormtroopers of the Vatican do not appear to want to learn the lessons of their empire building past. A recent attempt to take over the legislature of the United States of America by blackmail and bribery failed miserably when their foot soldiers (the Catholic laity) mutinied on mass and joined the freedom loving American, electoral army. I think it very likely that the Filipinos, now that they have tasted enlightenment and freedom, will not be eager to return to the virtual theocracy that they have had to endure for so many years. If not, I suggest we ask the French to go in. They have proved themselves well capable of kicking the butt of puritanical fundies, intent on getting everybody to serve their malicious god and be miserable.
Monday, 28 January 2013
RECORD SLEEVES WITH ASSES ON (2)
Big thanks to James for reminding me of this seminal ass sleeve.
And while we are on the subject, big thanks to the French army for getting Timbuktu back from the fundies today and giving the Malians their music back. So much joy and not a bullet fired. Ali Farka Touré will be celebrating in heaven tonight.
But no respect to the fleeing Islamists who, when they heard the French were on their way, desecrated Sufi shrines and destroyed centuries old academic, documents before buggering off through the back gate to hide in the desert sands.
Here's hoping that the future of joyful Islam in Mali is so bright everyone has to wear shades.
I WAS JUST WORKING ON A SERMON ILLUSTRATION, CLAIMS KINKY REV
From 7KHQA:
Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has issued a statement regarding a Catholic priest on leave from his church after police found him handcuffed inside the church rectory in Springfield. Bishop Paprocki said he was first informed of the incident on December 6th.
"On December 8th, I met with Father Donovan and Monsignor Carl Kemme, my Vicar General, in my office at the Catholic Pastoral Center. Father Donovan said that he was mortified by what happened and acknowledged that the information that had been reported to me was basically accurate. He insisted that he had been alone the whole time of this incident and denied that there was any sexual component to this," Bishop Paprocki wrote in the statement.
Bishop Paprocki granted Father Donovan a requested leave of absence and acknowledged in his statement that, with Father Donovan's consent to disclose patient information, "he is being treated by a clinical therapist and is receiving appropriate medical care."
Appropriate medical care? What would that be for? Bruised wrists?
Ye gods! The Roman Catholic Empire is not going to fall crashing to the ground because one of its priests was caught engaging in a little bit of light self-bondage. Perhaps if the hierarchy wasn't so prudish about such things then their priests wouldn't be making basic mistakes like using cuffs without a reliable, self-release mechanism.
Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has issued a statement regarding a Catholic priest on leave from his church after police found him handcuffed inside the church rectory in Springfield. Bishop Paprocki said he was first informed of the incident on December 6th.
"On December 8th, I met with Father Donovan and Monsignor Carl Kemme, my Vicar General, in my office at the Catholic Pastoral Center. Father Donovan said that he was mortified by what happened and acknowledged that the information that had been reported to me was basically accurate. He insisted that he had been alone the whole time of this incident and denied that there was any sexual component to this," Bishop Paprocki wrote in the statement.
Bishop Paprocki granted Father Donovan a requested leave of absence and acknowledged in his statement that, with Father Donovan's consent to disclose patient information, "he is being treated by a clinical therapist and is receiving appropriate medical care."
Appropriate medical care? What would that be for? Bruised wrists?
Ye gods! The Roman Catholic Empire is not going to fall crashing to the ground because one of its priests was caught engaging in a little bit of light self-bondage. Perhaps if the hierarchy wasn't so prudish about such things then their priests wouldn't be making basic mistakes like using cuffs without a reliable, self-release mechanism.
ARSE ABOUT TIT
From KOAT7:
Catholic schools across Albuquerque are getting an education on how to survive if a shooter opens fire on campus. Albuquerque police officer James Vautier said he is teaching faculty to be prepared, not paranoid.
"No system is going to be 100 percent in that situation. It’s very dynamic," Vautier said.
Vautier instructs teachers to run first. If you can't run, hide and as a last resort fight back.
"Training is everything, the more trained you are the more you are going to react in the situation and that's what we are hoping for," said Annunciation Catholic School's Principal Cindy Shields. "I think every principal is going to feel relieved that we have had training."
And some Americans still think that there are good reasons not to ban guns? This is scarier than the "What to do in the event of a nuclear attack" phase they went through.
Perhaps they should arm the kids. Issue them all with a Kalashnikov on the day they start kindergarten. You know, just in case. Where would be the harm in that?
Catholic schools across Albuquerque are getting an education on how to survive if a shooter opens fire on campus. Albuquerque police officer James Vautier said he is teaching faculty to be prepared, not paranoid.
"No system is going to be 100 percent in that situation. It’s very dynamic," Vautier said.
Vautier instructs teachers to run first. If you can't run, hide and as a last resort fight back.
"Training is everything, the more trained you are the more you are going to react in the situation and that's what we are hoping for," said Annunciation Catholic School's Principal Cindy Shields. "I think every principal is going to feel relieved that we have had training."
And some Americans still think that there are good reasons not to ban guns? This is scarier than the "What to do in the event of a nuclear attack" phase they went through.
Perhaps they should arm the kids. Issue them all with a Kalashnikov on the day they start kindergarten. You know, just in case. Where would be the harm in that?
CHURCH OF ENGLAND GOES BUDDHIST FOR LENT
From THE TELEGRAPH:
Christians traditionally mark the 40-day period leading up to Easter by acts of self denial and periods of contemplation. But new official guidance published yesterday by the Church of England emphasises the importance “slowing down” to take stock amid hectic lifestyles as well as of simple acts of kindness or conserving resources. Among daily pieces of advice is a suggestion to take an extended breakfast and savour things as seemingly mundane as a bowl of breakfast cereal.
It is contained in a new book of daily reflections, entitled Love Life Live Lent, written by Dr Paula Gooder, a theologian, and her husband the Revd Peter Babington, which was launched in Parliament yesterday by the Archbishop of York.
One passage speaks of living in a “world which whirls by at ever increasing speeds”.
“It can mean that we go at such a speed that we forget to savour the good things that we have,” the booklet explains. “The ability to savour is a frame of mind, and if we become better at tasting our cornflakes we might discover that we get better at savouring other good things too so … slow down. Take longer over breakfast and really taste your cornflakes (or whatever else you have).”
Hang on! I've heard something very similar to this before. Oh, yes. Now I remember. It's a centuries old Buddhist practice. You can go to learn how to do it at weekend seminars and the like.
Christians traditionally mark the 40-day period leading up to Easter by acts of self denial and periods of contemplation. But new official guidance published yesterday by the Church of England emphasises the importance “slowing down” to take stock amid hectic lifestyles as well as of simple acts of kindness or conserving resources. Among daily pieces of advice is a suggestion to take an extended breakfast and savour things as seemingly mundane as a bowl of breakfast cereal.
It is contained in a new book of daily reflections, entitled Love Life Live Lent, written by Dr Paula Gooder, a theologian, and her husband the Revd Peter Babington, which was launched in Parliament yesterday by the Archbishop of York.
One passage speaks of living in a “world which whirls by at ever increasing speeds”.
“It can mean that we go at such a speed that we forget to savour the good things that we have,” the booklet explains. “The ability to savour is a frame of mind, and if we become better at tasting our cornflakes we might discover that we get better at savouring other good things too so … slow down. Take longer over breakfast and really taste your cornflakes (or whatever else you have).”
Hang on! I've heard something very similar to this before. Oh, yes. Now I remember. It's a centuries old Buddhist practice. You can go to learn how to do it at weekend seminars and the like.
FASCIST BUYS ROME BUYS LONDON
From THE DAILY MAIL:
The Catholic Church owns a number of luxurious London properties as part of a property empire originally funded by fascist dictator Mussolini. The Vatican has used an offshore company structure to build up its portfolio of expensive properties now worth around £560 million.
Investment in international property was initiated by the church when Mussolini afforded it a huge windfall in 1929 in return for papal recognition of his fascist regime. Included in the Church's London-based portfolio is 30 St. James's Square, which was purchased for £15 million in 2006 and houses investment bank Altium Capitol, and the premises of upmarket jewellers Bulgari in New Bond Street.
The Catholic Church owns a number of luxurious London properties as part of a property empire originally funded by fascist dictator Mussolini. The Vatican has used an offshore company structure to build up its portfolio of expensive properties now worth around £560 million.
Investment in international property was initiated by the church when Mussolini afforded it a huge windfall in 1929 in return for papal recognition of his fascist regime. Included in the Church's London-based portfolio is 30 St. James's Square, which was purchased for £15 million in 2006 and houses investment bank Altium Capitol, and the premises of upmarket jewellers Bulgari in New Bond Street.
IMPUGNED IN PUNE
From INDO ASIAN NEWS SERVICE:
Pune, Jan 21 - Christian groups in the state Monday took umbrage at a 2013 calendar showing Jesus Christ holding a cigarette and a beer and urged the Maharashtra government to initiate action. The Catholic Secular Forum (CSF) and other groups said their religious sentiments have been "insulted".
In another instance, a post on social networking website Facebook showing Mother Mary ordering Christ to "clean up" has angered the community. In the post, Mother Mary is depicted saying: "Jesus! Look at this mess! Clean up your room now!"
"When there were objections to the post, the author apologised, but in a very nasty manner using the 'F' word, which made it even worse," said CSF president Joseph Dias.
Pune, Jan 21 - Christian groups in the state Monday took umbrage at a 2013 calendar showing Jesus Christ holding a cigarette and a beer and urged the Maharashtra government to initiate action. The Catholic Secular Forum (CSF) and other groups said their religious sentiments have been "insulted".
In another instance, a post on social networking website Facebook showing Mother Mary ordering Christ to "clean up" has angered the community. In the post, Mother Mary is depicted saying: "Jesus! Look at this mess! Clean up your room now!"
"When there were objections to the post, the author apologised, but in a very nasty manner using the 'F' word, which made it even worse," said CSF president Joseph Dias.
BISHOP OF GUILDFORD TO CHAMPION
UNIVERSAL RIGHT TO SACRIFICE VIRGINS
We are seeing an increasing erosion of religious freedom," he writes ahead of his debate in the House of Lords. "I am to ask Her Majesty’s Government a question in relation to the promotion of freedom of religion and conscience internationally, as a fundamental human right and a source of stability. Sadly there is a greater erosion of freedom of religion at this time than for many years before. However, I shall open the debate by stressing that it is about conscience as well as religion. In other words, I am not only concerned about the freedom for the various faith communities but also all conscientious persons." (EPOLITIX)
Of course, the bishop has no interest whatsoever in the conscience or religious beliefs of anybody except those who agree with his own reactionary faction within the Christian Church. Or, maybe I am misrepresenting him big time. Perhaps he will be insisting that Church of England vicars can once again join the National Front and that the Satanists of Guildford will be more than welcome to borrow his cathedral for their black masses from now on.
There is nothing less edifying than a Church of England bishop talking crap. Considering most of them went to the "best" universities I think we should expect a higher level of public discourse from them than this disingenuous, self interested, tub thumping. If the idea of two men touching each other's sensitive bits turns Christopher Hill's stomach then he should just say so instead of spouting out a load of tosh about religious freedom.
It is impossible to have complete religious freedom in a world that is inhabited by more than one human being. One person's freedom is always going to be another person's chains of oppression. Furthermore, there is a huge difference between thought and action. Believing heretics will burn in hell is one thing. Tying heretics onto a stake and setting fire to them is another. Believing gay people shouldn't be allowed to adopt children is one thing. Ordering adoption agencies under your authority to refuse to allow gay couple to adopt children is another. Belief should not be subject to secular legislation. Actions that effect other members of society must always be subject to secular legislation. If you don't believe this to be the case, as the Bishop Guildford appears not to, then you have to agree that it is perfectly fine for hard core neo-pagans to gather in a forest clearing at dawn to rip out the heart of one of the neighbouring tribe's children in order to appease the gods.
FAILED
To commemorate World Holocaust Day, the Pope stood
on a balcony at the Vatican, mumbled a few words about
world peace and released a couple of doves. The second
dove to be thrown out of the window was promptly set
upon by a passing seagull which, if its decidedly fascist
behaviour is anything to go by, was probably a member
of the Hitler Youth when it was a chick.
Video and other photographs at THE MAIL.
on a balcony at the Vatican, mumbled a few words about
world peace and released a couple of doves. The second
dove to be thrown out of the window was promptly set
upon by a passing seagull which, if its decidedly fascist
behaviour is anything to go by, was probably a member
of the Hitler Youth when it was a chick.
Video and other photographs at THE MAIL.
Sunday, 27 January 2013
WORSHIP AT SAINT LAIKA'S
A SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION
THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
WE SHALL OVERCOME
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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THE COLLECTION
I need those of you who enjoy my ministry and/or support the evangelistic elements of it, and who do not contribute to my ministry already, to consider sending a regular donation in to me which I will spend firstly on the costs of the ministry itself and secondly on food and stuff.
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