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Quotes from the media
Cathedrals should respect the wishes of those who do not want to attend services led by female priests, a report says.
Dennis Belk, a longstanding worshipper at Wakefield Cathedral, complained to the dean and bishop of Wakefield that the cathedral had stopped publishing the names of priests who would be leading Holy Communion…
The Bishop of Wakefield, the Right Rev Tony Robinson, told Mr Belk: ‘I entirely understand and share your concern about the change of practice… Unfortunately the dean and chapter seem determined to carry on with the new practice.’
Sir William Fittall, a retired civil servant, has conducted an independent review and said there was a duty to accommodate those who could not accept women priests. There was no ‘obvious reason’ why cathedral rotas needed to be confidential, he added. The Times
Some of the first women to be ordained priests in the Church of England were joined by female ordinands at a service at Lambeth Palace… to mark the 25th anniversary of the first ordinations… The Bishop of Derby, the Right Rev Libby Lane – who, in January 2015, became the first female bishop in the Church – expressed the feelings of many when she said during the service that she had come to ‘honour those women and men who worked and prayed and struggled over decades [or] centuries’ to open up ministry to both genders… Introducing the service, the Archbishop of Canterbury said that it was a fair question to ask how long the Church should continue marking these anniversaries. ‘In a sense, you want the ministry of women to become unremarkable, just part of the normal fabric of the life of the Church. [But] we need to recognise that we are not there yet.’ Church Times SERVICE MARKS 25 YEARS OF WOMEN PRIESTS BAN CARS FROM IDLING NEAR SCHOOLS, SAYS UK PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY Cars should be banned from idling near schools and congestion charges imposed across the UK as part of measures recommended by the government public health agency. In a report… Public Health England said up to 36,000 people were dying each year from human-made air pollution. It also pointed to emerging evidence of air pollution causing dementia, low birth weight and diabetes. In a 263-page review of the options for improving air quality the report calls on councils to introduce noidling zones outside schools and hospitals; the imposition of more congestion charges and low emission zones; and the development of a vehicle-charging infrastructure to promote a ‘step-change’ in the uptake of electric cars. The Guardian
CORONATION STREET BOSSES WORKING ON GRIM STORYLINE ABOUT MODERN SLAVERY FEATURING SEB FRANKLIN
Bosses have hired actors to play an Eastern European gang including Romanian-born Ruxandra Porojnicu, who plays victim Alina… A source on the ITV soap said: ‘It’s a really gritty storyline but based on real issues thousands face in the UK every day. ‘Coronation Street researchers have been working closely with The Salvation Army, which the government chose in 2011 to help those in need because of slavery.
Kathy Betteridge, of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery at The Salvation Army, said: ‘The key to combating this horrific problem is for people to understand what it looks like. ‘Coronation Street will no doubt be of great help in this.’ The Sun
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THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth
GENERAL Brian Peddle
TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill
Cultural diversity celebrated at inspiring conference
KING’S PARK CONFERENCE CENTRE, NORTHAMPTON
MORE than 140 delegates, representing many nations and languages in the territory, gathered for the Intercultural Mission Conference.
The weekend began with uplifting worship on Friday evening, led by Major Matt Spencer (New Addington), before Intercultural Mission Enabler Major Jonny Smith (THQ) prayed, thanking God that his Kingdom is inclusive of all people.
Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons the Rev Rose HudsonWilkin spoke passionately about becoming the first black woman in this role and gave examples of how she had challenged racial discrimination throughout the years. Referring to the importance of seeing reflections of herself in all areas of life when growing up in Montego Bay, Jamaica, she spoke about the need for church leadership roles to be held by people from all walks of life if those of the next generation are to be faithful in worship and know they
The Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin with delegates
belong. She reminded everyone that ‘underneath the paintwork, we’re exactly the same’ and belong together. Territorial Leader for Leader Development Commissioner Gill Cotterill then prayed for the Rev Rose and her ministry.
Saturday morning worship was led by Naar Mfundisi-Holloway (THQ). During quiet moments delegates were given the opportunity to pray in their respective languages.
Founding Director of The Centre for Inclusive Leadership Linbert Spencer and Associate Director Andrea TaylorCummins then led four sessions, the first explaining why intercultural mission matters to The Salvation Army. ‘Intercultural’ was defined as a deep understanding and respect for all cultures and their differences. After small-group study and a plenary discussion Linbert closed the session by affirming that everyone has a role to
play in managing their own inclusion and that intercultural mission requires inclusive leadership at every level of the Movement.
During the second session groups discussed priorities for The Salvation Army and what is needed from leaders for these priorities to be achieved.
In an afternoon of visual and dramatic production the third session allowed delegates to use their creativity to demonstrate how intercultural mission is
Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill
reflected in the TIDE priorities (transformation, integration, discipleship and effectiveness) in corps and centres, and the progress delegates would like to see in the future. Moving performances included songs in various languages, a mime stressing the importance of a warm and genuine corps welcome, and young people dancing for God.
In the final session delegates and their facilitators discussed what the Army should commit to doing, what challenges might be faced and what elements of Army culture will be helpful and not so helpful. Commitment cards allowed people to write down what they would do to fuel change.
In the evening, as an example of intercultural mission in a diverse community, members of New Addington Corps shared testimonies about their faith journeys. Community Services Co-ordinator Lesley Holland spoke keenly on the impact the food bank has on members of the New Addington community.
Sunday morning prayers were led by Commissioner Gill, who spoke of the fresh understanding God has given her through the challenging experience of serving in the Denmark and Greenland Territory. Later in the morning Gona Bayani (Bootle) and Territorial Envoy Marie Karickova (Minster and Ramsgate) gave testimonies, talking proudly about their Kurdistan and Czech Roma heritages.
In his Bible message Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill referred to Zechariah 7 and 8 and spoke about the magnificent picture of restoration in Jerusalem, with people from all nations gathering together. He reminded everyone that the Kingdom of God is not about ‘fitting in but us fitting together, celebrating diversity’ and encouraged everyone to devote themselves to fruitful discipleship, because what is critical is ‘not our ethnicity but our authenticity’. In the closing moments many delegates went forward for prayer.
Everyone returned to their communities equipped with blessings, encouragement and a fresh understanding about how to further intercultural mission. – S. M.
ARMÁDA SPÁSY, MARGATE
THIS is my first time attending an intercultural mission conference; I thought it was amazing, insightful and helpful. I was really moved by the whole atmosphere of people meeting together and being open with each other.
My corps is mainly a Czech-speaking Roma congregation, so intercultural mission looks a little bit different – we want to minister to the Roma community. I think inclusion begins with little things like making sure we have song lyrics on the screens, so if people come in they can at least try to join in, and children being more involved in worship – it takes all of us to express who God is. I will definitely come to the next conference with more corps members because I think we need to experience other expressions of faith within The Salvation Army.
ANESU MUCHIBWA
CROYDON CITADEL
WHAT I found most informative was hearing about some of the challenges faced by different corps around the territory, most of which I was unaware of. I think the conference was a good opportunity for the Army to look at ways to improve things. I did not know what to expect from the weekend; as a member of the African Praise group I imagined I would see similar expressions. The weekend exceeded my expectations. It was inspiring and a great experience.
REGINALD VELLEM
BELFAST CITADEL
I HAVE attended the last couple of conferences, and this year was much bigger. It was really good. The quality of the speakers was outstanding. The Rev Rose spoke of her experiences in ministry and the challenges she’s faced. I found it really encouraging that, yes, we might face obstacles but when we trust in the Lord he will always find a way for us. I arrived in the UK from Zimbabwe 16 years ago. I was born in The Salvation Army but didn’t go to the Army after I came here. I’ve only been attending the Citadel for the last six or so years. The first time I went the welcome I received was really great. The same thing was repeated over and over again in the conference. People said the welcome they received when they first entered the doors of their corps was what made them stay.
