This is a comment I wrote to mark the death of Alan Wilson, the Bishop of Bucking ham, who died unexpectedly on 16th February 2024. Alan was a great support to so many people - but in particular to LGBT+ Christians, and survivors of church sexual abuse. He will be deeply missed. "Alan Wilson was …
Threatening the CEEC
It is some time now since the meeting of General Synod in mid-November. At that gathering the Synod decided to endorse the issuing of the Prayers of Love and Faith, and, through an amendment to the main motion moved by the Bishop of Oxford, to allow the Archbishops to commend for experimental use 'stand-alone services' …
On Vocational Awe
Vocational Awe is not my idea, but comes from an article by the librarian Fobazi Ettarh written in 2018. She was writing as a librarian for librarians, and she describes what she means thus: Vocational awe describes the set of ideas, values, and assumptions librarians have about themselves and the profession that result in notions …
This is nuts, isn’t it?
Today I was due to do a two hour session as a voluntary chaplain in the Minster. It is perfectly clear that this is a pastoral role towards visitors and others coming into the building. It is very light touch. I get my collar and cassock on and don a badge and a lanyard, and …
The Church of England and the LLF/PLF Process: Listening and Learning
Learning things involves listening. That is obvious - we listen to things we didn't know and we try and fit them into the jumble of impressions, facts, traditions and habits that go to make up the way we know anything. Descartes thought that the human mind was a bank slate, ready to receive sense impressions …
Continue reading The Church of England and the LLF/PLF Process: Listening and Learning
Camino Stage 2: Reflection
I have been home five days, and a lot has been going on. But looking back at my week away there are some things that stand out very much. Woods near Crozant Until I got to Gargilesse, the experience had been a solitary one, in May and this month. Then I met Cécile in the …
From The Quire 