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 …

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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 …

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Living in Love and Faith: a Whole Lot of Hot Air?

The story of the Church of England's agonies over sexuality, and in particular the place it gives to LGBT people and their relationships seems never-ending. It is easy to lose the thread. Here is the short version:  The 1980s The Osborne Report (1989) takes evidence from gay and lesbian people The Higton Motion (1987) undercuts …

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An anniversary: and some weddings and funerals

We have just started watching the latest series of Grantchester, the clerical murder mysteries set in the eponymous village near Cambridge. The date is 1958, and the timid curate, Leonard Finch, has, with great tentativeness, started to come out of his closet, and embarked upon a very secretive and illegal relationship with a local photographer. …

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Making a Case for Pastoral Guidance

Why the House of Bishops' new guidance needs a lot more work if it is going to be listened to.