Les Miserables

Ann and I are both very keen on the stage version of Les Mis which we have seen several times. So we were really looking forward to the film version which has just been released particularly as some of it was filmed in Portsmouth and some in Greenwich. We managed to get seats for Saturday evening and, although it is a little different to the stage version, it is very good. Now, we want to go and see the stage version once again.

FROM THE COALITION FOR MARRIAGE

Good News! Senior MPs oppose redefining marriage

Senior Tory Dr Liam Fox - the former Secretary of Defence - has said he will vote against the redefinition of marriage. He's one of more than 130 Tory MPs to say they are against the plans. He also says the Government's plans are "divisive" and "ill thought through".

Meanwhile, senior Labour MP David Blunkett has also attacked the Government's plans as a "complete dog's dinner", adding, "I do not think that the government is entirely clear what it is doing or why it is doing it." He says he'll listen to the voters before deciding how he'll vote.

And the current Energy Minister, John Hayes, says he will be voting against the proposals because marriage between men and women is the best environment for children.

All of which suggests there will be strong opposition against the plans in the House of Commons, but even if the proposals are passed by MPs the Government will face a tough time in the House of Lords.

The Coalition for Marriage’s polling of the Lords shows that most Peers favour putting it on hold because it does not command public support. And an even greater majority object to any attempt by the Government to ram the measure through using the Parliament Act.

THE HOSPITAL CHAPEL

This morning I went to the Chapel armed with a camera as I have been asked to supply some photo’s of our hanging pyx.

I understand that these are quite rare. Ours is in constant use.

In my sermon today I talked about how Jesus came to bring good news to the poor and commented about the fact that we have been asked to collect more items for the local food bank. I said that I thought it was a national disgrace that in the 21st century there were many local families who had insufficient income to buy food and who had to rely on a food bank. In a country which calls itself Christian how can we allow this situation to arise. As His representatives, we now have to bring the good news of Jesus’ to the poor and that will hardly be achieved by restricting inflation rises to benefits to 1% for the next three years whilst we cut the top rates of tax for the very wealthy giving them massive tax savings.

Preparations are now well in hand for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with a Service every day at the Chapel at 12 noon taken by different denominations. On the Thursday of the Week of Prayer, we will be organising the mid-day service and will be following this with a Mass for Christian Unity.

A LATE ARRIVAL

This morning the Post Office delivered our last Christmas Card, posted on the 3rd December which had travelled a vast distance (from Barkingside to Romford)  a total of about 8 miles. Also delivered was another 2nd class letter posted yesterday…..so obviously they win some …………….and lose others.

BISHOP’S HIDDEN ITEM

Politicians often release important information hidden amongst many unimportant items so that a furore is not caused and now it seems the House of Bishops are playing the same game.

"The House considered an interim report from the group chaired by Sir Joseph Pilling on the Church of England's approach to human sexuality. Pending the conclusion of the group's work next year the House does not intend to issue a further pastoral statement on civil partnerships. It confirmed that the requirements in the 2005 statement concerning the eligibility for ordination of those in civil partnerships whose relationships are consistent with the teaching of the Church of England apply equally in relation to the episcopate."

This little gem was amongst a report issued in the latter part of December when, I suspect, they thought no one would notice, being just three days away from Christmas. What it means, as the media have been quick to inform us, is that gay priests who are in civil partnerships can now be appointed Bishops provided they lead a celibate life!!!! So who will be supervising this celibacy? It will be down to the word of the individual concerned, as far as I can make out.

There have always been gay priests and gay bishops many of whom have led a totally celibate life and many of whom have kept their homosexuality hidden and discreet and many of whom have been exemplary priests and bishops. Nowadays it seems that people no longer wish to be discreet and would rather be up front about their sexuality.

I suspect that the fall out from this little hidden gem of the Bishops, especially amongst conservative evangelicals, will be quite profound. It makes me ask the question: “do the Bishops want to destroy the Church of England”; because I think they are going the right way about it.

 

THE EPIPHANY

 

Today we celebrate the great Solemnity of the Epiphany or, to use the Book of Common Prayer name “The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles”.

THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS

ILFORD HOSPITAL CHAPEL – BLESSING OF THE NEW MODEL CHAPEL.

At a Solemn Mass at the Ilford Hospital Chapel of St. Mary & St Thomas of Canterbury the new, very beautiful model chapel was blessed. Father Martin joined me to concelebrate the Mass, read the Gospel and helped with the Ministry of Healing which is a regular part of the 1st Thursday in the month. In my sermon I talked about how names are important and how some cause fear mentioning the Harry Potter novels and Voldemort and Star Wars and Darth Vader. The contrast is with the name which is above every other name, the name at which every knee shall bow, the name, the most Holy Name of Jesus.

At the end of Mass we went to the table in the side aisle where the model had been put on display to bless it. After the Blessing, Father Martin led us in the Angelus and we then enjoyed a buffet lunch with sparkling wine. We were delighted that the two people who over several years painstaking work had made the model as a gift for the Chapel, were able to be with us. It was also great that two previous Mayors of Redbridge and one of the Trustees were amongst the many in the congregation.

Ann and I were surprised when we were given a cake to celebrate our wedding anniversary tomorrow; we are still trying to work out how everyone knew!

OUT WITH THE OLD–IN WITH THE NEW

After 10 years as Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams has left to return to academia. His time has not been a happy one for the Church of England nor, I suspect, for him. Despite the standing ovations given to him by General Synod, they have ignored his advice and recommendations. In a short while the new Archbishop Justin Welby, will be in office. What can he look forward to during his archiepiscopacy? There is no doubt in my mind that it is going to be a difficult task he faces,

When the ordination of women to the priesthood was passed with the slenderest of majorities it was claimed that this was due to the working of the Holy Spirit. But when the motion to make women Bishops was defeated (with a larger number against in the House of Laity than had been in favour in the previous legislation)) it is no longer the work of the Holy Spirit according to various commentators. The legislation was not fit for purpose and that is why it was defeated. Bishop Welby has that as a problem to be resolved; finding a solution to give sacramental assurance to Anglo-Catholics whilst calming the fears and militancy of WATCH and other similar feminist organisations. If he fails in this he can look forward to a mass exodus from the CofE which will make the numbers departing in 1992 or more recently for the Ordinariate miniscule.

One of the strange things, in a church which seems to be slowly and steadily declining according to statistics, is that some parishes are the reverse and are slowly and steadily growing.From what I have seen it is those parishes, Catholic and Evangelical, which teach and preach the Gospel truths which are increasing the size of their congregations. But is it so strange? I don’t think so. It seems to me that people are getting no spiritual benefit from wishy-washy liberal parishes so they look to those who are orthodox. This is an area which urgently needs the attention of +Welby

Then there’s the Anglican Communion and particularly the Episcopal Church of the USA which preaches a Gospel which bears little or no relation ship to the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.

All-in-all +Justin Welby faces a formidable task and he needs our prayers as he approaches the start of his ministry. May he be richly blessed with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.