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Humble pie
So, I knew I had a Standing Committee (in Edinburgh) meeting and a Chapter meeting in Glasgow on consecutive Wednesday. I was always going to remember this because Wednesday is usually my day off and the both weeks were going to need some juggling with in order to make sure I got time off at…
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Bethlehem Blessings
The Rt Rev Paul Marshall, bishop of the Diocese of Bethlehem in the USA has released a set of pastoral guidelines for how clergy are to undertake same-sex blessings in that diocese. That is worthy of a cheer in itself. However, it is worth reading through the guidelines to see exactly what they say. (See…
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Thought for the Day
The BBC Trust has been discussing Thought for the Day, the slot which appears in the middle of BBC Radio 4’s morning news programme Today. The point at hand is over whether atheists and humanists should have access to the slot. The thing that has struck me about this debate is how old it all…
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6 things I'd hope for in a new bishop
There is a sifting process going on at the moment by the Prepartory Committee for the Episcopal election in this diocese. We must all wish the Committee well and keep them in our prayers. Here are five things I would hope for in a new bishop Sense of humour Able to preach and represent the…
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Sermon – preached on 15 Nov 2009
Here is this morning’s sermon: It is quite difficult to get our minds inside the kind of readings that we get at this time of the year in church. We tend to get readings (and this will go on for a week or two) which emphasis quite tricky topics. In particular, we get lots of…
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What people are looking for
The following searches have recently resulted in people finding themselves directed to this blog: virgin mary knitting church fudge nun black coat brown shoes clerical tartans, tartans associated with clergy aberdeen and orkney synod head of john the baptist relic making oils potions and powders color of candles for advent wreath 2009 lgbt ethics women’s…
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Are bishops above the law?
There was an excellent adjournment debate in the House of Commons this week. Not attended by many and not reported that widely either. It was secured by Robert Key MP, the member for Salisbury, whom I remember meeting earlier in the year, when I was preaching in Salisbury Cathedral. The question that he was raising…
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To the East
Off last night to one of the East End churches to celebrate a mid-week communion. Its very rare indeed that I celebrate anywhere other than St Mary’s Cathedral. Indeed, I’m not sure whether I can remember doing so since I came here. Bishops (and I suspect Deans) must spend all their time dotting around celebrating…
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Potpourri
Well, the proposals have been published which will allow Anglican clergy to more easily defect to Rome. I’ve not heard of any Episcopal clergy in Scotland interested in taking up the offer. It is said that the Traditional Anglican Communion is joining up. But then I’ve never heard of them nor do I know anyone…
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Hue and Cry
Goodness, we don’t lack for drama at St Mary’s some weeks. This morning we had a bag stolen from the hall and a resultant hue and cry, with members of the faithful chasing the person believed to be responsible up the street. Following a hasty 999 call, the Polis turned up. I can’t say any…