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Sermon – Hagar, Ambridge, Church Abuse, Eid Mubarak
If I think back to my grandfather, now long passed away, I have a number of memories. One strikes me in particularly today. And it was a particular devotion. Almost a religious ritual. It could be performed at lunchtime or it could be performed in the early evening. But the important thing was that it…
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Made in Scotland with Love
Today is my ordination anniversary. Nineteen years ago today on St Columba’s day I was ordained priest. For most of that time I’ve been promoting the fundamental equality of gay and straight people in the church. With others, I founded Changing Attitude Scotland 13 years ago. And so it will surprise no one that I’m…
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What the Scottish Episcopal Church is Voting On
As I write this, it is just over 24 hours until a debate and a vote in the Scottish Episcopal Church’s General Synod that lots of people are going to be more interested in than most other General Synod happenings. It is the debate and the motions relating to a change to the Canons (ie…
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The Tim Farron Question and the Archbishop of Canterbury
Let us return once again to the Tim Farron Question. Oh, I know, I really do know that you’d much prefer it if we could just move on. However, the Tim Farron Question is actually rather important. And trust me anyway, this isn’t [mostly] a post about Tim Farron, who might be expected to have…
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10 Thoughts on the Blessing of Asparagus
It seems that Worcester Cathedral recently had a service for the blessing of asparagus. As this is a matter that might be seen to have consequences for the wider Anglican Communion, I thought I’d offer a few thoughts. There can be no justification for blessing asparagus as asparagus is never mentioned positively in the bible.…
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What institutional homophobia looks like
Here’s a quick example to illustrate what institutional homophobia looks like. Yesterday the report of the Theological Forum of the Church of Scotland to the General Assembly was published and it deals with a number of issues of interest to LGBT people. (It is well worth a read). Amongst the “deliverances” ie proposals to go…
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He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
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Whither the Chrism Mass?
I have a little list of those liturgical moments in the life of the church that I think could do with a bit of a rethink. Some of the most popular and well attended things that happen in churches would make it onto my list. Mothering Sunday and Remembrance Sunday are both on my little…
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Trolleys are for Supermarkets
I had a lovely morning today conducting a funeral service. Oh, I know lots of people don’t get that this can be satisfying but to me I can’t really think of a more lovely way of spending a morning than committing someone who has died at a great age into the love of God. The…
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St Eucalyptus and St Anaglypta revisited
I was thinking just this morning that it was about time we paid another visit to our conversation about St Eucalyptus on the Rocks and St Anaglypta by the Skerry. It is some seven years since these two congregations came into being in the glorious imagination of my mind. Seven years is a long time…