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1066 And All What?
This is an exciting moment for liturgists everywhere. It would appear that the Church of England has published a new prayer, this time commemorating the Battle of Hastings. Following some discussion last night on social media, I’m pleased to be able to provide this study guide to the prayer for those thinking of using it,…
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Sermon on the Dishonest Manager
Here’s what I made of yesterday’s dreadful gospel reading… Why am I preaching on this terrible gospel reading? Why do bad things happen to good Provosts? In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. I ranted and I raved. I roared and roamed about the Cathedral…
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9 Pointers towards how LGBT Inclusion will be won in the Church of England
I believe with all my heart that one day all the churches of the Anglican Communion (and let’s not stop there – all of God’s churches anywhere) will be fully inclusive of LGBT people. I’m working for that and have been for quite some time. And I believe it will happen because I believe in…
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The Sacraments: Reconciliation
People sometimes know the sacrament of reconciliation by another name – sometimes people call it Penance and sometimes people call it Confession which, strictly speaking is only a part of what is going on. In the sacrament of reconciliation, the idea is that people are brought back into a right relationship with God and get…
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The Sacraments: Baptism
I’m currently writing a series of articles on the sacraments for the cathedral website. They are being posted here in case anyone wants to comment or ask any further questions. Several times a year there is the opportunity to receive baptism at St Mary’s. The primary time for baptisms to take place is at the…
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The Sacraments: Communion
I’m currently writing a series of articles on the sacraments for the cathedral website. They are being posted here in case anyone wants to comment or ask any further questions. This article from the Provost will form part of a series on the sacraments. Lots of different churches have different names for the meal of…
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Nuns, knitting and why prayer is like a Carry On film
Sermon preached on 24 July 2016 I had a cup of tea beside me as I tried to pretend to read a very worthy book about prayer than had been recommended for me by a Franciscan friar. I still have the book and I’ve still not finished it even now nearly 25 years later. I’d…
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Sermon – post referendum
Here’s what I had to say today in the pulpit following this week’s political turmoil after the recent referendum. Video: https://vimeo.com/172288986 “Lord do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. And Jesus…
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Brexit – Five First Quick Thoughts
My first thoughts on waking to the news of the result of the referendum on membership of the EU are not with the markets nor about sovereignty but with individuals. In particular, my thoughts are with the considerable numbers of members of my own congregation who have come from the rest of the EU to…
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It’s not enough to #PrayForOrlando. People of faith must fight homophobia
This article appeared earlier today on the STV website. As I stand outside St Mary’s Cathedral every Sunday in Glasgow I often witness a curious thing. As people walk down Great Western Road towards me, I notice that some of the gay couples who belong to the congregation reach out to one another as they…