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Looks like the first steps may be underway towards regime change in America. Hurrah!

It occurred to me the other day, bonfire night, to be exact, that I’ve never actually used fireworks liturgically.

I don’t suppose that it will surprise anyone that I’m against the death sentence in general. In the particular case of Saddam Hussein, I wouldn’t have thought that executing him would help Iraq much even if I were in favour. A further upsurge in violence is not going to help anyone wherever it comes from.…

I rather enjoyed reading this essay from an atheist philosopher who, from his hospital bed, forgives those who are praying for him. Thus: What, though, do I say to those of my religious friends (and yes, I have quite a few religious friends) who have had the courage and honesty to tell me that they…

Last night’s service was absolutely beautiful. I’ve never heard the Duruflé Requiem live before and it was tremendous celebrating the Eucharist with all that going on. For me one of the most moving bits comes early in the Kyrie. I love the Sanctus too though it sounds as though the angels are singing their holy,…

It is All Souls Day – the Day of the Dead. The main celebration (and it always is a celebration) here is a full choral requiem (Duruflé) at 7.30 pm this evening. Gentle beauty. Strong memories. Powerful reflections. Black vestments. On this day, we remember by name in prayer those who have died. Never a…

Congratulations to Sheilagh Kesting. It was announced yesterday that she will become the next moderator of the Church of Scotland. Sheilagh has a passionate commitment to working ecumenically – she believes it more than most these days. No doubt that will be one of the key features of her moderatorial year. How delighted they must…

Here is the playlist from the MP3 player for today’s trip to Edinburgh… (in no particular order of precedence) 1 – Tammy Wynette – Stand by your man 2 – Folk och Rackere – Stjärnhästen [Fond memories of Sweden in December]. 3 – Zelenka – Missa dei Patris 4 – Runrig – Heartland 5 –…

Learned an excellent new word this morning – Lappet. The Lappets are the thingies that hang down from the back of a mitre.

Oh no, my computer does not work. ME: What’s wrong does it need to be healed? It won’t connect to the network. ME: Let me see…. [Hands are gently laid upon the keyboard. The computer connects to the network] How did you do that? How is that possible? You just touched it and it worked!…