USPG's world-wide partners pray for us

Canon Sabry (Casablanca), retired Archdeacon Geoff Johnston, and Rebecca Boardman

USPG (United Society Partners in the Gospel) is one the oldest mission agencies in the Anglican Communion. Founded in 1701, it has been a partner to Churches and communities world-wide, including the Diocese in Europe. It sees its partnership as a way to "enliven faith, strengthen relationships, unlock potential and champion justice". It is a little known fact that over half of the communities in the Diocese in Europe owe their origin to USPG (or SPG as it was known then) support and sponsorship. Today, USPG supports our work with migrants and refugees in France, Germany, Greece and Morocco.

The Mission and Public Affairs Unit of the Diocese, chaired by Archdeacon Leslie Nathaniel, has a member from USPG on the unit. Rebecca Boardman has been a close collaborator, particularly on migration and refugee issues, for over 5 years.  

At a recent meeting of the MPA unit Rebecca in her report told us that USPG has received many expressions of  support from world-wide partners who are aware that Europe is one of the regions of the world where coronavirus has had a most devastating effect, with hundreds of thousands dead and widespread disruption. Rebecca wanted the people of our diocese to know that we are "woven into the prayers of so many partners across the world". 

We thank our world-wide friends for heir love and prayerful support. 

Protocol with Italian Government permits C of E public services to resume

At Palazzo Chigi, Abp Ian Ernest with Prime Minister Conte to his right

Slowly, slowly, in some parts of the Diocese, steps are being taken to return to public worship in our church buildings.

For instance, today 18 May, a special Protocol which was signed last Friday by the Italian Prime Minister, Professor Avv. Guiseppe Conte and Archbishop Ian Ernest, the Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome (acting on behalf of the Association of the Church of England in Italy) came into effect. The Protocol is detailed and provides instructions to be followed in liturgical celebrations and includes measures to be observed around social distancing, compulsory use of facemasks and other forms of protection, and the disinfection of church premises.

The signing ceremony at the Palazzo Chigi was also attended by Dr Wendy Wyver, First Political Counsellor of the United Kingdom Embassy in Italy (and a member of All Saints in Rome).

Incidentally, this Protocol is a fruit of the fact that the Church of England is now a recognised religious body in Italy.

Lord  our God, in your Son risen from the dead, all creation sees the pledge of things to come. Hear the sigh that goes up from all the world and remember the suffering of all humanity, so that out of its pain may come newness of life. You who reign for ever and ever.

Day of prayer for people of every faith

Tomorrow, 14 May, is an international, interreligious day of prayer to ask God to lift this pandemic from the world, and to inspire scientists to find a cure for the disease.

The inspiration for this comes from the "Higher Committee for Human Fraternity" which was set up when Pope Francis visited Abu Dhabi last year. The initiative transcends religious boundaries and invites all religious people to appeal to God, in accordance with their own faith and teachings. 

Pope Francis has released a video which I post here to motivate us all. In it he calls on all believers, adherents of all religions to pray, fast and perform works of charity tomorrow.

Dr Clare Amos, our Director of Lay Discipleship, was previously the Interfaith Director at the World  Council of Churches. She has composed this prayer which I commend for use:

God of life, Creator of all, 

Your reach stretches beyond the farthest stars that we can see, 

Yet you are nearer to us than our own soul.  

In this time of crisis may your love draw human beings together,

Bridging the distance of place, of nationality, of ideology and religion.

Unite us as one in prayer to face together this enemy, the virus.

Free us from fear, grant us courage and compassion, make us generous in acts of charity,

And bring to effect our longing for the healing of this world. Amen

Emmanuel Eneh RIP

Sad news from Fr Tuomas Mäkipää, Area Dean of Finland, concerning Emmanuel Eneh, Reader:

_____________________________________________________________

Emmanuel Eneh RIP

It is with great sadness that I have learnt the news about the death of Emmanuel Eneh. Emmanuel passed away on Thursday, 23rd April 2020.

Emmanuel was a long-standing member of the Anglican Church in Finland and had a significant lay ministry at the International Congregation of Christ the King in Tampere. He served many years as an Anglican Licensed Lay Reader, working together with the priests of the Lutheran Parishes in Tampere in providing pastoral and liturgical ministry to the international church community, gathering in Vanha kirkko in Tampere. His commitment to the implementation of Porvoo Agreement (between Anglican and Lutheran Churches), and his service to the wider community by participating in local politics in Tampere, were a source of inspiration for many.

Emmanuel remained as a member of the Diocesan Synod of the Diocese in Europe until his death. He was also a member of the Deanery Synod of the Nordic and Baltic states.

We remain grateful for Emmanuel’s ministry and pray for him and his family. He is survived by his wife and three children

  

Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:

your word has been fulfilled.

My own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared in the sight of every people;

A light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

Luke 2.29-32

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Over the many years I have known Emmanuel, I found him to be a remarkable leader, a defender of human rights and equality, a promoter of ecumenical relations, and a firm believer in his Saviour, Jesus Christ. May he now be welcomed into the joys of the kingdom, in the company of the saints in light.

The Bible and Creation: an online study led by Clare Amos

Special Zoom Study Meeting announced

Led by Dr Clare Amos, the Diocesan Director of Lay Discipleship

Saturday April 25 2020   10.00am-11.00am and 11.30am-12.30pm CET (BST+1)

Dr Amos writes: 

"Drawing on both the Old Testament and the New Testament this study morning will explore what the Bible has to say about the relationship between human beings and the rest of creation, which is increasingly seen as one of the most significant issues for our time. It will suggest that our relationship to creation is absolutely integral to our Christian faith".

This study morning was originally scheduled as a physical meeting for the parish of Holy Trinity Geneva. It will now be held by Zoom due to the lockdown. Given the widespread interest across the diocese in the theology and care of creation, Dr Amos has widened participation in this study to any who are interested. 

To meet the needs of ‘Zoom’ security issues, and in order to ensure that you can be sent handouts in advance, please let Holy Trinity Church (admin@holytrinitygeneva.org)  know that you are planning to attend (Ideally send your note by lunchtime on Friday 24 April). Guidance can be given to those unfamiliar with the medium of Zoom. Please mention any need for help when you send in your reply.

I know that participants will enjoy this morning and be enriched by Clare's profound theological and biblical scholarship.

Christ is risen!

You rose from the tomb as God in glory, 

and raised the world up with you.

Mortal nature sang your praise as God,

and death disappeared.

Adam dances, O Master,

and Eve, now freed from her chains,

rejoices as she cries:

It is you, O Christ, who grant Resurrection to all.

(Orthodox Kontakion for the Resurrection) 

May you be comforted in this time of trial, and filled with Easter joy and peace.

Χριστός ἀνέστη!
Christ is risen!

Holy Week resources for the Diocese in Europe

To assist the faithful across the diocese with their prayers during this time of lockdown, Fr Louis Darrant has produced a resource specially for us. It is a PDF booklet, which, as Fr Louis states in the introduction  "is to support us in our common prayer during Holy Week". 

You may already have found it among our diocesan resources on the website.If not, the link is here:
https://europe.anglican.org/downloads/praying-at-home-in-holy-week-2020.pdf

Louis writes: "The Church is responding quickly to the changing circumstances in which we find ourselves. With imagination and creativity we will find ourselves caught up in the Easter mystery in such a way as will bear fruit in due time. No Christian prays alone. Together we share the sacred work of the Church in offering praise to the Father through the Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit."

Fr Louis Darrant is the Chaplain at St Christopher's Costa Azahar in Spain. He is also one of the clergy representatives from the Archdeaconry of Gibraltar on our Diocesan Synod. 

We thank him for this resource to keep us connected to the liturgy of the Church this Holy Week. 

Fr Louis Darrant

In addition to this guide to our prayer this week, the Director of Lay Discipleship, Dr Clare Amos, has been compiling in the Faith in Europe blog she runs for the diocese, a series of resources and reflections entitled "Discipleship in Difficult Days". The link to this important resource is here:

Clare is always willing to receive contributions to this blog. She can be contacted here: clare.amos@europe.anglican.org. 

Renewal of ministerial vows, by Zoom

In Holy Week in this Diocese in Europe there are normally several Chrism Masses celebrated in various centres. I was scheduled to preside at those masses in Madrid and Rome, for instance, with Bishop Robert presiding in Brussels and Paris. But due to the Europe-wide lockdown, these services were cancelled. 

However, Bishop Robert and I thought it would be fitting to have a service, streamed online, for the clergy and lay minsters to renew their vows, which is normally a part of this rite. A diocesan production team went into action and about 180 priests, deacons and lay ministers joined in the service yesterday. A "screen shot" of some of the participants is above. It was a new experience for all!

I had the privilege of preaching the homily. If you care to listen, it is here:

It was a privilege to give a word of encouragement to the clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers (Readers) in this strange time, when our ministries are so radically disrupted. Among my words to them: 

“We will emerge after this crisis having discovered that the Spirit has enabled other ways for the life of the Church in its fullness to continue, and it will still be the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. It is the Spirit that will guide us; it is the Spirit who guides the Church in all things; and we believe that the Spirit may even make all things new!......Our public liturgical life might have stopped but the spirit of common prayer and sharing faith and pastoral care has not stopped. You are renewing together with your people the ancient ways that nurture the Church, the daily office, lectio divina, family prayer, and these not only sustain us as we sojourn in this desert but will make us a stronger praying Church when we will have crossed the Jordan.”

The full video of the service and the texts (including the homily) can be found on the Diocesan website here:

https://europe.anglican.org/main/latest-news/post/1559-diocese-holds-virtual-service-for-maundy-thursday

The Pope's invitation to all Christians

The Annunciation, (unknown), the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles. 

Addressing the leaders of all Christian Churches, communities and confessions worldwide, the Pope invites us all, on 25 March at 12 noon in each local time zone, to recite the prayer of all Christians.

“In these days of trial, as humanity trembles at the threat of the coronavirus pandemic, I would propose that all Christians join their voices together to heaven to invoke the Almighty, the All Powerful God, by reciting contemporaneously the prayer that Our Lord Jesus has taught us”. 

25 March is the Feast of the Annunciation. Its central focus is the wondrous moment in history when the Eternal Word became flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary; in short God became one of us. The feast marks the dramatic entrance of the divine into our everyday world, God with us, Emmanuel. As we remember the closeness of God to us – God who took on our very flesh – Pope Francis encourages us in reciting our common prayer to remember the closeness of God to doctors, nurses, health workers, volunteers, the authorities who have to make difficult decisions for our common good, the closeness of God to those who are stricken with this disease and those who are alone.

As the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM) suggests, Anglicans see the value of a ministry exercised by the Bishop of Rome as a sign and focus of unity within a reunited Church. We experience this ministry of unity in the call of Pope Francis to all Christians to join together in praying the Lord’s Prayer at this difficult time for people everywhere.

Spread this call to prayer on the Feast of the Annunciation through your networks and social media.

Annunciation by Nigerian artist Paul Woelfel

Diverse, inclusive, Anglican and open to all: St Nicholas Helsinki

Fr Parvez is blessed for his new ministry, Fr Tuomas Mäkipää looks on

The job of any bishop includes personnel management, pastoral care, many meetings and much administration (the latter two these days particularly to do with safeguarding). That is not to mention conflict resolution. It sormetimes feels like my desk is a magnet for complaints and negativity. Overall there is rarely a pause in the work; as Deacon Frances Hiller my chaplain says, "it never slows down!". 

But the most important things I do are also the most joyful: being with God's people together with their priests, deacons and lay ministers, celebrating the sacraments of the new covenant and teaching the faith to so many people.  It is a huge privilege to preside at the sacraments of initiation, to baptise new Christians, to confirm those who have been previously baptised and who seek to be renewed and strengthened by the Holy Spirit for Christian discipleship. A recent parish visit to St Nicholas, Helsinki, was such a typically joyful event. 

Fr Parvez and members of the Pakistani choir

Additionally, at the start of the liturgy, I was able to welcome a priest from the Church of Pakistan into auxiliary ministry in the chaplaincy. Fr Parvez came to the mass with many of his own Pakistani community and enriched the worship with music and song, in Urdu, from their homeland. Members from Asia, the Americas, Africa, UK and other European countries make St Nicholas a truly international community.

One candidate from the "neighbouring" parish of SS Timothy and Titus in Tallinn, Estonia was baptised and then confirmed along with two other confirmation candidates. It is a so hopeful to be with candidates and their communities at these joyful, and faith-filled times.  

The Anglican Church in Finland was founded by refugees from St Petersburg, fleeing the Russian Revolution. A century on, it continues to be a inclusive place for people seeking refuge, and a home.

With restrictions on travel tightening in Europe to contain the coronavirus it could shortly become a challenge to consider how such direct community involvement which is at the heart of episcopal ministry can be sustained...Already routine communal parish life and public worship in our Italian chaplaincies is suspended until 3 April by government decree. Deacon Frances and I will be monitoring the changing situation and if changes to parish visits are required, we will keep you informed. 

Photos are courtesy of Virpi Paulanto, Office Asst at the Anglican Church in Finland

A time of solidarity, responsibility, and prayer

"....from plague, pestilence, and famine..Good Lord, deliver us" 

This supplication from the Book of Common Prayer must have had particular significance as the Litany was recited this morning in St George's Church, Venice, by the priest, Fr Malcolm Bradshaw, and the reader in training, Philip Jones. (There was no congregation as public worship is suspended in the region, see below). Indeed, the people of this diocese, particularly in Northern Italy,are experiencing what one priest has summed up as "strange times". 

Philip James, Fr Malcolm and the Patriarch of Venice

As we are a very mobile and international diocese Bishop Robert and I have written to the clergy with instruction about church gatherings and liturgical celebrations that go, necessarily, beyond the current guidelines issued by the Church of England, centrally. (The Central Church of England advice can be found here: https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches).

In summary, here are the measures advised for this diocese, based on both good general hygeine practice and medical advice:

1. Carry tissues to catch coughs and sneezes and bin them right away.

2. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and / or use a good quality sanitiser 

3. If possible provide hand sanitiser at entrances to churches and meeting places. Ensure a supply of soap or sanitiser in cloakrooms and kitchens. 

4. The use of holy water stoups is discontinued until further notice

5. Clean hard surfaces such as door handles and communion rails regularly

6. Priests presiding at the Eucharist and Communion administrators and servers, both before and after distribution of Communion, should sanitise their hands with soap and water or sanitiser. Sidespeople, welcomers and those serving refreshments should follow  similar measures. 

7. The Peace should be limited to an exchange of words of peace to those in closest proximity rather than through physical contact (kiss or handshake), until further notice

8. Until further notice, the Holy Communion is to be distributed to the congregation in the form of the consecrated Bread / Wafer only. The presiding priest alone receives from the chalice. (The doctrine of concommitance means that the full benefit of the Sacrament is received through reception of only one of the elements). 

It is worthwhile repeating here that the practice of the intinction (when the communicant dips the consecrated Bread into the Chalice) is not permitted. This is a most unhygenic practice at any time, not only in the present situation. It introduces not only pathogens into the chalice but also gluten which can affect those with certain allergies.

There may be value in asking those attending Church to sign a list so that the possible spread of disease can be traced, if required by the authorities.

In Lombardy and Veneto Regions of Northern Italy, government authorities have restricted public gatherings including church services until 3 April. Our churches in these regions have already suspended public worship since before Ash Wednesday.  The clergy Northern Italy are keeping in touch with the faithful through distributing prayers and readings electronically. (Holy Ghost Genoa pioneeringly broadcast a virtual mass. In Genoa region, after a week's suspension, the authorities permitted, cautiously, for services to resume).

I have assured the clergy in Northern Italy of the prayers of sisters and brothers across the diocese as they care for the vulnerable, the elderly, the sick, the bereaved and the fearful in their communities. May God strengthen their ministry in this extraordinary time, and give courage and a renewed sense of community responsibility and solidarity to all.

The Jesuits in the USA have circulated this prayer which I think many will find useful:

Jesus Christ, you travelled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.

Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care.

Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbours from helping one another.

Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.

Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace.

Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace.

Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace.

Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.

Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace.

Jesus Christ, heal us.

Archdeacon David Waller of Italy and Malta, on a recent visit to All Saints Rome, pointed out general the good advice:

Caring for God's Creation - the Archdeaconry of Gibraltar

A very happy Synod Standing Committee. Archdeacon David Waller 2nd from left

"Caring for God's Creation" was the theme that united the clergy and lay delegates to the Gibraltar Archdeaconry Synod last week. The synod is one of the largest in the Diocese, which brings together our congregations in Gibraltar, Spain (including the Balearic and Canary Islands), Andorra, Portugal (including Madeira) and Morocco.

The Revd Prof. Adrian Low, a scientist as well as the Chaplain of Costa del Sol West, set the pace for the clergy at their prior chapter meeting by exploring many themes tha ttouch upon the interface of science and religion, from quantum entanglement to the statistical questions of whether we are alone as sentient beings in the universe. The clergy also considered in more depth the Diocesan Rule of Life and the Revd John Chapman from St George's Barcelona shared his experience of a Rule of Life in his ministry and in parish life. Dr Clare Amos, the Diocesan Director of Discipleship, who supports the Diocesan Rule of Life project was the bible study leader for the synod.

Professor Low explaining how light is both wave and particle!

The Revd John Chapman

The Revd Dave Bookless of A Rocha was the keynote speaker, and motived and inspired the gathering with rich and challenging theology. The Diocesan Environmental Officer, the Revd Elizabeth Bussman reminded delegates of the ECO Church initiative which the Diocese has embraced.

The RevdDavid Bookless

Just to wake people up in an afternoon "graveyard" slot, I led the synod in exploring the theme "Sex! Why is this so complicated?" It was an introduction to the many layers of theology, biblical interpretation, sociology, biology, missiology, and human rights that need to be considered as the Church seeks pastoral teaching and practice in the complicated area of human sexuality.

Fr Bob Bates gave an update on the growth and development of the Santiago Camino Chaplaincy, a relatively new and flourishing ministry, now in its 4th year. The former Archdeacon Geoff Johnston returned to recieve a formal thanks from the synod for his leadership and support in past years. There appeared to be an almost seamless hand-over to the new Archdeacon David Waller who is already well known to the synod, having been an Area Dean before.

Archdeacon David Waller thanks Archdeacon Geoff Johnston on behalf of the synod

The synod was also a time to celebrate new ministries and reaffirm current ones. Alwyn Carter was admitted to the office of Reader, to serve in the parish of Costa Almería and Costa Cálida. Fr Alan Bennett was re-licensed as assistant chaplain in the same parish, and Fr Nigel Stimpson, of Costa del Sol East, was commissioned as Area Dean of southern Spain.

Alwyn Carter is admitted to the office of Reader. Area Dean Fr Nigel Stimpson looks on

Fr Alan Bennett

Fr Luis Vizcarra from the Diocese of  Peru, which is linked with the Gibraltar Archdeaconry presented the work of his own diocese high in the Andes. He also led us in prayer in his mother tongue, Quechua.

Fr Luis 

The Gibraltar Archdeaconry delegates work incredibly hard. They also have fun together; the synod ended with a quiz night, highly competetive, of course, with one very triumphant team.