Eurobishop

The grounds of All Saints with Mt Teide in the background All Saints Tenerife is a parish that has a splendid location under the snow-covered Mt Teide, and with a fascinating history. When founded at the end of the 19th century it was in the Diocese of Sierra Leone. It then was for a time in what was callled the "Diocese of North Africa". Now, it is a vital part of the Church of England's Diocese in Europe. The parishioners are full time residents on the island or part-time "swallows", many of them, if not most. now retired. But it is hardly a sleepy place! The church has a vibrant ministry of hospitality and outreach to many English-speakers on the island, mostly from the UK, but also from the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Germany and even Russia, with a handful of Spanish-born members as well. The parish collaborate closely with the Red Cross on the island, in assisting with a breakfast programme for some dozens of youngsters in local schools, whose families ...

Early this morning, I received a message from one of the Churchwardens of Christ Church, Kiev, thanking the people of the diocese for their prayers and encouragement. The Church is located opposite the President's office, so the protests have been very close to the Church itself. Fortunately, members of the congregation have been safe, and Sunday services have continued. The Church has been used as a first aid centre for injured police and members of the public. From the Churchwarden's report, there are so many questions about the future, the status of the interim government, the international authorities' understanding of the legitimacy of the interim arrangements, and quite importantly, the reaction of Russia. The close of the Winter Olympics might have temporarily distracted Russian authorities, so there may be more engagement from there this week. We are asked to continue our prayers for a peaceful and lasting settlement.   Posted with Blogsy

I spoke to one of the Churchwardens in Christ Church, Kiev today. The parish is presently without a priest-in-charge, but the congregation is keeping church life going, even through the present crisis. The Archdeacon of the East is keeping in close contact with the church, as well, to offer support and encouragement. Thankfully, later today it seems that the violence has subsided, and there may be signs of some peace being restored, and perhaps even a political solution emerging. We are asked particularly to pray for the rebuilding of trust among the people, that a lasting and just way forward can be found. We also pray for an end to the violence. Apart from the immediate victims, those killed and injured, there are so many who have been affected by the economic crisis which has occurred as part of the political strife. There is much need among the people, and the small congregation are engaging in efforts to reach out in Christian love. I sent this message to Christ Church, K...

Since the publication of the House of Bishop's Pastoral Letter and Appendix on same-sex marriage on Saturday 15 February, there have been responses and reactions from across the world. In this scattered diocese conversations among us about matters that touch on the life of the Church are not easily held. Although it is not the main purpose of the Eurobishop Blog, it did occur to me that this is one medium that might permit some exchange and reflection on this issue. So this is a bit of an experiment, really! The Revd Canon Dr Jack McDonald is one priest and theologian in our diocese who wished to share his reflections on the bishops' statement, so I asked him to write a "guest article" for Eurobishop, which is posted below. Just for the sake of clarity, the view expressed is that of Dr McDonald, not the official position of Eurobishop or its editor on this matter. Dr McDonald has studied in Cambridge, London, and Strasbourg. He is the Priest-in-charge of Sain...

On 13 March, same-sex marriage will become legal in England and Wales. Last Thursday 13 February, the bishops of the Church of England met to discuss this to set out our thinking before the first such marriages take place. We prepared a pastoral letter which the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have sent today to the clergy and people of the Church of England. It accompanies an appendix which is a statement of pastoral guidance on same-sex marriage.  4 main areas are addressed in the letter and appendix: Marriage The Church's understanding of marriage is not altered. The bishops stated: “we are all in agreement that the Christian understanding and doctrine of marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman remains unchanged". Effect on the Church It is not legally possible for same sex couples to be married by Church of England clergy or in Church of England churches. Canon law defines marriage as being between a man and a woman. Despite the new l...

The Revd Canon Dr Medhat Sabry, the priest-in-charge of St John the Evangelist Church, Casablanca, led Bible studies on the book of Nehemiah at the Archdeaconry of Gibraltar Synod. He shared many insights from the story of Nehemiah on planning and strategy for parish life, including one which seemed to touch the members of the Synod:  "Think big and you get big things. Think small and you get nothing!" Our Archdeaconry is greatly enriched by the presence of Fr Medhat, who brings a rich experience in ministry to our already diverse and gifted clergy. For instance, in introducing himself  to the Synod he described himself as African, Egyptian, Arab and Christian: African -  For this is where Egypt is, and by the colour of his skin Egyptian - this is the passport he holds and it is his native land Arab - he speaks the Arabic tongue Christian - from the ancient Christian community in Egypt.

Many people in the diocese will have heard of John Bell, of if you have not heard of him, you have probably sung one of his hymns. The Revd John Bell is a minister of the Church of Scotland, a member of the Iona Community, and a broadcaster. He was a guest speaker and guest preacher at the Archdeaconry of Gibraltar Synod last week, inspiring the clergy and lay delegates with stories and insights into congregational development, particularly in music and liturgy. Our liturgy and the place of music in it is vitally important, said John, for "What we sing becomes what we believe". Archdeacon Geoff Johnston presides at the eucharist with John Bell preaching

The Archdeaconry of Gibraltar is one of the largest of the seven archdeaconries in this diocese. It covers Spain (including the Balearic and Canary Islands), Portugal (including Madeira), Morocco, Gibraltar and Andorra. There are over 70 congregations served by about 35 licensed priests. The Interim Archdeacon is Canon Geoff Johnston. On Tuesday 4 February, at the opening eucharist of the Archdeaconry Synod held in Torrevieja, Spain, I commissioned three Area Deans to assist the Archdeacon with the pastoral oversight of these congregations. The three are shown in the photo above: the Revd Mike Smith of Tenerife North, whose area responsibilities will be the Canary Islands and Morocco; thethe Revd David Waller of Mallorca, whose area will be Northern Spain and the Balearic Islands; and the Revd Bob Bates of the Algarve, whose area will be Portugal and Madeira. It is a dedicated and experienced team, and the work of these three Area Deans will greatly assist the Archdeacon and mys...

The Diocesan Director of Ordinands, (DDO), the Revd Canon William Gulliford, has recently sent me this report of an imporant event coordinated by the Ministry Team of the Diocese. __________________________________________________________ Under the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, which hangs in Westminster Abbey’s meeting room in Cheneygates, 20 enquirers from across the Diocese in Europe gathered from 24-26 January to explore issues in vocation. Those that attended came from a range of backgrounds, but it was very striking that there were only 4 British people as part of the event. The Vocations Enquiry Weekend represents a starting point in the diocesan process of discernment and the process may not begin without attending it. As well as all attending visiting one of four London parishes, a day was spent in the precincts of Westminster Abbey. This was a very special time of prayerful reflection. We were very grateful indeed to the Dean and Chapter for their hospitality to our...

On Saturday 25 January, the Venerable Brian Russell was licensed as Senior Chaplain of St Edmund's Oslo, with oversight of the Anglican Church in Norway. Archdeacon Brian comes to this diocese from the Diocese of Birmingham where he has had a distinguished ministry as Archdeacon of Aston. Brian is well versed in the Porvoo Agreement and has been a major collaborator between the Nordic Churches and the Church of England in their theological education and ministry and vocations consultations. We welcome Brian and his wife Pam to this diocese. Brian will retain the title The Venerable as he is an Archdeacon Emeritus of the Diocese of Birmingham. Archdeacon Brian (2nd from left) with his clergy and reader colleagues from the Anglican Church in Norway Clergy, Readers and representatives of the laity from our Anglican congregations in Stavanger, Bergen, Trondheim, Tromso, and Drammen came to join in the festive eucharist at which Archdeacon Brian was presented with symbols of ...