Eurobishop

For the first time in their history, people drawn from the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion have joined forces to combat modern slavery and human-trafficking. Pope Francis and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby have personally given their backing to the newly-formed Global Freedom Network. The agreement to help eradicate an injustice affecting up to 29 million people was co-signed today, March 17th by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Representative to the Holy See, Archbishop Sir David Moxon, the Chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of Science and Social Science, Bishop Sanchez Sorondo, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Egypt, Dr Mahmoud Azab and Mr Andrew Forrest, the founder of the large international philanthropic anti-slavery organisation from Perth, Western Australia “Walk Free”.  The network has the resources it needs to carry out a five year plan. Archbishop Moxon has been closely involved in the negotiations which have brought about this landmark in chur...

This is a key weekend in Ukraine, with the controversial referendum in Crimea. I urge the faithful of the Diocese in Europe to continue to pray for the country and her peoples. On behalf of the diocesan family I sent the following message to the congregation of Christ Church Kiev today. Dear Sisters and Brothers of the Congregation of Christ Church, Kiev I want to assure you of the continuing prayers of the people of the Diocese in Europe for the return to peace and stability in the Ukraine. We pray for all who are making efforts to bring a resolution to the divisions, through diplomatic means and dialogue, so that there can be an end to violence and threat.  We pray for all Church leaders who are making calls for peace and the building of a new spirit of  peace and harmony in the country.  This weekend is going to be a significant one with the referendum in Crimea. We pray that the outcome will honour the democratic desires of the people of the region, and sh...

As we begin the journey of Lent towards the cross of Jesus, I share some images from a Turkish-language Taizé service recently held in the Church of the Resurrection, Istanbul. Young and old, gathered to pray at the foot of the cross, to hear the Word of God, and to join their voices in the gentle and ancient songs of Taizé. The Revd Engin Yildirim, the priest-in-charge, has worked with a team to develop this ecumenical prayer service, bringing together Anglicans and many others from all the Christian traditions in Istanbul, to share what was described as "a very sweet spirit of prayer amongst people". Another comment about the service was that it fulfilled a dream shared for a long time "to help Christians to pray in communion". May our Lenten journey as the people of this diocese be communion with Christians everywhere, knowing that God is leading us together as His people. Living God, you bury our past in the heart of Christ and are going to take care of...

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...