Archbishop celebrates 200 years of church schools
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, preached last Friday at Westminster Abbey in a service to celebrate 200 years of church schools. He spoke of the importance of church schools in providing an environment for children to become good citizens. Preaching to a packed Westminster Abbey congregation of school children, teachers and church and education leaders, the Archbishop said that whether pupils were of the Christian faith or not church schools provided a vision for them ‘to see the biggest possible picture of humanity and the world they live in.’ Church school children from across England and Wales carried specially-made banners to celebrate the founding of the Church of England's National Society in 1811 offering education to the poor in every parish - 50 years before the state joined in. The Revd Jan Ainsworth, Chief Education Officer for the Church of England, said ‘Our task is to make sure our church schools find a place within the new system and to bring other schools into relationship with us.’
Pray: Thank God for the work of the National Society and pray for the future of our Church schools in an increasingly secular society. (Col.3:17)
Archbishop calls for action on UK poverty
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, has called for action to be taken to address UK poverty levels. He spoke out as churches up and down the country prepare to hold services marking ‘Poverty Sunday’ on Sunday 26 June. Writing for the Guardian newspaper the Archbishop said rising poverty was not necessarily linked to unemployment levels, stating there was a ‘significant problem in our country where even those who work hard are not able to put food on the table for their families’. The Archbishop said ‘I’d like to challenge people to call for justice for those living in poverty. Be generous not only with your wallet, but with your time, your words, your actions. We need to remember that poverty isolates people, reducing their ability to engage in social and community life.’ Pray: for a positive response this Sunday especially during the current economically difficult times. (1Sa.2:8) More: http://www.archbishopofyork.org/articles.php/2093/archbishop-calls-for-action-on-uk-poverty
Archbishop calls for action on care for older people
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu has today called for urgent and lasting reform of the way care is funded for older people in England, stating that the system is no longer fit for purpose. Writing an open letter to the Prime Minister and his fellow Taxpayers in England, the Archbishop has asked the Government to consider a new social covenant to protect the most vulnerable in society. He said, ‘A truly caring and Christian society is one that sees older people, not as a growing and irrelevant burden, but as a rich treasure store of energy, experience and wisdom to be placed at the service of the young and of its future. Ensuring the conditions under which older people can make the special contribution of which they are capable is key to releasing this treasure. Providing a sustainable long term funding arrangement for the care of older people is a vital part of ensuring those conditions.
Pray: for a society that respects and honours its senior citizens and values their role in partnership with its younger members. (Job.12:12)
Archbishop calls faithful to self-denial during Lent
In his pastoral letter to the Catholic Church, the Archbishop said repentance, self-denial, almsgiving and prayer were ‘part of the recipe’ for Lent. He said the season helped believers prepare to celebrate afresh ‘the great events of our faith’ – the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ. He asked Christians to think about how they could get involved and ‘learn again all that separates us from Christ’. Prayer too is crucial, he said, admitting that many Christians could find it difficult to commit to a period of prayer and reflection but encouraged them to ‘try it and see’. ‘I am fully aware of the pressure on time which we all feel. It is difficult to fit more into a busy routine,’ he said. ‘Yet Lent itself helps us to address this issue. Creating moments and times of space for prayer and reflection gives us new vitality and focus with which to return to our routine obligations.’ Pray: for us all to heed this message irrespective of denomination and to use Lent as a time for prayer and reflection. (Ps.141:2)
Archbishop allows freemason to be bishop
Dr Rowan Williams named the Rev Jonathan Baker as the next Bishop of Ebbsfleet despite knowing he was an active and senior mason. The appointment, announced earlier this month, marked a significant U-turn by Dr Williams who had previously said that Freemasonry was ‘incompatible’ with Christianity and had refused to promote Masons to senior posts. Last week, as news of Fr Baker’s membership of the Masons began to circulate through the Church, it provoked growing concern and criticism from clergy and members of the General Synod. When contacted by The Sunday Telegraph last Friday, Fr Baker defended his continued membership of the Masons and insisted it was compatible with his new role as a bishop. Yet yesterday he said he had changed his mind and was leaving the Masons so that he could concentrate on being a bishop, adding: ‘I wish nothing to distract from the inauguration of that ministry.’
Pray: that the confused messages from Fr Baker would lead to his finding God’s truth and freedom from false ‘religion’. (Jer.23:16)
More:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8514169/Archbishop-allows-freemason-to-be-bishop.html
April's tragedy: outpouring of emotion for missing five-year-old
The people of Machynlleth came together to remember April at an emotional church service last Sunday. The parish priest, the Reverend Kathleen Rogers, vowed that ‘evil will never win over the good in people’ as she praised the extraordinary love and resilience the community had shown in the face of deep despair. The Bishop of Bangor, the Right Reverend Andy John, praised the ‘extraordinary’ determination of the community. ‘You have touched the hearts of people across the world,’ he told the packed church and the hundreds gathered outside listening on loudspeakers. The congregation stood arm in arm and grasped their children's hands. Silent tears streamed down many faces. Superintendent Ian John said police remained ‘totally focused and committed to finding April’. The family and friends of the missing Welsh five-year-old April Jones have been urged to accept that their ‘sweet and innocent little girl’ is never coming home. Mr Bridger, who knew April’s family, has been charged with murder.
Pray: for April’s family and that police will find her body so that she can have a proper funeral. (Jn.10:28)
More: http://www.watoday.com.au/world/aprils-tragedy-outpouring-of-emotion-for-missing-fiveyearold-20121008-277w9.html