Emma Thompson calls on the Church to take note of their own reported failures in amalgamating parishes and removing clergy from the front line. Many people from all walks of life have called for a proper grown up discussion about the Church’s current trajectory and what to do about the listed churches which make up nearly 50% of England’s listed buildings. Perhaps the Archbishops should ask Synod to vote on their ‘Vision and Strategy’.
WE require a wider purpose and a broader vision. A rethinking of cura
animarum — the cure of souls — provides a good foundation. Although it has an
ancient and archaic ring, it is a surprisingly contemporary idea. Its origins are
Roman and about authority in a particular place; but its expression comes from the
Saxon idea of the Church’s underpinning the formation of the nation, as a function
of the spiritual, moral, and material welfare of the people.
Patrick Kidd’s charming Times Credo emphasises the value of the local parish. You can read the full article on The Times website here
Rev Fergus Butler-Gallie writes in the Daily Telegraph this week that cash-strapped parishes must be free to focus on their core mission, not tied-up in management jargon.
James Burnell-Nugent suggests that the MPM review does nothing to restore trust with the parishes and should be sent back to be reworked. None of the review group’s suggestions to…
A clergyman admitted to me that he’d recently burst into tears. He’d received an email from his diocese in this latest lockdown ‘strongly urging’ vicars to close their churches. He…
This letter was sent by a STP supporter to make the point that those who care about church buildings can be prepared to fund a renaissance in church activities. In 10…