March 2005 - Confession, or a desert island

Because so many know so little about the Christian faith, and it becomes more and more P.C. to say nothing about it, the question raised is: "Is the Church of England lost in some time warp, with little or no influence?".

As I write today (14th Feb.) the General Synod meets. Does this gathered body in turn add to the inertia? Because reports, debates, referrals etc.all slow down the pace and there appear to be no ready answers. Within the Church of England there is a broad spectrum embracing the whole range of Churchmanship, yet still affording room for independence, eccentricity, Conservatists (with big and little 'C'), liberal etc. There is still sexual discrimination despite its illegality. Terms of employment and security of employment range from the non-existent to the unremovable. There is "Establishment".

The Church of England probably has more voice than the other denominations and religions, though the media do take note when the Archbishop of Westminster does comment. It would seem that religion is muzzled and considered a weak influence, because despite being "Established" the Church of England is often undermined by political correctness. So there is steady erosion of its impact on society and it fails to implement its own policies in the interests of people and their good expression of their faith. How often does the Church fail to uphold that Godparents should be confirmed, and therefore better able to express, explain, give example of their faith and generally better educate others in the practice of religion? Even Church of England schools do not seek the committed staff they should have.

There is a dilemma over being the Established Church because on the one hand it means State occasions and parliament are undergirded with prayer and expressed in a suitable church ceremony: religion is a reference point in democratic debate. Yet on the other hand Parliament holds back on religious matters for fear of giving too much favour to the Established Church: while there should be room for informed and relevant debate often none takes place. Sadly few politicians speak from a position of commitment whereby they are recognised, respected and trusted as people of faith by those of other faiths.

All too often the impact of what the Church of England may say is eroded, whether on matters of social reform or social comment, because we appear so distracted by sex. Other rites of passage, generally beneficial to the well-being of society, are often eclipsed by a woolliness and lack of conviction within the Church as a whole. By shopping about until people find what they want, they leave the Church rather stranded when it comes to any disciplines surrounding those rites of passage. The Church appears to be totally out of touch. Current dilemmas over Royal Marriages at this very moment are part of this apparent difference in rules for different people - this highlights that inconsistency of the Church which fails to open doors to all comers. 

Do we have prophets? Do we have teachers? Do we have theologians? Do we have pastors? They are all there, somewhere, or have been. Enoch Powell and his "Rivers of Blood" was not popular, but he spoke out as a man of faith, who applied his faith to his grasp of affairs. In the '70s we never had it so good, but now we are broke - and that can be applied both financially and morally. There are so many choices, and such little effort at commitment, yet Faith, if we use it and understand it better, has many keys to doors that confine us on the wrong side emotionally. Confession, one of the themes of Lent Food for Thought, is about release and moving on. It's under our very noses, but often we choose to ignore it and we have become stranded on the desert island of our past ………………… 

But is the situation hopeless? Not if we use Easter properly and wake up! If we have used Lent as a time of reflection, of taking stock, of feeding our reserves and getting to know our faith better, then Easter will see new life and resurrection in us. If only our hunger for the things of God would motivate us to use and utilise our plant and resources better! Church buildings can be adapted to meet modern needs better and, if used more widely and intensively, may in turn generate the outreach and charitable giving that people would like to see. The Lord is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Do we rise to the occasion in response? May truth and reality dawn ……………

In the February issue of Hillside Parishes Magazine an article by Rev.Ron Ferguson was reprinted from The Glasgow Herald. I cannot let it pass without some comment. It is perfectly reasonable to question the judgement of democratic governments led by George Bush and Tony Blair, both professed and practising Christians, in deciding to invade Iraq. Whether the loss of life and destruction of property, which this action caused, was worth it - only history will tell us. However, Rev.Ferguson omits to mention that Saddam Hussain was a tyrannical dictator who for many years fought a war with one neighbour (Iran) and invaded another (Kuwait) without provocation. He ruled by fear, and caused to be murdered anyone who dared oppose his policies - including members of his own families. To ascribe un-Christian motives to Bush and Blair, and to caricature them in the language of cheap sensationalism, is unworthy of a church leader. It seems that it is not only Islamic Mullahs who incite their congregations to hatred.

The magazine of the parishes of Boltby, Borrowby, Cowesby, Felixkirk, Kepwick, Kirby Knowle, Knayton, Leake & "The Siltons". Also circulated in Upsall, Thirlby & Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe.
The Vicar in charge is Rev.Toddy Hoare,
The Vicarage, Moor Road, Knayton, THIRSK, YO7 4AZ Tel: 01845 537277
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