Over the last five years or so, there has been a growing movement in the US for a day in which the Churches celebrate the gifts that different genders and different sexualities bring to the life of faith. The designated day is the 29th June (not sure why?) so we decided to broaden that call to the rest of the world. and celebrated the day with a talk and discussion at our church meeting (SPACE, Sunderland Peace And Christianity Explored)
What is clear, is that there is a disparity between a ground swell with in the church to eliminate homophobia, challenging inequality, and the actions of the Church of England hierarchy regarding LGBT clergy.
In our churches, the CofE is being asked to be more aware and accepting of Gay Christians, but clergy who are Gay are told that they must be non-practicing. Indeed, if they are to even attempt to legally get married, they face disciplinary procedures with in the Church of England, as has already occurred to the first Gay clergyman who was married in May. Worse still, the church still refuses to endorse an official blessing service for Gay Christians who are in a civil partnership or who legally marry.
The strain of these injustices is already beginning to tell. Clergy clearly cannot defend an indefensible position, so have to admit when questioned that the Church of England is discriminating against Gay clergy and LGBT Christians - it is undoubtedly behaving in a homophobic way.
What a mess. In our church, on the 29th June 2014, the mood was defiant. We intend to publically and demonstrably show our support for equality in the Church, and celebrate the lives of all LGBT people of faith. We decided to have an inclusive stall at the next Sunderland Pride, and will not shirk from encouraging the Church to remember that the call to 'love our neighbours as we love ourselves' includes the LGBT community.
Monday, 30 June 2014
Saturday, 7 June 2014
All War is Hell. The Day after D-Day, part 2
The 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings will always stand out in my memories. I was on my way to a Church event, and I was to be given a lift by the Church Warden of the place, who I had not met before. I was surprised that when the car that pulled up, it was driven by a very sprightly, but clearly very elderly man. D-Day 'celebrations' were everywhere, and as we drove I asked him if he had any memories from that time. The chatty man suddenly became quite emotional, and pulled up the car in a lay by, with tears in his eyes.
He then told me his story. He had not been on the beaches, but had been on a boat just off the Normandy Coast. He was a young medical officer and his job was to have been one of the most horrific of any on the day after D-Day.
The ship was there to take wounded, but not just anyone from the invasion. They were brought wounded German officers. The task was not to treat them, but to interrogate and torture them, mostly using the injuries that the officers had sustained.
It was important to know as much information about the German positions as possible, and this was one of the ways of doing so. But for a young medical officer in the army, a committed Christian and someone trained to heal, it was to leave painful scars for a lifetime.
'I can't take part in the celebrations,' said the man 'I've never been able to talk to others about what we did and I've only recently been able to honestly admit to myself my role in operation Overlord. Perhaps we did the right thing, perhaps because of what we did - we saved lives. But all I can remember is the screams of the German officers as we used their wounds to torture them'.
The lesson I learnt about war on that anniversary was very clear. Never try to dress it up, never pretend to 'celebrate' it. All war is hell.
He then told me his story. He had not been on the beaches, but had been on a boat just off the Normandy Coast. He was a young medical officer and his job was to have been one of the most horrific of any on the day after D-Day.
The ship was there to take wounded, but not just anyone from the invasion. They were brought wounded German officers. The task was not to treat them, but to interrogate and torture them, mostly using the injuries that the officers had sustained.
It was important to know as much information about the German positions as possible, and this was one of the ways of doing so. But for a young medical officer in the army, a committed Christian and someone trained to heal, it was to leave painful scars for a lifetime.
'I can't take part in the celebrations,' said the man 'I've never been able to talk to others about what we did and I've only recently been able to honestly admit to myself my role in operation Overlord. Perhaps we did the right thing, perhaps because of what we did - we saved lives. But all I can remember is the screams of the German officers as we used their wounds to torture them'.
The lesson I learnt about war on that anniversary was very clear. Never try to dress it up, never pretend to 'celebrate' it. All war is hell.
The Day after D-Day
Its been impossible to ignore the D-Day 'Celebrations' over the last few weeks, and quite rightly so, and incredible feat of human endeavour and the beginning of the end of Fascism on the Western battle front.
But, as always, I have my issues with the way war is remembered, and only half of the story I told. I have seen no end of interviews with plucky 90 year olds, rightly proud and rightly moved by the memories. But I've yet to see a single interview with a German soldier.
They were there too. They too were mostly conscripts, they too watched as tens of thousands of their friends were killed.
I went to see the film, 'Saving Private Ryan' when it first came out, and I happened to take with me my German friend Uli. I came out, stirred, moved, shocked by the film - probably one of the most visceral exercises in capturing the horrors of the experience of D-Day ever made. My German friend was equally horrified and visually upset by the film. In the story, the Germans are just dots to be killed in the distance, the only one with any characterisation turns out to be a baddy. 'No wonder so many English don't like the Germans' said Uli 'Our Grandparents were just evil in your eyes, not fully human'.
Just as the Nazi leaders turned Jews into non-persons, and so allowed them to be exterminated as less than human - we must never turn our enemies into non-persons. Its a very dangerous game to play, especially during an age of increased nationalism and extremism. I would have loved to hear the voices of those Germans who face our troops on D-Day. They are people too. And 70 years on, that is perhaps the most important lesson that we need to learn from our shared history.
But, as always, I have my issues with the way war is remembered, and only half of the story I told. I have seen no end of interviews with plucky 90 year olds, rightly proud and rightly moved by the memories. But I've yet to see a single interview with a German soldier.
They were there too. They too were mostly conscripts, they too watched as tens of thousands of their friends were killed.
I went to see the film, 'Saving Private Ryan' when it first came out, and I happened to take with me my German friend Uli. I came out, stirred, moved, shocked by the film - probably one of the most visceral exercises in capturing the horrors of the experience of D-Day ever made. My German friend was equally horrified and visually upset by the film. In the story, the Germans are just dots to be killed in the distance, the only one with any characterisation turns out to be a baddy. 'No wonder so many English don't like the Germans' said Uli 'Our Grandparents were just evil in your eyes, not fully human'.
Just as the Nazi leaders turned Jews into non-persons, and so allowed them to be exterminated as less than human - we must never turn our enemies into non-persons. Its a very dangerous game to play, especially during an age of increased nationalism and extremism. I would have loved to hear the voices of those Germans who face our troops on D-Day. They are people too. And 70 years on, that is perhaps the most important lesson that we need to learn from our shared history.
Friday, 23 May 2014
The Horror behind 'Boko Haram'
'Boko Haram', the terror group responsible for the kidnap of over 200 girls in North East Nigeria, will be defeated. And tonight at Sunderland Minster, I saw the reason why. The 'Wearside Women in Need' and African Women's Support group organised a prayer vigil, to remember the plight of the girls and their families.
The vigil was marked by strong and brave women, many from Africa, who wanted to pray for those caught up in the horror of the kidnapping - but were determined to argue for the fundamental right to women's education in Nigeria and throughout the world.
'Boko Haram' simply means 'Western Education is forbidden' in the Hause Language. They set themselves up in 2002 and since they began large scale military actions in 2009, have killed 1000's of people, including 173 teachers as they attack schools where women are being educated.
They have killed far more Muslims than Christians, as they terrorise the population with a barbaric, fundamentalist form of Islam.
But their actions have caused a huge global wave of anger and disgust from Christians, Muslims and all who value human life. And women are at the forefront of the resistance to these men of violence.
Patriarchal violence is real and horrific, but it is destined to fail. Women are now stronger and more determined than ever to resist oppression. As I witnessed tonight in the Minster and as testified world over - sisterhood is on the up, and even groups like Boko Haram will wither and die in the coming decades.
But in the mean time, while we still have to live with these atrocities in our midst, our cry goes out: 'Bring Back our Girls'
The vigil was marked by strong and brave women, many from Africa, who wanted to pray for those caught up in the horror of the kidnapping - but were determined to argue for the fundamental right to women's education in Nigeria and throughout the world.
'Boko Haram' simply means 'Western Education is forbidden' in the Hause Language. They set themselves up in 2002 and since they began large scale military actions in 2009, have killed 1000's of people, including 173 teachers as they attack schools where women are being educated.
They have killed far more Muslims than Christians, as they terrorise the population with a barbaric, fundamentalist form of Islam.
But their actions have caused a huge global wave of anger and disgust from Christians, Muslims and all who value human life. And women are at the forefront of the resistance to these men of violence.
Patriarchal violence is real and horrific, but it is destined to fail. Women are now stronger and more determined than ever to resist oppression. As I witnessed tonight in the Minster and as testified world over - sisterhood is on the up, and even groups like Boko Haram will wither and die in the coming decades.
But in the mean time, while we still have to live with these atrocities in our midst, our cry goes out: 'Bring Back our Girls'
Tuesday, 13 May 2014
The Liberated Methodists of Thornaby!
I took a wonderful trip to Thornaby on Tees today to visit the Methodist Community Church near the town centre. It was a glorious revelation. Over the last 10 years, the church had strived to really get behind the local people, and when you walk in, you soon realise that this is a very different experience of Church.
Nurtured by Roberto and Suzie from Brazil, Liberation Theology is lived out in practise. I met people who were supporting 'Thrive', a campaigning group struggling against debt and doorstep lending; I saw the church hall converted into a gigantic children's play area, and happy families having a good climb together; I saw a beautiful modern chapel apparently often filled by local folk at the 50 baptisms they have a year - a service involving bubbles and friendship!
The congregation are looking to secure their development as a centre for contextual liberation theology well into the future, and are preparing for a period without a minister following the decision of the Methodist Church to move Berto down to the South coast.
They are in a good place to continue their impressive work - with a leadership team enthused about liberation Theology, and packed full of skilled and gifted individuals.
I know a lot about having to leave places you love, and it will be tough on Berto and his family. However, the Holy Spirit continues to bless whatever is left behind in love. They can move on confident that they leave an empowered group of people hungry to serve the local community, determined to live out the kingdom of God.
Let us hope that the local Methodist circuit recognises the gift that churches like this are, and nurtures and supports them over the period of transition to come. Peace, prayers and blessings to all in Thornaby Community Church!
Nurtured by Roberto and Suzie from Brazil, Liberation Theology is lived out in practise. I met people who were supporting 'Thrive', a campaigning group struggling against debt and doorstep lending; I saw the church hall converted into a gigantic children's play area, and happy families having a good climb together; I saw a beautiful modern chapel apparently often filled by local folk at the 50 baptisms they have a year - a service involving bubbles and friendship!
The congregation are looking to secure their development as a centre for contextual liberation theology well into the future, and are preparing for a period without a minister following the decision of the Methodist Church to move Berto down to the South coast.
They are in a good place to continue their impressive work - with a leadership team enthused about liberation Theology, and packed full of skilled and gifted individuals.
I know a lot about having to leave places you love, and it will be tough on Berto and his family. However, the Holy Spirit continues to bless whatever is left behind in love. They can move on confident that they leave an empowered group of people hungry to serve the local community, determined to live out the kingdom of God.
Let us hope that the local Methodist circuit recognises the gift that churches like this are, and nurtures and supports them over the period of transition to come. Peace, prayers and blessings to all in Thornaby Community Church!
Gary Barlow - Tax That! Under taxed and over rated!
The news that David Cameron and that odd little mayor in London agree that 'Gary' should not have to give back his OBE comes as very little surprise. Mr Barlow is a Tory supporter - and a rich one at that. 50 million copies of his records have been sold, and Take That regularly beat their own box office records for tour sales. He made over £4 million for simply appearing in a few seasons of X-Factor.
Gary Barlow is big business, and when has Cameron and his cronies ever pursued big business for their taxes? After all, he does an awful lot of work for charity. He is the boy made good, the one the queen turns to when she wants to organise a party.
So why not let him invest millions in a scheme that is designed to produced over £300 million in 'losses' to offset his income so that he can pay much less tax? Isn't that just what rich people do?
Perhaps if rich folk like Gary actually paid their taxes, then they wouldn't have to climb Kilimanjaro to raise money for Children in Need. Perhaps our children wouldn't be 'in need' if there were decent public services paid for through progressive taxation, and people like Gary actually shared some of their wealth with the million folk who bought tickets for his last tour.
Under taxed and over rated. Don't just give back your OBE Gary - give back your Gold Blue Peter badge while you are at it. You are a tax dodging disgrace.
Gary Barlow is big business, and when has Cameron and his cronies ever pursued big business for their taxes? After all, he does an awful lot of work for charity. He is the boy made good, the one the queen turns to when she wants to organise a party.
So why not let him invest millions in a scheme that is designed to produced over £300 million in 'losses' to offset his income so that he can pay much less tax? Isn't that just what rich people do?
Perhaps if rich folk like Gary actually paid their taxes, then they wouldn't have to climb Kilimanjaro to raise money for Children in Need. Perhaps our children wouldn't be 'in need' if there were decent public services paid for through progressive taxation, and people like Gary actually shared some of their wealth with the million folk who bought tickets for his last tour.
Under taxed and over rated. Don't just give back your OBE Gary - give back your Gold Blue Peter badge while you are at it. You are a tax dodging disgrace.
Thursday, 8 May 2014
Sunderland - Miracles can happen!
I've been pondering the nature of miracles of late. My football team have recently performed a feat that their manager, Gus Poyet, has called a miracle.
Sunderland were residing at the bottom of the Premier League table from the beginning of the season, while the fascist Di Canio screamed at the players and support staff, team moral and league positions hit new lows. A new manager gave new hope, and a trip to Wembley and two derby victories over local rivals Newcastle proved encouraging. Even so, a month ago Sunderland lay 7 points adrift at the bottom of the table - with seemingly impossible games to win. Away games at Chelsea and Manchester United meant an inescapable plunge into the Championship League below.
Then it all started to change. Connor Wickham was brought back from a loaned period and started scoring goals. First a draw to Man City, then a record breaking win against Chelsea on their home turf, followed by a trouncing of Cardiff. Beating Man United at their grounds in Old Trafford was a staggering achievement, and then, to seal the deal on the great escape - beating West Brom 2-0 last night.
13 points out of a possible 15 has left them high and dry. Sunderland will live on to enjoy another season in the English Premier League, one of the most exciting sporting events in the world. Phew.
Earlier in the day, I'd been on BBC television (they like a vicar who wears a red and white dog collar) and was asked whether I believed miracles can happen. In a bit of the interview not shown on the news, I explained that God worked his miracles through people. Through Jesus, through the disciples, through the small boy who shared his food at the feeding of the five thousand. God's miracles were worked out through people like Mother Theresa, Oscar Romero, Tutu, Mandela and the couple round the corner who run the youth group. God has entrusted miracles to us. In our hands is the power to change and improve the world through acts of love, compassion, mercy and devotion.
Their comes a time when people believe that faith can move mountains. The players at Sunderland regained their belief in themselves. They found a faith that made what seemed impossible, possible.
So yes. I do believe in miracles. And whilst I'm thrilled that Sunderland have stayed up, I'd be more thrilled by people regaining the belief that poverty could be eradicated, that companies could behave ethically, that governments could build up the common good and not destroy it. We need more miracles in these modern times. And the miracles are in our hands.
Sunderland were residing at the bottom of the Premier League table from the beginning of the season, while the fascist Di Canio screamed at the players and support staff, team moral and league positions hit new lows. A new manager gave new hope, and a trip to Wembley and two derby victories over local rivals Newcastle proved encouraging. Even so, a month ago Sunderland lay 7 points adrift at the bottom of the table - with seemingly impossible games to win. Away games at Chelsea and Manchester United meant an inescapable plunge into the Championship League below.
Then it all started to change. Connor Wickham was brought back from a loaned period and started scoring goals. First a draw to Man City, then a record breaking win against Chelsea on their home turf, followed by a trouncing of Cardiff. Beating Man United at their grounds in Old Trafford was a staggering achievement, and then, to seal the deal on the great escape - beating West Brom 2-0 last night.
13 points out of a possible 15 has left them high and dry. Sunderland will live on to enjoy another season in the English Premier League, one of the most exciting sporting events in the world. Phew.
Earlier in the day, I'd been on BBC television (they like a vicar who wears a red and white dog collar) and was asked whether I believed miracles can happen. In a bit of the interview not shown on the news, I explained that God worked his miracles through people. Through Jesus, through the disciples, through the small boy who shared his food at the feeding of the five thousand. God's miracles were worked out through people like Mother Theresa, Oscar Romero, Tutu, Mandela and the couple round the corner who run the youth group. God has entrusted miracles to us. In our hands is the power to change and improve the world through acts of love, compassion, mercy and devotion.
Their comes a time when people believe that faith can move mountains. The players at Sunderland regained their belief in themselves. They found a faith that made what seemed impossible, possible.
So yes. I do believe in miracles. And whilst I'm thrilled that Sunderland have stayed up, I'd be more thrilled by people regaining the belief that poverty could be eradicated, that companies could behave ethically, that governments could build up the common good and not destroy it. We need more miracles in these modern times. And the miracles are in our hands.
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