Reflecting on two recent Anglican conferences, Archbishop Phillip Aspinall explores how we can live in harmony with ourselves and others: “How can we live in harmony as one church when we have deep convictions that seem to be directly opposed to each other?”
“Those years in the Modern Poets were enormously formative, to both our identities and faith. An unshakeable belief in the positive place of faith and the Church in the public space was born,” says musician Jonathan Sargeant, as he reflects on his formative years as a band member in the 1980s
At baptisms, weddings and funerals, clergy have a unique opportunity to engage with people who do not usually go to church, as they honour the lives of people in various stages of their life journeys – clergy from throughout the Diocese share their insights on how to write special occasion wedding, baptism and funeral sermons that connect
“Who says the Church must always look this particular way, or that worship must always be done like this, or that our reading of the text is the correct one, or that the answer we’ve already decided is the right one is actually right?” ponders Bishop Jeremy Greaves
From a personal perspective, I like the idea that I’m self-sufficient and smart enough to solve my own problems. Admitting I need help means being vulnerable and this can be deeply uncomfortable, especially for an introvert like me. Based on conversations I’ve had, I think parish clergy and lay leaders have similar concerns. If we admit that everything isn’t peachy, what will people think of us?” explores Dr Stephen Harrison
“As a Church, our values have emerged from the Christian stories. So knowing our stories helps keep us grounded and consistent in our values. Do we know our stories as well as we know the associated values?” asks Bishop John Roundhill
“From my experience of two years of retirement, I have found the book’s six key points to hold true,” says Bishop Bill Ray, blending personal experience with commentary on this insightful book
“The political, religious and cultural zeitgeist of Portugal during the period of the first World War is captured in a way that brings a depth of understanding to the way these children are treated,” says anglican focus film reviewer Jonathan Sargeant on Fatima, which is currently showing in cinemas
“Lectio divina just means ‘divine reading’ – it means above all a slow, reflective reading of scripture and can be compared to allowing the words of scripture to gently dissolve in our hearts and minds. It is the spiritual version of ‘slow food’,” says The Rev’d Penny Jones as she takes us through how to practise this ancient form of contemplative prayer as a group
“If he wanted to annoy rather than inspire, then the Oscar is his,” says movie reviewer Jonathan Sargeant of Todd Phillips’ recently released Joker