Archbishop was 'un-Christian' in woman bishops campaign

Possible contenders                             Photo: The Independent

Early in his occupancy of the seat of St Augustine it was said that Rowan Williams should have had a minder to avoid him saying things that he understood but others did not. Flip forward to his appearance at the Hay Festival having vacated Canterbury and we have: "Rowan Williams today told a Hay audience that the argument [over women bishops] was a “weight to me as it is to many” but admitted he was glad to find himself with more time to, “turn into a Christian again”.

Intended or not the implication is that the women bishops argument has everything to do with politics and nothing to do with being a Christian. This has been confirmed by the revelation that the current incumbent, despite his impeccable 'mediation' credentials, is determined to see that feminism triumphs over Christianity even if it means asking the Queen to dissolve the Church of England’s General Synod if it continues to oppose the creation of women bishops.

Rowan Williams earned a great deal of derision after he appeared to back the introduction of sharia law in Britain arguing that adopting some of its aspects seemed "unavoidable". Justin Welby continues along this road appearing to be blind to the different attitude of Muslims when they are in a minority compared with how they behave when they have the upper hand. [See previous entry.] In fact our bishops seem far better disposed towards Muslims than to faithful Anglicans who simply want to practice their faith as they have done for decades before the liberal majority exercised their power. 

Pakistani-born scholar the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali knows a thing or two about these things. Read here what he has to say about Muslim aggression and capitulating to secularism. 

Woolwich response: Deceptive, stupid or just plain ignorant?

A Baghdad church. More 'religion of peace' images here

It is entirely understandable that the authorities would want to avoid a backlash after the random, callous murder of an innocent British soldier in Woolwich. Less understandable is the response of the Prime Minister who defended Islam saying that it was "a betrayal of Islam" and "there is nothing in Islam that justifies this truly dreadful act" while his Deputy quoted from the Koran in apparent ignorance that one verse can be abrogated by another or another verse used as justification for acts of terror: [Remember] when your Lord inspired to the angels, "I am with you, so strengthen those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved, so strike [them] upon the necks and strike from them every fingertip." [8:12]. Clegg said that the unspeakable act “flies in the face of the peace and love that Islam teaches” as he paid special tribute to London's Muslim community. Is he blind to what is happening around the world? Where is that 'peace and love' in Muslim dominated countries where Christians are leaving in droves in fear of their lives and their churches razed to the ground? 

Recent census figures clearly illustrate that Christianity in this country is on the wane while Islam is increasing rapidly, particularly among the young, giving rise to the prediction: “In another 20 years there are going to be more active Muslims than there are churchgoers”. The unwarranted glorification of Islam as the 'religion of peace' helps to validate a supremacist ideology encouraging more people to assume that there is nothing to fear from Islam, contrary to evidence worldwide. The perpetrators of the latest atrocity are believed to be of Nigerian descent, a country ravaged by Islamism. All should be aware of what is happening in Nigeria. Read  The Supremacist's Ideology Of Islam which explains 'ISLAM’S CLAIM FOR PEACE'.

Attempts to separate religion from its Islamist ideology are futile because the ideology dictates a way of life which elevates Muslims above Christians and Jews which has already resulted in the 'cleansing' of Islamic countries. If Messrs Cameron and Clegg are ignorant of this process around the world there is plenty of evidence available. They could start here by reading 'Islam and Extremism: What is Underneath' after picking up the basic differences between Islam and other religions here. 

With fear of possible reprisals it is not surprising that Muslims have gone to great lengths to distance themselves from this atrocity. Westernised Muslims may indeed be sincere in their condemnation but their motives can never be guaranteed because their religion sanctions dishonesty, taqiyya, in defense of Islam. 

The victim card is already being played, even in Cairo [here] where the persecution of Coptic Christians in Egypt is well documented. Conscious of requests for calm I effectively imposed self censorship in pondering whether to make this entry but the more I read the more absurd our position has become in making Islam untouchable at the expense of Chritianity in a supposedly Christian country. It is being defended as a sacred religion of peace enabling Islamism to gain ground because people are not given the full facts and accused of Islamophobia for daring to raise legitimate questions. In an article for the Observer Dr Matthew Goodwin, an associate professor at the University of Nottingham who advises the government on tackling race hatred wrote:

"Many have suggested that the events in Woolwich have fuelled a wave of public hostility towards British Muslims and Islam more generally. But our findings, based on a YouGov survey undertaken within 24 hours of the attack, suggest that the picture is both more complex and more positive.

First, we find some evidence to suggest that, in the aftermath of these tragic events, Britons were more likely to think positively about community relations. There are some challenging results, such as the finding that the number of citizens who think that conflict between groups is "largely inevitable" has risen by seven points to 40%, or that agreement with the suggestion that there will be a serious clash between British Muslims 
and white Britons has also risen, by nine points to 59%. But these buck the broader trend.

Compared with last year, when we ran the same survey, people are now either just as likely, or more likely, to endorse a series of more positive statements: that Muslims are compatible with the national way of life; are good citizens; make important contributions to society; and share British culture and values." [My emphasis - Ed.]

A measured response is essential but it is a grave error of judgement to take a head-in-the-sand view that Islam can be judged by Christian standards. If it is a 'religion of peace' why are there so many conflicts around the world involving Muslims? The fact the Muslims are fighting other Muslims is not an excuse for turning a blind eye to the threat. The Government has been busily discarding Christian values creating a spiritual vacuum that on current trends will be filled by Islam, an ideology that justifies not only the oppression of non-believers but death for apostasy. This is a dangerous strategy. Compare the statement at the end of the previous paragraph with this statement taken from the link at the end of the second paragraph:

"Even though Muslims claim their religion preaches peace, a critical observation shows that this is far from the truth.

As long as a Muslim population in a given area, community or Country is below 2%, they regard themselves as a peace-loving people who do not pose a threat to other citizens.

At 2%-5% Muslims begin to proselytize other disaffected ethnic minorities and groups often recruiting from the jails and street gangs. This is the case in about 5 Countries as you can see.

COUNTRY / MUSLIM %

Denmark / 2%

Germany / 3.7%

United Kingdom / 2.7%

Spain / 4%

Thailand / 4.6%"

Not only Government Ministers but religious leaders are following the line that such acts as witnessed in Woolwich have no place in Islam but the leadership of the church today has more to do with politics than defending Christian orthodoxy. By adding their validation of a religious ideology that seeks our extinction what hope can there be? Even if Islamist violence were not the reality that it is, Christians are supposed to believe that there is only one way to the Father and that is through Christ. If we lose that conviction we are already lost to the so-called 'religion of peace' under Islam. 

Perhaps there is some comfort in getting old after all - but what of our children and our children's children? If this pretence continues it will be too late to turn the tide. We need honesty based on world wide evidence, not blinkered denial. Ignoring legitimate concerns serves only to encourage rather than discourage elements in society looking for an excuse to take matters into their own hands. That must be avoided. Honesty must be the best policy.

The Dean of Llandaff resignation saga

Photo: Church Times

The reason for the Dean of Llandaff's resignation after only two months in post is as obscure now as it was when the announcement was made. At the time the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, said that he would be making no further comment. Dr Morgan has commented in the June edition of the Llandaff Parish Magazine, The Bell, but there is no further clarity. He writes:

"... In the few weeks she [Janet Henderson] had been in our midst, she had, I know, endeared herself to many people. I also know that many of you had made her feel very welcome. Nevertheless, at a time such as this, one of the questions we, as a cathedral community as a whole, need to ask of ourselves is, what is it about our corporate life that can lead to a situation such as this? There are no easy or facile answers to that question but it is a question that we need to address. 

In the meantime, I ask you to remember Janet and Dave in your prayers. I also ask for your prayers for me as the Bishop and Archbishop as I ponder about what to do next...."

Speculation has revolved around a spat with members of the choir, since denied, and absurd mischief making about opposition to women, still perpetuated in the Thinking Anglicans blog despite the numerous women in the diocese and this comment from a parishioner: "...There are intransigent problems with Llandaff that have arisen since 2000, due to previous appointments. [...] comments are singularly ill-informed, since the congregation - contrary to his picture of "rampant congregationalism" - actually have very little say in the running of the place. Any institution that lives wildly beyond its means and invests in white elephants whilst ignoring the pastoral needs of its congregation - and its wider mission - deserves to fail. ..." 

While this may suggest local infighting, the silence of the Archbishop and the former Dean suggests a personal spat followed by an agreement to say nothing. I am pleased to report that Dean Henderson has wisely moved on but what of the Cathedral, the diocese and the Church in Wales?

Dr Morgan poses the question: What is it about our [Cathedral] corporate life that can lead to a situation such as this? 

The Church in Wales Review [VIII] recommended  that The distinctive role of each cathedral as a centre of excellence should be fully integrated into the mission and ministry strategy of its Diocese. 

Commenting the Archbishop wrote:

"It makes clear, what we know already, that any cathedral is central to the life of the diocese in which it is set. Llandaff Cathedral as well as being a parish church is a place (like any other church, but with a special responsibility for it) of welcome, hospitality and friendship.  The Cathedral extends this to all the parishes of the diocese because it is  the diocesan church par excellence.  That dual role could lead to a conflict between the needs of parish and diocese.  That should never be the case, but rather should be embraced as a glorious opportunity to minister not just to the local community (the parish) but to the wider family of the diocese as well.  

That is why it is the Bishop’s church, the place where he has his chair – the place, in other words, where he has his home but the place from which he exercises oversight over the wider diocesan family.  And, it is in my capacity as Bishop, that I have decided to exercise direct oversight over the Cathedral for the time being." [My emphasis - Ed.]

If the Cathedral is to be truly 'central to the life of the diocese' its 'corporate life' should not be a cause for speculation. What is clear is that under Dr Morgan's watch the Church in Wales is in a downward spiral. His alignment with the discredited Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church is a cause of great concern to orthodox Christians. In asking for our prayers for him as the Bishop and Archbishop as he ponders about what to do next, many will be praying that he will be considering his position, contemplating retirement to leave the way open for a more orthodox leadership based on the Gospel rather than on political popularity.

It's about equality, stupid!

It is Whit Monday! Formerly a public holiday and remaining so in many Christian countries but no longer here in the United Kingdom where we have the Spring Bank Holiday at the end of May. Today sees the return to the Commons of the Marriage (Same-sex Couples) Bill which, I heard a government minister tell the nation on BBC Breakfast time this morning, is all about equality when she clearly does not understand the distinction between equality and sameness or uniformity. This desire to be inclusive has reached the ultimate absurdity reported here where the next coronation is to involve other faiths besides Christianity. No matter that Christianity is under attack around the world, one of the most sacred parts of our British Christian heritage is to be surrendered.

Also today, gnomes are to be allowed for the first time in the Chelsea Flower Show, and why not? Haven't they have been involved in the governance of church and state long enough to deserve equality of recognition with the floral displays that make the Chelsea Flower Show what it is?

Whitsun treat par excellence

"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place" - not in Jerusalem on this occasion but in Swanbridge!

Swanbridge            Photo: Francis Frith

 Three years ago I searched for an image of a typical Whitsun treat. I found just one showing children paddling in a brook. Today I found a gem of a movie. The church is in Cardiff but the Whitsun treat was a trip along the South Wales coast to Swanbridge. Another check revealed that despite the headlined sharp decline in Christianity and advance of Islam, Clive Street Baptist Church is still active, holding their own against seven mosques in their area out of a total of 33 in Cardiff.

 The images in the film convey a different era. Note the orderly conduct. No pushing and shoving compared with today's 'me first' society when heads are bowed over mobile phones rather than in worship. Our churches must take some responsibility for this. Many have ditched the beauty of the old prayer book replacing it with modern, meaningless mumbo jumbo completely at variance with 'other worldly' worship in a vain attempt to be relevant to modern society. Damian Thompson here gives his take on the new detailed analysis of the 2011 census figures and how our attitude to religion has changed. In another wish to modernise, last year USPG changed their name to Us. The Anglican News Service praised the change with the catchy message: Years of traditional mission activity have helped us to realise that there is no ‘us and them’ only an ‘us’. 

This was picked up by the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams. When speaking at the launch, he praised the new name ‘Us’ as being a ‘wonderfully ambiguous and non-specific title’ which is suited to a world in which boundaries constantly shift because it is ‘very difficult to tell where “us” stops and “them” starts’. But it seems to me that there is a new 'them'; it is us, the so-called traditionalists. Acknowledging that the 'Us' launch took place on the day General Synod voted against women bishops, Us Chief Executive Janette O’Neill said: ‘We were concerned that our launch event would be over-shadowed by the sadness of many at the outcome of the vote. But, far from it, my sense was that the launch of Us – with our emphasis on inclusion – was a sign of hope for the future of the Church of England.’ 

Some hope! Commenting recently in his blog about General Synod vacancies The Ugely Vicar wrote "there has been an agenda: defeat the Anglican Covenant, get women bishops, get LGBT inclusion". 

Enjoy the treat. We will not see its like again.

For being a Christian...

... in Saudi Arabia this could be just part of the penalty. 

See reports here, here and here about a Lebanese man who was sentenced to six years in prison and 300 lashes for converting a Muslim woman to Christianity and a Saudi man who was sentenced to two years and 200 lashes for aiding her escape abroad. As severe as these penalties are they are relatively lenient when compared with the possible fatwa induced execution of those in Morocco who renounce Islam even though it is not a crime in that country.

Ideas of justice around the world can be brutal as this rough guide shows but where is the 'justice' in penalties for apostasy in the twenty-first century, especially when advocated in Great Britain? Each new report from around the world induces little reaction other than a shrug of the shoulders with gratitude that it does not happen here but elements of Sharia are increasingly common in this country with Muslims insisting that they have a right to bring up their children in accordance with their own beliefs while living in a Christian country, the exact opposite of what is allowed in Saudi Arabia where public Christian worship is banned and children are taught that Jews and the Christians are enemies of Muslim believers. 

In the video that follows, Richard Dawkins manages to strain an admission from Dr Mohamed Mukadam, the then Chairman of the Association of Muslim Schools, that in Islam  apostasy is dealt with by the death penalty but Dr Mukadam failed to see the connection in what happens in an Islamic country and what happens in Great Britain. The connection is the universal freedom of choice: 

"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Article 18

Bedroom tax tragedy

"Bedroom Tax victim commits suicide: Grandmother Stephanie Bottrill blames government in tragic note."  This is one of the saddest stories I have read lately. The Samaritans, quoted here, said: "Although a catalyst may appear to be obvious, suicide is never the result of a single factor or event and is likely to have several inter-related causes." Nevertheless this case highlights the difficulties experienced by vulnerable people in implementing what others regard as fair policies.

From Window Tax to Bedroom Tax, what might appear to be a bright idea to one is another's nightmare. The wealthy simply paid someone to brick up windows to avoid paying window tax but where do the poor get the money to knock down walls to make two bedrooms into one, even if they were allowed to? There is a real injustice here. 

What is so unreasonable about having a spare bedroom or two after your children have moved out? Do they not need somewhere to stay when they and their children visit, or is that a privilege reserved for the wealthy? And what if they are sick? It is far more cost effective to have a carer stay than fill a bed in our over-stretched hospitals. This scheme is sold as one of fairness but if a wealth tax is unfair because it could result in old ladies being forced out of their homes, how is it fairer that poor old ladies are forced out of theirs?

Stephanie Bottrill's neighbour said: “She spoke to us over the fence and said they’d offered her three places; one was a flat which was no good to her because of her condition, one was in Shirley and wasn’t near a bus stop, and another was in Alton, further away. I think, because she loved her garden, the thought of moving away from her friends and into something like a one-bed bungalow has had that effect.”

Would you want to leave your house and garden for a one bedroom property, if one could be found, in a different community, and expect your family to find hotel accommodation when visiting or caring in times of illness? I wouldn't. An Englishman's home used to be his castle. Now it is dependent on status. This has all the makings of the coalition's Poll Tax.

Dean of Llandaff resigns - Part 2

Regardless of one's views on the ordination of women it is very sad that the new Dean of Llandaff's dream appointment turned sour in such a short space of time but that has not stopped commentators such as those on Thinking Anglicans making political capital out of the resignation, the reason for which is unknown. This sad situation was not helped by Church in Wales 'sources' making the claim: "Church in Wales sources have told WalesOnline that Dean Henderson had had “a “difficult time” since her appointment, with some clergy resenting the appointment of a woman." Women clergy are present at all levels in the Church in Wales other than bishop which failed to gain the approval of their Governing Body. See the Diocese of Llandaff here and here. 

The media have strung together bits and pieces from the initial story to put their own spin on it. The Sun highlights the row about chorister fees [since denied by the CinW - Ed] while The Times in its online preview states "No explanation was given, but Llandaff is known as an Anglo-Catholic heartland and Church sources indicated that as a woman she might have had a difficult time."  That Llandaff is known as an Anglo-Catholic heartland will come as a surprise to many including the Archbishop who has done more than most to change the Church in Wales into a club for like-minded liberals.

It is reported in the Church Times that a spokeswoman for the Church in Wales said that Dr Morgan would be making no further comment. Given his track record, if resentment at the appointment of a woman were the reason, on past performance he would have made considerable capital out of the situation so his silence suggests that he is somehow implicated. 

The May edition of the Llandaff Parish magazine, The Bell, lists 29 recommendations for action on the sustainability of the Cathedral and its development. Reading through the recommendations there is a suggestion of years of neglect with Dean Henderson being the fall guy. To the recommendations she added her own areas of importance: "excellence of worship, good all age Christian education, support and training for staff and the exploration of the riches that are present in our archives and on site. I also see a great deal of opportunity to develop our musical and artistic life and to be in partnership with schools, colleges and universities" which makes one wonder if anyone at a senior level has done anything other than pursue a political agenda in recent years.  

The recommendations listed in The Bell and in the Church in Wales Review (Recommendation VIII) emphasise the importance of Cathedrals as centres of excellence. The Archbishop has constantly pushed for Llandaff to be the Archiepiscopal See. To put this in perspective figures issued recently show that Llandaff Cathedral with Epstein's Majestas and £1.5 million organ attracts around 40,000 visitors a year. By contrast as a place of pilgrimage St David's Cathedral in Pembrokeshire attracts 262,000 visitors!

Janet Henderson's farewell sermon in St Mary's Richmond in January this year makes interesting reading in retrospect, particularly these quotes: "Or maybe God does speak to us directly, just occasionally. Perhaps when we are very far away from God or in great distress."..." There is nothing we can do to make God speak to us. We can only expect and hope that God might. We can hold ourselves open to hear and to act on what we hear." ... "You can always recognise a person who listens and talks with God. You can always tell a church where lots of the members are engaged in doing this." - Or not?

Postscript

This interesting comment from a Llandaff parishioner has appeared on the Thinking Anglicans site:

"Former Dean Janet was welcomed by the parishioners at Llandaff - it's a parish church as well as a cathedral - and many were impressed by her personal warmth and commonsense approach.

Her resignation has stunned many, but the gender issues claimed in statements by "Church sources" are probably not the main cause of this. There are intransigent problems with Llandaff that have arisen since 2000, due to previous appointments. Keith Kimber's comments are singularly ill-informed, since the congregation - contrary to his picture of "rampant congregationalism" - actually have very little say in the running of the place.

Any institution that lives wildly beyond its means and invests in white elephants whilst ignoring the pastoral needs of its congregation - and its wider mission - deserves to fail. It is probable that Janet recognised this at a very early stage. Regrettably, we will now be denied her vision and energy. However she quickly realised the unfortunate truth of Llandaff's parlous position and we will now have to fend for ourselves.

Posted by: Landavian on Saturday, 11 May 2013 at 10:49pm BST"

Dean of Llandaff resigns

A Press Release from the Church in Wales has announced the shock resignation of the new Dean of Llandaff after only two months in the post, hardly enough time for the paint to dry on the Deanery walls. The fact that the Archbishop has asked the Archdeacon of Llandaff, the Venerable Peggy Jackson to "have necessary oversight of the Cathedral on his behalf, until a new Dean is appointed" appears to contradict the assertion here that  some clergy resented the appointment of a woman.

From the Dales to Wales must rank as one of the saddest journeys in the Church in Wales' history. If it were true that some clergy resented the appointment of a woman, why appoint a woman to be temporary Dean in her place? The Archbishop could have resumed his role as temporary Dean if a problem were perceived in not appointing the senior Chapter member to the post. The real problem is Dr Morgan himself. I understand that Dean Henderson is not the first import to find her position impossible, the exceptions being the Archdeacon herself and the Ass Bishop, apparently in a world of his own with most of the clergy content to leave him there. On the other hand 'Peggy pilot' is said to be likeable and competent but the ordination of women is not about 'can' but 'should'. What Dean Henderson may not have realised is that ministry in Wales is all about the Archbishop's 'Ministry of Women' which  has more to do with politics than the Gospel.

A rumour circulating in Llandaff has the Ass Bishop taking up the soon to be vacant post of Bishop of Monmouth leaving the way open for ++ Barry to appoint the first female Bishop as Assistant Bishop in Llandaff if he can persuade the Governing Body to do his bidding. Even if that had a shred of truth it should be a dead duck now. 

It will be interesting to see what further details emerge.

He ascended into heaven

Pietro Perugino 1496-98 The Ascension of Christ

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11

Today's top story

I am not a soccer fan, nevertheless I understand why so many fans are wrapped-up in the 'beautiful game' which allows a degree of escapism from the trials of life but I despair that it dominates the news when matters of substance affecting the lives of people should make the headlines. 

Having endured the extended deference to Sir Alex Ferguson's impending retirement at lunch-time I thought that gesticulating George may have offered a more balanced presentation on the BBC's News at Six, but no, it was Sir Alex Ferguson's retiremant again. Soccer is portrayed as the beautiful game despite the disgusting example of over-paid players spreading germs not only by constantly spitting but by evacuating their nasal cavities onto the pitch, a habit that has become the norm along with having to drink excessive amounts of water at every conceivable opportunity. So as far as I am concerned the less exposure the better.

Normalisation was also the process highlighted in today's second story, the State opening of Parliament. Yesterday we absorbed the news that Charles would represent the Queen at the Commonwealth Conference in gesticulating George's home country of Sri Lanka and that Charles would have a more prominent role in future so here he was with Camilla his former mistress  being prepared to act as consort despite all the denials that accompanied their establishment as a couple after the death of Princess Diana, rather like the denials that accompanied the appointment of women priests then bishops - just give it time!

Afterwards came reports of abduction, murder and abuse with the obligatory gut-churning statements before what appeared to be almost an afterthought when some time was given at the end of the bulletin to the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest continuous campaign of WW2 which ensured our survival and enabled us to watch events unfold now as a free country, sadly in decline, not through war but through total indifference.

Thank God for all those who gave their lives so that we are free to endure the trivia that has become all important today.

Two wrongs make a right - eventually!

Bevin Boys - from BBC Wales History

Members of the Irish Defence Forces during the Second World War. (© UTV)

Two images, both of sacrifice unrecognised, until now. 

The 'Bevin Boys' had a long struggle to be recognised for their contribution to the war effort. Their story is told here. Personally I would have preferred to take my chances with the enemy than work underground, a story I recall hearing from others. 

Less familiar - ignorance would be a better description - is the story of the thousands of Irish soldiers who joined the British Army only to be branded as 'deserters' and those who returned home denied their civil rights. For them a long overdue pardon and our grateful thanks for the undeserved misery they endured.

The beauty of Orthodoxy

A very happy and blessed Easter to all my Orthodox readers.

Dialogue of death

Telegraph: "Yes, those are real skulls" (Photo: CNS)

Recent news articles in the aftermath of the Boston bombings suggest, if not a willful blindness, then a worrying degree of myopia in dialogue with Islam. Damian Thompson carries this account, "Martyred for Christ: 800 victims of Islamic violence who will become saints this month" describing the cathedral of Otranto in southern Italy which is decorated with the skulls of 800 Christian townsfolk beheaded by Ottoman soldiers in 1480. The killings go on.

The Religion & Ethics Blog carries a dialogue on Muslim Antiterrorism in which it is claimed that online predators "misinterpret the religion [Islam] to give it a violent ideology". Vatican Radio carries a report here on Islam and Christianity in Europe. Dialogue is fine; it is praiseworthy that a solution is being sought but it does not address the real problem which is a militant ideology which conflicts with Christianity. Read about it HERE in Death to Churches Under Islam: A Study of the Coptic Church.

Where Muslims are in a minority they are happy to talk while they build bigger and grander mosques. At the same time others are busy injecting a Muslim way of life into communities. Meanwhile in countries where they are in the majority churches are being torn down and Christians persecuted and killed for being Christians. Read here and here how the 'Arab spring' has given way to a Christian winter. Muslim Persecution of Christians continues around the world while in Great Britain we surrender the Christian faith at the earliest opportunity validating other faiths to be 'inclusive' as the Rt Rev John Pritchard put it in 2011 with regard to Church of England schools. Close on his heels came the Rt Rev Nick Baines with the view: Church of England schools are established primarily for the communities they are located in. They are inclusive and serve equally those who are of the Christian faith, of other faiths and of no faith. - "Give me a child until he is seven and I will show you the man"!

Church and State appear to be oblivious to what is going on in the world around us. Here is query from a Muslim asking, 'is it OK to teach in a catholic school' with 'the Ruling on teaching in a Christian school' given by Shaykh Muhammad Saalih al-Munajjid whom I take to be the same as the person giving his views here. In any event, in Saudi Arabia the situation is dealt with simply by the state, Christian churches are banned! Meanwhile we yield more and more ground validating an ideology that is contrary to the Christian belief that there is only one way to the Father.

The changing face of Anglican clergy

As another woman is appointed to a senior post in the Church of England the Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Revd Christopher Hill, said "Dean Gwilliams stood out from the rest"! 

No gold jewelry in evidence but the hair style must have afforded plenty of opportunity to demonstrate the unfading beauty of the inner self.