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Saturday 26 January 2019

Costa Compostela





As the above letter indicates, there are 'a few' surplus seats left on the plane the Church in Wales' DBF has chartered to fly the bishop of Llandaff and her clergy team on a 'pilgrimage' to the Roman Catholic shrine of Santiago de Compostela. No doubt most of the walking involved will be to the bar and back.

Anyone wishing to avail themselves of this magnanimous offer should note their pariah status. This is not an invitation to join the clergy school. In fact those wishing to benefit from the 'mini pilgrimage' are cautioned against booking accommodation at Hospederia de San Martin de Pinario.

One can see the sense of this from jolly June's perspective. She will not welcome outsiders injecting a sense of reason into the proceedings, neither will she want any witnesses to the après school activities, particularly from retired clergy who may have a somewhat jaundiced view from her perspective of the direction the modern Church in Wales is taking.

What does this caper cost? If 45 surplus seats @ £350 per seat are taken up, that nets £15,750 to offset the cost which has not been revealed but a guesstimate of the total cost is possible.

The Hospederia has 81 rooms. Taking two to a room that equals a maximum of 162 places plus around 45 surplus plane places

Llandaff diocese lists over 200 clergy, some of whom are retired. Wikipedia shows 105 paid clergy. With non-stipendiary clergy  let us assume a 200 seat plane at £350 per seat. That amounts to £70,000 just for the flight. Adding estimates for food and accommodation the total cost is likely to be in excess of £100,000.

From the Llandaff site: "This regular clergy school, in May 2019, will be used to train and equip priests to teach and lead pilgrimage in their own communities."

But there are already regular parish pilgrimages in the diocese, particularly to Walsingham. A youth pilgrimage from Llandaff to Walsingham in 2017 cost a mere £140 in comparison.

A project is underway to revive the historic Llandaff to Penrhys pilgrimage route running from Cardiff to the the top of the Rhondda without an expensive jolly to encourage it.

There is a cruel irony in jolly June's jolly to Santiago de Compostela. From James 1:27, "Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: ... to keep oneself unstained by the world", something the bench of bishops signally fails to do, thus lurching the Church into one crisis after another. Better the six bishops went and stayed there.

90 comments:

  1. Hopefully Mr Pockett of the Llandaff Cathedral Stewards will be putting pen to paper to Martin Shipton once more.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Perhaps a less expensive pilgrimage route would be S.David's to Holywell
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01k68gh

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  3. On a recent cruise, we traveled to Southampton via Salisbury. Whilst driving through Salisbury, I jokingly, opened the car window and shouted 'Please take Ms. Osbourne back'. I'm sure I heard the response 'Bugger off'. But it could have been a rush of wind😂

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  4. Caiaphas could have taken them to Santiago in Chile for not much more than £350!

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  5. 105 paid clergy! I am an outsider but I do not understand why no-one is standing up and speaking out about the whole saga. In particular, don't clergy in poorer parts of the diocese not realise how this looks. Off on an all expenses jolly abroad when their parishioners on low pay are reliant on food banks, in many cases, to get by. Sickening.

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  6. With all of the diocesan clergy away on 'Jolly June’s Jolly’ plus the expectation that the second class retired clergy will also go along to help subside this outrageously extravagant enterprise, who does the bishop expect will be looking after the faithful pew sitters back at home? There should be a diocesan wide campaign - ’No clergy, no cash!’ - stop all giving for for that week, and ask for a refund on the quota. Albert

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  7. Utter and total profligate incompetence. Chartering a plane that has significant amount of vacant seats? Come on the schoolkids run the tuck shop better than this. This appeal smacks of utter desperation and blow the congregations!

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  8. Aside from the sheer effrontery of a letter that implores cash contributions from pensioners and then makes it clear that retired clergy will be second class citizens on the trip, there's the extortionate cost of the whole extravagant enterprise.

    Who in their right mind would hand over 3 times the amount of standard air fare to Spain, just to spare the blushes of bishop who's overreached herself and can't fill a plane with grateful sycophants?

    It seems quite clear to me that there's been a shortfall in funding or uptake of this "generous" offer from Marie Antoinette - sorry, June Osborne - so she now needs to solicit funds from those who served the Church faithfully.

    I fully agree with those who say how terrible this looks in a diocese where many people are struggling. Instead of providing leadership and financial help to its people, the Diocese blows £100K on a tour to Spain.

    At this point the moral and spiritual vacuum in Llandaff becomes apparent to everyone. Let's publicise this ridiculous jaunt by a bunch of arrogant, disconnected elitists who pose as leaders of the Church.

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  9. Perhaps this profligacy and running an entirely unnecessary Junket to Spain at a potential £16k loss should be drawn to the attention of the Charity Commissioners?

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  10. I'm amazed that retired clergy aren't being allowed to attend the clergy school. Are they in some way inferior to the clergy on the diocesan payroll, or regarded as in some way suspect? Not that I would have the remotest desire to "join in" any of the dubious "activities" being organised for the participants -- and if I wanted to make a pilgrimage to Santiago, I'd choose almost any other week of the year than the one when the Llandaff sycophants are going to be there.

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  11. Priests on a plane? Surely June knows what happens next!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF3wJlGWDF0

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    Replies
    1. Caiaphas must go!27 January 2019 at 09:39

      I seriously doubt anyone would offer Caiaphas a parachute.

      Delete
    2. The gossip on The Green yesterday suggests Caiaphas isn't getting things all her own way over her Compostela catastrophe amidst major rows with several Clergy.
      With the usual lack of Christian charity, she's cracking a three-line whip.
      Even those whose poor health prevents them otherwise from flying are being ordered to attend her "pilgrimage" of profligacy!

      Delete
    3. From the BBC's Bitesize GCSE notes: "Christians believe pilgrimage can help them develop spiritually and bring them closer to God." - Ummm?

      This is not a pilgrimage. According to a Llandaff diocese note, the clergy school "will be used to train and equip priests to teach and lead pilgrimage in their own communities", something that could be achieved by using a local church hall at minimal expense.

      As for those in poor health, their E111 European Health Insurance Cards will afford no protection after Brexit.

      It is hard to imagine a class dunce coming up with such a profligate scheme that does nothing to draw people closer to God.

      Delete
    4. 1662, anyone being forced to go should make a formal complaint and if they have health problems then raise this with their GP.

      I might be wrong but I don't think any employer can compel staff to undertake this type of extracuricular activity and there should be plenty of fodder for HR lawyers and unions here.

      Also this needs to be reported in the media.

      Delete
    5. Simon, ones GP need not be involved.

      One is able to self-certify oneself for the first week of any illness.
      All employers/organisations (reputable or otherwise) have a legally binding duty of care at all times to their employees/office holders.
      The aforementioned Clergyman is entitled to expect to be placed on "light duties" and/or "short hours" as appropriate and otherwise "reasonable adjustments" to be made to their usual activities whilst at work/in office.

      One imagines that should the aforementioned Clergyman demand a copy of the "travel insurance" cover taken out by the RB/DBF and insist upon informing the Insurer of his pre-existing health issue(s), the said Clergyman might find himself being informed by said Insurers that he isn't covered by their Policy, at which point an appropriately vigorous Harvey Smith gesture can be delivered to Llys Esgobette!

      Delete
    6. If, as you write AncientBriton, a Llandaff Diocesan note says 'the clergy school "will be used to train and equip priests to teach and lead pilgrimage in their own communities"', are we to assume the training and equipment will include sufficient financial resources upon their return to allow each and every one of the clergy to book a private jet "in their communities" also?

      Or are such luxuries reserved solely for the fat cats skimming the cream at the top of the pile who have access to £65k a year unaudited "Discretionary" funds topped up from the collection plates at Ordinations and Confirmations?

      Delete
  12. It would serve her right if not one single seat on her plane of shame was sold.
    Doesn't the arrogant overpaid overweight wife of a multi-millionaire QC coining it in up in the Smoke have any idea of the pittance paid by the Church in Wales to its retired Clergy?

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  13. PP. Well this is a travesty for the CiW. This Jolly at excessive cost. A Bishop on extended leave, and no real reason or comment to worthy laity. Surely the only option is laity to show some bottle and upset the apple cart.

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  14. Con Air is alive and well.
    Will Peggy the Pilate be at the controls with God as her co-Pilot?

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    Replies
    1. If Peggy the Pilate is in the cockpit there won't be any room left for God!

      Delete
  15. Has anyone thought to inform all the funeral directors in the Diocese of Llandaff that there won't be a single Church in Wales member of clergy available to conduct funeral services from 13th to 17th May?

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  16. Hopefully there will be enough opposition to this profligate event to stop it. I will not give it a penny. Is this a serving Church or a self-serving Church?
    Loosemore

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    Replies
    1. A self-serving Church alas. What does this managerial culture of "away days" actually provide for parishioners? All these senior clergy are constantly flitting off to Belmont Abbey or a cottage in Devon, or strolling around the Lake District. Meanwhile those of us who work (or previously worked) for a living are astonished at this freeloading.

      There's a good American word for people like this: moochers. The senior clerics - by and large - are mooching off a failing diocese and provide nothing in return.

      Delete
    2. ‘Moochers’ or just bone idle? Another view point is that the senior clerics are largely the ones who have failed in parish ministry, or have learnt how to talk their way to the top. In terms of the hard work of front line parish ministry they have little or no experience, but are adept at telling others how to it. Only someone of that sort of senior management mentality would think it acceptable to take all of the serving diocesan clergy, and now the retired clergy, away from the laity for a whole week in Eastertide. God forbid that anything should happen to that aircraft, what would happen to the diocese then? And don’t say thinks like that don’t happen - just ask any Cardiff City fan. And don’t use that as excuse to hire two smaller aircraft. This whole project is crass, poorly thought out and a total PR disaster. It must be stopped now!

      Delete
    3. Moochers?
      Leeches and Ticks.

      Delete
  17. PP Has anyone challenged this Jolly. Surely some pew sitters could do so? I found an economy flight from Cardiff returning same dates at £220pp. The accm at the Monastery is roughly 560pp based on 2 sharing. If single occ then you can add a further 100+.
    The Jolly could go to a retreat house in UK for less than a third of this rediculius jolly.
    Surely this is wrong, give the parishes in crisis. If the funds are coming out of +Bangor's mission fund then it a serious miss use of these funds.
    Has anyone alerted the media, be a serious story for the CT, BBC.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PP, I'm sure one could book out an entire hotel for a week at a much lower rate than they're paying at Compostella.

      Someone is getting a significant kick-back for arranging this trip. It would be good to learn who chartered the plane and set up the accommodation at the Hospedaria. Clearly they've made no attempt to get a discount!

      And you're right, in the midst of the crisis of parish collapse the church leaders are dashing in the opposite direction. What a useless shower they are. The only way to hold them to account is withholding cash so they cannot spend it.

      Delete
    2. With return flights available from Bristol to Santiago from £86 per person, Caiaphas must have ordered the most expensive packets of peanuts as "in-flight refreshments" in the history of public air travel!
      Surely the Charity Commission must take an interest in this profligate lunacy?

      Delete
    3. PP. But why is the heavy spend being allowed by the DBF surely that little word No, is needed by the laity in this board or we have an autocratic diocesan.

      Delete
  18. ADMIN NOTE

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    If your comment has not been published please consider whether this is the cause and re-submit with a suitable pseudonym as necessary.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I have, since this jolly was announced, instructed my parish treasurer that my weekly contributions (not insignificant) must be allocated to a restricted fund. It is NOT to go into the general fund that is used to pay the parish share .

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for this useful suggestion Merthyr Organist. It provides a way to contribute to your local church without the money being gobbled up by the diocese.

      In some respects, the present debacle is the result of an overstuffed, and overstaffed, Diocesan / RB hierarchy living off the proceeds of the parishes. It's high time parishes took back control of their finances and resources. Maybe that's why the Bishopette is so keen to do away with parishes altogether?

      Delete
  20. As a side note to this whole sorry debacle, when you couple this with the crass attempted unlicensing of retireds in St David's, hasn't raising women to the epicopate in Wales been a total unmitigated disaster?

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    Replies
    1. Whamab, it is a continuing, ongoing disaster led by the self-satisfied, complacent - I'm your friend, June - and St Davids' two disasters, the perverse Joanna, basically a nice person who has been guilty of such cruelty towards the over-80 clergy, with her secular, Socialist, trans-sexual agenda and the deannette: 'Do these trousers show my rear to advantage?'
      This used to be a Church. Only some outposts remain of what was Anglicanism.
      Rob

      Delete
  21. PP. The female Bishop status in the province has its problems. May be it stems from the mentors guidance, whose track record is a tragic debacle.
    But even though the theological arguments are a valid, in England the more proactive, integral approach has had some margin of success. Some of the women have proven successful, largely due to the stringent governance of the role, which sadly in Wales is seriously lacking as accountability is by the peer group. Perhaps the CiW need a more stringent policy of episcopal control by the laity.

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    Replies
    1. Or maybe a return to the principles of the Apostolic Church? The experiments have failed to provide the promised benefits - this "Church" of ours needs to enter a period of repentance. Like many institutions it is now top heavily led by the self serving for the self serving. Do you remember how we laughed at All Gas and Gaiters? "Well we're not laughing now!" (Apologies to Bob Monkhouse.)

      Delete
    2. Ooh Father! You little revolutionary, you! You need to get with the programme. The big six (and I am not talking candles on the altar!) have declared sin a thing of the past. As a result, there is no need for repentance - leave alone have a period of it. This is why the CiW will soon permit same-sex marriage, as soon as GB passes it. I suspect that the theologically illiterate numbskulls who pass for bishops these days will shortly bring a bill to GB to have Lent and Advent abolished. Such things are so passe when you are really enlightened!! Why waste time on repentance when you could be using it more productively to find the next issue to inflict on the pew sitters and clergy?

      Seymour

      Delete
    3. Replying to Anonymous, above: the laity in the CinW have absolutely no control of the episcopacy, stringent or otherwise. At disestablishment, it did not occur to the constitution-writers that such a policy might ever be needed. The result is that in Wales, bishops have absolute power, a situation that could only be altered by, you’ve guessed it, the bishops. Turkeys voting for Christmas? I don’t think so!

      Delete
    4. Sadly, Daisy Haf, you're right about the constitution of the CinW. Its writers could never have anticipated the Church would end up in the hands of a bunch of cranks and half-wits.

      However the laity have the power to turn the financial screws by stopping their contributions (both cash and their voluntary services). They can also help by revealing the ongoing machinations of the bishops and senior clergy. Once the light of public investigation is shined on the CinW, it will have to sort itself out or die.

      We're in a situation where the bishops routinely ignore the Constitution so I say to the laity: do the same and hit 'em where it hurts!

      Delete
    5. Bullseye Simon.
      Significant amounts of giving being stopped is the ONLY thing the half-wits on the bench will ever understand.
      If every single giver did exactly as 'Merthyr Organist' has described and gave only to restricted funds, eg, your church roof repair fund, the diocese and the RB would be in significant financial difficulty -not to mention the bad PR Martin Shipton could bring down on their heads- and come to heel soon enough.

      Delete
  22. With all the excitement over the letter to retired clergy another small but significant occurrence has gone unremarked thus far, somewhat like a certain Jeremy Corbyn incident not so long ago.

    On Sunday morning the celebrant booked for the 12:30 Eucharist did not show up.
    With no-one else available at such short notice, the dud in the Llandaff Deanery had to take the service for the first time since being imposed as Dean.

    From the back of the Lady Chapel some wag was heard to call out "WHO ARE YOU?"

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  23. Surely taking people abroad under duress counts as people trafficking?

    Barmy idea, even if it does work out cheaper than using facilities in the UK, which I cannot see being the case. It does not give a good impression.

    Old Anglican

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  24. Ancient Briton readers might like to avail themselves of a copy of today's Western Mail.

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    Replies
    1. Diocese shells out for trip to Spain by private plane - PressReader
      https://www.pressreader.com/uk/western-mail/20190130/281784220320357
      8 hours ago - Diocese shells out for trip to Spain by private plane ... The Diocese of Llandaff has chartered a private jet for a fournight “clergy school” in the ...

      Delete
    2. Not The President of June's Fan Club30 January 2019 at 16:13

      Even with my rusty redaction criticism skills, I know straight away that this letter wasn't written by Richard Lowndes. The staccato timbre betrays June Osborne's voice immediately.

      According to the Western Mail report (thank you, Mr Shipton, for exposing yet another piece of Church in Wales incompetence and hypocrisy) eight clerics have 'sent their apologies.' This is despite June doing a Barry Morgan, and taking to the telephone to terrorise anyone expressing reluctance to join her extravagant charabanc.

      What also strikes me is the exclusive attitude towards retired clergy and lay people. 'This is our party. You're not welcome because you're not one of us. But you're welcome to pay for the monumental cock-up we've created for ourselves as we face a massive hole in the finances.' Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that the same kind of language used by the extremists of identity politics, who define their identity by naming those who are different and not welcome to be part of their world?

      It's truly disgraceful, and an affront to those who are struggling to give sacrificially every week, even as the Church in Wales sinks into oblivion.

      Delete
    3. Llandaff Pewster30 January 2019 at 16:26

      I can't get that link to work 1662, so here is the article reproduced.

      Diocese shells out for trip
      to Spain by private plane

      30 January 2019
      Martin Shipton
      Chief Reporter
      martin.shipton@walesonline.co.uk

      Retired clergy have been invited to buy seats on an aircraft going to Spain for a religious study week – on condition they don’t join the Church in Wales programme or stay in the same hotel as those participating in it.

      The Diocese of Llandaff has chartered a private jet for a four night “clergy school” in the historic pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain.

      Serving clergy have been told they are expected to attend at the expense of the Diocese, but there are 45 spare seats, and retired clergy have been invited to buy return tickets for £350.

      Some are uneasy about the trip.

      One, who did not wish to be named, told us: “The Bishop [June Osborne] has made it clear that she wants us to go. I am looking forward to the clergy school and have wanted to visit Santiago de Compostela for many years. But I worry about what members of the congregation think about the Diocese chartering an aircraft. It seems ostentations, although we have been told it is all budgeted for.”

      A letter to retired clergy from Canon Richard Lowndes, director of ministry and disciples in the Diocese, states:
      “The DBF has chartered a plane in order to be able to fly direct from Cardiff to Santiago. To offset some of the cost of this, it has been agreed that the surplus seats may be offered at cost price to individuals who wish to travel to Santiago at the same time. Unfortunately, this is not an invitation to join the Clergy School, just a convenient way of getting to and from Santiago for individuals wishing to make their own mini pilgrimage. Anyone wishing to purchase a seat will have to arrange their own accommodation, meals and travel insurance, and will not be able to loin in any of the activities which are being arranged for the Clergy School itself. The Clergy School is being held at Hospederia de San Martin de Pinario, and we ask that Anyone purchasing seats does not book accommodation in the same hostel. We have approximately 45 seats available at a cost of £350 per seat.

      Return EasyJet flights to Santiago are available from Bristol from £137 return.

      A spokeswoman for the Diocese of Llandaff said:
      “We have been delighted with the positive response we have received to next year’s clergy school pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. Almost all our paid clergy are able to come – just eight apologies out of 100 – and we have also been able to invite non-stipendiary clergy and, for the first time ever, our ordinands in training and the many chaplains who work so hard in our schools, hospitals and prisons. As planned, we also have additional spaces on the plane to offer retired clergy and lay people interested in making their own pilgrimage, some of whom will be involved in the implementation of our future vision. The clergy school will prepare the Diocese for its Year of Pilgrimage to reinvigorate its work and worship as part of the Church’s 2020 centenary celebrations. It will be used to train and equip priests to teach and lead pilgrimage in their own communities”.

      Delete
    4. What the hell is the point of sending ANY of the existing clergy who have already turned 60?
      If they don't already know by now how "to teach and lead pilgrimage in their own communities” they never will and they shouldn't be in the job.
      And who will they "teach and lead" anyway?
      Given the advanced years of the fewer and fewer still bothering to attend church in Wales, they already know more about pilgrimages then the clergy will ever learn.

      Delete
  25. You arrogant bastards - how dare you accuse the church of division when you are stirring up trouble in the press - which not only causes further disunity but cause hard working congregations who are doing good work more pain as the church is presented in this way to the public. Shower of bastards the lot of you- and not one Christian in your midst. LS.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL.
      There goes the first Teddy bear out of the perambulator.

      Delete
    2. Go Boil Your Head30 January 2019 at 19:33

      The Church in Wales presents itself "in this way to the public".
      If there's a shower of bastards on here they were certainly preceded by the shower of bastards and bitches on the bench and the Archbastard Morgan.

      Delete
    3. "only causes FURTHER disunity"
      Do please tell us LS.
      Who do you think is responsible for all the previous "disunity"?

      Delete
    4. @LS
      If you bothered to actually read people's comments you would find the complaint is profligacy.

      Delete
    5. Oh, I'm not so sure of that Gabriel.
      I respectfully suggest that arrogance, stupidity, lack of forethought or insight, more stupidity and obstinacy could very easily be added to the charge of profligacy!

      Delete
    6. For "division" LS, I direct you to the Archdeacons, Dean and Bishop of Monmouth.

      Delete
    7. Points well made and accepted 1662 and Lux Et Veritas.
      Hypocrisy can be added to the list too.
      How many of the overfed and overweight Church in Wales hierarchy have offered a bed, a shower or even a meal to the homeless and hungry this winter?
      How many of them have openly declared their support for refugees, immigrants and open borders but go on to open their homes to a refugee or immigrant?
      Will we be overwhelmed with a glut of responses form LS or Caiaphas?
      Not holding my breath.

      Delete
    8. Perplexed and bewildered31 January 2019 at 10:35

      Can someone please help me?
      Where in the New Testament did Christ instruct or require his disciples to attend "clergy school"?

      Delete
    9. LS since you have the spiritual discernment to pronounce all contributors to this blog 'non Christian' could you tell us please what trying to sell seats to retired clergy at more than twice the going rate is?

      Could you also explain how calling this indefensible behaviour out is so wrong?

      Delete
    10. One suspects that rather like the then Diocesan Secretary Peter Atkins (when called out over that other Diocesan disaster - the now infamous "Sneak-a-peek" day at Llandaff Cathedral) and other DBF staff that stuck their heads ever so briefly above the parapet, we will never hear from them ever again.

      If only it was so easy to achieve the same outcome for the Capon and Caiaphas!

      Delete
  26. Wouldn't the money spent on this unnecessary 'clergy training' be better used if sent to help children starving to death in Yemen? Doesn't the Bishop understand how bad this looks?
    Lostwithiel.

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    Replies
    1. Caiaphas must go!30 January 2019 at 20:11

      Does anyone truly believe Caiaphas gives a flying fig how this looks?

      Delete
    2. Never mind the children in Yemen, how about looking a bit closer to home. Have you seen how many homeless are sleeping rough around Cardiff city centre, freezing and hungry within a stones throw of the RB penthouse suite at Callaghan Square?
      £100k for a four day jolly to Spain? Deepest shame on every single one of them that goes.

      Delete
    3. I agree entirely.
      The truly staggering things are that it even needs to be said at all and that it will be completely ignored by the shameless Bishopette.

      Delete
  27. PP. So agree with Mary and Ruth. Jesus told us that the poor are always with us, that He is not physically present. We are His hands in this world. Taking the 'hands' anology the question is where are the church's hands representing Christ?

    If the hands are in the coffers, spending money on supporting the homeless as suggested, then they are part of the heart and mission of Jesus a living pilgrimage of example.

    But if the hands are in the coffers spending huge sums on new office suites, and clergy school that costs a fortune, you take the hands of Christ in all its loving benevolence and smack the homeless, needy and congregants in the face!

    This and other recent self serving decisions will cost the Church dear, as those who decide these moves have literally withdrawn the hands of Christ from true pilgrimage and mission.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Mr Grantley's Nephew31 January 2019 at 11:55

    As LS has raised disunity, and others have mentioned Monmouth, I can report some interesting news from the Archdeacons' Forum (at Swanwick not Santiago) where the C in W cohort was a sight to behold compared to their C of E colleagues, as Dorian, Peggy and co tipped the scales in the wrong direction. What was interesting was the body language of the Monmouth Archdeacons. All their time and energy was spent avoiding each other. Not once did I see them spend any - and I mean ANY - time together.

    Before anyone instigates a witch hunt to uncover the archdeacon who has blown the whistle, let me assure you that I am not an archdeacon (Deo gratias), but I do have a relative who earns a bit of extra cash on top of university studies working at the Derbyshire Digs where the venerable gathering was billeted this week.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I am sure the Bishop meant the trip to Spain to be a help and encouragement to clergy, many of whom do work very hard. However I think it is a massive mistake to spend this much money, in days when many Parishes are struggling to pay their Parish share; on top of this, many parishes have lost their clergy and been sucked into Ministry areas, yet their Parish share stays the same.
    I know from my own profession and many others that most companies in the real world, no longer do residential training due to the high costs. Ongoing professional development can be achieved at much lower costs by day courses and online.
    So yet again an outdated model from the CiW while it thinks it is cutting edge.
    I know the problem in the past has been that clergy won't attend day courses. Again, looking at the real world, the solution is simple. Keep a detailed record and allow clergy to chose from a range of day courses, then if they fail to do the set number of hours training in a year....do not renew their licence to be clergy. It's what happens in the real world. Doctors, for example, do 50 hours a year training and are not allowed to practise without it.
    I am baffled as to why retired clergy can't stay with the other clergy, or even tag on the training if they wish? Many ministry areas can't function without them so why should they not be treated slightly better?

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  30. The main issue re the Compostela visit is that it is the work of a Bishop - a leader of the Church. She seems to have it completely wrong.
    No-one would normally hire a plane and take everyone off to a dishonest 'pilgrimage', spend in excess of £100,000, suspend all funerals, services and pastoral concerns in the diocese for 5 days, offend retired clergy and then ask us all to increase our giving.
    Is this the CinW?

    Stoppit

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  31. If it's such an outstandingly worthy, value for money and innovative idea why aren't all 6 Welsh Dioceses going together?
    Economies of scale and all that.

    ReplyDelete
  32. The acid test of the deal offered by Caiaphas to her retired clergy will be to see if Darth --Insidious sets an example and goes on her jolly to Spain.
    Infamously profligate with other people's money whilst tighter than a duck's arse with his own, one seriously doubts bully boy Bazza will stump up £350 for a flight usually available to the great unwashed tattooed hordes for less than £100.

    What are the odds on Morgan having been invited to lead the "clergy school" on the basis of his lecturing expertise more usually available to the cruising clientele of Swann Hellenic?

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    Replies
    1. His --Darkness will certainly not be going unless it's a freebie for him.

      Delete
  33. I think one of the saddest things about this sorry tale is that June Osborne thinks the answer “it’s in the budget” is enough to silence the critics.

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  34. The questions is... which budget heading covers this sort of extravagance and who approved it. Does it come from parishioners weekly giving or some other source? If the former then it is obviously a blatant misuse of hard-earned funds. If the latter, could it be a continuation of the infamous "discretionary fund" held by the former Bishop? Perhaps June could refer parishioners to the relevant balance sheet so that matters can be entirely transparent!

    Nemesis

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    Replies
    1. The Bishop of Llandaff's unaudited "Discretionary" fund still continues, Nemesis.
      You'll find it listed on page 27 of the latest accounts as £19,095 per annum.
      The Bishop's "mission and general fund" is to be found on page 24 and is £10,345 and another Bishop's "mission" fund of another £4,154 is to be found on page 23.
      The "clergy school" slush fund will be in addition to the £33,594 available as loose change to Caiaphas.

      Here's the link to the latest published accounts available from the Charity Commission.
      http://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/Accounts/Ends52/0000242452_AC_20171231_E_C.pdf

      Delete
    2. The sum total of these funds will not be enough to cover Compostela so where does the balance come from? A clear and specific account for this (mis)adventure is clearly needed.

      Nemesis

      Delete
    3. Of course not, Nemesis.
      His --Darkness will have left strict instructions for Caiaphas on how to keep dipping hands into collection plates for petty cash and pocket money.
      The "clergy school" "budget" will be another matter entirely.
      Clear accounts?
      In Llandaff?

      Delete
  35. PP. Why does a Bishop need a discretionary fund X2? Surely this sounds more like a escrue account that can appear and even disapear. Who are the trustees of these accounts, surely there is an accountable process in accessing this fund.
    The whole matter looks out of sink with charity administration. Time to stop giving at parish levels.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This subject was widely discussed by commentators in 2014 PP
      https://ancientbritonpetros.blogspot.com/2014/06/discretionary-funds.html

      Delete
    2. And almost 5 years later nothing has changed, even the amount of £19,095 is the same!
      Going back to Mary's comments above, I doubt the homeless and hungry of Cardiff's streets see a penny of that money either.

      Delete
  36. It doesn't matter where the £100,000 is coming from to finance the 'pilgrimage', it's all CinW money being recklessly disposed of - a numbskull idea which must be challenged. Isn't this Bishop answerable to anyone?
    Stoppit

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    Replies
    1. The ears in the walls are reporting that Caiaphas is now also demanding all Diocesan clergy attend a pre-Compostela preparation/training day to be held in Sully.
      Once more the three line whip is being cracked.
      The profligacy continues regardless.

      Delete
  37. I've heard tonight the latest RUMOUR. I have no idea if it is correct but has come from a reliable source. Ms. Osbourne wants the cathedral Chapter to resign and she wants to appoint 4 residentiary canons (two of which have now been appointed, Precentor and Chancellor). Watch this space !

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    Replies
    1. What goes around comes around.
      Having been responsible for making the Cathedral Lay Clerks redundant here's hoping the first four booted out of the West door are Peggy the Pilate, Masson the moron, Kirk and Smith.
      They'll certainly be no loss to anyone.

      Delete
    2. If Masson had a moral compass or any sense of honour he would have resigned over his revealed attempt to skew the Electoral College and shoehorn his chum Jeffrey John into Llys Esgobette.

      Delete
    3. Sense of honour?
      Moral compass?
      In the Llandaff Chapter?
      You do realise Masson was one of those in the thick of it when the Organ appeal was launched to raise £1.5 million for an Organ quoted at less than £1 million and the Organ appeal accounts remain concealed to this day?

      Resign indeed!!

      Delete
    4. On the subject of profligacy, if the Charity Commission can't be bothered o get off their backsides and do anything about this:-

      https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-47228698

      ... what hope is there of them doing their jobs over June's jolly folly to Spain or the Llandaff Organ appeal fiddle?

      Delete
  38. Brothers and sisters, I hear on the wind that the peasants in Neath are revolting. At a recent meeting, they took the Bishopess to task over her planned clerical junket to Spain. She probably thinks that they are revolting too.
    Seymour

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  39. Dio twp. looks like the weather is bad in calamino

    https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1956839534424721&id=100002960794496&set=gm.530275080827691&source=48

    ReplyDelete
  40. The reason behind the Llandaff clergy school & pilgrimage to Santiago has come to light.

    https://thereisnews.com/two-altar-boys-was-arrested-for-putting-marijuana-in-the-censer-burner3333/?fbclid=IwAR3P6KAqk6dfgx4i52GWwA1N1ExNnS9DNGgDG8pt6plFQfIzP5cCjynqPB8

    What started as a joke ended the future of two altar boys from Spain.
    They were detained overnight, after having surprised them putting weed in the censer-burner of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
    The censer-burner is used the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela to celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. Several assistants stated that in this occasion the holy precinct was suddenly covered in an odd smell.
    “It did not smell as always, it was a familiar smell but I could not relate it to anything, but in my son’s bedroom sometimes smell like that”.
    Following the Mass, these altar boys were arrested by the police after confirming that the strange smell was correspond to marijuana.
    "It was a joke, the idea came during the Christmas Eve mass, we bought no more than half a kilo of weed and we drop it inside the censer-burner, we are sure that people has left of the Cathedral happier more than ever”.
    Finally, they were freed without charge but they will not be able to discharge their functions as altar boys any more.

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