 |
| Archbishop of Wales outside the church tent at the100th Royal Welsh Show Source: Twitter @ChurchinWales |
Responses to the Archbishop's question will appear as comments.
|
| Archbishop of Wales outside the church tent at the100th Royal Welsh Show Source: Twitter @ChurchinWales |
This is the new vibrant orange Dalmatic used to get the yoof in.
ReplyDelete"I haven't got enough time to answer that question, Your Grace, the Royal Welsh is only on for four days."
ReplyDeleteSeymour
"Do you think the orange safety vest might one reason why people are not coming into the building on Sundays?"
ReplyDeleteWhen the previous generation of Bench-Sitters chose to leap-frog a safe pair of hands and elected Barry Cennedd Morgan as Archbishop instead.
ReplyDelete"That's easy, John, instead of looking after your flocks you've been far too busy looking after yourselves."
ReplyDeleteSorry, AB, this is not a jockey caption but a serious question: what is the object of this website? There is no doubt that you are extremely well informed and that the material is interesting. But, what effect does it have? What effect is it intended to have? Is it to change opinion? to hurt those criticised who read it? or to be an ineffective grumbling shop? Surely, surely, the only way to effect change is through the CinW's Governing Body (stuffed with placement, as it may be)? Are you simply helping others to feel a little better by producing a cathartic-type outlet or do you hope for more? I write this as one who has often contributed to discussions, but is now wondering whether, in fact, all is a waste of effort.
ReplyDeleteRob
Rob, this blog gives contributors the opportunity to add their thoughts to mine on topical news/events. Thank you for your contributions.
DeleteThere is often some robust criticism. It is not intended to hurt, rather it is intended to draw attention to relevant points of view that otherwise would not be heard.
From a religious perspective I aim to express orthodox opinions but I accept they are unlikely to have much effect on the illiberal liberals who have made it plain that the opinions of 'traditionalists' no longer count. In that sense one can but hope that a few consciences may be pricked at the way loyal Anglicans have been unchurched but I see no evidence that anybody in authority cares.
The Governing Body showed some sensitivity in rejecting Peggy Jackson's motion but otherwise, as you suggest, it has become a rubber stamp, consisting mainly of those who 'go along to get on' as George Conger put it. Personally I am no longer eligible to express my views there.
You could pose the same question about satirical comedy dating back to Victorian political cartoons, and maybe much further. What was the point of Giles cartoons? or TW3? Or Not the 9 O'clock News?
DeletePlus this blog presents snippets of useful information that would be otherwise withheld from the pewsitters. e.g. I didn't know about Peggy & Dominic's motion until I read about it here, or about the missing money from the Llandaff organ fund etc etc.
Maybe, just maybe, some of the bishops reading this may be so alarmed that they change, or become more liberal (by which I mean welcoming of all, not just their pals) or even press for a diverse and inclusive church, one that is open to traditionalists, charismatics, bible-believing Christians etc as well as just illiberal 'liberals'.
Like many others, I value this blog (most of the time): not because it is campaigning for battles (and wars) that have been decisively lost; but because it is the only forum where a light can be shone on an institution (and its senior leadership) that gives the impression that accountability is irrelevant - and that hypocrisy should be tolerated across the board.
DeleteYes, some of the comments posted represent the worst examples of reactionary popularism (not to say unreconstructed misogyny). But I hope the intelligent majority can see that for what it is.
When senior clergy misuse their undoubted power, and fail to acknowledge the consequences of that misuse of power on others (be it Peggy Jackson's spiteful attempt to discard those with whom she disagrees, or Andy John's naive arrogance in feathering the nest of his own familias), what other effective forum exists to challenge them and allow their unacceptable behaviour be scrutinised by the Plebs Sancta Dei?
AB, thank you. That was worth saying, although I fear that the major battles have been lost, irrecoverably.
ReplyDeleteRob
They're getting it so completely wrong - the hair-do, bangles, ear-rings, smart suit, and 'Wales' Churches' emblazoned on the marquee, suggesting a take it or leave it approach to the faith and it's all about them anyway which of course it is e.g. also, Compostela and 'teaching us about pilgrimage'.
ReplyDeleteStoppit
The earthly institution known as the Church in Wales may be in trouble but the Invisible Church of Jesus Christ is invincible.
ReplyDeleteThe tent says "Wales' Churches" because, I'm pretty sure, it's not a CinW one but an Ecumenical one, run by Cytun. Or am I wrong?
ReplyDeleteTake your hands out of your pockets man and find out why they have put my stand between the Pigs and the Lost Children !
ReplyDeleteBy the end of this, the members of the Church in Wales will fit in this small tent. Then we'll let you finish them off Wiccan Woman, just like what's happened in St Davids...
ReplyDeleteDewiResistance
Well, we ordained all you women and ended 2000years of tradition, so where are all the newcomers you said would be flocking to our more 'relevant' Church?
ReplyDeleteLW
But you're keeping 400 virtually empty churches open. How would you manage that without us?
DeleteBe fair- we've tried messy church, foodbanks, tambourines in the aisles and we've done the Santiago pilgrimage and embraced LGBT with great enthusiasm. Surely the message will soon get through to them.
ReplyDeleteLW