ODDI WRTH YR ESGOB...
FROM THE BISHOP...
On this page you can read an edited version of Bishop Gregory's letter to the clergy of the diocese.
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Ad Clerum * 28th October 2010
The Feast of SS Simon and Jude
Dyrchefwch eich calonnau!
Lift up your hearts!
Dear Friends,
When the earliest Books of Common Prayer were compiled in the sixteenth century, Cranmer retained the Feasts of the Apostles in the calendar because they were suitably biblical, but the fact is that Simon and Jude are only joined in their feast day because legend had them suffering martyrdom together in what is now the Lebanon. So we have a curious feast day today, which is both apostolic and apocryphal.
Scepticism and credulity have battled it out over the centuries. If the mediaeval period was one of credulity, then the Reformation tried to pare back the faith to the substantive and believable, because for the reformers it was based upon the certainty of the historical record of the Scriptures. Modern biblical and historical scholarship has tended towards the sceptical, filleting the Scriptures according to the degree of scepticism, and banishing huge swathes of hagiography to myth (including St Asaph it would seem).
However, I’m not sure that we’re called to be critical historians in the pulpit, and I, for one, am happy to utilise all the legends to inform my faith. I don’t think this is credulity, but more a historical agnosticism: I don’t know whether certain things are historically true (although I’m more of a conservative when it comes to biblical criticism and history) but I still think the stories can speak of the truths of faith even when the history might be unproven (and I use that word advisedly).
In the end, I believe that the question “What theological truth is this fact defending?” is more important than “Can we prove this story as history?” But history is important as well, for Christianity is founded on the belief that in Jesus Christ theological truth and historical truth intersect. Like so much else in Christian faith, we’re called to balance and to intelligent reflection, and both to know our tradition, and to make a reasoned defence of how it is to be understood and communicated in our own day.
So I wish you a happy Feast of SS Simon and Jude, and hope that the boldness recorded of their martyrdom may inspire us to boldness in our own witness.
Ave atque Vale
Peter Allsworth has accepted pastoral care of Rhuddlan on the retirement of Gareth Griffiths. The diocese is grateful to Peter taking on the extra work in Rhuddlan, prior to its formal grouping in the near future.
Toni Bennett has accepted my invitation to become Area Dean of the Pool Deanery following the resignation of Roger Bird over the Summer. Roger has given sterling service to the diocese as parish priest and as area dean in recent years, and I thank him for his service, at the same time as welcoming Toni to this role.
I am sure that you will join me in expressing sadness on learning of the death of Bryn Roberts, handyman extraordinaire, and faithful servant of the diocese for so much of the routine maintenance of parsonages. Bryn developed serious illness in the last few months, and we extend our condolences to his family.
Hospital Visiting
Some concerns have reached me recently from different quarters about clergy access to patients from their parishes outside visiting hours. The Chaplain Manager for Maelor and Glan Clwyd, Kathy Collins, has written a short set of guidelines which are enclosed with this Ad Clerum. Clearly, it would be helpful if the diocese provided some sort of official photo identification, and I have asked the Diocesan Secretary to look into this matter. We hope to make photocard identification abailable to all clergy with licences or permission available in the new year – but this will require an electronic photo of you. Further details about how this will be done will be communicated in due course.
Dates for the Diary
7th November – The Visitation of Cedewain Deanery Eucharist 10.30 at Kerry, Visitation 13.15 in school
11th November – the Licensing of the Revd Peter Allsworth as Priest-in-charge of Rhuddlan at 19.00hr
21st November- The Visitation of Llanfyllin Deanery Eucharist 11.00 at St Silin, Llansilin
Visitation 13.45 in Church
28th November – The Visitation of Gresford Deanery Eucharist 11.00 at Gresford, Visitation 13.45 at Church House
30th November – 09.30 Open House Eucharist Llanfyllin.
1st December - “Not Ashamed” Day. A day being organised for Christians to declare their faith. Further details can be found at www.notashamed.org.uk, which gives the full background.
5th December – The Visitation of Bangor Deanery Eucharist 11.00 Overton Visitation 13.45 in Church
Visitations
Having completed eight visitations, it is clear that some questions remain FAQs. I mentioned the following in my last Ad Clerum, but repeat them here, with a couple of further additions:
Are Readers required to attend?
I do intend that readers should be present for the formal part of the Visitation in the afternoon. They should bring their licences with them for renewal.
Should clergy bring their licences for endorsement?
It is not necessary your letters of orders and licences, but provision is made to examine them and endorse them, should you wish. I am happy to apply a stamp where desired.
Why is there no covering letter with the Articles of Inquiry?
Actually, all persons receiving the Articles of Inquiry should have received the letter explaining the process last Spring, at the same time as the Visitation News. I have asked that in future mailings, this covering letter should be resent.
What time should the afternoon session begin?
Where times have not yet been fixed, 1400hr appears to be late for the third session after the Eucharist and Lunch, and we appear to be ready to start earlier. I’m requesting that this is advertised for 1345hr therefore where possible.
What should people do if they have other engagements and cannot attend?
Although I have absolutely no powers of coercion (nor would I wish to have), the Visitation is a canonical process and office holders in the deanery are cited to attend. I think politeness therefore requires a little more than a verbal apology given second hand on the day. A written apology submitted to Esgobty seems to be the very least that acknowledges the seriousness of the process and the time and importance that I am investing in the Visitations as bishop.
Notes and Queries
Marriage Service
A reminder that the new Marriage Service is available for use, and can be downloaded from the Church in Wales website. The 1662 and 1984 services also remain legal rites of the Church in Wales for the present and can be used at the discretion of the incumbent. The new Services provide a variety of material and alternatives, but clergy must respect the ordering of the rite and retain the given wording of the consents and vows whichever rite is used, because these elements of the rites constitute “marriage by the rites and ceremonies of the Church in Wales” and conform to civil law. I understand that the publications department plan to produce cards for congregational use.
Armed Forces
An indignant worshipper tackled me outside Church the other day asking why we never prayed for our armed forces – in peril in the Middle East and Asia. I answered that I thought we did, and certainly would be on Remembrance Sunday. But whatever our beliefs about war and peace – and again, I'm towards the more pacifist end – I think we can and should pray for the safety of our troops, and for them to be standard bearers for truth, justice and peacekeeping in their various theatres of operation. I hope you will make deliberate opportunities to remember our armed forces in the prayers of the Church, and those members of their families who look to us for spiritual and pastoral support.
New Kelsterton Cemetery, Connah’s Quay
opened on the 21st June, but it has not received any form of consecration. These means that the form of service for any burial there should include a blessing of the grave before the committal.
Awareness Course
Having written about the importance of our own reflection on faith, it is timely that I have been informed about a new course the “Awarenss Course” which is being pioneered as a further resource to aid Christians reflect upon their faith and discipleship. More information can be found at www.awareness-foundation.com.
With my warmest greeting for All Saints’ Tide,
