We are now in a ‘political crisis’. I have resisted the temptation to label the Brexit debate ‘a crisis’, for often the media describe any moment of political challenge ‘a crisis’. Yet, when the sovereign is possibly being drawn into political debate, and the use of constitutional mechanisms are being contested, the term ‘crisis’ has become an appropriate description.

The issues at the heart of this political quagmire are deeper than the question of leaving or remaining in the EU. There are matters of political culture and national identity, especially the question of honesty and openness in political campaigning, and use of political power by the executive to silence possible opposition.

We hear the view expressed that Brexit must go ahead in October at any cost (whether those be economic or social) because it is ‘the will of the people’. This argument is flawed. Firstly, it is unclear what the ‘will of the people’ involves given the variety of pledges made during the campaign, and so there is no clarity about our future relationship with the EU. Secondly, we are a parliamentary representative democracy, and so MPs must decide how the referendum result is best implemented: the will of MPs is ‘the will of the people’ in our constitution. Finally, arguments that talk of ‘necessity’ should be treated with suspicion: there are always alternatives.

Our political culture seems to have lost its moral compass. Government is, according to the Prayer Book, about ‘the maintenance of… true religion and virtue’. Government is not about winning, but rather it is a responsibility that involves seeking justice and goodness. To pursue courses of action that could lead to substantial increases in the cost of food, and thereby endanger the lives of the poorest, is irresponsible. Government involves a duty of care: the care of the vulnerable; the care of the constitution, parliamentary debate and the rule of law; and care for the national political culture. ‘Crisis’ comes from the Greek word for judgement, and our public life needs to be conducted with proper scrutiny.

The Reverend Canon Dr Anthony Rustell

Residentiary Canon

TODAY

Welcome to all those attending our services today and visiting choir the Callington Singers who are singing for us whilst the Cathedral Choirs are on holiday.

The Service and Events Lists New editions are available in the Cathedral or on the website.

NEWS

Bradley Hill This is to let you know that Bradley is leaving his Cathedral post with immediate effect in order to begin training as a telecommunications engineer. I have agreed to his request to leave without serving a month’s notice, and have written to him to express gratitude for all that he has contributed to the Cathedral over the past four years or so, and to wish him all the best for the future. The Dean.

Ride and Stride Clare and I are going to participate in this year’s ‘Ride and Stride’ event, raising money for the Hampshire and Islands Historic Churches Trust. Half of the money raised will come back to the Cathedral. If you would be willing to sponsor me, a form will be available after the Sunday 10.30am Eucharist where refreshments are served, and will then be at the shop counter during the week. Alternatively, sponsorship can take place online at https://bit.ly/34dDo5g. Your support would be greatly appreciated! The Dean.

Chief Operating Officer (Chapter Clerk) Richard Abraham joins the staff from Monday 2nd September. Details of his appointment and that of the new Canon Chancellor and Vice Dean: Kathryn Percival were distributed with the Notices last week and are available on the website and notice boards.

NOTICES

Planned Giving For those who give using the weekly envelopes, new sets are now available for collection in the Cathedral Shop area. If you would like more information about regular donations to the Cathedral including through the Parish Giving Scheme please contact the Finance Officer Nicky on 023 9289 2965 or nicky.taylor@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk .

Food Bank Thank you to everyone who contributed to the food banks over the summer. As you will know from the press there has been an enormous demand for this service and the supplies in our local depots are now very low. Please continue to support us in this work with non-perishable foods, household items and toiletries.

Christmas Fair Saturday 30th November. Please put this date in your diaries. If anyone is making jams or chutney over the coming months please consider adding an extra jar or two for us to sell at the fair.

Feeding the 5000 11.30am - 4.00pm Saturday 7th September on Castle Field, Southsea. Free family event with live music, kid’s zone, refreshments and 5,000 battered cod baps to give away. Further information from St Jude’s Southsea at www.sjs.church.

Quiet Day at the House of Bethany 10.00am – 4.00pm Saturday 14th September conducted by Revd Tony Forrest at 7 Nelson Road, Southsea, PO5 2AR. £6.00 bring a packed lunch, tea and coffee provided.

EVENTS and SERVICES

‘The English Cathedral’ by Peter Marlow In the light of the fact Magnum Photos are no longer able to send a representative to the closing reception on Thursday 5th September we have decided to cancel this event. There is still time to come and see this excellent exhibition until Sunday 8th September.

Finance and Investment Committee the agenda for this week’s meeting is on the noticeboard and website.

Silver Screen: An American in Paris (1951) 2.00pm Tuesday 3rd September in Becket Hall. Free event, tickets available from the Cathedral Shop.

Craft and Chat 2.30pm Thursday 5th September in the Bishop Kenneth Room. New members welcome.

Choral Evensong with the Installation of the Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight 5.00pm Saturday 7th September. The service will be followed by a reception. All are welcome.

Becket’s Bunch our Sunday school restarts on the 8th September at 10.30am in the Bishop Kenneth Room.

Lunchtime Live 1.10pm Thursday 12th September with Isabel Nisbet and Rhidian Jones (contralto & piano). Free with retiring collection and light refreshments.

A Reflective Afternoon 2.00pm – 4.30pm Wednesday 18th September in an Emsworth home and garden. ‘What does a socially responsible and engaged church look like’ led by Canon Nick Ralph. All are welcome. To book a place, and to arrange transport, please contact the Cathedral Shop.

Harvest Celebration Barn Dance 6.30pm-10.30pm Saturday 21st September in the Nave. Adult £15.00 (includes hog roast or vegetarian cheese ploughman’s option with a free drink and dancing), Child £6.00 (includes hog roast). Free water, squash and cheese and biscuits. Tickets available from the Cathedral Shop.

25 Years Heritage Open Days 10.00am – 4.00pm Saturday 21st September and 12.00pm – 4.00pm Sunday 22nd September. Visit parts of the Cathedral not normally open to visitors or enjoy a guided tour of memorials associated with ‘People Power’ in Portsmouth. ‘Singing Gallery Tour’ followed by ‘Organ Gallery Tour’ will depart on the hour Saturday from 10.00am and Sunday from 12.00pm.

Harvest Festival Eucharist 10.30am Sunday 22nd September. All welcome to join us as we celebrate this annual service.

Taizé-style Night Prayer Our next service will be at 8.00pm on Sunday 29th September. All welcome.

PLEASE PRAY FOR

All those in need including: Donald, Robert, Poppy, Barry, Tim, Stuart, Derek, Maureen, Joey and Paige.

And those who have died: Elisabeth (Lis) Richards, Mary Joseph and Eric Symonds RIP.

For a complete listing of this week’s notices click here