Happy New Year. I’m speaking of course of the church’s liturgical year. We press the reset button this Sunday and begin once again the journey through the worshipping calendar starting with the period of watching and waiting for the Saviour’s birth this Christmastide.
Read More“40 years since I was a choirboy at Bangor Cathedral, I’m bringing my special concert of music and stories to Cathedrals throughout the UK. I can’t wait to see you all there!
Read MoreThe Feast of Christ the King reminds us that God is sovereign over all things. Every part of our existence falls under the dominion of Christ, and that for Christians there can be no valid idea of the secular: no place or activity should be disconnected from God. All things were created by, and exist for, God. It is interesting to note that to describe a space as secular, as a place without the presence of God, is to describe what Christians believe Hell to be like.
Read MoreThe weeks between All Saints and Advent are sometimes referred to as the ‘Kingdom’ Season. We give thanks for those who have gone before us and we look forward to the reality of God’s Kingdom which lies ahead for us all.
Read MoreOn Sunday morning I will be standing on the steps of the Guildhall, taking part in the City Council’s Remembrance Sunday Service, concluding with a wreath laying ceremony. It also includes an act of commitment, in which all respond to the question ‘Will you strive for all that makes for peace?’ with the words, ‘We will.’
Read MoreAll Saints’ Sunday
The Church of England’s introduction for this new liturgical season - All Saints to Advent - says: “No Christian is solitary. Through baptism we become members one of another in Christ, members of a company of saints whose mutual belonging transcends death.” This is particularly relevant for the coming few weeks of remembrance. I would like to draw your attention to the ways we will remember them.
Read MoreIt is becoming almost axiomatic to say that we seem to be living in times of uncertainty over what appear to be binary issues at least politically. Brexit may be on or off. There may or may not be a ‘deal’. We may have an election in December or not. It is as if the new religion is not nationalism so much as Schrodinger.
Read MoreAlthough our choirs are off for Half Term, there is nevertheless a varied and interesting programme of activity at the Cathedral, over the next two weeks, including a Family Activity Day as well as a number of visiting choirs.
Read MoreIn 2008, in the wake of the banking crisis, when trust in banks and the financial sector was extremely low, a researcher at Bath University began a study of the key elements that created trust in business. Her name is Veronica Hope Hailey, and her work is worth looking up on the internet.
Read MoreAs autumn finally takes hold and the colours turn in the landscape around us, we have a week full of colour, commemoration and pageantry here at the Cathedral (and uniforms!).
The Royal Marines Band Service has been coming to the Cathedral for an annual service of glorious music and solemn remembrance since 1998 when the RMBS moved their School of Music to Portsmouth from Deal. This year saw the 30th anniversary of the terrible explosion at Deal on 22nd September which left 11 musicians dead and another 11 injured, so the music played in tribute at Sunday’s service will have a special poignancy.
Read MoreReflecting on the saint after whom this cathedral church is named, Thomas Becket or St Thomas of Canterbury, is a humbling experience. How can we aspire to the holiness and bravery in the face of violent death that led to his speedy canonization? When considering Thomas’s example, there may be a sense, as the saying goes, of ‘Follow that!’ And yet this is exactly what we must do. Unless you were one of the original twelve, Christian discipleship always involves following on from others. And while it can be daunting, that sense of ‘standing on the shoulders of giants’ is also inspiring. If cleverer, braver and holier people than us have walked in the footsteps of Jesus, that can help us to appreciate the importance of the journey, and the need for us to do what only we can do (by God’s grace) in this generation
Read MoreThe word angel comes from the Greek Angelo’s, meaning messenger. Angels play a role in most faith traditions and are believed to be messengers from God. Next Sunday evening is the feast of St Michael and all angels we have the Michaelmas carol service at 6.00pm. Do come along for some heavenly music, readings and reflection.
Read MoreWhile there can be little doubt that the country is very divided, and people are quick to make judgements about the motivations and integrity of those with whom they disagree, it is incumbent on the Christian community, to maintain relationships and communication, in a positive and generous spirit, with everyone, including those with whom we disagree. There are many people feeling lost and anxious at the moment, and it is in our gift to restrain ourselves from ensuring our view is clearly heard and to give space, time, and the gift of being listened to, to those for whom life is stressful and worrying. We are all lost sinners, and we are found only in repentance and in Christ, as today’s Gospel demonstrates.
Read MoreThis summer, having seen a not insignificant birthday, I have spent some time enjoying some adventures as befits this moment. From a few days spent exploring Visby; yet another Scandinavian destination where Kitty is assumed to be a native and I a foreign side-kick. Thence to an Alpine adventure of mountain walking, paddle boarding and cycling as well as time for rest, recharging and relaxing.
Read MoreWe 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.
Read MoreLast month I wrote in this space on the theme of saying goodbye, and I am pleased to be able to balance that with something about saying hello! As I said in July, the life of the church has a continuity that does not depend on particular individuals – but it is also the case that every one of us can have a significant impact on the overall ministry and mission of the Cathedral.
Read MoreThe Cathedral has appointed Richard Abraham to the post of Chapter Clerk and Chief Operating Officer. He will begin on Monday 2nd September. Richard comes to us with a wealth of expertise and experience, most recently having worked for the Diocese in Europe as a Business Improvement Consultant. The Dean said, ‘I am delighted that Richard is joining the Cathedral team, bringing just the skills and background we need at this point in our history. There are not too many people with both an impressive record of building successful organisations, and a deep knowledge of Anglicanism, but Richard is one of them.’
Read MoreThe Bishop has announced that the Reverend Kathryn Percival has been appointed as Canon Chancellor and Vice Dean. Kathryn, a former barrister, is currently Vicar of Lingfield and Dormansland, and Area Dean of Tandridge. She says, ‘I am delighted to be called to join the Cathedral community, and look forward very much to working with the Dean and Chapter in enabling the Cathedral to grow and flourish as an embodiment of the grace and generosity of Christ for the parish, the City, and the Diocese.’ The Dean says, ‘Kathryn is an outstanding priest who will be a huge asset to the ministry and mission of Cathedral. I am delighted at the prospect of all she will bring to the life of the Cathedral, not least in leading its work in learning and teaching, and in congregational discipleship and growth.’
Read MoreThere are only a few days left to have a final look at the imposing ‘Soup of Souls’ artwork by Pete Codling in the Nave. These images have drawn in a number of people and have influenced the atmosphere and the impact that the Cathedral has had for many visitors and worshippers as they arrive, through the changing liturgical seasons they have been with us for over the past six months. The Nave will feel very different at first once they go.
Read MoreIt may seem paradoxical to claim that beauty is one of the most neglected features of our age because we are surrounded by so many images, both on paper and in electronic form that tell us what is fashionable and what it is for something to look ‘right’. Yet most of this presentation in the media has no depth, meaning or purpose to it: most of the images reflect trends that our society could reverse overnight if they were regarded as no longer cutting edge. Most of the images, if not actually harmful in promoting a certain view of the human body, are nearly always presented to sell products and make money: they do not point beyond themselves to a deeper truth and goodness.
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