Category Archives: From the vicarage

My immediate response to the Manchester terrorist attack.

Posted on May 24, 2017 by

I am writing on the morning after the bomb in Manchester which killed 22 people, injured another 59 and we are waiting for news of those who are still missing, including an eight year old girl. The nation and the … Continue reading →

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Fake news and the influence of the powerful has been around since the first Easter morning.

Posted on April 18, 2017 by

This is the text for my letter from the vicarage for May 2017. I am writing this on the day when Theresa May announced a snap general election. Already I am feeling, “No! Not another election!!” We’ve had the Scottish … Continue reading →

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How should I respond to sub-Christian mottos like “Good Disagreement” and “Radical Inclusion”

Posted on March 21, 2017 by

What follows is taken from my letter to Holy Trinity Church in our April magazine in response to the mottos “Good disagreement” and “radical inclusion” which are being banded about in Church of England circles at present. Dear brothers and … Continue reading →

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From the vicarage March 2017 – post synod reaction

Posted on March 9, 2017 by

“You never listen to me.” “He never listens.” Have you ever used one of these phrases? Has someone ever spoken to you that way? These words slip out when I am angry or frustrated, but do I really mean what … Continue reading →

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Holy Communion in a Venn Diagram

Posted on November 2, 2016 by

My sabbatical studies this summer focused on the theology and liturgy of the Communion Service in the Book of Common Prayer. One of the books which I found most helpful was Michael Horton’s A Better Way – rediscovering the drama of God-centred … Continue reading →

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Sabbatical Day 82: Reflection time and a sabbatical in numbers

Posted on September 9, 2016 by

In a scene of one of my favourite films, Gregory’s Girl, Clare Grogan (Susan) asks John Gordon Sinclair (Gregory) why boys are obsessed with numbers. He denies the charge until she shows him what he’s like and then he replies … Continue reading →

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Sabbatical Day 81: Project complete

Posted on September 8, 2016 by

I have finished (woop-woop) the three parts of my study guide, “Why should I go to church?” My aim is is to give people an understanding of God’s part and our part in the service of holy communion. The guide sets out the way … Continue reading →

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