Together april 2014
News from
the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds
Synod backs women bishops legislation
Church helps the voiceless
Church leaders and representatives from across the diocese, meeting in Harrogate, have given overwhelming backing to new legislation which could enable women to become bishops by the end of the year.
The Leeds Poverty Truth Challenge was an initiative set up jointly last year by Bishop John Packer and Councillor Peter Gruen, Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council. It aims to bring those in need together with politicians and business leaders to influence policy, and the initiative has received backing from the Church Urban Fund.
Ripon and Leeds is first diocese to vote on General Synod plans
Synod approves the proposals embodied in the draft Bishops and Priests (Consecration and Ordination of Women) Measure and draft Amending Canon No 33.”
Of the 75 members of Synod who voted, 72 voted in favour of the legislation, 1 voted against and 2 abstained. Broken down by ‘houses’, the House of Clergy voted General Synod member, Dr John Beal who voted against unanimously in proposals in 2012 expresses his support for the new legislation favour of the The Diocesan Synod met on legislation (37 votes for , none March 1st at St Aidan’s High against and no abstentions), School in Harrogate, and is the the House of Laity voted 35 first diocese to vote on the in favour with 1 against and 2 package of legislation which abstentions) and the Bishop had been sent out from the of Knaresborough voted in Church of England’s General favour of the legislation. Synod following its meeting in London in February. Bishop James, proposing the motion, told members that The motion, which was prothe legislation was very differposed by Bishop James and ent to that narrowly rejected was overwhelmingly endorsed in 2012. “It is a very by Synod, read: “That this (Continued on Page 2) www.riponleeds.anglican.org
Speaking out on poverty
Last month at Leeds Civic Hall, the initiative took a significant step forward when councillors, business people and community leaders heard stories of drug-use, prostitution, hunger, crime and prison from fifteen ‘testifiers’ who shared their experiences. (Continued on Page 2)
Inside this month’s Together: p II p VIII
St Wilfrid in print Synod news
Plus - Special insert West Yorkshire and the Dales Transformation News I
News... News... News... News... News... News... News......News.....News.....News.....News.....News Cathedral lectures go into print A collection of ten of the St Wilfrid Lectures, given over the past five years at Ripon Cathedral, have been drawn together in a new book launched at the Cathedral last month. Religion, Society and God – Public Theology in Action has been edited by Richard Noake, (pictured right) Head of Theology and Religious Studies at York St John University and chair of the St Wilfrid Lecture committee, and Revd Nicholas Buxton (left), now serving in Newcastle upon Tyne but formerly a
curate at the Cathedral.
Pete Seeger fills Cathedral
Taking themes related to the role of faith in society and the place of God in the modern world, the contributors include Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Atheist speakers who have all delivered their lectures at the Cathedral. Religion Society and God was launched by Bishop James Bell (pictured centre) and is published by SCM Press, available at the Cathedral Bookshop or online through SCM or Amazon.
Meanwhile, the sounds of the late Pete Seeger singing the peace anthem ‘Where have all the flowers gone?’ filled Ripon Cathedral last month. It came during the Archbishop of York’s inaugural St Wilfrid’s lecture in a series ‘Beyond War and Conflict, Building communities of Reconciliation and Peace’. His biblical approach covered personal and family conflict as well as racism and global conflicts – and emphasised the work of Christ in bringing reconciliation and hope. The second lecture in the series will be given by Catholic Jordanian, Rev Dr Iyad Twal on April 24th at 7pm.
Women bishops
Poverty
(Continued from Page 1) different package. It contains a simple measure to enable the ordination and consecration of women as bishops. It is accompanied by a House of Bishops declaration - and then very significantly a resolution of disputes procedure… this new idea of a mechanism to be embedded in the whole package whereby those who feel they haven’t been heard or their views haven’t been respected have recourse to an appropriate procedure.”
against the same motion without amendment and to record the voting by houses (bishops, clergy and laity). Provided a majority of Diocesan Synods across the country approve the legislation by the May 22nd deadline, the General Synod will be able to hold the final approval debate when it meets in July. If passed the legislation would then go to Parliament for approval and could be in force before the end of the year.
(Continued from Page 1) They will now join a panel of fifteen decision-makers over the coming year to develop initiatives to tackle poverty. Councillor Keith Wakefield said, “We’ve jointly thrown our full support behind this project because we agree that we need to completely change our approach to tackling poverty in Leeds. Poverty is not a simple issue - it has complicated and far reaching effects on the lives of families in Leeds.”
Every diocese in the country has been asked to vote for or
(More news from the March Synod on Page 8)
More information at www. leedspovertytruth.org.uk
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April 2014 edition
The Transformation Programme for the Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales
www.wyadtransformation.org
Growing poppies together across the new diocese Every church and church school across the new diocese is receiving a packet of poppy seeds this month to grow a patch of poppies to mark the centenary of the First World War. The new diocese comes into being on Easter Day (April 20th), and April 30th has been designated Poppy Planting Day when senior church leaders are encouraging all parishes and schools to join them in sowing poppy seeds and to mark our identity as a new diocese together.
Bishop designate, Nick Baines said: "A century is not a long
time, but only 100 years ago the world fell apart in the most violent way. This simple act of growing poppies reminds us of our past and is a very visual
way of pledging ourselves to serve together in the future.” The campaign works alongside the Royal British Legion and has the backing of the Archbishop of York. Packets of poppy seeds, a letter from the bishops, a prayer, and a how-to-grow note are being distributed to parishes at the Lenten meetings being held in each deanery. For more contact Jane Bower at jane.bower@wakefield.anglican.org
On yer bike - again! Clergy and lay motorcyclists across the new diocese have formed the Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales Motor-cycle Club (WYAD MCC) and they are planning a second ride around the region next month to mark the birth of the new diocese. The ride-out will take place on May Day Bank Holiday,
Monday May 5th. Starting at popular bikers’ rendezvous point, Dunni’s Cafe in Otley, the bikers plan to set off at
9am heading to the Manor Cafe at Bellerby (near Leyburn) via Fewston, Pateley Bridge, Masham. They will make the
return journey via Bainbridge (chosen for its word-association with the Bishop of Leeds designate, Nick Baines) then via Hawes, Ribblehead, Settle and back to Otley. If you would like to know more then contact Revd Canon Stephen Kelly, the Rural Dean of Wakefield and a keen biker on (01226) 382550. III
Seeds Bishop James Bell The kingdom of God is like a poppy seed . . . . In the Gospels, it was actually a mustard seed, of course, but poppy seeds are coming your way with an invitation to plant them in commemoration of the First World War - a single act of remembrance to unite the new diocese. Of course, this is more than something that the church does for its own benefit - that would have very little likeness to the kingdom of God! The sowing of the poppy seeds is about the church in every community, and church schools in so many communities, making a contribution to human solidarity in recalling the tragedy of war and to a shared commitment to peace and reconciliation. What are the other kingdom seeds that we can plant? "The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, which, when it is sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." Jesus points to the smallness of the seed sown, but also the rapid growth into something that is big enough to provide space for all comers. In some fine words that I came across recently, "A haven safe, secure, IV
The Diocese of West Yorkshire & the Dales, is made up of five Areas - Bradford, Huddersfield, Leeds, Ripon and Wakefield - each with its own Area Bishop.
stretching out a welcome sure; embracing many; protecting any who see shelter here." If it is with the intent of God's reign of justice and peace and hospitality for all that we plant the seeds, then we can be sure of growth. The thing is to identify the ground where the sowing is likely to be worthwhile and get on with the planting. It is then God who gives the growth, just as it is God who (alone) brings life out of death. That's the awesome truth that we celebrate on Easter Day when the new diocese also comes into being. This is a great opportunity to ask about the new things we can do, the new ways, however small, that we can seek and strive for the kingdom of God, and trust God for the growth. When we pray "your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven," can we do it with fresh energy with specific places and people and projects in mind? Then maybe the new diocese will be blessed with new kingdom - growth. +James
Bishop Nick Baines will be the new diocesan bishop following the Inauguration Service at York Minster on June 8th, and he will also be the Area Bishop of Leeds. The Bishop of Pontefract, Tony Robinson will be the Area Bishop for Wakefield. The Bishop of Knaresborough, James Bell will be the Area Bishop for Ripon Appointments to the two remaining areas will be made later this year, but in the shortterm Bishop Tom Butler will look after the Bradford Area, and Bishop Tony will look after Huddersfield. The new diocese runs from Barnsley in the south, through West and North Yorkshire, to parts of County Durham in the north, covering an area of 2,425 square miles. The total population is 2,614,00, the majority of whom are concentrated in the southern part of the diocese. There are 496 clergy serving in 656 churches, and 256 church schools.
Mapping the new Diocese from Easter Day On Easter Day, April 20th, the remaining diocesan bishops will lay down their pastoral staffs on the altars of Bradford and Wakefield Cathedrals, and the new Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales is born. The new diocese retains the three Cathedrals – Bradford, Ripon and Wakefield.
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WYAD Transformation Programme news News......News.....News.....News.....News.....News
Church leaders take a stand over food injustice Senior church leaders across West Yorkshire joined forces at the start of Lent to urge Christians to take the lead in promoting food justice by giving away food on Shrove Tuesday, March 4th and joining in an Act of Penitence for food misuse on Ash We d n e s d ay, March 5th. Food for all was the message as a campaign for food, generosity and justice was launched across the region by senior church leaders. Pancakes were given out on Wakefield Cathedral steps on Shrove Tuesday, as West Yorkshire Ecumenical Council (WYEC) asked churches to show generosity. At Bradford Cathedral, generosity was shown to Hindu, Muslim and Sikh neighbours with a social evening of food, fellowship and faith. On Ash Wednesday an Act of Penitence took place on the steps of Wakefield Cathedral with church leaders from several denominations across the region joining in prayer for those in need. It coincided with the national End Hunger II
Day of fasting backed by 29 Anglican bishops – including the Bishop of Wakefield, the Rt Revd Stephen Platten. Revd Canon Andi Hofbauer, Canon Precentor at Wakefield Cathedral said: “Lent has tra-
ditionally been seen as a time of self-denial. And whilst a bit of discipline is no bad thing, Jesus is not concerned about us eating chocolate, but rather about how we engage with others in need.” WYEC has also issued guidance sheets including ‘Food: ten tips for a better world’. Suggestions include giving food to foodbanks, growing your own food, re-using leftovers, eating together as families, and buying fair-trade products. County Ecumenical Development Officer and Executive Secretary of WYEC, Revd Dr
Clive Barrett (pictured left), said, “This was a great opportunity to show the love of God for all people, the care of the churches for people with the greatest need and the justice of Jesus in the face of wrong in our society.” He added, “God’s love is overwhelmingly generous. We Christians should be generous in response. We also know we fall short of the generosity God expects of us, and that we live in a fallen world, not least in our poor stewardship of food. And why do many go hungry in a country where there is so much?”
Focus on Prayer Loving God, pour upon us, we pray, your Holy Spirit and prepare us for the new Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales. We pray for our new bishop and pray you will lead and encourage us, bind us together in love and faith, and open our hearts and minds to new possibilities of welcome, witness and mission. In Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
Diaryy Dates Your guide to events
in the Diocese of Ripon & Leeds
April 2
Presentation Skills for clergy, 9.30am – 12.30pm with Lee Jackson. gail.matthewman@riponleeds-diocese.org.uk
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WYSOCS: Ideas Have Legs. Free for the first evening, whole series £10 . 7.30pm – 9.30pm, Outwood House, Leeds, LS18 4HR
16 - Holy Week and Easter Retreat – Threads 22 of Hope, at Holy Rood House, Thirsk, (01845) 522580
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Tour de Yorkshire – Graham Obree, double world champion, shares his experiences at Ripon Cathedral, 7pm
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Open Weekend at St John’s Sharow following major refurbishment – 5th 10am – 4pm, 6th 11am – 3pm followed by the Opening Service
Maundy Thursday. Chrism Eucharist with the blessing of oils and the renewal of ordination vows, Ripon Cathedral, 11am led by Bishop James Bell
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Quiet Day With Tony Horsfall, 9.30am 3.30pm St Matthias Church, Burley, LS4 2DZ, £10.00
Good Friday. Bach Mass in B Minor, Leeds Minster, 7pm with the St Peter’s Singers and the National Festival Orchestra and soloists. Tickets from the Leeds Minster
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Harrogate School of Theology and Mission, St Mark's, Harrogate 9:30 - lunch £8 per session Tim Hurren (01423) 541696
Easter Day. The Diocese of Ripon and Leeds is dissolved and the Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales is created.
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CREATE - city-wide workshop by young people, for young people aged 11-15, held at St Richard’s Church, Seacroft. 3-6 pm. Theme: Easter Crafts. Bookings: Anne Carter, annecleeds@aol.com
St Wilfrid Lecture, Ripon Cathedral, 7pm. Revd Dr Iyad Twal speaks on ‘Citizenship for Muslims and Christians: Peace and Reconciliation in Jordan and the Middle East.’ Free
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St Cecelia Orchestra, Spring Gala Concert, Ripon Cathedral, 7.30pm
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College of Canons meeting to elect the new bishop, Wakefield Cathedral 11am
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Safeguarding Training for Clergy & Readers, Diocesan Office, Leeds , 7pm gail.matthewman@riponleeds-diocese.org.uk
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Carbon Conversations - Ebor Court, Skinner Street, Leeds, LS1 4ND. Leedsconversations@gmail.com
Palm Sunday – Blessing of Palms in the Market Square at Ripon followed by Procession and Eucharist, 10.10am
30- The Passion by Adrian Snell. Performed 2nd by St Mary’s Youth Theatre at St Mary’s Church, Garforth. 7.30pm, Tickets £5 available on the door or call (07889 440 516) VII
Synod news... Synod news... Synod news... Synod thanks Simon Grenfell
Annual Review
Bishop James led tributes to His Honour Judge Simon Grenfell who steps down as Chancellor after 22 years when the diocese is dissolved on Easter Day. Synod was told that Simon was “a man of humility, lacking any arrogance or pomp” who was willing to deal with urgent or complicated matters, such as the enquiry he led into mobile phone masts which set national guidelines. Bishop James described Simon as a key officer who had played a vital part in the diocese as well as being “a great friend and a lovely human being.” Diocesan Registrar, Nicola Harding is pictured presenting Simon
with a gift ‘in liquid form’ on behalf of the diocese.
This year’s Annual Review has not been produced in printed form (with only a few weeks before the diocese is dissolved) but a video has been produced of the Power Point annual review presentation given to Synod members. Introduced by Canon John Carter with several other contributors, it highlights memorable events and projects including very positive financial results for 2013.
Moves
Goodbye
Revd Helen Banks, previously Assistant Curate at Garforth; now Chaplain to the Methodist Christian Care Home at Gledhow, Leeds.
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Credit and Debt
Following the ‘Wonga’ controversy, Synod learned at firsthand about the work of credit unions and debt counselling services in the area. Representatives from the Hope Debt centre, serving the Dales and based in Bedale, and Leeds City Credit Union talked about their work and the need for support. Canon Tony Shepherd described the thinking behind St Peter’s Church Breakfast Club for homeless people which started in 1999.
This is the final edition of Together. It will be replaced by a new monthly publication for the whole of the Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales. We are delighted that after 14 years in its current form, it has continued with its high circulation of more than 14,000 copies a month. Thank you
Synod heard that the generosity of parishes had resulted in 95.3% Share collection and a surplus of £32,000. The Annual Review complete with the ‘live’ Synod commentary can now be viewed on YouTube at the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds channel, with links from the Diocesan website, www.riponleeds. anglican.org
David Brighton Editor (0113) 2000540, email:Together @riponleeds-diocese.org.uk John Carter Managing Editor (01423) 530369, email: jhgcarter@aol.com Cost and delivery enquiries: Julie Milbourne, Ripon & Leeds Diocesan Office, (0113) 2000540
for your support and we hope you will continue to support and enjoy its successor.