Issue 8050

THE

INQUIRER £1 | Issue 8050 | 7 January 2023

Inside this issue…

Worship Words website goes live Anti-racism work continues Red Cross appeal for Ukraine

www.inquirer.org.uk

The voice of British and Irish Unitarians and Free Christians

Epiphany!

Bob Janis imagines the story of the Magi, and what the journey did for them

THE

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www.unitarian.org.uk Page 2 | Issue 8050 – 7 January 2023

Inquiring Words…

Winter blessing

By the Rev Sheena Gabriel (Written during a winter of discontent) Taste winter – let it nourish you.

Drink deep from the icy draught the frozen lake holds out; it is medicine for the soul, more potent than the sugared promises of summer.

Let the broken trees, made wise by their losses, cradle you in skeletal arms.

May the open sky be your canopy; a vast expanse of possibilities, uncluttered by the mirage of warmer days.

Let the biting wind gnaw at exposed flesh, kneading your inner marrow into a leaner shape.

Allow the whiteness of driven snow to purify the landscape of your mind – washing clean the gaudy colours of the rushing world.

Let the clogging mud stick firm to weary feet, a reminder to hold fast to the good earth.

Listen to the stillness of air now emptied of birds and reflect upon your inner songs which grow in silence.

Look deep beneath the crust of frosty earth, where dormant shoots pregnant with promise, tell of the births yet to come through you.

Here the lone shriek of the curlew echoing across dark waters; throw back your head and join its desolate cry as it waits for certain spring.

A reading from Worship Words, the new Unitarian resource available online: https://tinyurl.com/ GAWorshipWords See page 4, for more information.

Pixabay photo by Lee

Bob Janis writes of the Epiphany and how the Magi saw their place in the story

A midrash on the Magi I like to imagine that the first wise man was, among many other things, a fella who missed his family. He was more than that, of course. A Magi from a far-off land, a significant and important person with civic and religious responsibilities, duties that took him to the far-off forgotten corners of the world – like Bethlehem of Judea – Balthazar’s resumé could be written down on several scrolls of parchment, and probably was, somewhere.

But on that walk, in the very dead naming day, and whom he had never of winter, the thoughts of that met – knew them not by name, but “Balthazar’s obligation figure, shuffling through the snow, by heart. were not any of his impressive Balthazar took a moment to was to sort out what it accomplishments. Even if they had imagine each of his eight surviving all meant, geopolitically, been, the braying of the recalcitrant children, spent some time in his camels was enough to make anyone mind playing with all of them. Was strategically – and forget what they had done in this this planning for the next time they beyond that, what it life. were together, or a mere distraction There, on the cold and lonely from the cold? Balthazar couldn’t meant in the realm of journey out to an unknown little say. He was going to see a child – the gods.” provincial fortress (wherever it barely more than a baby, the stars was this announced-king was to be predicted. The child meant a shift found – Balthazar wasn’t sure yet), in the affairs of men. It was a new Balthazar’s thoughts wandered to ruler for an old kingdom. Balthazar’s the fires of home. He didn’t see his children as often as obligation was to sort out what it all meant, geopolitically, he wanted to. He knew that. Others knew it too; it was strategically – and beyond that, what it meant in the written on his brow. Mind you, he could not really use the realm of the gods. journey as an excuse. When he was in his home country, But right now, what Balthazar thought about was a child. he could usually be found at court, not at home. And A mere toddler, a babbling little one. It would be good even when he did return to the modest palace of his quiet to see a child. Somewhere amidst the almsgiving and nights, where he ate and bathed and readied himself for the tributes, he would coo at that child. And present his the next day, his sons and daughters did not get every Frankincense – a homely herb, of temple rituals, but also morsel of the great man’s attention. He was distracted; he of everyday perfume. An aroma that takes you back. The was busy. It was funny, really, because often when he was smell of one’s childhood, the smell of home. A baby’s working, his thoughts would turn inevitably back to them. face, in the citadel of Judea (would it be found near the He often ran through the names of his children. Seka, Governor’s palace, he wondered? Or would the family be Ahmose, Yuya, Sampa, Intef, Tabematep, Shep, Pami – sheltering in a bastion of their own?) He had never been eight children by Neferta, Nakhtaraba, and Berenice. He too proud to coo at a baby. But he had, at times, been knew them all. Knew all their faces. Of course he did. forgetful.

He even knew the three tiny forms who died before their Continued on page 6 > www.inquirer.org.uk | Page 3

Laura Autumn Cox writes of the launch of Worship Words

Finding Unitarian inspiration online Unitarians love to orate, debate, cantate, ideate, and annotate. In other words, we love, well … words. Across our movement, we are constantly putting pen to paper and ink to page. If you so much as whisper your service title to a fellow Unitarian, be prepared to receive a list of recommendations for readings, hymns, prayers, poems, and meditations galore. As a faith rich in writing, it’s important that others can treasure these words too – especially new and prospective worship leaders.

Worship Words, the movement’s authored by Jane, can be found in brand-new repository for worship full on the Worship Words website. resources, is the perfect place to Lizzie then called on Louise “To support people start.

Reeve, one of the initial creators Unitarians from across the country of the website along with the leading worship at all joined Lizzie Kingston Harrison, Rev Bob Janis, to explain the levels, and develop congregational connections lead, thinking behind the new resource. for the November launch of the There were two main goals – to a central resource Worship Words website. Worship support people leading worship showcasing … creativity Words is a collaborative online space at all levels, and develop a central to share written pieces from across resource showcasing the creativity and spiritual leadership.” the UK Unitarian community and and spiritual leadership of UK beyond.

Unitarians.

Initially conceptualised during the ‘Many of us were inspired by the pandemic, Worship Words was Unitarian Universalist Association’s born from a series of online discussions and morphed WorshipWeb (www.uua.org/worship/words),’ said Louise. into a dedicated taskforce of volunteers from across ‘We wanted something to highlight the work of UK the movement. The website now includes more than Unitarians and our needs as a spiritual community. We’re 120 pieces, featuring new work as well as much-loved moving more towards a spectrum of ministry, where favourites from the Lindsey Press. more people are encouraged to lead services. You never ‘I’ve read so many beautiful and inspiring resources along know, perhaps someone in your congregation might be the way,’ said Lizzie. ‘It’s also been a pleasure because considering leading worship.’ of the people. Both those things are about connection, The result is a collection of inspiring, beautiful, meaningful and that’s why we’re here, to share ideas, energy, resources accessible for all. To demonstrate the useability creativity, and inspiration, and strengthen the fabric of our of the site, Lizzie gave a walkthrough of Worship Words movement.’ while screen sharing on Zoom. Resources are organised Lizzie personally thanked all the volunteers who worked so into six categories: chalice lighting, opening words, prayer diligently to make the site possible, including Stephanie or meditations, closing words, hymn words, and readings.

Bisby, Steve Bisby, and Chloe Harewood. Lizzie then If users are unsure of the category they need, they can invited the Rev Jane Blackall to light the chalice flame and complete a keyword search. To demonstrate this in action, deliver the opening words – ‘may this small flame be for Lizzie typed the word ‘Universe’ into the keyword search us a sign of faith, hope, and love.’ These opening words, bar. One of the resources displayed was ‘A Unitarian Page 4 | Issue 8050 – 7 January 2023

Gloria’ by the Rev Kate Dean, written as an alternative to the Latin Mass for Palm Sunday services. Kate was invited to read the words, bringing an interactive element to the walkthrough while demonstrating the quality of the resources available. Users can also search for resources by author, or theme. Beginning as a helpful tool for website navigation, the themes function has evolved into a word bubble that captures the essence of what it means to be Unitarian. Prominent themes include light, mystery, love, gratitude, joy, friendship, peace, nature and – largest of all – community.

The website’s ‘simple view’ option ensures accessibility, and all resources are highly readable. Each resource is included with permission. To check if a piece can be edited, users can scroll to the bottom of the entry where one of three licences will be displayed. If the licence states ‘Public Domain’, the resource is editable and shareable.

The ‘Worship Words’ licence enables users to copy, redistribute, and adapt the resource, but the title and author must be maintained. The ‘Worship Words – No adaptations’ licence means that the resource can only be shared in its original form.

Lizzie explained that there would be a movement-wide call out for resources happening in the coming months and encouraged contributors to share their work.

Contributors are encouraged to submit resources in other languages – ideally with a transcript, of course. During the

walkthrough, Lizzie asked Melda Grantham to read ‘Now and Then’ in Welsh, written specifically for the anniversary service at the 2022 General Assembly meetings.

‘This is wonderful and exciting – congratulations and thank you very much to all involved! As an evolving lay worship leader and also a member of the worship and programming team of a very small congregation this will be a useful and nourishing resource,’ shared Tatiana Spencer at the end of the launch.

Lizzie concluded the meeting with a fitting reading by Chris Carr, President of the Yorkshire Unitarian Union, called ‘Let Us Give Thanks’. I’m sure you know where to find it: https://tinyurl.com/GAWorshipWords To contribute or find out more, contact Lizzie at: EKingston@unitarian.org.uk

Laura Autumn Cox Laura Autumn Cox is a member at York St Saviourgate Unitarian Chapel and a Unitarian lay preacher.

Please help the Send a Child to Hucklow Fund It is 61 years since a letter sent to The Inquirer launched the Send a Child to Hucklow Fund to give disadvantaged children from towns and cities the chance to experience the green fields of Derbyshire. In 2022 we had 16 groups come to the centre. All told, 337 children.

We have invited 19 groups for 2023, but we are reliant on your donations to keep going. Our target is £67,000 of direct donations.

It costs approximately £350 per child, including the costs of all outings, and we hope to again provide holidays for at least 300 children.

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Giving with a Gift Aid donation form makes a gift of £20 worth £25 to the Fund. Gifts may now also be made online by going to our website: www.sendachildtohucklow.org.uk or by bank transfer (Sort Code 40-52-40; Account number 00060131).

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The fund is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and the registered number is 1189260. All gifts are used for the holidays, except gifts given in someone’s memory, which are put into a Capital Account with the interest used for holidays.

Please remember the fund in your will as legacies are much appreciated and provide valuable income.

Copies of the full 2021/22 annual report and appeal may be obtained from the Hon. Secretary, Christine Hayhurst, 6 McAlmont Ridge, Godalming, GU7 2AR. Telephone 01483 419577, email: secretary@sendachildtohucklow.org.uk www.inquirer.org.uk | Page 5

Wise men, world changers Continued from page 3 >

I like to imagine that the second and what were ideas but empty gifts wise man, was, well – according – snake oil and a puff of smoke. But “And yet Gaspar was to some people’s hard and fast such things as ideas were important, reckoning of everything in this the Magi understood. They took on not a man, for she was universe – not a man. Gaspar was a reality all their own. born with the inklings born into our global man-made Gaspar had always had to shift system, where things were often reality, and now she did it of those parts that said to be one thing or another. And professionally. Now she was on her men crave, that men’s Gaspar was not quite one thing, way to see a child who would change and not yet another. He was not a the world. What did that mean? children come from and woman, for to be a woman was to Gaspar couldn’t say – couldn’t put suckle at.” not be wearing this robe of state, this inchoate reality into words. not be attended by the courtiers Surely not just another king. There outside of her home city, not be on were always kings; they changed this mission – not be on any mission everything and nothing. Built an at all outside of the home. There were no women here, in army around them, collected soldiers and castles, marched the wilderness places, you see, certainly no women who this way and that, played their little boys’ games, and died. were recognised.

Some on the scaffold and some in bed. Then they were And yet Gaspar was not a man, for she was born with the changed for another, and the game began again. inklings of those parts that men crave, that men’s children Surely the change the star portended was something more come from and suckle at – those parts of women that than this. A flashing, red-hot flame had appeared in the men find they are somehow embarrassed and ashamed of, sky: an augur and a crucible. Something in the world was even as they crave them. preparing to change form. Was already changed, but the world did not know it yet.

Gaspar brought myrrh. It was a spice of death, an Gaspar – a world-changer anointing fragrance at the tomb. But it didn’t end there Gaspar knew she was different all her life. What a life – death never did, at least not in the land of the Indus story he could tell you, a story of changes and discovery, Valley. Death could not be contained staidly, where a story of shame and boldness, mystery and revelation. there was so much life teeming up through every crack It was only natural that Gaspar came to become a Magi. and corner. Myrrh quickened the blood. It got things Magi are world-changers. Alchemy is not just shifting one moving. In a land so full of life, even death was only one thing for another, not mere card tricks. It’s seeing the more movement, towards something else, in a place full inherent subtlety and mystery and transformation that already lies at the root of to the brim with growing, rotting, infecting, reflecting, transforming, performing, reproducing, stopping and the world. starting life – you knew death could only, and always, led These were first century quantum physicists. They knew to something else, for better or for worse. the world was neither this nor that, but was a wave of possibilities between the two, three, eight, 17 million ways of looking at it – the possibilities and probabilities Perhaps this child would change her stretching out into the cosmos. They lived at the edge of Beneath the surface, her own blood was moving, changing things, were frequenters to that strange inn at World’s even now. Perhaps this child would change her. So be it.

End, where stories came true, and dreams were much By this time, she was no longer afraid of change. more real than mud and might.

I like to imagine that the third wise man was near the end The Magi knew that only dreams were truly what of his journey. Melchior understood the various meanings they seemed. Matter, skin, bone, hair, earth – all was of this phrase, and felt them in his bones. He knew about susceptible to the dreaming. Kingdoms, after all, were the TS Eliot poem long before the ink was ever put built on ideas, into the pen. He had studied the human form in all its Page 6 | Issue 8050 – 7 January 2023

“A child was born somewhere; that was the main thing. A child was born, and all was right with the world.

Isn’t that the way it worked? Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to work?”

Shown left: Pixabay illustration

transmogrifications, therefore the aching of his joints, the unsteadiness of his gait, and his breath – even the trailing off of his thoughts was no surprise to him. And yet, even as he saw these changes coming, even as he could recite the eleven stages of the ageing process from memory, they were felt as a shock; much as the jarring of a boat when, after seeing land from far-off waters for so long, one finally bumps into the dock.

Melchior at the end of the journey The way was ending for him. Melchior was not entirely upset to see it go. His had been an uncommonly good life, he knew that. Servants waiting with pitchers of wine; good conversation at his elbow. More banquets than he could remember – there was a time he enjoyed recalling each one; now, they meant less to him than the slightest sliver of the sunrise hinting behind the next mound. The light was coming into their journey. The day arises, and that is where life will happen. And if the Sun God wills, perhaps the day after that. But you do not have to give me these endlessly, thought the Magi, like a string of pearls paid in tribute. I never thought I’d say this, but I have almost had enough. And, no doubt, You have better things to do.

Melchior had been almost unbelievably important, once.

Others still hailed him as such; but as for him, he was ready. He was ready to unravel peacefully. All these solemn occupations; all the mistakes and regrets; all of the looking forward and looking backward; all would fall off his shoulders as easily as the last cough. Still, what a journey it had been! Arabia would never see the like of his life again.

The night in – where was it – the blue shirt he had won in a wager, and in the end, it hadn’t even fit him! – oh glorious, how he laughed to think of it! He almost turned to tell someone, but there were only servants. His two companions were out of reach, for the moment. But the sun was rising, and the air, if cold, was crisp. What more did he need. He’d go as far as he could, today. Everyone would understand if he needed help. He had always tried

to understand this of others – even in the absence of a walking stick and a long white beard, as he bore, these days.

Passing along the gold of sunshine Melchior, you’ll be a word in a book before too long, and not these thoughts rattling around in a bone china frame.

Was the end coming for him, or was he coming to the end? Melchior knew he was not all-powerful, had learned that to his woe many times; and yet he liked to think he still had the power to effect the quality of things. He would greet his end as he greeted every passing stranger: graciously. He had no real cause for complaint.

A child was born somewhere; that was the main thing. A child was born, and all was right with the world. Isn’t that the way it worked? Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to work?

Melchior carried gold. It was the crowning element of kings, but more than that, it was a shiny bauble. Gold carried the sunshine in it. Every child knew that. He would pass the sunrise along: it was not his to keep, and besides, at this point, anything he could not give, he did not want.

Little one, yours are the stars in the sky. I knew them once. Take good care of the treasures of this life. And remember: anything you cannot give; you do not want.

Bob Janis The Rev Bob Janis, a UUA minister on the roll of the General Assembly, formerly served as a minister in the Merseyside District. This story appears in his book: Heart-Treasure for the Mother of the World. www.inquirer.org.uk | Page 7

Sue Cockerill writes of the continuing fight for racial equality, and offers an opportunity to create change

The struggle continues We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change … be the change you want to see in the world.

Mahatma Gandhi As a One Spirit interfaith minister I spend time amongst people of faith from all the great traditions, including my own, in the Unitarian community.

What I particularly enjoy is the way foundation in South Africa. The day these traditions of faith offer pracwas focused on Ubuntu with Indaba “All lives simply don’t tice and writings that connect us which he explained are concepts to a deeper understanding of God/ necessary to creating what Edwin matter, and our black Spirit/Love. termed, beloved community. These and brown brothers and I don’t identify as a Christian but deeply spiritual concepts give I do like to read and reflect on the pointers for how we can live and sisters continue to be Christian mystics. Their contemplagrow together. Ubuntu is a concept unable to reach their tive ways usually connect to a sense meaning, ‘I am because you are’. of social justice and service and the It embraces the idea that humans full potential as equal language of love, mercy, justice and cannot exist in isolation. We depend participants.” forgiveness is imbued in their teachon connection, community, and ings as they are across many other caring — simply, we cannot be faith traditions. The Bible is often without each other. seen as a justice manual and Jesus I was cautioned against trying to an advocate of justice, love and mercy with an amazing directly translate Indaba into English, and Edwin explained ability to know when and how to call people ‘out’ for their Indaba as a concept of trying to walk in someone else’s bigotry and racism and when it was appropriate to call shoes and understand their reality. It stuck with me as people ‘in’, to offer challenge and support. something that describes how I see this journey into race So, hearing about a God of Justice is something most of and racism. As a deeply spiritual inquiry. us have grown up with.

Not surprisingly there is little written about anti racism And yet here we are in 2023 in a country with a culture as spiritual practice, particularly in the UK. However, a deeply rooted in racism and injustice. All lives simply church friend introduced me to an article by the Ameridon’t matter, and our black and brown brothers and sisters can Unitarian Universalist, Dorothy May Emerson, simply continue to be unable to reach their full potential as equal titled: Anti Racism as Everyday Spiritual Practice. In the participants in our churches, our communities and our article, published in Everyday Spiritual Practice: Simple country.

Pathways for Enriching Your Life, edited by Scott W AlexThe question I am left with is how can I become the ander, she outlines four steps in her spiritual commitment change I want to see in the world? to being anti racist. They resonate with my continued I was recently introduced to the South African term journey into trying to become, in some small way, the Indaba. I was on a retreat day with the wonderful Edwin change I want to see in the world.

Arrison who works with the Desmond and Leah Tutu The first step Emerson suggests is to simply pay attention, Page 8 | Issue 8050 – 7 January 2023

“We remain committed to walking alongside people of faith who want to learn more about themselves and their role in becoming anti racist people with faith. ” Shown left: Shutterstock photo by Daisy Cooil

watch the world in you and around you with a new lens – the lens of race. The second step is to seek out and to learn about another’s experience, an experience different to your own, that of a black or brown person. The third step is to take action/practice walking in another shoes, (Indaba), to practice deep empathy. The fourth and final step for Emerson is to step back reflect/pray and give oneself the space to grow. She says guilt is rarely useful in bringing about change and suggests time to reflect, to contemplate, to meditate on these matters.

I am fortunate to be able to work, play, grow and pray with my close friend and colleague the Rev Fujo Malaika (preferred name – Malaika), an interfaith minister based here in Manchester, who comes from a Christian/Rastafarian background. Following the brutal murder of George Floyd and her own personal racist abuse at the hands of Greater Manchester Police, Malaika created a series of workshops in response to hearing white people say they didn’t understand racism or the experiences of people of colour.

She wanted to present the stories she heard every day in her community and she found the generosity of her black friends and colleagues humbling as they stepped forward to share their life experience. This resulted in a series of Human Library Books with people talking about their experiences as a black person in the police, the arts, health and health care, the criminal justice system, faith settings, politics, sport, the armed forces and as a young black man growing up in Manchester. These stories have enabled Malaika and I to develop a short course for people of faith to explore how we can integrate this work into our everyday lives and spiritual practice. The struggle for racial justice is not over and I know there are many of us in the Unitarian movement who have made a commitment to playing our part in this struggle. We are people with principles and values that talk about truth, meaning and deep connection and it is in this struggle to bring about social justice that we have to engage and remain vigilant in making sure that our actions reflect these principles and values.

Malaika and I are not anti-racism trainers; we are two women of faith considering how we can explore for ourselves and together the issues we face in terms of race

and racism. We are committed to helping ourselves and other people of faith to explore more deeply the spiritual principles we talk about each week in our churches and soul communities. This work has been received well so far and people’s feedback has encouraged us to continue to offer the work, wherever we are able. The next course will be our fourth and we remain committed to walking alongside people of faith who want to learn more about themselves and their role in becoming anti racist people with faith. Please consider enrolling for this course.

The Rev Sue Cockerill is an InterFaith minister and a member of Chorlton Unitarians.

Learn more

What does it mean for people of faith, and how do we practise being anti-racist? Was the brutal murder of George Floyd a moment in history like so many deaths of black folk or was it the start of a movement of people?

Come and explore with us why Black lives matter.

This four week course is an exploration of how we are vital to creating a world in which all people really do matter. These workshops will be led by OneSpirit interfaith ministers the Revs Malaika and Sue Cockerill, who will share their journey of the last 18 months with FN4M’s project Faith in Black Lives Matter.

Participants will have access to an online platform where preparation and reflection materials will be provided before and after each webinar.

In these sessions, there will be an opportunity for reflection and prayer, to listen to human story books, group discussion to bring forward your thoughts, and ultimately working with healing and change and integrating anti-racism into ministry.

Course Dates: 7.30-9pm on Tuesday 21, 28 February, 7 March. And, 7.30-9.30pm on 14 March. The cost is £25, which will be donated to Windrush Defenders.

For more information, see: https://faithinblm23.paperform.co/ www.inquirer.org.uk | Page 9

Time to claim Paul Newman My wife Celia attended the Christmas lunch organised by a women’s group that consists mainly of Muslims. I was intrigued and asked her to let me know how Muslims celebrate Christmas. ‘It was delightful!’ she reported.

‘Lots to eat and drink (no alcohol, of course), much of it spicy in flavour plus gorgeous, near-Eastern style sweets, though they enjoyed the butterfly buns that were my contribution. Then we played some familiar party games and even did some Indian (Or was it Pakistani?) dancing.

You know, the kind with lots of swaying and arm and hand movements.’

‘What was the music for that?’

‘Oh, we did it to “Jingle Bells”’.

I closed my eyes and imagined the scene. I laughed at the thought and was pleased to think that a Unitarian man had slipped in to a Muslim women’s Christmas event. ‘Jingle Bells’ was composed in 1857 by James Pierpont, the son of a Massachusetts Unitarian minister. * * * I have learned not to try too hard to spot Unitarians, rather just let them pop up here and there. But I did pounce happily on the gift of Paul Newman, The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man, the memoirs of film actor and director and motor racer, Paul Newman (1925-2008). His name appears on the list of Famous Unitarians, Universalists, and Unitarian Universalists, as does that of his wife, the film actor Joanne Woodward (b.1930). Alas, the memoirs make no mention of any UU affiliation or interest. His background was halfJewish, i.e. his father was Jewish but his mother was not.

Orthodoxy would say that therefore he was not Jewish, but the antisemitic neighbourhood boys who beat him up for it certainly thought he was. In his younger days he was something of a hell-raiser, lots of drinking and gambling and student pranks. But then, along with his outstanding film career, he emerged as an activist in freedom-loving causes such as the Democratic Party and the Civil Rights Movement. He was also an extraordinarily generous supporter of charitable causes. The Newman’s Own brand of salad and other dressings, which I can highly recommend, donates all of its profits to charitable causes, totalling over a billion dollars so far. So, let’s claim him! * * * My enjoyment of biographies and autobiographies was enriched by a bargain copy of Climbing the Bookshelves, the memoirs of Dame Shirley Williams. Reading it was like taking a refresher course in 20th-century political history.

A lifelong activist in politics, she was at the heart of events

FUNNY OLD WORLD

By John Midgley

when the NHS and the Welfare State were set up, as well as the education act that introduced comprehensive education. She describes openly and clearly the strains and stresses of combining a busy public life, in and out of Parliament, with raising a family. Not Unitarian; indeed, I was surprised to learn that she was a devout Roman Catholic. She remained loyal, even when her first marriage came to an end and she had to face the ordeal of appearing before a church tribunal in her endeavours to have it annulled. There is no possibility of a divorce in the Catholic church.

In her international work, she spent time in the US and supported the campaign of Adlai Stevenson to become US President. She makes no mention of his Unitarianism, but was impressed to hear him say, at the end of one important speech, ‘All I want is to “Do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with my God.”’ (Micah, ch.6) * * * I have no idea if I have any Unitarianism in my background, but according to some I could have Viking blood in my ancestry. The evidence for this? I have a Duputreyn’s contracture, that is, my little finger is bent over to the shape of a question mark and will not straighten out. This congenital condition is sometimes referred to as Viking’s disease. There is some evidence that it emerged in Northern Europe and Iceland, spread to the regions where the Vikings migrated and is absent from areas such as China and Australia.

I have a date for surgery on the finger in late March.

Others say that the evidence for this Norse background is so skimpy as to be dismissed. So, I shall not go out and buy an iron helmet with horns sticking out, nor go pillaging in the north country. Others say that all that is largely mythology too. I’ll just be patient and settle for surgery on the NHS. * * * At a December event at his local history society, fellowretiree minister David Shaw was surprised to discover that there were no less than eight Unitarians present. ‘We formed a team for the quiz,’ he reported, ‘and lost.’

(I wonder if he wished he was a Catholic at that point.)

Ashley Hills The Rev Ashley Hills 10 July 1937 – 20 October 2022

By Duncan Voice Ashley Hills was born and raised in Eastbourne, East Sussex. His family attended Congregationalist and Baptist churches as he grew up, and he led his first Service at a Baptist chapel in Heathfield, aged just 16. He also had a Saturday job with a local undertaker. So his working life seemed to be heading in a clear direction! Apart from a brief time working at an outfitters, and completing national service, ministry was the only occupation he would ever know.

Ashley trained for the Unitarian ministry at Unitarian College, Manchester. Peter Hewis recalls that he came from a Baptist church near Horsham, where he and his young family were living. While training he moved to Rochdale to become the lay leader there between 1963 and 1967. He was apparently noted for taking excellent funeral services. He also amazed fellow students by preparing two services every Monday for use the following Sunday.

Ashley’s move from the Baptist church was not the last time he would move denominations. After serving as minister at Larne in Northern Ireland between 1967 and 1970, Ashley decided to move to a congregational church which later became part of the United Reform Church (URC). He stayed with the URC until 1989. He seems to have kept his reasons for these changes largely to himself.

Sadly during this time his first marriage also broke down.

Ashley returned to Unitarianism and became minister at Lewisham between 1991 and 2002. Alongside this he was minister at Billingshurst between 1993 and 2002. He also supported the London and District Provincial Assembly (LDPA) greatly. Peter Godfrey recalls: Ashley was a great help and support to me while I was London District Minister. In those days there was a Preaching Plan for the District, prepared quarterly by the district minister for all churches that needed people to conduct services. Ashley was a regular helper on this list. His services were greatly appreciated wherever he went.

While at Lewisham, Ashley met Liz (or Elizabeth as he always called her). They were married in 1992. This was a happy and more settled time for him, and they were pleased to celebrate their 30th anniversary in May 2022. Liz usually accompanied Ashley as he led services in various locations around the country. So when congregations booked Ashley, they got his service plus Liz’s wonderful piano skills too!

Shown above: The Rev Ashley Hills

Alongside his paid ministry work, Ashley also supported many Unitarian committees and Trusts. Martin Whitell recalls, ‘Ashley was very good at this and keeping a meeting moving whilst hearing the people present.’ He served the Mansford Street Trust as chair, the Hackney Trust, the Tenterden Unitarian Church Trust, the Horsham Unitarian Church Trust, as General Baptist Association President, the Joseph Davies Trust, the Retired Ministers’ and Widows Trust, the Stamford Street Trust and he even found time to be president of the LDPA, three times! He was honoured in March 2020, when he was made a lifetime honorary member of the LDPA. Much of what he did, however, went unnoticed by most people. He was a source of great support and help to many, someone people could call on and seek help and advice. He was especially helpful to smaller congregations without a minister. He also formed a strong connection with the Unitarian congregation in Prague, travelling there regularly. Some of his words have been used in their hymn book. He was completely dedicated to his work, and he was greatly loved for the help and support he was willing, and able, to give.

Ashley was interested in many things, from areas as diverse as nature, to clocks and travelling. He read widely and it was this interest and curiosity about life that perhaps kept him working as long as he did.

Sharing his insights and reflections, with a measure of his characteristic dry sense of humour! He gave his last service just this April in Sheffield, aged 84, after more than 60 years of ministry. He will be remembered with great affection.

Ashley died peacefully at home with his family beside him.

He is survived by his wife Liz, daughter Bethan, and three children from his first marriage, Robin, Stephanie and Julian.

The Rev Duncan Voice is minister at Horsham. www.inquirer.org.uk | Page 11

Feargus O’Connor seeks for peace and support for Ukraine’s people, facing a terrible winter.

An appeal for Ukraine

Shown above: Destruction in Kyiv. Shutterstock photo

‘Whoever destroys a soul, it is considered as if he destroyed an entire world. And whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.’ (Jerusalem Talmud, Sanhedrin 4:1: 22a) ‘Whoever saves one life saves all of mankind.’ (The Qur’an) At the start of the disastrous war in Ukraine – on the very day hostilities broke out – Quakers in Britain issued an inspirational and prophetic statement, inspired by the Friends’ own Peace Testimony, about the grave dangers to world peace and the catastrophic consequences of such a war and the tragic loss of life that would result.

Since then: • More than 200,000 Ukrainian and Russian troops have been killed.

• Over 40,000 Ukrainian civilians have lost their lives and many more are suffering life changing injuries.

• More than 13,000,000 Ukrainians have fled their homes, millions internally displaced and millions of others living as refugees.

• Numerous homes, schools and hospitals have been damaged or destroyed. Water, electricity and other essential facilities have been badly disrupted. Landmines and other devastating weapons are killing many innocent civilians, including innocent child victims.

• At least 18,000,000 people in Ukraine are in acute need of medical care, food, water, heating and other essential humanitarian aid.

The cost of reconstruction of Ukraine’s infrastructure will cost, we are told, well in excess of $70 billion. The people of Ukraine are now facing a terrible winter with temperatures as low as -20C. The World Health Organization and UN Refugee Agency have warmed that millions of Ukrainians, including 7 million people displaced within Ukraine, will endure appalling conditions. Many clinically vulnerable people, the young and the elderly may die. Hundreds of hospitals and healthcare facilities lack fuel, water and electricity to meet basic needs.

The longer the war continues the worst this humanitarian crisis will become.

The wisdom of Quakers worldwide and of other peacemakers, notably Pope Francis, has surely been utterly vindicated by all disastrous events since the outbreak of this tragic war.

Is there not clearly a moral imperative not only to bring desperately needed humanitarian, especially medical, aid to all

those in acute need but end the ever increasing toll of death and destruction we witness daily?

The Unitarian Peace Fellowship, in the spirit of the Charter for Compassion, which it has embraced, and acting in its longstanding commitment to Red Cross lifesaving appeals, is launching this New Year Appeal as part of its 2022-2023 Annual Appeal in aid of British Red Cross global humanitarian emergency responses to succour the victims of war.

By donating to the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal you will help Ukrainian victims of war by assisting the Ukrainian Red Cross, its sister charity, give desperately needed aid to hospitals and primary healthcare facilities, fire fighters and civil protection units , help it repair homes, schools and community centres and enable the rebuilding or replacement of Ukraine’s vital infrastructure damaged or destroyed by this devastating war.

If you wish to respond to this urgent appeal please call 0300 023 0820 or visit redcross.org.uk/Ukraine Or, send a cheque made out to the British Red Cross and post it to British Red Cross, 44 Moorfields, London EC2Y 9AL. Please kindly earmark it for the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal and ask for it to be recorded as a donation to the Unitarian Peace Fellowship Ukraine Peace Appeal.

Signed: The Rev Sue Woolley, President of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches and Secretary of the Unitarian Peace Fellowship Elizabeth Slade, Chief Officer of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches.

Marion Baker, GA Executive Committee Convenor Plus 40 more Unitarian leaders. www.inquirer.org.uk | Page 12