20/06/2008 by admin.

Someone said they found my last posting ambiguous. Just to clear this up, I was poking fun, admittedly a little wicked, at the C of E. I think it is monstrous that the clerics of this Church waste their time worrying about the sexual orientation of both their clergy and lay members when there are far more important things they should be concerned with. But it is important for gay people in all churches not to feel that they are being alienated just because of their sexual orientation. This would be a most un-Christian act; if those entering into civil partnerships want to seek a Christian blessing on their union I fail to see that this is to be deplored

Sexual behaviour is another thing, but this applies equally to homosexuals and heterosexuals and there is no reason to believe that heterosexual promiscuity is unknown amongst C of E members! Or indeed amongst Catholics in case you think I am biased.

Posted in Uncategorised | Print | No Comments »

16/06/2008 by admin.

The Church of England is in turmoil again not because there is  a deep theological split over women bishops, though this looms (and keeps being postponed), but because one of its clergy has organised a service of Christian blessing of a civil union between two gay priests of the Church. Now the C of E, so far as I understand it, does not forbid such blessings, nor does it set down any special form of service, but seems to require that these celebrations are not “public” so, I assume, provided no one is invited and they are carried out secretly at dead of night, such services are allowed.

In this case an adaptation of the Prayer Book service of marriage was used, though the form of words used in the actual union was not used. It took place within a celebration of the C of E Eucharist.

I wonder what our Lord would have made of all this? Certainly he would not be passing the buck by asking the Bishop of London to ask the Archdeacon to ‘carry out an enquiry.

Posted in Uncategorised | Print | No Comments »

13/06/2008 by admin.

If I were to be arrested and detained for six weeks without charge, and then released, it would have a catastrophic effect on my life; if I was working, rather than retired, supporting a young family and striving to progress in my career it might be fatal.

 It could never happen to me? Perhaps not but it could happen to younger more vulnerable people. And it could happen under any government, not just the present one, if the changes carried in the Commons ever pass into the statute book. If I were to tell you that every email you send, every phone call you make, can easily be intercepted, and probably are intercepted, for the most trivial of reasons and that your every action in most shopping malls, department stores and town centres are routinely recorded on CCTV cameras and accessed by many untrained and potentially unscrupulous observers then you will appreciate why I support David Davis’s brave and principled stand. It is time threats to our liberties were faced for what they are - potential tools for some future authoritarian regime.

Posted in Uncategorised | Print | No Comments »

10/06/2008 by admin.

HelplineI have a friend - from school- who keeps me endlessly supplied with jokes both in cartoon form and, sometimes, as videos or sound files. Sometimes, as with all jokes, opinions vary on the real humour contained in these emails but I thought I would like to share his latest offering with you. Numerous disclaimers - it is not meant as anti-Irish nor is it making light of people with real problems but do listen to this wonderful spoof . Thanks to Terry for sending it to me. Just click on Helpline at the beginning of this entry.

Posted in Uncategorised | Print | 1 Comment »

07/06/2008 by admin.

How did you do? I had some modest winnings but not quite enough to lead a life of luxury. Just hope it’s an omen for the Lottery tonight. In spite of my name I am not a serious betting man at all and I am usually a net loser on the Derby so it’s nice to be in pocket at all. Pity the sun went in for the big race.

Posted in Uncategorised | Print | No Comments »

07/06/2008 by admin.

Well maybe but so far the ’silly season’ in the press hasn’t started. What with the Government’s troubles, the US elections and far more serious things like the atrocities being committed in Zimbabwe, the terrible tragedies in Burma and China, the newspapers have had plenty of things to write about. Not to say the undoubted increase in knife crime amongst younger people.

In normal circumstances one would say that some day soon all this will be swept aside in favour of a two-headed sheep but this year one doubts that. Of course  men, and women, are just as bad or good as they have ever been but we have been hearing so much bad news lately that the odd silly season story might be quite welcome so long as it is cheerful.

Posted in Uncategorised | Print | No Comments »