Cathedral crib competition: the best, worst, coolest and naffest
This Doggy Nativity isn't in an actual cathedral crib, but perhaps it ought to be. It is reproduced here not only because it is the best crib in the whole…
Church of England
How has the Church of England failed to grasp the core finding of the Carlile Report, that a superficially ‘truthful’ complainant might be an unreliable historian of fact?
I don't imagine there are many members of the House of Bishops who are aficionados of American sports, but some might relate to the words of ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky: "A good hockey player plays where the puck is.…
The year is 2067, and long-dead archbishop Justin Welby is accused of child abuse…
It is absolutely shocking. No one ever guessed. No one even suspected. No one knew the darkest secret, the chill in the air, the poison in the communion chalice of…
“Late ordinand” Sarah Mullally to be next Bishop of London
The long wait is over: the person selected by the Crown Nominations Commission under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to be the next Bishop of London is the Rt…
Carlile Report: Bishop George Bell has been traduced, and the blame lies squarely with Church House and Lambeth Palace
“The George Bell case represents the perfect storm from which injustice emerges. We had a church fearful and sensitive to allegations that it might be covering up abuse, a plausible…
The Church of England is a compromised and compromising church – thank God!
As we await the appointment of the next Bishop of London, some are limbering up for the next round of culture wars within the Church of England. In a 'warning'…
Mandatory reporting of CofE child abuse is complicated, so let’s proceed incrementally
When judges are considering whether children can be returned to failing parents, they set the bar at a fairly low standard: ‘good enough parenting’ is sufficient. This approach does not…
Iwerne Trust abuse: leading public school gives victims immediate help, while the Church of England leaves them hanging
There are many stories of abuse within the Church of England, and for years they have remained hidden, either undisclosed or covered up. It is hard to think of there…
The General Synod of the Church of England puts same-sex relations over youth evangelism
There is perhaps nothing more challenging in mission than the proclamation of the gospel to those who have never heard it, in a foreign land, in an unfamiliar culture, in…
Is the Church of England doing religion without the Holy Spirit?
Much has been written about the Holy Spirit, or the Holy Ghost, or the Paraclete; the third person (hypostasis) of the Trinity. In fact, so much has been written over…
Safeguarding: why is the Church of England’s institutional compassion so constipated?
This is a guest post by Martin Sewell, a retired child protection lawyer. _______ A few weeks ago I wrote about the way in which the Church of England had…
How Bishop George Bell became a victim of Church of England ‘spin’ and a narrative of ‘decisive leadership’
This is a guest post by The Very Rev’d Professor Martyn Percy, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford. _______ Some may begin to wonder how exactly the Church of England’s National…
See how the (Acting) Bishop of London loves Tories
The (Acting) Bishop of London just loves Tories. It is seen in his sweet Twitter appreciation that Conservatives apprehend the loveliness of the moral excellency of divine things; the beauty…
Church U-turn on sex abuse: from the victim ‘must be believed’ to being ‘taken seriously’
This is a guest post by Martin Sewell, a retired Child Protection Lawyer. _____ The recent furore about the Parliamentary 'sex scandals' – which I prefer to think of as…
Jayne Ozanne was raped by a priest? Which bishop told her not to report the attack?
Jayne Ozanne (who claimed to have reported this blog to the police last year for 'hate') claims to have been raped by a priest in the 1990s. She says she…
“I need a friendly bishop,” said the child abuse survivor, as the prelate passed by on the other side
This is a guest post by Martin Sewell, a retired Child Protection Lawyer. _____ Two years ago, Archbishop John Sentamu gave one of those sermons which you know you will…
Bishops damn church insurers Ecclesiastical Insurance Group (EIG) over ‘horse trading’ with child abuse survivors
Ecclesiastical Insurance Group (EIG) is the Church of England's insurance company. It was founded in 1887 to insure the Anglican church (...against acts of God?). Mark Hews, CEO, says: "We…
Child abuse in the Church of England: Justin Welby must either accelerate the change or carry the can
This is a guest post by Martin Sewell, a retired Child Protection Lawyer who takes a special interest in Safeguarding as a member of General Synod. _____ When I was…
Bishop of Manchester condemns ‘Hang the Tories’ left-wing hate
One effigy hanging beneath this bridge could be Boris, but it's hard to tell. They're both male – or dressed as men – so the Prime Minister isn't the target. Except…
Bishop Gavin Ashenden – if only the Church of England had so consecrated
It sounds good, doesn't it? Bishop Gavin Ashenden. Say it slower. Bish-op Gav-in Ash-en-den. The Rev'd Dr Gavin Ashenden has been consecrated bishop – The Rt Rev'd Dr Gavin Ashenden.…