Articles

Getting ready for Lent

Lent begins this year on Ash Wednesday, 14th February, and lasts for 40 days until Easter. Lent began in the early church as 40 days of preparation time for new Christians to prepare for baptism at Easter.  The whole Church started to…

Plough Wednesday: a rural adventure

A couple of weeks ago I had my first experience of “Plough Wednesday”: an annual opportunity to explore rural life and ministry across the Diocese of Oxford.

Called to be Christ-like

An update on our common vision process Over a hundred people from across the diocese came together on Saturday 20th January to reflect on progress so far in our common vision process. We gathered as lay chairs, area deans, members of Bishop’s…

A very short history of catechesis

It has long been my conviction that the renewal and reform most needed in the life of the Church of England and the Church in the United Kingdom is the renewal of catechesis: laying the good foundations of faith in the lives of enquirers and new Christians.

Seven reasons to say the Lord’s Prayer each day

Most of us learn the Lord’s Prayer as children. But then we forget what it means. Over the last few weeks, I have found myself teaching the Lord’s Prayer to several different congregations – over 2000 people in all, including many young people.

A Beatitudes Hymn

I attempt at least one new hymn every year as the verse for my Christmas card. I’m under no illusions that they will endure. I love words and enjoy crafting them in different ways. The satisfaction is as much in the writing as in the singing...

The Mission Community of St Frideswide

On Wednesday of last week, I was able to license the Revd. Kate Seagrave as Mission Priest to St Fridewide’s church and parish in Oxford and to a new community in Oxford, the Mission Community of St Frideswide. The community will seek to live out what it means to be a Christ-like Church.

A Kimberley and Kuruman diary

I spent four days in Kimberley with over fifty people involved in links and partnerships across our two diocese. Here’s a snapshot.

Thoughts and prayers for the Diocese of Sheffield

My thoughts and prayers are with the Diocese of Sheffield following publication of Sir Philip Mawer’s report into the recent process of appointment of my successor.