14 September is the Feast of the Holy Cross, Holy Cross Day. In the spirit of Throwback Thursday, these are reflections preparing for Friday. The 67-70 AD war of Jews against Romans ended with the Romans winning and the temple destroyed. Jerusalem lay in ruins. Hadrian was born just after that, 76AD. He was the
Diocesan Synods are meeting, and they are voting against supporting the direction General Synod Te Hinota Whanuia (GSTHW) is going in liturgy. I was recently asked to write a chapter for a book on the future of the Prayer Book tradition (I will let you know when that book is out). In summary, that chapter
Goodbye Common Prayer? Read More »
Let us pray (in silence) [that we may love God in our hearts and in our actions] Pause Lord, [or God of compassion] direct our hearts by the action of your mercy, for without your help we cannot please you; through Jesus Christ who is alive with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
Resources for Ordinary Week 24 Read More »
A recent conference called by the new Anglican Bishop of Dunedin, Steven Benford, focused on mission and ministry. It was called an Anglo-Catholic Hui. You can read about it here (link off this site). I was asked to give an address about spirituality. My talk covered some of the themes that regulars here are familiar
Six New Anglo-Catholic Points Read More »
Lex orandi, lex credendi – the law of praying is the law of believing. Prayer shapes belief. Liturgy leads to theology. But we also know that the relationship works the other way around: beliefs affect the way we pray. Theology affects liturgy. Just this week (as just one example), I am watching a debate (yes
Prayer and Belief – It’s Complicated Read More »
In the month of September, and concluding on the feast of St Francis on October 4, many people focus on creation. A great starting resource for Christians and people of goodwill is the encyclical of Pope Francis, Laudato Si’. For Christians, creation is not merely an academic discussion about evolution or not – it is
A Creation Season Reading for Sunday 9 September Read More »
In The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia (ACANZP), diocesan synods and hui amorangi are being asked to assent to various statutes. If they are passed by a majority, they will return to General Synod Te Hinota Whanui (GSTHW) for confirmation and become formularies of our Church. So here are some thoughts. You
Synod Liturgy Decisions Read More »
Last Sunday, I preached on Ephesians 6:10-20 (yes, I know that RCL breaks Ephesians up slightly differently to the RC 3 Year Lectionary). I am obviously aware of debates around the letter’s authorship and destination, etc. I do not think, for this reflection, imaging it written by St Paul in prison in Rome around 62AD
Put On The Whole Armour Of God Read More »
