Bishop of Doncaster Sermon

Last Updated on Monday, 20 February 2012 10:00

Preached at Doncaster Welcome Service at Doncaster Minster 11 February 2012

Archdeacon Stephen and I are delighted that so many of you have been able to join us for this welcome service at the start of our ministry amongst you.  Can I add my welcome to that of the Minster to our civic guests and MPs, to the schools represented and Doncaster College, to representatives of our parishes both clergy and laity, to members of the Cathedral Chapter, Bishop James and to family and friends, some of whom I know have travelled long distances to be with us this morning.  I would also like to thank Helen Bent, Paul Shackerley the Vicar of the Minster and all the minister staff who have worked hard to put this service together.

Following last summer’ riots I was asked on local radio whether I agreed that they demonstrated, as some commentators clearly thought they did, a decline in moral standards in British society.  I can’t remember exactly what I said in response but it was something to the effect that the complex issues involved meant that we shouldn’t look for simple answers or pillory all young people, making them an easy scape goat for society’s ills.  I have to say in relation to young people, that I was particularly impressed with those I met at Doncaster College on the day of the announcement of my appointment who were a credit to the college and to Doncaster itself, and in whom there is real hope and expectation, in spite of the many problems they face not least in finding suitable employment.  I also recall saying in the radio interview that we needed to keep things in perspective and whilst nothing could justify unlawful rioting and violence the numbers involved were in fact a small minority of the population.  The vast majority of people, didn’t riot or protest, the vast majority of people were law abiding.  That didn’t mean they were unsympathetic with some of the issues behind the riots or that they were entirely content, but it equally showed that society as a whole hasn’t gone into total downward spiral moral decline and melt down.

But as we reflect on the events of last year, the riots, the “Occupy Campaign”, the global debt and Euro crisis, and its impact on the lives of everyone, in particular the most poor and vulnerable, as we consider the implications further afield of the “Arab Spring” and social and political unrest elsewhere, as we recall the fear of increased violence, gun and knife crimes, we can’t help but reflect on the nature of society.  The Archbishop of Canterbury, in his Christmas sermon, highlighted the same issue saying, “The most pressing question we now face, we might well say, is who and where we are as a society.  Bonds have been broken, trust abused and lost”.  These and other concerns have given rise to much debate in Britain about the “Big Society” or what I and others prefer to call “The Good Society”, a society in which all can prosper and where there’s equality, love, peace and justice for everyone.

I’m sure we’d all agree that building community, a society where everyone has a fair share, the good of society is promoted as a first order issue, where all can flourish and benefit, is a top priority.  But for it to become reality there needs to be radical change and transformation of social and political thinking by those with the ability to affect change, and that requires flourishing partnerships.  Whilst there’s been much debate over the years about the relationship between the church and state, it’s my firm conviction that the church, in its prophetic role, needs to build partnerships with public, private, and not for profit stake holders because when working effectively together we can bridge the gap between the most deprived and disadvantaged communities and build a fairer and more just society.  It’s a shift to a more authentic radicalism in which the Church itself gets further involved in all kinds of processes of welfare, medicine, banking, education, the arts, business, technology, and ecology and in doing so seeks to transform society with others.

The importance of this partnership has been emphasised by the government.  Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State, in recognising the unique relationship that Christianity and other faith groups have with their local communities and organisations said this “For years, faith communities have been quietly making a huge difference day-in and day-out, to every single neighbourhood in the country – something that has been sufficiently recognised by Central Government.  In realising our ambitions for a Big Society, we can together build on the huge amount of experience faith groups have in getting out into the community.  Some see religion as a problem that needs to be solved. The Government sees it as part of the solution.  I want to send an important signal that we value the role of religion and faith in public life.  The days of state trying to supress Christianity and other faiths are over”

From a Christian perspective we’re Kingdom focused and we see how the Kingdom becomes gradually real through the wisdom of people from all sections of society.  In a recent Church Times article I was reminded of the fact that “It was a Samaritan who showed how to be a good neighbour, a business man who showed us how to use our talents, an accountant who modelled debt forgiveness, a soldier who recognised Christ on the Cross, a Cyrenian tourist who helped carry the cross”.  “The Kingdom”, the article said, “is the true model of mutual community because it encompasses everyone”.

My own recent practical experience is that is doesn’t matter what your political persuasion is, civic and business leaders are happy to engage with the church and to listen, but we have to be prepared to take risks, to put ourselves in uncomfortable places, places that we’re unfamiliar with.  We have to be prepared to be a prophetic voice speaking into situations that may not always make us popular but equally listening to things that we might not always want to hear.  That’s part of the risk of interpreting the Gospel in new situations.

Archdeacon Stephen and I then welcome this opportunity, at the start of our new and collegial ministry, to begin what I hope and pray will be fruitful relationships and partnership with lay and ordained colleagues from our parishes, with civic representatives of Doncaster, Rotherham, Barnsley, Goole, Sheffield and all the other places I could mention, with business leaders and our ecumenical and faith partners.  We’re committed and look forward to being co-workers with you as together, maybe from different perspectives and with different motives we work for the transformation of society.

St Paul, in this morning’s reading, reminds Christians about the importance of being co-workers and does so by using an architectural metaphor, good one for the archdeacon.  He likens himself to a skilled master builder, one who brings his experience and knowledge to the work and assigns tasks to individual workers.  The Greek word gives us the word Architect, and it’s obvious that the architect, whilst having drawn up the designs, depends on the skill, the craftsmanship, the sheer hard labour of many fellow workers.  Paul’s talking about the ministry of others who’ve come to the church after him and who by their teaching and working together are building up the foundation which has been laid.  Paul had done a particular job; he’d laid the foundations by proclaiming Jesus Christ.  His reason for doing so was to ensure that the faith of Christians in Corinth rested securely on the power of God, on Jesus himself, the only sure foundation.  But Paul also warns them to take care how they build, they must build by teaching in accordance with the foundation which is Christ himself.  All they do should further promote the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He sees the day coming when the true nature of every Christians work will become known and plain to see.  It won’t be a matter of how successful or effective or popular or commended people are, what matters is whether the work of Christians, in Paul’s case in Corinth, proves to be what God’s done through his Spirit.  Will the work we do be to God’s glory and a sign of his Kingdom.

These verses also urge us to take seriously the certainty of eternal life and the scrutiny which the Lord will bring to our daily Christian service.  But Paul, here and elsewhere in scripture, emphasises that building up the Church, the work of ministry, is a coordinated effort, a team process, and it’s on-going.

Whilst this passage is referring specifically then to building up God’s Church and referring to the work Christians are called to do, I’d like to suggest that the emphasis on being co-workers, the team effort, is a good model for the way the church is called to work with other organisations, as I’ve indicated.

There’s no doubt that many have worked hard to make the Borough of Doncaster a better, fairer and more just place to live and this is echoed throughout the diocese and is to be commended.  But the work is on-going and there are huge issues to be addressed as we work for the good and for the welfare of all.  Stephen and I look forward to growing good working relationships across the Borough and beyond, to working with you wherever possible, as does the wider church.  And as we do so, we pay tribute to the foundations of the partnerships that have already been laid by Bishop Steven, Bishop Cyril, the previous archdeacon Bob Fitzharris, and more latterly by Paul Shakerley and, of course, the much good work done in the parishes and deaneries of Doncaster.  We’re all called to serve our communities; we all have something unique to offer from our different perspectives, experience and expertise.  Together we can build a better society where everyone can flourish.

Preached at Doncaster Welcome Service at Doncaster Minster

11th February 2012

Archdeacon Stephen and I are delighted that so many of you have been able to join us for this welcome service at the start of our ministry amongst you.  Can I add my welcome to that of the Minster to our civic guests and MPs, to the schools represented and Doncaster College, to representatives of our parishes both clergy and laity, to members of the Cathedral Chapter, Bishop James and to family and friends, some of whom I know have travelled long distances to be with us this morning.  I would also like to thank Helen Bent, Paul Shackerley the Vicar of the Minster and all the minister staff who have worked hard to put this service together.

Following last summer’ riots I was asked on local radio whether I agreed that they demonstrated, as some commentators clearly thought they did, a decline in moral standards in British society.  I can’t remember exactly what I said in response but it was something to the effect that the complex issues involved meant that we shouldn’t look for simple answers or pillory all young people, making them an easy scape goat for society’s ills.  I have to say in relation to young people, that I was particularly impressed with those I met at Doncaster College on the day of the announcement of my appointment who were a credit to the college and to Doncaster itself, and in whom there is real hope and expectation, in spite of the many problems they face not least in finding suitable employment.  I also recall saying in the radio interview that we needed to keep things in perspective and whilst nothing could justify unlawful rioting and violence the numbers involved were in fact a small minority of the population.  The vast majority of people, didn’t riot or protest, the vast majority of people were law abiding.  That didn’t mean they were unsympathetic with some of the issues behind the riots or that they were entirely content, but it equally showed that society as a whole hasn’t gone into total downward spiral moral decline and melt down.

But as we reflect on the events of last year, the riots, the “Occupy Campaign”, the global debt and Euro crisis, and its impact on the lives of everyone, in particular the most poor and vulnerable, as we consider the implications further afield of the “Arab Spring” and social and political unrest elsewhere, as we recall the fear of increased violence, gun and knife crimes, we can’t help but reflect on the nature of society.  The Archbishop of Canterbury, in his Christmas sermon, highlighted the same issue saying, “The most pressing question we now face, we might well say, is who and where we are as a society.  Bonds have been broken, trust abused and lost”.  These and other concerns have given rise to much debate in Britain about the “Big Society” or what I and others prefer to call “The Good Society”, a society in which all can prosper and where there’s equality, love, peace and justice for everyone.

I’m sure we’d all agree that building community, a society where everyone has a fair share, the good of society is promoted as a first order issue, where all can flourish and benefit, is a top priority.  But for it to become reality there needs to be radical change and transformation of social and political thinking by those with the ability to affect change, and that requires flourishing partnerships.  Whilst there’s been much debate over the years about the relationship between the church and state, it’s my firm conviction that the church, in its prophetic role, needs to build partnerships with public, private, and not for profit stake holders because when working effectively together we can bridge the gap between the most deprived and disadvantaged communities and build a fairer and more just society.  It’s a shift to a more authentic radicalism in which the Church itself gets further involved in all kinds of processes of welfare, medicine, banking, education, the arts, business, technology, and ecology and in doing so seeks to transform society with others.

The importance of this partnership has been emphasised by the government.  Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State, in recognising the unique relationship that Christianity and other faith groups have with their local communities and organisations said this “For years, faith communities have been quietly making a huge difference day-in and day-out, to every single neighbourhood in the country – something that has been sufficiently recognised by Central Government.  In realising our ambitions for a Big Society, we can together build on the huge amount of experience faith groups have in getting out into the community.  Some see religion as a problem that needs to be solved. The Government sees it as part of the solution.  I want to send an important signal that we value the role of religion and faith in public life.  The days of state trying to supress Christianity and other faiths are over”

From a Christian perspective we’re Kingdom focused and we see how the Kingdom becomes gradually real through the wisdom of people from all sections of society.  In a recent Church Times article I was reminded of the fact that “It was a Samaritan who showed how to be a good neighbour, a business man who showed us how to use our talents, an accountant who modelled debt forgiveness, a soldier who recognised Christ on the Cross, a Cyrenian tourist who helped carry the cross”.  “The Kingdom”, the article said, “is the true model of mutual community because it encompasses everyone”.

My own recent practical experience is that is doesn’t matter what your political persuasion is, civic and business leaders are happy to engage with the church and to listen, but we have to be prepared to take risks, to put ourselves in uncomfortable places, places that we’re unfamiliar with.  We have to be prepared to be a prophetic voice speaking into situations that may not always make us popular but equally listening to things that we might not always want to hear.  That’s part of the risk of interpreting the Gospel in new situations.

Archdeacon Stephen and I then welcome this opportunity, at the start of our new and collegial ministry, to begin what I hope and pray will be fruitful relationships and partnership with lay and ordained colleagues from our parishes, with civic representatives of Doncaster, Rotherham, Barnsley, Goole, Sheffield and all the other places I could mention, with business leaders and our ecumenical and faith partners.  We’re committed and look forward to being co-workers with you as together, maybe from different perspectives and with different motives we work for the transformation of society.

St Paul, in this morning’s reading, reminds Christians about the importance of being co-workers and does so by using an architectural metaphor, good one for the archdeacon.  He likens himself to a skilled master builder, one who brings his experience and knowledge to the work and assigns tasks to individual workers.  The Greek word gives us the word Architect, and it’s obvious that the architect, whilst having drawn up the designs, depends on the skill, the craftsmanship, the sheer hard labour of many fellow workers.  Paul’s talking about the ministry of others who’ve come to the church after him and who by their teaching and working together are building up the foundation which has been laid.  Paul had done a particular job; he’d laid the foundations by proclaiming Jesus Christ.  His reason for doing so was to ensure that the faith of Christians in Corinth rested securely on the power of God, on Jesus himself, the only sure foundation.  But Paul also warns them to take care how they build, they must build by teaching in accordance with the foundation which is Christ himself.  All they do should further promote the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He sees the day coming when the true nature of every Christians work will become known and plain to see.  It won’t be a matter of how successful or effective or popular or commended people are, what matters is whether the work of Christians, in Paul’s case in Corinth, proves to be what God’s done through his Spirit.  Will the work we do be to God’s glory and a sign of his Kingdom.

These verses also urge us to take seriously the certainty of eternal life and the scrutiny which the Lord will bring to our daily Christian service.  But Paul, here and elsewhere in scripture, emphasises that building up the Church, the work of ministry, is a coordinated effort, a team process, and it’s on-going.

Whilst this passage is referring specifically then to building up God’s Church and referring to the work Christians are called to do, I’d like to suggest that the emphasis on being co-workers, the team effort, is a good model for the way the church is called to work with other organisations, as I’ve indicated.

There’s no doubt that many have worked hard to make the Borough of Doncaster a better, fairer and more just place to live and this is echoed throughout the diocese and is to be commended.  But the work is on-going and there are huge issues to be addressed as we work for the good and for the welfare of all.  Stephen and I look forward to growing good working relationships across the Borough and beyond, to working with you wherever possible, as does the wider church.  And as we do so, we pay tribute to the foundations of the partnerships that have already been laid by Bishop Steven, Bishop Cyril, the previous archdeacon Bob Fitzharris, and more latterly by Paul Shakerley and, of course, the much good work done in the parishes and deaneries of Doncaster.  We’re all called to serve our communities; we all have something unique to offer from our different perspectives, experience and expertise.  Together we can build a better society where everyone can flourish.