Message from our Reader September 2010: ‘Back to School’

This month sees the return of children and young people to their schools and colleges after the summer break. It serves also as a reminder to us as disciples of Jesus Christ to renew our commitment to our study in the school of Christ. [Read More...]  Read More →

Message from our Reader July/August 2010: “When the saints go marching”

This time of year, here in the Canaries, we experience a succession of local fiestas with a figure of the patron saint being carried in procession through the streets, often accompanied by the town band. Principal among the fiestas of July and August is the celebration of Our Lady of Carmen, marked in Corralejo, Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Valterra, Arrrecife not only by a procession on land, but also with the statue of the Virgin and Child... [Read More...]

Chaplain’s Message May/June 2010:”Jedi or Heavy Metal? Which Religion are YOU?”

Believe it or not, on the last census form in the UK when the question was asked which religion ( if any) the person claimed to hold, 40, 000 people put Jedi!  Now “Heavy Metal” fans want this to be recognised as a religion and they are encouraged to put this as their answer on the 2011 census. 20,000 people have already signed up on face book! This begs 2 questions: 1. either the world has gone mad, or 2. the World religions are failing... [Read More...]

Chaplain’s Message April 2010: “A new day has dawned”

These words are part of a Collect for Easter Day, but I also remember reading them in a saying about death. “Death is not the snuffing out of a candle, but the putting out of the lamp, because a new day has dawned” This is what Easter is about. It reminds us that death has been overcome and that God brings us out of darkness into His own marvellous light. New life is offered for all “who put their trust in him”. [Read More...]  Read More →

Chaplain’s Message March 2010: “Making a Difference”

This was the theme for the Gibraltar Archdeaconry Synod held recently in Portugal. Clergy and Lay representatives met together for 4 days exploring this theme and sharing ideas and concerns. It is always a fruitful time and one of the few occasions when chaplaincies throughout the Archdeaconry realise they are not “alone”. One of the problems of such a scattered diocese is that Chaplaincies can feel isolated and out on a limb. The clergy... [Read More...]