Seven Churches in South Oxfordshire

From the Rector: Tuesday 14th January 2025

The Beta Candidate

Dear friends,

You may have been wondering why, until now, I’ve made no comment about the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The whole sorry affair is an object lesson in many different ways, and far more complicated than can be simply surmised here. I can tell you that I have never met Justin Welby, or spoken to him, so you’ll forgive me from refraining to rush to any kind of judgement. It might be more useful or informative for you for me to try and tell you a little about how the next Archbishop of Canterbury will be appointed. In lieu of His Majesty the King (the Supreme Governor of the Church of England) simply declaring his choice, there is a (very large) committee – called the Crown Nomination Commission – who do all the legwork. This body has both representatives of the Church, and the State (the Crown). It has the Archbishop of York, and Bishops from the Church of England, as well as (for the first time) representatives from the global Anglican Communion. It has lay members too, some of whom will be from the Diocese of Canterbury. After a series of meetings, where potential candidates (from among the English bench of Bishops) are firstly identified, then researched, then shortlisted, a final shortlist of just two names are presented to the Prime Minister, who alone makes the final decision. So, the Church and Crown together present the candidates, but the State has the final word. Right at the end, the matter returns to His Majesty the King for his final approval of the Prime Minister’s choice.

In a wonderfully English twist on proceedings, possibly to keep the Church “on board”, it is expected that the Commission will always put their preferred candidate first in the shortlist, and that the Prime Minister will then “choose” this individual. However Prime Ministers have sometimes exerted their statutory right and chosen the “Beta” Candidate, the last to (famously) do so being Margaret Thatcher. *

So, I urge your prayers for the deliberations of the “CNC” over the best part of the coming year. If you’d like to read more about its workings, you can do so here. The advantages of having to have a “long process” for the appointment of the next Archbishop of Canterbury are, to my mind, twofold: firstly, that the media threshing machine will get bored and move onto other fields, and secondly that the “hierarchy” of the church will be navel gazing or in some kind of paralysis, leaving those of us in the trenches to do what we do best, which is use our own initiative, rather than be burdened with theirs.

Worship Services for Sunday 19th January 2025

9.30am Informal Worship at St John’s Stoke Row with Mr Peter Ferguson

11am Family Service at St Peter and Paul, Checkendon with Canon Kevin Davies. An informal service for all ages, with the music group, and coffee from 10.45am

Midweek zoom service: Wednesday Evensong at 5.00pm  410 935 129

“Strictly Nature”

An illustrated talk by wildlife photographer Simon Booker with some of his best shots, and the stories behind them. Friday 24th January, 7pm, Checkendon Village Hall. Admission £12 to include canapes and a glass of wine. Proceeds in aid of Checkendon Church. A warm welcome to everyone for this inspirational evening.

* More on this story of the Beta Candidate: Margaret Thatcher was at the time wanting to make a point to the Church of England, which had just released its report on Urban Decay – called “Faith in the City”, (1985) This was resoundingly critical of Government policy. Her choice of the second name resulted in the appointment to the See of Canterbury of the Rt Rev George Carey, at the time the Bishop of Bath and Wells. In my view, George Carey was always thereafter treated rather “snootily” by the establishment, which being the result of “foul play” by one of their own was a bit rich, but nevertheless he bought a down to earth realism and humour to the office. He famously told the Bradford Diocesan Clergy to “do less, better.” In his initiative “the decade of evangelism” (1990-2000) he succeeded in getting the Church of England to accept the need for outreach in all forms in a culture and society that was changing far faster than previously had been appreciated. It could no longer be taken for granted that the next generation would be a Christian one, unless every single church did something about it.

As a nod to our next Archbishop, and the world of cathedrals and stately pomp; here’s a musical marvel for those of you who enjoy Bach; all 17 minutes of the prelude and fugue in E flat major BWV552. This is a combination of an astonishing piece, on an astonishing organ, performed by an astonishing organist. Lots to enjoy and get lost in.  May the Lord be with you, and those you love.

Your Rector

Canon Kevin.

One Comment

  1. thank you Kevin – that was quite wonderful! I love Bach. Thanks also for the interesting piece about how our next archbishop will be chosen. Yes, I remember how Margaret Thatcher surprised everyone with her choice of George Carey! It will be very interesting to watch the process unfold over the next year.

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