Author: The Bishops

As I listen to the Cathedral clock chiming the hour as it always does, I am grateful for that constancy which speaks to me of God’s unchanging love and faithfulness, even amid so much disorienting change. At present I often find I have to pause to remember what day it is and which hour the clock is striking!

It was wonderful to enter the Cathedral yesterday, open once more to receive people for private prayer and reflection. Yet the notices, hand sanitiser and carefully spaced chairs would not have been imaginable at the start of this year. So much has changed.

‘Change’ is a word which provokes a range of thoughts and emotions within different people, often depending on the context. Change can be exciting and energising but it can also be daunting, exhausting and even frightening.

These last few months have certainly seen a lot of change which we could not have envisaged this time last year. It is not simply the radical change brought by lockdown and the trauma of a viral pandemic, it is also the continual phases of change we are now beginning to face and plan as we emerge from lockdown and enter seasons which will not look like life as we once knew it. And in all of that there have been the expected and unexpected changes in people’s lives which happen regardless of a viral pandemic.

It is also evident that across our country and our world there is a renewed desire for change rooted in justice and equality and it is being expressed in both inspiring and ugly ways as we have seen in all that has been sparked by the horrific murder of George Floyd. We are people who are both beautiful and broken, capable of forging life-giving change or change which diminishes people.

In these days when there is tiredness and endless messages about change whether it be about shops, household bubbles or our church buildings, we need to be watching, praying, talking and listening regarding what God is doing. What is it in your local context that needs to continue or be returned to, and what are we being called to courageously change in how we are being Church?

We need to be making space now to reflect on change and the processes we need to put in place to enable us to live it well, yet this is also the time when many people are weary. People’s inner resources for creativity as we first went into lockdown, much of which were fuelled by adrenaline, may now be depleted and it is important to acknowledge that. I am also aware how time-consuming it is to be planning ahead for the different phases which will emerge with government guidance regarding the use of our church buildings. It would be very easy to keep our eyes so focused on the detail that we fail to look up at the significant decisions and discussions we need to be having about the values and principles God is calling us to embody as we return.

This is no easy path particularly as our own thoughts and emotions will be changing amid the ups and downs of each present moment. Care and prayer for one another is important, as is significant time for rest.

In all of this my constant prayer is thankfulness for our God who is unchanging and yet is always in the business of change and transformation. Perhaps, we will see with fresh eyes the transformation to which God is calling us as we say yes to discovering and sharing the transforming gospel of Jesus Christ so that we and all people may know life in all its fullness.

With my thanks and prayers as ever,

+Rachel

To all clergy, churchwardens in vacancy and Readers,

Please find attached a letter from the Archbishops issued today. We ask that you read the letter and follow the guidance provided.

Please note the key message within this letter: “Stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives. We call upon all our churches and church leaders, clergy and lay, to follow this advice. It therefore remains very important that our churches remain closed for public worship and private prayer.”

With our love, thanks and prayers.

Bishop Rachel and Bishop Robert