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the Diocese of Ripon and LeedsNews from TogetherTogether

Inside this month’s Together:p II New Bishop p III Tax dodgersp IV Sri Lanka prayersp V Church websitesp VI Medieval glassp VIII A lot of hot air!

Decision day for the future of the diocese Three synods to vote simultaneously on plan to become one new ‘Diocese of Leeds’

Yorkshire should be a place of welcome

Religious persecution

www.riponleeds.anglican.org

march 2013

The future of the diocese could be decided this month, as voting takes place in Brad-ford, Wakefield and Ripon and Leeds on proposals to create a single new diocese for West Yorkshire and the Dales. Ripon and Leeds Diocesan Synod meets on Saturday March 2nd at St Aidan’s High School in Harrogate and members will be debating the final Draft Scheme during the second half of the morning. At exactly the same time, the Synods of Bradford and Wakefield dioceses will also be holding their final debates and voting will be timed to take place simultane-ously in all three Synods. Before members of each Synod is a simple yes or no vote on the plans to dissolve the three dioceses and create the new ‘Diocese of Leeds’. A simple majority is all that is required for approval.

Bishop John has called in the House of Lords for Yorkshire to remain a welcoming place for those fleeing religious persecution.

During a Lord’s debate last month on freedom of religion Bishop John said the Govern-ment appeared to be treating religious persecution less seriously than political perse-cution. He called on the gov-ernment to make it clear that the country rejects all forms of religious bullying. “My experience is that freedom of religion, conscience and non-religion is not taken as se-riously as a human right in this country as is political persecu-tion. Those who change (Continued on Page 2)

Should all three dioceses vote in favour, then the Scheme is expected to be placed before General Synod for final ap-proval at its July meeting. If General Synod gives it the go-ahead, then the new com-bined diocese, to be known as ‘West Yorkshire and the Dales’ could be launched as soon as Easter 2014, though much preparatory work would need to take place. However, if one

or more dioceses votes against the Scheme, then it could still be placed before General Synod in July or at a later date for a final decision. In the words of the Dioceses (Continued on Page 2)

Special Synod meeting at Ripon in February: Bishop John talks with Hilary Russell and Jonathan Neil-Smith of the Dioceses Commission

the ordination of women and have petitioned for Extended

Episcopal Care under the Act of Synod – the Ordination of Women to the Priesthood (1993).

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Decision day Persecution

New Bishop of Beverley ordained at York

(Continued from Page 1)their religion in particular are regarded with suspicion by tri-bunals and find that their faith is not taken seriously.”

In her response to the whole debate, Baroness Warsi, the Senior Minister of State said, “Britain has a good story to tell, although we have made mistakes in the past. In many ways, in interfaith dialogue we are very much at the cutting edge of work that is being done around the world …. We are training FCO officials better to understand the role of faith in society and foreign policy.”

The new Bishop of Bever-ley, Glyn Webster, has been ordained bishop at a special service in York Minster by the Arch-bishop of York. Bishop Webster was previ-ously Canon Chancel-lor at York Minster, and succeeds the Right Reverend Martyn Jar-rett in the role.

The Bishop of Bev-erley is a Suffragan Bishop in the Province of York. His principal role is that of a Provincial Episcopal Visitor (aka ‘Flying Bishop’), assisting in the pastoral care of those parishes that oppose

Glyn worked as a State Registered Nurse at the Royal

Infirmary, Blackburn, before training for the ministry at Cranmer Hall, Durham. After eleven years as Vicar of St Luke’s York, and part-time Senior Chaplain of York District Hospital, he became the full-time Chaplain there. He served as Rural Dean of the Deanery of York for ten years. He was

appointed as Canon Treasurer of York Minster in 2000, has been Canon Chancellor there since 2003 and most recently Acting Dean of York Minster.

(Continued from Page 1)Commission report, “… if any of the diocesan synods do not give their consent, the Archbishop [of York] may still authorise the Commission to lay its scheme before the General Synod for approval if he is satisfied either that (a) the interest of the diocese is so small that the withholding of consent should not prevent the scheme being submitted to the General Synod; or (b) that there are wider considerations affecting the province or the Church of England as a whole which require the scheme to be submitted to the General Synod.”

In each diocese, meetings have been taking place to ex-plain the proposals. Six of the eight deanery synods in Ripon and Leeds have discussed the plans and heard from members of Bishop’s Staff.

Members of the press and public are allowed to attend the meeting of Diocesan Synod at St Aidan’s School, Harrogate, which starts at 9am on March 2nd.

The full scheme, explanatory notes and latest news can be found at www.riponleeds.anglican.org/dioceses-com-mission.html

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Church leaders put pressure on tax dodgers

Brides-to-be brave the snow at Cathedral Despite heavy overnight snow, hundreds still travelled to Ripon for this year's Ripon Cathedral Wedding Show, a collabora-tion between the Ripon Cathedral Development Cam-paign, the Wedding Affair and Britain Does Vintage.

The Cathedral Nave was transformed with a catwalk and more than seventy stands with vintage and modern wedding compa-nies.

Dean Keith Jukes’ welcome came at the start of one of two professional catwalk

shows with live music, bridal dresses and wedding clothes on display.

Church leaders across West Yorkshire have joined forces to put pressure on local politi-cians to take action over tax avoidance. The West Yorkshire Ecumenical Council (WYEC), representing all the major Christian churches, has written to local MPs and MEPs call-ing for concerted action from all political parties to address tax dodging.

The letter, signed by bishops, moderators, and senior pastors speaks of the growing experi-ence of local churches shelter-ing homeless people, feeding hungry people, clothing des-titute people and supporting people crippled by debt. As the number of food banks and

food parcels increase they say the sense of injustice at tax

The Bishop of Pontefract, Tony Robinson and URC Moderator Kevin Watson

avoidance increases too.

The fourteen signatories argue that tax avoidance, in its vari-ous forms, is an injustice that keeps some people poor while others get richer.

Chair of WYEC, Bishop of Pontefract, Tony Robinson said “Tax avoidance denies help to the poorest and most vulnerable people both here in the UK and in developing countries. This is morally unacceptable. As representa-tives of the churches of West Yorkshire we call on our poli-ticians to take action to ensure multinational corporations pay their rightful share of tax in the countries they operate.”

Among those exhibiting was the Church of England itself. The diocese had a stand at the

show, with Wedding Show Co-ordinator, Jane Oselton and helpers on hand to introduce couples to the helpful Your Church Wedding material from the Church of England - including ideas for hymns and readings, information about planning a church wedding, and choos-

ing a church venue. More at www.yourchurchwedding.org

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Praying with Sri Lanka

Bishop James writesCould fasting make a comeback?

Parish churches have been praying with and for the peo-ple of Sri Lanka in response to an appeal by Bishop John. It came after the Bishop of Colombo called for a ‘Day of Lament’ in churches through-out Sri Lanka at the beginning of February, in protest at what he described as “the complete collapse of the rule of law”.

Ripon and Leeds is twinned with the Church of Ceylon. The Rt. Revd Dhilo Cana-gasabey called on the Church of Ceylon to fast, pray and lament over the state of the nation.

Writing to Ripon and Leeds clergy, Bishop John asked that churches pray and keep a time of silence for the church and people of Sri Lanka. “It will be a great encouragement to our brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka to know that we are praying with them...It is in times of difficulty that the bonds of friendship between the partner dioceses of Co-lombo, Kuranagale and Ripon and Leeds are tested.”

The Radio Times of January 26th offered “the compelling evidence that fasting works.” Trailing The Fast Diet by Michael Mosley and Mimi Spencer, it was clearly about promoting (physical) health and appearance: “Fast two days a week to change your shape – and your life!”

Will fasting make a comeback in our society? Yes, we do have a responsibility to take care of ourselves, to look after our bodies. From a Christian perspective, we also have the responsibility to look after others, recognising that whilst we have the choice of fasting, many go hungry because they have no food. In Isaiah’s prophecy (58:6) the Lord asks, “Is not this the kind of fasting that I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke..?” As an aspect of our seeking for the kingdom of God and its justice, we will want to pursue a just distribu-tion of this world’s resources.

We will also want to avoid waste. After the crowds had been fed, Jesus told the disciples to gather up the frag-ments that nothing should be lost. A recent report, Global Food: Waste not, Want not by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers pointed to a global – and profligate - wastage of

between 30 and 50% of food produced. Avoiding waste of food or water or energy will be significant of a just distribution of this world’s resources.

There is, of course another aspect. It is Lent, and for Christians fasting, abstinence, is traditionally a form of self-discipline by which we are shaped in the life of the Spirit. It is a matter of living out Jesus’ affirmation that we do not live by bread alone, but by every word spoken by God. According to St. Paul, self-discipline is a gift: “for we have not been given a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, and love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7). So once again, we are brought to the point – that what is needed of us is simply that we open ourselves to God’s presence, God’s gifts and so to his com-ing kingdom.

+James

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What makes a good parish website?

“The internet is now the key way in which peo-ple find out information,” says Kyle Cottington (pictured below). “It has become essential for every church to have an effective web presence.”

Kyle advises that anyone thinking about a new website for the church needs to consider the differ-ent potential audiences for the site. A parish website can be accessed by a variety of people including:• your church congregation • your local community • Christians moving to the parish • your local community • non-Christians wanting to find out more about

Christianity • those looking to get married.

If you are stuck for ideas on what pages your web-site can have then here are some suggestions:• a welcome page making site visitors feel wel-

comed leading to ...• a calendar of services and events• information on each of the events your church

runs • contact details (how do visitors find your

church) • a section on what does it mean to be a Christian • what should people expect on a Sunday.

“If you have people in your church who have a testi-mony about how God has helped or how the church has been there for them then why not ask if they are willing to write their story for the website,” suggests Kyle. “Real life stories can help add a more personal aspect to the website.”

More and more churches are realising just how important it is to have a good, up to date website. 84.2% of the population are now on the internet and last month thirty-seven people booked in on a communications course at the Diocesan Office to find out more about creating a website for the church. Together found out what makes a good parish website from the leader of the course, Kyle Cottington of Church Edit.

One thing that is very off putting to visitors is out of date pages. “If you add anything to the website that is date sensitive then why not add a note into your diary of when to review/ delete the page?If your website is updated by the one ‘volunteer’ then why not share the responsibility? Who better to write about the Sunday School than the Sunday School teacher? They can write the page and send it to your web master to update or update it themselves if their church website software allows this.”

Church Edit provides parish websites, featuring photo albums, calendars, sermon space, and rota management. Prices start from £149+vat pa and include hosting and technical support. For more details visit www.churchedit.co.uk where you can also try Church Edit for free. (0121) 320 2530.

Parish Website of the week The Together e-bulletin which is issued fort-nightly features a different website in each edi-tion – but only if it’s a good, clear, up-to-date and well designed site. If your church has yet to be featured let us know. Subscribe for free at www.riponleeds.anglican.org

Medieval glass restored

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News... News... News... News... News... News...Think Fairtrade this month

New and old churches meet

Christine Alker, the Diocesan Fairtrade Officer is encour-aging churches to support Fairtrade fortnight from February 25- March 10.

She writes: “If you are one of the many people longing to taste chocolate on Easter Day after giving it up for Lent, then think about buying a Fairtrade chocolate egg now before they are sold out! Or consider buy-ing the ‘Real Easter Egg’: a Fairtrade chocolate egg, which tells the Easter story and gives a donation to charity. Go to www.realeasteregg.co.uk.

“Whatever you have given up for Lent, you will find some-thing you can eat and drink at a ‘Brew Up’ during Fair-trade Fortnight. Traidcraft is promoting this project to raise awareness of Fairtrade prod-ucts – and yes, you will find decaffeinated Fairtrade tea and coffee in your supermarket.”

For more information you can contact Christine via Fair-tradeSecretary@gmail.com or on (0113) 268 4598.

Three panels of important medieval glass have been restored and reinstated at St Mary’s Church, Wath, near Ripon.

Pictured, glass painter and restorer Jonathan Cooke from Ilkley holds a 14th century panel depicting Christ being crucified. He said, “It is fascinating to think how these

lovely panels have survived major upheavals such as the Reformation and the Civil War.”

Two other panels show the 14th century armorial shield of Henry, 5th Lord Fitzhugh of Ravensworth Castle and a small 13th century ornamental panel. Because of their historical im-portance they have attracted grants

from the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust, the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds, the Society of Antiquaries of London, the Glaziers Trust and the Allchurches Trust.

Launching the global Week of Prayer for Christian Unity last month, a groundbreak-ing meeting took place at Leeds Minster between church leaders from traditional church-es and representatives of some fifty new and previously unreported international churches which have sprung up across the city in the past five years.

Most had never met before, and among those present were representatives of African churches and recently formed Chinese, Korean, Iranian

and Arabic congregations. Anglican, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Quaker and Salvation Army leaders were also represented at the meeting. The historic gathering followed the publi-cation of a report ‘Direction in Diverse-city’ by Leeds group, Hope for the Nations.

y Diary Dates Your guide to events

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Sleeping to Awake Poetry with Rev Dr Roger Grainger, drama-therapist & actor, 7pm, Holy Rood House, Thirsk. (01845) 522580 Diocesan Synod, St Aidan’s School, Har-rogate, 9am-1pm. This meeting is open to press and public (see page1)

Refuel for 7 to 11 year olds (and their lead-ers) from any Leeds church. New venue, St George’s Centre, Gt George Street, Leeds LS1 3BR . 4pm- 6pm. Games, activities and new ideas. Anne Carter annecleeds@aol.com, www.refuelleeds.org.uk

Yorkshire Cathedrals’ Girls’ Choirs’ Festival 4 pm, Leeds Minster

Standing on Holy Ground, St Robert’s Chap-ter House, Pannal, 4.45pm – 8.30pm. £10 carol.stenner@riponleeds-diocese.org.uk

Memorial Service for the late Revd Paul Cres-sall, Holy Trinity Church, Rothwell at 3 pm. Clergy are invited to Robe (Choir Dress)

Come and Sing Day – ‘From Olivet to Cal-vary’. Afternoon rehearsal (1.30pm – 4.30pm) and evening concert at 7.30pm . St Wilfrid’s Church, Duchy Road, Harrogate, £15 for sing-ers www.harrogatevocalis.org.uk/olivet.htm

St Mark’s Passion, by Charles Wood. Leeds Minster 6.30pm. Soloists are Paul Dutton and Quentin Brown and the Organist is David Houlder

Ever thought of joining the PCC? Intro-duction evenings – 12th St Mary’s, Garforth 13th, St Robert’s Chapter House, Pannal – both from 7.30pm – 9.30pm carol.stenner@riponleeds-diocese.org.uk (0113) 200 0558

Sticky Faith, Establishing a faith that lasts, St Luke’s Holbeck, Leeds 7pm- 9.45pm. £8 (£4 unwaged). Details at www.scriptureunion.org.uk/stickyfaith

Ripon & Leeds Anglican Cursillo weekend at Wydale Hall - talks, prayer and meditations. More from Lynette Barnes (01765) 602838

Adrian & Bridget Plass - Riding the Storm tour, St. George’s Church, Leeds, LS1 3BR 7:30pm £12 from (01903) 705360 www.ridingthestorm.org

Handel’s Saul . Concert by Wetherby Choral Society, St. James’ Church, Wetherby, 7.30pm. Further information (01937) 573794

Space for Men. Men’s Spirituality in a conflicting world and confusing church – Holy Rood House, Thirsk. Contact: (01845) 522580

School of Theology, St George’s Leeds, 9.30am -1.30pm www.stgeorgesleeds.org.uk

Safeguarding - Level 1, Ripon & Leeds Dicesan Office, St Mary’s St, LS9 7DP 10am-12.30pm. Training for all who work with children. Carol Stenner (0113) 200 0558 carol.stenner@riponleeds-diocese.org.uk

Palm Sunday - Stainer’s Crucifixion with augmented choir, St. Stephen’s Kirkstall, 6.30pm. Music for Passiontide 6.00pm. St Hilda's, Cross Green Lane, Leeds

Good Friday: From Darkness to Light Choral music, Leeds Minster 7.00 pm with St Peter’s Singers and the National Festival Orchestra. Tickets (0113) 224 3801

Easter Day

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Moves and Appointments

Just a lot of Hot Air!

David Brighton Editor(0113) 2000540, email:Together @riponleeds-diocese.org.uk

John Carter Managing Editor(01423) 530369, email: jhgcarter@aol.com

Cost and delivery enquiries:Julie Milbourne, Ripon & Leeds Diocesan Office, (0113) 2000540

How do we make our church feel comfortable and keep the congregation warm during the cold winter months without it costing the earth? Jemima Parker, the Diocesan Environment Officer, has been to see the new heating system at St Mary’s, Alleton Bywater.

The question of keeping our churches warm without it costing the earth is one that St Mary’s, Alleton Bywater, took seriously when they embarked on their £246k reordering project. With the help of their Church Architect, Tony Blaza, they re-thought the heating system replacing the three ineffec-tive gas heaters with an air source heat pump system (which only requires elec-tricity to run the pumps) costing £13,500. This also reduces carbon emissions, a large portion of which is generated from our energy use.

“It’s comfortable and makes the church very versatile,” Lynn Tomlinson, churchward-en, comments. “We are spend-ing about the same amount as

we used to on our fuel bills, but the church is warm and ‘ever-ready’, plus we are heat-ing a larger space with the new extension.”

The church has a lovely wel-coming bright open feel. The large gas heaters have gone and the levelled floor enables the church to be used for a variety of events. “Under floor heating

is the most appropriate system for churches if they want flexibility of space for local community use,” adds Tony. The air vents are neatly hidden

on the north wall and the pumps are tucked away above the vestry.

There are many simple, low cost steps any church can take to improve energy efficiency and comfort. Replacing the boiler or reorder-ing requires careful consideration of the long term running costs, security of energy supply

and implication for building fabric so a low carbon heating solution must be considered. Contact Jemima Parker for more details: (01423) 569121, jemima.parker@riponleeds-diocese.org.uk

Revd Lindsey Pearson, SSM Associate Priest, Kippax with Allerton Bywater and Swil-lington; to be Priest in Charge (Vicar Designate) of Beeston.

Revd Adebanke (Ade) Lawal, Vicar of the Venerable Bede, Wyther; to be a Trust Chaplain in the Leeds Teaching Hospi-tals NHS Trust.

Revd Nigel Craig Sinclair,

Vicar of Pannal with Beck-withshaw; to be Team Rector of Abbeylands Team Ministry.

Revd Richard Dimery, Priest in Charge St James’, Wood-side; to be also an Assistant Di-ocesan Director of Ordinands.

Revd David Lynne Stevens, Priest in Charge, Potternew-ton; to be also Area Dean of Allerton.

Revd Gillian Joyce Trinder, curate at St Mary’s, Whitkirk; now curate at St Andrew’s, Starbeck.