Is the Earth round?

Is the Earth round, rather than flat? 

We know the answer is 'Yes!', even though there are still a minority of people who believe that the Earth is flat.

'Should the Church of England have women bishops?' 

The vast majority of people, inside and outside the Church, know that the answer is 'Yes!', even though a small committed minority have managed to block progress in the short-term.

Many people have been deeply distressed by the General Synod vote earlier this week, and many wonder how the Church of England nationally, and possibly locally, can continue its mission and ministry.

I take encouragement from assorted Gospel stories, which show Jesus facing far worse struggles, and yet continuing to present a message of Good News to those ready to hear.

Again and again, those stories feature women, who demonstrate qualities of insight, courage or sacrifice not seen amongst the powerful men of his day. 'Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” (Mark 12.41-44)

This wonderful story reveals a simple and sacrificing trust on the part of the poor widow, which challenges the way most of us live our lives, protecting ourselves from too much inconvenience, when others may need help. 'A tiny part of their surplus' is what we often give, as a tip in a restaurant, after a nice meal out. It is barely worthy as a description of the offering of our lives, in the Lord's service. It is a woman's example which teaches this. 

This pattern is repeated throughout the Gospels, and most significantly around the events of the crucifixion and resurrection. 

It was women who were there watching Jesus die, and it was women who took the message of the resurrection to the unbelieving male disciples of Jesus. Without these faithful women, there would be no Good News for men like me to pass on.

I am constantly meeting people, like us, who are in the midst of a culture that is deeply troubled and bleakly despairing. The Good News of God's love and mercy, revealed to us in his sending Jesus for us all, is the only Good News available that will bring hope and a future.

While disappointed and saddened about the synod vote, I am more convinced than ever that we have a mission to accomplish, which will bring the change for which God longs, both within the Church of England and in individual lives. I hope you too are convinced of this!

Best wishes,

Richard