From the Revd Kenneth Tibbo
Sir, - Unlike Mr Terry Sheppard (
Letters, 9 December), I applaud your use of "enthroned" (News,
2 December): the new Archbishop of York was enthroned.
Our Lord Jesus Christ was enthroned when he was "lifted up" both on the
cross and at his ascension. All Christian living mirrors that; and episcopal
ministry is a special focus of it. This truth is as relevant in the 21st
century as in any other century.
KENNETH TIBBO
The Vicarage, Woods Lane
Dobcross, Oldham OL3 5AN
From Canon David Hoskin
Sir, - Surely Anne Platts (
Letters, 9 December) misunderstands Archbishop Sentamu's sermon when she
suggests that he was being judgemental towards "pew-fillers".
Rather, I believe, he was challenging every one of us to consider whether we
are first and foremost true disciples of Jesus, or merely pew-fillers,
hymn-singers, Bible-readers, etc. In expressing this, he used the telling
imagery of a disciple who follows the Master so closely that he is covered by
the dust thrown up by the Master's feet.
Whenever the emphasis of our faith strays from discipleship the result is
likely to be unedifying, as when, as Marthas of the Church (of both genders),
we show ourselves overly concerned with receiving recognition for all that we
do. The danger then is that we fall under Christ's judgement: "They have their
reward already."
On the one occasion that the biblical Martha made this mistake, she received
a mild rebuke from the Lord which might be paraphrased: "Martha, Martha! One
thing is needful: to be a true disciple."
DAVID HOSKIN
St Mary's Vicarage
Molescroft Road
Beverley HU17 7DX