*** DEBUG START ***
*** DEBUG END ***

Recollections

by
07 October 2016

Canon John Rankin writes:

Some years ago during a sabbatical break I visited Bishop David Jenkins (Obituary, 9 September). During our conversation, he spoke of being a person who constantly had ideas coming into his head, and sometimes he wished that there were not so many, as then life would be easier. Then he spoke of how in retirement he always wore clerical dress on public occasions to affirm his belonging.

When I asked him about post-modernism, a concept not easily defined, Bishop David crisply replied that it was not a concept he worked with! Our conversation ended in an enigmatic way, but recognising the importance of the journey, and exploration, with the readiness to be faithful. I found it a very positive meeting.

Browse Church and Charity jobs on the Church Times jobsite

The Church Times Archive

Read reports from issues stretching back to 1863, search for your parish or see if any of the clergy you know get a mention.

FREE for Church Times subscribers.

Explore the archive

Forthcoming Events

Church Times Festival of Preaching 2026

13 - 15 September 2026

An event to inspire, nurture, and celebrate all who are called to proclaim the gospel today.

tickets available now

English Mystics Series course

26 January - 25 May 2026

A short course at Sarum College.

tickets available now

 

This year, the Church Times is also delighted to sponsor two events: 

National Cathedrals Conference  Bristol, 18 to 21 May 2026

An event aimed at developing cathedrals as important places of prayer, inspiration, education, challenge, and debate. Find out more at nationalcathedralsconference.org

Public Faith Common Good  a day symposium at St John’s College Cambridge, Tuesday 21 July 2026

Speakers to include the former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Williams; the Bishop of Chelmsford, Dr Guli Francis-Deqhani, Nick Spencer, and Anna Rowlands.

This event is free, but booking is required. Find out more at elydatabase.org/events

 

Visit our Events page for upcoming and past events

Welcome to the Church Times

To explore the Church Times website fully, please sign in or subscribe.

New to us? Non-subscribers can read up to four free articles a month. Simply sign up for a free account to receive the Church Times newsletter, plus exclusive offers and events, straight to your inbox. As a thank you for joining us, we are also currently offering a £5 discount for the Church House Bookshop online (valid for one order of £30 or more). See your welcome email for details.