Cathedral anthem to describe the Big Bang
AN ANTHEM that reimagines the Genesis story for the 21st century to include scientific discoveries such as the “big bang” and evolutionary theory is to have its world première at evensong in Chester Cathedral on Sunday. The occasion is being sponsored by Scientists in Congregations (News, 9 September 2016). The anthem begins: “There was God. And God was All-That-Was. . . There was Other in God, a field of energy, vibrating energy.” The words — which also refer to “a billion galaxies”, crawling fish, dinosaurs, and the “first” paintings and prayers — were written by a theologian and biochemist, Canon Arthur Peacocke, who died in 2006. His daughter, Canon Jane Brooke, who is the Canon Missioner and Vice Dean of Chester Cathedral, commissioned the work. “His wife, my mother, plans to be present,” she said. “The choir boys are delighted that for the first time in the cathedral repertoire they can sing the word ‘dinosaur’.” The music is composed by the retired organist Phillip Moore.
Archbishop Welby appoints new reconciliation adviser
THE Archbishop of Canterbury has appointed Canon Flora Winfield as his adviser for reconciliation, to succeed Sarah Snyder, it was announced last week. Canon Winfield is currently his special representative to the Commonwealth. She was ordained deacon in 1989 and priest in 1994. Since then, she has served as the Anglican Communion permanent representative to the United Nations Institutions in Geneva; the Archbishop’s Secretary for Anglican Relations; the Secretary for International Affairs at Churches Together in Britain and Ireland; and assistant secretary general of Religions for Peace. Archbishop Welby said: “She has served the Church of England and the Anglican Communion with wisdom, dedication, and creativity for many years. It is wonderful news that she will be leading the reconciliation ministry here at Lambeth Palace.”
TKC reaches ‘Christians in 88 per cent of countries’
CHRISTIANS in nearly 90 per cent of countries, across 65 different traditions and denominations, have taken part in the Thy Kingdom Come (TKC) prayer movement since it began four years ago, a report says. TKC’s 2019 Impact Report says that more than two million have taken part, in 172 (88 per cent) of the world’s 195 countries. Forty per cent of the 2600 respondents to a TKC survey said that they had participated for the first time this year. Ascensiontide was already regarded as a time of of prayer for the Holy Spirit, but the Archbishops of Canterbury and York linked this to personal evangelism, and a special app was made available with daily videos, Bible readings, podcasts, and alarm reminders. It was downloaded in 86 countries this year — double the 2018 figure.
Notice. IT is with great sadness that we announce that Noel Ford died last week after a short illness. Noel produced a cartoon for the Church Times each week for 30 years. He will be greatly missed. Obituary and tribute next week