New pioneer minister at CPAS; Thousands converge on Holy Island to celebrate Lindisfarne Gospels; Quakers greet Lords’ support for equal marriage
New pioneer minister at CPAS
Anglican evangelical mission agency CPAS has appointed a new pioneer minister to resource mission in multi-parish benefices.
The Reverend Pam Macnaughton has spent the last five years working as an ordained pioneer minister at four churches in Bishopthorpe near York. She is also a diocesan adviser for pioneer ministry in the Diocese of York.
Mrs Macnaughton joins CPAS as leadership specialist in recognition of the changing church landscape. With an increasing number of parishes being made up of three or more churches – over 60% in some dioceses – CPAS has made equipping leaders in this setting one of its key priorities.
As pioneer minister, Mrs Macnaughton will be responsible for overseeing CPAS’s new project to help multi-parish benefices be more effective in mission.
Other responsibilities include developing lay and ordained leaders in a wide variety of other settings through training and resources.
“As someone who longs to see churches reaching out and growing, rather than just surviving, I’m really excited to be heading up the multi-parish benefice project, as well as contributing to CPAS’ wider ministry of leadership development,” she said.
James Lawrence, leadership principal at CPAS said: “We’re delighted that Pam is joining us, and know her experience of pioneering new congregations in multi-parish settings will contribute to this vital area of our work.
“With increasing interest in our leadership development days, programmes and resources from across churches and dioceses, Pam will be a great addition to the team.”
Pam joins CPAS’ other leadership specialist, Charles Burgess, and will continue to be based in York, where she lives with her family.
Thousands converge on Holy Island to celebrate Lindisfarne Gospels
Thousands of Christians took part in an open-air service on Holy Island on Saturday to celebrate the continuing witness of the Lindisfarne Gospels.
The service was held in the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory in celebration of the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the region.
The exquisite medieval manuscript was created in Lindisfarne Priory in around 700AD and is still revered the world over today for its exceptional artistry and craftsmanship.
A rare exhibition of the Lindisfarne Gospels is taking place in Durham throughout the summer.
The service on Saturday was the highlight of a one-day pilgrimage by members and leaders of at least six Christian denominations.
A facsimile of the Lindisfarne Gospels was carried in procession through the priory during the service along with banner-sized reproducations of the title pages of the four Gospels of Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
An address was given by the Reverend Ruth Gee, President of the Methodist Conference in Britain, and music was provided by the choirs of St Nicholas’ Cathedral, Newcastle, and Hexham Abbey, and the worship band of New Life Christian Centre, Morpeth.
Quakers greet Lords’ support for equal marriage
Quakers in Britain yesterday (16 July) have greeted with joy the Lords’ overwhelming support for the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill at Third Reading. Paul Parker, recording clerk for Quakers in Britain said, “This brings us tantalisingly close to legal recognition for same-sex marriages in our Quaker meetings.”
MPs review the Bill tomorrow and Royal Assent could follow shortly. The new law applies in England and Wales; legislation follows in Scotland.
Quakers have been discussing sexuality for fifty years and four years ago agreed to seek a change in the law so that same-sex and opposite-sex couples could marry in Quaker meetings.
Welcoming the historic moment, Paul Parker said: “We relish the freedom to express our faith by treating all our committed couples in the same way. This is because of our deeply held belief that we see the light of God in everyone which leads us to respect the inherent worth of each individual and each loving relationship.”
Quakers have supported moves towards equal marriage, along with Unitarians, Free Christians, and Liberal and Reformed Judaism. “The voice of minority faith groups has been heard on this,” said Paul Parker. “We respect others who do not yet share our view. For Quakers, this is a matter of religious freedom.”