Category: Ministry

A.M.D.G.
Ss. Joannis et Pauli Martyrum

It was my very great pleasure to attend the recently held Annual General Meeting of the Family Education Trust, held at the Royal Air Force Club on Piccadilly, London.

The Family Education Trust (FET) is not a Christian charity though many of its members are practising Christians. The Trust sees it’s role as informing, educating, influencing and supporting families, parents and children on issues that affect them. The Trust publishes books, factsheets and leaflets on a broad range of family-related issues. They also publish a newsletter four times a year, which gives information about parliamentary debates, bills going through parliament and recent research findings.

The FET’s materials are used by parliamentarians, local councillors and policymakers, and are a helpful point of reference for supporters when they take up issues with their MP and when they write letters to their local newspapers or take part in radio phone-in discussions. They also produce educational materials and online resources for use in schools that highlight the physical, emotional and social benefits of marriage for stable family life and the welfare of children and young people.

The Trust endeavors to shape public policy discussions based on research evidence through actions. These include actively participating in government consultations and inquiries, engaging in dialogues with government ministers and officials, providing briefings to Members of Parliament and peers, as well as raising important issues in the national press and media. By employing these strategies, the Trust aims to have a substantial impact on the public policy debate and ensure that decisions are informed by reliable research.

Following the Trust’s AGM was a conference with guest speakers including journalist and author, Louise Perry, who spoke on her book, The Case Against the Sexual Revolution, and Harry Miller, a well known champion of the Article 10 ECHR right to freedom of expression and Police overreach, who spoke on Freedom of Speech. Ian Court of Pintsize Theatre Company spoke on Safeguarding in PSHE, (Personal, social, health and economic education) a school curriculum subject in England that focuses on strengthening the knowledge, skills, and connections to keep children and young people healthy and safe and prepare them for life and work. The speakers also led break out sessions to discuss their topics, providing an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and offer observations.

It was wonderful to meet other attendees, some of whom have worked so hard to protect the freedoms and values of our nation. People like Dr Tony Rucinski of the Coalition for Marriage, YouTuber Isla Mac, a retired Principal Lecturer in Nursing, and Mrs Sarah Finch, an Evangelical member of General Synod for the Diocese of London and editor at The Latimer Trust. Over the splendid lunch provided by the RAF Club, I had a very interesting conversation with Mrs Louise Kirk, UK Coordinator for the charity Alive to the World, that provides wholesome PSHE teaching resources and curriculum materials to help schools meet UK Government guidance.

I left the conference feeling very much inspired and full of hope. For despite the many difficulties facing our future generations, manipulated as they are by corporate political corruption a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. The conference brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds and expertise, all driven by a common goal – to create a better world for our children and grandchildren. The speakers shared their experiences, knowledge, and solutions, igniting a fire within me to take action. It was a reminder that starts with us, that we have the power to challenge the status quo and demand accountability. As I left the conference, I carried with me a renewed sense of determination to be part of the solution, to fight for justice and true equity, and ensure a thriving future for all.

I commend to our clergy and faithful the resources and materials supplied by the charities above which may replace, support or be utilised to ensure the children in our pastoral care may receive a wholesome education in the values our faith and tradition preserve, particularly the inherent dignity and worth of all people, each created and purposed by God for His Will. It is crucial that we instill these values in the children under our care, as they are the future of our communities. By utilizing the resources and materials provided by the aforementioned charities, we can ensure that our clergy and faithful have the necessary tools to educate our children in a wholesome and nurturing environment. This will not only help them grow academically but also spiritually, fostering a strong connection to our faith and enabling them to become responsible and compassionate individuals.

A.M.D.G.
Feria VI infra Octavam Ascensionis

The decline of religious belief in the UK is a matter of concern, as highlighted by recent reports. A newly published report, commissioned four years ago by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, cites a profound need for improving Britons’ knowledge of religion in general and for protecting faith in an increasingly secularized landscape. According to The Bloom Review: An independent review into how government engages with faith, only 38% of the population believes in God, and there is a lack of religious knowledge among the British population. This trend is deeply disturbing, as it affects the social fabric of our society.

In the UK, a random probability sample of 3056 adults was analysed from March to September 2020, of whom 1645 were from England, 523 from Scotland, 437 from Wales, and 446 from Northern Ireland. This data was measured against 24 other countries and compared with results from 1981. The report surveyed more than 21,000 people, more than half of whom said they believe that freedom of religion is under threat in the U.K. This view was held by Christians more than any other group, with 68% saying that people were penalized for being open about their faith in the workplace.

The Bloom Review published by the British government, stresses the significance of religious education in schools and promotes interfaith dialogue as a means of building a cohesive and inclusive society. The report notes that religious literacy is essential to understanding the diversity of beliefs and practices present in contemporary society. According to the Bloom Review, increased engagement with religious communities is necessary to this goal. The report cites several examples of successful interfaith initiatives, including the Near Neighbours program, which promotes community cohesion by bringing together people of different faiths to work on local projects (Bloom Review, 2023). Additionally, the report recommends improving the quality of religious education in schools by providing training for teachers and developing a national framework for religious education (Bloom Review, 2023).

The lack of religious knowledge is not just limited to the British population but also extends to the United States. The Pew Forum’s religious knowledge survey Who Knows What About Religion found that only 2% of their respondents answered 29 or more questions correctly, indicating a lack of basic religious education. The survey covered topics such as the Bible, Christianity, Judaism, Mormonism, world religions, religion in public life, and atheism and agnosticism. This highlights the need for better religious education not only in schools but also in society as a whole.

The lack of religious knowledge among the British population is also highlighted in a report by Church Times that states that only 6% of the population can name all four Gospels. This highlights the need for better religious education in schools. In 1981, three-quarters of the surveyed UK adults said that they believed in God, compared with just under half (49 per cent) in 2022. Just five countries had a lower percentage of belief in God: China (17 per cent), Sweden (35 per cent), Japan (39 per cent), South Korea (41 per cent), and Norway (46 per cent).

The latest British Social Attitudes Survey 2021 showed that the share of the population belonging to no religion had continued to grow, then standing at 53%, with 12% Anglicans, 7% Catholics, 18% other Christians, and 9% all other religions. It also showed that the share of non-religious people will continue to rise over the coming decades, with some 68% of 18-24 year olds saying they belong to no religion, versus just 18% saying they are Christians – including 0.7% saying they are Anglicans. The Church of England has experienced the largest decline in affiliation, halving from 40% to 20%. BSAS report suggests generational replacement is the main reason for this change as younger generations are less religious than older ones. The British Social Attitudes survey is considered as a credible source for measuring religious belief in British society.

The Bloom Review highlights that the lack of religious knowledge is not confined to Christianity alone but extends to other religious traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. This presents a clear need for a better understanding of religion and its role in society. Religious education can be a great tool to promote mutual respect and understanding among different faiths and cultures. By learning about different religions and their beliefs, people can develop a better of the world around them. This can ultimately lead to a more tolerant and accepting society, where people from different backgrounds come together to build a better future.

The Bloom Review calls for increased involvement of religious groups in the public sphere, and Archbishop Lloyd’s work in his local community has been particularly focused on this area in recent years. Formerly Chair of Trustees of Brighton & Hove Faith in Action, and as a trustee of the Racial Harassment Forum Brighton & Hove, he continues to work towards building bridges between different faith communities and promoting social cohesion. His membership of the Brighton & Hove Local Education Authority’s Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) enables him to speak to the condition, content and standard of religious education in schools locally. ✠Jerome believes passionately that such efforts are an essential witness to the inherent truth of Christianity and to dispelling ignorance of the important contribution religion makes to society and community.

There is no clear consensus on why religion has declined in the UK. However, the Bloom Review report recommends improving religious education, promoting interfaith dialogue, and increasing engagement with religious communities. The Bloom report claims that Christianity is being marginalized and discriminated against in society. This resonates with the British Foreign Office’s 2019 commissioned report on Christian persecution globally revealing that around a quarter of a billion Christians across the world are suffering persecution, with reports indicating the problem is worsening. Anglican Bishop Philip Mounstephen’s recommendations to the Foreign Office included imposing sanctions against religious human rights abusers and having more detailed policy regarding anti-Christian persecution. Colin Bloom’s report on religion and the state in Britain, suggests that the government needs to intervene more to weed out oppression, violence, and radicalization in religious settings.

Aside from the recommendations made to the Government and institutional strategies to counter religious indifference and ignorance, ✠Jerome is convinced that Christians themselves need to become bolder in witnessing to the Gospel in our communities. He firmly believes that British Christians themselves need to comprehend and appreciate that they are no longer an influential majority in Britain and avail themselves more of the protections and advantages that recent equalities legislation now provides. It can no longer be assumed that even major festivals in our Christian cultural tradition like Christmas and Easter are understood by the majority of British people anymore. From day to day interactions in a variety of settings, the Archbishop is constantly made aware of the ignorance of people about the most fundamental of Christian beliefs or naive assumptions made about our religion.

However, ✠Jerome also believes all these reports demonstrate there is an opportunity as well as a need identified here for a revival of orthodox Christianity in British society. By no longer labouring under the assumption that a latent or residual cultural influence exists in contemporary British society, Christians should evangelise by focusing on the core teachings of the Christian faith. This would involve a renewed emphasis on the Bible and the gospel message, rather than cultural traditions or an attempt to adapt Christian beliefs to fit with contemporary secular values. By doing so, orthodox Christians could offer a clear distinct message that differs from the surrounding culture and provides a compelling alternative to the relativistic and individualistic values of modern society. In this sense, the challenges posed by secularism and the decline of Christianity in Britain offer an opportunity for revitalization of the faith, one that can bring new life to Christian communities and help to share the transformative power of the gospel with others.

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The Rottingdean Panto is a yearly event organized in the small seaside village of Rottingdean, east of Brighton, UK. For the twelfth year running ✠Jerome was director of music, rehearsing the cast and accompanying the performances on keyboard with a small band of live musicians!

Pantomime has been a popular form of entertainment in Britain since the 18th century. It was originally performed in the music halls of London and was often used as a form of political satire. By the 19th century, pantomimes had become an important part of Christmas festivities and were performed all over the country. Since then, they have evolved to include more modern elements such as special effects and celebrity guests.

Pantomime is an important part of British culture and continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a great way to bring people together and enjoy some light-hearted entertainment during the festive season.

The panto this year was a retelling of the classic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, with a local twist. The story featured Jack, a young farmer from “Vegtaville”, who manages to climb up the beanstalk and into the magical “Cloudland”. There he meets the giant, who he must outwit in order to save his family from poverty and win the hand of the Princess Jill. With the help of some magical beans, Jack manages to defeat the giant, rescue Daisy the cow thus reclaiming his family’s fortune and marry the princess! The panto was performed by local actors and actresses, with live music provided by local musicians.

The Rottingdean Panto is an important event for the village as it brings together locals from all walks of life and provides entertainment for everyone. It is also an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their community spirit in a unique way. The audience was invited to sing along to beloved songs and join in the fun. The production included traditional elements such as audience participation, slapstick comedy and song and dance numbers. During the performances, there were also chances to win prizes donated by the cast from a charity raffle, this year benefiting children suffering with cancer, “Children with Cancer UK” and “Chomp” supporting families in challenging circumstances.

Social Action

This is an example of “social action” that ✠Jerome has been advocating for the Old Roman apostolate. Using gifts, skills, talents and abilities in ways that benefit the community and bear positive witness to our Faith. Throughout the three months of the pantomime production from rehearsals through to performance, ✠Jerome always presented in clerical dress, mainly cassock, and was open about his ministry and vocation with cast and audience alike. This provoked conversations from genuine enquirers’ and even pastoral counsel. There is a great need for clergy to be visible in their communities, for there are many souls searching for answers in our chaotic and troublesome world. ✠Jerome’s twelve year involvement in the Rottingdean Panto has served locally to build favourable recognition and acceptance – the same could be repeated elsewhere Old Roman’s serve.