Author: Jo Dawes

Aside from all the attention on other high profile matters at the General Synod last week, a significantly innovative idea for internet supported giving was launched by the Archbiship of York, Dr John Sentamu, who says:

Acts435 is a fantastic initiative which puts people who are in need in touch with those that can help. It is a very simple idea but a very exciting one! I am proud that the Church is taking practical steps to help those facing practical difficulties.”

This website demonstrates in a very positive way how the internet can be used to connect people.

The Church Mouse Blog – a reliable, enlightening and witty source of commentary on church matters – provides a list and links to pastoral letters sent by a number of bishops on the result of the General Synod debate on Women Bishops.

The letters reflect a range of opinions.

Please note the following correction to the information in the printed version of Becket News and News item below “New Mission Projects”:

The two USPG-Anglicans in World Mission projects which the Chaplaincy Council decided the church will support during the
next two years are as follows:-

• The Koforidua Health Clinics in Ghana. Project number 360.
• St. Andrew's Theological College (ordained ministry training college) in
  Bangladesh. Project number 430.

The Women's centre in South India was considered, but it was decided to make the
choice in line with USPG's new strategy of highlighting basic health care
and clergy education. These priorities come from the partner Anglican
churches in Africa and Asia. There is an acute shortage of priests in
Bangladesh, for example.

Apologies for the error in reporting. The mistake has been corrected in the Becket News linked to this site

The General Synod of the Church of England is currently in session in York, and tackling that issue that seems still to provide much stuff for debate, under what terms women can become bishops.

The decision to admit women as Bishops had already been taken in principle two years ago. The debate at this Synod evolves on how to provide for those who somehow cannot accept this. The Synod has today, to the disappointment of some, decided against formal legislative means to provide a two tier system for those that can or cannot accept women bishops.

Some may think this is long overdue, and not quite understand what the debate is about, but recommended listening is the audiosession of the debate. The contributions both for and against the motions were well argued.

Undeterred by the heat, the Young Adults will be meeting at 8:00 pm this Friday 16th July. Topic of discussion 'Total Forgiveness'.

Please refer to Young Adults Page under Activities for contact information.

Advance notice is given of the summer social barbecue on Saturday, 28th August. Details to follow.

The July-September 2010 issue Becket News is available as hardcopy in Church from this Sunday, 11th July. You can already get you hands on a copy from this website by clicking here.

This 20 page Meisterwerk contains a variety of articles and more photos than ever.

For our many website readers living afar, we hope that Becket News provides a good overview of the life of the Church to let you keep in touch.

Our thanks once again to the editor for putting this together. Never an easy task!

Gute Lektüre!

The Church of England's website announces that the full text of the Book of Common Prayer is now available online.

Qutoing from the press release

'The 1662 Book of Common Prayer is a permanent feature of the Church of England's worship. It is loved by many for the beauty of its language and its services are widely used. It is also the foundation of a tradition of common prayer and a key source of the Church of England's doctrine. The services which it contains – especially Morning and Evening Prayer and Holy Communion – are still used (with minor modifications or additions) in many churches.'

The text of Common Worship is also available online here.

Please reserve Saturday 4th September for the Church Outing. It would be great to have lots of people come along. Details to follow.

Also a reminder that Sunday 17th October Bishop Geoffrey will be paying us a visit and confirming our confirmation candidates who have just started their course of reflection and instruction.

The next Wanderers outing will be 10th July, meeting at Kornweg S-Bahn station at 10:50 to walk along the Alsterwanderweg, ending up at Poppenbüttel station.

Further details on the Wanderers page under 'Activities'. Please let Sarah know if you are coming.

Pleasse note Wanderers walk in all weathers – especially when the sun shines! Newcomers welcome to join the party

At the Chaplaincy Council meeting 21 June, two new USPG-Anglicans in World Mission Projects were chosen to be supported over the next couple of years.

These are

• The Koforidua Health Clinics in Ghana
• The Women‘s Centre in Trivandrum, South India

We also will continue to support Africa-Action, with its essential medical care in Africa, led by German doctors. Their magazine is called Weiter Sehen!

Please support these activities with donations and fund raising where possible.