Page 6 - link magazine

The Link Magazine • October 2005
Dealing with the difficult questions of life
Susan White met the Bishop of Swindon Rt Revd Dr Lee Rayfield for the September edition. This month she asks why Swindon
needs a bishop and gets Bishop Lee's views on a range of controversial topics in the church and in society
A 'missionary bishop'? What's Mission is a big area. It includes Jesus said, 'Blessed are
that all about? social justice, the environment: our those who mourn'; then
In a BBC Radio Swindon interview concern for the world and its needs. you can be lifted by God.
soon after I arrived I was asked We have lots of opportunities to
why the town needs a bishop if bring something fresh. Many people consider
most people don't go to church. Life has been described as a se- the Church old
My reply was: 'Well, that's why ries of overwhelmings - like when fashioned and out of
you need one!' the news of the Olympic bid was touch. What do you
Many people don't understand followed by the London bombings. think it can do?
about the life and teaching of Jesus People are living with this kind I think people come to
and especially the significance of his of thing every day and they can church looking for
death and resurrection for their lives. become desensitized. Our role is warmth but also a sense
We need to show them that the Chris- to provide support - to hold the of godliness.
tian faith is a vibrant thing that tensions of the world - celebrate It's up to us to ensure
speaks to all ages and all peoples. with them and be mournful too. that they are refreshed Bishop Lee with his wife Elizabeth, a Learning
Support Assistant, and daughter Louise. They have
and able to encounter
tzoo sons
God. But we need to go
to where the people are, not just ble accounts of creation are not
expect them to come to us. At one alternatives to the 'big bang' or
church, I encouraged the congre- evolution; they are complementary
gation to provide free cups of tea views of reality. The miracles as-
and coffee once a month at the sociated with Jesus point to deeper
London trained mobile hair stylist nearby car boot sale before the truths. Some people say the first
Sunday morning service. It turned century Christians were gullible,
a visit call Sue on 07796 432 700
people's ideas upside down - they but they knew how babies were
or email [email protected]
thought, 'surely the church disap- made and that dead people didn't
proves of car boots?' It started con- come back to life!
versations."
What does being a Christian
TRAINING WITH ARMSTRONG BOOKKEEPING How do you respond to people mean to you?
One to One Manual Accounts/Payroll Theory Tuition. who are disillusioned with I can't imagine what life would be
Also Computerised Package Training. bishops who don't believe some like if I were not a Christian - it
Now YOU can be the bookkeeper for a company. of the main teachings of gives me meaning and purpose.
Training offered by a qualified bookkeeper Christianity? My parents sent me and my sister
with 15 years experience. Charges -£10 per half an hour I was asked in the radio interview to church and I committed my life
if I believe in the virgin birth and to Christ at 14. Now they're Chris-
For details call Natasha on 01793 887393
resurrection of Christ and I told tians too. My faith doesn't protect
them I do. There are a lot of us who me from life's knocks but it does
: ai-rIing of a home do believe the orthodox teachings provide me with a'map and com-
and it's our job to explain why it pass' to help me find my way.
ror your business? makes sense. Above all, it's about a relationship
Then raise your business profile by moving in with us with the living God and that's what
What is your message to a
In a OWE workspace you will benefit from: I really want people to find and
Church that is seen as arguing,
Fully serviced office suites, including reception services enjoy.
and churches that won't work
Simple weekly/monthly fees together?
Upsize or downsize as you need Bishop to bless
Utilities all included We will disagree with sincerity school in 25th Year
Broadband & Telecoms available over some things, like homosexual Bishop Lee will visit Toothill's
A professional address for your business lifestyles or the ordination of
Easy in, easy out terms women, but we have to hold on to Oliver Tomkins Church of Eng-
the things we agree about. And land Junior School on 27 October
Call our team today to discuss to mark the school's twenty-fifth
your requirements on: not be too proud to say that we
08458 50 50 66 can't learn from other faiths. Re- year and to dedicate the new four
spect is very important. classroom block completed in
.^ f November.
Do you agree with the Church The school was opened by the
of England's decision to appoint late Bishop of Bristol Rev Oliver
WORKSPACE women bishops? Tomkins in May 1980 and cost
I am totally in favour. Leadership £273,000 to build.
A Some for your business
gifts aren't tied to our chromo- A quarter of a century on, the
somes! If you can be a priest, then new classrooms that replaced mo-
you can be a bishop. There are biles on site for much of that time
effective female leaders in the Bi- cost £650,000.
ble, like Deborah. The key point is As a church aided school the
that someone's God-given gifts are governors have to repay £65,000.
recognised and exercised.
You are a member of the Society
of Ordained Scientists and the
UK Gene Therapy Advisory Com-
mittee. Has your knowledge of
science influenced your faith?
W
Yes, it has helped. It is perfectly
www.gweworkspace.co.uk coherent for me to hold a scientific
world view as a Christian. The Bi-