Turkey identity cards

Turkey censured over identity cards 

THE European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Turkey’s insistence that its citizens specify their religion on identity cards is a breach of its duty of neutrality and impartiality. “Freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs has a negative aspect, namely an individual’s right not to be obliged to disclose his or her religion or to act in a manner that might enable conclusions to be drawn as to whether he or she holds such beliefs,” it ruled on 2 February. The case was taken to Strasbourg in 2005 by Sinan Isik, a member of the Alevi community in Turkey. (Church Times 26.02.2010)

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF ST MARGARET OF SCOTLAND, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

A priest is sought from the end of November 2010 to serve this small but enthusiastic congregation in a vibrant and culturally rich capital city. There is potential for growth both within the English-speaking international community and amongst those in the wider community who have a preference for traditional and dignified Anglican worship.

Applicants should be in the Catholic tradition and appreciate the centrality of the liturgy together with preaching in the congregation’s life.

The appointment, initially for three years, will be on a ‘house for duty’ basis. A furnished flat, close to the church, will be provided plus utilities and expenses of office.

Resolutions A & B passed.

Further information and application form from: The Assistant Diocesan Secretary, Mrs Jeanne French

Short-listing date: 26 March 2010

Enhanced Disclosure Required
Closing Date: 25/03/2010
Interview Date: 27/04/2010

Contact Information
The Assistant Diocesan Secretary, Mrs Jeanne French
14 Tufton Street, London 
SW1P 3QZ
Email: jeanne.french@europe.c-of-e.org.uk

Holy Trinity, Corfu

Holy Trinity, Corfu have a new website address.




Have a look under www.holytrinitycorfu.net The present chaplain the Revd John Gulland moved to the island in October 2009. He was licensed by the Archdeacon in November. Representatives of the Greek Orthodox Church, the Greek Evangelical Church and the Roman Catholic Church were in attendance. The chaplain's wife Mary Gulland is an artist. She has a website www.marygulland.com

The Archbishop of Canterbury on freedom from isolation

Christian freedom as St Paul spells it out is always freedom from isolation – from the isolation of sin, separating us from God, and the isolation of competing self-interest that divides us from each other. To be free is to be free for relation; free to contribute what is given to us into the life of the neighbour, for the sake of their formation in Christ's likeness, with the Holy Spirit carrying that gift from heart to heart and life to life. Fullness of freedom for each of us is in contributing to the sanctification of the neighbour.

Presidential address, General Synod, 9 February 2009

No applicants for Kyiv, Ukraine

Last week I was informed by David Healey of ICS that no one had applied for the post of priest-in-charge of Christ Church, Kyiv, Ukraine. This is a severe blow to the congregation there who are trying to manage an interregnum. Pasted in below is the original advert. If you are interested please contact ICS or me.

Christ Church, Kiev/Kyiv (Ukraine)
Priest-in-charge, House-for-duty
At the invitation of the Diocese, ICS seeks an ordained priest of evangelical conviction to serve for (ideally) eighteen months to lead, teach and nurture this small international English-speaking congregation, develop its outreach, and represent the Church of England ecumenically. A good standard in – or the ability and willingness to learn – Ukrainian or Russian is desirable. Rented accommodation, outward and return travel, insurance and usual expenses of office will be met by the congregation. Enhanced Disclosure required. Informal enquiries welcome. For an information pack contact: Mrs Jeannette Skuse, Intercontinental Church Society, 1 Athena Drive, Tachbrook Park, Warwick CV34 6NL United Kingdom. E-mail: ajskuse@ics-uk.org www.ics-uk.org tel: 01926 – 430 347; fax: 01926 – 888 092

Snow covered plain

Majestic bird perched on a single branch
Deer in a winter landscape
A fox seeking prey on an open white field

You give each to eat in due season

Now is winter
And yet there is life and food
Enough to sustain us

If we will but
With enduring patience
Watch, seek and persevere.

11 January 2009
written on the train from Zagreb to Vienna