Council Prayers

The National Secular Society launched in April a legal challenge against Bideford Council of starting meetings with prayers. After a complaint from a councillor it appears that a case is being made that it breached his 'human rights.' I think there are two dangers here which need to be firmly challenged. First, the way in which the concept and philosophy of human rights is being so abused and diluted that it no longer has much meaning. People are now claiming for example that access to the internet is a human right. Anything, any moan or complaint, becomes a breach of human rights. Surely we are made of bigger stuff than this?

Secondly, how the exercise of prayer can be so offensive goes beyond comprehension? This especially with the British history of tolerance and pragmatism. This smells of someone having a grudge against faith and prayers. I would have thought it would be reasonable for a non-believer in such a situation to simply respect the situtation. On the same light presumably the NSS would have prayers in Parliament stopped, Remembrance Sunday scrapped, church bells stopped, Christmas and Easters holidays banned, etc, etc?

Lamacraft Priory Celebration

The brothers and sisters of the Glorious Ascension Order celebrated 50 years since their Anglican order started. The celebration was held at Lamacraft Priory near Start Point in the southern most point of the South Hams. A good hundred of us turned up for an Eucharist and picnic. The sun was scorching hot. Lamacraft is an amazing place and the brothers have a real vocation of hospitality. There is something about this place which relaxes and unknots you. The last retreat day here, I went upstairs to the attic chapel and slept for hours in a comfy chair. It was just what I needed. Other times, I find myself feeling very emotional - a sort of cathartic release. Well done, Br Simon and Br Andrew, what a brilliant afternoon - thank you for all your support and prayers,

Switch off your radio mic!

Following the PM's Bigotgate fiasco today I recall a similar blunder happening to a priest in Canterbury. Having a moan (with a few choice unpriestly words) about a parishioner the priest forgot in the vestry that his mic was still on. No taxi radio were constantly interfering with our PA system. So quick as a flash, he bawled over (making lots of crackling noise) 'Pick up two from the station over and out!'