Despite internet blocking attempts by the current Burmese leadership, some blogs are getting out. Understandably, given the current situation they are not being updated on a regular basis Thanks to Raspberry Rabbit for these links:
See also Global Voices Online
has finally arrived. See here for legal downloads of public domain movies, propaganda films, clips, cartoons and adverts. From the sublime to the ridiculous, Capra’s Meet John Doe to Night of the living dead, via Chaplin, the Marx Brothers and game ads.
This list is a must for film fans, social historians or those looking for media clips for projects.
The archive also lists text and audio books, music and even sermons. Well worth a look
Shortly after reading the news about the latest violence in Burma I came across this video:
Carrey has a powerful message, and one which needs to be heard.
Its a shame that the headlines (at least in the US) seem to have been that Hollywood funnyman Jim Carrey can actually say something serious, rather than the Human Rights violations, the desire for democracy and peace expressed by a nation, or the 11 year imprisonment (on and off) of a Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Following deliberations yesterday, the Episcopal Church in the US released a statement, as announced in Episcopal Life news:
After nearly a full day of deliberations, the House of Bishops on September 25 agreed overwhelmingly by voice vote to “exercise restraint by not consenting to the consecration of any candidate to the episcopate whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church and will lead to further strains on communion.”
They also pledged not to authorize public rites for same-gender blessings “until a broader consensus emerges in the Communion, or until General Convention takes further action,” according to the response.
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori told reporters at a news conference following the conclusion of the meeting that bishops found “common ground to stand on … high ground. Not everyone is 100 percent happy with every word in this document, but we believe we have found a place that all of us can stand together — at the foot of the cross.”
See the full statement here
BBC article here
For many this is a good day – not only because those who have shouted loudest in the argument seem to have been heard the most, but also because this will paper over the cracks the human sexuality debate has highlighted in our family of faith, and we can now all get back to the status quo. Or can we?
For countless others in the (Westernised) Anglican Communion this will be a day of mourning as the Episcopal Church has been forced to roll back on what was affirmed as positive, healing and Spirit-led in their province for the sake of unity. Sadly for the Episcopal Church, the choice for them was to stay part of the Anglican Communion or be responsible for its irreparable fracture. As they stand at the foot of the cross, we all should join them and repent together.
There will be much pain, a sense of rejection and of desperation as people within and outwith the church feel abandoned or let down by those who supported them. But there will be those who will feel they have won, and there will be much rejoicing. But put your party hats and whistles away and feel the pain that has been caused, not only to gay church members and leaders throughout the world, but also to those who must pick up the pieces of the bullying that has occurred in the leadership of our communion: the clergy and lay people who journey day to day with those struggling with issues of gender, identity and prejudice.
The arguments, in the public eye at least, have focussed on issues of sexuality. But there is much more than that at stake. Different contextual understandings of Scripture matter. The authority of a Primate in his or her own province matters. The authority of decisions of a College of Bishops or Synod within a province matters. The stories and journeys of people with God matter.
There are many issues on which the various members of the Anglican communion disagree, and we often cause pain to each other (either knowingly or unknowingly – see Revd Ruth’s Walsingham blog entry). What we need now is healing, and a time to look forward together in hope to what we can be as servants of Christ in this world. But I fear this will merely cover the cracks, and the rest be ignored - an unholy elastoplast.
Come Holy Spirit….prove me wrong please.
Many thanks to J&J for bringing this to my attention. Powerful, grace-ful story.
… but technically in charge”. +Bob’s words, relayed by Trevor Hart in his sermon today, and perfectly summing up Bob’s ministry past, present and future. For he is, as has been described elsewhere, a holy and humble servant of Christ. A responsibility lies beneath the pointy hat, a Bishop’s mitre is always heavier than it appears. But that responsibility is one which will be carried ably and with an unnassuming dignity, if not always with ease. God is in control.
Spent part of today at the official opening of the new BBC Scotland HQ at Pacific Quay today
From the outside it looks like just another office block, steel and glass blending in well with the Science Centre and the SECC, nove but not particularly inspiring. Indeed, it was described as “the box the Armadillo came in”. Inside, it is amazing See pics here. The architecture, the technology and the creativity of this place are astounding.
Gathered in the foyer, admiring (or reminiscing over) the technology of yesteryear was an opportunity to meet a few people and have a cuppa, before the trek up the polished red sandstone staircases to the plaque and the speeches. Seated with Kelvin Holdsworth, provost of our cathedral, we had a small competition - guess the guest of honour. ‘Twas kelvin that won as Gordon Brown appeared. The speeches were not bad, and Gordon Brown firmly laid his credentials as a local lad taking delight in the regeneration of Clydeside & the Govan area. Much more inspiring and charismatic in person than appearing on TV (not difficult really….), he praised the work of the BBC in Scotland and throughout the world, and promised it a good future, despite having worked for the opposition and new neighbour STV during his brief career as a journalist.
Lunch took place in studio space - huge, yet elegant. Clergy, civic dignitaries, officials from unpteen organisations, champers and good chatter. A pleasant way to spend the day.
