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A Sermon for the Feast of the Hallowing of Derby Cathedral Jeremiah 7.1-11 ; Luke 19.1-10 Nothing befits the solemn festivities of the feast of the Hallowing of Derby Cathedral more than a quotation from one of the foremost theologians of our age.   So let me share this as a theological gift to mark this feast: “I may not know much about God, but we built a pretty nice cage for him”.   “I may not know much about God, but we built a pretty nice cage for him”. The theologian, for those who did not spot it, is Homer Simpson, patriarch and star of the long running animated family saga The Simpsons .   In one episode, Homer becomes a missionary in the South Pacific, and builds a chapel for the natives.   As the final piece of the chapel is put into its place, Homer says “I may not know much about God, but we built a pretty nice cage for him”. Jeremiah would, I think, have recognised the satire behind Homer Simpson’s theology. ...

What do we do when we are divided and want the opposite to one another?   We face this as a country after the vote for Brexit.   We are split in half.   A small majority will take us out of the EU, but then what?   Can we ever be a united country again? The Church is also divided.   I have just come back from the General Synod in York.   We decided to do something about our divisions over sexuality.   For 48 hours, we met for conversations.   We learned about one another and why we believe what we do.   There were tears, hugs, laughter, profound insights and differences.   I left exhausted, but hopeful that we can walk together into the future. We still disagree.   But now we understanding better where that disagreement comes from.   Most importantly we have stronger relationships.   We see less of an issue, and more of the people it affects.   What we did was meet, share our stories, tal...

This afternoon saw a Pilgrimage from St Alkmund's church in Derby to Derby Cathedral via St Alkmund's Well. Here are three new prayers I wrote for evensong at the end of the festivities: Holy Spirit of God, who in the beginning did brood over the face of the waters, and bring all things to birth; we thank you for the gift of water, to sustain us, to refresh us and to make us clean. We pray for all those who lack access to clean water, and ask that your gifts would be shared throughout your world. O Spirit of life, O Spirit of justice, bring your life and justice to the whole of this your world. Amen. Spirit of God, stir up we pray in the hearts of all who live in this city of Derby, a desire to know and love you, a determination to serve our neighbours, and a commitment to the common good of all.  We join our prayers with those of Alkmund, who found in this city a place of sanc...

Doctor Who at 50.   A celebration at Evensong.   “It all started out as a mild curiosity in the junkyard, and now it’s turned out to be quite a spirit of adventure.” [1]   Such was the verdict of the First Doctor on his travels.   And the Doctor has travelled a long way since then.   On Saturday 23 rd November, 1963 a new television programme began.   The first regular programming after the disruptions to schedules caused by the assassination of President John F Kennedy.   Designed to fill the space between the football results and the evening’s entertainment it tried to engage the whole family.   As such, although it has always been written with children in mind, it has always been produced by the BBC’s adult drama department.   That show is of course Doctor Who, and this week it marks its Golden anniversary with a feature length story, simulcast around the world. The best place to watch it in Derby will be at ...

A Sermon for Trinity 20 2 Kings 5.1-3,7-15c ; Luke 17.11-19 Our Old Testament reading this morning has something of a Hollywood blockbuster about it.  You can imagine the trailer: Naaman, commander of the most powerful army in the world, yet afflicted with an incurable disease. How will he rid himself of this dreadful illness?  A tale of passion, of strength and of wonder.  Naaman, coming to a cinema near you, certificate 15. So let me ask you to imagine the story we heard this morning as a Hollywood film.  It begins with an introduction to Naaman, a great man, a mighty warrior, in high favour with the king, commander of the army.  A force to be reckoned with.  And then the great tragedy of his life – his leprosy.  Cut then to a quiet timid servant girl, the spoils of one of Naaman’s great triumphs.  ‘There is a prophet in Israel who could heal you,’ she tells him.  Cut again (the bit this morning’s reading ...