Radical Challenge – Bishop’s Presidential Address
Aggressive secularism, caring for the poor and a tribute to HM the Queen were just some of the important subjects tackled by the Bishop of Salisbury, Nicholas Holtam, in his Presidential Address to the Salisbury Diocesan Synod yesterday.
Bishop of Salisbury, Nicholas Holtam
The Bishop told assembled clergy and laity: “Jesus presents a radical challenge to religious people whilst associating with the outcast. It is the same challenge we face today.”
Bishop Holtam referred to the debate which had been raging all last week about the place of Christianity and the Church in the public sphere against a backdrop of aggressive secularism. The ruling that prayers should not be included on the agenda of Bideford Council Meetings “fuels the sense of creep that many Christians are feeling about the reduced room for faith in public life.”
The Bishop commended the comments of Baroness Warsi who had called for a “confident affirmation of religion in society.”
On the economy, Bishop Holtam told Synod members that “We are in the worst economic climate of our lives and the pressures are considerable”. He pinpointed:
Cuts in public spending and a major restructuring of the economy
Widespread concern about the size of City bonuses whilst our investments, particularly our pension funds, are performing less well
The increasing gap between richest and poorest
Rising unemployment, particularly among young people
before reminding Synod members that “ the Church is bound to voice our concern for the poorest in our society.”
Reflecting on his previous ministry at St Martin in the Fields in London, Bishop Holtam said that the bankers whom he met through that church had been honest about the issues facing the banking sector in light of the recent public outcry about ethics in the financial industries: “ This discussion is not just about an understanding of money but the way we relate to one another and create a just economy,” Bishop Holtam said.
The Bishop paid glowing tribute to HM The Queen: “We look forward to welcoming her and to celebrating with her the 60 years of her remarkable reign. In this time there have been huge changes in British society and the quality of mercy has created tolerance and the acceptance of diversity in Britain.”
The Bishop also said that in recently raising the question of same sex relationships he had been “trying to create the space for an honest conversation.”
Further Information please contact:
The Revd Jonathan Ball, Chaplain to the Bishop of Salisbury
Telephone: 01722 334031/07500 872081
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21 February 2012