The cult of Captain Tom is a cult of White British Nationalism. I will offer prayers for the repose of his kind and generous soul, but I will not be joining the “National Clap”
Jarel Robinson-Brown, ordinand, deleted tweet, 3 February
Jarel Robinson-Brown’s comments regarding Captain Sir Tom Moore were unacceptable, insensitive, and ill-judged. The fact that he immediately removed his tweet and subsequently apologised does not undo the hurt he has caused, not least to Captain Tom’s family
First diocese of London statement, 4 February
Jesus Christ’s comments regarding the Pharisees were unacceptable, insensitive and ill-judged. The fact that he was publicly crucified for his actions does not undo the hurt he has caused, not least to the manufacturers of whitewashed tombs
Andrew Graystone, “Statement from the Diocese of Judea”, 5 February
I am deeply concerned to hear reports within the Church that United Kingdom Minority Ethnic clergy and ordinands have been affected by recent events, and by the Diocese’s response
Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, second statement, 7 February
The plan to dismantle the parish network is quite simply the biggest act of church vandalism since the dissolution of the monasteries. It comes at precisely the moment when communities need the comfort and assistance of leaders on the ground
Emma Thompson, article in The Spectator, 4 February
No one from The Spectator called the Church of England to ask whether any of these things were true. . . This kind of misinformation is damaging and demoralising to clergy and laity in every corner of England. . . There is no national plan to roll out cuts to clergy or to buildings. We need our clergy and our lay volunteers — all are part of the people of God — and we need our church buildings, which are a precious resource for the whole nation
William Nye, secretary-general, Archbishops’ Council, 4 February
People want to see doors open and a priest inside. . . Sometimes visitors will pop a note in to say “Thank you, today was the first anniversary of my wife’s death,” or “Can you please pray for me, I’ve lost my child.” If the door is locked they can’t do that, no matter how many people are sitting in central office
Nicholas Cranfield, Vicar of All Saints’, Blackheath, quoted in The Times, 7 February
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