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In the UK House of Commons yesterday 25 October 2012, Sir Tony Baldry (MP for North Oxfordshire), representing the Church Commissioners, responded to 2 questions about the Women Bishops Measure. He didn't give a direct answer to either question, but as a member of General Synod he made his personal view clear and commended a recent lead given by the Archbishop of Canterbury on this matter. You can read yesterday's record of Oral Answers to Questions here . You have to scroll down a long way to find the Church Commissioners section and then within that to the heading 'Women Bishops'. To save you the bother and without further comment I have copied the relevant section below. Women Bishops 2.  Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) (LD):  What assessment the Church Commissioners have made of the likelihood of the Church of England making a decision on women bishops in 2012. [124675] 3.  Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab):  What recent discussions the Church ...

I came round the corner and there you were, standing under the archway where I've often seen you. You clutched a pile of magazines as usual. You smiled and said  'Good morning' as usual. I smiled back and said 'Good morning' as usual. You eyes pleaded as you asked 'Big Issue?' as usual. I replied 'Not today, thank you' as usual. You smiled again and your smile warmed me as I hurried on my way, shopping to get, things to do, as usual. If I come this way again will you be there? Standing under the archway, clutching magazines, as usual? And if you are will I see you? _______________________________________________ N.B. I wrote this in response to an exercise in the post on the Big Bible Project  Praying with a pen (or keypad) in hand . The exercise is as follows: "Be still. Acknowledge the presence of God with you. If there is anything pressing on your mind – hand it over to God. Ask God to meet...

Today is World Food Day . I'm just about to eat my 3rd meal today. I will not be going to bed hungry. It's shocking to realize that in the UK increasing numbers of people need to use charitable food banks like those organized by the Trussell Trust Globally 1 in 7 or 8 of the world's population suffers hunger. Tearfund tells Ruth's story and has an innovative  idea for one way to help farmers like her who are affected by adverse effects of climate change. Take a look at this short video and if you are in the UK get involved in the campaign.

The creator of this figure of Francis of Assisi thinks that most sculptures of St Francis seem grim. I'm amazed at what an attractive representation Joel Haas has made , using scrap steel. Although the material is hard it conveys the joy that I associate with St Francis. Today is the commemoration day for Francis of Assisi, Friar, Founder of the Friars Minor. The story of his life from rich merchant's son, a wild youth, to a life of poverty, praise and preaching is told here and here. He gathered like-minded brothers around him who became the first Franciscan monks. His simple rule was to follow Christ and to walk in his footsteps. It is said that Francis died on 4 October 1226 while preaching on Psalm 141, which is a prayer for preservation from evil. It's opening words are: I call upon you, O lord; come quickly to me;   give ear to my voice when I call to you.   Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,   and the lifting up of my hands as an ...

When is old? I usually think that old people are people older than me, like my mother. I'm reluctantly admitting that I've now been middle-aged for long enough to qualify as an 'older person', although I prefer 'senior' - it sounds better. Did you know that today 1 October is the International Day of Older Persons ? Its purpose is to recognize the contributions of older persons and to examine issues affecting their (our) lives.  This year's theme is Longevity: Shaping the future. The UN Secretary-General has this message for the day: "Longevity is a public health achievement, not a social or economic liability. On this International Day of Older Persons, let us pledge to ensure the well-being of older persons and to enlist their meaningful participation in society so we can all benefit from their knowledge and ability." Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon World-wide the human population is getting older. Today 1 in 10 people is over 60. It i...