I have had an email asking me what I would like to see the person who follows Rowan bring to the role, so here is my Baker's dozen.
I think we need (I'm taking spirit-filled, Bible-based and pastorally experienced as a given here) someone who :
- Is as humble as Rowan but not as brilliant as him.
- Can sensitively see all sides of the argument and use the gift of wisdom to foster dialogue.
- Is a person of the people rather than an establishment figure - one in whom the people see Christ.
- Supports the poor and marginalised in this land and globally in real and practical ways.
- Has a great sense of humour - will need to be able to use humour to cumminicate (and stay sane).
- Has balls of steel to stand for what is right rather than provide what is popular.
- Can make the difficult things simple and the simple things a daily reality for our church.
- Can not only make decisions but can do so in partnership with others from all sides of churchmanship and opinion.
- Is someone who is collegial, not just my MD but also a co-worker (something often lost in bishop and above roles). I\d like to see that he is still a priest and a minister of the Gospel at the end of the day.
- Has enough experience of making mistakes and mending them to be a realist in the role.
- Understands what it is to be a priest in an Urban Priority Area (or in an Estate Church) and can take the time to work out how those in these roles can be supported in a time of financial and staffing pressures.
- Can be seen to be equally at home in charismatic, high-church, low-church and no church Christian gatherings.
- Can find support for his words when he speaks across the worship styles and denominations such that he is a focus for ecumenical unity.
I'm sure many others out there would have thirteen different hopes for what the future incumbent of the role might bring.
What's yours
What's yours
3 comments:
So, it's Giles Fraser than?
Only if you're creating a 'not on the list' list :-)
Great set of suggestions but you have missed out the consecration of women and supporting marriage as being between a man and woman.
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