Wednesday 26 September 2012

Canterbury - My (Baker's dozen) wish list


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 :

  1. Is as humble as Rowan but not as brilliant as him. 
  2. Can sensitively see all sides of the argument and use the gift of wisdom to foster dialogue.
  3. Is a person of the people rather than an establishment figure - one in whom the people see Christ. 
  4. Supports the poor and marginalised in this land and globally in real and practical ways.
  5. Has a great sense of humour - will need to be able to use humour to cumminicate (and stay sane).
  6. Has balls of steel to stand for what is right rather than provide what is popular.
  7. Can make the difficult things simple and the simple things a daily reality for our church.
  8. Can not only make decisions but can do so in partnership with others from all sides of churchmanship and opinion. 
  9. 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. 
  10. Has enough experience of making mistakes and mending them to be a realist in the role.
  11. 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.
  12. Can be seen to be equally at home in charismatic, high-church, low-church and no church Christian gatherings.
  13. 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

3 comments:

UKViewer said...

So, it's Giles Fraser than?

Vic Van Den Bergh said...

Only if you're creating a 'not on the list' list :-)

Anonymous said...

Great set of suggestions but you have missed out the consecration of women and supporting marriage as being between a man and woman.