Weathering the Fury ..

Or: How the BBC help wrong people stir up a storm!

I am getting just a little fed up with the emails asking me to support a petition to have Tyson Fury (someone I had to check up on to see who he was before this all happened) removed as a nominee from the BBC Television's Sports Personality of the Year competition.

Now, just in case you're as much in the dark as me over this chap, he is the heavyweight boxing champion of the world - so I guess you do have to acknowledge that he has done something of note in his own sport; after all, world champion means something doesn't it?

Now the man has been nominated for being able to box, that's what won him the title not his ability to live a good life or to be a great orator or a lifestyle model. In fact, some of the top sportsmen and women in their fields have been some of the awfully poor lifestyle models there can be.

After all I can remember being at games where a certain goalkeeper was subjected to a chant referring to him not being on the pitch, 'Whose Missus is he sleeping with?' being the cry. More than one footballer has been the focus of sexual transgressions being sung about by opposing fans since then, but then that's what they do (fans and footballers) it seems.

The same has been true of of other footballers falling foul (no pun intended) of the law:

Arsenal Skipper Tony Adams spending time in jail for drunk driving - but still loved and admired. 

Joey Barton spent time in, and behind, bars for assault and the like - but to many he found forgiveness as soon as he found the net!

Luke McCormick caused an accident which killed two children - but time (and skill) meant he found himself back in the game after a spell on the sidelines - think he became captain 
somewhere too!

In boxing, the man with half Fury's name, although possessing a punch, some bark and plenty of bite - Mike Tyson - and after being convicted of rape, still made it back and is still, it seems, lauded by some despite this most awful of crimes.

An American Football player apparently kills his wife, has a car chase but is still admired by many.

I could go on but can't think of that many of the top of my head. The thing is that there are many flawed people in the upper echelons of sport and many of these have been largely ignored. BUT of course once certain lines are crossed then a certain agenda in lit up and followed such that the person is targeted, vilified, and campaigned against to have them removed from this competition. Cages are rattled and people are incensed and enraged by the activists that a bloke I have never heard of might end up not being in a competition I don't really have much interest in (even though I love almost all sport).

I've read the bloke explaining himself and what he seems to be saying is part of the cultural upbringing he had. This doesn't make it right and it doesn't appear to be stuff that I'd personally endorse but what the hey. who made? Let's stop and think about it for a minute: If 80,000 people who are apparently campaigning to have Fury chucked out of the competition all voted for another candidate - like Hamilton who apparently drives a car for someone or other on weekends or perhaps an athlete I've never heard of or some chap who apparently likes swimming, then 'job done', no need to chuck the bloke out - just humiliate him into last place! Perhaps we should be campaigning because Mo Farah has an Islamic sounding name or some other absurd and bizarre connection?

I like Fury's observations on it all: "Hopefully I won’t win BBC Sports Personality of the Year as I’m not the best role model in the world for the kids, give it to someone who would appreciate it.'  Yeah, me too!

The problem is that those baying for blood appear to have no concept of justice or mercy, and most certain don't entertain any concept of humility either! Seems they regard their views as authoritative and valid when what they really are is just good old-fashioned rabble rousing types. They'll be bringing out the guillotine next - still, means the wife can get some knitting done in the crowd I guess!

And to clergy and other people of influence who support such awfulness - shame on you (Jesus, and Santa, are watching you know!). Life should be about influencing people to act and think rightly, not about smashing windows or burning books or dragging people off  to camps and the like - and that, sadly, is the path that those who are encouraging the revenge-laded, acrimonious attacks on Fury are taking us down. What at first glance   appears to be just another public outcry finds resonance with those who rose up in the Germany of the thirties and stirred up things - I'm surprised they havent tried to arrest the bloke!

I'm certainly not for anyone acting wrongly against others and so think Fury needs to rethink the communications and belief side of his life to mirror the Christ he claims to follow - I also think we need to stop letting the bigots and rabble-rousers draw our society into equally wrong behaviour ... and now, as then, many good people are being swept along whilst other good people hide their faces or look the other way rather than stand and face attack themselves by speaking out for what is right: and this is all it takes for wrong to triumph.

Pax

Why don't the wicked just can it?

Restart Parties - more steps forward

Yesterday (Sunday 1st February) found me chatting to the lovely Michelle Dawes of BBC Radio WM on her Sunday Breakfast programme. The topic under discussion was Tamworth's soon to be appearing 'Restart Party' (http://therestartproject.org).

The reason it came to people's notice was this article in the Tamworth Herald:

Get electrical items repaired free of charge thanks to Tamworth vicar's unique idea*

By Tamworth Herald  |  Posted: January 10, 2015   By Helen Machin

Rev Vic Van Den Bergh is to launch 'Restart' in Tamworth, repairing electrical items for free. Vic is pictured with his oscilloscope.

A TAMWORTH vicar is to launch a project which will see a team of experts repairing electrical items completely free of charge. Rev Vic Van Den Bergh, vicar of St Francis Church, Leyfields and acting vicar of Tamworth, plans to hold the first 'Restart Party' at Easter.

He has recruited a host of engineers to help with fixing broken televisions, phones, laptops and other similar appliances which members of the public will be invited to take along.

Vic, who is a qualified electronics engineer with a keen interest in the subject, hopes that the scheme will help people save cash and will be good for the environment.

He said: "Restart parties are held in other areas and I thought it would be good to start the scheme in Tamworth.

"Basically, if you have an electrical item which is broken, bring it along and we will fix it. It will be completely free of charge.

"People will throw away a two-year-old TV which is broken and buy a new one, when the old one could be repaired with just a capacitor costing a few pence. People will throw away their broken phones and get into debt buying new ones – they can be repaired.

"This scheme will save people money and, of course, it's green, it will mean people are throwing fewer things away."

Vic, also the driving force behind Tamworth's hugely successful Street Angels project, is hoping to set up several Restart groups across the town if the project proves successful, and is also hoping to repair larger items such as tumble dryers and washing machines.

Anyone who has the skills to repair electrical items and who would be willing to offer their services free of charge can contact Vic at tamworthrestart@btinternet.com

This article let to the BBC contacting me and here's the broadcast:

Hopefully more people will get passionate about being the difference in our town and volunteer their skills (and others to learn to fix stuff too) - You don't need to be a Christian to get onboard, you just need to care (and the rest, we can hopefully add)

Pax

*Read more: http://www.tamworthherald.co.uk/Bright-spark-s-idea-answer-prayers/story-25823023-detail/story.html#ixzz3Qbx3NJQW

Follow us: @tamworthherald on Twitter | tamworth.herald on Facebook

+ Should have added that whilst we provide the tools and the skills - the cost of the parts will need to be met (but hopefully we can find some source of funding for that as we progress too!)

2014 Carbuncle Cup - Woolwich Central

some thirty years ago, Prince Charles gave the world a new architectural term to the common parlance as he criticised an extension to the National Gallery by referring to it as a "monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend". The point of the comment was that the creation stood out like a sore thumb. Today, this label is applied to those wonderfully 'out of character' or perhaps 'blinking awful abominations' that abound today.

This year's winner of the 'Carbuncle Cup' is:

Woolwich Central

Now where would you nominate as a Carbuncle I wonder?

Thinking about that OMG expression

This morning I was privileged enough to find myself in conversation with Michelle Dawes on the subject of Sian Williams position on OMG, CAlmighty and the like.

Have a listen to it here:

A Few Good Vicars

So here we are, it's the end of the year and the new man at the helm of the Anglican Communion has an opportunity to say stuff and make a state of the Church (of England) speech. How do you think he did?

Some of my colleagues are sighing, one has 'gone shopping', and others are bemoaning and bewailing Justin Welby's BBC Radio Four appearance this morning.  Aside from that 'good Vicars' comment, some are pointing their toes and holding their breath (and they can, believe me!) over other things that he (Justin) did, and didn't, say. So let's consider what some have told me represents the end of the honeymoon and makes Justin fair game:

'I think there sometimes is a disconnect, we sometimes give the impression at the national level that we are obsessed with a small number of issues whereas the reality that people experience in the church is of communities that are messy and untidy because society is messy and untidy, but which get on with the job that they're there for. Of course there are churches that are doing better and churches that are struggling more - depending upon area and leadership and that comes back to something Antony Jenkins has been talking about - but the reality is that where you have a good Vicar, you will find growing churches.' 

I have to say that I have to applaud the acknowledgement that we, the Church of England, have indeed become so bound up with a few issues that whilst obviously important to some are truly nothing to do with communicating the Gospel. In fact there are some clergy whom I have met, heard of (and avoided) who are so taken up with their cause of choice that they appear to have totally forgotten that we are called into the diaconal, and subsequently the priest ministry, to ensure (in addition to our baptismal calling):

That the people of God may be better equipped to make Christ known,

That we exercise a sacrificial, self-giving, ministry, washing the feet of others in humility,

The leadership of God's people in the offering of praise and the proclamation of the gospel,

That the people of God are shepherded and sustained by the ministry of word and sacrament,

That they are also taught, disciplined, discipled, equipped and released (by example and teaching),

To preach the Gospel in and out of season, when it is popular and when it is not.

You know what? I think Justin has hit it on the head with his first part of that which is above. He has noted that some do better than others and you know something else that's interesting? Those who are doing well do, generally speaking have good Vicars at the helm (of course there are always the 'comfortable' churches where numbers remain fairly static because it's one of 'those' areas where people are comfortable enough to 'do' church!). Then again, some churches that are fairing less well would look even worse if it wasn't for the fact that they too have good Vicars (so smile - without you it could be even worse!).

 The reality is that there are many clergy out there who might have fuller churches if they put as much energy into preaching, living and proclaiming the Gospel as they do over the issue of __________ (add the issue your dogcollar is passionate about in the space provided and if it's isn't the reconciling love of Jesus and the Gospel then they, and you, need to get up and do something about it).

I think Justin's words will sting (I know they do for me) and yet I thing the reality is that sometimes it has to sting to let us know the medicine has been applied.

End of the honeymoon? No WAY!

Merely me getting ready to celebrate out first anniversary and to look forward to a year of challenge and growth.

Thank you Justin - timely and essential words!

IDS - that £53 comment

Sad to say that as much as I struggle with our political parties at the moment (and let's be honest, who wouldn't) I not only find that there is little to separate the ConDem coalition from it's ComThem opposition (the party formally know as 'Labour') I do wish people would portray them properly.

The latest example of this is that poor man's champion (not) being the Work and Pensions Secretary, Iain Duncan Smith (IDS), who is a firm supporter of the changes that are occurring within, and to, our welfare system.

That the man thinks that many of these changes are fair is something that will be responded to when the hustings come a knocking but the reporting of IDS' engagement with David Bennett (thanks to the BBC's 'Today' programme leave a little to be desired. The issue surrounds Mr. Bennett's question, 'Could you survive on £53 a week?'

The reply was, 'If I had to I would.' It was not, 'I can live on £53'

The 'having to' and 'can' are two very different kettles of caviar; people might be able to exist on £53 a week but they certainly cannot live on it. I have to say that I doubt whether IDS would be able to match his current lifestyle on £53 a day but should he, like so many I work with, find himself out of work and having to live on benefits he'd have no choice but to to make it work, for like those upon whom he is legislating by means of the changes, he would have to!

I am worried that we will let this gross misreporting fuel a backlash that vilifies the man and draws attention away from the realities, which (in case you have forgotten) are:

The bedroom tax which hits those of a working age who receive housing benefit (including those whose partners have cancer, who are parents of handicapped kids and many more besides).

The reduction of legal aid (an essential for those who have not to be represented and afforded the same rights as those who have!)

The changes from council tax benefit to a locally run council tax support

The below inflation cap on  tax credits and working-age benefits

The new independence payment which replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

The overall benefit cap for those who are of working-age people

The Universal Credit system

People on benefits who have a history of struggling to manage money will soon find themselves faced with them receiving benefits which they will need to pass on, and for some who have addiction problems (drink, drugs, gambling) this may well see them in arrears with their rent and heading towards being homeless.

Let's stop jumping on the crass reporting of the newspapers; diverting our fire at shadows created by the press and let's start making a focussed and structured stand for those who HAVE to live on £53 a week.

Most people aren't gay - live with it?

I was most saddened and more than little appalled at the interview surrounded a response by some to Stonewall's bus advert campaign which saw the statement, "Some people are gay. Get over it." appear on some of London's buses.

The response was, "Not gay, ex-gay, post-gay, and proud. Get over it," which seems to be a statement of fact as realised by the opposing view to Stonewall. Mind you, "Most people aren't gay - live with it!" would have perhaps been a more accurate statement of the reality.

Still, I listened (with growing disinterest) and thought poor Revd Linda Rose (Angican Mainstream) lost the conversation when she dug in and used terms like 'rebellion' - something that is always likely to find the other side personalise the issue into how they (being gay) are 'nice people'and how wicked the opposing side are to vilify them. So the discussion ticked the first two boxes nicely. Could it get any worse?

Of course it could.

Having sought to personalise it (isn't that how the gay gene got his job?) the discussion took the next available and (over used ) position which entails declaring how the other side is 'being abusive and intervening/interrupting'. This is designed to divert from having to engage in any real way and shows everyone else how wicked and nasty those who oppose their view is!

And, of course, having the brains to realise what was going on, the other two played the game and interrupted at the right places to deny discussion and win points for the other side (unless of course the listener expects that gambit to be present I suppose).

And so we can thank Colin Coward (CA), Linda Rose (AM) and Mike Davidson (CIT) for a waste of broadcasting time and thank Lichfield Cathedral for an extremely well-timed and life-saving morning service.

As ever, what might have been informative and perhaps positive descended into the same old same old.

Some people just aren't interested anymore - get over it!