The riots: where do we go from here p3
Letter from the chair p5
Perhaps God . . . p5
Father Adrian Smith remembered p6
News from local groups p7
A joyful progressive first in Leicester p10
Pentecost at Gladstone’s Library p12
PCN Britain at Greenbelt p13
Books: ‘A modern credo’, ‘Christmas: ancient meanings, modern faith’ p14 &15
A meal with a difference, p2
Impressions of the AGM & formal report, p2-5
Letter from the chair p5
A perspective on the eternal p6
News from local groups p7
Can we be radical in practice p11
Future events p13
Book Reviews and a good deal more p14 -16
In this edition: Sonya Brown’s personal account of the cultural and religious impact of her visit to India and Carol Williams on how her “Wordbox” solved the problem of planning group discussions. Duncan Craig challenges PCN to be open about theological difference among its membership, notably the question of theistic and non-theistic views of God. Richard Tetlow presents his blueprint for successful Muslim-Christian relations and Michael Wright takes a stance on the government’s austerity programme. Plus the usual group reports, book news and reviews and a thoughtful response to Duncan in Hugh Dawes’ editorial.
David Kemp draws a parallel between belief in God and Father Christmas while editor Hugh Dawes argues that Christmas teaches us the virtues of being child-like. Angela Smith makes the case for her new project to create progresive liturgies. There is a hymn from Chris Avis and a poem from Philip Sudworth. Philip also reviews a new book called “So You Think You’re Not Religious” by James Rowe Adams. Atheism and Buddhism make an appearance in other book reviews. There are the usual reports from PCN groups across the UK. And a special report on the Marcus Borg Weekend in Edinburgh. You can also read about our convenors’ gatherings at which group representatives met to discuss group activities.
Philip Sudworth challenges progressive Christians to engage with the unchurched and not to waste time trying to breach the Maginot line of traditional church teaching. He wants a change of agenda from doctrinal wrangling to acts of love; opportunities to share our faith should be earned through actions and attitudes. Tim Hinds appreciates Walter Wink’s latest take on Jesus as a social revolutionary, and there are reports on this year’s St Deiniol’s PCN residential and PCN’s stall at Greenbelt. Chris Avis reviews theologian, Marcus Borg’s first attempt as a novelist and Hugh Dawes sounds a warning that the historical Jesus may be a reflection of our own liberal leanings and we should not ignore the lessons of Jesus approach to death.
James Quinton appeals to progressive Christians to maintain the distinctively Christian elements of God and not to reduce their faith to a “vague and rootless theology” which might better belong to a “Progressive Spirituality Network”. Jack Dean appeals to progressive Christians to seek out the roots of their faith in the itinerant teacher, Jesus. He goes on to suggest “our pointless liturgy and dreary three-point sermon” should be abandonned in favour of a “programme of re-education, inaugurating a challenge to engage in life”. Graham Hellier calls for a bloodless re-writing of the communion service and Chris Avis challenges the idea of a “Great Commission”. Hugh Dawes takes a sideways look at Quakers through two new publications and Duncan Craig reviews a book on why so many young Americans are embracing religious orthodoxy.
Occupying the ‘Chair’ for over a year has led me into many interesting situations and conversations. Here are just three of the questions that have been sent to or asked of me. I include my responses so that members of PCN Britain may be encouraged and supported when you also face such questions. The answers that I give are from my faith perspective, although I hope that they are in line with the 8 Points that guide PCN Britain. It is also important to remind ourselves that PCN Britain exists to resource and support local groups and people in their own faith pilgrimage and our place of uniting is around those 8 Points - not in declaring that this or that is the only way of seeing things.
Howard Grace, who co-convenes the PCN group in Newbury, provides his take on evolution. Editor, Hugh Dawes supplies a progressive message on the resurrection. John Keddie, a church of Scotland minister, writes about God language and Hazel Day writes about prayer. Tom Hind tackles the question of what authority we need for our faith. There are reviews of three books recently published by PCN members plus the usual reports from PCN Groups.
The death of PCN’s honorary adviser, hymnwriter, Fred Kaan, prompts a couple of articles in this edition. There a tribute from two members of PCN who, like Fred, are members of the United Reformed Church and a transcript of a speech given by Fred’s wife, Anthea, to the PCN AGM in October. Reflecting the season, PCN vice Chair Mary McMahon gives us food for thought at Christmas and Dorothy Haughton, a Unitarian, looks at Christmas from her viewpoint. PCN’s outgoing Hon Secretary, Jill Sandham, writes of what it means to be a progressive Christian and Hugh Dawes, the outgoing PCN Chair, writes a challenging article on looking for reliability in scripture. There are the usual reports from PCN’ groups and articles reflecting Bishop Jack Spong’s autumn lecture tour, sponsored by PCN.
John Hetherington writes of a Spiritual Awakening, with both personal and global implications. Having retired from active ministry, John Weir Cook wonders about our images of God. Michael Wright gives an appreciation of Quaker spirituality plus the usual reports from the groups including a discussion on “what shall we tell the children” by the Newbury group.
Charles Hedley, outgoing vice-char, writes of his hope for Progressive Christianity, Robin Story reports from The World to Come conference at St Mark’s Centre for Radical Christianity in Sheffield and Jill and Paul Cooper describe the St Deiniol’s Weekend on Portraits of Jesus. Plus book reviews and a poem, Some Living Ends, by Chris Avis.
Items include My World of Doubt by John Cook and a summary of PCN Britain’s three year strategy by Jill Sandham, the secretary. John Churcher writes his first chair’s letter and Brian Wilson writes of Poetry (A Pathway to God?) Plus the usual reports from PCN groups and book reviews.
What have we achieved? What next?
A review of PCN Britain’s three year strategy 2005 - 2008
Progress Christianity and Climate Change: Adrian Alker, vicar of St Mark’s in Sheffield, secretary of the Centre for Radical Christianity there, and a member of the PCN committee, offers a progressive Christian take on what is fast becoming the principal concern of our time.