2019 Spring

It is a privilege, what we do, is it not? And with privilege comes responsibility. One of our responsibilities of course is to ensure that those to whom we minister are safe. Safety within our churches is a particular concern, in the wake of a number of scandals involving abuse of parishioners (often children) by people in authority. Sadly, we have had to accept that no one – not even those in the highest offices – can be above suspicion.

So how can we ensure that abuse has no place in our own communities and churches? Well, an important first step is to ensure our safeguarding training is up to date. It is crucial too to be aware that every diocese now has a fully resourced Safeguarding department – so if ever we notice anything that gives us cause for concern we can (and should) seek help. We should also try to keep up with the Church of England’s position on the subject – and for this reason I am very glad that the Right Reverend Peter Hancock, who is the lead bishop for safeguarding, has given us an up-to-date overview. This article is complemented by Katherine Bloomer’s exploration of the pastoral implications of safeguarding, particularly when working with volunteers, and Sam Rushton’s theological reflection. The themed section is completed by two articles looking at the subject from a more specialist angle – Helen Thorne writes about domestic abuse and what to do if we suspect it is happening among our congregations, and Giles Morrison takes us into cyber territory – an unfamiliar dimension for many of us.

There should be much to interest Readers in the rest of this issue too. Don Roberts writes about focal ministry in Wales, and we are pleased to welcome Roger Clarke back with another article on key Greek words in the New Testament. Chris Hudson gives us some suggestions for exploring Lent, and Paul Clark anticipates the themes of Holy Week and Easter with his article on bereavement. We then hear from two Readers whose ministry is distinctive and innovative – Richard Holloway (and his parrot) who is making use of a blog to spread the gospel, and Katharine Salmon who sees her roles as minister, teacher and friend as interrelated.

In our regular books section, we are pleased to feature an extract from Buying God, by the multi-talented Eve Poole. And, finally, the CRC news section includes contributions on General Synod by Rosemary Walters and the CRC website by Vyv Wainwright.

In the next issue of The Reader, we will be celebrating fifty years of women in Reader ministry. I have had the privilege of speaking to several inspirational women already, but if you are a woman who was licensed for Reader ministry in 1969 or the early 1970s, or if you know someone who is, then please do get in touch if you can, before the end of February. The Autumn issue will focus on the Psalms (copy needed by the middle of May) and the final issue of the year will look at what next for Reader ministry (for which I will need copy early in August). Just a reminder though, the ‘Theme’ articles account for only a third of the content of an issue – I am always delighted to receive suggestions for articles on other topics. Email me at editor@cofereadermag.co.uk and we can explore possibilities.

With best wishes

Richenda