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Lent is difficult everywhere

Lent unfortunately is not easily observed by us in either the northern or southern hemisphere. I notice that our Eastern Orthodox friends are far, far better at observing it than Anglicans or Episcopalians. But it is not harder in the south - at least in the southern half of Australia where there are four seasons (in contrast to our tropical north).

Lent is the time when we slowly (very slowly this year) escape from the oppressive "Egyptian" heat of the summer, looking longingly towards the coming of Easter in our mellow autumn, to many the loveliest of our seasons, celebrating the harvest of the life of our Lord (celebrating also in my old parish Harvest Festival on the fifth Sunday after Easter, traditionally associated with the cycle of the natural year although here with reaping rather than sowing, "ere the winter storms begin" as Dean Alford put it in his harvest hymn).

Spring here, on the other hand, is a rather fitful and changeable time, sometimes windy, sometimes wonderful (and our climate generally is hard to beat). We had our spring flower festival linked to our patronal festival of Saint John Mark on September 27th but more generally down under (depending on how far down under!) it can be linked with the Nativity of our Lady on the 8th September or with the great but neglected festival of the Holy Cross Day on the 14th September or, perhaps most appropriately, the Conception of S.John Baptist on the 23rd September.

John Bunyan
St John the Baptist's, Canberra & King's Chapel, Boston
Campbelltown, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA
bunyanJ@tpg.com.au
17 March 2014

Dumbing down tradition

It seems to me that much of the church's tradition, practice and teaching are being "dumbed down" in the deluded hope of being more relevant, but, to whom? One example is the practice of referring to a male priest as "Father" It is my distinct impression that female priests are not referred to as "Mother" but as "Reverend X. Is there some logical reason for this?

Years ago I was sitting in Grace Cathedral waiting for the Eucharist to begin when I glanced over the Order of Service to see the Preacher was styled "The Revd Mother X X" Not having female priests in Australia at the time my initial reaction was "Oh, a nun is preaching" I soon realized itwas a female Priest. In one Parish I know the female Assistant Priest in one Parish was referred to as "Father Sue" by her male fellow Assistant Priest in a neighbouring Parish.

In recent years there seems to be a very definite reluctance to refer to female priests as "Mother". One Sunday several years ago I did the Intercessions and prayed for Mother X, the Assistant Priest. Afterwards, I was 'pulled up" by a few fellow parishoners who should hsve known better than give me the third degree about why I would use that title. Male clergy are always referred to as "Father" but it seems the same rule does not apply to female clergy.

In Parishes where there are both male and female clergy inevitably the male will be referred to as "Father" and the female as Revd Sue or whatever. Why is this ?

In recent years I have noticed many Diocesan publications refering to " Revd Jim" as opposed to Fr Jim which would have been common place several years ago.
Coupled with all this there seems to be a definite reduction in clergy wearing Eucharistic Vestments. In many Parishes the "norm " seems to be casalb with stole

Is it that some in the Church are trying to be more relevant and failing, or is some other really good reason? Again, in my observation the strong Parishes are the ones who show well ordered liturgy and fine Pastoral Care. None of this is necessary for salvation but I am sure good order and tradition are an integral part of the Church I know and love.

Graeme Bailey
St James', Sydney
Rose Bay, New South Wales, Australia
graemejbailey@optusnet.com.au
21 March 2014

(Editor: You might be right)

39 plus 3 articles?

I apologise for writing this but I need some help. Perhaps you may be able to assist me?

I am looking for something for my historical research, in which I thought should be easy to find but cannot find anywhere. It seems odd given its importance and general circulation that it is not present on the Internet as far as I have found, but nonetheless, I come to you.

As we all know, the Anglican Church upholds it's faith based on the 39 Articles of Religion, which, over Time have been altered, especially in light of events in other provinces in the Communion, such as the American Revolution and how this abolished Article 21 due to its civic nature in 1801. Even in England it underwent some revisions.

Which brings me to my question. I can find all versions of the Articles of Religion online save one. This being the original 42 Articles of Religion from 1553. (Two if you count the 45 Articles originally penned by Cranmer, that only 42 were accepted in the final draft of.)

I want to find the 42 Articles Of Religion, from 1553 (really 1552 but not approved till 1553).

If you know where I may obtain the 42 Articles of Religion, and perhaps even the 45, I would be most appreciative. or if you can, reproduce them in Email format so I may review them, and incorporate them in my studies and files.

S.K. Williams
Sale Creek
Dayton, Tennessee, USA
21 March 2014

(Editor: You can find the 42 articles online in Bray's Documents of the English Reformation.)

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