The rejection of female bishops in the Anglican Church brings into relief the trials faced by the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, with indications he may rise to the challenge 
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&#8220;I am always averse to the language of exclusion, when what we are called to is to love in the same way as Jesus Christ loves us. Above all in the Church we need to create safe spaces for these issues to be discussed in honesty and in love.&#8221; 
Those were the words of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Welby">Bishop Justin Welby</a> in his recent interview. The new Archbishop of Canterbury could not have been appointed at a more turbulent time in the Church of England. Not only is the Church, as ever, in a state of decline and facing the challenge of new atheists, it also faces questions of exclusivism which shed doubt over its relevance in the modern world. But more than ever, issues long debated, but left unanswered, have come to the forefront. The main division in the Church is over the role of women, and same-sex marriage. 
As a conservative evangelical, Bishop Welby comes with a different view to his predecessor. Welby was a businessman in the past and has been the Archbishop’s envoy to Africa, particularly working in Nigeria to reconcile Christians and Muslims. The unity of the Church is at stake, and it will need a strong leader to keep it together. 
On November 20th the Church Synod voted on whether to allow the appointment of women bishops, <a href="http://world.time.com/2012/11/21/the-church-of-england-votes-against-women-bishops/">they rejected the innovation</a>, to the disappointment of many in the Church. Welby said this was a &#8216;very grim day&#8217;. 
When Welby was asked about these impending decisions, he answered the challenging questions by stating that it is about Jesus. He argued that the most important thing was to ensure that we are called to love in the same way as Jesus loves us. Rather than being drawn into debate, he instead focused on getting back to what the Bible teaches. 
I found this impressive, but is it bravery or again avoiding making a stand? What is the role of the Archbishop? The failure of instituting female bishops came as a surprise by many as the majority of leaders voted for the motion. However it failed to pass, by only a mere six votes, through the House of Laity, who are notably a more conservative minded group. Should the Archbishop have power to overrule a decision? I would always argue that democracy should prosper. Nevertheless, this begs the question of what role does the Archbishop have, and how much power comes with that role. 
Unfortunately, unlike what many outsiders imagine, the Archbishop has very little power to change things. Unlike the Roman Catholic Pope, the role is really as a public figurehead for the Church, instead of leading with any prerogative. Whereas historically the Archbishop and Church held a powerful role in politics, church and state are now very much separate. With these new issues of female bishops and same-sex marriage, I would argue that the Church should never be above the law. Jesus advocated adhering to government. If another organisation were to disallow women from positions of authority they would be rightly accused of discrimination. Following Tuesday’s decisions there have been calls from some quarters for the government to step in and put pressure on the Church to pass the bill. 
The reasons behind the conservative criticism of female leadership is down to its lack of distinct authority in the Bible. Paul directly states that women should not be in a position of authority over men. Some would argue that this teaching has to be taken into context of the time and situation. Others take the stance that it is not discriminatory, as women have other equally important roles to play in church life. 
However, this female bishop bill would actually be in keeping with the Bible, in not oppressing anyone based on gender, race or class. “All of us are one in Christ, whether Jew or Greek, male or female, slave or free” (Gal. 3:28). There is evidence that women had leadership roles in the early church and Paul was referring to a particular problem with certain women in the Corinthian community. Furthermore, it seems to go against the teaching of Jesus. 
The debate will unfortunately endure. I believe Welby’s concern for humility and loving others as Jesus did is a simple but important way to keep the Church in unity despite its fractions. The archbishop should be the figurehead, as someone who has studied scripture in detail and appointed in faith to follow God’s law. However, will he ever have power to change the conservative lay opinion on such matters? Many Christians, even Anglicans, know little about his role, or how synod works. Instead the vicars they see weekly and the leaders in the individual churches are the ones who are most influential. Nevertheless, Welby has a unique position of both being their spokesman, leader and adviser. I hope that like his predecessor he will stand up for the rights of women and the homosexual community in the Church. In a way, that is right in view of the Bible’s teaching and is compassionate and conciliatory. 
It is written in 1 Peter 3:8-9: “All of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.” The Church is reeling from such a distinct parting of opinion, they need someone who can heal divisions and speak on their behalf. Although the decision is the outcome of a democratic vote and we will have to wait three years to change the outcome, many will be optimistic with a new leader to reconcile and lead the Church forwards. The Church needs a leader who speaks bravely about the truth of what the Bible says and what Jesus taught about society and individuals. 
The Archbishop may not have power to bring about quick changes, however he does have a role to lead a vast and diverse church. Welby has already achieved great success bringing together Muslims and Christians in Nigeria, hopefully he can use this experience to bring the Church together despite its differences. 
&#8220;I am always averse to the language of exclusion&#8230;Above all in the Church we need to create safe spaces for these issues to be discussed in honesty and in love.&#8221;
<pre>Image from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9663508/Justin-Welby-the-new-Archbishop-of-Canterbury.html </pre>

It’s All About Jesus: Britain&#039;s New Archbishop and the Challenges of the Church

Whilst in modern times, the fast of Lent may be perceived as an excuse to lose weight, the true meaning of Lent lies in identity and discovering who we are 
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Traditionally, the Christian season of Lent is the period of 40 days before Easter Sunday when Jesus is said to have risen from the dead. The idea is to prepare for Easter and usually involves giving up something. The notion is to replicate Jesus’ 40 days in the desert, where he fasted and overcame the temptation from the devil, before the start of his public ministry. Christians fast, pray, reflect and repent sins to replicate Jesus’ temptation, turn away from sin and renew their commitment to following Christ through self discipline and following His example. 
Today, Christians will attempt to “fast,” often giving up a particular vice or an addiction to some un-wholesome but not necessarily awful hobby. I am sure everyone knows someone who has committed to some sort of Lent test of will power. I have known people to give up make-up for the period. Some may give up TV or Facebook, or even using their phone. At the moment the Christian Charity, Tearfund, are promoting a <a href="http://www.tearfund.org/en/get_involved/campaign/campaign_updates/campaignnews/cc_201111_carbon_fast_2012/">Carbon Fast</a> for Lent, to give up or reduce carbon emissions for the 40 days – giving people a fact per day to help them. 
This year I have joined many who are giving up the luxury of sweet food. No cakes, chocolates or biscuits for me. To some, this may not sound very sacrificial, but I have an extreme addiction to sweet things. I would live on cake if I could. To be honest, my decision to avoid sweet luxuries was not entirely due to spiritual reasons. It is my best friend’s wedding in June, and I want to make sure I fit nicely into my bridesmaid dress. 
A constant criticism of Lent is that it lends itself to the culture of dieting and being skinny. For many it is a time where you have a structure, a reason to diet. Some would argue that I have also succumbed to this celebrity culture. So does my denial of sweet goodies get to the heart of what Lent is? 
Having pondered on this, I believe the meaning of Lent is about identity: who you are and who you want to be. There is a well known story where Jesus is tempted by the devil. My interpretation is that he was being lured to being something he wasn’t. I believe that Jesus was the Son of God, however he came to earth to be fully human. That Jesus could be tempted depicts his humanity. Jesus himself struggled to fulfil God’s plan to provide a perfect example for humans to follow. He did not rely on calling angels to turn stones into bread. He endured and showed he could resist, despite hunger. If he had called on angels, like Satan tells him to, then he would not be a fully human example to follow. 
So right at the start of Jesus’ ministry he was choosing to be a true Son of God. We see in the story that Jesus struggled, but stood by who he wanted to be and was meant to be. Jesus’ identity and in particular his humanity, is integral to the Christian view of salvation. 
Traditionally Lent was about sacrifice, penitence, even suffering. The desert monks would fast, and put themselves in discomfort to be truly close to the crucified Christ by suffering with Him. A type of mysticism also grew along these lines. The evil albino monk in Dan Brown&#8217;s The Da Vinci Code may be the best-known example of self-flagellation now but in the time of the desert monks, it was common. Those who self-flagellated did so seeing themselves as sinners beyond mercy. 
Some connect this idea to the passage where Jesus tells his followers to take up their cross. Lent is a time when people renew this commitment and “take up their cross”, by putting others before themselves. I believe empathising with Jesus’ suffering is not to suffer for suffering’s sake. It is not to diet to the extreme because you feel worthless for not looking a certain way. I feel that it is important to maintain the mindset of healthy dieting to look after your body and feel your self- worth through other qualities besides looks. 
Instead, Lent should be about renewing your identity and your belief in that identity. Identity is linked to partnerships, connection and relationships. It is impossible to understand Jesus overcoming temptation in the desert without reflecting on the rest of his ministry where he gave up self-interest and healed the sick and liberated the oppressed. He was compassionate and loved the world such that he ultimately sacrificed his life. At the start of his ministry, in the wilderness, he gave up food and rejected the devil because he knew his true purpose was to serve humanity and so serve God. 
Therefore sacrifice isn’t just for Lent. Jesus overcoming temptation encapsulates his identity but the rest of his life portrays who he was. To be a follower of Jesus, I must also take up my cross; the burdens of people around the world who need help, support and love. Not just at Lent but throughout my life. Resisting cake makes me feel physically healthier and even gives me a sense of achievement, but the thing I value most about Lent is the reminder of how God intended me to live. 
Lent is a time to renew and refresh our understanding of our identity as neighbours and as brothers and sisters, and learn to serve others selflessly in compassion.
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“Is it such a fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to deal your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor that are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you hide not yourself from your own flesh?” (<a title="View scripture">Isaiah. 58:5-7</a>).
<pre>Image from: http://www.certainchristian.com/page/2/ and http://thegoodheart.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/learning-to-survive-in-lenten-desert.html</pre>
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What is the True Meaning of Lent?

Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. As a Christian it is usually guaranteed that I will at some point hear a sermon on the “true meaning of Christmas”. Reflecting on this, I have often in the past ended up separating the commercial or secular side of Christmas, from the “religious” side. In Britain, this means separating the turkey, the tree, the Santa, the presents, and the holiday (the commercial side), from the “religious side”, celebrating the story of baby Jesus being born in a stable. 
Having grown up in a Christian family, the story of Christmas is very familiar to me. As a child I enjoyed (or endured) many nativity plays, where I played a variety of parts including an angel, sheep, shepherd, and even an inn keeper (unfortunately never Mary). I know many carols by heart and have been to countless carol services. Nevertheless, I often find it hard to connect with the “real” or religious meaning of Christmas. 
I think the reason for this is that the real meaning of Christmas encompasses aspects of both religion and mainstream festivities. What I love about Christmas is that everything stops. Everyone has a day off. Everyone enjoys giving and receiving presents. Everyone shares with one another. It’s the time of year when it’s good to smile and say ‘Happy Christmas’ to the shop assistant. It’s the time of year when you can actually spend time with your family. It’s the time of “goodwill to all men”. People can share in that, whether they believe that Jesus, God’s son, was born on that day or not. 
The carol “Good King Wenceslas” comes to mind. It was my favourite carol as a child. I think that was partly because it was the first one I learnt to play on the guitar, but I am also struck by the last line: “Therefore, Christian men, be sure, wealth or rank possessing, Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing.” 
Christmas became the time of year when compassion and service came to the forefront of people’s minds. This is found throughout all of the gospels, in which Jesus’ teachings are recorded. In Luke’s gospel, Jesus quotes from the book of the Prophet Isaiah: &#8220;The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord&#8221;(Luke 4:18-19). 
Over the Christmas period charities receive more money than during any other period throughout the year, while people are also more likely to volunteer. It promotes and encourages people to look after others, especially those in need. I think the story of Jesus is the impetus behind this. I believe that God sent his only son, who chose to live humbly, to become human, to serve others, and ultimately to die so that others could live. Jesus to me is the ultimate example of serving others, of teaching us how to love one another as ourselves. 
In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus speaks of bringing the Kingdom of Heaven or the Kingdom of God to earth. Similarly, in Luke 11:20, and Luke 17:21, Jesus claims that &#8220;the kingdom of God has come to you&#8221; and “the Kingdom of God is within you”. The “Kingdom” that Jesus spoke of will be fully realised in the future when “the lion will lie down with the lamb” (Isaiah 11.6), after which there will be no more war, conflict or death. However, Jesus also brought this into fruition during his life and through his teachings. Jesus’ deeds and words had an immediate effect: he served the poor; healed the blind and lame; and brought the Kingdom of God to earth. When people have compassion for one another, enough to extend their love even to their enemy, it is the manifestation of the Kingdom of God coming to earth. If we were all to love each other as Jesus said, then we would live in a much more peaceful and just society. 
Christmas has become too commercialised, with more emphasis on what presents you get and how much you spend, rather than on family, love and service. The true meaning of Christmas is about learning to have compassion. It is about serving those who have less, at a time of “peace on earth and goodwill to all men.” Everyone, of any faith and none, can play a part in this. 
Tzedek and Faiths Act will be recruiting for an exciting and inspirational interfaith campaign programme in London, to take action against the injustice of gender inequality and to tackle global poverty. This programme, called INFACT, is more important than ever given that we live in a society where injustice and inequality are widespread, with 1.4 billion people living in extreme poverty. Jesus inspires me to have compassion, and to act to try and prevent this. 
Kofi Annan said that, &#8220;Until there is gender equality, there can be no sustainable development. It is impossible to realise our goals while discriminating against half the human race.&#8221; 
Christmas is a time where we are reminded of this, to have compassion for family and also those most in need. Every faith promotes compassion and joined together &#8211; they can be the difference they wish to see in the world.
<pre>Photo Credits: Wallpaper from http://www.abstract-thoughts.com/ </pre>

Charlotte Flowers