Address given at the Funeral of Sibyl Allen
In the October November issue of the St Martin’s Review 1996 there is an article about Sibyl. The title of the article is “If in doubt ask Sibyl” That I think would be a very fitting epitaph for a woman who became a St Martin’s legend. Sibyl’s family connections with St Martin-in-the-Fields go back to 1910 when her mother Rose Saxby first began attending services here.
The Seventh Sunday after Trinity
I live my life at something of a rush, and often more in the future than the present. Even as I’m doing one thing at least half my mind is occupied with the next thing, or the one after that. But, occasionally, I get interrupted.
The Sixth Sunday after Trinity
It’s going to be hard talking about weakness just after England won their World Cup match against Sweden yesterday. But then for those who know, in our home we also support Croatia, so as someone’s got to lose in the semi final they play on Wednesday, I think I can safely stay with the theme. Although with two horses in the race I also can’t lose!
The Fourth Sunday after Trinity
Goodbyes can be hard. As a young man, I recall having to leave Australia after a seven-month sojourn which had changed my life. The family which had hosted me, came to see me off from the airport. They’d loved me deeply, and I’d returned their love.
The Third Sunday after Trinity
“For we walk by faith” says St Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians. But how easy is it to do that, to walk by faith? Is it even desirable? In the age of risk assessment and the increasing need for constant vigilance and accountability can we really afford to walk by faith?
The First Sunday after Trinity
There’s a great tradition in the Church of England. Perhaps most of the clergy, about all of the retired clergy, and a disturbingly large number of the laity, at some stage toward the end of the week or over the weekend, fumble their way towards the letters page of the Church Times.
Trinity Sunday
Yesterday I returned to London after sharing the first two days of the pilgrimage to Canterbury. I am part of what is known as “the Steady Group.”
The Seventh Sunday of Easter
Yesterday Sarah Mullally was installed at St Paul’s Cathedral as Bishop of London. This history-making service was a wonderful welcome to Bishop Sarah and an opportunity to give thanks for all that she will bring to the Diocese as the person that she is and as the first female Bishop of London.
