Always Hope

BBC news posted an extended interview with the ABC this morning. You have to go to the BBC website to view it, since they don't enable video embedding (come on, BBC). Although not gripping TV (the chemistry between Rowan and Huw Edwards wouldn't light a candle), it is an interesting chance to hear the Archbishop reflecting on the role of weddings in a society which seems to have little time for marriage. Two royal wedding links also worth reading: Cranmer , who is always strong on church and consitutional issues, on the importance of the wedding to the country and to the Church of England. Clayboy reflects on the unusual choice of the 1928 liturgy for the wedding, and what that says about the past and future of the C of E.

Oops, we did it again! The Church of England (or, we suppose, some person or persons within the Church of England), regularly produces prayers for special occasions. This is a great idea, but sometimes when the prayers appear, they somehow don't quite hit the spot. Yesterday a prayer for the upcoming royal wedding raised a few eyebrows: God of all grace, friend and companion, look in favour on William and Catherine and all who are made one in marriage. In your love deepen their love and strengthen their wills to keep the promises they will make, that they may continue in life-long faithfulness to each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. We could dismiss the critics as petty fault-finders, determined to criticise the church at every possible opportunity, or alternatively, we could be honest and admit they have a point. The problem with this prayer is the heavy emphasis on the keeping of the vows. William and Kate haven't even said "I will" yet, but we'...