Posted Friday 25 September 2009
A much sought-after and long-awaited Conference was organized and most ably facilitated by Rev. Dr. Anne Tomlinson which saw some 11 priests gather for a two-day conference in Paisley.
A justified criticism can be levelled at the Diocese for failing to recognize both the contribution and the distinct charism of those priests who do not receive a stipend for the ministries they inhabit. The conference was an attempt to meet that criticism and was wholly successful in providing a safe platform for what was a robust exchange of views.
The unifying theme of the conference was “Real Scientist, Real Faith” and was led by the Professor of Condensed Matter Physics and Director of Research at the School of Physics, Edinburgh University, Professor Wilson Poon.
To say merely that Professor Poon was “enthusiastic” for his subject would be do him a grave dishonour. His sheer joy at being a scientist and his great desire to impart that joy to his audience was positively messianic!
What was particularly exciting for his audience was the way that he “theologized” his science in a thought provoking way which ranged far and beyond the somewhat clichéd and tired polemics of creationism versus Darwinism. He challenged the conference with many issues and posed many questions but the most telling was - “what can the clergy do for the scientist in the congregation?”
The clergy, following the conference, are in a far better position to attempt a meaningful and pastorally relevant response.
Interspersing the formal seminars with the Professor were occasions to discuss, as a group, with the Dean, The Very Reverend Dr. Gregor Duncan, matters of concern to the NSM clergy.
It was, for example, stimulating to discuss what our stipendiary brothers and sisters made of NSMs and if there were any “resentments” under the surface and what solutions might be forthcoming to meet those “resentment”.
Even if such stimulating topics had not arisen quite naturally, the mere fact that NSMs could be under one roof to discuss issues affecting their ministries was of considerable value and very affirming.
All clergy can feel at times isolated and “unloved”: NSMs are no exception. It is very much to be desired that this first conference will set the pattern for many, many to come in future years.
The only regret was that the numbers were relatively modest.
Category: Ministry Development
