Although we mention the dreaded subject of women in the episcopate we are trying to cover a wide range of other matters that are of paramount  importance to us all. But, why, we wonder, has the Revision Committee been seemingly unable to meet our request for a debate on their findings re the legislation to bring about the consecration of women to the episcopate? Are there blocking techniques at work here from ....we know not whom?!

As we all struggle with the credit crunch? we are hesitant to make promises we may not be able to keep regarding the clergy pension schemes. Which would be the more unsettling: to revise the methods now or to renege on payments in future due to circumstances we are unable to alter? This is a moral problem of a complex flavour.

We have often argued for constructive change and I think we do so now: if we are to be really open then we must embrace the things we want to value and turn away those we feel are otiose or simply not in keeping with promoting Christ?s gospel in today?s world.

Art, Food prophesies, Ecumenism; Orthodox or Catholic are subjects our contributors have felt worth airing. We have two articles by the same person, which is not a general practice, but they cover themes that are worth being considered So read on and a Happy New Year to you all and may 2010 bring blessings and peace to the troubled areas of the world.