[Magdalen] Epiphany

[Roger Stokes]

On 03/01/2016 20:54, Marion Thompson wrote:
> Well, I did it.  I told the wretched man that I'm taking a leave of 
> absence from the end of Jan until (vague wave) Easter or so.  He was 
> easy because he asked no questions, only remarking that I probably 
> have a lot going on in my life at this time.  End of our pastoral 
> session, other than him wondering what who how about readers and 
> intercessors  beyond the end of Jan..  You know, he's not a bad man, 
> but he is so stuck and introverted and rigidly academic and so 
> unwilling to meet us half way, that I can't cope. The dark cloud 
> descended right as we left the vestry and persisted as he ignored his 
> deacon and sub-deacon throughout, brushing past us, a one-man band who 
> might as well have been alone throughout the liturgy and would have 
> been happier that way.
>
> My A-Team friends are taking the news that I've done it a lot harder, 
> because it lays bare their own dark feelings about it all. "Can I come 
> with you?" and I really feel that I am leaving them in the lurch.  
> However, the truth of it is that we are all demoralized and there is 
> ever-less joy.  I will continue with Food Bank, but I will be free to 
> explore my local options.
>
> A very brave move for one who is always reluctant to  jump ship. 
> Please keep St. Peter's in your prayers!


I hope you tell the bishop what you have done and why.  Don't pull your 
punches.  He needs to be told the bald truth so he can't claim before 
our ultimate judge "I didn't know"

Roger