Ordination goes ahead

The journey to the ordination from one side of England to the other was eventful, enjoyable, entertaining. It involved four cars, three trains, two narrowboats and an imported Brazilian VW “Big Bay” campervan. Excellent! Just the sort of journey I like. It took two and half days, and I had the chance for a quick looks around Worcester, Birmingham, Ely and Cambridge on the way.

Despite rifts, schisms and turmoil across the worldwide Anglican communion, the Third Little Maid was canonically ordained to general acclaim. The service passed off peacefully, even though several vertically challenged people were among the candidates. It was feared that those who are opposed to the ordination of small people may stage some kind of protest. Many scholars have pointed out that there are no theological objections to the less-tall becoming priests, and that even the Apostle Paul was “probably quite short”. Neither the Archbishop of Canterbury’s office nor GAFCON has made a comment so far. Even though the candidates were wearing restrained earrings and sensible shoes, the fact that one lady of reduced stature took a prominent role in the service will no doubt be seen as a provocative act. We await developments. (By the way: note to the Archbishop of Canterbury: GAFCON - Gaff – a mistake. Con – someone’s trying to get one over on you).

Meanwhile, away from the controversy, much fun and merriment was had by family and friends in an obscure corner of Suffolk. Wine was drunk, food was consumed, delightful music played, and a game of “Apples to Apples” enjoyed by the young people. And those who find that they have become old codgers passed the time wondering where the years went.