‘Public Life and the Place of the Church’ Reflections to Honour the bishop of Oxford

Bishop Richard’s ministry has been described as a ‘model of engagement’ - reflecting his willingness and ability to enter the fray of debate on the moral and social issues of our time.

Now, as he prepares for retirement, key figures from areas of public life with which he has been connected have drawn on the inspiration of his work and talents for a collection of essays in the book Public Life and the Place of the Church; Reflections to Honour the bishop of Oxford.

Order Hardback £50 ISBN 07546 5300 5 Order Paperback £15.99 ISBN 0 7546 53013 All royalties go to the Bishop's Outreach Fund.

‘Perhaps it’s odd that I became bishop here [Oxford], because I like to be on the borderlands of Christianity, outside mainstream things...’ Bishop Richard told one interviewer at the time of his appointment in 1987.
It is a statement that has defined his career. In this book, compiled and edited by his chaplain of five years, Michael Brierley, he is variously described as scholarly, intellectual, an idealist, a forward thinker, courageous and, always, enthusiastically, actively engaged with the world around him; fired by his passionate belief in his Christian ideals and their potential to transform the world.

In his preface, Michael explains the bishop’s model of ministry, writing: ‘Bishop Richard... represents a model of the church that is not “churchy” or inward-looking but “engaged”; a church whose watchword is “dialogue” with those of different faiths and no faith.’

In short, writes Edmund Newell (Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral and former chaplain to the bishop) and Sabina Alkire (research fellow at Harvard University), ‘he has been willing to enter territory “where angels fear to tread”.’
In his chapter on ‘Richard: The Person and the Bishop’, his friend and former chaplain James Woodward recalls that from the very beginning of his ordained ministry, as a curate in Hampstead in 1963, the bishop has believed in outward engagement from church into society, grateful that his vicar gave him so much freedom to pursue areas that stimuated him, particularly concern for people in the community and the church’s connection with them.
Throughout his career he has continued to involve himself with issues ranging from apartheid to abortion and euthanasia to ethics (medical and of war). He has campaigned for better housing for the poor, for improved treatment of asylum seekers and against the export of landmines.

In this book our essayists have taken as their base for argument the bishop’s standpoints on Contemporary Spirituality and Christian Doctrine, Multicultural Britain and Interfaith Dialogue, and Art and Faith, among others.
The writers agree that, importantly, the bishop’s contributions to public debate have been characterised by informed opinion and a willingness to listen as well as talk; to engage in dialogue.

Christopher Rowland (left, Professor of the Exegesis of Holy Scripture in the University of Oxford and former chair of the Diocesan Board for Social Responsibility) tackles the issue of Arms and Justice. Interestingly, he argues in part against the bishop on the just war tradition.

He told the DOOR: ‘I think it is indicative of the breadth of vision and inclusivity of him that in a book to honour him I was able to argue an alternative viewpoint. It has been my experience that, even if he is temperamentally and intellectually deeply opposed to a point of view he will listen and engage with it.’

Author and broadcaster Julia Neuberger considers that it is the bishop’s ability to argue ‘calmly, with authority, from considerable learning and from a standpoint of  faith that does not exclude others' that has made him such an effective campaigner and communicator, whether on the world stage or broadcasting to the general public.
Looking at the role of the church in determining medical ethics in, for example, the issue of embryo research, Claire Foster (Policy Adviser for Science, medicine Technology and Environmental Issues in the Church of England's Community and Public Affairs Unit) concludes that if it were not for such flexible, worldly, yet principled approaches to debate from Church leaders such as Bishop Richard; 'the church would arguably be sidelined right from the start.'

Writer and presenter Melvyn Bragg (right) senses a natural leadership in the bishop, writing that he 'seems to come directly out of a line of bishops as exemplary, even hero figures.'

He told the DOOR: 'His effectiveness as a communicator is due in part to being a character unafraid to take risks for what he believes in and speak out when he feels it is necessary.'

Of the bishop's broadcasting he says: 'He has that rare ability to speak out through the media in a way that creates a model of the church that is inclusive, reaching a broad spectrum of people, whether on BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day or in a political discussion.'

The representation of religious faiths in politics is examined in 'The House of Lords and Religion' by former Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd (left). As one of the 26 Lords Spiritual, Bishop Richard has served in the House since 1993.

Lord Hurd says: 'In our debates Richard Harries performs in a way which exactly suits the Lords - polite, non party but forceful in his views.'

Former Secretary of State for Education and Science, Shirley Williams says: 'I believe the Churches and religious leaders more generally have a significant contribution to make. Bishop Richard is one of the most thoughtful and subtle contributors to debates in the House...'

It is Michael Brierley who captures the essence of the bishop's model of engagement that has so inspired and affected debate on so many issues. He writes: 'As society changes and the Church becomes more marginalised, defensive and reactionary, Bishop Richard's contributions to public life imply ways in which the church can be less anxious, more open, creative and free, and more true to itself and its Lord; how, in short...the Church might “recapture the imagination of our culture”.'

Order Hardback : £50 : ISBN  07546 5300 5

Order Paperback : £15.99 : ISBN 0 7546 53013

All royalties go to the Bishop's Outreach Fund.

The cover of Michael Brierley's book is entitled 'Menorah' and was painted by local artist and writer, Roger Wagner.

Roger's essay on Art and Faith reflects in part on the belief of the bishop that the spiritual dimension present in all great works of visual art finds focus in icons, and that to read an icon in this way is 'like perceiving the world as charged with the grandeur of God.'

The original oil on canvas painting of Menorah hangs in St Giles Church, Oxford and can be viewed between 12 and 2pm on weekdays. For more details contact the parish office on 01865 311 198