At home on the ‘borderlands’

Bishop Richard comments:

On being described as most at home on the ‘borderlands of society’...

‘It is a key phrase for me and comes from one of my great intellectual heroes, philosophical theologian Donald Mackinnon, who in one of the first lectures of my undergraduate days at Cambridge University talked about the borderlands of theology.

‘I think anyone who is going to be a witness to the Christian truth in today’s society has to stand not just on the borderlands of Christian territory but on the other side of the border.’

Taking seriously the issues that engage people in what is an increasingly secular world, and hearing what people feel about the Christian faith in their lives, positive or negative, has been fundamental to his ministry in all his roles, he says.

On the importance of dialogue.

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

‘Again it is a fundamental truth that no one welcomes dictats from on high and the Christian Truth is best conveyed in the context of relationships in which both parties are contributing and listening.

‘Dialogue in many of the issues of today involves people from many faiths, or none at all and it is no good simply preaching. People are much more likely to hear what you have to say if they know that what they have to say is also being heard. It is a two-way connection and the vital beginning to finding a way forward in many areas of conflict.

On the essays that have been produced for the book Public Life and the Place of the Church; Reflections to Honour the bishop of Oxford ...

‘I am really delighted with the quality of the essays which I think make a valuable and lasting contribution to many areas I am interested in.

‘I think people will enjoy the essays  whether they read them as theologians or experts in the issues, or simply because they have an interest in one of the areas covered and seek to be better informed.’

On retirement ...

‘It has been a huge privilege to serve the diocese during what has been a period of great change for the Church of England and for society in general.

‘I will enjoy taking a break from public engagements for a while and taking time to be with my family. I imagine I would like to focus my energies on fewer issues, tackling them in greater depth. And I have been wanting to write an anthology of poetry and of prose.’

On being presented with the book which had been kept a surprise until publication...

‘I was absolutely gobsmacked! I had no inkling at all, so I was slightly embarrassed. But it is a wonderful book.’