November 8th

On Sunday night several Roehampton University Students made the long trek to Golders Green to see the world famous South African peace advocate Archbishop Desmond Tutu. One of the best known clergy men in the world and internationally known for his stand against apartheid in South Africa he was in Golders Green celebrating the centenary of St Albans Church. Having spent time attending the church in the 60's while studying at Kings College, Archbishop Tutu thanked the Parish Church in it's role in shaping his life, claiming: "You helped us prepare for the ministry we were to have in South Africa" and "You helped us become what we became". Since those early days he has gone on to win a Nobel Peace Price and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Humble, animated and hilarious are three words that would describe his address to the congregation. A great storyteller who captures peoples imagination to dream big dreams. He loves to challenge and his driving message is one of empowerment, to provoke people into a response that will positively change the world. "God is weak..." he said defiantly and for the sake of shock value but to then go on and say "... until you say here I am God, use me" He told us it was up to us to stand up and make a difference in this world and that the world needs people who are willing to make a difference. "...who can change it? You!" he said with deep conviction and belief.

Rebbecca Morton is a second year student at Roehampton studying Theology and Religious Studies, she is also the daughter of the Vicar at St Albans. "I was expecting a long and boring preach but instead he was really funny and very engaging". Rebbecca was involved with the running of the event, welcoming and hosting visitors from all over London.

Archbishop Tutu shared one story in which he was speaking at a youth conference and was asked how do you win a Nobel Peace Prize. He answered: "You have to have an easy name to remember, a big nose and sexy legs!"

With a final parting word and thanks he blessed us in his native Xhosa language. He left with a trail of flashing cameras and smiling faces behind him, but most poignantly he left a congregation with their hearts challenged.

September 14th

A controversial pro-Israel event took place at Gloucester cathedral which saw the bizarre occurrence of an ordained Church of England Vicar protesting the proceedings. The event, billed as 'The Clash of the Kingdoms', saw a coming together of Christians from all over Gloucestershire to hear the message of David Silver. New Zealand born David Silver preaches the Christian message with a strong emphasis on Israel and the Jewish heritage of Christianity. Now living in Israel, Mr Silver is a Messianic Jew as he is both a Christian and also Jewish by race.

During the evening as a performing group came to the end of their piece there was a momentary lull. In this time a man from the back walked to the front wearing a dog collar and the congregation assumed he was the next item on the program. Without a microphone he started to loudly state certain facts which seemed to include numbers of deaths of innocent Gaza civilians. When understood that this was a protester everyone went into hushed conversation about what was happening and there was also a little applause. At this point several of the men who were involved with the running of the evening approached him and after a flurried discussion the man was escorted out.

One eye-witness commented: "I think it was very sad. He (the protester) had an opportunity to address it in the morning discussions times which were there for questions to be raised. He actually interrupted the act of worship in the church which was far worse than interrupting David (Silver)."

Read the news article from This Is Gloucestershire.co.uk