Methodist leaders have welcomed the appointment of the Archbishop of Wales, the Most Rev. Rowan Williams, as the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

The President of the Conference, the Rev Ian White, praised Dr Williams’ ability to communicate and former President the Rev. Dr Leslie Griffiths, a fellow Welshman, said he was "a theologian of the first order."

Born in Swansea in 1950 Archbishop Williams was elected Bishop of Monmouth in 1991 and Archbishop of Wales in 1999. He has been involved in various commissions on theology and theological education, the Dearing working party on Church schools and chaired the group that produced the report ‘Wales: a Moral Society?’ in 1996.

The President of the Conference sent "the greetings of the Methodist people and their prayers to Archbishop Rowan Williams on his appointment", which he said came "at a significant moment in the life of our two Churches as we enter into conversations on a Covenant between us and explore the partnership of our two traditions."

"Archbishop Williams’ skills as a leader, communicator and teacher will serve the Church and nation well in the 21^st century", said Mr White, adding "He’s not afraid to challenge the status quo. I met him at the ‘Chairs’ retreat in the mid-1990s and that was an impressive and moving occasion."

Dr Griffiths said of the Archbishop: "He is a theologian of the first order and a very spiritual man to boot, with great powers of communication. We’ve worked together in different Christian Aid contexts.

"He may have a great deal to offer the Church. Theologically Rowan Williams is quite conservative, though socially quite liberal and that’s a combination that could be convincing."

The superintendent minister of the Southampton circuit, the Rev Stuart Bell, who was taught by the Archbishop, said Dr Williams had a "great presence and is a very warm and human person in relationships. He taught me early Church history in an interesting and appealing way, with humour but never frivolous."

Written by Andrew Whitten

18.7.02

Cowboys, poker and shoot-out feature in the latest musical production by the director of Share Jesus, the Rev Dr Rob Frost, which will tour major theatres from late September to the end of October 2002.

Entitled ‘Here and Now’, the production has a cast of more than 3,000 and intends to build on the success of the millennium musical ‘Hopes and Dreams’ which spawned Cliff Richard’s number one single ‘The Millennium Prayer’.

The tour, including Plymouth Pavilions and Preston Guildhall, aims to encourage Christians everywhere to examine their lifestyles and to put the message of the Gospel into practice every day. Dr Frost said: "The music, drama and dance in this is simply breathtaking. Yet it communicates the message of the Sermon on the Mount with poignancy and conviction."

Music for the show composed by musician Paul Field took more than two years to complete. He said; "I think we’ve achieved a fascinating blend of musical styles in this show which range from country to big choral pieces. I know that once people see it they’ll be desperate to put it on in their own area and we’ve written the score with an eye on approachability and musical diversity."

For further details and advance tickets contact

‘Here and Now’ box office (020 8288 1961)

Methodist Recorder 25.7.02

An excursion of considerable proportions is being undertaken during the next 18 months when a new musical about the Christian martyr, Stephen, is being presented up and down the land in more than 30 towns and cities, beginning in Birmingham on 2nd November next.

Its title, ‘Wildfire’, gives expression to the context of the story in the first century experience of Pentecost and how the Gospel spread like wildfire throughout the known world.

This new and exciting musical comes from the pen of Roger Jones, well known for his Christian musicals in the UK and abroad. Furthermore, a music preview CD is available from Christian Music Ministries at 325 Bromford Road, Hodge Hill, Birmingham B35 8ET.

This high-quality disc gives a fine representation in sound of this episode in the life of the early Church.

All 14 songs from the show are linked by narrations and the words are included in the notes provided with the disc. Clear, well co-ordinated group singing as well as effective solo work combine to make this a most attractive appetiser for the stage version.

This augurs well for the many performances that will take place right through to November 2003.

It is hard to imagine any disappointment at the acquisition of this disc.

a supernumerary minister in the Salisbury circuit.

Methodist Recorder

20.6.2002