Faith
Bishop Upholds Faith as Isle of Man Debates Vote
Faith Facts
- The Isle of Man’s Tynwald is advancing a bill that would let the Bishop of Sodor and Man keep her seat but end her right to vote.
- Bishop Tricia Hillas warned this change undermines democracy and the church’s role in society.
- Despite these challenges, the Bishop affirms the church’s mission remains rooted in Christ and service.
The Isle of Man faces a significant change as lawmakers consider ending the bishop’s right to vote, though the seat is preserved. This shift reflects a move toward elected representation in government, sparking concerns about faith’s place in public life.
Bishop Tricia Hillas addressed the legislature, cautioning that removing voting rights weakens both democratic principles and the accountability of Christian voices. She emphasized that the heritage and spiritual identity of the diocese are deeply affected by this decision.
“The bill argues for the retention of the bishop’s seat but to remove the vote. However, when contributions are separated from responsibility and accountability, democracy is undermined, and contribution simply becomes commentary.”
In her pastoral letter, Bishop Hillas called for prayer, expressing assurance that Christian confidence remains in God, not in political arrangements. She encouraged the faithful to trust God’s guidance and purpose during these uncertain times.
“Our confidence does not rest in constitutional arrangements, roles, or votes, but in the faithfulness of God who has guided His people through every age.”
The Bishop reaffirmed the church’s commitment to proclaiming God’s kingdom, seeking justice, sharing mercy, and serving the island community no matter the political outcome. She reminded believers that their mission is unchanged, anchored in Christ, and persevering through the trials of the present age.
Faith Facts
- The majority of churches in America dedicate around 10% of their budget to missions work.
- Some faithful congregations have reached or surpassed the 50% benchmark for mission-focused giving.
- Over half of the world’s population remains unreached by the message of Jesus Christ.
Early followers of Jesus boldly proclaimed His works, setting a high standard for modern churches to fulfill the Great Commission. Today, the call to share the Gospel worldwide still stands as a charge for believers to embrace wholeheartedly.
“Now the crowd that was with him [Jesus] when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word…So the Pharisees said to one another, ‘See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him [Jesus]!’” (John 12: 17-19; NIV)
Recent decades have seen a decline in Christian affiliation in America, making intentional missions giving even more critical. Many churches are called to move beyond comfort and make missional giving a visible priority.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:19-20; NIV)
While typical congregations allocate only a fraction of resources to missions, testimonies from both church leaders and missions directors show that dedicating 50% is possible and spiritually fruitful. Fulfilling the biblical mandate requires faith, generosity, and accountability to serve both near and far.
“Of every dollar given to a [US] Protestant church, the average amount that goes to overseas missions is two cents… In contrast, of every dollar Antioch Presbyterian Church in Chonju, Korea, takes in, 70 cents goes to missions…”
May churches across America rediscover their missional purpose, using their blessings to reach the unreached and testify to the mighty works of God in every nation. Let us strive toward budgets that reflect hearts on fire for the Gospel, to the glory of Christ.
Faith Facts
- Bishop Robert Springett has been appointed as the Church of England’s upcoming Lead Safeguarding Bishop.
- He previously served as Deputy Lead for Safeguarding and helped address the Makin and Scolding review recommendations.
- Bishop Springett will chair the National Safeguarding Steering Group, strengthening the Church’s protective measures.
Bishop Robert Springett’s appointment reflects a dedication to promoting loving care and accountability within the Church community. He will work closely with Church leaders to implement pathways that protect the vulnerable, uphold Biblical values, and foster healthy Church life.
As a committed servant leader, Bishop Springett views safeguarding as a Christian obligation, not just policy.
He embraces the role as a calling to serve others, echoing the biblical command to care for every member of Christ’s body.
“Safeguarding should not be seen as a burden, but embraced with joy for the opportunity it offers to serve others,” he said.
By championing faith-driven responses to safeguarding, Bishop Springett sets an example rooted in Christ’s love and responsibility.
Join us in praying for wisdom and strength in his vital new role, so the Church continues to honor its calling to protect and nurture all members.
Faith Facts
- Rev Trevor Gribben will step down as Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland due to significant safeguarding failings.
- These shortcomings in protection occurred between 2009 and 2022, leading to harm and risk for several individuals.
- The Church is committed to offering support and expressing regret to those affected, seeking to uphold Christian responsibility for the vulnerable.
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland faces a crucial moment.
Rev Trevor Gribben resigns from leadership following revelations of past safeguarding shortcomings.
The failings within the Church’s central safeguarding functions placed individuals at risk.
The leadership has offered an unreserved apology.
“Following an internal investigation and report, it has become clear that there have been serious and significant failings in the central safeguarding functions of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland,” Rev Gribben stated.
“As a result of this, people have been placed at risk. We are aware of a number of people who have been harmed, and we believe there may well be others as yet unknown to us.”
“We apologise unreservedly for this.”
The Church emphasizes its Christian duty to care for and protect those most vulnerable.
It is demonstrating repentance and a commitment to accountability.
Stay informed and prayerful for those affected.
Hold Christian leaders to a high standard of care rooted in Biblical principles.
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