Diocesan Press Release

NEW BISHOP OF SOUTHWARK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 17 March 1998

Bishop Tom Butler's Press Conference Address

Tuesday March 17th at Montague Chambers

It's good to have the opportunity of saying a few words to you on this day when my appointment as Bishop of Southwark has been announced. Few appointments have been more widely rumoured, so no doubt it's now a relief to all of us that we can speak openly and I will try to answer any questions which you might like to put to me.

I think that I should start by saying that my wife and I have been very happy and fulfilled in Leicester where I have served for six years a diocese, which like Southwark is rich in ethnic and faith mix, and again like Southwark has its extremes of wealth and poverty. I was not seeking a move, and leaving Leicester will be a wrench, but hopefully I will bring with me relevant experience as I tackle my new responsibilities.

Before going to Leicester I had served for some twelve years in the Diocese of London, north of the river, first as Archdeacon and then as Area Bishop, and so I have to admit that coming to Southwark does feel for me a little like coming back home. London has a buzz all of its own , and there could be no more exciting time to be involved with its life than at the start of a new millennium when London will be electing a mayor. I believe that the Church in London, north and south of the river, has a tremendous contribution to make in both faith and community building and I will rejoice in having the opportunity of being part of that enterprise.

The Diocese of Southwark has a well developed Area system. Having been an area bishop myself I know that a balance has to be struck between area identity and mission which can be pursued on a human scale, and diocesan unity, vision and coherence. Bishop Roy Williamson gathered together a very talented group of bishops, archdeacons, and specialised ministers and I look forward to playing my part in encouraging their ministry and maximising their efforts for the good of the whole diocese. I believe that the Diocesan Bishop's role, shared with that of the cathedral, is to be a focus for unity and vision so that there is a clarity of purpose and the whole diocese can move forward in confidence.

Work with youth and children is a special interest of mine. I know how much the diocese is involved in this field through its church schools and university and college chaplaincies. I will want to encourage that work and take it forward. In particular I believe that there is no more valuable ministry today than that of a primary or secondary school teacher in an urban school, whether church or local authority. I will want to encourage teachers in their work and try to break down the cultural barriers between the life of the church and the interests of the young.

I hope by what I have said I have indicated that I am not coming to Southwark to tackle a single issue. I am not a single issue man and this is not a single issue diocese, but there is a single issue which might be in one or two of your minds and I would not want to try to duck it. The issue is that of homosexuality and you and the diocese have a right to know where I stand on this divisive issue.

First let me say that I greatly believe in the Church, in its mission and ministry. I believe that its worshipping life is the beating heart and soul of a sometimes heartless world; I believe that its network of community care and social outreach is of great blessing to the whole community. And just because I have such a strong belief in the church I have a great concern for any issue that can wound it to the quick.

I believe that the issue of homosexuality is one such issue, and I will use all my intelligence and passion to seek to prevent the Diocese and the Church tearing itself apart on this or any other issue. Because of this I stand firmly behind the House of Bishops Report Issues in Human Sexuality. This report was the result of much discussion and argument between those whose views reflected the very different views which are to be found in a diocese like Southwark. We reached a consensus in our report and I truly believe that it was the best which we could do. We now want that report and the issues it raises thoroughly discussed in an atmosphere of thoughtfulness, patience and Christian charity. Now is not the time for the Church to take new decisions on this subject. Now is the time for us to listen to one another, and particularly to those who have a different story to tell.

I hope that I have a reputation of being a fair-minded bishop, I know that I expect the very best from myself and my clergy. I look for dedicated lives and that is what I usually find. The clergy living where they work, sometimes in the most stressful and difficult part of our city, need my support and will get my support. I believe in being available to the clergy and the people of the Diocese. But we must work together to make sure that our common ministry is one from which God's world will benefit and of which the Church can be proud.

Let me finish, however, by saying that our common commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and our determination to pursue the Church's mission with vigour as we enter the new millennium, is a challenge which unites us all and transcends our disagreements on other matters. I hope to call the whole diocese to give priority to this mission in the years ahead.

Ends.