Friends of Bloomsbury

Revd Dr Ruth Gouldbourne introducing the lecturer Revd Dr Anthony Cross

Rosemary Taylor (a Friend of Bloomsbury) reflects ...

The inaugural lecture of the Friends of Bloomsbury on Saturday 26 May was a cheerful and thoughtful occasion.

About 30 people heard the Revd Dr Anthony Cross, of Regent’s Park College Oxford, speak about ‘The Evangelical Sacrament: Reforming Baptism’. PowerPoint elucidation of technical terms and scriptural analysis aided his closely-argued exposition. It was a surprise to hear him say that baptism is a neglected subject. The view from the pew is that there is plenty of discussion about it up there among the theologians and church leaders. We are grateful when it trickles down to provide a richer understanding at congregation level. The practice of baptism is either scandalously confused or (as I prefer to think) gloriously colourful in its range of expressions and meanings throughout the church. Anthony’s solid groundwork of New Testament texts was a healthy contribution to the theory of the sacrament. Its application to contemporary church life came out in lively discussion after the paper.

We then enjoyed meeting friends and swapping news over a generous tea-table spread in the Friendship Centre. It was great to find everyone in good heart and looking forward.

For the text of the Lecture - Click here

Find out more about becoming a Friend of Bloomsbury. Click here

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