that God Himself made even Hell a zone of God , as Jesus ‘ descended into hell ’. We celebrate that God does not want any more sacrifices . The German Protestant theologian Christoph Blumhardt once said :’ we are people who protest against death ’, and against those who extend the realm of death on earth . We celebrate that death does not have power over us any longer .
In remembrance of the Last Supper which Jesus held with his followers , we celebrate the Eucharist . The different churches interpret the symbolism and meaning of that meal in different ways and therefore , sadly , there is no community of celebrants . As we approach Maundy Thursday , we find that it contains a tinge of sadness and pain , as well as the joy of deliverance .
Brigitte Williams
INSPIRES ONLINE : free e-newsletter of the Scottish Episcopal Church
Primus responds to announcement to request second referendum on Scottish independence
The Most Rev David Chillingworth , Bishop of St Andrews , Dunkeld & Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church says :
“ The decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union is an event with far-reaching consequences , many of which have not yet become visible . In those parts of the United Kingdom which have devolved administrations , particularly in Scotland , the Brexit debate had a slightly different feel . That difference was most clearly seen when the vote in Scotland was in favour of ‘ remain ’.
“ The Scottish Government has announced that it intends to seek permission for a second Independence Referendum . Such a request is not unexpected . It reflects a continuing weakness in the relationship between the Scottish Government and the British Government . They have found it difficult to give creative consideration to the implications of this new situation together . That difficulty reflects a wider failure to make space for a debate about how the developed nations will relate together in the future , but at this moment , refusal on the part of the British Government to allow a second referendum would inevitably give rise to further ill-feeling in relationships .
“ Scotland is already a distinct national entity . It is rich in its history and culture . The Brexit debate has revealed that Scotland is also distinct in its values . The ‘ independence question ’ is an opportunity for a community to discuss and resolve whether its distinctiveness is such that it justifies separate constitutional arrangements and is therefore a question of national self-determination . Beyond that lie wider questions about Scotland ’ s relationships in the wider world and its future in challenging economic times .
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