with sexuality , with identity , with fear , with simply being human . We rightly celebrate his skill as a communicator , as a speaker and a writer , his work in television and his unsurpassed contribution to Thought for the Day on Radio 4 , where he was the nation ’ s Rabbi – how we miss his wisdom , humour , humanity , and insight into our common human condition . We must in this academic setting recognise and honour his remarkable intellect – he was a giant and I would listen with awe to the sheer depth of his learning . We can celebrate his contribution to Anglo-Jewish life and spirituality , and not least , and I say this as a fellow liturgist , in the three volume service books , Forms of Prayer for Jewish Worship for the Reform Synagogues of Great Britain . But , here today , I would like to honour his contribution to this College and University . Lionel and Jim gave themselves fully to College and University life . Not only was Lionel sought after as a speaker in Colleges , societies , and Departments , but he loved simply being with students , whether that was a conversation over a meal or in the bar , or around the corridors . Lionel loved to listen to students , to share jokes with them , and where appropriate to give counsel and advice . He had a particular role with LGTB + members of the University , where his support and advice was invaluable . He organised some unforgettable seminars here in Grey , exploring issues of faith and life , where he was concerned that there should be diverse and informed debate . He would sum up the key issues with magisterial clarity . When addressing students in Hall , he would always say , ‘ Remember your successes make you clever but your failures make you wise . In an age where everyone has to appear to be a winner , this importance of failure for psychological health is often overlooked .’ Lionel had time for individuals . I used to notice how he gave everyone their full human worth and without distinction – whether you were an eminent visiting Professor or a porter , an undergraduate or a member of the domestic staff . And I have to say , personally , that Lionel made me think about how I relate to people – he made my religion more authentic . And how we loved his humour – I remember one of his birthday celebrations in the Pennington , when after supper we simply had a jokes session . We laughed until our sides ached ! And of course , there are symbols of his time here – Lionel and Jim gave the barometer and the gong in the SCR , and bought the picture Calvary , the work of one of our students , Ben Perkins , to adorn this Chapel . It was therefore only fitting that Lionel should be honoured as a Fellow of this College and in the bestowal of an Honorary Doctorate by this University . In Lionel Blue – My Obituary , broadcast at the time of his death , Lionel described this life as ‘ a departure lounge ’. I chose the reading from Job , because in some ways , Job is a character I sense Lionel would identify with . Job struggled and wrestled with life and suffering , he asked many questions of God and the book is a protest against simplistic , uncritical religious platitudes . And yet in all his suffering and testing , and all that was simply beyond comprehension , Job ’ s faith prevailed and in the end he found his peace . ‘ I know that my Redeemer lives – at the last I shall see God , whom I shall see on my side , and my eyes shall behold ’. Lionel showed us something authentic about God . I for one , as a fellow pilgrim , have been helped a few more steps along the way by knowing Lionel . I believe and trust that I and we shall see him again in glory . May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing to us all .
UPPER Lionel and Joan Norton await an afternoon tea on the SCR trip to Wallington Hall LOWER Lionel and Foster Neville ( centre ) take a tour around Wallington Hall
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