Kathy Playle –Questions and Answers.
1. How did you come to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and how does that shape your life today?
That is an easy question to answer – over thirty years ago my husband and I were baptism enquirers. We met the local vicar, a lovely man now with the Lord, who did not do this “on demand” but wanted to meet with us again to explain what the promises we would be making really meant and to find out if this was something we fully understood. For me there was no great Damascus Road moment but as I spent time studying the bible with the then Deaconess I came to realise I needed forgiveness and gave my life to Christ. The brief answer is that the consequence of that meeting was that we became Christians. God is central in my family and I hope that is what shapes my life today.
2. The Church of England is currently engaged in ‘shared conversations’ on issues around human sexuality and there is likely to be a debate in General Synod next year. We know there are deep divisions within the Church of England and indeed the Diocese of Chelmsford on these issues. Archbishop Justin is challenging the church to “disagree well”. What do you think good disagreement should look like? Is this the direction the Church of England should be going?
This is undoubtedly going to be a difficult topic for the church, both at General Synod and in any other discussions, especially the shared conversations. I think to answerany differently would be silly! As the shared conversations are currently going on around the dioceses I think one of the sensible things that has happened is that those involved have not had their names published in order that they can be free to discuss this difficult topic without outside pressure. I am worried that the desire to “disagree well” be taken out of context because in reality this does not mean that this process is arranged so that everyone will “agree”! As a model for good disagreement of course we have disagreements about churchmanship, style of worship and so on in the Church of England at the moment and as a whole that works. To disagree well we need to have and show respect for our fellow Christians and love each other as the Lord told us to do. I think this is the beginning of finding a way to disagree well. But honestly, for everyone elected, this will not be an easy Synod.
3. The legislation passed in 2014 to enable women to become bishops is based on five principles held in tension and aimed at mutual flourishing. What confidence do you have that these will achieve the desired effect?
I have a great deal of confidence that when those principles are followed that will happen. I think our diocese has been extremely helpful and clear in General Synod, in fact I think we are a good example of how to put the Gospel to the forefront of the agenda (take Transforming Presence as an example) and recognise that the different churchmanship, styles and theological thinking on this matter are secondary to evangelising our nation. Bishop Stephen asked us to trust him and I think everyone involved is able to do that.
4. The General Synod has recently begun working through a programme under the heading of “Reform and Renewal”. What one change would you prioritise (from within this programme or in addition) for the Church of England?
We, as Christians, have a destination we can be sure of, I would like that to be clear, possibly clearer, as we run the race! I think the Church of England is all about Reform and Renewal. Was it not borne out of reformation! I hear that the big worry for many and one I share is that we could too easily reform in line with our culture and not in line with what God says. I love the Church of England it is where I came to faith and where I serve and yes, there is room for reform but suspect that follows when renewal comes first! I am happy to chat through any of theseor any questions if that is helpful. Kathy Playle.