Just a quick entry before I forget. A couple of significant things happened this week. On Thurs/Fri the internet lit-up about the change in policy contained in the new Handbook 1 relating to same-sex marriages. I don’t recall something creating quite the firestorm this did. I must admit, I was surprised and, frankly upset. Surprised because I cannot remember the Church mishandling a public relations event in recent times. It seems the Church leaders should have expected the reaction and gotten out in front of it rather than leave it to the media to make the first impressions. I still don’t understand that part. I was upset because, at first glance, the part of the policy relating to children of same-sex couples seemed to go further than necessary. I couldn’t get the matter off my mind and found myself between thinking and praying for most of the night. My prayers were not so much for me, but for the many whose faith would be shaken. I resolved I would not express my views to my family until I heard the Church’s response–which I was sure would be forthcoming.
On Saturday morning, Elder Christofferson was interviewed. I don’t think I heard any answers I had not considered. I think many of my questions were still not resolved; but I felt a peace in my heart. I felt the issues had been thoughtfully and lovingly considered and that the policy reflected what these caring men concluded to be the will of God. I will finish the letter I started to my family, but with a more comforting tone.
This week was Guy Fawkes day (though it is celebrated throughout the week–because there is fire involved). Guy Fawkes is the guy that led the conspiracy to blow up Parliament and King James I in order to restore a Catholic to the throne. The plot failed and Fawkes was hung, drawn, and quartered. The celebration is ironically, not to honor the man after whom it is named, but to honor the throne and is repeated annually to demonstrate that foes of the throne will be defeated. The are huge bonfires and fireworks everywhere. Fireworks are legal here, so everyone kinda does their own; but there are some larger official shows. Really, it has just become a reason to party and all seem to have a good time.
Today (November 8) is Remembrance Day in the UK. It is equivalent to our Veterans Day–but much bigger. Everyone wears a red poppy on their lapel, shirt, or dress. In 1915, Lt Col John McCrae, who had lost a close friend in the War was inspired by the sight of poppies growing in battle fields, to write a now famous poem called ‘In Flanders Fields’. After the First World War, the poppy was adopted as a symbol of Remembrance. At Church today, we had two-minutes of silence as we stood and quietly remembered those who have given the ultimate. And, odd for me, the closing hymn was “God Save the Queen.” All in all, I found the events very moving and perhaps more effective than our US efforts.
Yesterday, we visited Old Rufford Hall, another of the grand manor houses–this one built in the 16th century. A few pictures.
Old Rufford Hall
The ceiling in the great hall
Suiting up
The canal runs along the property
The Courtyard
The grounds
That’s the up to the minute. Peace to all.