This new series on sexuality begins with Rev L reflecting on how ignorant he was. 
We had no idea about the gay people around us.
Church was not very different from general society on this.
If you v'e heard enough of Rev L talking about himself you might prefer to skip this one...
and dive into the big issue next time.
Trigger warning ; if you are not used to hearing 20th century views about sexuality this may shock/ offend you.

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RC National Eucharistic Congress at Liverpool.  
The last and best of 3 episodes on the conference trail.
Who is Bishop Barron and what did he say about John Lennon?
Why was the end of this conference so beautiful and memorable?
How can you take God's presence out of church onto the street?
Next time on Church ahead... Sexuality.  

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This is 2nd of 3 conference trips.  Why was today a non event for Rev L?
Which part of the Christian church puts on the best events?  
And which part runs the worst events?
Why does Heart Edge propose 4 c's whilst Church ahead wants to see just one?
Please join us next week in Liverpool...

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This is the 1st of 3 weeks on the conference trail.  
Today we are surrounded by mountains in Keswick for the Convention.  
Richard Coekin's bible reading on Psalm 67 in July 2022.
Did he handle scripture well?
Was it as inspiring as climbing Skiddaw mountain?
Is the Convention well run?

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What can clergy offer an old man who wants a memory?
What do clergy have in common with a bar pianist?
How good does church have to be to thrive?
What is the standard we need from our church?
Billy Joel gives  reassuring answers.  
The most positive episode to get you feeling alright...
This is the 3rd of 3  episodes about clergy.
Next time we hit the conference trail...

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STOP PRESS IF YOU ARE GRIEVING THE LOSS OF THE QUEEN YOU MIGHT LIKE TO GO BACK TO EPISODE 13

Clergy  normal? is the 2nd of 3 episodes starting this series about...the clergy.   
How do they signal they are normal?  
Rugby ball or tattoo?  Spouse, sprog or dog?
So yes they are normal.  But so what?
For next week please listen to Piano Man by Billy Joel so we can glean his profound insights into the ordained vocation...

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Welcome back to series 2. 
Meet Henry Faithful, Henry Hurray & Brilliant Bob.  These 3 fine clergymen trained Rev L in ordained ministry.  Other than taking on Rev L what were their mistakes?
How does ministry training compare with medical training?
Are the current crop of curates loyal?
This is the 1st of 3 episodes on the clergy, kicking off series 2 which promises to be spicier and face some really big issues.   
Look out for How does Church package Jesus?
Sexuality.
Which conferences give Church the best hope today?

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Summer pop festival week 2.  On stage today we have Every Day is Like Sunday by Morrissey.
Watch him sing it on You Tube at the Move Festival Old Trafford 2004.  Can you see Rev L in the crowd?   Last week the Bangles sang about Sunday as their funday.  What is Morrissey's take on the Christian holy day?  Why does he use Christian symbols to trash Christian symbols?  Why are so many Manchester pop bands Irish Catholic?  What is their brand of Catholicism?
This is the last episode of series 1. 
Please subscribe to Church ahead on your podcast platform to make sure you don't miss 
series 2 on 2 September 2022

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Welcome to LA for our 2 week summer pop festival.  On stage today it is The Bangles' song Manic Monday.  Is it about Monday?  Or is it really about Sunday?
How does this song capture the spirit of Isaiah?
Is Sunday still relevant?
What do you think of this podcast so far?  Please send any feedback by email to [email protected]

Please send any comments to [email protected]

Church is broken, beyond its own repairs says one theologian.  Church is not safe to work in says another.  These are not maverick fringe voices but 2 top mainstream people.  
What is the right tone for talking about abuse problems?  We look at 2 bishops - one who gets it wrong and one about right.  
This final episode about the subject of abuse in church never really finds a neat conclusion.  
Please prepare for next week's Church ahead summer pop festival by finding and playing the song Manic Monday by The Bangles.  See you in LA...

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