Sporting Chance

Discussion in 'The Commons' started by seagull, Aug 31, 2013.

  1. seagull

    seagull Active Member

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    Country:
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    Religion:
    Anglican
    Today, being Saturday, one's mind turns to matters sporting. The CofE, in the best traditions of muscular Christianity, has strong sporting links. One of the greatest sportsmen of the early twentieth century was the son of an Archdeacon. And fifty years ago we had a CofE clergyman playing cricket for England. He went on to become Bishop of Liverpool.

    Various of our great football (soccer clubs) were Anglican foundations, and most clubs have a chaplain, normally CofE. Ours has a local Vicar in that role; he occasionally writes articles in the programme. In spite of that the club have been relegated and are in severe financial difficulty.

    A few years back, in Australia, I was at a race meeting sponsored by the local Anglican Diocese. Many a clergyperson was there, including at least one Bishop. And a goodly amount of money was placed on a well-named horse in the first race: Holy Orders. It finished last.