BAPTISMS IN PUBS,ON MOUNTAIN TOPS AND IN CIRCUS RINGS

This message I received recently moved me to tears.

"Hi Jonathan I want to say a big big thank you for performing our marriage ceremony. You were wonderful. We have been looking back on our wedding and what made it more special, was my Dad reminded me, that about 22 years ago you christened me and my sisters in the garden of the Corner Pin pub, when I was only about 9. OMG! I’ll remember this forever. Jonathan you made my day. Thank you so much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. xxx"

I hadn't realised I had christened her 23 years before. It was just when I was starting out in independent ministry. Christenings are not usually taken in pubs, not even today in our more relaxed society. Back then, it was very controversial! I looked the baptism up in my registers. I remembered the service and the joy I felt in being about to liberate sacramental ministry from its ecclesiastical confines, back into everyday life and gathering points. Jesus and the disciples began this thrilling approach, revealing the presence and life of God on hills and in the market places. Over the years, I have taken quite a few baptisms in pubs, clubs, beaches, on boats, mountain tops, circus rings and thousands in people's homes and gardens. What a deep privilege, especially when the seeds sown are never forgotten and mean so much to those whose lives have been blessed by them.

I AM PROUD OF MY WRITING, FOR JESUS’S SAKE, THAT HAS HAD ME FOUND INNOCENT IN HEAVEN, BUT TWICE A CRIMINAL ON THE EARTH. THE FIRST IN 1990 WHEN I WROTE A BIBLICAL TEXT ON THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT IN PEACEFUL PROTEST ABOUT THE BOMBING OF YOUNG IRAQI RECRUITS DURING THE FIRST GULF WAR. THE SECOND, IN 2016 WHEN I WROTE ON MY BLOG, TO ALERT THE PUBLIC ABOUT A PAEDOPHILE, AND WAS SUCCESSFUL IN FORCING THE AUTHORITIES TO STOP HIM HAVING ACCESS TO CHILDREN. THERE WAS ALMOST A THIRD! IN 1997, WHEN I WAS ARRESTED FOR NAILING MY PROPOSALS FOR REFORM OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND ON THE DOOR OF CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL. WORDS ARE POWERFUL MESSAGES THAT CHALLENGE  CORRUPTION, CONFRONT THE WICKED AND CREATE A BETTER WORLD. JESUS IS THE WORD OF GOD AND HIS FOLLOWERS ARE CALLED  TO COMMUNICATE HIS WORDS,  IRRESPECTIVE OF THE COST.

http://bishopjonathanblake.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/press-release-concerning-met-police.html

"You brave, courageous and wonderful man. To stand up for the truth in the face of suppression and oppression is truly an act of a pure heart."