Passing On the Baton

Over the course of the past 48 hours, I’ve observed 2 public figures signal their intention to hand over power in quite striking ways.

The Bishop of Meath and Kildare, the Most Reverend Pat Storey, announced her retirement some months ago. We trained in theological college around the same time, over 30 years ago now. She was the first woman to be appointed a Bishop in the Church of Ireland and, over the past 13 years, she has led my home diocese, the Diocese of Meath and Kildare, an area just below Dublin and spanning quite a swathe of the Irish Midlands. Bishop Pat has been an inspirational leader. Her warm personality and sense of humour have endeared her to so many. She has spearheaded initiatives with youth, and championed the importance of looking after Mental health with the Mind Matters programme, and made some really important contributions to debates in the public square.

At her final public service, a confirmation in St. Brigid’s Cathedral , Kildare, during the final hymn she laid her crozier on the Holy Table. It is a poignant symbol of laying down your office and passing on the baton to whoever will be elected to serve after her. The crozier is the crook shaped staff that comes with the office of being a Bishop. It is based on the symbolism of being the chief shepherd and following the example of Jesus who was seen as the Good Shepherd, the one who leads and guides his followers. (See John 10 verses 1-10).

I have observed this happening a couple of times before when Bishops and Archbishops have retired in the Dioceses where I have served over the years. As the spiritual leaders in a geographical area, the Bishops have sought to offer leadership in a rapidly changing world and come into the parishes for significant occasions like Confirmations or the Ordination of new clergy. They have visited parishes in times of joy and sadness and tragedy, and a lot of themselves is tied up or invested in these moments and, so, it was moving to see Bishop Pat quietly lay her crozier on the Holy Table and prepare for a new season of ministry and life. She recorded a powerful interview at her final General Synod a few months ago which is available on the Church of Ireland website in the inspiring Angles series. In it, she reflected on her time as Bishop and all that it has meant and how she sought to serve and give of her best to this role.

Less than 24 hours later, as I was driving home from a school run, I heard the radio presenter announcing that there would shortly be a significant announcement from Downing Street.

As he followed the action on television, he relayed the unfolding scene to the listeners like myself. Sound checks had been done, a podium had been erected outside number 10 and members of the Prime Minister’s staff and political colleagues and the press had begun to assemble outside.

Within minutes, the famous black door of number 10 Downing Street had opened and the prime minister and his wife emerged, and he made his way to the podium.

As he announced his resignation, which would come about after he had already spoken to the King, and after any leadership contest that might take place on 9th July, he reflected in a short speech on his time in office. He shared some of what he saw as the highlights and the difference he felt his government had been able to make in the lives of ordinary people. He realised that, while those differences had been significant, the party had lost confidence in him as a leader and, for the good of the party and the country, it was important to step aside, despite it being the honour of his life to serve in this capacity.

He got quite emotional as he spoke of the support of his wife and children, and how he hoped to be able to give them more of his time going forward.

With both of these people, we get a sense that they both had a strong sense that they were serving institutions that were bigger than themselves. Whether it was the country, the public or the church, they felt an enormous sense of privilege of being entrusted with this role.

There was also a sense that they had to publicly and formally hand over the office that had been given to them. Whether it was the laying down of the crozier, or a public statement in the glare of the cameras and the world’s media, they wanted to let people know the time had come to pass on the baton.

They both spoke of their desire to get behind the next person taking over and these were important things to hear.

If we have responsibilities or power that come with our particular job or office, how do we hold to these things? Do we use them to get things done or to mobilise people? Do we cling to them as we heard Saul do in last Sunday evening’s Bible reading, or even abuse them for personal gain, as we have heard about and seen in recent times when public figures have fallen from grace. Will we know, and have a sense within ourselves, when it is time to hand over that particular mantle we have been entrusted with?

These are important questions to reflect upon as we give thanks for the contribution of these 2 individuals. Whether we agree with their politics or share their beliefs, we recognise that they have played an important role in public life and we pray for those who will become their successors.

Don’t forget over the next six Tuesdays, beginning today, Tuesday 23rd June, the church will be hosting community picnics from 5.30-7.30pm, We will be inviting our neighbourhood to come together and share a picnic and, if they wish, spend some time playing games and getting to know their neighbours. The Church will be open for some quiet space and reflection and, if you want someone to pray with you, please speak to one of the clergy.

Looking forward to speaking again soon.

Much love to everyone,

Jono.

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