| What does In defensione evangelii mean? |
| The text is I assume taken from the motto appearing on Bishop Mervyn
Alexander's shield "in defensione evangelii'. A motto he chose when first ordained bishop upon taking the pastoral duty of Bishop of Clifton in 1974. I must admit that the question has made me reappraise the possibly static defensive position suggested by the motto. Roughly translated this motto means - in defence of the gospel. If this sounds a bit like keeping behind the barracade and defending the fortress, by shouting at the enemy, I feel this might be to miss the point! The gospel evangelists had some good news to share and tell. For them it was a happy truth that Jesus, their Lord and Master, who had been crucified, and died, had in fact risen on the third day, and many had seen the risen Jesus for themselves. So they had some good news to proclaim to all the world. This was not defensive stuff, and the apostles filled with the Holy Spirit boldly rushed out to tell everyone the good news of freedom from the fear of sin and death. In fairness to Bishop Mervyn, whom I have not asked for a view, he has it seems to me, always been one in his writings and preaching to announce the Good News of the Gospel in a positive, gentle but firm manner. Rather than a static defender he has been truly an evangelist, the announcer of glad ridings, the bringer of good news. Then I realised that someone who is a defender, may also be described as a champion, and certainly the strongpoint may also be the place from which to launch a sally into the world outside. Maybe the strength of the gospel helps us all to meet the dangers and difficulties we encounter in life. So I guess "in defensione evangelii" may just be a pithy way of summing up the role of a bishop who is charged with keeping to the truth of faith, and of sharing the gospel, the good news with the people placed in his care - as their pastor. The Second Council of the Vatican has this to say about bishops: "In exercising their duty of teaching, bishops should announce the gospel of Christ they should in the power of the Spirit, summon people to faith or confirm them in faith already living Bishops should guard (Christian) doctrine, teaching the faithful to defend and spread it." [Second Council Vatican Decree on the Bishops' Pastoral Office in the Church - Chapter 2 section 12 -13 ] In the end all Christians have been given the mission: " Go,therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time." [Matthew 28:19-20] Peregrinator Ignotus |