Tag: worship

Sutton: St Nicholas Church – Interior and History! (10.9.2023)

Since around 1539 CE (and Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries) this Church has been ‘Protestant’. This is a large Church built for a substantial Township and can probably hold at least 100 worshippers at any one time. Bear in mind that there used to be a greater number of Churches in the UK per small area than there are today – and that populations used to be far smaller despite virtually everyone professing a faith. Perhaps the ample and impressive size of the Church is linked to it serving a local population with a higher social status and wealth – requiring certain standards as being seen to be kept! As far as we are concerned, archaeological structures retain the data of the past, and by studying these structures we are able to glimpse into that past!

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IN MEMORIAM (24.6.2023): Remembering the Thirty-Two Victims of the New Orleans Upstairs Lounge (Homophobic) Arson Attack (24.6.1973)!

The sensationalized and homophobic reporting of the local and national press reached its zenith when WVUE Channel 8 reported, on air live, an anonymous phone call saying that “the bar was fire-bombed by a vigilante group that has declared war on homosexuals in New Orleans. The caller, a woman, said the group calls itself “Black Momma, White Momma.” The news anchor went on to say that the group was made up of “several women, as well as five men, who have been sexually attacked by homosexuals.” The newscaster concluded by stating that the caller “said the group is planning more attacks and has maps outlining their future targets.”

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China: US Artists “Impressed” By Zhangzhou’s Puppet State! (30.5.2023)

China’s unbridled charm offensive continues! Mao Zedong often spoke of “Puppet States” and “Paper Tigers” between cigarettes – but who would have thought that a mere 47-years after the passing of this Great Man – a number of US Citizens would be experiencing “BOTH” within the precincts of Fujian Eastern province’s ‘Zhangzhou’ province! Of course, to be on the safe-side, the US ‘Delegation’ was not only “multicultural” – but even contained a Chinese expatriate – Tian Chao (田超) – presumably for “translation” purposes (as this young woman speaks fluent England and Chinese – and can read and write in both languages)! An “Official” translator is never far behind to ensure that all multicultural interactions unfold in a smooth and amicable fashion (on both sides). The names that I have comprising this US Delegation (including ‘Tian Chao’) are ‘Carla Canales’, ‘Tom Tisley’, ‘Monite Mesfin’ and ‘Josan Francis’. This non-governmental exchange was facilitated by the Zhangzhou People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries!

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Henry VIII: St Alban’s the Martyr Church (Cheam) – Constructed from a Nonsuch Royal Stable! (14.5.2023)

The wood used for the roof (and support beams) dates to about 1550 CE – and was originally a very large royal stable used by King Henry VIII and I am told – his daughter – Queen Elizabeth I! It was dismantled from its original site (adjacent to Nonsuch Palace) by Shipwrights – and brought to what was once a remote area of Cheam – and reassembled (with added contemporary brickwork) to form a very large Church! The wood would have been part of a royal forest cultivated in the area – grown to make ships, buildings and other required ‘royal’ structures! Therefore, the wood itself will be far older than the 1550 CE date the barn is believed to have been originally constructed! The beams are held together entirely by wooden-pegs – just as they were originally designned to be – with no ‘modern’ nails or connecting materials! Indeed, Shipwrights reconstructed this building as if they were building a wooden ship!

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Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – Lebanon Branch – Contact Details! (7.4.2023)

We, the media office of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – Lebanon Branch, are working to provide media work that clarifies our political vision that sets its compass towards Palestine – and Palestine only – and our media work is in the service of our Palestinian cause. In analysing the events, we start from the political and intellectual vision of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – which has no goal other than the higher interests of the Palestinian people.

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DPRK: Churches and Religious Life in Pyongyang! (23.3.2023) 

North Korea has three Christian Churches – all located in the capital – Pyongyang. Among them are the Qigu (七谷) or ‘Seven Valleys’ Church and the Fengxiu (凤岫) or ‘Phoenix Mountain Peak’ Church – which belong to Protestantism. The Jiangzhong (奖忠) or ‘Reward Loyalty’ Church belongs to the Catholic Church – which has a history of more than ten years (writing in 2005). In addition, the first Orthodox Church is still under construction. North Korea has around 13,000 Protestants and about 3,000 Catholics. Every Sunday – all Christian and Catholic believers go to these established Church – or nearby House Churches. Religious activities – such as worship or mass – are ‘protected’ and ‘guaranteed’ under the Socialist Constitution of the DPRK! Indeed, the above photograph (dated 17.7.2005) features a female ‘Deacon’ collecting donations within the ‘Fengxiu’ (Protestant) Church! 

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