James Henley

Anglo-Catholic Discipleship Today: Encountering Christ, Embodying the Church Revised Draft

One step closer to a final manuscript…

'Follow me to freedom' Homily for the Feast of Ss Peter and Paul, Apostles

'Christ came to bring freedom... Freedom of an entirely different order to that any earthly empire could conceive. A freedom, which is rooted not in what we can see with our eyes and touch with our hands, but in a glimpse of the world which is to come.'

My sermon for the Feast of Ss Peter & Paul:
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Eucharist through the years: lean times for the Lord’s own service

Attitudes towards the centrality of the eucharist have changed over time, and vary in churches today, reports Madeleine Davies

New canons to be appointed at cathedral - Monmouth

Humbled to have been asked by Bishop Cherry to join the College of Canons at Newport Cathedral. Please do save the date for the installation in November:

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Tribalism, social justice and broken chains Homily for the Seventh Sunday of Easter

‘We too can know the same freedom in Christ today…

‘In our prayers, in our singing, in receiving the sacrament, we too can find strength to challenge injustice. To choose the common good over individual profit, to choose love over tribalism, and light over darkness.’

Today’s sermon:

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Where the heart is Homily for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

'We are Christ’s intended dwelling place. His divine renovation project. And even though we are far from perfect, over time he makes us into a home which is fit for him. Freeing us from our sins, healing our wounds, growing us in holiness.'

Today's homily:

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Pet rabbits, the Good Shepherd and the promise of eternal life Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

‘“My sheep hear my voice,” Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel, “I know them and they follow me.”

This is a vital part of the spiritual life — learning to hear Christ’s voice. So how can we learn to recognise the voice of Christ, our Good Shepherd, through times both good and hard?’

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Fishing failures, the busyness of modern life and finding fulfilment Homily for the Third Sunday of Easter

'We can often find ourselves in a similar situation. Working harder, trying to fit more into our busy lives. Yet rather than feeling fulfilled, we end up even more stressed.

'So it’s natural that we ask ourselves: What are we doing wrong? Where is God in the midst of all this busyness?'

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God Knows Your Name Homily for Easter Day

‘“Mary,” Jesus said to her — turning sadness into joy, greyscale into colour, darkness into light.

‘Today, may you too hear Christ calling you. The one who knows you and loves you, calling you by name. His voice overflowing with love and grace and mercy.’

My homily for Easter Day:

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Sacrifice, service, sacrament Homily for Maundy Thursday

‘Sacrifice, service, sacrament. Three signs to guide our way as we begin these three holy days…’

Tonight’s homily for Maundy Thursday:

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'Jesus, remember me' Short Homily for the Sixth Sunday of Lent: Palm Sunday

'The thief is us — you and I. Gazing upon the cross, conscious of how far from perfect we each are. With him, we pray, "Jesus, remember me." And receive from Christ the most amazing response: "Today you will be with me in paradise."'

Today's short homily reflecting on St Luke's Passion:

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External photo of St David’s Church, Beaufort

Photo of Welsh order of service and readings booklet.

Hyfryd iawn i fod yn Eglwys Dewi Sant, Beaufort ger Glyn Ebbwy bore ‘ma i dathlu’r Ewcharist yn yr iaith Cymraeg. Diolch am eich croeso.

Broken Guitars, Spilled Perfume and Devotion to Christ Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Lent: Passion Sunday

'While Mary anoints Jesus ready for his death, Paul invites us to join Jesus in his death. To live no longer for ourselves alone, but for Christ. To walk day-by-day, with him, the way of the Cross.'

Here's my homily for today, Passion Sunday:

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Dying Houseplants, the Fig Tree and God's Gift of Grace Homily for the Third Sunday of Lent

'The more we’re aware of our own human inadequacy, the more we find ourselves relying on God’s grace. Christ, who like the persistent gardener continues to tend to us. To persevere with us. To refuse to give up on us.'

My homily for today, the Third Sunday of Lent ⚓️

City I like: Bristol
City I love: Florence
City I think is overrated: Pisa
City I think is underrated: Birmingham
City I feel most myself in: Cardiff
City I still need to visit: Barcelona
City I dream of living in: Rome
Most inspiring city today: Kyiv
Favorite city of all time: St Davids

Long Corridors, Mother Hens and Citizens of Heaven Homily for the Second Sunday of Lent

‘Lent, then, is a time of allowing ourselves to be gathered in by Christ. Being drawn close to the love that gives us life. To the grace which makes us whole…’

My homily for today, the Second Sunday of Lent ⚓️

Here’s the thing: I love the Anglican tradition. I love the beauty of traditional music and liturgy. But I also want to feel like I’m worshipping the living God, not observing a museum piece. ⚓️

War, reconciliation and the Lenten wilderness Homily for the First Sunday of Lent

'Forty days spent meditating on Christ’s time in the wilderness, which can also help us to empathise with those stuck in a wilderness landscape in their own lives. The apocalyptic ruins of Gaza. The ongoing war in Ukraine. The trials and challenges we each face in our own lives...'

Today's sermon ⚓️

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: create and make in us new and contrite hearts that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect forgiveness

A fantastical birth, a 'thin place' and finding God's presence in the storm Homily for the Feast of St David, Bishop and Patron Saint of Wales

'Through the kindness of others. Through the wonder of creation. Through our reaching out for help from somewhere, God comes to us and ministers to us — even in the midst of the thunderstorm.'

Today's homily to celebrate the Feast of St David, patron saint of Wales:

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It occurred to me rather too late to add to the sermon that Jesus calmed the storm on the sea or lake called by some the Sea of Tiberias. Emperors and kings can move populations around, create new towns, rename lakes. But neither king not Caesar can calm the sea nor control the weather.

Desert shrubs, chaff on the wind, and Christ's eternal kingdom Homily for the Third Sunday before Lent

‘The rise of populism. The cult of celebrity leaders. The breaking down of conventions. All of these are symptomatic of an ever more desperate search for a trustworthy authority…

‘Today’s scriptures invite us to place our trust somewhere entirely different. To trust, not in mortals, but in God.’

A thought for the day… When all is said and done, what will matter most for those of us who are ordained, is not how much we have achieved in terms of our own ministry, but how well we have enabled the ministry of others - the ministry of all God’s people.

Hopefully this brings to an end the most ridiculous storm in a teacup over the past few days… 🙄

Street Preachers, Bad Fishermen and Sharing the Good News An Homily for the Fourth Sunday before Lent

A bit later than usual typing up this Sunday’s homily for Substack, but here it is - Street Preachers, Bad Fishermen and Sharing the Good News:

Getting Old, Doctor Who and a Love that Endures Throughout the Ages An Homily for the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas)

Today's homily for the Feast of Candlemas, as Epiphany draws to a close... ⚓️

Ethics of this aside, it would almost certainly be a breach of charity law in the UK. Are there not the same regulations around use of restricted funds in the US?

“The Gospel is a word of compassion; it calls us to exercise charity, to forgive our neighbour’s debts and to be generous in serving others. Let us not forget that the Lord is close, merciful and compassionate. God’s style is one of closeness, mercy and compassion.” Pope Francis - January 26, 2025

I fear you may well be right, but I’m still defiantly refusing to lose hope! 😂

Six Nations Championship 2025 Fixtures

Merry Sixmas everyone! 😁🏉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿