This morning I did my first preach in the cathedral. This is the first time I had spoken in the cathedral on a Sunday and the first time I had been in a pulpit … ever!

There is something odd about being elevated a few feet above the rest of the congregation. Subliminally it seems to be saying this is the expert, this is the important part of the service, you need to listen and take this on board which I am uncomfortable with. There is also the view of being 6 feet above contradiction – again, another view that I am uncomfortable with.

When I speak I love to get feedback, and I think one of the best ways to learn is in dialogue. That way the speaker and the listener learn together. I love the imagery I remember from a Synagogue visit a few years ago in Chatham. I noticed that the ‘speaking area’ was in the centre of the space and when I asked the guide why this was he reminded us that the literal meaning of Synagaogue is ‘discussion house’. He then went on to tell how Rabbi’s would suggest a view from the centre and then it would be discussed openly.

I love that level of interaction which seems to get away from the ‘expert’ view but rather an opinion that is up for discussion. I’d love to see church working like that, although I realise the very thought would terrify some.

This morning I spoke about privilege using mainly Matthew 21:33-46 and Philippians 3:4-14. Both passages show, I believe, how people can lose the plot of reality when they start to put things over and above their realisation of a need for God.

This morning I would have loved to ask what people think, to have listened to their views, to have conversations take off in directions of peoples thoughts and interests. Maybe next time!