‘Bring Gospels home’
Jan 12 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal
THE leader of the Church of England yesterday backed the campaign to bring the Lindisfarne Gospels “home”.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, said on a visit to Durham: “It would be wonderful if the Gospels were returned to their spiritual home, their historical home alongside St Cuthbert, who is buried in this cathedral.
“I appreciate there would be obstacles to overcome, and the conditions would have to be right, but I would love to see them here and I see no reason why the right conditions should not be found here to protect these manuscripts.”
His comments lend weight to a mounting campaign for the long-term loan of the Gospels to the North-East.
They come during the week that the British Library – where the Gospels are housed in St Pancras, London – found itself at the centre of a political row after The Journal revealed internal emails from staff which said the campaign to return them “if taken to the (absurd) logical conclusion” would mean Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods should return to Northern Ireland.
Emails from the then curator of illustrated manuscripts Michelle Brown said North-East MPs were only interested in the Gospels’ return for political reasons.
North Durham MP Kevan Jones then tabled an Early Day Motion which called for an apology and accused the Library of hiding information from Gospel campaigners.
Dr Williams said yesterday: “I often wonder why everything has to be in London.
“The Tate Modern has an extension in Cornwall, at St Ives, and the British Library could have an outlet in the North-East. Perhaps they would consider that.
“This region is often forgotten by the rest of the country. The Gospels are a major part of its history and its heritage and their return would be a great thing for the identity of the region. I only have a limited influence on any decision regarding the future of the Gospels, but I can speak out publicly.
“They came to Durham with Cuthbert and they should return to Cuthbert.”
The Archbishop was in Durham yesterday to receive an honorary degree from the city’s university.
He was made Doctor of Divinity at a traditional ceremony with university staff and students.
Dr Williams said: “I am honoured and delighted to be receiving an honorary degree from Durham. Many members of the Theology Department at Durham have been friends, mentors and examples to me over the years and I am glad to be associated with such a flourishing and creative intellectual environment.”
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‘Unique place could win world fame’
Retracing the steps of the Venerable Bede, the Rt Rev Mark Bryant set off on Bede’s Way Pilgrimage
The twin Anglo-Saxon monastery, which has ruins dating from the 7th Century, is the UK’s nomination for World Heritage status in 2010.
If successful, the bishop believes, it could gain as much recognition as the Great Wall of China or the Taj Mahal. Bishop Mark made the 10-mile pilgrimage yesterday on the eve of the feast of Benedict Biscop, the 7th Century saint credited with establishing the twin monastery of Wearmouth Jarrow as one of Europe’s most important centres of learning.
He said: “Walking the Bede’s Way pilgrimage route between the two ancient churches of St Peter’s and St Paul’s is a very special and personal way to mark my new role as Wearmouth-Jarrow Partnership chair. To do this on the eve of Benedict Biscop’s day celebrates the visionary man who founded this extraordinary centre of spirituality, learning and creativity 13 centuries ago.
“We have to do all we can to ensure we get this World Heritage bid. What we have got here is unique. What is exciting about this is that it puts this part of the country up in the same league as the Sydney Opera House, Great Wall of China and Taj Mahal.
“We have got stained glass which no-one has ever seen before and we have got a library here which is just unknown anywhere else in the
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