Where Do We Go From Here

54 Reflect Parish Notice for St Matthews, Hadley Ridge, South Australia: As you all know, the bishop will be visiting next Sunday and we want to make a good impression. It is our custom that the men will dress traditionally and proudly wear their penis gourds. Gentlemen, please each bring a lethal weapon and I will ask Brian and Atticus if they would ceremonially attack the bishop as she attempts to enter the building. She is a woman of stout heart and strong faith so don’t go easy. We’ll all have a good laugh if you can make her flinch. Ladies, please wear your Mothers Union skirts and, on this occasion, go topless. Bras are acceptable but not really traditional, given the spirit of the occasion, however, we move with the times. A rousing rendition of Amazing Grace accompanied by loud drumming and energetic dancing as the Bishop enters the building please. Mark, I trust that you will be able to slaughter a pig to lay across the threshold for the bishop to walk over. I will be very upset if we are pig-less for this important occasion. Normal rosters for readers, sides-people and morning tea. Don’t let me down as I would hate for the parish to be embarrassed. Picture this event in your own parish (and we recognise that it may not be a pretty picture!) then reflect on the outrage it would cause. Conversely, in certain parts of Papua New Guinea this type of welcome is normal, culturally appropriate behaviour - and completely acceptable.