James Henley
@jameshenley.bsky.social
‘A blend of ecclesiastical insight, Welsh pride, and a dash of humour…’ - Bluesky Roast
Priest in the Church in Wales • Leader, East Cardiff Ministry Area • Continuing Ministerial Development, Diocese of Monmouth • he/him
🔗 homilies.substack.com
Priest in the Church in Wales • Leader, East Cardiff Ministry Area • Continuing Ministerial Development, Diocese of Monmouth • he/him
🔗 homilies.substack.com
Pinned
James Henley
@jameshenley.bsky.social
· Nov 21
a man is standing in a hallway with the words just putting some feelers out above him
Alt: a man is standing in a hallway with the words just putting some feelers out above him - from Schitt’s Creek
media.tenor.com
For some time, I’ve been growing in the conviction that the (Anglican) Church in Wales need a new movement of the Spirit to renew the ecclesiastical and liturgical centre ground that the vast majority of our churches inhabit…
1/n
1/n
One step closer to a final manuscript…
July 19, 2025 at 4:16 PM
One step closer to a final manuscript…
'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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My sermon for the Feast of Ss Peter & Paul:
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'Follow me to freedom'
Homily for the Feast of Ss Peter and Paul, Apostles
homilies.substack.com
June 29, 2025 at 3:10 PM
'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:
⚓️
My sermon for the Feast of Ss Peter & Paul:
⚓️
Reposted by James Henley
Attitudes towards the centrality of the eucharist have changed over time, and vary in churches today, reports Madeleine Davies
Eucharist through the years: lean times for the Lord’s own service
www.churchtimes.co.uk
June 13, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Attitudes towards the centrality of the eucharist have changed over time, and vary in churches today, reports Madeleine Davies
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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New canons to be appointed at cathedral - Monmouth
monmouth.churchinwales.org.uk
June 10, 2025 at 3:34 PM
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:
⚓️
⚓️
‘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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‘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:
⚓️
Tribalism, social justice and broken chains
Homily for the Seventh Sunday of Easter
open.substack.com
June 1, 2025 at 4:29 PM
‘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:
⚓️
‘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:
⚓️
'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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Today's homily:
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Where the heart is
Homily for the Sixth Sunday of Easter
homilies.substack.com
May 25, 2025 at 5:39 PM
'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:
⚓️
Today's homily:
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‘“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?’
⚓️ Today’s homily:
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?’
⚓️ Today’s homily:
Pet rabbits, the Good Shepherd and the promise of eternal life
Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter
open.substack.com
May 11, 2025 at 12:35 PM
‘“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?’
⚓️ Today’s homily:
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?’
⚓️ Today’s homily:
'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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'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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Fishing failures, the busyness of modern life and finding fulfilment
Homily for the Third Sunday of Easter
homilies.substack.com
May 4, 2025 at 2:29 PM
'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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'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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‘“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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‘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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God Knows Your Name
Homily for Easter Day
open.substack.com
April 20, 2025 at 12:32 PM
‘“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:
⚓️
‘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. Three signs to guide our way as we begin these three holy days…’
Tonight’s homily for Maundy Thursday:
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Tonight’s homily for Maundy Thursday:
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Sacrifice, service, sacrament
Homily for Maundy Thursday
open.substack.com
April 17, 2025 at 7:37 PM
‘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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Tonight’s homily for Maundy Thursday:
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'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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Today's short homily reflecting on St Luke's Passion:
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'Jesus, remember me'
Short Homily for the Sixth Sunday of Lent: Palm Sunday
homilies.substack.com
April 13, 2025 at 3:09 PM
'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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Today's short homily reflecting on St Luke's Passion:
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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.
April 12, 2025 at 2:04 PM
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.
'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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Here's my homily for today, Passion Sunday:
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Broken Guitars, Spilled Perfume and Devotion to Christ
Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Lent: Passion Sunday
homilies.substack.com
April 6, 2025 at 12:34 PM
'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:
⚓️
Here's my homily for today, Passion Sunday:
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'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 ⚓️
My homily for today, the Third Sunday of Lent ⚓️
Dying Houseplants, the Fig Tree and God's Gift of Grace
Homily for the Third Sunday of Lent
open.substack.com
March 23, 2025 at 6:01 PM
'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 ⚓️
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
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
City I like: Manchester
City I love: Philadelphia
City I think is overrated: York
City I think is underrated: Liverpool
City I feel most myself in: Oxford
City I still need to visit: Vienna
City I dream of living in: Edinburgh
Most inspiring city today: Kyiv
Favorite city of all time: Paris
City I love: Philadelphia
City I think is overrated: York
City I think is underrated: Liverpool
City I feel most myself in: Oxford
City I still need to visit: Vienna
City I dream of living in: Edinburgh
Most inspiring city today: Kyiv
Favorite city of all time: Paris
March 22, 2025 at 6:43 PM
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
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
‘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 ⚓️
My homily for today, the Second Sunday of Lent ⚓️
Long Corridors, Mother Hens and Citizens of Heaven
Homily for the Second Sunday of Lent
open.substack.com
March 16, 2025 at 2:16 PM
‘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 ⚓️
My homily for today, the Second Sunday of Lent ⚓️
Reposted by James Henley
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. ⚓️
March 14, 2025 at 4:07 AM
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. ⚓️
'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 ⚓️
Today's sermon ⚓️
War, reconciliation and the Lenten wilderness
Homily for the First Sunday of Lent
open.substack.com
March 9, 2025 at 1:21 PM
'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 ⚓️
Today's sermon ⚓️
Reposted by James Henley
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
March 5, 2025 at 8:20 AM
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
'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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Today's homily to celebrate the Feast of St David, patron saint of Wales:
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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
homilies.substack.com
March 2, 2025 at 3:18 PM
'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:
⚓️
Today's homily to celebrate the Feast of St David, patron saint of Wales:
⚓️
Reposted by James Henley
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.
February 23, 2025 at 11:09 AM
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.
‘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.’
‘Today’s scriptures invite us to place our trust somewhere entirely different. To trust, not in mortals, but in God.’
Desert shrubs, chaff on the wind, and Christ's eternal kingdom
Homily for the Third Sunday before Lent
open.substack.com
February 16, 2025 at 4:15 PM
‘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.’
‘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.
February 14, 2025 at 8:57 PM
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… 🙄
The Church of England’s stance on the use of gluten-free bread and non-alcoholic wine at the eucharist had been “misinterpreted”, the Bishop of Lichfield, Dr Michael Ipgrave, said on Monday afternoon
Church of England’s stance on gluten-free communion bread clarified after media flurry
Written answer on use of non-alcoholic wine at the eucharist ‘misinterpreted’ says bishop
www.churchtimes.co.uk
February 11, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Hopefully this brings to an end the most ridiculous storm in a teacup over the past few days… 🙄
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:
Street Preachers, Bad Fishermen and Sharing the Good News
An Homily for the Fourth Sunday before Lent
open.substack.com
February 10, 2025 at 7:16 PM
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: