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Are five consecutive pages on Pope Benedict a bit too much for a single issue? Of course not. Take them, if you wish, as a symptom of the excitement at the election of so fine a theologian to the Church’s highest office. An excitement which is being shared with many other Christians across the world. It is as though Benedict XVI, by his decades of service, his powerful writing and formidable reputation, is setting before us a higher standard. We do not, yet, know what he will say and do during his pontificate; but we share already this renewal of respect for and interest in Theology, Queen of Sciences. For an editorial board such as ours that is an unexpected bonus.

Comment
Explaining Benedict	*Paul Richardson, Assistant Bishop of Newcastle, has read deeply in Cardinal Ratzinger’s writings and ponders his likely impact now that he is Pope*
Sore Losers	*Mark Stevens on why Ratzinger’s opponents were so upset at his election to the papacy*
Exciting times ahead	*John Hunwicke a priest from Devon, reflects further on Pope Benedict’s theology*
GHOSTLY COUNSEL:	Communion Discipline
Looking beyond York	Sam Philpott Prebendary of Exeter Cathedral and Vicar of St Peter’s, Plymouth, lays out the General Synod timetable for women bishops
A crumbling edifice	*George Austin discerns the early undermining of episcopacy back in the Fifties*
DEVOTIONAL	*‘In my Father’s house are many rooms’*
A nice guy	*Anthony Saville reflects on the first generation lapsed*
A useful contradiction	*David Nicholl hopes to exploit the inherent contradiction of proponents of women bishops*
What’s next	*Geoffrey Kirk considers the next surprise offered up by the liberal agenda*
45 for starters	*Martin Hislop takes a look at the Queen’s Speech and the government’s legislative programme*
FAITH OF OUR FATHERS	*Anselm and Julian*
The Way We Live Now	*What I want: moderate desires*
30 days
Europe of the Faith	*Simon Heans questions the EU Constitution on its support for life issues*
LETTERS
Correspondents Australia: Philip Murphy, Vicar of St Mark’s, Fitzroy, on age and prime ministers *America:* Michael Heidt on life and the nature of the law Canada: Sue Careless on developments in New Westminster
The Three Stages	Patrick Henry Reardon is a Senior Editor of Touchstone: A journal of Mere Christianity
Arts, Books and other Reviews Theatre: George Austin on Thomas More Peter Ernest on London theatre 24 Art: Anne Gardom on Seville’s Fine Art Museum Music: Paget Gore on Stainer’s Crucifixion Books: N.T. Wright’s Scripture David Edward’s Poets and God End-piece On plates and bowls
Deprivation	*David Chislett announces his removal from his parish in Australia*
Wish you were here?	*Alan Edwards is in holiday mood*
Church-hopping	Heaven meets earth Abbey Dore in Herefordshire
FiF UPDATE
FINALLY . . .

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