The beginning of wisdom...

The Bishop of Argyll and The Isles begins his sermon at the opening Eucharist of the Diocesan Synod in the Cathedral of St John the Divine in Oban. The wind is howling around this building, which is all but on the shore of the town, facing into the gale. Hailstones batter the glass roof of the choir, through which we suddenly see a flash of lightning. The thunder drowns out the Bishop’s words, but he continues unabashed.

I have often thought that our diocese is unlike any other. Nothing about today makes me change that feeling. Now I’m in my west-facing hotel room , with the draught snaking through the sides of the rattling single-glazed window. There is a strange whistling sound from somewhere nearby. I may not sleep tonight...