Eye - 08 July 2011

From jumping Jesus to Pride

Jumping Jesus

‘I am come that you may have life, life in all its fullness,’ Jesus declares as he joyfully leaps from the cross, his face broken by a huge grin and his arms open in a welcoming gesture.

This may sound a little unfamiliar, it is certainly a different image to the many adorning churches and altars across the country, unless you happen to be in the congregation of All Saints’ Church, Dedworth. The tower of this modern looking church building plays host to the sculpture ‘Crucifixion/Resurrection’ depicting Jesus leaping from the cross.

Friends may remember the first appearance of this less-than-typical portrayal of the crucifixion. A news article in the Friend in February 2009 reported on the commissioning of a new crucifix by St Stephen’s church, Windsor. Their chosen sculptor was Quaker and artist Gill Ledsham.

Unfortunately, St Stephen’s was forced to put creature comforts before art when their boiler broke and needed replacing. By choosing boiler over commission, the church was unable to afford the work. However, Gill continued despite being out of pocket and not having a home for the radical crucifix to go to on its completion.

In an interview with the Friend (6 February 2009), Gill explained how the sculpture had come together, describing it as a ‘pilgrimage’ that had completely changed her view of Jesus. Inspiration came from pupils at Windsor Boys’ School who, when asked for their thoughts on a twenty-first century image of Jesus, gave a variety of answers. One boy wrote: ‘He should be more like Santa – generous, upbeat, loving, forgiving.’ Gill also reveals, to Eye’s fascination, that the arms were fashioned on those of celebrating sportsmen. Apparently ‘individual sportsmen raise their hands above their head, team sportsmen spread their arms out to meet their teammates.’ Jesus is actually ‘running to meet his friends,’ she said.

The Friend was pleased to hear from Gill this week that the sculpture did indeed find a home. All Saints’ Church in Dedworth, Windsor, had the funds and the inclination to embrace this joyful Jesus. What’s more it regularly causes a stir, much to the amusement of the congregation. Gill reports that local police frequently receive 999 calls on Saturday nights referring to the sculpture. Their stock reply is ‘that’s not a suicide – it’s jumping Jesus’.

Walking with Pride

Banners of all shapes and sizes were on display in London last weekend for the annual Pride parade. Joining the celebrations was Eye’s friend Symon Hill as he completed his two-week walk of repentance for past homophobia.

Some lucky Friends may have heard Symon on BBC Radio Four’s Sunday programme in an interview with presenter, William Crawley. When asked about how the walk went Symon said: ‘It was very varied, I had some fascinating and interesting discussions with people with a variety of views on aspects of the issue, some of which I’d barely considered before. Overwhelmingly I was greeted with support and welcome and encouragement. I was truly humbled and moved, not only by the support and encouragement I received from emails from all sorts of people, but by the hospitality and generosity I received on the way.’

Eye looks forward to Symon’s return to the office next week.

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