The Rev'd Arnold Erinbrough

Dear Reverend Erinbrough,
His Grace has informed the Office of the PM that you are the Church's liaison person for the PM's celebration of Christmas in your Cathedral this year. I very much look forward to working with you.
I raise with you now some discussion points for your perusal which we can then discuss at our meeting on Friday?
1. Archbishop's procession. Perhaps this should enter through the north transept doors? This would provide more room for the PM's procession through the west nave doors?
2. When the A'Bishop is in place at his cathedra, the congregation should stand for the first hymn, How great Thou art?
3. At the end of the first verse, there should be a drum roll and trumpet fanfare (provided by Military Band? Sydney Symphony Orchestra?) and all stops out on the organ for the start of the chorus "Then sings my soul" as the PM's procession enters?. PM arrives at the altar at the last "How great Thou art"?
4. At the end of the hymn, A'Bishop vacates his cathedra and invites PM to take his place? Too theatrical do you think?
5. Suggestions for the readings. Old Testament, Isaiah 9, v2 and v6. "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; on them light has shined. For a child has been born to us and he named Wonderful Counsellor, mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
New Testament reading, Luke 1; v 57 and v 6: " Elizabeth gave birth to a son and she spoke up and said, "he is to be called John."?
6. The Sermon. Perhaps the A'Bishop might posit a revisionist theology and raise the question of whether the angel might have confused the roles of Mary and Elizabeth and that he should have chosen Elizabeth as the Mother of the Messiah and that the John referred to is a present day John? What do you think?
7. The Confession. At the point "through our own most grievous fault", perhaps a clause could be added for the labor voters that they are really sorry and won't do it again?
8. The Absolution. The PM would be happy to pronounce this. If the A'Bishop prefers to do it, perhaps he should only bless the government voters unless the others have recanted? What do you think?

The PM remains open to suggestions and looks forward to constructive dialogue on these matters.

With best wishes,

L. Smithwilliam-Smith

Liaison Officer.