Archdeacon to chair Racial Justice Board
THE Archdeacon of Liverpool, the Ven. Dr Miranda Threlfall-Holmes, is to chair the new Racial Justice Board (General Synod, 28 February), it was announced this week. She will be working alongside the Board’s deputy chairs: the lead bishops for racial justice — the Bishop of Croydon, Dr Rosemarie Mallett, and the Bishop of Kirkstall, the Rt Revd Arun Arora — who were appointed in March (News, 21 March). Dr Threlfall-Holmes said: “Racial justice is an essential component of the justice and righteousness that the Church hungers and thirsts for. Our parishes and dioceses are on the front line of hearing and responding to injustice and delivering on our commitment to racial justice, and the Racial Justice Unit is there to resource, equip, and support them in this.” Dr Mallett and Bishop Arora said: “Miranda is a gifted theologian and dedicated priest with a passion for seeing justice and equity reflected and lived out in all aspects of church life and in society. We are really delighted that she is taking up this role and we are looking forward to working with her.”
Diversity is theme of new online hub in Ireland
THE Church of Ireland has developed a new online hub to address issues and trends about migration and ethnic diversity, and to inform and help churchpeople to “respond in ways inspired by their faith”. A series of video messages, leaflets and reports and available, including the handbook From Every Nation? produced by the Irish Council of Churches. There are also suggestions for responding during and after times of tension. churchofireland.org
Methodist Church publishes hymn for migrants
WORSHIPPERS at more than 140 Methodist churches have contributed to a new recording of the 1997 hymn “Let us build a house where love can dwell”, commonly known as “All are welcome”, in response to the recent protests in London and “the disorder outside the accommodation of those seeking asylum”, a statement published last Friday said. The Church’s digital-content producer, Ben Lawrence, who made the arrangement and produced the recording, said: “Many people have been made to feel not just unwelcome, but frightened and intimidated by what is happening. We want this to be a song of reassurance, friendship, and understanding.”
Lancashire bishops back investment initiative
THE Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Revd Philip North; the Bishop of Lancaster, the Rt Revd Dr Jill Duff; and the Bishop of Burnley, Dr Joe Kennedy, in a joint statement, have welcomed the Government’s “vital” announcement of new investment in towns across Lancashire. Neighbourhoods in Ribbleton, Blackpool, Fleetwood, Morecambe, and Blackburn with Darwen will each receive £20 million over the next decade from the national “Pride in Place” fund. A further six councils, including Burnley, Preston, and Pendle, will receive £1.5 million each to support wider regeneration. The three bishops said last Friday that they saw the strength and potential of their communities daily: “The Church of England is present in every one of them — through our parishes, our schools, and our partnerships with local leaders. We are not outsiders looking in, but neighbours and fellow citizens, committed to walking alongside these communities in faith, service, and love.”
LGBTQ+ charity closes after eight years
THE Ozanne Foundation, which has worked with global religious organisations to tackle prejudice and discrimination on the grounds of sexuality and gender identity, has ceased operations after eight years. The Foundation, set up by Jayne Ozanne, a former member of the General Synod, who resigned in 2023 over the Church’s treatment of LGBT+ people, disbursed its assets and ceased to operate on Tuesday. Ms Ozanne returned home to Guernsey last year, where she has been elected as a local politician.
Church Choir Awards recipients announced
THE Royal School of Church Music and the Cathedral Music Trust have announced the recipients of this year’s Church Choir Awards. The winners include St Botolph’s, Boston; Holy Trinity, Guildford; St Gabriel’s, Newcastle; St Peter’s, Earley; Bradford Catholic Youth Choir; St Martin in Roath, Cardiff; and St Mary the Virgin, Merton Park, Southwark.
Fifth annual Journeying poetry competition
A CHRISTIAN non-profit organisation, Journeying, which organises walking tours and pilgrim holidays in Britain and Ireland, has announced its fifth annual poetry competition. It is now accepting original and unpublished poems of any length on the theme “hope” until midnight on 15 November. The judges are David Arkell and the Revd Gill Page, who both have poetry collections published. The winner, to be announced on 15 December, will receive £100. Send entries to: info@journeying.co.uk
Quaker Week to focus on second commandment
THIS year’s theme for Quaker Week (27 September to 5 October) is “Love Your Neighbour”. Quakers in Britain said in a statement that the theme “speaks directly to the urgent need for compassion and solidarity in the face of growing racism, Islamophobia, antiSemitism, and nationalism”. During the week, Quaker Meeting Houses across the UK will host events, discussions, and spaces for quiet reflection for the public.
