Methodists launch outdoor advertising campaign
THE first ever outdoor advertising campaign by the Methodist Church in Britain has been launched in London for Advent and Christmas, with the strapline: “You are a gift, Made with love.” Posters with the theme “Gifted” will appear across Transport for London bus stops, roadside displays, and other locations. The campaign encourages passers-by to reflect on the ways in which they bring light to others, through generosity, service, hospitality, or simply by their presence. youareagift.co.uk
Two in three say Christmas is too commercial, says poll
A SURVEY commissioned by the Children’s Society suggests that two in three people in the UK think that Christmas is too commercial and want to bring more “meaning” back. More than half (57 per cent) long for the traditions of their childhood, such as carol-singing. The national survey of 2000 British adults, conducted by Censuswide, shows a strong desire to reconnect with simpler, community-focused celebrations.
Death of Sir Andreas Whittam Smith
SIR ANDREAS WHITTAM SMITH, who co-founded The Independent newspaper in 1986, was First Church Estates Commissioner from 2002 to 2017, and was in charge of film classification from 1998 to 2002, died on Saturday, aged 88. A family spokesperson said that he was “surrounded by family until the end” and that he would be “dearly missed”. Sir Andreas, who is survived by his wife, two children, and three grandsons, also worked on a range of British newspapers, including the Financial Times, The Guardian, and The Daily Telegraph, before helping to found The Independent. He had been described as an “urbane liberal” by the Daily Mail, and told the BBC: “I was so pleased with the ‘urbane’.” He said: “That’s the only thing I can set against the wretched bishop image.” Viewpoint; obituary
New Dean of Wakefield announced
THE Sub-Dean of Wakefield Cathedral since 2022, Canon Philip Hobday, is to be the Dean. Canon Hobday will take on the spiritual and administrative leadership of the cathedral community, including its staff, volunteers, and congregations, besides joining the Deans of Ripon and Bradford in supporting the work of the Bishop of Leeds and of clergy and parishes across the diocese, a press release said.
Merseyside churches issue ‘manifesto for hope’
A “MANIFESTO for hope” calling for justice, compassion, and unity has been launched by Churches Together in Merseyside for its city and region. The initiative comes 40 years after the Church of England’s report Faith in the City. A press release said that the manifesto was “rooted in the same spirit that inspired the 1985 Faith in the City report” and “recognises the progress made, while confronting the enduring social and economic divides that continue to shape communities today”.
Former Principal of Wycliffe Hall dies
THE Revd Dr Richard Turnbull, a former Principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, died on Wednesday of last week, aged 65. Dr Turnbull was Principal from 2005 to 2012, before becoming the Director of the Centre for Enterprise, Markets and Ethics. He was ordained deacon in 1994 and priest in 1995 after graduating with a first-class theology degree from St John’s College, Durham, in 1992, and with a Ph.D in 1997. As a General Synod member from 1995 to 2005, he chaired the Business Committee (2004-05) and working parties that produced reports on clergy pay and the funding of theological education. He sat on the Archbishops’ Council from 2003 to 2005, Winchester diocesan House of Clergy from 2000 to 2005. He is survived by his wife, Caroline, four children, and many grandchildren.
LICC to merge with Centre for Cultural Witness
THE London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC) is to merge with the Centre for Cultural Witness (CCW), which was established, initially as a four-year project, at Lambeth Palace in 2022 (News, 18 February 2022). The CCW produces the website Seen & Unseen and the podcast Re-Enchanting. The CCW’s assets, including its staff and offerings, will integrate into LICC this month, and CCW will be wound down as a separate legal entity, an LICC press release said.
Rachel Portman writes new carol for King’s
THE Oscar-winning composer Rachel Portman has composed a new carol, “The Darkling Thrush”, setting a poem by Thomas Hardy. The carol, commissioned by King’s College, Cambridge, will be broadcast on the BBC on Christmas Eve during A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. A new work has been commissioned for the service every year since 1983.
