Institute launched to save legacy of religious life
THE Society of the Sacred Mission has launched the Herbert Kelly Institute for Anglican Religious Life, which seeks to preserve the legacy of Anglican religious communities. “The religious life represents a living tradition and a universal calling, but it is in decline,” its website says. “We therefore see the Institute as having a role to play in the future development of Anglican religious life, as well as being a resource for the growth of Christian spirituality more generally.” The Institute comprises four strands: a library “specialising in religious life and contemplative spirituality”, work to create “a comprehensive database of Anglican religious archives”, scholarly research about the religious life, and publishing books. ssm.org.uk/institute
Lord Carey ‘shocked’ by own 2003 comments on NOS
RESPONDING to the conviction last week of Chris Brain, the founder of the Nine O’Clock Service (NOS) in Sheffield, the former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey told The Times this week that he was “shocked” to be reminded of a passage in his 2003 autobiography in which he wrote of NOS members: “How could they say that they were misled and duped by the Church? They were responsible adults. If Christian morality had any part to play in their faith, surely they too must share some of the blame? There seemed no willingness to hear this.” Lord Carey told The Times: “I regret using these words in 2003 and apologise for causing hurt to survivors. I wouldn’t write in this way now having learnt much in the intervening years. Even responsible and highly intelligent adults can become vulnerable to spiritual and emotional manipulation by appalling abusers like Chris Brain.”
Scottish Synod to meet a second time in 2025
THE Scottish Episcopal Church’s Synod is to meet a second time this year “for the specific purpose of making an amendment to the Canon for electing bishops in time for use during a forthcoming episcopal vacancy”, a statement says. Revisions to Canon 4, concerning the election of bishops, were approved in 2023 (News, 16 June 2023). Since then, after feedback, “minor but important amendments” have been made. These were carried at their first reading in June, but, to be put into effect, they need to be carried at a second reading. This will be held online on 9 September, so that any changes are in place before the election of a successor to the Bishop of Edinburgh, Dr John Armes, who retires on Sunday (News, 24 January).
Flag sprayed on church is intimidation, says vicar
THE spray-painting of a St George’s flag on a wall at St John the Baptist, Ermine, in Lincoln (Features, 4 April), on Monday, was “an attempt to intimidate”, the Vicar, the Revd Rachel Heskins, has told the BBC. “The St George’s Cross has become a symbol of nationalism which has become confused with patriotism — the two are very different,” she said. The graffiti did not “represent us or what goes on inside the church”, she said. “It’s not just about being proud about being English. This has gone up with an excluding and angry message.”
Baptist minister arrested for Palestine Action support
THE Minister of New Road Baptist Church, Oxford, the Revd James Grote, was arrested outside his church on Sunday after holding a sign that expressed support for Palestine Action, a group proscribed under the Terrorism Act last month (News, 15 August). Mr Grote told the Oxford Mail: “I’m not a member of Palestine Action, but I support its work of disrupting anyone in the UK providing weapons for the war in Gaza.” A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said on Sunday: “Officers have today arrested a man in his 60s from Bicester on suspicion of Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. It relates to an incident in which a man was seen to be holding a sign showing support for a proscribed terrorist organisation. Thames Valley Police is carrying out an investigation and the man arrested remains in custody at this time.” Comment, page 8
Future of St Paul’s, Astley Bridge, looks uncertain
ST PAUL’s, Astley Bridge, Bolton, in Greater Manchester, has closed temporarily after structural problems were reportedly identified. A post on the church’s Facebook page last week said: “St Paul’s Church building is temporarily closed. Sunday morning services will continue in St Paul’s School, Newnham street for four weeks starting on Sunday, 24th August. There will be a public meeting about the church building on Tuesday 2nd September 7-8.30 pm at Astley Bridge Cricket Club. There will be representatives from the diocese and church to, hopefully, answer all questions.” The Manchester Evening News quoted an Astley Bridge councillor, Hilary Fairclough, as saying that St Paul’s was “probably going to have to close permanently”; he said that “the steeple has structural problems” and that repairs could cost more than £500,000.
