New principal of St Stephen’s House, Oxford, announced
THE Revd Dr Harri Williams (right) has been appointed Principal of St Stephen’s House, Oxford. Dr Williams is Vicar of Walsingham, in Norwich diocese, and will take up the post in the autumn. He succeeds Canon Robin Ward, who served as principal for nearly two decades (News, 17 January). Fr Harri said: “I am greatly honoured to have been appointed as Principal. As St Stephen’s House approaches the 150th anniversary of its foundation, it will be a privilege to lead an institution which has, and continues to make a distinct contribution to the theological formation of those preparing to serve in ministry as priests and also as laity.”
Franklin Graham returns to ExCeL London
SEVENTEEN thousand people attended the Revd Franklin Graham’s event at ExCeL London on Saturday, as part of his God Loves You Tour. Mr Graham is the son of the late evangelist Billy Graham. He is the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and Samaritan’s Purse. In a statement, BGEA said that thousands of people were turned away at the venue because of a lack of space. In 2023, Mr Graham spoke to more than 10,000 people at the same location (News, 1 September 2023).
Ninety year old honoured for Christian Aid service
Amy SheppeyArton Medd receives his award from Canon Kate Bottley
A LONGSTANDING supporter of Christian Aid has been recognised for 56 years of dedicated service. Arton Medd, who turned 90 this year, received the Amplifying Hope Award at a ceremony held at Church House, Westminster, this month, as part of the charity’s 80th-anniversary celebration (News, 12 June). Mr Medd has campaigned for climate justice, fairtrade, debt relief, and poverty eradication. He has cycled across continents and was pivotal in setting up the Church of England in Lancashire’s World Development Group in the 1990s, which raised more than £300,000.
Prayer Book Society appoints three Ecclesiastical Patrons
THE Bishops of Ramsbury, Lynn, and Oswestry are to become joint Ecclesiastical Patrons of the Prayer Book Society (PBS) from 30 August, at the society’s next annual general meeting. Dr Andrew Rumsey, Dr Jane Steen, and the Rt Revd Paul Thomas were chosen by the society’s trustees because of their “passion for the Book of Common Prayer as a tool for mission and personal discipleship”. The Society’s current Ecclesiastical Patron, the Lord Chartres, will become its President from the same date.
Methodist Church engages with carbon literacy
THE Connexional Team of the Methodist Church has received a bronze Carbon Literacy Award for demonstrating a baseline awareness of carbon emissions and a commitment to their reduction. The team completed the “Carbon Literacy for Congregations” programme and have put a plan in place to measure the impacts and outcomes of the training. Seventy-four pledges have been made from July to reduce carbon emissions within the Connexional Team and 37 members have become carbon literate. The Methodist Church has committed itself to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Quakers speak out in support of Palestine Action
BRITISH Quakers have sent a letter to the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, voicing their concerns about the Government’s plans to classify Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. In a statement, the head of witness and worship for Quakers in Britain, Oliver Robertson, emphasised that nonviolent protest, and even acts of vandalism, should not be labelled as terrorism.
MPs briefed on PIP ahead of Commons debate
TEN organisations have published their briefing for MPs ahead of the second reading debate for the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill. The organisations include Trussell, Scope, Mind, Citizens Advice, and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. More than 100 Labour MPs are reported to have signed an amendment to scrap the Bill. Widely criticised by disability activists, it will be heard in the House of Commons on 1 July.
