C of E now recognised by Italian State
THE President of Italy has signed a decree that recognises the
Church of England as an official denomination. The signing last
month came after seven years of preparation by the Church of
England. There are 20 churches in Italy within the diocese in
Europe. www.chiesadinghilterra.org/
ASA upholds complaint on Rio Redeemer advert
THE Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint
from the Evangelical Alliance about an advertisement showing the
statue Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro holding a
bottle of champagne, with his arm around a model wearing a bikini.
On Wednesday, the ASA ruled that the advert, placed by the gambling
organisation Sporting Index and published by City AM
newspaper, was "likely to cause serious offence to some readers".
It must not appear again in its current form.
Online support launched for clergy spouses
AN INTERNET forum dedicated exclusively to the wives and
husbands of the clergy has been set up. Clergy Spouse Support
Network hopes to provide a place for spouses of clerics, of either
gender, to find advice and share their experiences with others in a
similar position.
www.clergyspousesupport.wordpress.com
Former Bishop of Lewes and of Gloucester case adjourned
A FORMER Bishop of Lewes and of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Peter
Ball, attended a preliminary hearing at Lewes Crown Court on Friday
of last week. He is charged with four counts of indecent assault,
and misconduct in a public office (News, 4 April). He did not enter
a plea. The case was adjourned until 12 September, when it will be
heard at the Old Bailey.
Correction: the art installation Assembly -
Memorial Chairs (News, 1 August) is hosted by
Lichfield Cathedral, not Lincoln. It will be on show until
November.