Criminal record for Richard III fan who abused Dean Faull

A MAN who told the former Dean of Leicester, the Very Revd Vivienne Faull, that she would "burn in the hell fires for ever", was given a six-month conditional discharge after pleading guilty to a public-order offence and assault at York Magistrates' Court, last week. David John Smith admitted that he had had a drink before going to York Minster, where he confronted Dean Faull about the reburial of Richard III in Leicester, according to press reports. He also shoved a police officer.

Theologian warns of effect of new anti-extremism powers

TRADITIONAL Christian teaching could effectively be "criminalised" under the Prime Minister's plans for Extremism Disruption Orders, the Principal of Oak Hill Theological College, the Revd Dr Mike Ovey, warned this week, the Telegraph reports. He said that the Orders, designed to target "extremists who spread hate but do not break existing laws", could have a "chilling effect" on people of faith, as teachings could be deemed to be contrary to the Government's definition of British values.

Church treasurer despairs at red tape

A CHURCH treasurer in Cornwall, Patricia Phillipps, who has spent the past 11 months trying to change the signatory on its account with Lloyds believes that the bank is "discriminating against small and unprofitable customers". She told the Telegraph that the forms illustrated "complete ignorance" of the way small charities and churches operated. A spokesman for Lloyds apologised, and said that it would like to continue supporting the parish church, and had offered a payment of £500.

Bishop pays tribute to parents of sectarian victim

THE Bishop of Derry & Raphoe, the Rt Revd Ken Good, has expressed his sympathy for the family of Paul McCauley, who died earlier this month, nine years after a brutal sectarian attack in Derry. Mr McCauley was 29 when he was beaten by a Loyalist gang who left him in a persistent vegetative state. Bishop Good described his parents' devotion as "inspirational". He appealed to those involved in the attack to "search their consciences and come forward to the police. It is not too late."

Correction: In the article "Reports of Anglican decline 'have been greatly exaggerated'" ( News, 12 June), we said that 31 per cent of people have identified themselves as Church of England/Anglican/Episcopal in the last Census. The Census did not ask about denomination.