Vatican synod urged to drop ‘harsh’ language

THE Vatican Synod on the Family, which begins on Sunday, should rescind the “harsh language” that refers to homosexual relationships as “disordered”, a briefing paper released before the synod says. Prepared by LGBT Roman Catholics, the paper has been sent to the two UK representatives who are to attend: the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, and the Bishop of Northampton, the Rt Revd Peter Doyle. The Vatican should initiate a “listening process” to develop models of pastoral care, it says. 

Dr Livingstone honoured by British Academy

THE President’s Medal of the British Academy was awarded to Dr Elizabeth Livingstone, an independent scholar, this week. The medal, which rewards service to the humanities and social sciences, was given to Dr Livingstone for her editorial work on successive editions of The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, and to numerous international conferences.

Deacon charged with sexual abuse

A DEACON who had served in the diocese of Chichester appeared at Redhill Magistrates Court this week, charged with child sex offences. The Revd Peter Keeley-Pannett, aged 71, is charged with making indecent images of children and encouraging a boy to expose himself on a webcam. He is due to appear at Guildford Crown Court on 16 October. 

Priests concerned about Britain First march in Burton

PRIESTS in Burton, Staffordshire, have written to the Burton Mail to express concern about plans by the party Britain First to stage a march in the town. The party is protesting against proposals to build a new mosque. Written on behalf of 13 priests, and signed by the Vicar of St John’s, Horninglow, the Revd Michael Freeman, the letter supported “the right to legal civil protest”, but went on: “What disturbs us is the implication that ‘Britishness’ and Islam should be seen as incompatible.”