Scottish Cardinal resigns

CARDINAL Keith O'Brien, formerly the most senior Roman Catholic priest in Scotland, has resigned from the rights and duties of a Cardinal, but will retain his title. He stood down a year ago after allegations of "inappropriate" acts were reported, and apologised that his sexual conduct had "fallen below the standards expected". Last Friday he said: "I will continue to play no part in the public life of the Church in Scotland; and will dedicate the rest of my life in retirement, praying especially for the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, for Scotland, and for those I have offended in any way."

Yorkshire sees are renamed

THE sees of Knaresborough and Pontefract have been renamed the sees of Ripon and Wakefield, respectively. The Bishops' titles have changed accordingly. This became effective on 19 March. 

DFID criticised for 'over-using' big agencies

THE Department for International Development is "over-using" multilateral organisations such as the EU and the World Bank, MPs have warned in a new report. The UK is now the largest funder of multilaterals in the world. The report, by the International Development Committee, recommends a cap on funding humanitarian assistance, and says that more should be spent on programmes in "priority countries", particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa. 

Prayers by church leaders as election race heats up

THE Archbishop of Canterbury was joined by other church leaders last Friday to pray for the General Election. The event was organised by Churches Together in England. They prayed "that God would inspire the nation to discern the deep spiritual, moral, and ethical challenges of our time, and vote into office politicians who will build a fairer, more just nation for all citizens".

Cameron announces funding for protection for Jews

THE Prime Minister announced funding to improve the security of Jewish schools, synagogues, and other communal institutions at a dinner organised by the Community Security Trust last week. On Sunday, six people were arrested after a group forced its way into a synagogue in Stamford Hill.

Correction: Dr Samuel Zinner, a member of the evaluation panel of the Centre for the Study of the Jordanian Lead Books, is no longer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, but is an independent scholar (News, 20 March).