Tributes paid to Charles Kennedy
TRIBUTES have been paid to Charles Kennedy, a former leader of
the Liberal Democrats, who led the party to its best election
result in 2005. He died suddently at home on Monday, aged 55. A
statement from the Church of Scotland described him as "one of the
most talented politicians of his generation" who would be
remembered as "one of the strongest voices opposing the UK's entry
to the Iraq War".
Priests convicted of indecent assault
A FORMER Chaplain to the Queen, the Revd Stephen Palmer, has
been convicted of indecent assault. He was most recently
Priest-in-Charge of St Congan's, Turriff, in Aberdeen & Orkney
diocese. Between 1974 and 2009, he served in the diocese of
Portsmouth. This week, a spokesman for the diocese said: "Our
thoughts and prayers are with the victim." Last week, a retired
priest, the Revd Graham Gregory, was jailed for three years for
indecently assaulting a young girl more than 40 years ago. He
served in Southwark, Chichester, Sodor & Man, and Southwell
& Nottingham, and had permission to officiate in York from 1988
to 2009.
New formation for Eastern Region principal
THE Ministry Division's new Head of Formation will be Canon Ian
McIntosh, it was announced on Tuesday. A new post, it involves
partnership with and support for DDOs and the principals and staff
of theological education institutions. Canon McIntosh is currently
Principal of the Eastern Region Ministry Course. He will take up
the post in September.