Professor Mellows of the Chapels Royal dies
THE vice-chairman of the HM Tower of London Chapels Royal Foundation, the academic and lawyer Professor Anthony Mellows, died last weekend, aged 79. Professor Mellows chaired the Archbishops’ Review of Bishops’ Needs and Resources, and was appointed OBE for services to the Church. He served as a Reserve Army Officer in the Intelligence Corps, and on the General Staff, and was awarded the Territorial Decoration. He and his wife, Elizabeth, worshipped at the Chapels Royal for 40 years.
PM announces funding for LifeSavers money scheme
CHURCH HOUSE, Westminster, has issued a statement welcoming a £500,000 boost in government funding for the expansion of the LifeSavers programme, announced by the Prime Minister on Monday. The scheme, which was piloted in December 2014, teaches children how to manage money at school savings clubs. It is also funded by Virgin Money, and is supported by the Archbishop of Canterbury (News, 23 January 2015).
Inquiry examines abuse allegations at Christian home
A PUBLIC inquiry has opened into allegations of sexual and physical abuse at Manor House in Lisburn, Co. Antrim, a children’s home run by the Society of Irish Church Missions, which is linked to the Church of Ireland, the BBC reported last week. The Historical Institutional Abuse inquiry is investigating child abuse in 22 residential homes in Northern Ireland from 1922 to 1995, including ones run by Churches. Its chairman, Sir Anthony Hart, is due to submit his report by January 2017.
Rector burnt by blaze that damaged church
THE Rector of St Colman’s, Dunmurry, in Belfast, the Revd Adrian McLaughlin, was taken to hospital after attempting to tackle a blaze that caused “significant” damage to his church, on Monday. A fireman was also hospitalised. The incident is being treated as “accidental”. The organ, lectern, pews, and choir stalls were destroyed.
New Academic Dean for London School of Theology
THE London School of Theology has appointed Professor Graham Twelftree, currently Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Regent University, Virginia Beach, as Academic Dean. Professor Twelftree will take up the post later this year. He has previously worked at All Souls’, Langham Place, in London, and as a Vineyard pastor in Australia.